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Mohammad Agus said a good relationship between the current government and the Opposition will allow the federal system to work smoothly. — Photo from Twitter/Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR (May 1): Director-general of the Community Communication Department (J-Kom) Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff today said that his job to communicate the government’s policies has been made harder by the Opposition.
He said his role to raise awareness on mutual respect and unity has become a challenge with the Opposition playing on racial and religious sentiments while attacking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with baseless accusations.
“With the heavy hatred and anger of some towards Anwar, rumours have appeared about wanting to drop Anwar as the prime minister over the reason that the people are bored of him.
“Who is bored and for what reason I do not know, but that is what is repeated by those who oppose Anwar,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
A good relationship between the current government and the Opposition will allow the federal system to work smoothly, he said.
“If you want an equal allocation for all MPs regardless of party, negotiate with the central government,” he advised.
He also called for attacks on the unity government to stop.
Anwar has mentioned his readiness in negotiating for equal allocations many times, but Opposition members still need to come forward to negotiate with him, just like what Anwar did when he was the Opposition leader, Agus said.
Agus said Anwar had introduced the Prime Minister’s Question and Answer (PMQ) sessions in the Dewan Rakyat, but Opposition members are never there.
“But when Anwar did the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri Open House in the Opposition held states, there are those who accused him of playing politics,” he lamented.
Besides that, Agus promised to share his views on what Malaysia Madani is as well as what is so great about it in a future post in the form of a video or his writing.
Last Wednesday, Agus slammed PAS for straying from its roots of fighting for social justice, to what he called as hunger for power to the point of manipulating religious sentiments and rhetoric.
He gave the example of the Islamist party promising heaven for those who support them while threatening hell for those who are against it, saying that he was uncomfortable with PAS’ current politics as there was no more compassion in it, only hatred against those who are different. — Malay Mail
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Lim said only banks will benefit from increasing the OPR and workers, many of whom have personal bank loans, will end up with increased borrowing costs and a reduction in disposable income. — Malay Mail photo
KUALA LUMPUR (May 1): Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng called for Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to maintain its overnight policy rate (OPR) at the current 2.75 per cent.
The DAP chairman said only banks will benefit from increasing the OPR and workers, many of whom have personal bank loans, will land with increased borrowing costs and a reduction in disposable income.
“The inability to sustain economic growth from raising OPR and the further burden of any higher financial costs may cause small businesses to close and cause unemployment.
“May Day celebrations today would be muted and meaningless if BNM increases the OPR at its meeting tomorrow,” he said in a statement this morning.
He pointed to the reduction of the unemployment rate from 3.6 per cent to 3.5 per cent between January to February of this year, saying that it shows a continued momentum of economic growth in generating income to match the cost of living pressures.
“There is no need for BNM to raise OPR or interest rate now that the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) has eased to 3.4 per cent from 3.7 per cent in February 2023,” he said.
He also called for BNM to stand together with workers.
According to BNM’s website, this year’s third Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will be held tomorrow and the day after (May 2 and 3).
A report by the national news agency Bernama last Friday quoted research houses as saying that BNM is expected to maintain the OPR.
Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd reportedly said that the probability of BNM maintaining the OPR of 2.75 per cent throughout the year is high. — Malay Mail
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Lim called on the unity government to declassify four other publications. – Malay Mail photo
KUCHING (May 1): It is high time for Malaysia to be a role model for the world by transitioning from being an ‘official secrets’ country to a ‘freedom of information’ nation, said Lim Kit Siang.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) veteran said with the declassification of the investigation report on the ‘Double-Six’ Nomad crash tragedy on June 6, 1976, followed by the declassification of the Australian investigation reports, the unity government should declassify four other publications.
He named them as the report of the Hishamuddin Yunus special committee on the management of foreign workers, the reports of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) and the Institutional Reform Committee (IRC), and the lifting of the ban on Bernard Sta Maria’s book ‘The Golden Son of the Kadazan’.
“This will be a great present to all Malaysians in commemoration of May Day this year,” he said in his Labour Day message.
Lim recalled that he moved a motion on behalf of DAP in Parliament on Oct 16, 1979 to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled ‘Freedom of Information Act’.
He said the move aimed to ensure the government’s openness and to prevent the law on government information from protecting inefficiency, maladministration, or even malpractices and corruption.
“I moved the motion in the conviction that if Malaysia was to have a meaningful parliamentary democracy, we must create a more open government, which respects and upholds the fundamental right to know of the citizens in all matters affecting the country and the people.
“I made it clear that the DAP accepted that there were some legitimate secrets which need to be protected by criminal penalties, for instance, matters involving national security, defence, maintenance of law and order, and personal information,” he said.
Lim said he was prosecuted and convicted on five charges of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 in 1978 for exposing excessive expenditure involved in the purchase of four Swedish-made SPIC A-M fast-strike craft for RM166 million, which was eventually reduced to RM157 million — a savings of RM9 million.
“Although there was no gratitude from the Executive for saving the country RM9 million, it wanted me jailed and disqualified as a member of Parliament for my exposes, which were made for the good of the country.
“But there was an independent Judiciary and the Federal Court reduced the sentences on the five convicted charges to each below the disqualifying fine of RM2,000,” he said.
According to Lim, his case resulted in the amendment of the OSA in 1986, which provided for the draconian mandatory minimum one-year jail sentence for conviction for any offence under the Act.
He said during his speech on the OSA Amendment Bill in Parliament on Dec 5, 1986, he had asserted that that the OSA Amendment Bill violated the fundamental guarantee of freedom of speech and expression enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
He added that it also undermined the doctrine of separation of powers among the Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary, a death knell for a free press and an open, responsible, and accountable government.
“We are in the age of information, which means the right to information must be the order of the day and not an exception.
“The time has come for Malaysia to be a role model to the world to make the transition from a ‘official secrets’ country to a ‘freedom of information’ nation,” he stressed.
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Kartini (left) with Stephanie and their parents before the latter’s cancer diagnosis.
MIRI (May 1): This year, ‘Courage’, ‘Faith’ and ‘Joy’ are chosen as slogans representing the cancer-fighting journey endured by young patients and their family amid the challenges and tribulations.
Even as adult, being informed of cancer diagnosis can impact one’s emotions – the fear that comes with the cancer, let alone those who have to fight cancer at such a young age.
Stephanie Ngian Robin, a 10-year-old from Bintulu who has so much to anticipate in life, was delivered the devastating news in December 2021, after experiencing frequent and long headaches at the back of her head.
Aside from headaches and vomiting that followed soon after, Stephanie started losing weight and became very weak. Her condition worried her parents and she was brought to many clinics to get checked on.
The results, however, were inconclusive and finally, they went for a Computerised Tomography (CT) scan and an X-Ray test at Bintulu as a last resort.
“After that, we were referred to Miri Hospital for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, where they diagnosed Stephanie with Medulloblastoma,” said Kartini Robin, Stephanie’s elder sister.
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumour that starts in the lower back part of the brain. Although it is rare, yet it is the most common cancerous brain tumour in children.
Medulloblastoma patients, if detected early and with proper treatment, can have a five-year survival rate of over 70 per cent.
Finding courage in the face of adversity
The news was devastating to the family, especially when doctors told them that the tumour needed to be removed.
“But our family was very sceptical of putting Stephanie through the operation and we went home instead and resorted to medication, painkillers and traditional medicine.
“Turns out, the decision to protect Stephanie had instead negatively affected her. Her condition did not improve after a month, and her tumour was spreading aggressively.
“We were told that emergency surgery was needed, so we decided to follow the doctor’s advice and let her undergo the surgery at Miri Hospital to remove the tumour.
“Despite the sudden news, my sister was so receptive and took it with such courage. Seeing us all worried for her, she even assured us that everything would be alright.
“She really has the mindset of a fighter,” said 17-year-old Kartini.
After the surgery, Stephanie was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching for further medical observation and follow-up treatment.
Kartini volunteered to look after her younger sister as their father needed to be back in Bintulu for work and care for their mother who has a medical condition.
Being a carer to her sister and without immediate family members by her side taught Kartini to be independent in navigating unfamiliar territories. She too learned to be a fighter.
Stephanie experienced different complications during her treatment that forced her to stay in the ward for 14 months. Seeing her sister fighting cancer and facing uncertainty, there were moments when Kartini faced the fear of losing her sister, after Stephanie told her that she had lost all hope in getting better.
“When someone in your family has cancer, you are just wrapped inside this bubble of anxiety and worry. No matter how hard you try, you cannot seem to break out of the bubble.
“Her words broke my heart. That’s when I knew that I had to stay positive and strong to get both of us through this obstacle together.”
Kartini was very grateful that the medical team and staff of Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) at the paediatric ward became one of their strongest support systems, providing words of encouragement and support when in need.
Coping with cancer as a community
Kartini recalls vividly last year was the hardest year for her family, as Stephanie was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to medical complications and even celebrated her ninth birthday while there.
Though she wasn’t able to be there with her sister, SCCS staff and the ICU team threw her a surprise Frozen-themed birthday party.
“I could see from the pictures how happy she was. During that time, SCCS also provided me with accommodation at their halfway home in Kuching,” said Kartini.
SCCS has supported Stephanie to the tune of over RM75,000 to help in her cancer-fighting journey, including sponsorship of medical consumables worth about RM1,500, financial aid totalling about RM6,300, as well as the provision of a care pack and diapers to ease Stephanie’s life at the ward.
In January this year, Stephanie was finally allowed to return home after completing her intensive treatment of more than a year in Kuching. However, as she requires a ventilator at home to help her breathe, SCCS purchased a portable ventilator costing RM65,000 for her home usage.
SCCS also funded an ambulance service costing about RM2,400 to transport Stephanie home safely due to her limited mobility. The journey home took about seven hours.
In addition, the SCCS staff organised a farewell party to celebrate the milestone with the medical team, as part of their well wishes for both Stephanie and Kartini.
SCCS staff and medical team held a farewell party for both Stephanie and Katrini to wish them all the best before they returned to Bintulu after Stephanie’s year-long treatment at SGH, Kuching.
“You cannot fight cancer alone, and because of the support we get from our family, medical team and SCCS, both Stephanie and I remain hopeful that she will get better one day, despite the critical condition she is in.
“We didn’t think that we have the biggest problem, and there are more people out there who are in far worse condition than us,” Kartini shared.
Since returning to Bintulu, Stephanie continues to fight every day in winning the cancer battle at Bintulu Hospital.
Fighting alongside cancer-inflicted children
As a non-profit organisation, SCCS relies on public donations from its monthly donation programme, corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects and annual campaigns such as GoBald to support about 150 to 200 families throughout Sarawak, with their annual expenses rounding up to about RM2 million.
This year, GoBald targets to raise RM1 million and shave 350 heads. With its theme ‘Dare to Dream’, it aims to encourage children with cancer and childhood cancer survivors to have the courage to dream big, look ahead with optimism and set long-term life goals. The funds raised from GoBald 2023 will help ensure children with cancer like Stephanie get access to integrated and improved care, treatment and facilities they need to get better to pursue their dreams.
Participants who wish to shave their heads and raise funds to help kids fight cancer can register at https://bit.ly/30GF9bP. All donations are eligible for tax exemption.
For the latest updates on GoBald 2023, follow GoBald’s Facebook page @GoBald.
SCCS’ Go Bald 2023 Campaign is back and it will happen on June 11, 2023 from 1.30pm to 7.20pm at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall.
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Members of the organising committee and officials of the Babulang Charity Golf tournament join all the players in a group photo, taken after the prize-presentation ceremony. — Photo courtesy of Ministry for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak
KUCHING (May 1): The Bisaya community in Sarawak is lauded for upholding the spirit of solidarity among its members and also for continuing to nurture future leaders.
In singing this praise, Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala says such attributes are clearly reflected in the leadership of Sarawak Bisaya Association over the years.
“The transition of leadership has always been smooth.
“The latest was in 2021, when Datu Antonio Kahti Galis handed over the presidency to the current president, Joseph Blandoi,” he said in his speech for the Babulang Charity Golf Tournament’s prize-presentation ceremony, which took place in Miri on Saturday.
Gerawat, who is Mulu assemblyman, also commended the Bisaya community for their efforts and capability in hosting events listed under the Sarawak Tourism Calendar of Events.
Citing the ever-popular annual Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race as examples, he described such events as ‘being worthy to be included in the state’s calendar of events.
“Despite being a small community, they (the Bisayas) are able to organise big events such as the Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race,” he said.
It is noteworthy to mention that Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi have pledged to contribute RM50,000 each to help in the organisation of this year’s Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race.
It is also informed that the charity golf tournament served as a prelude to the Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race, to be taking place in Limbang from this June 2 to 4.
Meanwhile in his remarks, Blandoi said the golf tournament’s main objective was to raise funds, of which the proceeds would be channelled to the underprivileged members of the Bisaya community.
“In last year’s game, the proceeds went to support 33 underprivileged members of our community.
“In support of the event, Datuk Gerawat pledged RM15,000, Deputy Minister I of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting RM3,000, and Miri Mayor Adam Yii, RM2,000.
“The organiser also received contributions from Sime Darby Oils, Wilmar, Perunding SL, Persafe Plantation, Plantmax, Envlp Construction’s Rolland Matu and also from individuals,” disclosed Blandoi.
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KUCHING (May 1): Former chairman of Sarawak Umno Sponsors, Affendi Jeman, is now focusing on developing business, besides helping improve people’s economy through his own experience.
The former independent candidate for Santubong parliamentary seat in the last general election, said he planned to adopt the value-based ‘Bawa Nikmat’ business strategy where people can benefit from it.
“At the moment, I am only focusing on my business,” said Affendi, who once worked with a banking institution and has had vast experience in the food and beverages business, as well as the engineering, telecommunications, printing and public-oriented sectors.
“My plan to expand the business is like the political approach I brought in before, which is ‘Bawa Nikmat’ where I want to share my experience in business to help the people’s economy,” he said when met at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Jalan Kulas Utara Satu here yesterday.
He admitted that the journey to success has never been an easy one for him.
The challenges and adversities, he said, have pushed him to move forward and be more resilient.
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– Dr Sim (second right), Wee (third right), Yeoh (left), Siaw (third left) and others pose next to the artwork. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (April 30): A local artwork ‘The Turtle in the Ocean’ has entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Biggest Straw Art Installation’.
The artwork, a collaboration between the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and NakedWonders – a local-based enterprise promoting the use of edible and degradable rice straws – was completed by local artist Daphne Siaw and a group of volunteers aged between five and 61.
It took them two weeks to complete the artwork in line with promoting the ‘Say No to Plastic Straws’ campaign to protect the Mother Nature.
Today, Malaysia Book of Records senior record consultant Edwin Yeoh presented the honours to Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng witnessed by Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian at the launch of ‘Make Climate Cool Again Environment Exhibit’ held in conjunction with this year’s Earth Day.
Yeoh (fourth left) presents the honours to Wee witnessed by Dr Sim (fourth right). At left is Siaw. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
During the presentation at the MBKS Dewan Masyarakat at Jalan Padungan here, Yeoh announced that the artwork is six metres in width and three metres in height.
He could not reveal how many straws had been utilised to complete the artwork since an ongoing guessing contest is offered for the community in conjunction with the expo, which lasts until May 8.
In his opening address, Dr Sim reminded all that climate change is happening across the globe and not even Sarawakians could escape it.
“Believe it or not, climate change is in Sarawak and Kuching. We can see this during the extreme weather, with last month having seen an excessive amount of rain and this month so dry.
“Climate change is no longer confined to foreign countries like Europe, US and remote islands. We are suffering also,” said the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister.
Dr Sim asserted that everyone can do their part to help raise awareness and promote environmental sustainability.
He lauded MBKS for its initiatives in banning plastic straws, turning waste into an artwork as well as rolling out campaigns to bring more people together to contribute to the preservation of environment.
He was pleased to note that ‘The Turtle in the Ocean’ had made an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records.
“I am sure it was a teamwork of hundreds of people and this matters more than entering the Malaysia Book of Records,” he enthused.
At the event, Dr Sim also launched a new mobile application iBuyBack in connection with MBKS’ Recycling Buy Back Campaign to promote recycling among the locals in their daily life.
He hoped that the new application would also be adopted by other local councils across Sarawak to encourage more people to embrace recycling so as to promote environmental sustainability.
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MIRI (April 30): A school administrator here lost RM120,900 of her life savings after falling victim to a love scam.
Miri Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the 52-year-old woman had befriended the suspect in August last year through a social networking service.
Alexson said the suspect had obtained the victim’s contact number for the reason to enable both of them to get to know each other better.
“After several months, the victim was told by the suspect that he had fallen in love with her and told her that he would like to come to Malaysia to meet up with her.
“The victim was deceived into believing that the suspect loved her. In December last year, the suspect asked the victim for financial help.
“Without suspecting anything and because of her love for the suspect, the victim made a total of 30 transactions amounting RM120,900 to a third-party bank account between December 13, 2022 and February 28, 2023,” he said in a press statement today.
The victim only realised that she was duped after failing to contact the suspect after the final transaction and she lodged a police report on April 29.
Meanwhile, Alexson urged the public to be vigilant by not updating their marital status on social media that may give any indication that they are either lonely or are searching for a life partner, as it can make them the target of cyber criminals.
He also reminded the public to not be easily deceived by any praise or persuasion from their new friends that they have met via social media.
“Additionally, do not easily be charmed by beautiful or handsome profile photos used on social media,” he advised..
Alexson also advised those who suspect that they are a victim of phone scam, love scam, e-commerce fraud, and non-existent loans; or those who may have made a transaction to any mule account, to lodge a report to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
Members of the public are encouraged to check the authenticity of phone number and bank account through Scammers CCID portal or log on to https://ift.tt/u4f29s1 before making a transaction.
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This photo taken on April 21, 2023 shows a Chinese Coast Guard ship patrolling near Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. – AFP photo
WASHINGTON (April 30): The United States called on China Saturday to stop “provocative and unsafe conduct” in the disputed South China Sea after a recent near-collision with a Philippines coast guard boat there, ramping up rhetoric ahead of a visit by the Filipino president to the White House.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement two days before President Joe Biden is to host his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said the incident was a reminder of China’s “harassment and intimidation” of Philippine vessels in the contested waterway.
“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” he said, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response.
Biden has been working to bolster relations with Asian allies as the US-Chinese relationship remains in a historically deep chill, and the Philippines’ proximity to key sea lanes and Taiwan gives it particular strategic importance.
The near-miss Sunday off the Spratly Islands was the latest in a long string of maritime incidents between China and the Philippines.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.
– A near-miss –
AFP was one of several media outlets that witnessed the incident after journalists were invited to join two Philippine Coast Guard boats on a six-day patrol of the waters, visiting a dozen islands and reefs.
The Philippine vessels approached Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, in the Spratly archipelago.
As one boat, the BRP Malapascua, which was carrying Filipino journalists, neared the shoal, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel more than twice its size sailed into its path.
AFP journalists watched the incident from the other Philippine Coast Guard boat, which was less than a kilometer (0.6 miles) away.
The Malapascua’s commanding officer said the Chinese ship came within 45 meters (50 yards) of his boat and only his quick actions avoided the steel-hulled vessels crashing into each other.
The Chinese foreign ministry said Friday that the Philippine boats had “intruded” without China’s permission and called it a “premeditated and provocative action.”
– Manila pushes back –
But Manila hit back, saying that “routine patrols in our own waters can be neither premeditated or provocative” and insisting they will continue to conduct the patrols.
The near-miss came just a day after Marcos hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang for talks in Manila aimed at defusing tensions in the waterway.
Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ rights in the sea, and has gravitated toward the United States as he seeks to strengthen defense ties.
Early this month, the Philippines identified four additional military bases — in addition to five existing sites — to which US forces will have access, including one near the Spratly Islands.
The two countries also carried out their biggest ever military maneuvers in recent weeks.
This shift has alarmed China, which has accused Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Beijing and Manila.
– ‘Ironclad commitment’ –
US-Philippine ties were badly frayed under Marcos’s predecessor, the authoritarian Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos has sought to allay public fears that the reviving alliance with the US could bring the Philippines into the conflict if China were to invade Taiwan.
He has said that with Biden he will discuss the “need to tone down the rhetoric” over the South China Sea, Taiwan and North Korea.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier in the month that Biden intended, in the meeting with Marcos, to “reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines.” – AFP
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King Charles III met faith leaders, including Chairman of the Institute of Jainology Nemu Chandariaa, after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September. – AFP photo
LONDON (April 30): The UK’s non-Christian faiths and its Celtic languages will play a prominent role for the first time in a royal coronation when King Charles III is crowned next week, organisers said on Saturday.
The May 6 service at Westminster Abbey will be overwhelmingly drawn from the Christian liturgy as Charles takes an oath, in English, to serve as “Defender of the (Protestant) Faith” and to protect the established Church of England.
But in a first, it will also feature a prominent role for Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jewish leaders, according to the order of service released by the office of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
At the end of the coronation, they will deliver a greeting in unison to Charles declaring that “as neighbours in faith, we acknowledge the value of public service”.
“We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good,” they will say.
Members of the House of Lords from the minority faiths will hand non-Christian regalia to the king, such as gold bracelets and the royal robe.
Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Hindu prime minister, will give a reading from the Bible at the service, which will also be attended by Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf, the first Muslim to hold the post and to lead a Western European government.
– Nightly prayer –
Charles is a committed Christian and, according to the memoir “Spare” by his younger son Prince Harry, prays every night.
But the king also has a lifelong interest in other religions, and has spoken in the past about defending all faiths, not just Anglicanism, as Britain grew more multi-cultural.
Before his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September last year, he held a reception at Buckingham Palace for faith leaders, and described himself as a “committed Anglican Christian”.
But he recognised that the country he inherited is very different from the one his mother did 70 years previously.
“I have always thought of Britain as a ‘community of communities’,” he said.
“That has led me to understand that the sovereign has an additional duty… to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for faith itself.”
In another coronation first, Charles will pray aloud during the service, to ask God that “I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and conviction”.
He will also receive blessings from other Christian leaders, including from the Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Scottish Free Church denominations.
A Greek choir will sing as a tribute to his late father, Prince Philip, who was born on the island of Corfu. A Gospel choir will also perform.
– Four tongues –
Diversity in the coronation service will extend to a role for the English-speaking UK’s other native languages: Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.
As heir, Charles was the first Prince of Wales in seven centuries to learn Welsh, which today counts nearly 540,000 speakers.
During the coronation, after a greeting and introduction by Welby, a prayer will be sung in Welsh. After the archbishop’s sermon, verses of a hymn will be sung in all three minority languages.
“The coronation is first and foremost an act of Christian worship,” said Welby, who leads the worldwide Anglican communion.
“At the same time, the service contains new elements that reflect the diversity of our contemporary society.
“I am delighted that the service will recognise and celebrate tradition, speaking to the great history of our nation, our customs, and those who came before us.”
In the 2021 census, some 27.5 million people, or 46.2 percent in England and Wales, described themselves as Christian, down 13.1 percentage points from 2011.
Those listing “no religion” rose by 12 points to 37.2 percent while Muslims stood at 3.9 million or 6.5 percent of the population, up from 4.9 percent.
The next most common responses were Hindu (1.0 million) and Sikh (524,000), while Buddhists overtook Jewish people (273,000 and 271,000 respectively). – AFP
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KUCHING (April 30): Jason Irwin, a well-travelled 50-year-old male nurse from Nelson, south New Zealand has returned to Sarawak after 25 years to embark on a 4,000km ride on a motorcycle through Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah.
From Kuching, he kicked off his cross-Borneo riding tour on Friday (Apr 28) on a rented KTM 400cc bike to Miri, whereby he will pass through Brunei before ending up in Sabah.
“I am hoping to complete covering the 4,000km ride through the vast regions in two to three weeks’ time at a leisure pace because I do not believe in speeding or travelling fast.
“By doing that, one will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and make friends with the local people,” he said when met prior to his journey.
Irwin first came to Sarawak in 1998 and had visited Kapit and Belaga, where he travelled along the Rejang River on express boats and longboats.
“After this trip, I will return to New Zealand, work for a few months and then come back to Sarawak again later this year for another ride, but to Kalimantan next time around,” said Irwin, whose stay in Kuching was accommodated by Kozin Real Estate Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Alex Ting.
The New Zealander disclosed that he had reached up to Camp 3 of Mount Everest for 30 times and it was there that he met his Aussie girlfriend who is also a biker.
“We started bike-riding in Europe in 2000 and have been to almost all the countries in this continent.
“I have been to over 70 countries and I am planning to go to Argentina for a 7,000km ride from north to south of South America, through countries such as Chile, Peru and Brazil,” he said.
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The house where the shooting occurred. – Photo from KTRK
WASHINGTON (April 29): Police were searching for a gunman believed to have shot dead five Hondurans including an eight-year-old child at a house in Texas, the local sheriff said today, in the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.
Investigators believe the gunman had been firing his AR-15 style gun in a neighboring yard when the victims asked him to stop, as they were trying to get a baby to sleep, US media reported.
San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers described a horrifying scene when authorities went to the residence after receiving a call about “harassment” around 11.30pm Friday.
The victims, aged from eight to 40 years old, were strewn from the front door through the house to an inside bedroom, where two of them — both women — were found lying on top of two children who survived the massacre.
“In my opinion, they were actually trying to take care of the babies and keep them babies alive,” Capers told ABC’s Houston station KTRK.
All the victims had been shot “from the neck up almost execution style, basically in the head,” he added.
“He had been drinking and he says, ‘I’ll do what I want to in my front yard,'” Capers told KTRK.
“All the victims were from Honduras,” Capers told reporters, adding that 10 people had been in the house at the time.
He said that authorities believe they know who the gunman is, describing him as being from Mexico.
The sheriff’s office said later on its Facebook page that the shooter was believed to have left the county.
Residents were being asked to stay inside until the man is apprehended, KTRK reported. – AFP
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Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said both men were nabbed as soon as they arrived at KLIA on April 20 from Taiwan. — Malay Mail photo
KUALA LUMPUR (April 29): Two Taiwan nationals who were wanted in a shooting case in their country were detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Both suspects were believed to be members of a secret society as well as members of a scam syndicate in Taiwan.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said both men were nabbed as soon as they arrived at KLIA on April 20 from Taiwan.
“The suspects were picked up following a warrant of arrest issued by Taiwanese authorities and their passports had also been cancelled by the Taiwanese government. The arrest was made under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“The success is the result of the close cooperation between PDRM and the Taiwanese authorities and the collaboration would continue to identify the criminal network linked to the two suspects,” he said in a statement today.
He said the two were handed over to Taiwanese police representatives at KLIA yesterday to be brought back to the suspects’ country of origin.
Acryl Sani said PDRM is committed to maintaining public peace and order.
“PDRM will also take security measures to ensure that Malaysia is not used as a transit or destination country for any party that violates the law,” he said. — Bernama
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KUCHING (April 29): The Sarawak Kenyah National Association’s Kuching branch held a food and handicraft bazaar at Telang Usan Hotel here today.
The one-day bazaar saw 12 stalls selling a variety of sumptuous traditional Kenyah food as well as handicrafts.
One of the food stalls selling traditional Kenyah food.
Among the food sold at the bazaar are ‘kelumet’ (pork mixed with tapioca), ‘nasi goreng daun ubi’, ‘serunding ikan’ ‘adut ubi’ and ‘kelupis’ among others.
Gracing the opening of the bazaar was the association’s advisor Datuk Stephen Timothy Wan Ullok.
Stephen cutting a ribbon to symbolise the opening of the bazaar.
The bazaar was jointly organised by Peng Leto Kenyah Sarawak and Telang Usan Hotel Kuching.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting is expected to grace the closing ceremony later this evening.
The bazaar was held for the first time last year and saw over 150 visitors.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the Madani Kedah 2023 gathering in Alor Setar April 28, 2023. — Bernama photo
ALOR SETAR (April 29): Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed allegations by certain quarters that his unity government was victimising states ruled by the Opposition.
The prime minister said instead the federal government had increased allocations for Opposition-controlled states, including Kedah which is led by Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“For Johor the allocations were increased; Kedah also got higher allocations. Alhamdulillah. But some people wearing ‘serban’ (turban-like head covering normally worn by Muslim men) claim that Anwar victimised them (opposition states). This is a lie. I hope you all understand.
“I know the meaning of slander. I know the pain of being beaten. I know what it is like to suffer in a lock-up. Now that I am the prime minister why would I be cruel to people?” he said when addressing the Madani Kedah 2023 gathering here last night.
Anwar stressed that as the prime minister he was not out to make enemies of anyone and instead wanted to rebuild the country together with people who defend integrity.
He called on the people including Kedahans to support the unity government because of its policy of upholding the dignity of the people and the country.
“Holding a raya gathering is not about winning or losing elections. We are providing food not to fish for votes. I don’t want people to support me because of that,” he said.
The prime minister is also determined to prove to the country and the world that there are Malays who can lead this country well and are capable of bringing change in the name of Islam.
“I want to show that under the leadership of Islam, we can govern well and uphold justice for all, and I hope that the young people in this country will also bring this change, not with hatred but with love,” he said.
The Madani gathering was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub. — Bernama
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Kenney (right) performs the earth breaking ceremony for the construction of the pastoral centre.
SIBU (April 29): The construction work of the Borneo Evangelical Mission Church (BEM) pastoral centre in Long Pelesit Tubau, Bintulu has officially kicked off with a symbolic inauguration of the building by Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai.
Chukpai said the construction work which cost RM70,000 was made possible through the funding from the state government’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
Upon completion, the centre will provide all the facilities for the pastors serving in the areas and will also provide convenience to the local parishioners, he added.
“Despite being located inland, the communities in Long Pelesit Tubau are not left behind, especially in terms of spiritual, holistic development,” he said.
Chukpai also commended the local community, especially the parishioners who have come and worked together to build the centre.
“This is the kind of spirit that we want, where the local community works with one another to make things happen,” he said.
Also present at the event were community leader Penghulu Joshua Kallang Willian and Pastor Kevin Chuli.
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Abdul Wahab (left) hands over a certificate to a member of APM Sibu.
SIBU (April 29): Going into areas where the populations are sparse is among the approaches undertaken by Civil Defence Force (APM) Sibu meant to make more people know and understand the roles and tasks of this agency.
This was highlighted by APM Sarawak director Abdul Wahab Rahim in a press conference called after he had performed the pinning of ranks on 57 officers and members of APM Sibu, here yesterday.
“Among the approaches that we are implementing now is going into sparsely-populated areas.
“Yes, there are less people in these areas, but they still face many risks and threats.
“Moreover, they are far from even the nearest available services.
“What we want the public to understand is what we, the APM, can provide in dealing with issues and threats like natural disaster; at least, mitigating the situation before other security assistance arrives,” he said.
Adding on, Abdul Wahab said elevating public awareness of the APM would also attract more people to join the force.
“I believe the APM is ‘more visible’ during times of emergency like the year-end floods, where we see a lot of volunteers helping out.
“However, during normal days like this one, members of the public are rarely involved in APM activities. Therefore, we need to use a different approach to raise people’s interest in joining the APM.
On the event, Abdul Wahab said it also served to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of APM Sibu over the years, especially during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There are restructuring of teams; there are vacancies being filled; and there are also achievements being recognised.
“We hope that this promotion process would boost your spirit to carry out your duties as APM personnel in Sibu Division,” he told reporters during the press conference at Paramount Hotel here yesterday.
Abdul Wahab also took the opportunity during the session to express gratitude to the people of Sibu for coming together to donate two motorcycles to APM Sibu.
“These machines will help us tremendously in facilitating the operations of APM Sibu.”
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