24/06/2026

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 24, 2026

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PH names 56 candidates for Johor election

Digital accessibility not an option but necessity: Minister

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Digital accessibility should be a baseline expectation rather than a feature bolted on as an afterthought, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, urging Malaysia to make inclusion a central pillar of its digital transformation agenda. Speaking at the Global Accessibility Awareness Day celebration at the Malaysian Association for the Blind yesterday, Gobind said accessibility must be embedded into digital platforms and services from the ground up, not retrofitted once systems are already in place. “As Malaysia advances towards becoming a digitally driven nation, we must recognise that accessibility is no longer confined to physical infrastructure alone,” he said, noting that while ramps, tactile paths and accessible public facilities remain necessary, true inclusion in the digital age demands considerably more. Access to education, employment, healthcare, banking, transport and public services hinges increasingly on access to digital technology, making digital accessibility not just a technical consideration but also a fundamental prerequisite for participation in modern society, he said. Gobind cited figures showing that the number of registered persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Malaysia has grown from 736,607 in 2023 to 843,759 as of May, among them 69,322 individuals who are blind or visually impaired. He acknowledged that many more remain unregistered, suggesting that the actual number is likely higher. He said for those who are blind or visually impaired, the accessibility of digital tools could determine whether they are able to study, seek employment, access government services or manage their finances. When websites cannot be read by screen-reading software, when documents are formatted inaccessibly or when mobile apps lack proper navigation support, the result is a set of unnecessary barriers that shut people out of opportunities others take for granted. Gobind acknowledged that while Malaysia has made notable strides in expanding digital infrastructure, accessibility remains an area in need of sustained attention. He said accessibility features are too frequently only considered after systems have been built, leaving persistent gaps across websites, applications, educational platforms and workplace tools. He also said this approach must change and accessibility standards need to be mainstreamed across all levels of government and woven into every policy, service and digital programme. Agencies under the Digital Ministry, including the National Digital Department, the National Artificial Intelligence Office and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, are working to strengthen those standards and encourage more inclusive innovation. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, smart glasses, screen readers, voice-enabled tools and navigation aids, are increasingly opening new doors for people with visual impairments, he added. “Technology is becoming the great equaliser,” he said, arguing that when accessibility is built in from the start, a person should be evaluated on their qualifications, skills and performance, not their disability. Gobind pushed back against employer hesitancy around hiring PwDs, saying modern assistive technologies have made it possible for many workplace tasks to be carried out independently and effectively. He said hiring PwDs is not simply a gesture of corporate goodwill, it is also an investment in talent, diversity of thought and a more productive workforce.

o Coalition victory important for stability in Putrajaya, says Loke

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) unveiled its full slate of 56 candidates for the Johor election on Monday, with prime minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying the contest must be kept strictly between political parties and must not be dragged into matters involving Malay Rulers. The announcement was made at a gathering in Bukit Gambir, Tangkak as the coalition moves to defend its position in the state ahead of polling on July 11. “In a constitutional monarchy, there are boundaries. If there are problems or disagreements, we should resolve them through proper discussions,” said Anwar, urging all parties to avoid actions that could give rise to political misunderstandings. Among the candidates fielded are former Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik, who will contest Puteri Wangsa, and two sitting MPs – Pulai’s Suhaizan Kaiat, placed in Larkin, and Batu Pahat’s Onn Abu Bakar, who will contest Senggarang. PH is also bringing back two former state executive councillors, with Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar defending Semerah and Dzulkefly Ahmad contesting Kota Iskandar. Puteri Wangsa is shaping up as one of the more closely fought seats, with PH, Muda and Parti Bersama Malaysia all having indicated their intention to contest – a multi-cornered battle in a constituency previously held by Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz.

Anwar (centre) posing for a commemorative photo with the election candidates at the announcement ceremony in Bukit Gambir. – BERNAMAPIC

Because it is closely linked to stability in Putrajaya. If we want Anwar to continue as prime minister, we need to win in Johor.” Loke added that Johor has benefited substantially from federal-state cooperation over the past three years, enabling the state to attract significant investments and accelerate development. “Many of the developments taking place in Johor are supported by the federal government. “Without good relations between the two administrations, it would not have been possible to bring in so many investors.” Nomination day is set for Saturday, with early voting on July 7 and polling on July 11.

PH DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the coalition’s lineup balances experience with fresh blood, fielding young candidates and women across its 17 DAP seats, eight of which go to women candidates. The coalition’s youngest candidate is 28 years old. “We believe in women’s leadership and providing opportunities for young leaders,” he said. He framed a PH victory in Johor as vital to the stability of the federal government, arguing that the state and the centre are inextricably linked. “Why is victory in Johor important? deputy chairman and

Perikatan confirms two new component parties PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has admitted Parti Pejuang Tanah Air and Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) as new component parties, bolstering the opposition coalition’s ranks just days before nomination day for the Johor election. “The council agreed to approve the applications by Pejuang and PCM to join PN.” Pejuang, led by former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, brings with it a notable political lineage, while PCM’s inclusion further widens PN’s multiparty tent ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested state election. Conspicuously absent from the night’s discussions was the status of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, a question that looms large over the coalition’s internal cohesion. Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed that the matter was not raised. “It was not discussed. The focus was only on new party membership,” he said briefly before leaving the venue.

PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar confirmed that the decision was reached during a two-hour supreme council meeting on Monday night, during which only two items were on the agenda, namely party membership and seat allocations for the Johor polls.

Ahmad Samsuri said negotiations on seat distribution among component parties would continue yesterday, with the coalition aiming to finalise allocations before nomination day this Saturday.

The omission drew attention given lingering speculation over Bersatu’s standing within PN, with no resolution in sight ahead of the election. – BY THESUN TEAM

‘Trade unions must proactively grow membership’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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also as an enduring platform for worker protection, conflict prevention and labour movement development. He said the country had 786 registered trade unions with over 1.06 million members as of the end of 2024, and urged unions to take the first step in engaging members meaningfully and creating more participation opportunities. The government has set aside RM6.1 million for Trade Union Affairs Programmes nationwide this year, comprising RM3.5 million for training, education, research, digitalisation and governance, and RM2.6 million for outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives. For Peninsular Malaysia, 325 grant

RM2.88 million. Ramanan indicated that the allocation could grow if funds are properly utilised and accounted for. He described trade unions as strategic government partners in ensuring economic growth remains equitable, adding that fair treatment of workers drives productivity, benefits employers and ultimately strengthens the nation. Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Trade Union Affairs Department deputy director-general Anita Ahmad were also present.

KUALA LUMPUR: Trade unions must take a more proactive stance in drawing workers into their ranks, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, noting that union membership accounts for just 6% of Malaysia’s total workforce despite more than a million workers already being registered. Speaking after officiating at the Trade Union Affairs Programme grant presentation for Peninsular Malaysia yesterday, Ramanan said unions should not be viewed merely as a last resort during workplace disputes, but