15/02/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday FEB 15, 2026

PM launches National Family Compassion Policy

Initiative to achieve goal of becoming AI nation by 2030

government has welcomed initiatives by various parties to enhance mosques and surau nationwide, including efforts to upgrade selected surau into Friday prayer venues at strategic locations such as shopping malls and highway rest and recreational (R&R) areas, Bernama reported. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the government is actively expanding Friday surau facilities at such locations PUTRAJAYA: The Digital Ministry has launched the Government Innovation Initiative (GII), a national programme to drive public-sector innovation and accelerate Malaysia’s goal of becoming an AI Nation by 2030. GII focuses on turning real government and citizen challenges into deployable solutions, prioritising Made-by Malaysia technologies, strengthening the domestic AI ecosystem as well as helping local digital and AI companies at home and abroad. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), working with the Health Ministry, has rolled out a flagship GII pilot, the RadioConnect initiative, across three public hospitals. “RadioConnect aims to systematically and efficiently provide cloud-based connectivity with secure access across multiple providers nationwide through each hospital’s Picture Archiving and Communication System. “The objective of RadioConnect is to facilitate and streamline the entire process to provide secure, economical and instant electronic storage, retrieval and sharing of diagnostic images like X-rays, MRIs and CT scans by allowing authorised doctors and medical practitioners to access patient images from multiple departments across all hospitals in Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday. The next phase of GII involves the establishment of Citizen Labs, a collaborative platform for the public to submit real-world issues and feedback directly to relevant ministries, ensuring targeted and effective solutions for the people. At the core of this effort is the MyInovasi portal (myinovasi.gov.my), Malaysia’s central platform for driving a vibrant national innovation ecosystem. “The GII is not just about adopting new technology but also about building a future-proof public sector that is responsive, efficient and deeply rooted in local ingenuity.” – Bernama

‘Shaping of values, morals must begin at home as parents are not only responsible for showering love and affection but also for being good role models for their children’

and anywhere.” He said the app was developed through collaboration between Usim Holdings and local technology firm HPSC Sdn Bhd, in line with efforts to promote high tech solutions in the management of Islamic institutions. The system incorporates a virtual account feature managed in strategic collaboration with Affin Bank Berhad as the coordinating bank, ensuring that every infaq transaction is recorded systematically and transparently. IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM20 million allocation for Chinese national-type secondary schools nationwide to improve facilities and basic amenities. He said the allocation is part of government efforts to strengthen the education sector and ensure school facilities continue to be enhanced, in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani. Anwar was speaking at the Madani Compassion Contribution ceremony for the Tambun parliamentary constituency in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebrations and Ramadan at Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Yuk Choy yesterday. Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Earlier, Anwar said the education system must produce students who are not only outstanding academically but also disciplined and of good moral character. – Bernama The policy reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that Malaysian families remain strong, resilient and protected in facing future challenges. It is driven by five strategic pillars, including efforts to uphold the institution of marriage and family, strengthen family planning capabilities and enhance parenting ability and quality. Anwar added that peace and clean governance are vital prerequisites to ensure that the country continues to achieve strong economic performance. He said the country could rise and reach its full potential if practices of corruption and misappropriation of public assets could be completely eradicated.”

“While we are busy raising funds and building the country’s strength with all its sophistication, new education systems and modern facilities, we must not underestimate or marginalise the foundation of family education and love as the starting point and cornerstone.” He was speaking at the launch of the National Family Compassion Policy and People’s Wellbeing Insurance Scheme initiatives yesterday, Bernama reported. Also present were the Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

IPOH: must strengthen the role of the family as the foundation of nation-building, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the launch of the National Family Compassion Policy. He said the economic progress currently being enjoyed should not sideline the role of the family institution, which is the main pillar in shaping values, morals and All parties

social unity. Anwar said the shaping of values and morals must begin at home as parents are not only responsible for showering love and affection but also for being good role models for their children. “That’s why I support and encourage the ministers and ministries to focus on developing healthy and virtuous families, and this policy is a reminder to us.

Anwar announces RM20m additional allocation for Chinese schools

Anwar at the event in Ipoh yesterday with (from left) Fadhlina, Nga, State Housing and Local Government exco Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder and advisor Tan Sri Vincent Tan. – BERNAMAPIC

Govt backs plan to upgrade surau at malls, R&R areas for Friday prayers KUALA LUMPUR: The

Mohd Khair said 500 mosques have registered as users of the UsimMasjidPro app since its launch, reflecting strong acceptance of efforts to digitalise mosque management. “This is not merely an app but a smart ecosystem designed to facilitate the digital management of mosques and the kariah community. “Our main objective is to encourage and simplify a culture of giving, in which donations can now be made anytime

Irtifa at Menara Affin, and the launch of the UsimMasjidPro app at Menara Affin at the Tun Razak Exchange on Friday. Also present were Affin Bank chairman Datuk Aqil Natt, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) directors board member Datuk Dr Hasan Baharom and Usim Holdings chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron. He said Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,000 Friday surau and more than 18,000 surau .

following encouraging response to pilot projects at the Seremban R&R and IOI Mall Putrajaya, which drew thousands of Muslims. “Previously, those who wished to establish Friday surau had to submit applications. Now, we are proactively going to the ground to identify suitable locations. We have mobilised teams to identify potential sites, including shopping malls.” He was speaking at the handing over of the Friday prayer authorisation certificate to Surau