03/05/2026

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday MAY 3, 2026

10 detained Malaysian flotilla activists released

Give support to older workers, says academic KUALA LUMPUR: The rising number of older Malaysians remaining in the workforce is highlighting gaps in retirement readiness, prompting renewed focus on the need to strengthen support systems in an ageing society. Across the country, more individuals aged 60 and above are staying economically active, with some choosing to remain engaged while many continue working due to financial consideration. This trend reflects a changing landscape where retirement is no longer a fixed endpoint but an increasingly uncertain phase shaped by both opportunity and constraint. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said insufficient savings remain a key factor, particularly among those who spent their careers in informal sectors. “Most older Malaysians continue working because they need the income, not just because they want to stay active,” she said when contacted by Bernama. Malaysia is already transitioning into an ageing society, with those aged 60 and above expected to make up about 15% of the population by 2030, according to the Statistics Department. nurture and rebuild Umno’s strength based on its experience in managing crises and the loyalty of its members. Meanwhile, he also stressed the importance of strengthening party unity as the main basis of strength, and reminded that division would only weaken Umno’s role in the country’s political arena. “A divided party will be easily manipulated and used by external political interests. It will lead the party into an arena that will eventually, bit by bit, marginalise and diminish Umno’s role. “Therefore, in a moment as important as now, there should be no elements who want to pit us against each other,” he said. Commenting on current challenges, Mohamad said Umno needed to address global and digital changes, including producing a professional generation and ensuring the party remained relevant among the younger generation. He also said Umno also needed to manage the reality of a diverse society well and provide future leadership that is credible and of high calibre, besides addressing challenges strategically and openly to prevent the party from being marginalised in the long term. – Bernama

He said changes in voter behaviour, current issues and the political environment demand a more flexible approach that is based on current reality. “Today’s general election is no longer static, the landscape is changing, voters are changing, issues are changing. So our strategy must also change. “Umno’s election strategy is not determined today. Our strategy is determined based on the reality of the moment, when the time comes,” he said in his opening speech at Umno’s 80th Anniversary Convention at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here yesterday. Also present were Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Wanita chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Puteri chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi. Mohamad said in modern politics, flexibility is an important KUALA Ten Malaysian delegates from the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), who were detained in international waters near the Greek island of Crete on Thursday, have been released at the port of Lerapetra in Crete. SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the 10 were among 175 humanitarian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) transported to Heraklion Airport in buses provided by the Greek authorities. He also noted that SNCC has been informed that the Turkish government has provided a 160-seat aircraft to repatriate 20 of its own citizens, while also offering seats to any GSF activists who wish to join the flight. LUMPUR: Group among 175 expected to take flight from Greece to Istanbul amid claims of abuse, says SNCC

Israel mission participants in international waters. He said the government viewed the incident with serious concern, describing Israel’s action as a breach of humanitarian principles and international law. Anwar said efforts had been stepped up on the diplomatic front, with the Foreign Ministry and friendly nations being contacted to find an immediate solution. “We are doing our best. I have already contacted the Foreign Ministry and we are contacting friendly countries. Whichever ones I can contact, I will contact, InsyaAllah ,” he said. The 10 Malaysians detained on Thursday are Zainal Rashid Ahmad onboard Arkham III ; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin ( Eros 1 ); Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani ( Bianca BCN ), Mohd Redzal Amzah ( Freia ); detained

He further noted that the decision on whether the 10 Malaysian activists will continue their mission or return home depends on their health status and the current consensus between SNCC and GSF. Meanwhile, he said SNCC urges Malaysians and the international community to keep up the pressure and demand the release of Thiago and Saif. He also called on Malaysians to continue raising their voices in support of a free Gaza and Palestine, while urging the Muslims to perform special prayers ( solat hajat and Qunut Nazilah ), and to step up the dissemination of verified information and advocacy efforts both at home and abroad. The GSF 2.0 mission is an international maritime coalition and global mobilisation movement committed to breaking the blockade on Gaza, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the safety of Malaysians taking part in the GSF 2.0 is the government’s top priority, after

“The flight is expected to depart from Heraklion Airport at 10.15pm and arrive at Istanbul International Airport at 11.45pm, both in Malaysian time,” he told a press conference here on Friday night. He confirmed that the 10 released Malaysian activists have accepted the offer and will fly to Istanbul. Sani Araby said that SNCC received reports that activists faced provocation and physical attacks during their detention. They were also forced into uncomfortable conditions, leading to violent incidents that resulted in injuries to several participants. He added that two members of GSF’s main steering committee, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila, remain in Israeli custody, believed to be an attempt to threaten and cripple the mission. Sani Araby said SNCC has been in contact with the Foreign Ministry to coordinate travel arrangements for the Malaysian activists from Greece to Istanbul, Bernama reported. “Three SNCC representatives are already in Istanbul for management and assessment,” he said.