19/09/2025

FRIDAY | SEPT 19, 2025

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PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said parliamentary Speakers hold a decisive role in safeguarding democracy, adding that their authority must be exercised with wisdom to ensure accountability and healthy debate. Speaking at the 46th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly yesterday, he said parliament must reflect the will of the people. He cautioned that unchecked power could lead to corruption and abuse. “This event shows the true spirit of democracy, (in which) negotiations, advice and criticism can take place in a respectful environment. “I must also admit, it was easier for me, for many years, as opposition leader than as the prime minister. Because in the government, you are held accountable and must answer difficult questions. “Some exchanges on contentious issues are raised in rancorous tones, which I believe is not always healthy, but such is the reality,” he said, adding that the assembly, founded in the spirit of Asean, seeks to give meaning to democracy by allowing space for government, opposition and diverse perspectives. Anwar said democratic accountability depends on reasoned debate, made possible only with “functioning, critical and competent Speakers”. He highlighted Malaysia’s recent reforms, including the Parliamentary Services Act, which restored Parliament’s independence from the Executive. “I must commend the Speaker for constantly pressing me until the Cabinet made this a priority,” he said, adding that both the government and Opposition backed the move. He also said new select committees now provide stronger oversight, with representation from both sides. He said democracy cannot be reduced to elections every few years, but must function as a system of constant questioning and accountability. “Parliamentarians must ask themselves whether they are serving the people or simply using their positions for privilege.” On global lessons, Anwar urged leaders to honour their oath of office and safeguard the right of citizens to question authority. He acknowledged the risks of misinformation on social media but said leaders must still act with integrity. “Whatever powers I may have as prime minister, in the House, I am subject to the Speaker. I must tell you, although the Speaker is my friend, there are many decisions I do not agree with. But that is the system and we must respect it, or it collapses.” He added that parliament must give voice not just to elites but also to marginalised groups such as the urban poor, rural communities, minorities, women and youth. He cited past Asean efforts, such as easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, as proof that dialogue and trust can resolve disputes. Anwar also said Asean’s focus remains on economic growth and investment, adding that the next summit would be crucial, with leaders from China, the US, India, Korea, Japan, Canada, the EU, Brazil, South Africa and possibly Russia expected to attend. He added that while unity is Asean’s strength, the region must never compromise on good governance, sustainability or the fight against corruption. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Parliamentary Speaker role safeguards democracy: PM

‘Manage Kg Sungai Baru redevelopment carefully’ o Modernisation must come with conditions that prioritise and protect Malay rights, says Selangor Sultan

Malay Congress of Malaya, which sparked the formation of Umno.” The Sultan also said during the May 13, 1969 incident, the Sultan Sulaiman Club served as a refuge for the Malay community. The club’s field was also used as the training ground for the Selangor football team prior to the construction of the Merdeka Stadium. The historic club building remains the property of the Selangor state government. Sultan Sharafuddin added that Kampung Baru was once home to the official residences of the Selangor menteri besar and state secretary before Kuala Lumpur was handed over to the federal government. The Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque, inaugurated by the sixth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, was also affirmed to remain in its current location. “Indeed, Kampung Baru stands as a symbol of Malay resurgence. Therefore, I want to reiterate that it plays a crucial role in the survival and dignity of the Malays in Kuala Lumpur. “Any decisions or development initiatives in Kampung Baru must consider the interests of the Malay community, both for the present and the future.”

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has decreed that the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur must be handled carefully and wisely, with utmost respect and priority placed on the interests of the Malay community. In a statement issued yesterday, His Royal Highness said while there is no objection to modernising the area in line with the times, any redevelopment plans must come with clear conditions that prioritise and protect Malay rights, Bernama reported. “It is for this reason that I insist every consideration made by all relevant parties must take into account the historical origins and cultural heritage of Kampung Baru.” The Sultan also reminded the public that the area was established in 1899 and officially recognised as a Malay settlement for agricultural purposes, a designation granted by his ancestor, the fifth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah Ibni Raja

Muda Selangor Government Gazette dated Jan 12, 1900, which classified it as a Malay Agricultural Settlement. “I wish to (recount) the historical roots and significant milestones of the Malay community that took place in Kampung Baru, which must be preserved.” In the statement, Sultan Sharafuddin also shared personal reflections and recounted his own experience attending Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Muda in the area during the time his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, served as the Raja Muda of Selangor. His Royal Highness added that the late father of Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin was born in Kampung Baru, where the family continues to live and grow. “Kampung Baru was once the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s development. It houses the Sultan Sulaiman Club, the venue of the 1946 Musa, through the

The number of evacuees housed at temporary relief centres rose to 3,134 from 916 families yesterday, up from 2,919 from 814 families on Wednesday. – PIC COURTESY OF SABAH FIRE AND RESCUEDEPARTMENT

Anwar to visit Sabah to assess worsening floods KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will visit Sabah today to assess the worsening flood situation. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was on the ground at Papar, Membakut and Bongawan yesterday to inspect the conditions of residents affected by floods and landslides.

response of the government. Waris Dusun, 54, from Membakut, said he was moved by Ahmad Zahid’s presence. “I was touched that (Ahmad Zahid) came personally to see our situation. The assistance means a lot, as I lost many belongings in the floods. Thank you to the government.” Aswani Eli Awang, 42, from Kinarut, whose home was damaged by a landslide, shared a similar sentiment. “We have been at the relief centre for almost a week and are anxious about the homes we left behind. The deputy prime minister’s visit reassured us that we are not forgotten. The assistance is truly meaningful for my family, as we lost almost everything.” – Bernama

“I’m going tomorrow,” Anwar told reporters after officiating at the 46th General Assembly of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The number of evacuees housed at temporary relief centres in Sabah rose to 3,134 people from 916 families yesterday, up from 2,919 from 814 families on Wednesday. According to the Sabah Disaster Management Committee, all evacuees are being accommodated at 27 relief centres across six districts – Beaufort, Membakut, Penampang, Papar, Putatan and Sipitang.

He arrived at a temporary relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St Patrick at 9.30am, where he spent about 30 minutes meeting evacuees and distributing essential supplies and cash aid. He also visited individuals taking shelter at SMK Bongawan, the Bongawan Community Hall and the Papar Community Hall. He was also scheduled to visit the landslide site at Kampung Mook in Kinarut and meet villagers relocated to a local relief centre. Evacuees expressed gratitude for the swift