Latest news with #Merdeka
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Bukit Gasing development on private land, not forest reserve, says rep
THE forest reserve of Bukit Gasing remains intact as it has been gazetted, says Rajiv Rishyakaran. In a social media post Monday (June 16), the Bukit Gasing assemblyman said: 'I want to assure you that the gazetted Bukit Gasing forest is 100% intact, and I will never ever agree to any party developing it.' He also said, in his post, that the southern part of the hill contains several roads and bungalow lots. 'The roads in question are Jalan 5/64, Jalan 5/66 (leading up to the Sivan Temple), and Jalan 5/60 (leading up to Fraser Tower). "On both sides of these roads are bungalow lots, the titles of which date back to before Merdeka,' he said. Rajiv added that while some plots have hoarding, others are vacant and overgrown. 'These bungalow lots are owned by various individuals, one of whom is currently developing the land,' he said in his post. Earlier Monday, environmental activists called for an immediate end to development at Bukit Gasing to protect the iconic hill. Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka), Petaling Jaya residents and Bukit Gasing hikers held a peaceful protest outside Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) headquarters on Monday afternoon, They also handed over a memorandum to MBPJ representatives, urging that the city council halt all development on the hillside. The memorandum urged MBPJ to issue a stop-work order for all ongoing developments. It also called on MBPJ to make public any approvals granted for development projects. Additionally, the memorandum requests that an independent geological study be conducted to assess the hillside and its biodiversity.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
All for media digitalisation
KUALA LUMPUR: As media organisations embark on digital transformation, the government is stepping in with support through a RM30mil fund to aid them in such efforts. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement yesterday in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025. 'We want to ensure the journalism world is not left behind in adopting artificial intelligence while also maintaining a balance between AI and ethics,' he said during his speech at Hawana 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'The government has agreed to allocate RM30mil for journalists. This is the largest allocation the government has provided for journalists since Merdeka,' he said, adding that the fund would be used for training. He said the journalism fraternity must strike a balance between the development of technology and journalistic ethics. Press freedom must be defended as it is one of the pillars of democracy, he said. Citing American philosopher Noam Chomsky, he said there are some challenges in the form of manufacturing consent, whereby the tools of power are used to create a narrative. 'Journalists and media leaders have to ensure that while we reject manufacturing consent, we must also reject manufacturing dissent,' he said. He said that as much as one would not want the 'tyranny of the majority' where power is used to oppress, the tyranny of the minority which divides the country is also not wanted. Anwar also acknowledged some of the criticisms he has received, adding that some of his government's measures may not be seen as popular. This includes the push for higher wages in the government and corporate sector. However, he remains firm in his commitment to weed out corruption and steering reforms, although it may take some time. 'I will do my job regardless of whether I have the general support or not,' he said. Anwar emphasised that his intention is not to incarcerate people but to recoup money squandered through corruption and use it for the betterment of the people. He highlighted that in a tradition where corruption was endemic and systemic, his government has initiated reforms, including proper tender and award of projects and enacting new legislation such as the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act. 'It sounds simple, to most of you, but it is not easy. Many are not comfortable. Those who are used to the old ways,' he added. 'When we have taken action against those corrupt leaders, past or present leaders, businessmen, corporate leaders who have squandered billions of ringgit, I have not seen that sort of anger and support that we should have. But it does not matter,' he said. At a press conference later, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the RM30mil fund is meant to help media organisations navigate the changing journalism landscape. He said the changes included the shift of the interests of news audiences and emergence of technologies. Also present were Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and chief news editor Mazwin Nik Anis.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt to allocate RM30mil for media digital transformation, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM30 million to aid media organisations in their digital transformation efforts. "We want to ensure the journalism world is not left behind in adopting Artificial Intelligence while also maintaining a balance between AI and ethics," he said during his speech at the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 at WTC Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (June 14). "The government has agreed to allocate RM30 million for journalists. This is the largest allocation the government has provided for journalists since Merdeka," he added. More to come
Focus Malaysia
13-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Unveiling of Madani slogans for Merdeka, Malaysia Day celebrations invite brickbats, ridicule
WHEN the rakyat is unhappy, rest assured that no matter what the government of the day does, it will be subject to criticism. With the cost-of-living crisis dominating the headlines alongside a number of other high-profile issues, many citizens – not limited to just opposition supporters – have been sharpening their knives. The unveiling of this year's slogan for Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations was no exception. As highlighted by The Reporter on Facebook, the slogan Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni (Malaysia Madani: Prioritising the People) was met with its fair share of cynicism and scepticism. Editor's Note: As per Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's justification, the theme reflects the government's priority in protecting people's welfare by following the Malaysia Madani aspiration that upholds the values of unity and prosperity. Topping the agenda was the rising cost of living such as the recent price like of liquefied gas for commercial use being the main bone of contention. A few – wittily – suggested alternative slogans to reflect the withdrawal of essential subsidies. Another alternative slogan sang the praises of the crooked and corrupt. The various taxes imposed by the Madani administration was also a hot topic of discussion. Inevitably, the numerous hardships encountered by Malaysians lead to more alternate slogans, including one which literally translates to 'The Rakyat Get Urinated Upon, Taxes are Prioritised'. One netizen observed that thousands of jobs can be lost in a blink of an eye, alluding to PETRONAS recent downsizing. Even though many were put on contracts, it makes it difficult to manage family expenses, he argued. One simply observed that this year's theme was completely out of sync with the government of the day. The removal of subsidies is one but a number of other issues which included the abuse of telco data and using bodies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to silence critics. Another netizen echoed similar sentiments by claiming that the difference between the slogan and reality were miles apart. It can be argued that on one hand, unpopular policies are necessary for the long-term health of the nation. But on the other, if this Madani government does not read the signals being put out by the electorate, it may have little say in the long-term future of Malaysia after the 16th General Election (GE16). – June 13, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Record deals since Merdeka
Engaging the youth: Anwar greeting students at the 2025 National TVET Day celebration in MITC, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. — Bernama MELAKA: Malaysia has approved investments amounting to RM89.8bil in the first quarter of this year, the largest amount for this time period since Merdeka, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that this figure was a 3.7% increase compared to the same period last year, signalling strong investor confidence even as global supply chains and investments are being affected by tariffs imposed by the United States. 'This figure also demonstrates that our economy remains resilient and competitive despite global turbulence and economic uncertainty, including the imposition of tariffs by the United States,' he said during his keynote address at the 2025 National TVET Day celebration held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh yesterday. Anwar also revealed that a major US-based chip manufacturer had recently expressed interest in investing RM10bil in Malaysia. 'In principle, we have agreed to the proposal, but we have asked the American company to hold until July 9 when President Trump is expected to finalise the new tariff rates,' he said. 'However, the investors indicated they are still keen to proceed, confident that Malaysia will not be significantly affected by the tariffs.' Anwar said that the company had requested expedited approval to begin operations in the country. 'Beyond political stability, foreign investors have also been impressed by the professionalism and discipline of our local workforce. 'This sentiment was echoed in a recent meeting with Google, where they acknowledged that Malaysia's talent pool is among the best in Asia in terms of discipline and skill,' he added. Anwar said the recent development also reinforces the fact that the government's clear policies, along with political stability, continue to position Malaysia as an attractive destination for global investment.
