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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Dr Mahathir's old home, your next day out: Galeria Sri Perdana now open
With 1980s retro back in style, Dr Mahathir's office at Galeria Sri Perdana reflects that era - simple, functional, and lined with his personal book collection. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat History buffs and curious visitors alike now have a fresh reason to explore Bukit Persekutuan's (Federal Hill) leafy slopes in Kuala Lumpur: Galeria Sri Perdana, the former official residence of Malaysia's fourth prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reopened to the public on July 10 - fittingly on his 100th birthday. Under the stewardship of the National Archives of Malaysia (Arkib Negara Malaysia) since 2000, Galeria Sri Perdana is more than an architectural relic on Jalan Terengganu - it invites visitors to step into spaces where family life and official history unfolded, from dining areas to desks where key decisions were made. National Archives Director General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the RM12.76mil upgrade under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan will help preserve the building for future generations. Dr Mahathir didn't need to travel far for a trim - Galeria Sri Perdana had its own barber room for his personal grooming. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat 'The upgrading works covered everything from rewiring the air-conditioning and lighting systems to repairing structural elements and restoring the lush gardens that surround the gallery,' said Jaafar at the recent opening ceremony. He added that the revitalised museum space aims to help Malaysians connect with the nation's history, culture and leaders. After extensive conservation, the historic residence now serves as a public gallery/museum and educational tourism centre. Once called 'Sri Timah,' this bungalow began as a property of the Malaysia Mining Corporation before it was repurposed by the government as the residence of Dr Mahathir and his family (between August 1983 and October 1999, before he moved to Putrajaya). Today, visitors can explore three exhibition levels at Galeria Sri Perdana, where over 3,500 personal items belonging to Dr Mahathir are displayed - from everyday furniture and family dining sets to vehicles, documents, shoes and traditional Malay attire. Dr Mahathir's official Proton Perdana, bearing the 'Proton 2020' plate, now stands parked outside as a nod to his vision of modern Malaysia. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat The Main Guest area - a spacious hall - hosted ceremonies and gatherings ranging from courtesy visits by local and international guests to annual Hari Raya gift-giving for military and police personnel. Intimate press conferences, "doa selamat" and congregational prayers, wedding solemnisations, and even newborn hair-trimming ceremonies for grandchildren all took place here, making it a space rich in personal and national memories. In July 1993, the late Yasser Arafat, the emblematic leader of the Palestinian national movement, was also received by Dr Mahathir in this main meeting area. For visitors, exploring private spaces like the Bedroom and Family Dining Room alongside official areas offers a glimpse into two very different worlds. In a modest corner on the second floor, a "barbershop" still stands. This was where Dr Mahathir sat for haircuts by his trusted barber Mohan Muthupandithan, who came by request. More than a grooming spot, it reveals how small routines fit into the prime minister's busy schedule. Visitors today can see this humble space and reflect on the ordinary moments behind an extraordinary public life. One of the lounge areas at Galeria Sri Perdana where Dr Mahathir once welcomed guests. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat A display case featuring his personal collection of hats is also a conversation starter. Few also know that Dr Mahathir is an avid woodworker, a hobby he has cherished since childhood. A carpentry room in Sri Perdana offered him a space to unwind, crafting everything from model aircraft and government emblems to bookshelves and sculptures. Here, visitors glimpse the quiet pastime that balanced the demands of leadership. After pandemic closures and major conservation work, Galeria Sri Perdana's reopening comes as local tourism picks up, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Malaysia's modern history. Galeria Sri Perdana is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays except during school holidays. Admission is free.


The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
INTERACTIVE: Fewer Malaysian students heading to the US
Visitors explore opportunities with local and international institutions at The Star Education Fair 2025. — Low Boon Tat/THE STAR PETALING JAYA: Malaysian student arrivals to the United States of America have fallen this year amid uncertainties over US foreign student policies. According to figures from the US National Travel and Tourism Office website, the number of Malaysians arriving in the United States on student visas from January to April this year dropped by 7% to 1,754 compared to 1,887 in the same period last year. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only


The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
BAM boss Zafrul solves first issue - powerbank poser at Malaysian Masters!
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz —Low Boon Tat / The Star PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Masters got off to a slightly bumpy start at the Axiata Arena on Tuesday (May 20) following confusion over the entry of powerbanks into the venue. Several badminton fans voiced their frustration after their powerbanks were confiscated at security checkpoints as they made their way in to watch the morning's qualifying matches. The mix-up caused concern, especially with the day's schedule expected to run into the night, with several high-profile matches only set to begin from 4pm. To address the issue, newly appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stepped in to provide clarification. 'There shouldn't be any issue bringing in powerbanks. I was informed that there was a misunderstanding at the initial screening stage, but everything has since been clarified. You should be able to bring powerbanks in without any problems now. Enjoy the games!' said Zafrul in a post on social media. Following that, fans were also allowed to retrieve their powerbanks that had earlier been held at the entrance counters.


The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM: Cost not the only reason to pick public varsities
Come one, come all: Fairgoers speaking to a UM representative during the Star Education Fair at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre in Putrajaya. (Inset) Prof Noor Azuan. — Low Boon Tat and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Amid Malaysia's wide array of tertiary options, public universities stand out for their adaptability, accessibility, affordability and industry-relevant education, says Universiti Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. 'Currently, we have about 1.1 to 1.2 million local students in Malaysia, with 600,000 to 650,000 attending 20 public universities. 'Another 350,000 students are studying at some 309 private universities,' he said at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He stressed that this trend is not due to a lack of quality in private institutions, which he praised for their excellence, but rather because public universities offer a balanced combination of affordability, relevance and modern infrastructure. He explained that public universities, including UM, are transforming to meet the expectations of a new generation of students. 'The new generation aren't like my generation. They need things fast, beautiful and simplified,' he said, adding that this has pushed public universities to modernise campuses with strong Wi-Fi access and futuristic classrooms. Beyond facilities, Prof Noor Azuan highlighted UM's three-pronged philosophy: community engagement, industry integration and international exposure. He said these integrated strengths make public universities a powerful choice – beyond just affordability. 'Three or four weeks out of the 14-week semester must be taught by an industry professional. 'These weeks are all about sharing their knowledge, experience, expertise and incorporating it into the course content,' he said, adding that students need real-world exposure to understand what is happening beyond the classroom. He also said UM and other public universities ensure their academic programmes – whether in engineering, social sciences or medicine – meet international accreditation standards. 'This means that when our students finish their studies, they can easily work not only in Malaysia but all over the world without question,' he said, adding that a university's core purpose is to create and share knowledge – knowledge that should benefit not only the country but also have global relevance and impact.


New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Improved rankings show country's commitment to journalistic reform, freedom, says union chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The improved standing of Malaysia in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a testament to the country's commitment to media reforms and journalistic freedom, said National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) president Low Boon Tat. "Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a day to honour the courage of journalists who speak truth to power. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a transparent society. "Congratulations to Malaysia for now ranking 88th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. This shows there is still room for improvement to ensure our media remains free and upholds integrity. "We stand with journalists and photojournalists not just today, but every day in pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of expression," he said. Malaysia rose 19 places to 88th in the latest index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 56.09 — up from 52.07 last year when it ranked 107th. NUJ-NSTP branch chairman Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said the formation of the Malaysian Media Council had been instrumental in this progress. "This improvement is encouraging and shows that we are heading in the right direction. The formation of the Malaysian Media Council has contributed to this positive development," she said. However, she stressed that sustained improvement would require legislative reform. "There is still room for improvement, especially in reviewing legislation such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act. If we maintain this pace and reduce government interference, we can move toward greater press independence," she added. Malaysia now ranks second among Asean countries in the index, behind Thailand at 85th. Other regional rankings include Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173rd). The index assesses 180 countries and territories across five key indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists.