21/02/2026

SATURDAY | FEB 21, 2026

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Quran Waqf project reaching target of one million copies PUTRAJAYA: The One Million Quran Waqf Solidarity Project, mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2023, is almost reaching its target. Restu Foundation executive chairman Abdul Latiff Mirasa said 700,000 copies have been printed and 300,000 are in production and expected to be ready in three to four months. He said more than 500,000 copies have already been distributed locally and abroad so far, including to Africa and Asia, as part of a public waqf initiative to expand Islamic outreach and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global Quranic hub. “This initiative has had a major impact on Malaysia, and elevated the prime minister as a global ambassador of the Quran. “Now, almost every month we send one to two containers of copies of the Quran all over the world.” In January 2023, Anwar had announced plans to produce one million copies of the Quran for global distribution in response to incidents of Quran burning in Sweden, saying the move would better promote understanding of the Quran’s message across different backgrounds and faiths. On translation efforts, Abdul Latiff said Malaysia has emerged as a leading publisher of Qurans in multiple languages. He said the project currently covers 30 languages, with approval granted to add another 20 to 30 progressively. “At least 12 new languages are set for completion this year, including Vietnamese, Thai, Lao and Iban as well as Urdu and Russian.” To date the Restu Foundation has translated the Quran into Malay, English, Khmer, Tagalog, European and Latin American Spanish, French, Italian, Swahili, Hausa, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, German, Mandarin, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bosnian and Burmese. He said about 100 experts are involved in translation and manuscript illumination, working with institutions in Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, and that all editions are strictly vetted under the Uthmani script method approved by the Home Ministry. “Each language edition takes between three and six months to complete. We are also working with experts from Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to ensure that the translations are in accordance with the beliefs of Ahl Sunnah Wal Jamaah.” Abdul Latiff said the foundation is preparing the Mushaf Malaysia Madani, expected to be launched by Anwar this Ramadan. He said the manuscript, hand-copied over five years, combines traditional Malay Jawi calligraphy with digital technology via QR codes allowing readers to access recitations, multilingual translations and tajwid references through smartphones. – Bernama Towards equitable global AI ecosystem KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to playing an active role in shaping a more equitable global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said this commitment was reinforced following the recent official visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia. In a post on X he said Malaysia was honoured to be invited to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. According to international media reports, the summit, which began on Feb 16 in New Delhi, brought together more than 35,000 global leaders from over 100 countries, including key figures in the global technology industry. The summit showcased practical AI solutions, technologies and applied developments across various sectors, including industry, finance, healthcare and security. – Bernama

Historic moment at late chief justice’s final day in court Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks with Abdul Hamid’s widow, Toh Puan Hamidah Choong Abdullah, on arriving to pay his last respects to the late former chief justice at the Taman Selatan Presint 20 mausoleum in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

reporter Puan Suriati came out of the courtroom and informed us that the judge was close to delivering the decision and had asked us to be ready to take photographs outside the courtroom. He added that upon entering the courtroom he quickly took photographs of the chief justice and the courtroom, Bernama reported. Mahayudin said photographers from other media organisations were then also allowed to take photographs. Bernama senior court reporter Jocelyn Ann Dragon described Abdul Hamid as a great jurist who stood firmly by his interpretation of constitutional principles. “He was known for his thoughtful and, at times, candid views on legal and constitutional matters.” Sharing the same view, The Edge Malaysia associate editor Hafiz Yatim said Abdul Hamid was not only a jurist but also a nationalist. “In my view, the late Tun was a deeply religious person. Throughout his life, many of his judgments referred to matters of faith and Islam,” he said, adding that he was also humble and reserved by nature.

o Photographers invited into courtroom for first time by Abdul Hamid in powerful affirmation of transparency

KUALA LUMPUR: On his final day on the bench in 2008, after delivering a landmark judgment in a civil case at the special court set up to hear cases involving royalty, Chief Justice Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad created an unforgettable moment. He invited photographers into the courtroom for the first time, a symbolic gesture that opened the doors of justice to public view and marked a powerful affirmation of transparency at the close of his distinguished career. As a journalist covering the proceedings that day, I sensed the unusual significance of the moment. The sound of camera shutters briefly interrupted the courtroom’s customary silence, underscoring the departure from long-standing practice. In that moment on Oct 15, 2008, I understood that I was not simply reporting a

case but documenting a subtle shift in judicial tradition. It remains vivid in my mind. Following his instruction to call the photographers waiting outside the courtroom to take photographs, they came in and took about three minutes to capture what would become once-in-a-lifetime images. Abdul Hamid passed away at the age of 83 at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital on Thursday. The passing of Abdul Hamid, who served as chief justice from December 2007 to October 2008, is a significant loss to Malaysia’s judiciary and the nation. Mahayudin Mohamad, who was then a Bernama photographer at the Putrajaya Bureau, said he was very excited to be able to capture images inside a courtroom for the first time. He said he was surprised when court police suddenly called him into the courtroom. “Earlier, around noon, Bernama court

Expedite Bill to limit tenure of prime minister: Anwar KUALA LANGAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a Bill limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms or a maximum of 10 years to be expedited and passed at the next parliamentary meeting. others alone. It must apply to me first,” he said after Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Hidayah in Kampung Seri Cheeding, Banting yesterday. Regardless of who is involved, if there are allegations, investigate them transparently and openly. If there is evidence of guilt, prosecute. But do not publicise or punish beforehand.”

The proposal to cap the prime minister’s tenure at two terms is widely seen as part of broader institutional reform efforts to strengthen democratic practice and governance. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had previously said the Bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday. On allegations of misconduct and corruption linked to two key government policies during the tenure of former Economy minister Rafizi Ramli, Anwar said the government remains consistent in addressing governance issues. “Whatever the wrongdoing, whatever the allegation, we must be consistent in our actions.

Anwar said he welcomes any allegation, whether against the government or himself, provided it is backed by evidence and subjected to transparent investigations. He also cautioned the public against being swayed by baseless accusations, especially during Ramadan, which he said should be a time for worship, strengthening ties and forgiveness. Rafizi has denied involvement in an alleged RM2.5 billion corruption case linked to the award of a contract to a company said to be associated with him, believed to refer to the National Energy Transition Roadmap project involving a RM2.5 billion investment by UEM Lestra. – Bernama

He said a decade is sufficient for any prime minister to implement reform agendas and key national policies before making way for new leadership. “Anyone who sincerely wishes to serve the country, I think 10 years is enough. It is adequate to do one’s best and after that, one should be ready to step aside for others to continue the service. If there is a majority consensus among MPs, we can pass it in the next sitting.” Asked whether the limit would apply to himself, Anwar said the law must begin with him. “Yes, it starts with me. I cannot make a law for