16/07/2026

THURSDAY | JULY 16, 2026

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N. Sembilan caretaker MB to contest in BN stronghold o State PH chief confident of winning Linggi seat, pledges development push for constituency

National Day celebrations to be modest yet patriotic IPOH: The launch of National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang, in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, will be modest yet deeply patriotic. The event, scheduled at the Health Ministry’s Training Institute Sultan Azlan Shah in Tanjung Rambutan this Sunday, will follow a different concept from previous years, said Information Department Communications and Community Development Division director Muhammad Najmi Mustapha. “While we held large-scale open events for the public in Muar, Johor last year and in Cyberjaya in 2024, we have chosen a more modest approach this time. “This decision takes into account global challenges, including the energy supply crisis and ongoing conflicts in West Asia. “Although it will be an indoor event, we want the festive spirit of the celebration to still be felt by the public,” he said on Tuesday. He said the event is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, beginning at 10am, Bernama reported. It will be broadcast live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia and Bernama, and will also be streamed on the Facebook Live pages of Merdeka360, the Communications Ministry and Information Department. “We want to ensure the spirit of patriotism among the public continues to be nurtured. “This launch ceremony opens the way for programmes and activities across the country to enliven the National Month celebrations,” he said, adding that updates would be provided periodically via the Merdeka 360 portal and the department’s social media platforms. Muhammad Najmi said the “1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang” campaign would continue this year as a key initiative to boost National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations and encourage the public to express patriotism by flying the national flag. He elaborated that the campaign, introduced a few years ago, has expanded to include two new clusters involving houses of worship and sports, alongside the existing seven clusters comprising education, higher education, health, security, community, industry and government agencies. He encouraged Malaysians to show patriotism on social media by using the Jalur Gemilang as profile pictures and sharing content related to National Month celebrations using the hashtags #HKHM2026, #MalaysiaMadani, #Merdeka360 as well as #KesejahteraanDinikmati. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil had previously announced that the theme “Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” has been chosen for this year’s celebrations, while the Malaysia Madani logo remains the official logo of the celebration until next year. The celebration will be held at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31 on a modest yet vibrant scale.

SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun is ready to shoulder the challenge of contesting the Linggi state seat, the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, in the 16th state election. He said his confidence in securing victory in Linggi is driven by his determination to ensure the constituency is not left behind in development, given its proximity to Port Dickson, which is growing as the state’s tourism and economic hub. “I am confident we can develop Linggi into a more prosperous area in the future. The planned port and industrial developments would bring prosperity and ensure the people of Linggi are not left behind. “The Linggi constituency is a BN stronghold and I will be contesting there to ensure victory. Nothing is impossible,” he told reporters after the PH candidate announcement ceremony at Dataran Melang in Kuala Pilah on Tuesday. The Negeri Sembilan caretaker menteri besar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said victory in the Linggi state constituency would enable him to draw closer to local residents and have a better PETALING JAYA: The Senior Citizens Bill should include robust safety provisions to protect older Malaysians from abuse, neglect, scams and unsafe living conditions as the country moves towards becoming an ageing nation, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The Senior Citizen Advisory Council member said senior citizens are increasingly vulnerable to physical, social, financial and digital threats, making comprehensive legal protection essential. He said the proposed legislation should recognise every senior citizen’s right to live in a safe, secure and dignified environment, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. He called for the Bill to establish clear mechanisms for the prevention, reporting, investigation and prosecution of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. “The Bill should also protect senior citizens from financial scams, fraud and cybercrime through stronger safeguards, awareness programmes and accessible reporting channels. “As Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation, ensuring the safety and security of senior citizens must be a key pillar of the Senior Citizens Bill.” Lee also urged the government to promote age-friendly public infrastructure, including safer pedestrian facilities, barrier-free access, adequate lighting, as well as public transport and housing designed to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. He said minimum safety standards should be made mandatory for residential care homes and long-term care facilities, backed by regular inspections and licensing requirements. Lee proposed strengthening community-based support systems such as neighbourhood watch programmes, emergency response services and Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

to contest the Sikamat seat, is determined to continue the legacy of service built by Aminuddin throughout his four terms, while ensuring the people’s welfare agenda continues to be strengthened. “I will do my best to continue the work carried out previously and defend this PKR stronghold for the formation of the Negeri Sembilan government,” he pledged. In the 15th state election, Aminuddin secured 12,730 votes to retain the Sikamat seat with a majority of 2,662 votes, defeating a Perikatan Nasional candidate and two independent candidates. The Election Commission has set Saturday as nomination day for the Negeri Sembilan election, followed by early voting on July 28 and polling day on Aug 1.

understanding of their needs. Aminuddin appealed for the support and blessings of Linggi voters to continue the development agenda and ensure the area enjoys the abundance of development projects planned by the state government. He also expressed appreciation to the voters of the Sikamat state constituency for placing their trust in him for four consecutive terms since 2008, Bernama reported. “To the voters of the Sikamat state constituency, I would like to say thank you. I am deeply indebted to them. I care about them, and to this day they have continued to support me. I am confident they will also support our new candidate.” Meanwhile, Aminuddin’s political secretary Nor Azman Mohamad, who has been nominated

Senior Citizens Bill must include safety provisions: Advisory council member

Lee said minimum safety standards should be made mandatory for residential care homes and long-term care facilities, backed by regular inspections and licensing requirements. – MASRY CHE ANI/THE SUN

Malaysians, enabling them to age with dignity, confidence and security.” In May, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is working towards tabling the Senior Citizens Bill at the next Parliament sitting, stressing that the legislation is urgently needed despite delays caused by ongoing stakeholder consultations.

welfare outreach initiatives, particularly for seniors living alone. He also stressed the importance of public education campaigns to encourage respect and care for senior citizens while fostering intergenerational responsibility. “By incorporating these safety provisions, the Senior Citizens Bill would better safeguard the rights, wellbeing and quality of life of older

Malaysia to deport any Israelis found in country: Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not compromise and will deport any Israeli nationals found entering the country as it has a clear policy of not recognising Israel, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said all relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough probe into allegations that Israeli nationals have been detected in Malaysia. “We are investigating. We will not allow it. If there are any, action must be taken. If there are Israeli nationals, since we do not recognise Israel, they will be deported immediately.” He was commenting on media reports alleging

that Israeli nationals using dual citizenship documents have been found in Johor. Anwar said the matter is being handled by authorities and expressed confidence that the relevant ministry would provide further details. – Bernama