06/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 6, 2025

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Fresh legislation to boost cooperatives development BANGI: A new cooperative law to replace the current Cooperative Societies Act 1993 (Act 502) is expected to be tabled in Parliament this December, said Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud. He said the law would enable the cooperative movement to operate more effectively as a business entity and become a stronger driver of the national economy. “We are repealing the existing act and replacing it with a new one, which will be tabled in Parliament for the first reading in December. “The second reading is expected to be during the 2026 Parliament session, scheduled for March or April. The aim is to enforce the new act by July next year,” he said at the opening of the Angkasa-Minda UKM Cooperative Empowerment Forum here yesterday. Previously, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said his ministry was drafting the cooperative act to replace Act 502. The Cabinet paper on the matter was presented and approved in principle on Jan 8. Khairul Dzaimee said the ministry is actively engaging with state governments and stakeholders to ensure the law is properly implemented in the best interests of cooperatives. He also said the law aims to create more responsive and dynamic cooperatives, facilitate cooperative businesses, enhance the well-being of the community and improve cooperative governance. “The main essence of the act is to liberalise the cooperative movement by reducing excessive monitoring, previously focused heavily on legislation and giving cooperatives more space to operate as business entities.” Meanwhile, Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Abdul Fattah Abdullah expressed support for the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s cooperative ecosystem. “We want to make cooperatives a culture among Malaysians by 2050. Angkasa also strongly supports government’s efforts to liberalise the laws and regulations to improve the (cooperative) ecosystem.” – Bernama

Chatter builds over possible return to Umno by Khairy AI urban solutions to be main feature at Smart City Expo KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 will place a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI)-based urban solutions, to promote practical smart city adoption among Malaysian municipalities and the wider Asean region. Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) chief corporate officer Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid said the expo, hosted by the Digital Ministry and co-organised by DNB and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, is expected to attract 10,000 visitors and 2,000 delegates. “The goal is to raise awareness of the next phase of smart city development, especially with AI. We want to ensure there is greater adoption of technology,” he said. “Smart cities have over 80 indicators. What is new now is how AI improves service delivery, like knowing exactly when a bus will arrive or using high-definition surveillance to improve safety.” He said major cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur and George Town, already have advanced command centres, while smaller cities can benefit from affordable solutions showcased at the event. The expo will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sept 17 to 19. – Bernama

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Analysts weigh risks and rewards of re-entry of outspoken former youth leader, with some warning move could precipitate internal resistance

general public. Zambry stressed that education can no longer be seen as a separate entity, but should be integrated into a common direction that unites values, knowledge and skills in order to form a credible and competitive Malaysian generation. “With the spirit of openness and reciprocity, we are confident that the national education ecosystem will continue to be strong from the grassroots to the highest echelon.” – Bernama However, he emphasised that any return must come with meaningful reforms, urging the party to hold internal elections before the 16th General Election (GE16). “If Umno is serious about change, there must be party elections before GE16. If Hishammuddin and Khairy return but hold no positions, it would signal no real shift to the public. “Bringing them back should not stop at just the two. All suspended or expelled leaders should be considered, followed by a proper mandate through elections.” Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian believes that Khairy and Hishammuddin have proven themselves through their past contributions to Umno and the country. “Both leaders are seen as bringing progressive leadership. They are credible and respected across the political divide. “Urban voters, professionals and fence-sitters may see them as role models, thanks to their articulate messaging and appeal to the youth.” Sivamurugan stressed that the current leadership must be reassured that any return is based on loyalty and a shared vision, not personal ambition. Khairy, the former MP for Rembau and former health minister, was sacked from Umno in January 2023, while Hishammuddin, the Sembrong MP, was suspended for breaching party discipline. Umno performed poorly in the last general election, winning only 27 parliamentary seats. Khairy narrowly lost the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat, a Pakatan Harapan stronghold, to then newly appointed PKR vice-president R. Ramanan in a seven-way contest.

PETALING JAYA: Speculation is mounting over the possible return of former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, as political observers remain divided on whether his comeback would reinvigorate or disrupt the party’s current course. Some believe it could help modernise Umno’s image and appeal, while others warn of internal resistance and lingering distrust among party members. Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, Prof Dr Azmi Hassan described the rumours as a strategic move, likely initiated by his supporters, to test party sentiment and assess the response of grassroots. “The speculation may be a calculated effort from his camp to gauge public and internal reactions,” Azmi told theSun in a WhatsApp reply. Azmi said many grassroots members still view Khairy and others who have left or been

suspended from the party as disloyal for their past criticisms of the party leadership. “For me, the grassroots reaction to their return is negative because they are seen as having betrayed the party. While they were outside, they attacked the leadership. Even among the Umno supreme council members, there is reluctance to accept their return.” Khairy remains a popular figure, particularly among urban and younger voters, said Azmi, but he questioned whether the popularity could translate into electoral success for Umno and its coalition partner, Barisan Nasional (BN). “Support from outside the party is important, but the question is

whether that can be turned into actual votes and renewed confidence in Umno and BN.” Political commentator Shahbudin Husin said Khairy is not the only figure whose return is being discussed. He said former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who was suspended in early 2023 along with several others for breaching party discipline, also has strong backing. “There are rumours that Khairy is planning a return, but there are also other former leaders such as Hishammuddin who deserve to be reinstated. Their return could help strengthen Umno as they command significant following.”

All eyes are on Khairy as debate heats up over his possible return to Umno. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Ministries unite to shape education from start to summit KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry and Education Ministry are strengthening strategic cooperation to improve the from preschool to higher education levels. “The programme is a significant initial step to expand the without boundaries between the ministries.

The Telaah Programme initiative is one of the main focuses of the collaboration, aimed at socialising the culture of reading and strengthening the tradition of knowledge through discussions based on major works and national issues. The programme is expected to receive broad support from the ministries of Education and Communications, helping extend its reach to schools and the

Among issues discussed was the implementation of the Form Six on campus programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The innovative programme will open up opportunities for sixth formers to gain pre-university learning experience in a higher education environment, thus building a stronger academic foundation that is relevant to future needs.

pre-university learning experience in a university setting and add value to Form Six education. We expect student registration to begin on June 10,” he said in a Facebook post. He said the meeting also discussed the proposal to establish the National Education Council, a joint platform proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to unify the direction and policies of the country’s education in an integrated manner,

continuity and quality of national education, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. During a courtesy call by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Zambry said they stressed the commitment of both ministries to coordinate the country’s education policies comprehensively starting