16/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 16, 2025

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PM to give Malaysians pleasant surprise

Youth parliament to be strengthened SEREMBAN: The Malaysia Youth Parliament will continue to be strengthened through policy reforms and new systems aimed at nurturing visionary leadership, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. He said the youth parliament is a game-changer in the development of youth leadership as it promotes understanding of the parliamentary democratic system and prepares youths to face the political and social challenges of the 21st century. “One of the key reforms being discussed is the alignment of the number of youth members to 222, mirroring the number of MPs in the House to better reflect the actual structure of Parliament. “Other reforms include the use of a proportional representation system through the Closed Party List method for selecting representatives and implementing the entire process online, from voter registration, party formation and registration to voting. “Also included is a phased strengthening of the leadership training module to prepare youth members as future leaders who are dynamic, principled and resilient,” he said when opening the Malaysia Youth Parliament 2025 Guidebook workshop on Monday. Also present were youth parliament advisory chairman Tan Sri Borhan Dolah, parliament chief administrator Datuk Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman and 50 participants from various implementing agencies nationwide. In his speech, Johari cited an inter parliamentary union report which showed that only 0.9% of Dewan Rakyat members are under 30, while 12.6% are under 40 – a situation that must be addressed urgently. The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions and civil society organisations, to draft a guidebook that is authoritative, practical, legally sound and relevant to current needs. – Bernama KENINGAU: The Communications Ministry hopes the Education Ministry will continue to support the Safe Internet campaign so that it can be carried out in schools as part of efforts to improve digital literacy among students. Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the campaign educates both primary and secondary school students about internet safety, given its increasing usage today. She said the campaign’s content is tailored to suit the ages from Years One to Three (level one) and Years Four to Six (level two), as well as secondary schools. “We are requesting cooperation from the ministry to allow us into schools so we can involve schools in educating pupils and students on how to stay safe online. “For primary schools, the campaign will carry out interactive activities to help them understand. “One of the key issues is cyberbullying which they might

definitely bring them joy, God willing,” he said. The buzz began after Anwar posted a cryptic teaser on Facebook, promising an “extraordinary gesture of appreciation for Malaysians”. “I’m no magician, just wait. It’s a surprise,” Shamsul Azri quipped. He made the remarks after opening Azman Hashim International Business School’s Third International Action Research Conference 2025 at the World Trade Centre yesterday. A similar teaser was also shared by the Public Service Department, fuelling speculation, but Shamsul Azri refused to spill more, urging

everyone to be patient. Shamsul Azri also confirmed Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad met on Monday to discuss the critical manpower shortage affecting Johor’s public healthcare system. The discussion was at the sidelines of the menteris besar and chief ministers’ meeting which was chaired by the prime minister in Putrajaya. On Monday, Onn Hafiz posted on Facebook that the shortage must be addressed to reduce the strain on the public healthcare system. He said a recent spot check at Johor’s Hospital Sultan Ismail with state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon revealed alarming gaps in manpower, placing immense strain on the system. “The lack of staff across key categories like specialist doctors, medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses and support personnel is a concerning reality. “This is impacting not only the morale of our frontliners but also the quality of care for patients.” Onn Hafiz highlighted examples where nurses were required to care for 10 to 14 patients in a single shift, far beyond the ideal nurse-to patient ratio of 1:6 or 1:8 at the most. “This is not only unfair to our medical staff but also dangerous for patients if the situation is not addressed.” Onn Hafiz stressed that the state government will continue to provide urgent support in terms of facilities and medical resources, while also escalating the issue to the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies. “I will personally appeal for the immediate filling of vacant healthcare positions without compromise,” he said.

o Hint of nationwide ‘gesture of appreciation’ sparks excitement as chief secretary to the government teases news that promises to lift spirits

Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar dropped a hint that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming reveal will be a pleasant surprise. “It’s a surprise, but one that will make the people happy. “If it’s for civil servants, then it’ll

KUALA major announcement is brewing and it is set to lift spirits across the nation, especially among civil servants. Chief Secretary to the LUMPUR: A

Azman Hashim International Business School dean Prof Dr Rosmini Omar and Shamsul Azri (with songkok ) during a walkabout at the sidelines of the Third International Action Research Conference at the World Trade Centre yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Boosting internet safety for young netizens

Legacy of Tun Sambanthan lives on PETALING JAYA: The values and spirit of the late Tun V.T. Sambanthan in fostering racial unity continue to inspire the formulation of national unity policies today, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman and members of the late leader’s family. Aaron said although there was no formal body like today’s National Unity Advisory Council during Sambanthan’s time, his efforts to promote inter-ethnic dialogue laid important groundwork for current approaches to unity.

Outreach Programme organised by Pertubuhan Pelangi Harapan Sabah, in collaboration with various agencies, including the Keningau district health office, Social Security Organisation, National Anti-Drugs Agency and Keningau district information office. “Health awareness is extremely important, especially with Malaysia expected to become an ageing nation by 2030. “Grassroots outreach initiatives like this are among the best ways to ensure no one is left behind.” Pertubuhan Pelangi Harapan chairman Grelydia Gillod said the initiative aims to help the government disseminate information to local communities about what the Madani government is doing for the people. She expressed hope that more government agencies will take part in future programmes and share information about their respective roles in serving the public. – Bernama

face,” she told reporters after attending the campaign at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Puteh on Monday. Teo said Safe Internet, launched in January, focuses on cyberbullying, online scams and gambling, child sexual exploitation, data protection and digital literacy. The campaign aims to reach over 10,000 educational institutions by year end. A total of 344 schools nationwide are targeted to be involved in the campaign rollout from May to August, including 64 schools in Sabah. “As of July 1, Safe Internet has been implemented in 221 schools, involving 31,246 participants, comprising students, teachers and parents.” Teo added that aside from schools, the campaign also receives support from NGOs. Earlier, in a Facebook post, Teo shared that she attended the Mukim Luagan Community

He said Sambanthan’s inclusive approach proved that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is not a barrier, but a strength that should be celebrated and embraced. “Tun Sambanthan envisioned Malaysia’s future not in colour, race or language, but through a shared commitment to nation-building. He was a leader who rose above racial lines in pursuit of national ideals and proved that a united Malaysia is not an idealistic dream, but an achievable goal that begins with mutual trust,” he said yesterday when launching a programme commemorating Sambanthan as the country’s first national unity minister. Also present were National Unity Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy, National Archives director-general

The event also saw the launch of Tun V.T. Sambanthan Speaks , a book published by the National Archives, which compiled selected speeches from his time as unity minister and Cabinet member. To further honour his legacy, an oratory competition on the history and contributions of Sambanthan will be held in November, organised by the National Land Finance Co-operative Society in collaboration with the National Archives. Sambanthan was a key figure in Malaysia’s independence and unity efforts. He was MIC’s fifth president and part of the delegation that negotiated independence alongside Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Tan Cheng Lock. – Bernama