7/09/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday SEPT 7, 2025

No plans to charge others in Zara Qairina case: AG

Malaysia, Indonesia to discuss issues on telecommunications LAHAD DATU: Malaysia and Indonesia will discuss telecommunications issues between the two countries at a meeting scheduled in two weeks, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the meeting, to be held in Kota Kinabalu, will involve the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and its Indonesian counterpart. “Among the matters to be discussed is the telecommunications situation on Sebatik Island in Tawau,” he said after attending the Sembang Santai Komuniti Madani event at Kampung Cocos yesterday. Fahmi said the ministry had received complaints from Sebatik Island residents regarding telecommunications issues. “Among the problems raised were signal spillover from the neighbouring country as well as several spectrum related issues. “There are some preliminary proposals, including the use of repeaters, to be implemented this month, but they are insufficient as they only provide a temporary solution.” Fahmi said internet coverage in populated areas of Sabah, which currently stands at 95.3%, could be further improved through initiatives under the National Digital Network plan. – Bernama He also denied claims that the agreement had been cancelled, stressing that all considerations are still under evaluation. – Bernama JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia will consider other options to meet the country’s air defence needs following a delay in delivery of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the matter arose due to uncertainties regarding Kuwait’s receipt of new aircraft from the United States (US), which has in turn delayed the handover of the jets to Malaysia. “I was informed that delivery of new jets from the US to Kuwait has been further delayed. Therefore, we cannot wait without certainty, because Kuwait can only hand over the F/A-18s to us after they receive their new aircraft.” He was speaking after attending the BHPetrol Zakat Wakalah contribution presentation event at Dewan Muafakat Taman Air Biru yesterday. He said the ministry is studying other options so that Malaysia does not end up in a disadvantageous position, including evaluating aircraft available in the market. On Aug 26, Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief Jen Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris was reported as saying that the force is reviewing all aspects before making a final decision on the plan to purchase second hand F/A-18 Hornet jets from Kuwait. Govt weighs options as fighter jets delivery delayed

KOTA BHARU: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) does not plan to charge any other individuals in connection with the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir until the inquest proceedings at the Coroner’s Court are completed. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said yesterday only five female students have been charged in relation to the case so far. “As of now, we have no plans to charge any other suspects until the Decision may be revisited after Coroner’s Court inquest completed and findings reviewed

Zara Qairina, 13, was pronounced dead at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17. She had been admitted after being found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar at 4am on July 16. On Aug 13, the AGC announced that an inquest would be conducted into her death after reviewing the investigation report submitted by police. On Aug 8, the AGC had the exhumation of Zara Qairina’s remains for a post-mortem. Five teenage girls were charged at the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court in Sabah on Aug 20 under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law, for making threatening, abusive or insulting words against Zara Qairina. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine, or both.

inquest proceedings are completed and the findings reviewed,” he said after launching the AGC Madani Adopted Village programme 2025 at Taman Desa Kemumin in Kampung Padang Tembak. He said the proceedings, currently hearing the pathologist’s testimony, were progressing smoothly. Mohd Dusuki said the AGC would also conduct a comprehensive review of all content regarding Zara Qairina’s death uploaded on social media, including TikTok. “Do not be in a hurry to make comments or any conclusions. Let the pathology expert give his testimony fully. We know some parties have questioned the (pathology) evidence. That is not good.” Mohd Dusuki said the proceedings have been set for a specific period and would continue as scheduled, Bernama reported.

Anwar, accompanied by Ahmad Zahid, arriving for the event in Baling yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Sara initiative commended by foreign leaders, says PM “When we talk about Sara, some criticise, but they forget that it is in addition to the Sara aid and the Rahmah Cash Contribution,” said Anwar when closing a Madani Rakyat event at the Baling district council sports complex yesterday. BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He reminded leaders at all levels to act with integrity and resist the temptation of power. “My hope is that when entrusted with power, leaders do not fall into corruption or misuse public wealth. We must safeguard the people’s livelihoods, maintain peace and keep the economy strong.” Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to safeguarding peace in Southeast Asia amid ongoing challenges. “Back when I assumed the Asean chairmanship, what did I say? Malaysia and Asean are among the most peaceful regions in the world. “Today, there are some challenges, but Alhamdulillah , we have managed to address them,” he said, expressing relief that tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had eased. Anwar said Malaysia would continue working with its Asean partners to keep the region a zone of peace and stability.

BALING: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative has not only eased the burden of millions of Malaysians but also caught the eye of foreign leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the leaders had praised it, and admitted it would be difficult to emulate the initiative in their own countries. He said the one-off distribution of RM100 to all individuals aged 18 and above was particularly lauded by his counterparts, especially Asean leaders, who described it as an innovative way of directly easing financial pressures. “The prime minister of Vietnam (Pham Minh Chinh) recently announced aid of about RM50 per person, and he asked me how we managed to carry out assistance such as Sara. We spent RM15 billion on this programme.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor were also present. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Malaysia’s economic growth remains encouraging, with rising investments bolstering the country’s outlook. He added that a nation’s progress should not be measured solely in numbers but in how fairly prosperity is shared. “The true test of a nation’s success is how it ensures comfort and dignity for its people, including those in rural and marginalised areas,” he said, adding that his government would continue prioritising regional development and direct aid for the poor.