04/01/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JAN 4, 2026 Instant fame for Malaysian duo working in China

‘School aid strengthens access to education’

KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Early Schooling Aid initiative to cover all students irrespective of household income highlights the government’s commitment to positioning education as a strategic investment for inclusive and sustainable access. Beyond easing parents’ initial schooling expenses, the initiative focuses on strengthening student readiness as a key element in developing knowledgeable human capital to support the nation’s long term growth. The Madani government continues to accord serious attention to education as a means of producing competitive individuals, ensuring that the younger generation, as a national asset, remains empowered. Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran said the expansion of the initiative from its initial focus on underprivileged pupils to all students, including Form Six, regardless of income, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring continuity of quality education for all. “All children have the right to enter the schooling system regardless of their socio-economic background. Education is highly significant as it acts as a catalyst for creativity and a driver of innovation, equipping the younger generation with the skills needed to compete in the job market. “For some, RM150 may seem small, but it has significantly eased parents’ burden in preparing essential schooling needs.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, when tabling Budget 2026 on Oct 10 last year, said the initiative would continue this year, with nearly RM800 million allocated to 5.2 million pupils from Standard One to Form Five in government schools, regardless of parents’ income. They will receive a one-off payment of RM150. Elaborating further, Mohammad Shatar said the assistance is not merely short-term support, but also serves as a catalyst for students’ emotional stability, particularly during the early stages of schooling, which often represent a critical adjustment phase for children and adolescents. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of millions of viewers across China watched a performance of the traditional Malay song Wau Bulan during the 2026 New Year gala broadcast nationwide on China Central Television (CCTV), placing Malaysia in the international spotlight. The performance, by two Malaysians based in China – Muhammad Isa Ahmad Zubir, 37, and Ahmad Fawzan Azmie Abdul Halil, 38 – was featured at the gala held in Luliang, Shanxi Province, on New Year’s eve. Although not professional artistes, both men are foreign experts who also serve as hosts and broadcasters with the Beijing based China Media Group. Muhammad Isa said the opportunity came unexpectedly

Chance to present Wau Bulan for New Year event viewed by hundreds of millions earns global spotlight

persons with disabilities. Also appointed were MCMC chief compliance officer Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, Thiyagu Ganesan (the deputy director general (Law Reform) at the Legal Affairs division in Prime Minister’s Department) and lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos. Azalina also stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring freedom of expression continues to be respected, but will not compromise on public safety, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups from online harm. – Bernama deliver the traditional song effectively. “We practised every day whenever we had time, and also did research to find suitable movements for the performance. Everything was done to ensure Malaysian culture was showcased proudly.” Ahmad Fawzan described the experience as especially challenging as the recording took place at 2.30am in an open-air venue shortly after snowfall, with temperatures dropping to minus five degrees Celsius. “It was bone-chilling cold, especially since we were wearing traditional Malay attire during the recording. But because of the pride of representing Malaysia, we pushed through and still gave our very best,” he said. He added that the performance was well received by the production team and attracted the attention of international musicians, who were visibly captivated by the rhythm of the traditional song. “I felt incredibly proud wearing the baju Melayu , singing a traditional Malaysian song and having people take photos with us. The fact that it was broadcast on CCTV on Dec 31 shows that Malaysian music and culture can stand tall on the international stage.” Ahmad Fawzan said the experience underscored the importance of introducing Malaysian culture to the world and expressed hope that more young Malaysians would be given similar opportunities. “This was not just a performance – it was a chance to show Malaysia to the world. The sense of pride is truly beyond words.”

after they were asked to submit a video recording of their singing for evaluation by the organisers, before being informed that they had been selected to represent Malaysia at the event. “Everything happened very quickly. We were then asked to travel to Luliang for the recording about a week before the event. We never imagined it would be such a major platform, as we initially thought it was just a small performance,” he said when contacted by Bernama. The event also featured

famous Chinese performers, including Richie Jen, Wang Yibo, Zhou Shen (Charlie), Wang Sulong (Silence) and Han Geng (Han Kyung). Muhammad Isa said their appearance was part of an international segment alongside Vietnam and Kazakhstan, with each country required to present a folk song reflecting its cultural identity. He said they were given less than a week to prepare, which involved memorising the lyrics, coordinating movements and ensuring accurate pronunciation to

A screengrab of Muhammad Isa and Ahmad Fawzan performing during the gala event held in Luliang, Shanxi Province that was aired by China’s national television station on New Year’s eve. – BERNAMAPIC

Govt forms online safety committee PUTRAJAYA: The government has established the Online Safety Committee as the highest strategic advisory body to steer the direction of the nation’s online safety, in line with the the highest strategic advisory body guiding the direction of online safety, including monitoring and providing recommendations on online content safety,” she said in a statement.

drawn from diverse backgrounds of expertise spanning the public sector, private sector and civil society. She said former chief judge Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim has been appointed chairman, while corporate figure Datuk Lim Thean Shiang serves as deputy chairman. Other committee members include lawyer Barhoum Abe Abed representing the Licensed Applications Service Providers, Mohd Kasyful Azim Ab Rahman as the representative of Licensed Network Service Providers and Dr Ruzimi Mohamed representing

determining risk analysis methods and mitigation strategies to protect users from online harm, assessing the effectiveness of complaint mechanisms, and monitoring enforcement against content that breaches the law. In addition, Azalina said the committee will conduct technical research and expert analysis on emerging cybercrime trends, including the misuse of artificial intelligence technology and the use of deepfakes. She said nine committee members have been appointed for a three-year term effective from Jan 1 until Dec 31, 2028,

Azalina said the committee will not merely play an administrative role, but will carry out substantive functions, including advising the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the classification of harmful and priority content such as child sexual exploitation and financial fraud. She said the committee will also be responsible for

enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 [Act 866], which came into force on Thursday. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the establishment of the committee is in accordance with the provisions under Section 5 of the Online Safety Act. “The committee will function as