07/07/2025

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Sabah assembly to dissolve automatically on Nov 11 KOTA KINABALU: The 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly will be automatically dissolved on Nov 11 if not dissolved earlier, said Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya. Sept 22 for early voting. “There are outsiders dissolves automatically on Nov 11, Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and the Election Commission would be formally notified.

watch it live because our focus is solely on the debates. There are many benefits to live broadcasts,” he said. “If I were an assemblyman, I’d also be more disciplined, knowing that I’m being followed live by the public. The good thing is, the coverage will be wider since not everyone can come to the assembly,” he added. On the use of artificial intelligence, Kadzim said the technology has not yet been fully utilised due to limitations, especially with language translation. Kelantan boosts role in global KOTA BHARU: Kelantan is strengthening its role as a regional hub for “exercise medicine” by hosting the 7th World Conference on Exercise and Regenerative Medicine, which brings together delegates from 18 countries in a unified effort to advance global health through science, innovation and strategic collaboration. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state government was honoured to host such a prestigious conference, which reflects the global community’s shared commitment to exercise science, regenerative medicine and public health advancement. “This conference serves not only as a platform for scientific discourse but also for fostering international partnerships and meaningful knowledge exchange,” he said during the official dinner held in conjunction with the conference on Saturday. He said Kelantan has promoted exercise medicine since 2017 with global partners, positioning it as a public health strategy. He added that the state has emerged as a regional advocate in addressing physical inactivity, obesity and preventable chronic diseases, making exercise medicine a key pillar in Kelantan’s health policy. – Bernama health with conference

“We normally have at least three sittings a year. This time, there is more attention because if the assembly dissolves after this, it will be the final sitting of the term. If not, it will be the third sitting this year. Nothing out of the ordinary this time, just a regular sitting,” he said. Kadzim also said broadcasting the Sabah assembly sitting live on social media, including YouTube, allows the public to follow debates, especially on state policies, without needing to attend in person. “I think it is better for people to

who misunderstand the dissolution date. Some count from polling day, others think it starts from the date the elected representatives were sworn in on Oct 9, 2020. “In fact, the five-year term is not counted from polling day, the announcement of election results or the swearing-in of assemblymen. It is counted from the date of the first sitting of the new legislative term,” he told Bernama. Kadzim said if the assembly

“An election for the state must then be held within 60 days from the date of dissolution,” he added. Commenting on the upcoming state assembly sitting scheduled for two days starting today, he said four Bills would be tabled, covering supplementary supply, state sales tax, forestry and climate change, and carbon governance.

He explained that the five-year term of the assembly is calculated from the date of its first sitting on Nov 12, 2020, making Nov 11 the end of the term. Kadzim said there is public confusion over the dissolution date, with some assuming the term began on the polling day of the 16th Sabah election on Sept 26, 2020, or on

N. Sembilan ban on drinking alcohol in public sparks concern

PETALING JAYA: The Negeri Sembilan government decision to ban alcohol consumption in public recreational spaces has sparked strong reactions from civil society groups and consumer rights advocates who stress that the move risks undermining individual freedoms, harming tourism and fostering intolerance in Malaysia’s plural society. The ban, which took immediate effect, covers parks, beaches, fields and playgrounds. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the move was made in response to public complaints about disturbances and litter left by people drinking at such places. “We have received many complaints about individuals o Groups say move threatens personal freedoms, tourism and social harmony while fostering plural society intolerance Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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report them to the police. We should not restrict the rights of many because of a few,” he said. “If this trend continues, it could pave the way for similar restrictions elsewhere, eroding personal freedoms.” Lee also emphasised the importance of inclusivity. “Public policy must reflect mutual respect and constitutional rights, including the legal right to consume alcohol responsibly.” Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO and secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah echoed similar concerns, stressing that any policy limiting personal freedom, especially for non-Muslims, must be carefully reviewed. “Malaysia is a multi-religious, multi-cultural nation. A blanket ban risks infringing the rights of those who consume alcohol legally and responsibly,” he said. Saravanan advocated strict enforcement of existing laws against being intoxicated in public and behaving in a disruptive manner, rather than implementing blanket bans. “The issue lies with behaviour, not the beverage,” he said, adding that disturbances are caused by irresponsible individuals. He added that the ban could negatively impact the state

drinking and leaving behind bottles and packaging,” he said after chairing the state executive council meeting. He stressed that alcohol is not entirely banned, and people may still drink at shops or private premises, just not in public spaces. Violators face fines of up to RM2,000, with enforcement to be carried out by local councils and police. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the policy could lead to unintended consequences, including for guests staying near recreational areas. “What if someone is staying at a rest house near a beach or park? Are they not allowed to have a quiet drink in their own space? That would be unreasonable.” Lee said the actions of a few should not result in blanket restrictions for all. “For non-Muslims, having a beer to unwind is a personal lifestyle choice. Not everyone who drinks misbehaves. Yes, incidents happen but they are the exception, not the norm,” he said. He added that Malaysia already has laws to address disorderly behaviour and that targeted enforcement, not sweeping bans, is the solution. “If someone is causing trouble,

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alcohol sales. “Beachside cafes, bars and convenience stores often cater to tourists. This ban could deter visitors and disrupt local livelihoods,” he said. Saravanan added that inconsistent state policies could confuse travellers and damage Malaysia’s image as a tourist friendly destination. Fomca also cautioned against moralistic policymaking that overlooks the complexities of a plural society and urged for promotion of responsible consumption and civic-minded behaviour. “Drinking should be confined to licensed, appropriate venues. Consumers must avoid unsuitable areas such as playgrounds or family zones. “Littering, public nuisance or disorderly conduct should never be tolerated regardless of what is consumed,” he said. He added that any rule affecting diverse communities should be preceded by open dialogue. “Rather than blanket bans, let’s focus on targeted enforcement and public education, which are measures that uphold rights while ensuring harmony in shared spaces,” Saravanan said.

Malacca unveils 800 initiatives ahead of tourism events MALACCA: The state government has introduced more than 800 initiatives ahead of the World Tourism Day (WTD) and World Tourism Conference, scheduled for September. golf courses in Malacca, revival of traditional games such as Dam Aji and Konda Kondi, especially for youths and family tourism, and the deployment of two additional river cruise boats to enrich the river tourism experience,”he said at the pre-launch event in Banda Hilir on Saturday. be the global meet session hosted at the Malacca International Trade Centre (MITC) in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.

“We estimate the presence of more than 3,000 delegates from 159 countries, along with 500 United Nations World Tourism Organisation private sector members, including global tourism leaders, policymakers and international media. “We strongly support the Tourism Ministry’s initiative to invite all Malaysian states to showcase their tourism strengths at MITC. Let this be a national showcase of unity, diversity and shared prosperity through tourism,” he said. – Bernama

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the initiatives are aimed at enhancing connectivity, accessibility and cultural engagement. “As we approach WTD 2025, we are proud to unveil more special programmes, including exclusive promotional accommodation packages, RM10 admission tickets to selected attractions and RM10 curated menus at participating restaurants. “Other initiatives include premium golf promotions at four prestigious

The event also marked the 17th anniversary of Malacca’s recognition as a Unesco World Heritage City and was attended by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, state assembly speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum, state secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad as well as ambassadors and high commissioners based in Malaysia. Ab Rauf said a key highlight would

Ab Rauf said two additional river cruise boats would be deployed to enrich the river tourism experience. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN