PN's Indian wing backs Dr M's 'Malay unity' call for stability

The Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) today sought to allay criticisms over ex-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's announcement of a Malay secretariat to 'save the Malays'.
In a statement today, the ethnic Indian party under Perikatan Nasional said Mahathir's initiative is not a rejection of diversity or democracy.
'Rather, it acknowledges a critical reality: two of Malaysia's...

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The Star

40 minutes ago

• The Star

Umno to continue driving Malay and bumiputra agendas

Strategic planning: Mohamad (centre) posing for a photo with other delegates at the opening of the Cheras Umno division meeting in Cheras. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will remain in the federal government to continue championing the Malay and bumiputra agendas, says party deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He described the decision as a strategic move, warning that exiting the government would allow another party to take its place. 'If we leave, another party will fill the gap within two hours. We don't want to be spectators on the sidelines. It is better to be in government, where we can drive new agendas suited to today's realities,' said Mohamad, who is also Foreign Minister. Mohamad, who is MP for Rembau, said this when opening the Cheras Umno division delegates' meeting here yesterday, Bernama reported. He cited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as one of the party's key focus areas. Although the portfolio is traditionally under the Human Resources Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had taken the lead in addressing gaps, particularly affecting Malay youths. 'Many are not dropping out because they failed exams but because they never sat for them. That's why we introduced the National TVET Policy, the National Tahfiz Policy and several other initiatives,' he said. Mohamad added that Umno was undertaking internal reforms to adapt to a shifting political landscape, following setbacks in the 15th General Election in 2022. 'The political reality now is that no party anywhere in the world can govern alone. That era has ended. 'We must be realistic. Although we have 192 divisions, our strategy should focus on constituencies we can win. Political idealism can be misleading and dangerous,' he said. He also expressed pride in Umno's internal unity, saying it was one of the few stable parties in the country. 'No one will support a party that's in disarray. We must maintain harmony and project ourselves as a moderate, peaceful force,' he added.

The Star

7 hours ago

• The Star

A necessary initiative for unity

ARCHITECTS of Diversity Malaysia (AOD) warmly welcomes and fully supports the launch of the National Community Public Complaints Network platform by the Unity Ministry on June 19. As an organisation committed to fostering social cohesion and addressing discrimination across racial and religious lines, AOD sees Rakan (from its Malay acronym, Rangkaian Aduan Komuniti Awam Nasional) as a timely and necessary initiative. It represents a strategic integration of technology, civic responsibility, and public policy to strengthen national harmony.

New Straits Times

18 hours ago

• New Straits Times

Support structures needed to ensure mandatory schooling works, say advocates

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has lauded the Education Ministry's move to legislate mandatory schooling until a child reaches 17 years of age. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the initiative should be accompanied by a special programme for students who do not perform well academically. "They do not continue their education because they cannot keep up academically. "The Education Ministry should provide special learning centres focused on hands-on skills. "This would ensure that those falling behind in literacy and numeracy continue to see school as offering long-term benefits. "Vocational learning centres should be available for students as early as Form 1 in every state to support these learners," he said, speaking from his personal experience as a teacher. He said that despite financial hardships, children should not abandon their education to work, as education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said schools should implement early intervention systems to identify at-risk students based on attendance, behaviour, and academic performance. There should be strong counselling and mentoring programmes in place, with close collaboration between families and community leaders, she added. The government should also introduce relevant, practical curriculum options such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for students less inclined toward academic tracks, along with support for mental health, learning disabilities, and socioeconomic challenges. Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030 to facilitate the expansion of preschool classes. Fadhlina said one of the ministry's special projects involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. Azimah said these initiatives align with global best practices and demonstrate the government's serious commitment to improving access to quality education for every child. "Early detection and support for children with special needs is also long overdue, without it, many children fall through the cracks and are never given a fair chance," she said. However, she added that some parents, especially in low-income or rural communities, may struggle to adapt to the government's new policies. "For them, sending a child to school means transportation costs, meals, uniforms, and a loss of potential income. "Therefore, comprehensive subsidies, such as free meals, transportation assistance, and preschool fee waivers, are essential," she said. It was reported that the amendments to the Education Act 1996 would be tabled in the parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17. Under the existing policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education.