15/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 15, 2025

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

4

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

M’sia Agreement backbone of unity and commitment

‘Matriculation, STPM recognised for varsity entry’ NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry has stressed there is no need to abolish the matriculation system, as both the programme and STPM are recognised and meet the merit requirements for entry into public universities. Minister Fadhlina Sidek said both systems have long been part of the national education framework and play a key role in providing access to higher education. “I have followed the debate and discussions on abolishing matriculation, but I would advise against taking this issue to extremes. Both STPM and matriculation have long been established in our education system. “Each has its own strengths and fulfils the merit requirements for university entry. At the same time, the ministry is fully committed to improving them based on feedback and suggestions received from time to time,”she told reporters after launching the Penang-level Madani Pre-University Congress 2025 at Universiti Sains Malaysia engineering campus yesterday. Fadhlina was responding to Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth’s call for the government to abolish matriculation and use STPM results as the sole benchmark for university admission. The Nibong Tebal MP said the ministry has always prioritised both the academic aspects and welfare of students in the two systems, with improvements being rolled out in stages. She added that the the ministry has also introduced initiatives to strengthen the Form Six programme, including enhancing student leadership through the recent implementation of student elections. “We should not be divided by issues that bring no benefit and only create negative perceptions towards both programmes. Both are vital in supporting education and providing access to higher education for our children.” Fadhlina also said the ministry is fine-tuning several proposals to strengthen student safety, including deploying auxiliary police personnel and setting up police booths in schools to curb bullying. “We are also gathering feedback through town hall sessions with the Law and Communications ministries as part of efforts to study the anti-bullying bill.” – Bernama GEORGE TOWN: Police have rolled out a comprehensive security plan ahead of Malaysia Day 2025 celebrations tomorrow at the PICCA Convention Centre@Butterworth Arena. Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said officers, including traffic units, will be on the ground to safeguard dignitaries and attendees. “Around 30 ministers, deputy ministers and VIPs will be present. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure the event runs smoothly.” There will be no road closures leading to the venue, although traffic flow inside the PICCA compound will be converted into one-way. Police will also be stationed at key locations to manage congestion and maintain order, Azizee said, adding that the public is urged to comply with police instructions, reported Bernama. Penang is hosting the celebration this year following the annual rotation between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. The theme, Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni, will feature a line-up of programmes. Dignitaries expected include Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. Penang prepares for celebrations

o Constitutional expert says pact cements Sabah and Sarawak in Federation and must be upheld fairly

activists must respect the Constitution and resolve sensitive issues legally, not politically. “Everyone must uphold the spirit of the citizenship oath in the Constitution. Racial discrimination must be addressed through law, not manipulated for political gain,” he said. He noted Malaysia’s federalism is unique, rooted in local history and customs. “Federalism is what unites us. As long as the rule of law and constitutional supremacy are respected, Malaysia will remain strong and united.” On MA63’s ongoing implementation, Wan Ahmad called it both a challenge and an opportunity. “All Malaysians must respect MA63 just as we respect the 1957 Agreement. The federal government’s authority comes from the sovereign Malay states and the federation expanded with Sabah and Sarawak,” he said, stressing that the agreement should not be seen as divisive. “It’s an eye-opener to revisit our legal history. We must understand our rights from primary legal documents, not manipulated accounts. For me, Malaysia Day is more than just remembrance. It’s about respecting the 1957 and 1963 agreements as they ensure Malaysia’s unity while honouring the diversity of its member states.”

“That historical fact underscores Malaysia Day’s special significance for Sabah and Sarawak,” Wan Ahmad said. He emphasised that Malaysia’s federal system, enshrined in the Constitution, must guide how MA63 is applied today. Recent steps to devolve powers to Sabah and Sarawak are positive, he said, as long as they are pursued fairly. “The Federal Constitution protects federalism and defines the relationship between states and the federal government. “For years, disputes were settled politically rather than constitutionally because both tiers of government were controlled by the same parties. Any progress now must be fair to all states and uphold constitutional supremacy.” Wan Ahmad cautioned against framing MA63 as a claim of superiority by Sabah and Sarawak. “Some issues have been portrayed as if the Borneo states are above the rest of Malaya, making constitutional matters seem more complicated than they are. “In reality, understanding our legal history and system can resolve these complexities.” He urged Malaysians to see MA63 as part of a shared constitutional journey – just like the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957, which laid the foundation for independence. To build trust, he said politicians and

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is more than a historical milestone, as it is the legal backbone of Sabah and Sarawak’s place in the Federation, said constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain. He stressed that Malaysia Day cannot be separated from the pact that united Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore into one nation. “Through MA63, sovereignty over these former British colonies was transferred to the Yang diPertuan Agong. Sabah and Sarawak then adopted the Federal Constitution, cementing their place in the federation.” The federation was originally scheduled for Aug 31, 1963 but was delayed to Sept 16 due to opposition from certain quarters. KOTA KINABALU: A landslide in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, near here, caused a Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd transmission tower to slip, leading to a major power outage in the east coast of Sabah on Saturday night. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said nearly 230,000 consumers were affected, with disruptions reported in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Kunak, Semporna and Beluran. He said Sabah Electricity’s technical team is working around the clock to restore supply. “Among the works being carried out are conductor bridging, installation of an emergency tower within eight days as part of short-term measures, followed by the construction of a permanent tower. “The state government understands the inconvenience currently faced by the people. “Let’s unite and pray so that everything will go through smoothly, especially for those hit by the power outage,” he said in a statement yesterday. On Saturday, Sabah Electricity confirmed that several east coast districts were plunged into darkness after a disruption in the 275KV Kolopis-Segaliud transmission line involving line 1 and 2 at 5.05pm. The Sarapung landslide was not the only earth movement incident reported in the state. Seven other landslides have struck Kampung Kopungit, Kepayan, since Saturday, damaging two houses. Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station chief Ordine Gilu said the station received a report from the Kampung Kopungit Village Development and Security Committee and subsequently conducted an inspection with other agencies. Officers from the Sabah Minerals and Geosciences Department later confirmed that the soil structure in the area was unstable. Tower collapse causes massive power outage

The transmission tower which collapsed following the landslide at Kampung Sarapung. – PIC COURTESY OF SAYANG SABAH FACEBOOK PAGE

neighbours have struggled to sleep since the first landslide. “Every time it rains, our hearts race because we are afraid another landslide might occur,” said the father of two. Shop assistant Rahmah Kitin, 45, urged authorities to provide a long-term solution, noting that many villagers were reluctant to leave their ancestral land. “We are not rich and cannot afford to buy a new house,” said the mother of five. – Bernama

“If the rainy weather continues, the area remains at high risk of further landslides, which could endanger residents’ safety. The Fire and Rescue Department, together with the agencies involved, has instructed two affected families to move to the Kampung Kopungit village hall. Continuous monitoring is being carried out and updates will be provided as needed,”he said when contacted. Residents, meanwhile, voiced their fears. Mazlan Dullah, 37, said his family and