02/06/2026

TUESDAY | JUNE 2, 2026

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Anwar thanks Sultan Ibrahim for patronage and wisdom KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday conveyed highest appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, for his patronage and wisdom in guiding the nation under the principles of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. He said under His Majesty’s patronage, the Madani government continues to move forward with dedication and confidence in carrying out its responsibilities to govern the country. He also said the government remains strong through the loyalty and unity of Malaysians, who continue to uphold the spirit and determination to build the nation despite various challenges, including racial divisions. “It is this wisdom inherited from our forefathers and independence fighters that gave rise to the Constitution, which provides for a system that justifies the existence of the monarchy as the protector of Islam while guaranteeing justice and equality for all citizens,” he said during his speech at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara yesterday. Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, also graced the ceremony. Among those present were Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cabinet members, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and members of the diplomatic corps. Anwar said the government would continue its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law, in line with Sultan Ibrahim’s emphasis on good governance and curbing the concentration of wealth among a select few. “The government remains committed to implementing fair policies and ensuring equitable distribution across all states and regions, particularly for the poor and marginalised.” Touching on global uncertainties, including economic pressures, climate change, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and increasingly complex regional geopolitical developments, he said the government continues to undertake various measures to safeguard national stability and ease the burden on the public. He added that navigating the country through these challenges requires prudent policymaking and effective measures aimed at maintaining stability while mitigating the impact on ordinary Malaysians. “Among the initiatives introduced are prudent spending measures, the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy mechanism and the Budi Madani programme.” He also said targeted assistance programmes would continue to be refined, alongside efforts to strengthen the social safety net and address rising living costs in a prudent manner to ensure greater stability and wellbeing for the public. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the country’s economy continues to record encouraging growth, supported by rising investments and low unemployment, strengthening foreign investor confidence despite global headwinds. “Prudent fiscal reforms, the empowerment of SMEs and the digital transformation agenda have created new opportunities and quality jobs, particularly for the younger generation.” He expressed gratitude for Sultan Ibrahim’s reign, describing His Majesty as a symbol of unity and national dignity. He also prayed for Their Majesties and members of the royal family to be blessed with good health, wellbeing and continued wisdom in carrying out their duties. “The people will continue to pledge their unwavering loyalty to His Majesty and strengthen their collective resolve and efforts towards the nation’s progress and prosperity.” The investiture ceremony marked the third time Sultan Ibrahim conferred federal awards, honours and medals since he was installed as king on July 20, 2024. – Bernama

Chief Justice receives ‘Tun’ title, tops royal awards list o Total of 144 honoured during King’s official birthday The King and Queen pose for a photograph with recipients of royal honours. Also present are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Tun Wan Ahmad Farid. – BERNAMAPIC

Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Mohd Sakeri Abdul Kadir, Kuala Lumpur Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department head Dr Kok Tuck Choon, National Unity and Integration Department

KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh ( pic) headed the list of 144 recipients of Federal Awards, Medals and Honours conferred in conjunction with the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara yesterday. Wan Ahmad Farid, 63, who was appointed the country’s 17th chief justice on July 28 last year, was the sole recipient of the Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota, which carries the title “Tun”. Sultan Ibrahim conferred the 2026 Federal Awards, Medals and Honours at the investiture ceremony, which Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, also attended. National track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang was conferred the Darjah Bakti, the country’s highest honour, for his outstanding achievement and contributions to cycling and for elevating Malaysia’s standing on the world stage, Bernama reported. The Darjah Panglima Mangku Negara, carrying the title “Tan Sri”, was awarded to Defence Forces Chief Jen Datuk Seri Malek Razak Sulaiman, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Dr Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman. Meanwhile, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Army Chief Jen Datuk Azhan Md Othman were among five individuals conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award, which also carries the title “Tan Sri”. Air Force Chief Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris and Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim

Johor trustee Datuk Avinderjit Singh Harjit Singh were also awarded the PSM. Ten individuals were awarded the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), which carries the title “Datuk”, including Court of Appeal Judge Leonard David Shim, Higher Education Ministry secretary general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Majlis Amanah Rakyat director-general

director-general Zulkifli Hashim and Selayang Hospital Head of Department and consultant paediatrician Dr Tang Swee Ping. Eleven individuals were conferred the Johan Setia Mahkota award, including Air Accident Investigation Bureau chief inspector at the Transport Ministry Brig-Jen Tan Chee Kee, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry deputy director-general of Enforcement (Operations) Shamsul Nizam Khalil

and Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital consultant radiologist Dr Laili Suriani Ab Latip. Foreign Ministry Policy Planning and Coordination Department director-general Datuk Shariffah Norhana Syed Mustaffa was among the recipients of the Darjah Johan Setia Diraja, while former national mixed doubles badminton player and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Goh Liu Ying was among 10 recipients of the Kesatria Mangku Negara. The Bintang Kesatria Setia Diraja was also awarded to aide-de-camp to the Sultan of Johor Kol Sheikh Ali Ahmad and aide-de-camp to the Permaisuri of Johor DSP Liyana Mohd Toff. A total of 28 individuals were awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara, while 42 received the Pingat Pangkuan Negara and 15 were conferred the Pingat Bentara Setia Diraja. In total, 144 individuals were conferred Federal Awards, Honours and Medals for 2026 in conjunction with this year’s official birthday celebrations. expressed hope that His Majesty would continue guiding the nation with wisdom, fairness and prudence. Closer to home, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail addressed a brief but heartfelt tribute to his father. “ Allah Peliharakan Sultan. Tuanku,”he wrote on his Facebook page. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi extended his congratulations on behalf of Bangsa Johor, praying for Allah’s protection and blessings upon the King and the state. – Bernama

Datuk Zulfikri Osman and Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. Also among the PJN recipients were Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari, women and community activist Datuk Rugayah Abdul Majid, Mranti Corporation Sdn Bhd chairman Prof Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman, Telekom Malaysia Group managing director and CEO Amar Huzaimi Md Deris and Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Teo Chee Yow. Three individuals were awarded the Panglima Setia Diraja, which also carries the title “Datuk”, namely Malaysia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, the King’s senior private secretary Datuk Jaba Mohd Noah and the King’s Royal Malaysian Air Force aide-de-camp Brig-Jen Datuk Amrul Yacob. Meanwhile, 12 individuals were conferred the Darjah Johan Mangku Negara, including

Johor Regent, PM and state MB congratulate His Majesty KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim led the nation in extending congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, yesterday in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday celebration. continue to reign with justice and wisdom, upholding the highest office under the Federal Constitution in his role as protector of Islam and a symbol of national unity.

“I, and the rakyat , will continue to express our unwavering loyalty to the constitutional monarchy. Long live Your Majesty.” Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also took to Facebook to offer his congratulations, praying that the King and the royal family be granted continued good health and remain under divine protection. He

In a Facebook post yesterday, Anwar said the Madani government and all Malaysians join him in praying for the wellbeing of His Majesty, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, and the entire royal family – wishing them good health, longevity and continued divine blessings. He expressed hope that His Majesty would