14/06/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JUNE 14, 2026 Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan inspiration for students: Academic

celebrations, and he is also comfortable playing together with school communities whenever he attends educational programmes, including visits to our school.” On Thursday, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir proclaimed Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin, his second son, as Tunku Panglima Besar in a ceremony at Balairong Seri, Istana Besar Seri Menanti. Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin, 44, born in 1982, is known as an advocate of constitutional restoration and institutional reform in Malaysia, committed to building a just and equitable nation. – Bernama ‘Global ties, stability ensure nation’s energy security’ SIPITANG: Malaysia’s strong international relations and political stability have enabled the country to secure continued access to oil and gas supplies despite growing uncertainty arising from the global energy crisis, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia’s prudent diplomatic approach had allowed countries such as Russia and Turkmenistan to regard Malaysia as a close and trusted partner. Recounting his recent official visit to Turkmenistan, Anwar said its leadership had expressed willingness to collaborate with Malaysia through Petronas in operating one of the world’s largest gas fields. “Our country maintains friendly relations with all nations, including the United States and China. At the same time, our domestic political situation remains stable, without upheaval or racial discord,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sabah Southern Madani Link project yesterday. Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. Anwar said political stability is key to enabling the government to focus on its development agenda while continuing to attract foreign investments. “That is why I have continued to support Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. We have had enough disputes over many issues but the country’s politics must remain stable because without stability, investors will not come.” He said the situation in the Middle East had forced several countries, including some Asean members, to take drastic measures, including closing about 400 petrol stations due to supply shortages. “We are grateful that despite these circumstances, fuel prices remain low in Malaysia, with RON95 at RM1.99 per litre.” – Bernama

inspires students to develop holistically, not only by focusing on examinations but also by nurturing artistic talents. “His rearrangement of the Negeri Sembilan state anthem is a remarkable work. “I often share this story with students to show how royal artistry and talent can elevate the identity of our state.” Nor Hayati said his interest in music also serves as a medium that bridges the gap between the palace and the people, highlighting his approachable personality. “Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin often plays the piano before the public during his father’s birthday

He said the relationship between the royal institution and the higher education sector has always been close, rooted in a shared commitment to knowledge development and public welfare. Meanwhile, SMK Tunku Ampuan Najihah@Noghori Arts School former principal Nor Hayati Abdul Rahman described Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin as an exemplary education-minded leader who combined academic excellence with artistic talent. “He proves that academics and creativity can go hand in hand. As a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and a talented pianist, he

including through initiatives such as the Jaulah Sukarelawan Usim Living Lab 3.0 programme, which reaches out to the homeless and urban poor. “I believe the proclamation will further strengthen his role as a source of inspiration for students to become graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ethical, caring and ready to serve society.” Mohd Faizal said Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin is also known for his humility, approachable personality and concern for community needs, including for persons with disabilities, as reflected in the collaboration between the Ideas Autism Centre and Usim.

SEREMBAN: The proclamation of Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz as Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan augurs well for education, youth development and community affairs. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) Strategic Communications Centre director Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Faizal Kasmani said Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin, as Usim pro-chancellor since December 2024, had shown a strong commitment to the holistic development of students. “His involvement in various community activities has been a great source of inspiration for the university community to engage more closely with society,

Counter hatred with wisdom, not anger: PM

‘Although Malaysia often cited as example of harmonious multicultural society, it is not immune to challenges posed by racial, religious sentiments’

He said he had also emphasised the importance of values, manners and scholarly traditions passed down by scholars and religious leaders to enable them to continue to be strengthened to guide society in facing the increasingly complex challenges of the world. Anwar said Malaysia is also ready to explore avenues for cooperation that could benefit Muslims and the global community, especially in expanding education, strengthening the understanding of Islam and developing a society grounded in knowledge and human values. “Hopefully, efforts like this can continue to nurture a culture of knowledge, strengthen understanding among communities and project the true face of Islam, which is a religion that brings mercy, justice and kindness to all humanity.”

KUALA LUMPUR: The best approach to deal with hateful and racial sentiments is not through anger but patience, wisdom and good morals, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said although Malaysia is often cited as an example of a harmonious multicultural society, it is not immune to challenges such as racial sentiments and hatred based on religion and race. “Managing a plural society is not an easy task, what more in an environment where one has to face various challenges and differences of opinion. “However, I believe that mutual respect, moderation and understanding

among communities are important foundations for ensuring the stability and progress of the country,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Anwar said he had spent time meeting and exchanging views with religious leaders and scholars on the sidelines of the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders earlier yesterday, Bernama reported. “When faced with incidents of Quran burning, for example, Malaysia chose to respond positively by expanding efforts to print and distribute a million copies of the Quran along with translations in various languages.”

COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH ... Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil chatting with senior citizen Hussin Tahir during a Ziarah Kasih programme at Kampung Simpai, Gunung Pasir, Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC