04/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 4, 2025

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‘Datuk, Tan Sri titles are not status symbols’ KUALA LUMPUR: The decree by His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim that federal honours are not to be bought or obtained through lobbying, but must be earned through merit, has been hailed by analysts as a timely reminder, to preserve the integrity of the country’s honours system. His Majesty is very timely. An award of this nature is not just a recognition, it comes with a sense of duty and responsibility, which must be upheld as a citizen. subject to lobbying, but are only given to truly deserving individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the government and country. The King said although the government has outlined the criteria for consideration, he will personally re-evaluate each proposed candidate. Sivamurugan said from a

question their qualifications. In fact, there have been cases involving recipients who were problematic individuals,” he said. He explained that the existing system incorporates multiple evaluation filters, including background screening of prospective recipients by a special committee, as well as record checks conducted by authorities, such as the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission and police. UiTM political science senior lecturer Mujibu Abd Muis said the award system must remain free from pressure, lobbying or personal interests. “Such awards should be bestowed

only upon individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to society, the nation and development across various fields, be they in the public, private, social or voluntary sectors,.” He said the awards hold profound symbolic value within the constitutional monarchy system, reflecting the country’s deep appreciation for the service and sacrifices of its recipients. Mujibu said transparent and easy-to-understand public guidelines would help reduce misunderstandings and negative perceptions surrounding the country’s award system. – Bernama reforms that are not only technically sound but politically viable. “Without fair, cost-reflective pricing, Malaysia could risk harming both its domestic energy market and regional competitiveness. “Different grid codes, licensing procedures and power purchase agreements across Asean make market entry difficult and create legal uncertainty.” To take on a central role in the APG, Nora said Malaysia must collaborate closely with its Asean neighbours to develop common rules and enforcement mechanisms. She said significant investment will also be required in grid infrastructure, including high voltage direct current interconnectors, smart grid technologies and better grid management systems. These should be rolled out in phases, guided by clear cost-benefit analyses to avoid stranded assets. Nora said Malaysia’s future in the APG is not limited to electricity trade. She noted that with growing solar capacity, battery storage and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, Malaysia could also become a key exporter of clean molecules such as hydrogen and LNG. Still, she urged caution against focusing too heavily on exports without first securing domestic energy needs. Both experts agree that Malaysia has a key role in Asean’s energy future, but only if it builds a solid foundation at home. “The APG is more than an infrastructure project – it’s a political and economic initiative that will shape national policies, regional cooperation and long-term energy security,” said Muhammad Ammirrul. “For Malaysia, this is a turning point. With the right reforms and partnerships, we can help lead Asean into a cleaner, more resilient energy era.” On Dec 13 last year, Malaysia exported 50 megawatts of renewable electricity to Singapore via the Energy Exchange Malaysia (Enegem). The green energy, supplied by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, was sold to Sembcorp Power through a competitive auction under the Cross-Border Electricity Sales for Renewable Energy (CBES RE) scheme. ENEGEM was launched last April and represents a milestone in Malaysia’s regional grid integration and energy transition.

“If we refer to His Majesty’s address, he emphasised that recipients should feel proud, as they are individuals who have been selected, based on well-defined and thorough criteria,” he said when contacted by Bernama. Sultan Ibrahim, in his royal address at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his official birthday celebration at Istana Negara on Monday, emphasised that federal awards and medals are not for sale or

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said there has been a growing trend of lobbying for such titles in recent times, with some individuals even abusing these honours for personal or political gain. “That is why the royal address by 514 Armed Forces personnel, veterans awarded diplomas SUNGAI BULOH: A total of 514 Armed Forces personnel and veterans have been awarded the Malaysian Skills Diploma this year through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (R-PEL) programme. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the R-PEL initiative was introduced by the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) in 2017, allowing armed forces personnel and veterans to obtain a diploma upon completing their service. He said R-PEL is a certification programme in collaboration with the skills development department that recognises the experience, skills and achievements of veterans during their service, based on the National Occupational Skills Standard. He said the armed forces veterans can continue to contribute to the nation through various other means. “The development of human capital and the socio-economic wellbeing of the veterans must be treated as a strategic priority that deserves serious attention,” he said at the Malaysian Skills Diploma Award Ceremony under the R-PEL programme and the Perhebat Certificate presentation at Sungai Buloh Camp yesterday. Mohamed Khaled said Perhebat will continue to provide training, exposure and skill development as part of its efforts to assist soon-to-retire personnel, adding that this year alone, 3,473 army personnel nationwide completed transition training. He also urged Perhebat to ensure veterans can live independently, securely and productively by providing robust and effective transition training. “Perhebat must also enhance its engagement with the industry and job market and transform itself into a more agile, transparent and performance driven institution,” he added. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry, in a statement, said Mohamed Khaled is expected to witness the signing of eight memoranda and notes of understanding (NoUs) between Perhebat and industry partners today in areas such as job placement, entrepreneurship opportunities and training programmes. “The MoUs and NoUs involve Boustead Petroleum Marketing (BHPetrol), the Johor Royal Military Force, Maxis Broadband, TAB Security, Kamatech Automotive & Engineering, Hexide Engineering, AMS Caddy Academy and Nur Lembah Pangsun Eco Resort,” read the statement. – Bernama

socio-cultural perspective, Malaysians have traditionally placed great value on honorary titles. “In the past, there were very few recipients, and they were genuinely respected. But now, with the surge in recipients, some have started to

Powering Asean’s future PETALING JAYA: As the Asean Power Grid (APG) gains traction, Malaysia finds itself at a pivotal moment – poised to become a key player in Southeast Asia’s energy future. o Malaysia’s energy ambitions hinge on its ability to modernise, cooperate and connect with its Southeast Asian neighbours: Experts Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

on imported electricity. “A disruption in one country could trigger regional instability. Harmonising tariffs, regulations and standards will also be a complex, time-consuming process,” he cautioned. Beyond technical issues, the more significant hurdle may lie in political will. At last month’s 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim backed efforts to fast-track Phase Two of the APG, which aims to link Laos, Cambodia and Thailand with Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. However, Universiti Tenaga Nasional Institute of Energy Policy and Research director Dr Nora Yusma Mohamed Yusoff warned that fragmented regulations and outdated tariff structures are major obstacles. “Malaysia’s electricity system, which is partly regulated and subsidised, presents a challenge. Aligning our pricing mechanisms with regional markets requires

improving grid flexibility and attracting investments – all in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap. “Hydropower from Laos or solar from Vietnam could help Malaysia decarbonise its power sector more quickly and affordably. “Access to cheaper, clean electricity could also reduce our dependence on coal and gas while encouraging private-sector participation.” However, realising this potential won’t be easy. Technical, regulatory and political challenges loom, said Muhammad Ammirrul. “Asean countries operate on different voltage levels, frequencies and grid codes. They must be harmonised to enable efficient electricity flow.” He added that Malaysia’s existing transmission infrastructure needs major upgrades to accommodate increased imports and the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Another concern is over-reliance

Thanks to its strategic geography and expanding renewable energy sector, Malaysia is well-positioned to facilitate the flow of clean electricity across borders. However, experts warn that without swift reforms in infrastructure, regulations and policy alignment, the country risks falling behind in this ambitious project. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri said the APG is designed to connect the power systems of Asean nations and bolster energy security, sustainability and spur economic growth. “APG enables cross-border electricity trade, allowing countries to tap into regional resources like hydropower and solar, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.” He said Malaysia could benefit by importing surplus renewable energy from neighbours such as Laos and Vietnam, potentially lowering generation costs,

CHAPTERS AND CHOICES ... Book lovers browse through shelves of bestsellers at the BookXcess Book Rush, now on at Quill City Mall KL until this Sunday. The fair, held at the mall’s North Court from 10am to 10pm daily, offers a wide selection of titles for every kind of reader. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN