Latest news with #MinistryofNationalUnity
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ukraine Changes Law on Dual Citizenship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday passed legislation allowing its citizens to hold multiple citizenships. The legislation comes as the country grapples with a severe demographic crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing war with Russia, which has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee abroad. Why It Matters The reform would allow the millions of Ukrainians around the world who have been displaced by Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022 to hold on to their Ukrainian passports should they seek other citizenship. What To Know Ukraine's population has been shrinking since the collapse of the Soviet Union, when it stood at around 50 million. By 2021, the figure had dropped to approximately 40 million. Today, the government estimates the population has fallen further to about 32 million, with a diaspora of roughly 25 million, according to Reuters. Now in its its fourth year, the war has driven more than 5 million Ukrainians to Europe and claimed tens of thousands of lives. Ukraine's Ministry of National Unity said in a statement that multiple citizenship was "a strategic step to preserve the unity of the Ukrainian nation in the face of war, global mobility, and a large diaspora." It was developed "as a response to demographic and security challenges, as well as the need to restore and maintain ties with millions of Ukrainians abroad," added the statement. Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine's minister for unity, said he hoped the legislation would restore the country's ties with members of the global Ukrainian diaspora. His ministry said 90 percent of Ukrainians abroad were in countries where multiple citizenship is allowed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced the bill to parliament last August. Special provisions will streamline processes for children born abroad to Ukrainian parents and for Ukrainians who acquire a second nationality through marriage. Foreigners who wish to become Ukrainian citizens must pass a test on the country's language, history, and constitution. However, citizenship will be denied to nationals of countries considered hostile to Ukraine or that do not recognize its territorial integrity. The legislation also paves the way for foreign nationals who have fought alongside Ukrainian forces to be granted citizenship more easily. What People Are Saying Oleksiy Chernyshov, minister for unity, said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday: "This decision is an important step to maintain and restore ties with millions of Ukrainians around the world." Ukrainian Natalya Kostyk-Ustenko, who fled Ukraine's Kherson in June 2022 to live in Lithuania with her two children, told Reuters: "Since the situation in Ukraine is unstable, people... do not know whether to return or not." "Our roots are Ukrainian, we love our country, we support it as best we can. This (move on citizenship) is significant support for us as refugees, we are all scattered around the world." What Happens Next The Ukrainian government will come up with a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for dual citizenship with Ukraine.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to host 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will host the 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress (Consal), a four-day event beginning this Monday at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, announced the Ministry of National Unity (KPN). In a statement today, the ministry said the congress, themed 'Embracing Inclusivity, Empowering Humanity,' is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The congress aligns with Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and reflects the nation's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation anchored in the values of unity, knowledge and inclusive societal development. 'The congress will focus on the role of libraries as strategic partners in community development, catalysts of knowledge ecosystems for marginalised and differently abled groups, and supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in bridging social gaps,' KPN said. The ministry added that the MADANI government is committed to positioning the 19th Consal as a key platform to advance libraries as agents of social transformation and human empowerment, in line with national and regional unity objectives. This marks the third time Malaysia is hosting the event, following previous editions in 1981 and 1996. Established in 1970 through a joint initiative by librarians from Malaysia and Singapore, Consal serves as a key platform uniting librarians, library institutions, schools of library and information science, and information professionals from across Southeast Asia. Its membership comprises all 10 ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Public given free access to memorials honouring Malaysian icons
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are being encouraged to visit 10 national memorials dedicated to the country's national leaders and cultural figures, with free entry offered all year round, according to the Ministry of National Unity. The initiative, aimed at making Malaysia's political and cultural legacy more accessible, includes memorials commemorating key figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra and Tun Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba in Melaka, and iconic sites like the P. Ramlee Birth House in Penang and Rumah Merdeka in Kedah. In a statement today, the ministry said the programme aligns with the theme for International Archives Week 2025, 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), and reflects the government's broader MADANI agenda to democratise historical awareness. 'The initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, particularly the younger generation, and ensure national records and stories are accessible to all levels of society,' it said. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community archiving efforts, including oral histories from the Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Such efforts, it said, are essential for building a more inclusive and representative national narrative. 'Let us embrace the nation's historical heritage, nurture a love for the homeland and strengthen unity through reflection on our shared past,' the statement read. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) as a 'guardian of national memory', noting its crucial role in preserving records while unifying the stories of Malaysia's diverse communities. 'From the fight for independence to the ongoing journey of national integration, the archives are essential. Without them, history fades, identity blurs and unity weakens,' he said. The ANM is a Category A Institutional Member of the International Council on Archives (ICA), a status that provides it with access to global archival collaboration and discourse.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Visit Malaysia's 10 National Memorials with Free Entry All Year
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are being encouraged to visit 10 national memorials dedicated to the country's national leaders and cultural figures, with free entry offered all year round, according to the Ministry of National Unity. The initiative, aimed at making Malaysia's political and cultural legacy more accessible, includes memorials commemorating key figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra and Tun Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba in Melaka, and iconic sites like the P. Ramlee Birth House in Penang and Rumah Merdeka in Kedah. In a statement today, the ministry said the programme aligns with the theme for International Archives Week 2025, 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), and reflects the government's broader MADANI agenda to democratise historical awareness. 'The initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, particularly the younger generation, and ensure national records and stories are accessible to all levels of society,' it said. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community archiving efforts, including oral histories from the Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Such efforts, it said, are essential for building a more inclusive and representative national narrative. 'Let us embrace the nation's historical heritage, nurture a love for the homeland and strengthen unity through reflection on our shared past,' the statement read. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) as a 'guardian of national memory', noting its crucial role in preserving records while unifying the stories of Malaysia's diverse communities. 'From the fight for independence to the ongoing journey of national integration, the archives are essential. Without them, history fades, identity blurs and unity weakens,' he said. The ANM is a Category A Institutional Member of the International Council on Archives (ICA), a status that provides it with access to global archival collaboration and discourse.
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Creative Approaches Like Poetry Recitals Can Boost ASEAN Unity - Ministry Sec-Gen
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Creative approaches such as poetry recital programmes should be strengthened as part of efforts to further foster regional unity and cooperation, particularly among ASEAN countries, says Ministry of National Unity secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi. He said that besides political and economic diplomacy, cultural and literary activities should also be emphasised to bring regional communities closer together. 'Creative approaches like tonight's poetry recitals should be further developed to attract greater participation from ASEAN countries, especially those who can recite poems and verses in the Malay language,' he told Bernama here tonight, after attending the poetry recital programme organised by the National Writers Association of Malaysia (PENA) in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
