19/09/2025

FRIDAY | SEPT 19, 2025

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‘Govt-in-exile’ group may incite unrest, undermine unity: Expert o Constitutional law specialist says action distorts history of MA63, dismisses movement as reckless and unlawful Legislative Council before Malaysia Day.

established Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS), giving victims a faster and more affordable route to file complaints and seek compensation,” she said at the Federal Territory-level Skuad Waja Siswa programme yesterday. The initiative underscores the Madani government’s commitment to raising awareness, particularly among university students, while aligning with the Women, Peace and Security action plan. Skuad Waja serves as a platform to protect women’s well being and spread awareness on violence-related issues. Noraini said the programme highlights the urgency of combating violence, especially against women and supports nationwide campaigns to address these crimes among students. Skuad Waja is a volunteer network that mobilises communities against violence towards women. As of August, it has drawn 339,198 members nationwide, including 263,158 women and 76,040 men. the AI productivity report to be tabled next month SEPANG: A detailed report on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on productivity, referred to as the AI productivity paradox, is expected to be tabled at the Cabinet meeting early next month, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said. He said the study is currently being refined by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, the National Institute of Public Administration and the Digital Ministry, reported Bernama. “I will be presenting it in detail for the second time. Insya Allah , within two to three weeks, there will be a more comprehensive presentation,” he told reporters after officiating the 4th National Governance, Integrity and Anti Corruption Research Conference yesterday. Shamsul Azri said a preliminary report was presented at a Cabinet meeting two weeks after the Prime Minister’s Department staff gathering on Aug 18. He said the productivity paradox refers to situations where heavy spending on AI or digitalisation does not necessarily lead to increased productivity. “When we move towards AI or digitalisation, we must assess cost-effectiveness. There comes a point when spending heavily on AI or digitalisation causes productivity to plateau. “We need to ensure that every expenditure on AI and digitalisation truly delivers high productivity and the best outcomes for the government.” The prime minister had earlier warned of the risks posed by the AI productivity paradox, pointing out that large-scale investments in AI do not necessarily translate into higher productivity.

recorded, never happened. “This so-called government is acting completely outside Malaysia’s Constitution. Its claims are not only baseless but dangerous, as they could stir unrest or weaken national unity,” Wan Ahmad Fauzi told theSun. He pointed to Section 121B of the Penal Code, which carries life imprisonment for anyone trying to strip the king, a state ruler, or Sabah governor of their authority. “If the movement’s actions aim to undermine the King or the Governor, it could be treated as criminal conspiracy. Anyone working with them could also face prosecution.” On Sabah’s sovereignty, Wan Ahmad Fauzi explained that North Borneo (now Sabah) was once a British colony, with power resting in the British Parliament and Crown. “That power was legally handed over to Malaysia through MA63, approved by both the British Parliament and the North Borneo “More autonomy is the most realistic way forward. Sabah is stronger in Malaysia. We reject the rhetoric of secession that only brings uncertainty,” he said. Universiti Teknologi Mara Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow and Malay Rulers Institution Chair Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan agreed that such claims should not be entertained. “Giving coverage to such rhetoric only increases the movement’s visibility while it insults a legitimate country formed through the collective will of the people of Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya to unite under Malaysia. “Clearly, Malaysia is not perfect, but its shortcomings will be addressed and improved by Malaysians themselves, not outsiders with no genuine interest in seeing Malaysia succeed.”

PETALING JAYA: Police recorded 1,300 cases of sexual crimes – including rape, incest, molestation and harassment – between January and April this year involving individuals aged 18 and above. Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the figures raised serious concerns about public health and moral values among today’s younger generation. She stressed the urgent need for stronger sexual health education and preventive measures to curb such offences. “Violence against women takes many forms – physical, sexual, economic, psychological and emotional – and often happens discreetly, whether in personal relationships or within institutions. “The government has enforced the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 and “Sovereignty didn’t just disappear in 1963. It passed from the British Crown to the Malaysian King. Any claim that ignores this is simply reckless,” he said, adding that a government-in-exile only makes sense if a legitimate government has been forced out during a foreign occupation such as France under Nazi Germany or Kuwait under Iraq. “Sabah is not under foreign rule. It is part of Malaysia and its leaders are chosen through elections. There is no legal ground for a rival government.” Wan Ahmad Fauzi urged the authorities and the Attorney-General’s Chambers to act quickly against the RSNB-GiE before it causes instability. “This movement must be stopped before it spreads. It distorts history and undermines Malaysia’s constitutional order. “Sabah’s future lies in the law, not in self-declared governments.” RSNB-GiE president Mosses PA Ampang had alleged that Sabah was denied a proper act of self-determination. “No referendum, no democratic mandate and no free expression of the people’s will was ever conducted. Instead, the MA63 was imposed under colonial manipulation and failed to meet international law,” he claimed. Mosses also said the RSNB-GiE is Sabah’s legitimate representative, advocating for independence and sovereignty through peaceful and lawful means. He added that efforts would continue on international platforms until Sabah achieves independence, after which governance will be handed to a proper state government. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Code, including sedition, incitement and even offences against the king. The RSNB-GiE was declared in Melbourne, with its president Mosses PA Ampang saying it would begin “operations” on Sept 16, 2025 – Malaysia Day – to reject what he termed as Sabah’s “forced annexation” into Malaysia. Mosses claimed there was no referendum or free vote in 1963 and described the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a colonial arrangement that failed to meet international standards. He also argued that the Manila Accord, which required Sabahans’ and Sarawakians’ views to be properly sharing and pushing for greater control over our resources. The engagement approach we are taking ensures each promise is fulfilled progressively and felt by the people.” He added that Sabahans could expect concrete steps within the next year, including fairer tax revenue distribution, gradual transfer of powers in education and health, and more federal investment in electricity, water supply and rural roads. “These are not empty promises. They are results of ongoing negotiations between the state and federal governments.” Bung admitted frustrations driving the RSNB-GiE stemmed from old grievances such as uneven development and lack of jobs, but insisted secession is not the answer.

PETALING JAYA: The self-styled Republic of Sabah North Borneo Government-in-Exile (RSNB-GiE), recently declared in Melbourne, has no legal basis and could even be considered treason, a constitutional expert has warned. International Islamic University Malaysia constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said the group’s claim has “zero legal standing” under Malaysian or international law. Worse, he added, its activities may fall under serious crimes in the Penal PETALING JAYA: Sabah Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has rubbished RSNB-GiE, describing it as “pure political rhetoric” with no legal or public backing. He said while Malaysia respects freedom of speech, the declaration in Melbourne on Sept 13 does not represent the will of Sabahans. “We respect freedom of speech, but this declaration has no legal standing or electoral legitimacy. Sabahans need to understand that stability, not political experiments, is key to the state’s continued growth,” he told theSun. Bung said the state and federal governments are focused on real progress, with active talks on implementing MA63. “We are strengthening revenue

‘Self-declared regime devoid of legal standing’

Alarming rise in sexual crimes sparks call for action

FEATHERED FRIENDS ... Ostriches are among the main attractions at petting farm Kebun Pokleh, a popular agro-tourism destination in Ayer Baloi, Johor. – BERNAMAPIC