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Malaysia News

SEREMBAN, June 21 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that leadership is a responsibility to serve the people sincerely, stressing that the nation's real challenges stem from corruption, abuse of power, and those who seek to sow division among Malaysians. Speaking after attending the Rimbunan Hati Dinner Ceremony organised by the Five Generations Organization (PLG) Malaysia in Seremban on Saturday night, Anwar reflected on his recent overseas engagements and his continued commitment to safeguarding the country's future. The Prime Minister said he had recently concluded official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan, where he held a series of important meetings aimed at strengthening Malaysia's long-term interests, particularly in the energy sector amid growing global uncertainties and challenges. Despite returning to Malaysia at approximately 3.30 am, Anwar immediately resumed his official duties in Penang before travelling to Seremban for the event. "Exhaustion is nothing compared to the trust placed upon us to ensure our children inherit a peaceful, stable country and a better future," he said. Anwar also underscored the importance of integrity and public service, noting that leadership should never be driven by status or personal pride. "I believe leadership is not about position or pride. It is a responsibility to serve sincerely, care for the interests of the people, and do the best for the sake of our beloved country," he said. Addressing issues of national unity, the Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia's true challenges are not differences in race or religion but corruption, moral decay, and efforts to incite hatred and racism. He said Malaysia's greatest strength lies in the ability of its diverse communities to live in harmony, respect one another, and work together toward a shared future. Anwar also expressed his appreciation to long-time friends and supporters who have remained steadfast throughout his political journey, thanking them for their friendship, prayers, and unwavering support. He expressed hope that the spirit of ukhuwah, or brotherhood, would continue to strengthen collective efforts in serving religion, the nation, and Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

Leadership Is About Service, Not Position or Pride – PM Anwar Ibrahim

SEREMBAN, June 21 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that leadership is a responsibility to serve the people sincerely, stressing that the nation’s real challenges stem from corruption, abuse .... read more

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 -- Newly appointed Malaysian Media Council (MMC) chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan believes that her decades of experience in the judiciary can help the council build credibility, defend freedom and gain the people's trust. Responding to a question about the selection of a former judge to lead the media self-regulatory body, Nallini said the effectiveness of the council did not depend on power, but rather on its ability to gain confidence through the principles of justice and independence. "I am not a journalist. I have never run a newsroom, determined front pages or worked to deadlines to complete an assignment for the news desk," he said at a Media Dialogue Session with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, here, today. However, the former Federal Court Judge said his experience in the judicial institution equipped him with the skills to defend the independence of the council, ensure a fair process and maintain public confidence in every decision made. "The main thing I can bring to this table is justice between parties who have no vested interest, decided based on evidence and explained openly with reasonable reasons," he said. Nallini said the Malaysian Media Council Act itself clearly stipulates that its chairman must be independent of political influence, the civil service and the legislature, thus reflecting the need for a neutral figure who is able to gain the trust of all stakeholders. He said that while editors and journalists remain experts in reporting and newsroom operations, the council's role is to strengthen the media ecosystem through authoritative standards, effective complaints mechanisms and fair dispute resolution. Commenting on the direction of the MMC, Nallini said that among his main priorities was to ensure that the council's basic structure was built based on the principles of justice and accountability. “My priority is on quality and fairness in our own processes, including our code of ethics, complaints mechanisms and how we reach and explain decisions. "These early months are actually the phase of building the constitution of this institution. If we can lay the right foundation such as fundamental justice, balanced considerations and reasons that can be scrutinized, the position of this council will be built on its own," he said. He said the second principle that needs to be applied is that independent media must also be responsible, while responsible media must be protected from pressure, harassment, misuse of names and manipulation. "Freedom and responsibility are not two opposing things, but rather complement each other in building trust," he said. In this regard, Nallini said the MMC has identified three immediate priorities, namely establishing a fair and efficient complaints and adjudication framework, expanding membership in the industry, and addressing new challenges including fake content and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). "This council will only benefit the government, industry and society as long as it is not owned by any party." "This kind of freedom cannot be declared just through speech, but must be proven through every decision and our willingness to differ from any party. That is the standard we want to uphold," he said. At the same time, he stressed that the council's complaints mechanism should not be used as a tool to silence journalists because courageous reporting, challenging authorities and raising difficult questions are not problems that need to be fixed, but rather an important role of the independent media. "This council will uphold standards, but we will always ensure that efforts to uphold those standards are not abused to the point of hindering journalism, which is so necessary in a democracy," he said. Also present at the dialogue session held in conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil. Also present were Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai; Bernama Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, as well as senior management of local media organisations. -- BERNAMA

Judicial experience helps strengthen MMC’s credibility – Nallini

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 — Newly appointed Malaysian Media Council (MMC) chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan believes that her decades of experience in the judiciary can help the council build credibility, .... read more

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 -- Timor-Leste has requested Malaysia's assistance to facilitate collaboration with Google to establish the technology company's official presence in the country, thus making it easier for local digital content creators to generate income and develop the country's creative economy. Timor-Leste's Secretary of State for Social Communications Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes said the lack of official representation of Google and YouTube in the country was one of the main challenges preventing local content creators from generating income through the platform's monetization programs. "The Minister (Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil) has already promised to help us (Timor-Leste) to send Google experts to Timor-Leste so they can talk to us," he told Bernama. Before that, he had a meeting with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on the sidelines of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 summit, which was held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena here on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ximenes said Malaysia and Timor-Leste also agreed to strengthen media cooperation through the sharing of news, photos and multimedia content, as well as journalism training and journalist exchange programmes. The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the Timor-Leste news agency, Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste (TATOLI), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen media cooperation between the two ASEAN member countries. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Bernama Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and TATOLI President Noémio Mateus Soares Falcão on behalf of their respective agencies, recently. "The Minister and I have both agreed to continue our cooperation following the MOU exchanged today between TATOLI, Timor-Leste and Bernama through the sharing of content and training for journalists, journalists from Timor-Leste to Malaysia and Malaysia to Timor-Leste," he said. He said the collaboration was also hoped to be expanded to the broadcasting sector through a partnership between Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). "The minister immediately called his director general (Ashwad Ismail) to provide information to establish cooperation in the near future," he said. Ximenes is in Malaysia with the Timor-Leste delegation including President TATOLI and his Deputy Madalena DE JCP Carlos to attend the HAWANA 2026 summit. The sixth edition of HAWANA brought together approximately 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners under the theme "Media with Integrity, Core Credibility", and was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. -- BERNAMA

Timor-Leste requests Malaysia’s help to withdraw Google’s presence

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 — Timor-Leste has requested Malaysia’s assistance to facilitate collaboration with Google to establish the technology company’s official presence in the country, thus making it easier for local .... read more

KLANG, JUNE 20 -- Negotiations between the Malaysian and Thai governments involving the issue of the temporary suspension of shrimp imports are being carried out intensively, said Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said discussions between the two countries were leading to the best solution that could safeguard the interests of all parties. "We are still at the negotiation stage and this matter has also received the attention of the Prime Minister. So, intensive discussions are being held to find the best solution." "We are trying to defend the country's rights and interests while their side will explain matters related to fish and shrimp exports to Malaysia," he said at a press conference after opening the Road To MAHA 2026 program at the Central Zone level here today. Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, when commenting on the questionnaire response sent by the ministry to Thailand, said Malaysia had received the response and it was currently in the evaluation process. "The feedback has been received. What needs to be done now is to assess, verify and audit the information provided to meet all the country's biosecurity requirements and conditions," he said when met at the same event. Previously, the media reported that Malaysia was awaiting a response from Thailand on a questionnaire regarding shrimp imports before assessing the country's level of compliance with biosecurity aspects following the temporary suspension of the import of five species of shrimp from the country. Fisheries Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain reportedly said that the Ministry of Fisheries had asked Thailand to respond to a questionnaire sent through the Malaysian agricultural representative office in Bangkok. On May 16, Malaysia tightened controls on the import of fishery products from Thailand through the enforcement of CoA requirements for sea bass as well as a temporary ban on five species of shrimp starting June 1. The temporary restrictions involve the species Penaeus esculentus (brown tiger shrimp), Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (red/white leg shrimp), Penaeus vannamei (white lutz shrimp), Penaeus monodon (tiger shrimp) and Penaeus stylirostris (blue shrimp). Following this, Thailand is reported to be ready to raise the issue of Malaysia's temporary suspension of imports of five species of shrimp from the country at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ASEAN forums if bilateral negotiations fail to resolve the issue. -- BERNAMA

Thai shrimp issue being discussed intensively – Mohamad Sabu

KLANG, JUNE 20 — Negotiations between the Malaysian and Thai governments involving the issue of the temporary suspension of shrimp imports are being carried out intensively, said Minister of Agriculture .... read more

KLANG, JUNE 20 -- The National Food Security Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the drafting of the act, which among other things aims to ensure the stability of the country's food supply, is currently being detailed before it can be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. "Our Food Security Act is being drafted now and it is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and we are discussing that, God willing, it will be presented next year," he said. He said this at a press conference after the Opening Ceremony of the Road To MAHA 2026 Central Zone Programme, here today. Previously, Mohamad was reported to have said that the matter needed to be expedited to ensure the country's food supply was secured following the threat of the El Nino phenomenon and climate change which risked threatening the local food production sector. He said the act would ensure that the country had an early warning system, an automated preparedness plan and a more effective aid distribution mechanism for the food production sector. -- BERNAMA

Food Security Act expected to be tabled next year – Mohamad Sabu

KLANG, JUNE 20 — The National Food Security Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said .... read more

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 -- The appointment of former Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as Chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) is hoped to give the council a new image and confidence. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Nallini's appointment was done seriously, involving individuals with a background and record in the judiciary and integrity. "The main thing is that (he) has unquestionable qualifications and he will help give a new image and confidence to this event. We and our friends are praying (for his success)," he said. Anwar said this when speaking at the opening of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Summit here today. The ceremony was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil. Also present were Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Nallini. The Prime Minister at the same time congratulated Nallini on her appointment as MMM Chairman. Nallini's appointment was unanimously approved by the Malaysian Media Council Board members at a meeting held on May 26. Established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, MMM is a self-regulatory body for the media industry whose role is to strengthen journalistic standards, operate a public complaints mechanism related to the media, promote ethical practices and defend media freedom as an essential foundation of democracy. -- BERNAMA

Nallini’s appointment gives image, confidence to Malaysian Media Council – PM Anwar

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 — The appointment of former Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as Chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) is hoped to give the council a .... read more

Malaysia wishes to establish closer media cooperation with Timor-Leste – YB Datuk Fahmi

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil intends to increase media cooperation with Timor-Leste through its agencies including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Radio Television Malaysia .... read more

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Obtaining gas wells in Turkmenistan reflects confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities – PM Anwar

BATU KAWAN,JUNE 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) success in acquiring one of the world’s largest gas wells in Turkmenistan as clear evidence .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 20 -- The Southern Shuttle service using diesel trains is an interim measure while waiting for the arrival of the new electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, to ensure that the people in this state do not have to wait long. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has provided subsidies of between RM11 million and RM15 million per year so that more people can enjoy the benefits of rail-based public transport. "Therefore, we have two options, either wait two to three years for the 10 new EMU train sets to be completed or use the existing trains now so that the people of Johor don't have to wait any longer. "...the new EMU train will arrive in due course. But as long as the people can use this service now, there is no reason to wait," he said in a post on his Facebook page today. He explained that the diesel train would no longer be needed when the Gemas-JB electric double-track project was completed and would be replaced by an electric train service (ETS) for the route. The Southern Shuttle service connecting Kulai, JB Sentral and Pasir Gudang offers a faster and more comfortable travel alternative to users, with the journey from Kulai to JB Sentral taking around 40 minutes, while the journey from Kempas Baru to Pasir Gudang takes around 40 to 45 minutes. He said the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang route, which was previously only used for cargo, has now been opened to passengers for the first time. Previously, there were those who questioned the service using old trains and diesel fuel with fares allegedly three times more expensive than in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban. -- NAMED

Southern Shuttle uses diesel while waiting for new EMU trend to arrive – Loke

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 20 — The Southern Shuttle service using diesel trains is an interim measure while waiting for the arrival of the new electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, to .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 -- The journalism profession continues to play an important role in ensuring that the public receives accurate information even though the media landscape is rapidly evolving due to advances in digital technology and social media, said social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in Penang today, he said journalists now operate in a fast-moving digital environment and are heavily influenced by social media when inaccurate information, fake news and rumours can spread quickly. Lam Thye said that although social media allows news to be delivered to the public instantly, it also makes the journalism profession more challenging as journalists are increasingly required to verify information circulating online. "A large part of a journalist's job today involves the process of examining various content to distinguish between fact and fiction and ensure that the public knows the truth." " They also face constant pressure to attract readers and increase viewership, often with more limited resources and shorter time frames," he said in a statement today. Elaborating further, Lam Thye said journalism has undergone significant changes since the early days of the profession when journalists relied on notebooks, pens and landline phones to obtain information and had more time to research, verify facts and refine their reports. Apart from that, he said journalists also build strong personal relationships with sources of information and focus on accuracy and delivering stories in detail and meaningfully, while news editors play an important role in shaping reports before publication. "Back then, there were only typewriters, notebooks and landline phones. With more time to research, verify information and edit their work, journalists were able to ensure that every report was completely accurate and reliable," he said. Lam Thye said the research process at that time often involved searching through archived newspaper clippings since internet search engines did not yet exist. Although the way news is produced and distributed has undergone major transformations, he said the fundamental purpose of journalism remains unchanged. "Whether writing for a traditional newspaper or posting developments on social media, the most important responsibility of a good journalist remains the same, which is to convey the truth and ensure that the public always receives accurate information," he said. The social activist also expressed his appreciation to veteran journalists who helped develop the country's media industry, as well as expressing his appreciation to the current generation of journalists for their continued commitment in delivering news to the people. "This weekend, we would like to express our appreciation and pay tribute to veteran journalists who laid the foundation of the country's media industry. We also express our gratitude and appreciation to the journalists today for their hard work every day to bring us the news we need. Thank you for all your services and sacrifices," he said. -- BERNAMA

Journalism continues to play an important role despite changing media landscape – Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 — The journalism profession continues to play an important role in ensuring that the public receives accurate information even though the media landscape is rapidly evolving .... read more

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