08/03/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday MAR 8, 2026

Only simple letter needed to rejoin Umno: VP

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is supportive of Indonesia’s efforts to ban access to high-risk digital platforms for children under the age of 16 starting March 28. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move aligns with ongoing discussions between the two countries to ensure a safer internet. “I truly welcome the efforts by Meutya Hafid, my counterpart in Indonesia. We have long discussed how we must work together to ensure the internet is safer for our respective citizens, especially among children. “I feel this is a timely and positive step by the Indonesian government, and certainly on Malaysia’s part, we are ready to share experiences, techniques and regulatory aspects that could potentially benefit Indonesia,” he told reporters on Friday after attending an iftar and Aidilfitri contribution event with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). Earlier, reports from Jakarta stated that Meutya announced starting from the implementation date, social media accounts belonging to children under 16 on high-risk platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox, would begin to be deactivated. Fahmi also said cooperation regarding digital safety in the region has been strengthened since last year through a consensus among Asean member states. He added that during the 47th Asean Summit held last October, communications ministers adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration to create a safer social media domain. “Communications ministers across Southeast Asia have agreed that we need to look at how each Asean country views, evaluates and implements measures to guarantee user safety.” However, he said not all Southeast Asian countries share the same intent in implementing such measures, but described the development as a good start toward strengthening user safety in the digital space. Regarding the event, Fahmi said TNB presented a RM10,000 contribution to the Madrasah Tarbiah Islamiah at Putra Ria Apartment, as well as RM150 in Hari Raya Aidilfitri preparations assistance to 100 recipients. Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said his office is providing ambulance services at a rate of RM1 for local residents through a partnership with an NGO. “I am collaborating with an NGO to provide 10 ambulances specifically for Lembah Pantai residents at a price of only RM1. “This NGO is managed by the Pertubuhan Amal Uncle Kentang Malaysia and bookings can be made through surau committees, mosque committees or residential representative councils.” – Bernama M’sia lauds Indonesian digital ban for under-16s

‘Ex-members wishing to return merely need to submit intent in writing’

“There is room for everyone,“ he replied briefly to a question from theSun . He was asked whether Ahmad Zahid’s statement meant that ex-Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, as well as former party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein would be welcome back to the fold. However, Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam said the invitation does not guarantee Khairy and Hishammuddin’s return. “I don’t think so. It must be understood that when the party president said ‘without conditions’, it does not mean the party will accept them unconditionally. Rather, those applying to return must do so sincerely and without imposing any conditions, such as requesting positions or demanding to be made election candidates.” Khairy, who made a surprise return to the Umno Youth Annual General Assembly in January this year, had on Friday hinted at a comeback to the party since his sacking in January 2023 for breaching party discipline. In a video from the Keluar Sekejap podcast, which he hosts with fellow former Umno leader Shahril Hamdan, Khairy said he had long expressed his intention to rejoin Umno. “The statement has already been made by (Umno president) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This is also related to our own personal stance. “Perhaps, Shahril (you have) your own position and I have mine. But when such an invitation is extended, I have long said that I wish to return to Umno. “I see this as a positive development and a sincere opportunity for me personally,” Khairy said during the podcast. However, Hishammuddin, who was suspended for six years by Umno in January 2023, said he would not appeal his suspension. Ahmad Zahid mooted the Umno Rumah Bangsa initiative during the last party general assembly as part of efforts to restore Malay political unity.

their intention to rejoin,” he told theSun . He was asked to comment on a statement made on Friday by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the party is opening its doors to former members who were expelled or suspended, as well as individuals wishing to help fight for Umno’s cause. Ahmad Zahid said in the spirit of Ramadan, a period associated with mercy and forgiveness, past differences and mistakes would be set aside to begin a new chapter in strengthening Umno’s extended political family. “May Allah ease this effort and may it become a point of unity that strengthens the party as it continues its struggle for religion, race and the nation, while ensuring a better future for the public and country.” Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh said the invitation is not limited to former party leaders.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: A letter expressing intention to return is all that is required for former members to rejoin Umno, said party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Mohamed Khaled, who chairs Umno’s Rumah Bangsa Committee, said the party remains open to receiving applications from former members. “Umno has clarified that anyone wishing to return to the party may submit an application to do so, provided they formally notify the party in writing of

Ahmad Zahid on Friday said Umno is opening its doors to former members who were expelled or suspended, as well as individuals wishing to help fight for the party’s cause. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Ramadan programme benefits over 1,300 Armed Forces personnel KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,350 Armed Forces personnel and their families were included in the Mahabbah Wira Ramadan programme organised by the Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera at three locations on the East Coast. annual event. In the line of duty, many of our soldiers, sailors and airmen are unable to observe Ramadan or celebrate Syawal in the way most Malaysians do. “At the final stop in Kuantan, about 550 navy personnel gathered at Dewan Al-Haimi at the Tanjung Gelang Naval Base, where bubur lambuk was symbolically handed to the KD Perkasa commanding officer as a token of appreciation to the personnel guarding Malaysian waters.”

“While the nation celebrates, they remain at their posts. That is why (we) go to them, no matter the distance or terrain. Their dedication knows no limits, and their sacrifices form the backbone of our peace and sovereignty.” The statement said in Tanah Merah, board leaders also visited the Renap Border Operations Post with 8th Brigade commander Brig-Jen Mohamad Nizam Abdul Manap to visit personnel guarding the northern borders from threats and illegal activities. “More than 400 personnel and their families attended the iftar event there, with bubur lambuk prepared by board volunteers and camp staff. The programme then moved to the Gong Kedak Air Base, home to the Su-30MKM “Toruk Makto” fighter jets, where board volunteers engaged with more than 400 personnel responsible for maintaining the nation’s air defence readiness.

The board said in a statement on Friday the initiative involved iftar gatherings, bubur lambuk distribution and welfare support for Army, Air Force and Navy personnel in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. The three-day programme, led by the board’s Jalinan Wira volunteer team, began on March 2 at the 1st Border Regiment, Kem Batu 11 in Tanah Merah and continued on March 3 at the Gong Kedak Air Base in Jerteh, concluding on March 4 at the Tanjung Gelang Naval Base in Kuantan. Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera chief executive Mohammad Ashraf Md Radzi said the initiative was aimed at recognising the sacrifices of service members who often remain on duty during Ramadan and Syawal. “Mahabbah Wira Ramadan is not just an

The statement added that as part of its holistic welfare commitment, the board contributed RM20,400 to 68 families across the three locations, including asnaf families, the chronically ill and persons with disabilities,” “(The board) also conducted its Financial Literacy and Contributors Benefit Briefing programme at the three locations to guide personnel on financial management, social protection and retirement planning. “Since its introduction in December 2023, the programme has reached more than 55,000 Armed Forces personnel, in line with the board’s strategic roadmap 2026-2030 and the Madani Economy agenda, equipping contributors with knowledge to ensure long-term financial well-being.” – Bernama