18/12/2025

THURSDAY | DEC 18, 2025

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Seven ministers, eight deputy ministers sworn-in

King advises Cabinet to focus on people’s well-being KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised Cabinet members to always carry out their trust and responsibilities with full integrity and prioritise the interests of the people. His Majesty said the government must give importance to the people’s well-being, country’s stability and economic prosperity in line with the principles of good governance. The King also emphasised the importance of team work among Cabinet members to ensure the country’s administration runs efficiently and effectively. “Ministers and deputy ministers must always be on the field to listen to the voices of the people. You must carry out the responsibilities entrusted with full dedication and a high level of commitment.” His Majesty had earlier graced the presentation of appointment letters as well as the taking of oath of office, allegiance and secrecy by the federal ministers and deputy ministers. – Bernama Queen calls for further research KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has called for more in-depth studies on the history of Malay civilisation and its connections with other civilisations globally. In a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page yesterday, Raja Zarith Sofiah emphasised that academic research on Malay civilisation and its influence in Malaysia would strengthen the nation’s sense of identity. “As we plan for future growth and progress we must also reflect on the lessons from past civilisations. There are numerous research resources available worldwide, including at the British Library in London,” Her Majesty said, following her visit to the library on Tuesday. She added that such studies would deepen the understanding of Malay heritage and enhance national identity. Raja Zarith Sofiah was welcomed by British Library Chief of Staff Richard Davies, its Southeast Asia curator Datuk Dr Annabel Teh Gallop as well as Asian and African Collections head Luisa Elena Mengoni. Her Majesty was given a tour of the library’s collection of historical Malay Sultanate letters, ancient literary works and rare manuscripts, including documents from the Johor Sultanate. Annabel, an expert on Nusantara literature, shared valuable insights into these important materials. – Bernama into Malay civilisation

deputy minister to Natural Resources and Evironmental Sustainability minister. Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, formerly Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister is now Plantation and Commodities minister. Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, previously Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives deputy minister, was appointed as Human Resources minister while Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, who was formerly Energy Transition and Water Transformation deputy minister, was sworn in as Economy minister. Datuk Mustapha Sakmud was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs while Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Hasan was promoted from deputy minister to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). Sungai Petani MP Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari was sworn in as the new Youth and Sports minister. Eight deputy ministers were also sworn in, namely Sim Tze Tzin (Investment, Trade and Industry deputy minister), Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (Economy deputy minister), R. Yuneswaran (National Unity deputy minister), Mordi Bimol (Youth and Sports deputy minister), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability deputy minister), Chiew Choon Man (Tourism, Arts and Culture deputy minister), Datuk Lo Su Fui (Prime Minister’s Department-Federal Territories deputy minister) and Marhamah Rosli (Prime Minister’s Department Religious Affairs deputy minister).

allegiance and secrecy, before signing their instruments of appointment, witnessed by Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. Anwar had announced several new appointments and portfolio changes, citing the need to fill existing vacancies and make adjustments within the Cabinet. Among those sworn in as ministers was Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, who was promoted from Agriculture and Food Security

o New appointees take oath of office before King at Istana Negara in presence of PM, CJ

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ibrahim on Tuesday. The oath-taking ceremony was held before His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara at 10am. Anwar, who is also the Finance minister, was present. The ministers and deputy ministers took their oaths of office,

PETALING JAYA: Seven ministers and eight deputy ministers were sworn in yesterday, following the Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar

The King, accompanied by Anwar, arriving for the oath-taking ceremony at Istana Negara yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

‘No action against dual citizenship holders giving up MyKad’ KUALA LUMPUR: The National Registration Department (NRD) has stressed that there is no change in policy and that no automatic action will be taken against MyKad holders with dual citizenship who voluntarily surrender their Malaysian identity cards. In the statement NRD had said the department was considering allowing dual citizenship holders to voluntarily surrender their MyKad without facing legal action. “As a sovereign nation, Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship. Therefore, Malaysian citizens who hold foreign citizenship may Federal Constitution.” The clarification was issued following the spread of a news clip on social media that allegedly referred to the director-general’s statement, but was interpreted out of context. The NRD also clarified that the phrase “considering options that may be considered in matters related to citizenship revocation to ensure that citizenship management is carried out prudently, fairly and in accordance with the law. “The NRD wishes to emphasise that no arbitrary action will be taken. Each case will be assessed thoroughly based on facts, the provisions of the Federal Constitution and approvals from the relevant authorities,” the department said. – Bernama The assurance was given following a statement issued by its director general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias recently. voluntarily renounce their Malaysian citizenship rather than being deprived of it under Articles 24, 25 or 26 of the recommendations” does not indicate any policy change or automatic action against individuals. It added that it refers to the

Armed forces committed to boosting ties with civilians SEMENYIH: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), particularly the army, are committed to continuing the implementation of the Civil-Military Cooperation (Cimic) programme in 2026, subject to approval and receipt of financial allocation. He was speaking at the opening of the Engineering Civic Action Programme (Encap) at the 4th Division level at the Kampung Pasir Baru hall on Tuesday. He added that about RM165,000 had been allocated for the Cimic programme this year. fortunate in the Kem Pengkalan Hulu area, asset exhibitions, health and dental check-ups and painting work.” He said in Kampung Pasir Baru, the 2nd Royal Engineers Regiment under the Eastern Field Command was given the responsibility of carrying out repair works on the village’s community hall, as the unit has specific expertise in the fields of engineering and construction.

He also said the community outreach programme has been practised by the MAF for a long time since the era of the Malayan Communist Party threat. “It is based on the principle that national defence is a shared responsibility and does not rest solely on the shoulders of the armed forces. “Although the communist threat ended in 1989, the approach of reaching out to civil society and assisting local development continues.” – Bernama

Malaysian 4th Infantry Division commander Mej-Jen Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal said the programme would continue to be prioritised as it had proven effective in strengthening ties between the MAF and the civilian community.

“During the period, various programmes were carried out, including Encap, Program Bertanya Khabar, Forum Perdana, gotong royong rewang , funeral management, assistance and donations to the less

He said repairs were completed before the end of the year and the hall could be used as a community facility.