06/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 6, 2025

2 Tabung Haji chief among recipients of Maulidur Rasul awards

SERDANG: The principle of giving back to society has long been the guiding philosophy of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, who was named the recipient of the Tokoh Perdana Award at the 2025/1447H National Maulidur Rasul celebration yesterday. Speaking to reporters after receiving the award, Abdul Rashid, 79, said he has always believed in working hard, contributing to society and upholding his faith as a Muslim. The Penang-born corporate figure, who is also the 10th president of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for the 2025– 2028 term, said he turned down numerous offers to return to the corporate sector after retirement, choosing instead to serve institutions close to his belief, such as TH and IIUM. Prominent Kelantan ulama Syeikh Wazir Che Awang Al-Makki Hafizahullah, who received the Maulidur Rasul Award, urged Muslims to put aside political differences and focus on unity. “We should think as an ummah , ummah wahidah (one). “We Muslims should not be separated by politics. Our priority is to prioritise Islam,” said the deputy chairman of Jabhah Pondok Kelantan and adviser of Kesatuan Pondok Kelantan. He expressed appreciation to His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for their concern for the development of the ummah. Entrepreneur and social media influencer Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman, also known as Khairul Aming, was honoured in the Successful Entrepreneur/Technocrat category. “I dedicate this award to all entrepreneurs out there, especially small traders who are just KUALA LUMPUR: Asean’s greatest strength lies in its unity and ability to resolve disputes through dialogue, a tradition that has kept Southeast Asia peaceful and dynamic for more than five decades, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the achievements of the grouping, soon to expand to 11 members with Timor Leste’s admission, are built on consensus and cooperation. “This tradition of cooperation has enabled Asean to manage tensions, prevent conflict and nurture prosperity across one of the world’s most diverse regions,” he said in a commentary published by Project Syndicate . Anwar cited Malaysia’s recent mediation between Cambodia and Thailand after violent border clashes as proof that Asean remains a custodian of peace. “Through careful listening, principled mediation and the constructive involvement of both the United States and China, the parties secured an immediate ceasefire. “The episode reaffirmed not only the enduring value of dialogue and mutual respect members with admission of Timor-Leste , built on consensus and cooperation’ o A‘ chievements of bloc, soon to expand to 11

The King, accompanied by Anwar, presenting the award to Abdul Rashid at the event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Raja Zarith Sofiah graced the celebration, which was themed “Membangun Ummah Madani” . Also present were Anwar, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Mohd Na’im, who earlier led the Maulidur Rasul procession at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park. – Bernama

strength in her journey after embracing Islam. “After converting to Islam, I made a promise that I would strive to convey the true meaning of Islam to non-Muslims,” she said, expressing gratitude to her family and supporters. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty

starting out, selling under the hot sun, in the rain, all part of their efforts to earn a halal income. So, this award is for them.” Actress Ardini Angeline Tan, who received the Outstanding New Convert ( Mualaf ) Award, described the recognition as a symbol of

Emulate Prophet Muhammad in

Asean stability lies in unity and solidarity, says Anwar

nation-building: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Muslims in the country to face the challenges of nation-building by upholding the sunnah (traditions and practices) and emulating the struggle of Prophet Muhammad. He said through Prophet Muhammad’s leadership in Medina, the foundations of modernity were laid, including human dignity, the principles of justice and the rule of law, the pursuit of knowledge and morality, as well as humanitarian values rooted in religion. “The Madani society, in the sense of the community successfully formed by the Prophet SAW in Medina, is the khayra ummah, or a superior community. “This community is characterised by faith, khayr (good) values, service to universal humanity and a commitment to upholding ma’ruf (virtue) while eradicating munkar (wrongdoings),” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also urged Muslims to emulate the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad in their daily lives and strengthen bonds of love and compassion to ensure that Malaysia continues to excel on the world stage. He said this year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration, with the theme “Membangun Ummah Madani”, calls upon Muslims to deepen their faith and reinforce unity, the very foundation of a dignified nation, a moral society and a blessed country. “ Alhamdulillah , this year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration coincides with the 68th National Month and Malaysia Day. The values embodied in the Prophet’s struggle – determination, patience and love – should serve as a guide in building a united, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia,“ he said in a post on his Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof also reminded Muslims to emulate the leadership of Prophet Muhammad. – Bernama

the Asean Digital Economy Framework, describing it as an urgent priority as global competition intensifies in artificial intelligence and other technologies. “With the digital economy set to drive Asean’s next phase of growth, concluding the Asean Digital Economy Framework has become an urgent priority.” He also warned against growing economic fragmentation, adding that retaliatory tariffs and unilateral measures would harm investments and destabilise supply chains. “While globalisation has its flaws, it has also created interdependence through shared interests, curbing reckless unilateralism.” On climate change, Anwar called for embedding sustainability in Asean’s economic agenda. “The acceleration of the Asean Power Grid exemplifies our determination to invest in clean energy, generate green jobs and achieve long-term energy security. Business as usual is no longer an option. Bold action today is the price of a just and sustainable tomorrow.” He added that Asean must reinforce geostrategic frameworks such as the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality and strengthen Asean-led platforms such as the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum. He said these are indispensable for dialogue, trust-building and preventive diplomacy. “We can, and must shape our own future with courage, foresight and solidarity. By staying true to its founding values while adapting to new realities, Asean can remain a beacon of peace, prosperity and progress.”

but also the confidence Asean citizens place in the association.” However, Anwar warned that Asean now faces a rapidly shifting world, with escalating power rivalries, rising geoeconomic competition and waning faith in multilateralism. “In such an environment, Asean’s centrality is not merely a diplomatic aspiration, it is an existential necessity.” He added that Asean, formed during the Cold War, has always stood for neutrality and stability. The 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May reaffirmed that mission while unanimously agreeing to admit Timor-Leste as a full member, Bernama reported. Anwar said defending Asean’s autonomy requires “constant vigilance” and the ability to “speak with one voice rather than being spoken for”. On the economy, he said Asean’s 660 million people make it one of the world’s most dynamic markets, but the region must narrow development gaps and reduce trade barriers. “As protectionism rises and tariff wars threaten global growth, Asean must chart a different path and build resilience through openness and reform.” He pointed to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world’s largest trade deal, as vital for shared prosperity, and urged Asean to deepen partnerships through the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit and modernised agreements with China, India and South Korea. Anwar also pressed for rapid progress on