16/08/2025

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PM warns those who create disharmony

Preachers urged to instil Malaysia Madani values

PUTRAJAYA: Preachers are encouraged to instil the noble values embodied in the Malaysia Madani concept and use language easily understood by their target audience to ensure that messages are delivered effectively, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He said the universal values in Malaysia Madani should be expanded throughout the Asean region via the volunteer network of the Annual Informal Meeting of Ministers of Religion of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. “We know the values of sustainability, prosperity, respect and compassion are emphasised in building a Madani society, and these values are very close to the essence of Islam itself. We aim to embed and convey them (to the community) through the volunteer network of the meeting,” he said after attending the Preaching Volunteers Gathering programme on Thursday. The three-day programme, which began on Wednesday, was jointly organised by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia, Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council. Mohd Na’im said preachers should also use language that is simple and aligned with local culture so that the message of Islam could be delivered clearly and benefit the target audience. He said using overly complex language could cause confusion and hinder understanding of Allah’s commands. – Bernama No issue of Anwar being disqualified as PM, MP: AGC KUALA LUMPUR: There is no issue of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being disqualified as prime minister and MP, said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) . It said in a statement that this is because the royal pardon granted by the 15th Yang di Pertuan Agong stated that Anwar had been fully pardoned and regarded as a person who had never committed any offence. “Any challenge to the election of an MP should be through an election petition, as provided for under Article 118 of the Federal Constitution, and must be filed within the time frame set out under Section 38 of the Election Offences Act 1954.” The AGC was responding to a suit filed by former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy, who is seeking to nullify Anwar’s election as Tambun MP and his appointment as prime minister. It said Waytha’s action was based on the argument that the pardon granted to Anwar did not include the annulment of his disqualification under Article 48(1)(e) of the Federal Constitution. “The AGC respects the right of any individual to file an action in court. In this matter, the Court of Appeal, in the case of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim v Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz [2023] 2 MLJ 545, decided that the King has the power to grant a pardon in respect of a conviction and sentence.” On Aug 12, Waytha filed an originating summons in the High Court here seeking a declaration that Anwar’s appointment as prime minister on Nov 24, 2022, was unconstitutional, null and void. The Hindraf chairman is also seeking a declaration that Anwar’s election as Tambun MP in the 15th general election was also unconstitutional, null and void. – Bernama

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o ‘There must be public awareness that nation’s vibrant economy cannot survive if its values, culture are crumbling’

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that firm action will be taken against any party that raises issues affecting national harmony. He said there were various negative issues recently involving sovereignty, religion, culture, health, bullying and student deaths. He added that there must be a united stance among the authorities and the public to acknowledge that such matters could damage the country. “This cannot be resolved merely through policy announcements or enforcement. There must be public awareness that a country with a vibrant economy cannot survive if its foundation of values and culture is crumbling. “That’s why in a Madani nation, apart from emphasising vibrant and dynamic growth, the cornerstone must be values. “Are we to take pride only in the amount of investments and economic momentum, in a thriving stock exchange, but ignore societal culture, morals and values?” He was speaking at the 20th Premier Civil Service Address, with the theme “Madani Public Service: Pillar of Excellence”, held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday. Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar as well Cuepacs president Datuk Adnan Mat. “Extreme behaviour, arrogance, rudeness, the act of belittling others, whether based on race, ethnicity, skin colour or any such attitudes, must be stopped.” Referring to recent incidents such as the death of religious school student Zara Qairina Mahathir and the controversy over the Jalur Gemilang, Anwar said these have all been politicised as a tool for condemnation and criticism. He said many people are quick to judge recent incidents without verifying the facts first. “Enough is enough. The time for warnings is over. People are tired of me giving the same warnings. “Therefore, today, it’s no longer a warning, I am stressing that firm action must be taken.” Anwar further reminded that Malaysia is known for its peace and strong inter-ethnic relations, and the country has even managed to mediate in recent regional conflicts such as the one between Thailand and Cambodia. He added that anyone in authority who fails to uphold his responsibilities in

Anwar speaking at the 20th Premier Civil Service Address in Putrajaya yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

issues like the flag and the spread of fake news.” Anwar also urged the public not to make wild speculations about Zara Qairina’s death. “Let the authorities conduct the investigation. It’s barely begun and already fingers are being pointed, linking it to VVIPs. “We might as well close down all police stations if people can jump to conclusions without an investigation.”

safeguarding the nation’s peace should be replaced with individuals who are principled and courageous enough to act. “This is not about gaining popularity or appealing to the public. This is about saving the nation.” Without directly referring to the bloody May 13 racial riots, Anwar reminded the public that Malaysia had gone through dark periods of internal strife. “And this time it might start small, with

RM75m for civil servants pursuing higher education PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM75 million financial incentive for civil servants who pursue higher education, including those furthering their doctorate studies using self funded means. He added that the assistance is aimed at easing the burden of civil servants who are upgrading their academic qualifications. Anwar announced an allocation of RM3 million to strengthen the National Institute of Public Administration as a centre of reference for public service excellence in Asia and globally.

“Imagine studying on your own, reducing your wife’s allowance just to pay for tuition. So, we’re offering this small token of appreciation, although the budget involves RM75.7 million. “At least once during their service we want to show that we encourage civil servants to improve themselves through their own efforts and initiative,” he said at the 20th Premier Civil Service Address yesterday.

He also announced the continuation of the APEL.Q @ Intan initiative for 2026, with a budget allocation of RM1.5 million. This initiative will cover tuition support for the APEL.Q Programme, providing up to 50% or a maximum of RM15,000 in tuition fee assistance, depending on which amount is lower. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

He said the amount would benefit more than 91,000 civil servants in the management, professional and support groups. He said those pursuing PhD studies would receive RM1,250, master’s degree RM1,000, bachelor’s degree RM750 and diploma or equivalent level RM500.