18/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 18, 2026

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Leaders should not act impulsively, says Sultan Nazrin PUTRAJAYA: It would be unfortunate for a country if its leaders choose to act impulsively, react emotionally and proceed recklessly based on personal feelings and emotional influences, said Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah. Sultan Nazrin added that a great nation is not one that only takes pride in past achievements but also draws lessons from them to build a brighter future.

He said sacrifice has been the fundamental factor behind every great success, the readiness to leave behind comfort, endure hardship and face difficulties in pursuit of a nobler objective. “Struggle becomes meaningless without sacrifice. Sacrifice is not merely accepting the loss of something we cherish but the willingness to place a greater interest above personal interest. Sacrifice demands courage, perseverance and sincerity.” Sultan Nazrin expressed concern over the diminishing spirit of sacrifice within the ummah . “The Muslim community must be made to understand the value of sacrifice, be instilled with the spirit of willingness to sacrifice and make sacrifice a way of life for the continuity of the nation in facing the increasingly challenging storms and waves of the world.” He highlighted the importance of unity, drawing inspiration from the Medina Charter, which successfully united people of diverse races and religions through tolerance and just, wise leadership. “Clearly, the success of a nation depends greatly on the willingness of its people to cooperate, respect one another and live harmoniously despite differences in ethnicity, culture and religion, while being under the stewardship of a just and wise government. “The celebration of Maal Hijrah should serve as a moment for self-reflection, reviewing past mistakes with the intention

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians may be living longer but not necessarily ageing better, and experts are warning that the country’s window to prepare for an ageing society is closing fast. Universiti Teknologi Mara gerontologist and senior lecturer Dr Nur Amalina Aziz said more than a decade after the National Policy for Older Persons was introduced in 2011, Malaysia still lacks a dedicated law to protect seniors, making long-delayed reforms such as the Senior Citizens Bill increasingly urgent. She said Malaysia could no longer afford to delay the proposed legislation as the population is ageing fast, with only 14.7% of old persons considered to be ageing well. “This is critical as Malaysia faces numerous challenges, including poor health outcomes, limited economic opportunities, vulnerability to climate change and the absence of specific legislation to protect old persons from neglect and abuse.” Amalina said the 14.7% figure for those ageing well paints a worrying picture of the health trajectory of senior Malaysians, especially as more people are living beyond their 60s, with many expected to live at least another 10 years. “Drawing on our previous work with the Asem Ageing Global Centre, a human rights-based approach should form the Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com His Royal Highness said leaders who make hasty decisions without careful thought and prioritise short-term interests would ultimately cause harm, the consequences of which must later be borne at great cost by innocent citizens. “The calmness, openness and cautiousness of leaders in making decisions based on well-informed judgements are crucial,” said Sultan Nazrin at the National Level Maal Hijrah 1448 celebration held yesterday at the Putra Mosque. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. Themed Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati , the celebration drew about 5,000 attendees. Sultan Nazrin said every leader should learn from the Hijrah event, which demonstrated the importance of strategic planning. He pointed out the example of Prophet Muhammad appointing Abdullah Uraiqit, who was not a Muslim at the time, as a guide due to his trustworthiness, knowledge of desert routes and reliability. “This story serves as an example that Islam recognises a person’s expertise, integrity and trustworthiness without prejudice towards his religious background, provided he does not harm Muslims.”

Sultan Nazrin with (from left) Fadillah, the recipients of the Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah award Prof Datuk Dr Osman Bakar and Dr Ahmad Al-Raysuni as well as Zulkifli at the event in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

of awakening awareness and reminding humanity of its heedlessness at a time when people risk becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the tides of worldly life.” – Bernama

PM highlights new areas of cooperation with Tatarstan

Senior Citizens Bill urgently needed: Academic

Ű THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outlined new avenues of cooperation between Malaysia and Tatarstan following high-level discussions in Kazan, with a focus on energy, trade, the halal industry and the digital economy. In a post on his Facebook page after his arrival in the Russian city yesterday, Anwar said he met Tatarstan Rais (head) Rustam Minnikhanov to exchange views on bilateral relations and explore areas of mutual benefit. Anwar said discussions with Minnikhanov covered a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, education, tourism, the halal industry, technology and talent development. “The energy sector was also a key focus, given Tatarstan’s position as one of the Russian Federation’s major oil-producing regions. We see significant potential for cooperation in the oil and gas industry, including downstream activities, refining and petrochemicals.” Anwar also congratulated Kazan on being named the Islamic World Cultural Capital 2026 by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, describing it as recognition of the city’s role as a centre of Islamic scholarship, culture and innovation. “We also discussed the role of the Kazan Forum in strengthening business ties, while creating new opportunities in innovation, the digital economy and strategic investments.” Anwar expressed hope that the engagement would further strengthen Malaysia–Tatarstan relations and deliver tangible benefits to both economies and their peoples. He further expressed appreciation for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative in establishing the Strategic Vision Group, which he said serves as a bridge between Russia and the Islamic world. Anwar is in Kazan for a two-day working visit to the capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan to attend the Asean–Russia Commemorative Summit, which ends today. He was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

o Malaysia can no longer afford to delay proposed legislation as population ageing fast, with only 14.7% of elderly individuals considered to be in good stead

(2026–2030) reflects the government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of the elderly through healthcare, social protection reforms, retirement planning and expanded community participation via senior citizens activity centres. She said the plan also strengthens housing support, including improved social protection, affordable and sustainable housing schemes as well as greener living environments. “When the voices of old persons are not heard and their rights are overlooked, they risk losing the opportunity to live a dignified, secure and meaningful life.” In May, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said it was aiming to table the Senior Citizens Bill at the next Parliament sitting, with Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri saying its progress is subject to final procedural approval and further review by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). She had said the draft legislation was in place but required inter-ministerial coordination and additional input from the AGC, with tabling expected within the next six months if all processes are completed.

foundation of the proposed Senior Citizens Bill. “The approach, based on a framework developed by elder law expert Bridget Lewis and the UN Principles for Older Persons, provides clear standards for protecting the rights and wellbeing of old persons while improving coordination across ageing-related policies.” She said while implementation is important, it must be accompanied by comprehensive measures to address existing gaps that have resulted in the inadequate protection of human rights of elderly persons. “Without such measures, the law may not fully meet the basic needs of old persons, including their health, economic and social needs. “Lessons can be learned from Japan, which became a super-ageing society in 2006, where various initiatives have been introduced to ensure that the basic needs of old persons are met.” She said the Senior Citizens Bill is now more urgent than ever, with aged persons expected to make up over 14% of the population by 2043. Amalina said the 13th Malaysia Plan