30/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 30, 2026

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‘King vital pillar of unity, stability’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not only a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty but also a guardian who protects its citizens, safeguards religion and is the mainstay of the country’s stability. In conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 1, the Friday sermon specially reminded all Muslims to uphold proper conduct towards the King and all national leaders and warned against the abuse of freedom of speech on social media. “Indeed, religious and royal institutions form the key foundations that preserve the nation’s sovereignty, the people’s unity and the sanctity of the religion of Islam in this blessed nation. The Rulers are not mere symbols of government but also protect the religion, peace and harmony of the society. “Therefore, preserve decency and respect for the Rulers, leaders and the nation’s institutions with ethical words and moral actions.” The sermon entitled Dirgahayu Tuanku: Amanah Raja, Tanggungjawab Rakyat, prepared by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, was read out by Imam II Hassan Alfadhli Abdul Rahman and broadcast live from Masjid Negara during Friday prayers. The sermon also reminded Muslims that the well-being of a nation could not only be achieved through the strength of the leadership but also the efforts of its citizens. Muslims were reminded that a nation’s destruction does not only result from external threats but usually starts with internal fracture and disrespect of the nation’s identity. “When trust is disregarded, when morals are discarded, when fractures are ignored, those are the signals of the beginning of a nation’s destruction,” the sermon read. It also reminded Muslims to protect the values of civility and courteousness as a strong shield that preserves the sanctity of the religion, race and beloved nation. “Today, let us manifest our love and allegiance by proclaiming Dirgahayu Tuanku .” – Bernama

Madani Book Voucher initiative to continue: PM

should not be measured solely by technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) or semiconductor industry investments. Anwar said the true strength of a Madani nation lies in its culture of knowledge, human values and reading practices “All countries talk about digitalisation, about AI, about what is called new technology. But there is something that should concern us. We do not want to become people who are merely intelligent in specific fields. “We want human beings who are first and foremost elevated as human beings, the beauty of human values.” He said technological and economic development must progress in tandem with the strengthening of values, ethics and human principles. Anwar said the government is indeed placing strong emphasis on the digitalisation agenda, technological transformation and the development of new industries as these sectors are key drivers of the nation’s economic growth and have successfully attracted foreign investment into Malaysia. He cautioned that material progress without the development of a culture of knowledge would cause society to lose its civilisational foundations.

o ‘Students under Education and Higher Education ministries to keep receiving RM100 each for book purchases to strengthen reading culture’

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all students under the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry will continue to receive RM100 each for book purchases under the Madani Book Voucher initiative. Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 yesterday, Anwar said the initiative is part of the government’s continued commitment to strengthening a reading culture and ensuring that education remains a national priority. “This culture of reading has become a challenge in the modern world where many have lost interest in reading and rely on social media. “This is dangerous and does not constitute education or a culture of knowledge.” Anwar added that while the government is managing fiscal constraints, funding for education and knowledge development would not be compromised as reading is a key pillar in building a civilised and knowledge-based society. He urged parents and educators to actively encourage children to read, Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

stressing that books should not merely be purchased and stored but read and engaged with regularly as part of daily learning habits. “Every Friday I go to the mosque and meet children. I often ask: how are school toilets, how are schools functioning and most importantly, have you read a book today? Tonight will you read a book? Half an hour or one hour? And they often agree. “If parents at home monitor and encourage this, imagine a generation that reads daily over the next 10 years. That, to me, is the advantage of a Madani nation – not only external progress but also intellectual depth.” Anwar said the book fair should not be seen as a mere festival but also as a platform that brings together scholars, writers and intellectuals to reflect, absorb and deepen knowledge. “Otherwise, it risks becoming just another festival. Malaysia already has many festivals but this book fair is different. It brings us closer to the importance of knowledge.” He warned that while society is increasingly exposed to vast amounts of information through social media, not all information constitutes knowledge. He stressed that Malaysia’s aspiration to become a developed and civilised nation

Anwar also urged parents and educators to ensure that children read beneficial materials across disciplines including religion, philosophy, science, technology and AI, adding that poor selection of reading materials could negatively influence values and character. Journalists shoulder heavy responsibility, says Anwar PETALING JAYA: Responsible

he said the role of journalists goes beyond merely recording events and serves as a vital voice in upholding truth when society is faced with confusion and speculation. He said every report requires scrutiny, verification and a strong sense of responsibility. He added that public trust is not easily earned but built on honesty, transparency and consistent commitment. “When integrity is upheld as a guiding principle and truth is placed as the highest priority, journalists will continue to stand as a bulwark of credible information. “Ultimately, journalism is not only about reporting the news but also about preserving trust and safeguarding credibility,” Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the media plays a vital role in shaping an informed and mature society while also strengthening unity and the values of Malaysia Madani. He said through writing, visuals, photography and various communication platforms, media practitioners serve as an important bridge between the people and the nation. Ramanan also expressed his appreciation to all media practitioners for their continued support, cooperation and commitment in delivering information to the public. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

reporting is crucial amid information overload and borderless news dissemination to ensure that facts are conveyed accurately, ethically and without affecting social harmony, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In conjunction with National Journalists’ Day yesterday, he said the media’s role extends beyond the mere dissemination of news, stressing that it carries a profound responsibility to uphold truth with integrity, credibility, courage and accountability. “National Journalists’ Day is being observed today as a tribute to journalists and media practitioners who have long served as the voice of the people and as one of the key pillars in strengthening the nation’s democracy. “The role of the media is not only to report news but also shoulder a significant duty to uphold truth with integrity, credibility, courage and a sense of responsibility.” Anwar also expressed hope that journalists and media practitioners would continue to serve as the voice of the people, a check on power and the conscience of the nation. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said journalists must remain at the forefront in safeguarding the integrity of information at a time when slander could spread rapidly and perception could often outweigh reality. In a post on his Facebook page,

Anwar said the role of the media is not only to report news but also shoulder a significant duty to uphold truth with integrity, credibility, courage and a sense of responsibility. – BERNAMAPIC