Pengampunan bersyarat Najib: Anwar tegas pertahan prinsip banteras rasuah

 Perdana menteri berkata kerajaan akur dengan semangat Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim berhubung kes membabitkan Najib Razak.

Anwar Ibrahim menekankan pendirian kerajaan jelas negara tidak boleh bertolak ansur terhadap amalan rasuah atau perbuatan mengambil kekayaan negara untuk kepentingan peribadi. (Gambar Bernama)

BANGI:

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim menegaskan kerajaan akur dengan semangat Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim berhubung kes membabitkan Najib Razak.

Anwar berkata namun perkara itu tidak menghalang beliau daripada memberikan pandangan dan nasihat berdasarkan hukum, undang-undang dan kepentingan negara.

Beliau berkata pendirian kerajaan jelas negara tidak boleh bertolak ansur terhadap amalan rasuah atau perbuatan mengambil kekayaan negara untuk kepentingan peribadi.

“Bila kita bincang soal kontroversi berhubung kes Najib, saya akur dengan semangat Perlembagaan (Perlembagaan Persekutuan), tetapi ia tidak menghalang, umpamanya seorang perdana menteri memberikan pandangan dan nasihat berdasarkan hukum, undang-undang.

“Apa nak kita sampaikan? Negara ini tidak boleh tolak ansur dengan rasuah dan amalan ‘sakau’ wang negara,” kata beliau ketika berucap pada Majlis Makan Malam Apresiasi 3 Generasi: Menyambung Legasi Perjuangan di sini hari ini.

Anwar turut merujuk beberapa isu melibatkan beberapa institusi yang pernah menjadi perhatian awam, termasuk Lembaga Tabung Haji, Felda dan 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), sambil menegaskan bahawa individu yang didakwa mengambil kekayaan negara perlu bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya.

“Tabung Haji, Felda, 1MDB, orang yang ‘menyakau’ kekayaan, harus menjawab. Jadi apa juga keputusan, tidak harus beralih untuk menyelamatkan negara kita,” kata beliau.

Najib, 73, sedang menjalani hukuman penjara di Penjara Kajang sejak 23 Ogos 2022 selepas disabitkan bersalah dalam kes penyelewengan RM42 juta dana SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Pada 18 Sept, Sultan Ibrahim memperkenankan pengampunan bersyarat kepada Najib untuk menjalani baki hukuman penjara bagi kes SRC International secara tahanan di rumah hingga 23 Ogos 2028, tertakluk kepada pembayaran denda RM50 juta dan pematuhan syarat yang ditetapkan.

Terdahulu, majlis berkenaan turut dihadiri isteri Perdana Menteri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Hal Ehwal Agama) Zulkifli Hasan.

Majlis itu menghimpunkan lebih 2,000 ahli Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), Persatuan Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (WADAH) dan Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM). - FMT

Country will be crippled if driven by anger, must be guided by knowledge instead, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaking at the 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner: Continuing the Legacy of the Struggle. - Photo: Bernama

BANGI: A country will be crippled if driven by anger, but must instead be guided by knowledge, which forms the foundation for its strength, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the strength of any struggle could not depend solely on spirit and emotion, but must instead be supported by the strength of knowledge capable of raising public awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility.

"My friend, the late Ustaz Fadzil Noor, reminded us that the Islamic cause does not rise solely through an outpouring of spirit, emotion and sentiment, but through the strength of knowledge that raises awareness and instils a sense of responsibility.

"And now, for example, when discussing the Madani nation, it must be strengthened with knowledge. This is what lays the foundation for building a strong nation," he said when speaking at the 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner: Continuing the Legacy of the Struggle, here Saturday (Sept 26).

Also present were the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

The event brought together more than 2,000 members of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim), the Malaysian Muslim Community Development Association (Wadah) and the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students (PKPIM).

The Prime Minister said that in the context of building a Madani nation, change must be founded on conviction, idealism and noble aspirations to uplift the dignity of the people and the country, rather than on supremacy, racism or sowing discord.

Anwar said society must also have a strong understanding of religion and faith, as being born a Muslim does not necessarily guarantee an understanding of Islam.

“Being born Muslim or into a Muslim family does not guarantee understanding. The emergence of Islamic movements, associations and organisations does not guarantee the revival of the spirit of Islam beyond enthusiasm and rhetoric … which is why our great responsibility is to revive the tradition of knowledge,” he said.

Anwar said his experience in Islamic movements had also taught him that struggle must be built on conviction and the belief to act, rather than solely on the amount of support, votes or social media acceptance.

“Ultimately, the consideration is to seek and obtain the blessing and pleasure of Allah SWT. God willing, with your spirit, strength and support, we can continue to build the strength of the Islamic community,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the tradition of knowledge, usrah and efforts to bring together new ideas in shaping public understanding, especially in a country with diverse races and religions.

He said nation-building efforts must also focus on education and mastery of new knowledge, including artificial intelligence (AI), while not neglecting fundamentals such as faith and moral values.

“We must reach for new knowledge, AI, but if we reach for the skies while abandoning our roots in the ground, we will certainly see imbalance in nation-building,” Anwar said.- Bernama

Malaysia needs “good jobs” vision for its next-gen; economic growth meaningless with meagre wages

 

FOR Malaysians of my generation, there is an increasingly uncomfortable question: will we actually be better off than our parents were at the same age?

We are better educated, more digitally connected and entering a far more technologically advanced economy.

Yet many young Malaysians do not feel that progress when looking at salaries, housing costs, daily expenses and career prospects. A plate of nasi lemak now costs 81% more than it did a decade ago. Salaries have not moved anything like as fast.

The latest Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) data reinforces that concern. In 2025, nearly two-thirds of Malaysian employees earned RM2,223 or less a month while the median monthly wage was RM2,940.

Although median wages rose 5.3%, the figures also show a stark skills gap: skilled workers earned a median RM5,057 compared with RM2,223 for semi-skilled and RM1,758 for low-skilled workers.

Recent research from PNB Research Institute (PNBRI) helps explain why. Its research on entry-level salaries found that real wage growth has been largely stagnant over the past 25 years while the wage premium associated with higher education has narrowed.

Its latest paper, A Good Jobs Strategy for Malaysia, argues that economic and productivity growth do not automatically translate into better compensation. Malaysia has a shortage of what PNBRI calls “good jobs” – jobs providing decent wages, skills development, career progression and economic security.

Enormous difference from Gen X

The experience of Malaysians entering employment during the 1980s and 1990s was markedly different.

My parents’ generation certainly endured economic difficulties, including the 1985-1986 recession and 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis (AFC). But they were also participants in one of Malaysia’s great economic transformations.

Malaysia was rapidly moving from an agriculture- and commodity-dependent economy towards manufacturing, services and global supply chains. World Bank historical data found that real earnings of manufacturing workers grew by an average 3.5% annually between 1973 and 1989.

Following the mid-1980s recession, Malaysia liberalised investment, encouraged export-oriented industrialisation and gave the private sector a greater economic role. GDP (gross domestic product) subsequently expanded by approximately 8.3% annually between 1986 and 1990 while foreign investment surged.

Most importantly, economic transformation generated enormous demand for workers. IMF (International Monetary Fund) data show manufacturing wage settlements averaged around 9% annually between 1988 and 1994.

These figures are not directly comparable with today’s national wage statistics but they demonstrate the wage pressures created by a rapidly expanding economy hungry for workers.

At that time, the Administration made deliberate choices about what Malaysia wanted its economy to become.

Industrialisation was aggressively pursued. Foreign investment was courted. Infrastructure was built. Human capital was developed.

My parents’ generation watched the PETRONAS Twin Towers and KLIA go up, and watched university places open to far more people than before. When circumstances changed, economic policies changed with them.

PNBRI challenges the assumption that increasing productivity will inevitably increase wages. Its research argues that Malaysia cannot rely solely on productivity growth because productivity gains do not automatically flow through to worker compensation.

That is not an argument against growth. Malaysia still needs a competitive economy that attracts long-term investment and pays properly for skill because without growth there is nothing to share. The argument is that growth on its own has not been enough.

In search of middle grounds

This becomes even more important with artificial intelligence (AI). As someone working in digital communications, I can already see how rapidly AI is transforming professional work.

Writing, design, research, translation, coding, customer service, marketing and administrative functions can increasingly be automated or dramatically accelerated.

AI will undoubtedly create opportunities. But it could also allow companies to produce considerably more with fewer workers.

Our parents entered an industrialising economy that created tremendous demand for human labour. My generation may be entering a technological transformation that reduces demand for certain forms of human labour.

The policy challenge is therefore not resisting AI. It is ensuring technology increases the value of Malaysian workers rather than simply reducing the number of workers businesses require.

I believe what we are missing is an over-arching economic mission to create substantially more good jobs for Malaysians.

Malaysia should consider setting targeted wage-growth ambitions for key sectors, particularly advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital services, AI and other high-value industries.

Success should be measured not only by investments and jobs created but also by whether wages, skills and career opportunities are improving.

We could establish a Good Jobs Task Force comprising government agencies, industry representatives and skills providers to identify sectors capable of delivering stronger wage growth, address barriers to higher-value employment and track measurable outcomes.

Investment incentives could also place greater emphasis on companies developing Malaysian talent, raising productivity and creating better-paying jobs.

As public money is finite, incentives should be judged on the wages and careers they actually deliver – not on the headline value of the investment announced.

I went to school with Malay, Chinese and Indian classmates – and together we assumed much the same opportunities were open to all of us.

That assumption holds only while people can see themselves getting ahead. Social cohesion has been one of Malaysia’s quieter economic advantages, and good jobs are what keep it.

None of this is beyond us. Malaysia has the location, the workforce and the record of transformation.

What it needs is the same deliberate choice my parents’ generation made – and that is a choice for government, business and civil society together.

Ultimately, Malaysia’s success should be measured not simply by how much the economy grows but by whether the wages and opportunities of Malaysians grow with it. 

A digital communications specialist in his 20s, Jym Tan Jia Tze currently heads the digital marketing function at a strategic communications organisation.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.

Teen's hand trapped in meat grinder at Ipoh premises

 

The 19-year-old Orang Asli teenager was conscious but in pain when firefighters worked to free his right hand from the machine. COURTESY: FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

IPOH: A 19-year-old Orang Asli teenager was injured after his right hand became trapped in a meat grinder at a premises in the Bercham 10 Light Industrial Area here today.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received a distress call at 4.41pm.

He said eight personnel from the Ipoh Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the location to rescue the teenager.

"When the team arrived, the victim's right hand was still trapped in the meat grinder, but he was conscious.

"The operation commander then requested assistance from Health Ministry medical personnel at the scene to administer anaesthesia to the victim's hand as he was in pain during the rescue operation," he said here today.

Sabarodzi said the rescue operation was carried out using the Saver concept, with firefighters separating and cutting parts of the machine using specialised equipment.

"The cutting work continued until the grinder's blade mould, but the victim's right hand could not be freed as the blade mould was made of stainless steel.

"As the victim's condition weakened, the rescue operation was stopped and discussions were held with the medical team," he said..

The teenager was later taken to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital for further treatment.

'My ears were ringing': Fierce storm leaves trail of damage in Damansara Damai

 

PETALING JAYA: A resident of Pangsapuri Saujana in Damansara Damai was left shaken after a storm struck the area yesterday, damaging his car when a tree branch fell on it.

"My ears were ringing from the sound of the extremely strong winds, followed by thunder. I was too afraid to leave my home," said Mazlan Ismail, 59.

He said the incident occurred at about 1pm, after the weather had initially been calm before the sky suddenly darkened and strong winds swept through the area.

As soon as the storm subsided, he rushed to the parking area and found his car's windows shattered, while the roof and sides of the rear boot were badly dented after being struck by the fallen branch.

"This is the second time in 3 years that we have experienced a storm this strong," he said when met at the scene.

The situation was reportedly worse in nearby areas, particularly at Pangsapuri Impian, where several residents' vehicles were damaged by fallen trees.

Residents also raised concerns over what they claimed was a lack of regular maintenance of trees along roadsides.

Pangsapuri Suria resident Rafizan Ramli, 40, said the large trees in the densely populated residential area had not been properly maintained.

"Most of the trees along the roadside have grown too large and dense, while some appear to be in poor condition.

"There has been no regular maintenance. When a strong storm hits, this is what happens.

"We urge the authorities to learn from this incident and immediately trim trees that pose a risk before someone loses their life," he said.

Rafizan said fallen trees also blocked several major roads, causing severe traffic congestion.

"Help took some time to arrive as responders had to find routes that were still accessible. However, we are grateful that the Civil Defence Force, the Fire and Rescue Department and local authorities acted quickly," he said.

Checks at the scene found that tree-cutting and debris-clearing operations were still underway to clear affected roads and ease traffic congestion. - NST

AMK: Jaga adab, hormati Tuanku Muhriz ketua Islam di NS

 

Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) menyifatkan sikap dan usaha menurunkan serta mengaibkan raja pemerintah yang sedang bertakhta sebagai biadab dan bertentangan dengan tanggungjawab memelihara kehormatan Raja-Raja Melayu yang telah sedia termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Ketua AMK Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim berkata penyelesaian kemelut melibatkan institusi diraja Negeri Sembilan perlu berpandukan prinsip dan semangat ajaran Islam, termasuk penghormatan terhadap kedudukan Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir sebagai Ketua Agama Islam di negeri itu.

“Pertimbangan keadilan, adab, proses adat yang wajar dan kemaslahatan rakyat mesti mendahului kepentingan dan tembolok politik,” katanya dalam kenyataan hari ini.

Beliau berkata sebarang pertikaian hendaklah ditangani melalui proses yang sah tanpa menjatuhkan kehormatan baginda dan mencemar kemuliaan institusi diraja.

“Malaysia tertegak dengan prinsip negara hukum. Justeru, semua pihak yang terlibat wajib mematuhi Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan dan proses adat yang sah.

"Keangkuhan politik tidak wajar digunakan untuk menginjak prinsip asas telah termaktub sejak sekian lama.

“Kemelut ini harus dihentikan segera bagi menjamin kehormatan institusi diraja, kepentingan umat Islam dan kesejahteraan seluruh rakyat,” katanya.

Muhammad Kamil berkata AMK juga mahu Kerajaan MADANI membentangkan segera laporan berkaitan Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (FELDA) serta institusi lain, termasuk Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) dan Pertubuhan Peladang Kebangsaan (NAFAS) yang dikaitkan dengan penyelewengan, salah guna kuasa dan kehilangan aset.

Beliau berkata rakyat berhak mengetahui kerugian yang ditanggung, perkembangan pemulihan aset serta tindakan terhadap pihak yang bertanggungjawab kerana negara dan rakyat kini terpaksa menanggung beban besar akibat kecurangan pentadbiran terdahulu.

“Mempertahankan institusi utama ini bermakna menjaga integriti serta manfaatnya kepada rakyat dan Bumiputera.

"Mereka yang menyeleweng amanah institusi ini telah mengkhianati masyarakat yang sepatutnya dibela.

“Institusi yang ditubuhkan untuk memaknai hak dan memelihara kepentingan Bumiputera kini hampir punah akibat tangan-tangan durjana yang tidak bertanggungjawab.

"Meskipun berhadapan tekanan dan desakan, Kerajaan MADANI kekal bersikap tegas dalam membetulkan kerosakan yang telah sekian lama dibiar merebak,” katanya.

Muhammad Kamil berkata AMK juga meminta kerajaan supaya memberikan keutamaan kepada isu peluang pekerjaan berkualiti, gaji bermaruah dan peningkatan kemahiran anak muda, termasuk pekerja gig yang memerlukan kadar upah yang adil, perlindungan sosial dan mekanisme penyelesaian pertikaian yang telus.

Beliau berkata isu perumahan juga mesti diberi tumpuan oleh kerajaan agar nasib golongan belia dapat dibela dengan baik dan terangkum.

“Anak muda berhak memperoleh pendapatan yang membolehkan mereka menampung keperluan asas, membina simpanan dan merancang masa depan. Tuntutan ini mesti diterjemahkan dalam dasar serta tindakan kerajaan. AMK berpendirian agar perkara ini dapat diterjemahkan di dalam Belanjawan MADANI 2027 yang akan datang,” katanya.

Muhammad Kamil ketika menyentuh kesiapsiagaan Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) Melaka berkata jentera di setiap Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) tumpuan telah diperkemas dan beberapa nama calon muda berwibawa juga telah dikemukakan untuk pertimbangan kepimpinan pusat PKR.

Beliau menegaskan sebarang keputusan berhubung kerjasama politik dalam PRN Melaka itu tidak boleh sekadar menjadi marriage of convenience untuk memenuhi selera pihak tertentu, sebaliknya mesti berteraskan kepentingan dan pembangunan rakyat Melaka.

Selain itu, Muhammad Kamil turut mengumumkan tiga pelantikan baharu, iaitu Mohd Shafiq Iqram Abdullah sebagai Pengarah Strategi AMK, Wan Nur Aishah Ahmad Fazli (Ketua AMK Wilayah Persekutuan) dan Mohamad Iqbal Farok (Timbalan Ketua AMK Wilayah Persekutuan).

- Bernama