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Continue prioritising wellbeing of people, Sultan Sharafuddin urges state govt KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the state government to continue prioritising the wellbeing of the people. Enhancement Package, which was formulated to assist the people and business sector affected by the crisis in West Asia. provide targeted assistance to those most affected.

Perkhidmatan Cemerlang Selangor medals. In addition, 87 individuals received Pingat Jasa Kebaktian while 16 recipients were awarded Pingat Perkhidmatan Selangor medals. The second day of the investiture ceremony was held at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz, with the recipients coming from the districts of Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Sepang. – Bernama

On April 16, Amirudin launched Phase 1 of the resilience package involving an allocation of RM130.42 million as an immediate and medium term measure to help the people and industries cope with the global energy crisis. Among others, the package aims to strengthen food security, reduce the cost of living and curb excessive inflation. He said it also seeks to encourage greater use of public transport and

Meanwhile, the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah conferred medals on 151 recipients on Thursday in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebration of Sultan Sharafuddin. At the ceremony, one recipient was awarded the Pingat Kecemerlangan Sukan Selangor while 21 individuals received Pingat Pekerti Terpilih and 26 others were conferred the Pingat

“May His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor and Her Royal Highness the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor continue to be blessed with good health, wisdom, guidance and strength, and remain enthroned in sovereignty and dignity over the state of Selangor,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the Sultan conveyed the matter when granting an audience to him and Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar at Istana Alam Shah in Klang. Amirudin said he also presented updates on the Selangor Resilience

Monarchy not symbolic: Royal Council member KUALA LUMPUR: Constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy are complementary systems that ensure political stability, balance of power and continued safeguarding of the people’s interests, said Selangor Royal Council member Datuk Salehuddin Saidin. He said Malaysia’s system shows that the monarchy is not merely symbolic or ceremonial but central to the country’s system of administration and governance. He said the Federal Constitution provides that the executive authority of the Federation is vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the supreme head of state, and is then exercised by the Cabinet and the prime minister in accordance with Article 39 of the Constitution. “Many see the role of the monarchy as merely ceremonial whereas the Constitution clearly indicates that the institution carries significant responsibility in ensuring the smooth functioning of the country’s administration.” He said parliamentary democracy allows people to elect their leaders through a democratic process, while the monarchy acts as a check-and-balance on government actions. Salehuddin said the role of the monarchy is not limited to appointing the prime minister, mentris besar or dissolving Parliament and state legislative assemblies but also includes safeguarding national unity and harmony. “In matters involving the interests of the people, social unity and national stability, the monarch’s voice and counsel are crucial in ensuring that the government consistently takes the people’s welfare into account.” He said although the Yang di-Pertuan Agong acts on advice as provided under Article 40 of the Constitution, the monarchy still has a responsibility to advise and caution the government in the interest of the people. He added that in certain situations, such as racial tensions or issues that could jeopardise social harmony, the monarchy plays a key role in easing tensions and ensuring that the government takes appropriate action. “Monarchs do not serve the interests of any single community but stand above all and represent everyone regardless of background, ensuring peace in the country is maintained.” He said the monarchy’s constitutional significance is also reflected in Article 159(5) of the Constitution, which requires the consent of the Conference of Rulers for any amendment to key provisions of the Constitution. Salehuddin said the existence of such provisions shows that the monarchy is pivotal in safeguarding the country’s core foundations and is not merely a “rubber stamp”. He said the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong became evident when Malaysia faced a hung Parliament after the 15th general election. He said His Majesty’s wise counsel in advising in the formation of the Unity government helped ensure political stability. – Bernama

‘Global Sumud Flotilla missions carry great risks’

o Humanitarian aid efforts should be channelled through more secure, officially recognised international platforms to ensure safety of activists, says MCCF chief

diplomatic protection and official access to conflict areas. Meanwhile, Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby told Bernama that the 29 Malaysians detained by Israeli forces have been released, with the group expected to return home tomorrow. The 29 are among 428 activists aboard the GSF 2.0 that were detained in international waters. “All 428 flotilla activists are being transferred by bus to Ramon Airport and are expected to travel to Istanbul on three special Turkish government-sponsored flights. “The SNCC has been informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had dispatched the aircraft to Ramon Airport located in Israeli territory. Countries including Turkiye, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Australia and Portugal as well as the OIC, UN and European Union, condemned the detention of the activists. “The global response to the incident is not limited to condemnation but also includes international

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

indeed not equipped with firearms. “In fact, participants involved in GSF missions are also not allowed to be former policemen or military personnel. “In reality, participation in such a mission represents an ‘extremely courageous act’. Everyone is aware of how cruel and aggressive the actions of the Israeli military have been, to the extent that they continue to ignore warnings and condemnations from bodies such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation. “Various diplomatic and international pressures have been exerted, yet until today no truly effective and firm action has been successfully imposed against Israel.” Halim said all Malaysian NGOs, volunteers and activists who wish to provide assistance to Gaza should consider using safer and recognised international platforms. “This could be done through humanitarian agencies under the UN, such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as a coalition of international humanitarian NGOs that have

KUALA Malaysian Community Care Foundation (MCCF) has cautioned Malaysian activists about the risks involved in taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) missions. Its founder and chairman Datuk Seri Halim Ishak told theSun that the spirit of solidarity with Palestine should not be translated into actions that could expose Malaysians to the risks of armed conflict, detention or cross-border security threats without appropriate diplomatic protection. “MCCF respects the spirit of struggle and the concern of the Malaysian people toward the suffering of the Palestinian people. “However, MCCF believes that any humanitarian aid mission should be channelled through a more secure, organised and officially recognised international platform to ensure the safety of activists and the effectiveness of aid delivery.” Halim pointed out that the privately operated vessels under GSF missions are LUMPUR: The

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pressure in the form of potential economic and diplomatic sanctions, legal action, issuance of warrants and diplomatic notes against Israel.”

CARING COUPLE ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail speaking to patients during a visit to Kuala Lumpur Hospital yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE