07/05/2026

THURSDAY | MAY 7, 2026

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Islamic civilisation proves religion, science can advance together: Queen KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic civilisation has shown that religion and science can go hand-in-hand in the advancement of knowledge, said Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah. Raja Zarith Sofiah said today’s challenge is not only to appreciate the knowledge inherited by modern civilisation but also to renew the environment that enables more meaningful intellectual development in the future. “The Malay world has long benefited from scholars who travelled across regions, and names associated with the (Central Asian) region, such as Maa Waraa’ al-Nahr and Samarkand, are not unfamiliar in its intellectual memory.

Anwar leads delegation to Cebu for 48th Asean Summit CEBU (PHILIPPINES): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be leading the Malaysian delegation to the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings here today. Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony said Asean leaders are expected to discuss the impact of the West Asia conflict on the Southeast Asian region and the bloc’s response towards ensuring regional energy and food security. He said Malaysia’s participation in the event demonstrates its commitment and resolve to strengthening Asean centrality, unity and resilience in an increasingly complex global environment. “The 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings will be an opportunity for Malaysia to share and exchange views on various issues on Asean community building and the way forward.” Abdul Malik said Anwar would be accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Deputy Minister Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah. He said Anwar, upon arrival, would participate in the Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit. “On Friday, he will participate in the 48th Asean Summit, and is expected to have sideline meetings with some of his Asean counterparts.” He said Mohamad would attend the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 31st Asean Political Security Community Council Meeting, 38th Asean Coordinating Council Meeting as well as the Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday. “The Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting is a continuation of the process that was initiated under Malaysia’s chairmanship to ensure coordination between the political-security and economic pillars. “It is an approach that is increasingly relevant in light of evolving regional and global developments,” said Abdul Malik. The Philippines took over the Asean chairmanship from Malaysia on Jan 1. Themed “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the republic during its tenure seeks to steer Asean’s priorities through three pillars – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors and People Empowerment. The Philippines will be hosting over 650 Asean meetings. – Bernama Raja Zarith Sofiah, who is also UTM chancellor, also witnessed the exchange of MoUs between UTM and five agencies in Uzbekistan. Her Majesty also witnessed the handover of 20,000 copies of the Quran from Nasyrul Quran to the Uzbekistan Waqf Board. – Bernama al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi and al-Biruni, we are reminded that this region was once a centre of civilisation where knowledge was pursued with rigour and dignity.” Her Majesty was accompanied at the conference by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Malaysian ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias. She was received by Uzbekistan’s Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Kongratbay Avezimbetovich Sharipov. The royal conference, jointly organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the International Centre of Islamic Civilisation Tashkent, was also attended by Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, UTM Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar and UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.

She said certain aspects of modern world history tend to portray religion and science as being in tension, opposition or even competition. “However, the Islamic tradition reminds us that this is not the path to understanding the development of knowledge. “A civilisation can recognise intellect without separating it from revelation, research can be welcomed without abandoning moral values, and new discoveries can be explored without forgetting wisdom,” she said in a royal address shared via the official Facebook page of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. The address was delivered at the opening of the royal conference “Tradition of Science in Islamic Civilisation: Sources, Potential and Challenges” held at the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Tuesday, in conjunction with Her Majesty’s special visit to the country.

“We live in an age driven by speed, immense technical potential and constant distraction. Information moves rapidly, yet judgement and discernment do not always keep pace. “Institutions may grow larger but not necessarily deeper. Power may increase while clarity of purpose weakens. “The question we face is whether we can recover a vision of knowledge that is intellectually rigorous while remaining firmly grounded in moral values.” In a separate post, Raja Zarith Sofiah said collaboration in education and research between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is vital in building an environment for deeper and more principled intellectual growth. Her Majesty said although the two countries are geographically distant, their connection through the dissemination of knowledge has long existed.

“This reminds us that Islamic civilisation has never belonged to a single people. It has been sustained across regions through travel, transmission, translation, teaching and mutual respect for knowledge.” The Queen said collaboration between Malaysia and Uzbekistan in the conference carries significance beyond administrative matters, reflecting a shared commitment to knowledge preservation and renewal. “This shows that the best way to honour the past is not merely to speak of it from afar but also to build conditions that allow knowledge to continue to flourish. “Uzbekistan is one of the historic homelands of Islamic scholarship. Names associated with this region remain respected and revered across the Muslim world. “When we reflect on figures such as Imam

Malaysians to enjoy Fifa World Cup matches

be organised at selected locations on a modest scale, aimed at encouraging community participation and strengthening fan engagement nationwide. He said several sponsors have been identified and are currently being finalised, with official announcements expected in due course. At the same time, the government has issued a firm warning on piracy, stressing that strict enforcement action would be taken against any illegal distribution of World Cup content. Fahmi expressed hope that the Fifa World Cup 2026 would bring Malaysians together through the shared passion for football, fostering national unity and collective pride in the spirit of sport. He also encouraged the public to download the RTM Klik app via Google Play or the Apple App Store for easier access to live and on-demand coverage. Previously, news reports had highlighted that Fifa’s pricing, estimated at about RM200 million, had been a major stumbling block, with local broadcasters hesitant to commit and no confirmed buyers emerging throughout 2025.

o Two broadcasters appointed official rights holders, ensuring access to coverage of biggest football tournament for fans nationwide, says minister

PETALING JAYA: After months of uncertainty over broadcasting rights and steep pricing, the government has confirmed that Malaysians will get access to the Fifa World Cup 2026 through a mixed free-to-air and digital arrangement involving RTM and Unifi TV. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the two broadcasters have been appointed as official rights holders for Malaysia, ensuring nationwide access to football’s biggest tournament. Speaking at his weekly media conference yesterday, he said matches would be made available via free-to-air television through MyTV Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

as well as over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including RTM Klik and Unifi TV. He said all 104 matches would be broadcast live on Unifi TV while RTM would carry most matches either live or on a delayed basis, widening access for viewers across the country. “The arrangement ensures inclusive and extensive access for football fans across the country. “The Grandstand programme will be produced from Angkasapuri Kota Media, featuring main broadcasts in Bahasa Malaysia and selected segments in English. “Updates will also be shared through RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme.” Fahmi said public viewing events would also

FRIENDLY VISIT ... His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim departing for Moscow yesterday following a special invitation from the Russian Federation to attend the upcoming Victory Day celebrations on Saturday. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE