19/08/2025

TUESDAY | AUG 19, 2025

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Five teens to face charges in Zara Qairina case

Billions set aside for AI, but governance key: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could spend tens of billions of ringgit on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) programmes over the next five years, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, urging civil servants not to repeat past mistakes where large budgets failed to deliver results. Speaking at the monthly civil service assembly, Anwar tasked the chief secretary to the government and the ministries of Digital and Communications to study key issues such as the gap between expectations and reality, data governance, and the impact of AI on standard operating procedures. Initial proposals must be presented within weeks. “I’m asking the chief secretary and all departments to reflect on this matter for two weeks to a month and provide an initial answer. Do not repeat the problems faced by many legacy companies,” he said. He stressed that AI should not be used as a cover for inefficiency or corruption. “The principle is transparency and effectiveness. There’s no use spending billions but having nothing to show for it,” he added. Anwar warned of what he termed the “AI productivity paradox”, saying studies show that while AI tools save up to 90% of time, only a small fraction – between 3% and 7% – translates into higher productivity or earnings. He cited JP Morgan, which restricts ChatGPT use to certain departments, as an example of limited workplace benefits. Drawing historical parallels, he noted that the much-hyped “paperless office” of the 1980s increased paper consumption instead and that privatisation was not always more efficient, where transparency and proper tender processes were absent. “Good governance remains the golden rule for achieving efficiency, not simply adopting new technologies or systems,” he said. The Prime Minister also invoked the Islamic principle of tabayyun (verification), warning against relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT for sensitive religious information. – by Hashini Kavishtri Kannan Indian community to benefit from new initiative PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to unveil a new socio-economic development programme for the Indian community under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) during Parliament’s Prime Minister’s Question Time today. Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R Ramanan said the initiative aims to streamline overlapping programmes that were previously spread across several ministries. “The Prime Minister will address all of this tomorrow,”he told the Dewan Rakyat while winding up the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debate. The Sungai Buloh MP revealed that for 2025, 19 socio-economic development programmes for the Indian community have been allocated RM22.27 million. “Mitra, which is led by the Prime Minister’s Office, is a special unit responsible for addressing issues related to the socio-economic well-being of the Indian community. The Prime Minister has never sidelined the community and has introduced various initiatives to empower them.” On the need for a dedicated plan, he pointed out that the 13MP, tabled by Anwar on July 31, includes initiatives aimed at uplifting socio-economic status based on the Malaysian Indian Blueprint and the Indian Community Action Plan. “This includes increasing capacity and capabilities through education and talent development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).” He explained that the plan also covers basic assistance such as home repairs, better access to housing, and greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology within the community.

o Inquest set for September as King urges whole-of-government push against bullying

Ahmad Fahmi Fadzil was granted an audience with the King at Istana Negara, where he briefed His Majesty on his ministry’s anti-bullying initiatives and preparations for National Day. In a statement, Fahmi outlined that the ministry would spearhead a national anti bullying awareness campaign across television, radio, social media and digital platforms, while working with other ministries to ensure the message reached students, parents and the wider community. “The campaign also emphasises embedding values of respect, discipline and compassion into government strategic communications and community programmes. “I take heed of His Majesty’s decree on the need to address bullying early in schools. His reminder is clear, bullying not only harms victims’ emotional and mental well-being but also risks producing a generation devoid of respect and compassion,” he noted. He stressed that the ministry would ensure anti-bullying messages were delivered in a way children and teenagers could easily understand, in line with the King’s vision for young Malaysians to practise noble values from an early age.

decision to prosecute will not disrupt the ongoing inquest process,” he added. On Aug 13, the AGC ordered an inquest into Zara Qairina’s death under Subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The proceedings will establish the cause and manner of death, including whether criminal elements were involved. Yesterday, the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court fixed 19 days from Sept 3 to hear the inquest. Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, warned that unchecked bullying could create a generation devoid of respect and compassion, urging the government to launch a nationwide anti bullying campaign beginning in primary schools. “Bullying not only damages the mental and emotional well-being of victims but can also lead to various tragedies. Children must be educated about this from an early age, and through such campaigns, they can be guided to understand the importance of mutual respect and discipline,” His Majesty wrote in a Facebook post. The King emphasised that tackling bullying required a whole-of-government approach involving multiple ministries and agencies. He pointed to recent amendments to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025 as evidence of the government’s determination to address the issue. Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Five teenagers, all under the age of 18, will be charged in the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court on Wednesday in connection with the bullying of deceased Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that prosecution would proceed following police investigations. “All five will be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court in Sabah on Wednesday over offences linked to the bullying of the late Zara Qairina. They are all below 18,” he told Bernama yesterday. Earlier, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) announced that several individuals would face charges over the bullying of the 13-year-old. Mohd Dusuki explained that the decision was based on investigation papers submitted by police. “Based on available evidence, the AGC has decided to charge several suspects involved in the bullying of Zara Qairina. The PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned against exploiting the deaths of Zara Qairina and Wan Ahmad Faris Wan Abdul Rahman for personal or political gain, describing such actions as “unacceptable”. Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly yesterday, Anwar said misinformation and speculation on social media following the cases had unnecessarily heightened public anxiety. He noted a recent example, where an individual falsely claiming to be a pathologist spread misleading information. “Social media, particularly in emotionally charged situations, can amplify misinformation. I have addressed Parliament to warn against exploiting tragedies for personal gain ( membina mahligai di pusara ),” he said. Anwar criticised the use of such lies as a “political weapon”, stressing that it was wrong to “exploit someone’s death for politics or mislead the public”. The Prime Minister acknowledged shortcomings in handling the death of Zara, 13, in Sabah on July 17, including delays and procedural issues but said the authorities were working to address the matter. “Deputy Prime Ministers Fadillah Yusof and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and I have issued statements and we convened a high-level meeting to ensure the investigation is conducted transparently,” he said. Anwar underscored that the bullying culture must be eradicated as it constitutes psychological and physical abuse with serious repercussions for society. “Certain controversies in the country, especially several cases of the deaths of our children – our child Zara in Sabah, Faris in Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“So, I call on all stakeholders – parents, schools, communities and the media – to join hands in eradicating bullying. Only through collective effort can we nurture a generation of well-mannered, disciplined and compassionate individuals.” ‘Tragedies must not be used as political weapons’

Anwar sharing a light moment with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

of Maahad Tahfiz Sains Nurul Aman, Kok Lanas. His death was classified as sudden with no criminal elements. Also present at the assembly were Fadillah, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Kelantan and others – are said to be bullying cases. I hope we can put an end to this culture,” he added. Zara was found unconscious at 4am on July 16 after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school hostel in Papar, and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. In December 2013, Wan Ahmad Faris, then 16, was found hanged in the dormitory toilet