Sarawak pays tribute to national heroes during Warriors' Day ceremony
KUCHING (July 31): The sacrifices of heroes who defended the country's sovereignty across generations were remembered with solemn respect at the state-level Warriors' Day 2025 ceremony today.
A Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiated at the event at the Heroes Monument in Taman Budaya here on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawakians must realise that the peace and prosperity experienced today were not achieved overnight but through long and continuous struggle.
'The privileges we enjoy today came at the cost of great sacrifices by the nation's warriors. It took tremendous effort and the ultimate sacrifice by our heroes to defend every inch of our beloved land and their blood, sweat and hardship laid the foundation for the peace we enjoy today,' said the Premier.
He said Warriors' Day serves as a symbol of appreciation and remembrance for those who fought to uphold the nation's sovereignty, from the pre-independence era through to the present day.
'Symbolically, this day reminds us of the courage of those who stood firm against threats to our sovereignty and their sacrifices must be remembered for all time, as they shaped the civilisation we live in today,' he said.
The Premier called on Malaysians to remain grateful for the harmony and well-being enjoyed today.
'All the comfort and safety we experience are the direct result of the sacrifices of our comrades in the past. This peace is a divine gift, born of their bravery and hardship,' he said.
He also urged the public to continue honouring the memory of fallen heroes by praying for them and extending support to their families.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, and Eastern Field Command Health Services chief Dr Shamsul Bahary Muhamad. Abang Johari Douglas Uggah Embas lead Warriors' Day 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Tunku Azizah launches book on dual legal system governing Islamic finance
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah today graced the launch of the book, From Shariah to Statute: Legal and Regulatory Framework of Islamic Finance in Malaysia, which provides a comprehensive overview of Malaysia's unique dual legal system governing the Islamic finance sector. The book launch was held in conjunction with the professorial lecture delivered by Prof Datin Dr Nurdianawati Irwani Abdullah, a finance lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences. Tunku Azizah's arrival, as the Constitutional Head of the university, was warmly received by IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar and Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. The book, From Shariah to Statute: Legal and Regulatory Framework of Islamic Finance in Malaysia, explains the relationship between Syariah principles and statutory laws, highlighting the roles of key regulatory authorities, core legislations, and institutional mechanisms that uphold Syariah compliance, financial integrity, and consumer protection. The book also explores recent regulatory developments, including licensing and supervision of digital Islamic banks and takaful operators, alongside Malaysia's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, innovation, and legal harmonisation within the Islamic finance ecosystem. Meanwhile, during her lecture titled '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful Dream: Too Far to Reach?', Nurdianawati highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive health protection amid rising medical inflation, which surged to 12.6 per cent in 2023, more than double the global average, hence putting significant strain on household expenditures. She noted that takaful penetration remains low at around 20 per cent, with over 90 per cent of Malaysians lacking adequate coverage, and more than 85 per cent of small and medium enterprises without suitable protection. At the same time, she said nearly 70 per cent of Malaysians still rely on overcrowded public hospitals, where waiting times can exceed 24 hours, while private healthcare costs continue to rise. In response, Nurdianawati proposed a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving the national goal of '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful' by 2026, not merely a vision but a shared social responsibility. 'Achieving '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful' requires cross-sector collaboration involving government agencies, takaful operators, employers, zakat and waqf bodies, and civil society. This is no longer optional but a social obligation to prevent anyone from falling into poverty due to illness. 'This plan targets increasing takaful penetration to 40 per cent by 2028. With strong commitment and thorough implementation, the dream of ensuring every Malaysian has basic health protection can be realised,' she added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Mandatory retirement age review gains support from employers, ageing advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to review Malaysia's mandatory retirement age has gained support from employers and ageing advocacy groups, who are calling for a flexible, sector-sensitive approach with adequate safeguards for both older and younger workers. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) yesterday, said the government would review the retirement age as the nation transitions towards an ageing society. Senior Citizens Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the review was timely and necessary, given Malaysia's increasing life expectancy and a growing number of older citizens who remain active and capable. "Sixty is too young to retire in this day and age. With the average lifespan now exceeding 75, people still want to contribute, and many need to continue working to support themselves or their families," he said. Lee said the government should consider raising the age gradually, for instance, to 63 first, and then move towards 65 with proper study and stakeholder input. He also advocated for a flexible retirement model where those who wish to retire can do so, while those willing and able to work may continue. "Many seniors are still fit, of sound mind, and eager to stay productive. They bring years of experience that can be channelled through roles like mentorship or advisory work," he said. Addressing concerns that an extended retirement age may affect youth employment, Lee said the government must focus on expanding job creation to avoid intergenerational friction. "If the government can generate the 1.2 million jobs projected under the plan, both older and younger Malaysians can be meaningfully absorbed into the labour force," he said. He also urged the swift introduction of the long-proposed Senior Citizens Act to enshrine protections for elderly Malaysians, including employment rights, healthcare access, and public mobility. Meanwhile, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the move was "sound and forward-looking" but must not be implemented as a blanket policy. He said MEF supports retaining capable older workers, especially in knowledge-based or strategic roles, but warned that physically demanding jobs in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing may not be suitable for employees beyond 60. "Without proper structure, extending the retirement age could lead to safety risks, productivity losses, and higher medical claims," he said. He added that older workers may also face challenges in adapting to fast-paced technological changes without sustained, accessible upskilling initiatives. Syed Hussain said while the extension could reduce dependency on retirement savings and preserve medical coverage, it might also slow promotion pipelines and limit wage growth for younger workers. "To move forward, we recommend a flexible policy based on health, performance, and job suitability — not a blanket extension," he said. MEF also called for structured role transitions, such as fixed-term contracts and mentorship roles, alongside tax relief incentives for seniors who remain employed. "With the right safeguards and support, this policy can help Malaysia harness the full potential of its ageing workforce without compromising youth employment or business competitiveness," he said.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia upgrades Borneo-Indonesia border roads under 13MP
KUCHING: The proposed upgrade of road networks along the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen cross-border infrastructure between Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the state government had long advocated for this initiative and praised the federal government's commitment. 'The Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has already announced related projects like the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phases 1 and 2. We are now finalising a new alignment,' said Uggah, who also serves as Sarawak's Infrastructure and Port Development Minister. He confirmed that the state Public Works Department is preparing to execute approved projects, with discussions ongoing in Kuala Lumpur. The RM1 billion project will link strategic border areas to major highways, including the Pan Borneo Highway. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the initiative during the 13MP tabling, emphasising its role in boosting economic integration. Separately, Uggah addressed air quality concerns, noting that API readings in Sarawak remain good to moderate. As chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee, he confirmed open burning permits were suspended for two weeks, with local response teams on standby. - Bernama
