17/06/2025

TUESDAY | JUNE 17, 2025

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University pledges support for crash survivors

Tug of war for Selangor

IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff urged the university community to ensure that the students injured in the crash on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, do not fall behind or defer their studies this semester. He called for students still undergoing treatment, either in hospital or at home, to be fully supported in managing their academic assignments and examinations, to prevent anyone from being left behind. “They’re are in pain. But we have a flexible learning system to ensure they stay on course. “This is a personal message from the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to me. It is also a heartfelt command from His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah,“ he said during a special online briefing yesterday with Upsi staff and faculty. Md Amin added that Upsi students who voluntarily stepped in to help their injured peers must also be given due care, recognition and support for their compassion and service. “The well-being of surviving classmates must be a priority. Imagine a group presentation in which only three names are called, JERTIH: A week has passed since the tragic crash on the East-West Highway near Gerik, Perak, but the home of Upsi student, the late Nurly Shahirah Azman continues to receive some 1,000 people daily. Her brother, Mohd Najmuddin, 28, said people from across the country have been arriving to convey their condolences and view the handwritten Quran manuscript completed by her. “People have come from as far as Penang to offer their sympathies to our parents and see the mushaf (handwritten copy of the Quran) that was meticulously copied by hand by my sister. “Some arrive as early as after the subuh prayer, and it’s only around maghrib that the house becomes a bit quieter,” he said when met at their home in Kampung Gong MALACCA: The National Service Training Department is currently assessing and reviewing the reasons given by candidates who did not turn up for the National Service Training Programme 3.0 Series 2 of 2025, which kicked off on May 11, reported Bernama. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said a report will be presented to the ministry soon, as attendance for selected individuals in the second series is mandatory. “Yes, there are several who did not show up. We are reviewing all the reports regarding their reasons for absence. “The department will present

instead of five. Imagine a dorm room in which just two friends remain, staring at an empty bed that once belonged to someone they cared about. “This is more than duty – it is charity, it is reward, it is our act of devotion. Let us be there for these students in their darkest hour.” Md Amin also announced that a special prayer ceremony (T ahlil Perdana ) will be held this evening at the Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Tanjung Malim to honour the victims, which will be attended by Zambry and several dignitaries. “I welcome everyone to attend. The ceremony will include the presentation of donation cheques from various agencies, with total contributions estimated to exceed RM1 million, aimed at supporting those affected.” On June 9, 15 Upsi students were killed after a chartered bus traveling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university’s main campus in Tanjung Malim overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) along the East-West Highway. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers in the MPV. – Bernama Pasir. He said aside from family members, neighbours and fellow villagers have also been helping to prepare meals and drinks for the guests. Nurly Shahirah’s father, Azman Mohamad, 63, said the outpouring of support, including from strangers, has provided some comfort as the family copes with their loss. The retired civil servant also expressed gratitude for being blessed with good health and strength to receive the continuous flow of visitors. “ Alhamdulillah, at a time like this, Allah has granted me the strength to receive guests, when previously I would often feel tired and need to nap around 10 or 11 in the morning.” – Bernama the findings to the Defence Ministry soon. Essentially, the process is to raise awareness that once selected, it is mandatory for them to register. We have provisions under the law to act on this,“ he said after officiating the Pingat Jasa Malaysia award ceremony at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh yesterday. He said trainees’ attendance is governed by Section 18(1) of the National Service Training Act 2003 (Act 628). Those who fail to attend without valid excuse may face a fine of up to RM3,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Mohammad Tawfik observed that non-Malay voters – especially the Chinese – continue to back PH, with DAP remaining their party of choice. He added that PN should broaden its appeal among non Malay voters, particularly in urban areas. “They must also focus on retaining the two marginal seats they narrowly won – Gombak Setia (58-vote majority) and Taman Medan (30-vote majority).” Similarly, Universiti Utara Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said Azmin’s remarks appeared to be more about boosting PN morale than presenting a realistic scenario. “PN appears sluggish and fragmented. There are signs of internal friction, especially between Pas and Bersatu, as well as unresolved leadership rivalries. “In my view, PN currently lacks a compelling agenda for voters. Relying solely on sentiment won’t be enough.” Echoing that view, University of Tasmania Asia Studies professor James Chin said PN’s weak support among non-Malays remains a key obstacle in Selangor. “It is highly likely that PH will retain Selangor due to DAP’s strong grip on Chinese support. As long as that remains, it’s difficult to see PN making real inroads.” PH won 34 of the 56 seats in Selangor during the 2023 state election. The coalition has governed the state since 2008.

o Analysts are split over PN flipping the PH stronghold, with some citing close margins and shifting demographics, while others cautioning against overconfidence

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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campaigning and voter turnout. He also pointed out that Pas, a key PN ally, has urged its supporters, particularly Kelantanese residing in Selangor, to switch their voting constituencies to the state, potentially shifting the electoral balance. He said PN has a better shot at capturing Selangor than taking over Pahang, another state currently under the Madani government. Among the marginal seats won with less than a 7,000-vote majority are: Sungai Air Tawar, Lembah Jaya, Taman Templer, Kota Damansara, Sekinchan, Sungai Tua, Pelabuhan Klang, Sungai Pelek, Dusun Tua, Batu Tiga, Kuala Kubu Baharu, Meru and Tanjong Sepat. However, Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub offered a contrasting view, arguing that PN had already peaked. “The major wave during the last state elections saw PN penetrate nearly all Malay-majority areas in Selangor. What remains now are the urban and non-Malay dominant constituencies, which are still under PH control.” Despite unresolved political issues under the unity government,

PETALING JAYA: Political analysts are divided over Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s bold claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) could wrest Selangor from Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next general election. Azmin, who is Bersatu secretary general and Selangor PN chief, said the coalition could gain 10 additional seats, enough to form the next state government. The statement, made during the Kembara Bersatu Selangor event last month, reignited debate over PN’s prospects in a state long considered a PH stronghold. Backing Azmin’s claim, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the assertion is grounded in data from the August 2023 state election. “There may be a reason why Azmin made the claim. If we look at the results of the last Selangor state election, PN needed fewer than 7,000 votes in several constituencies they lost to form the government. That confidence is based on real data,” he told theSun. Azmi noted that several seats were lost by razor-thin margins and

Family of late Gerik tragedy victim still receiving visits

National Service 3.0 absentees may face legal action

Scientists to attend Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (From left) Mak, Nur Diyan and Ana Masara will represent Malaysia at the 74th Lindau meeting in Germany. – PIC COURTESY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MINISTRY

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will once again be represented on the international scientific stage, with the selection of three young scientists to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, scheduled for June 29 to July 4. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said this year’s meeting will focus on the field of chemistry and is expected to bring together around 35 Nobel laureates and over 600 young scientists from 84 countries. Malaysia will be represented by Nur Diyan Mohd Ridzuan, 30, a PhD candidate in Applied Sciences

(Chemistry) at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Dr Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar, 34, a senior lecturer at the Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Dr Mak Kit Kay, 33, a lecturer at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, International Medical University. According to the statement, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, established in 1951, provide a globally recognised forum for exchange between Nobel laureates and young scientists. Science, Technology and

Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in the same statement, said the participation reflects the ability of local talents to compete internationally and is in line with the ministry’s commitment to nurturing future generations of scientists through long-term investment in talent development in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “We believe that interaction with Nobel Prize winners will broaden the horizons of our young researchers and inspire more youths to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation,” he said. – Bernama