25/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 25, 2025

2

Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 launched

‘Don’t expel students who protested’ PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to expel students involved in the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally, where protesters burned a caricature of him. His senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar remains committed to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, particularly among youth. “The prime minister understands that spirited protest is part of democratic expression. “Although he was the subject of criticism, he believes reform must be grounded in the courage of youth to speak out with sincerity and facts,” said Nashrul at the daily briefing of the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Anwar had personally called him to convey this message. “For him, even if a mistake was made, their future must take precedence. This shows his compassion. Although he was the direct target, he wants the university to consider the bigger picture.” While acknowledging the constitutional right to assemble, Zambry said such freedoms must still operate within legal boundaries relating to public safety and order. On Monday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said police are investigating nine offences related to the protest, including incitement, open burning in a public place, possession of hazardous materials and raising sensitive 3R issues – race, religion, and royalty. Thirteen students identified from the rally could face disciplinary action under the Universities and University Colleges Act, which may include suspension or expulsion. The rally, organised by student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS on Saturday, aimed to highlight issues of corruption and the ongoing water crisis in Sabah. In a post on X on June 23, an individual identifying as UMS student Fadhil Kasim said he had burned a caricature of Anwar during the rally at Lintasan Deasoka on June 22, defending the act as a reflection of Anwar’s own past as a student activist. He said in the 1970s, Anwar, the then president of the University of Malaya’s Malay Language Society, led a protest and burned Tunku Abdul Rahman’s book 13 Mei , labelling it subversive. Fadhil expressed concern that the government was not doing enough to address alleged corruption in Sabah, particularly involving members of the GRS coalition, and claimed that Anwar appeared to be focusing more on political alliances than on reforms. – By Harith Kamal

KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 yesterday marks the start of a major revamp of the capital’s development strategy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Describing the plan as the most comprehensive one in Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s history, Anwar said it goes beyond physical redevelopment, signalling a deeper philosophical and strategic shift to build a more humane, inclusive and equitable city for all. He said the plan incorporates fresh thinking and advanced technologies, including digital innovation and artificial intelligence, particularly in public housing development. “We’re not building a new city like Putrajaya. We’re working within the constraints of existing, immovable structures, which makes the task far more challenging. “So, let’s not assume that the launch of this plan is about reinventing Kuala Lumpur’s image from scratch. We are operating within an old framework that may not fully meet our aspirations or needs,” he said at the launch. Also present were the prime minister’s wife and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Anwar said modern urban development is not only about new construction but also about addressing legacy issues, including disorganised planning, ad hoc housing approvals and weak governance. Acknowledging that the plan had been delayed, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the Madani government has since undertaken a thorough review and recalibration to ensure Kuala Lumpur’s growth is sustainable and inclusive. He said the delay was also due to the need for wide stakeholder engagement, including residents and businesses, to ensure that all voices were reflected in the plan, Bernama reported. Anwar underlined that future urban development must prioritise the B40 and

o Blueprint goes beyond physical redevelopment, signalling deeper philosophical and strategic shift to build a more humane, inclusive and equitable city for all: PM

Anwar, accompanied by (from left) Maimunah, Zaliha, Wan Azizah and Nga, launching the plan in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

ecosystem, education, healthcare, childcare centres and public transport. He cited the concept of vertical schools – compact, multi-storey institutions prioritising safety, efficient design and access to nearby essential services – as an example of this integrated approach. Anwar said the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 translates this long-term vision into actionable strategy, strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s planning framework in line with the sustainability agenda and the guiding principle of “A City for All”. The plan will serve as Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s key reference in evaluating development proposals, managing approvals and charting the city’s growth path. integrating

M40 groups who have historically been left behind while the benefits of progress remained concentrated among the elite. He admitted there has been pushback from privileged quarters over the redesign of public housing, but affirmed that the government would not waver in defending the interests of the marginalised. “Too often, the needs of ordinary people are treated as an afterthought. Facilities are built where people already live in comfort. It’s not wrong, but it is unbalanced. “I always say development must be humane. That means making space for hawker stalls, warung operators and small eateries frequented by 80% of the population.” Anwar said urban growth must encompass a complete and sustainable

Israel-Iran conflict heightens regional instability, says Foreign minister KUALA LUMPUR: The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has heightened regional instability, and its ripple effects could embolden transnational terrorist networks and deepen sectarian divides far beyond West Asia, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said yesterday the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of how unresolved injustices and prolonged oppression can become fertile ground for radicalisation and a potent propaganda tool for terrorist groups. “The horrific and deepening human suffering we continue to witness day by day may sow the seeds for radicalisation and acts of extremism. “Malaysia continues to advocate for a just, durable and peaceful end to conflicts in line with international law and United Nations resolutions.” He was speaking at the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism International Conference here. His speech was read by the Foreign Ministry’s deputy secretary general (Bilateral Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani. Mohamad said the digital age, which has reshaped the way people live, communicate and engage, has also created new vulnerabilities. He warned that terrorist groups have swiftly adapted, exploiting the online space to manipulate narratives, incite violence and recruit followers with increasing precision. He said extremist content now spreads rapidly via livestreamed attacks, AI-generated propaganda, deepfakes, disinformation and even infiltration of online gaming communities. He added that the frontline has shifted from physical battlegrounds to screens and servers. “The reality today demands anticipation, adaptive policies, digitally savvy governance and strategies that remain one step ahead of those with malicious intent.” Mohamad also said Asean’s response to terrorism and violent extremism must come with one voice, backed by collective urgency and mutual trust amid a complex and evolving threat landscape. “Our strategies must be human-centred, technology-aware and responsive to local realities. Regional responses must marry empathy with innovation and policy with practical action.” Mohamad said Malaysia is proud to lead the Asean Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (2023–2032), a long-term strategy focusing on intelligence sharing, capacity building and strategic communication, supported by Asean Dialogue Partners. He added that Asean must invest in training, cross-border exchanges and community-led initiatives that reflect the region’s diversity and shared aspirations. Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Mohamad emphasised the importance of upholding international law, human rights and humanitarian principles. “We continue to advocate for counter terrorism responses that are proportionate, inclusive and non-discriminatory.” He reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance against linking Islam, or any religion, with terrorism, calling such associations not only factually incorrect but morally indefensible. Themed “Emerging Trends in Terrorism and Violent Extremism”, the three-day conference, which began on Tuesday, brought together 200 local and international participants. The event focused on the shifting dynamics and complexities of modern terrorism. It encouraged stronger regional and global collaboration in addressing these urgent threats. – Bernama