31/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 31, 2025

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State voices central to project planning under 13MP

Journalists praised for upholding truth KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that journalists in Malaysia will remain spirited in their role of advancing the nation, while continuing to report on the hardship and challenges faced by the people. Conveying his appreciation to media practitioners in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) on Thursday, Anwar emphasised the critical role of journalists in delivering news and information to the public. He noted that this responsibility includes offering support and constructive criticism in efforts to develop both the states and the country. “I wish all journalists undertaking this extraordinary task a happy occasion. They play a vital role in reporting the bitter struggles of the people,” he said during a press conference after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders on Thursday night. Anwar also acknowledged the sacrifices and difficulties faced by journalists in fulfilling their duties, urging them to continue their work with full dedication. Echoing the prime minister’s remarks, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek conveyed her appreciation to all media practitioners for serving as a vital link between the government and the public. In a Facebook video marking Hawana 2025, she thanked journalists who uphold integrity and act as the voice of the people by delivering transparent and authentic news. “On this special day, I wish all media practitioners a Happy National Journalists Day 2025. Thank you for your commitment and tireless work in delivering accurate information to the public. “Thank you for raising the voice of the people with full transparency and integrity,” she said. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Perlis expressed its appreciation to journalists who have been tirelessly delivering the truth. In a Facebook post, the university thanked media professionals for documenting achievements, voicing campus aspirations and bringing knowledge and innovation closer to the public. “Thank you for continuing to be a bridge between the academic world and the community.” Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29. For 2025, the main event – the Hawana Summit – will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur and is scheduled to be officiated by the prime minister. About 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad are expected to attend. – Bernama Legal reforms in M’sia gain global recognition KUALA LUMPUR: The international community, particularly the global legal fraternity, has recognised the efforts and initiatives for legal and institutional reforms diligently implemented by the government. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said this recognition was evident when she was invited to share her views on the government’s legal reform initiatives at an international forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In a Facebook post, Azalina said she had presented views and explanations related to digitalisation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence during the plenary session of the Tashkent Law Spring International Legal Forum 2025, themed “The Age of Digital Technologies: A Legal Perspective of the Future”. “In that session, I shared the stage with international experts, including ministers of justice and digital from the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Russia, along with several specialists from world-renowned organisations,” she wrote. Azalina is currently in Tashkent on an official visit at the invitation of Uzbek Justice Minister Akbar Tashkulov to attend the forum. – Bernama

PENAMPANG: The federal government always takes into account the needs and requests of all states when determining the priority of projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He explained that project priorities are not decided solely by the federal government but are jointly determined with state governments after their requests are heard and considered by the federal leadership. Highlighting Sabah as an example, Anwar noted that during almost every working visit to the state, meetings are held between o Anwar highlights Sabah’s role in shaping priorities, calls for unity and trust in federal-state collaboration

in working with federal leaders to develop and uplift both Malaysia and Sabah, Bernama reported. He said while the federal government and states – particularly Sabah and Sarawak – have many differences, this diversity must be seen as a strength for national unity and the well being of the people. Recalling the formation of Malaysia, he noted that the motto Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu (Unity is Strength) was chosen to underscore the importance of togetherness in diversity. “Diversity can also be destructive. There are countries that once embraced multiracial and multi-religious societies, only to later fall into hostility between races, religions and regions. No country can thrive like that, it ends in ruin. “So, no matter how difficult the political campaign, any sensible leader seeking to be elected as a state assemblyman or member of Parliament must remember never to sacrifice the state or country.”

leaders, and senior federal and state officials to directly discuss state government requests. “I’m not saying 13MP projects did not happen before. Previously, requests were vetted by the federal ministries. Now, that’s no longer the case; requests are made directly during meetings chaired by the prime minister, and attended by chief ministers and state ministers. “We listen and pay attention directly. Frankly, this only happens because of uniformity and the strong relationships built on mutual trust,” he said when officiating the Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival celebration yesterday. The event, held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association, was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and association president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Anwar also expressed his gratitude to Hajiji and the Sabah government for their openness

‘Stronger ties key to development, people’s welfare’ KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger ties between the federal government and Sabah, built on mutual trust to support the state’s development while ensuring the welfare of its people. Anwar said Sabah should follow Sarawak’s example, where closer federal-state Also present were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, PKR Sabah state leadership council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Anwar said under his administration, the federal government had demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 through a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. that must be upheld and supported for our people.” Anwar also said the federal government has proven its commitment to defending Sabah’s rights, particularly in addressing the Sulu group’s claim, which was successfully repelled, preserving the state’s dignity as part of Malaysia. “We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting and even at the recent Asean Summit, we ensured that Sabah’s issues were always prioritised.” Anwar striking the gong to officiate the Kaamatan Festival as Hajiji (second from left) and Pairin (second from right) look on. – BERNAMAPIC

cooperation has produced tangible benefits. He reiterated Putrajaya’s commitment to working with Sabah’s leadership on governance and development to further safeguard the state’s interests and well-being. “The federal government has long prioritised Sabah’s needs. This isn’t about state elections, it’s about responsibility,” he said after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. Anwar added that the federal government has consistently shown concern for Sabah and that the issue goes beyond electoral considerations.

He said nine key matters that had been delayed for decades were successfully resolved and even more complex issues, such as those concerning oil affairs, had been addressed. “So we propose the same principle so that more assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Not misused. For me, continuity and governance are the priorities, not leaders scrambling for wealth for themselves. “It’s about using the opportunity to defend the fate of the people. This is the government

Asked about PH’s cooperation strategy in the upcoming Sabah state election, Anwar said Sabah PH is currently in discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). “Let Sabah PH decide. They are negotiating with GRS and Sabah BN. These Sabah PH leaders will step forward and coordinate. So far, all meetings appear to be progressing well, and we don’t anticipate any problems.” – Bernama