Latest news with #Mastura
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Seribu Tahun opens dialogue, not agendas, on LGBTQ+ themes in Malay-Muslim storytelling
For many Malaysians who tuned into Seribu Tahun, the show's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes might appear bold, even unexpected. But to those who have closely followed the trajectory of its creators, this narrative choice felt like an earnest effort to grapple with the realities on our social periphery. Through heightened emotion, layered storytelling and a cultural lens rooted in local sensibilities, it dares to engage with contemporary issues often whispered but rarely explored in mainstream media. A deliberate and responsible narrative approach Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation lecturer, Ts Mastura Muhammad believes this approach is far from haphazard. It is, in fact, grounded in deep cultural reflection and narrative responsibility. 'I approach Seribu Tahun with a critical awareness of its narrative ambition and the socio-cultural realities it seeks to engage. Having followed the director and production team's earlier works, it is clear they consistently produce high-quality content grounded in Malay-Muslim sociocultural contexts. 'Within this framework, the inclusion of LGBT themes in Seribu Tahun does not come across as an imposed agenda, but rather as a deliberate, reflective engagement with pressing contemporary issues. 'This thematic direction suggests a responsible and courageous attempt to expose, educate and interrogate societal anxieties; often through narrative exaggeration or heightened emotion to ensure audience engagement,' she said in an interview with Sinar Daily. Mastura pointed out that the series is not merely provocative for provocation's sake, but instead strives to expose, educate and interrogate societal anxieties, often through narrative exaggeration or heightened emotion to ensure audience engagement. But how does this creative risk play out within Malaysia's complex cultural and religious tapestry? To understand that, Mastura suggests we shift our view of media from mirror to lens. 'In the Malaysian context, the common saying 'art imitates life' may oversimplify the role of media. A more fitting interpretation might be that art represents life; filtered through cultural, political and narrative conventions. 'Since genres like science fiction are still developing in our local television landscape, most Malaysian dramas remain rooted in social realism, thereby serving as platforms for social commentary. Within this genre, directors often use heightened storytelling elements to maintain emotional engagement. 'It is essential, however, to view a drama series in its entirety rather than focusing on isolated scenes. Often, controversial moments are juxtaposed with scenes that offer resolution or contextual balance. 'This dialectical structure - tension followed by resolution - is central to storytelling. Thus, even representations of LGBT identities that may provoke discomfort can spark necessary dialogue within Malaysia's multicultural and multi-religious society,' she added. Seribu Tahun's narrative sparks dialogue, not agendas, on LGBT themes in Malay-Muslim storytelling. Photo: Facebook The importance of media literacy and audience interpretation Of course, any depiction of marginalised communities - particularly in a conservative society - risks misinterpretation. But here, media literacy plays a crucial role. Mastura highlighted the shift away from outdated assumptions of how media influences audiences. 'From a media studies lens, it is important to recognise that audience reception is neither passive nor homogenous. Viewers interpret content through a range of filters -cultural background, religious belief, education and socio-political context. 'The once-dominant 'hypodermic needle' theory of media influence has long given way to more nuanced models like encoding or decoding, which recognise varied audience interpretations. 'The fear that media representation directly shapes youth behaviour is often exaggerated and not strongly supported by empirical evidence. On the contrary, when stories involving marginalised identities are told with cultural sensitivity and narrative depth, they can foster empathy, understanding and critical reflection,' she said. It is within this space - 'between provocation and pedagogy, representation and restraint,' as Mastura puts it - that Seribu Tahun finds its power and perhaps, its purpose.
The Star
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Go easy on durian, say experts
(From left) Mohammad Taufik Saidon, Muhamad Hafiz Azizan and Mohd Iszuan Ismail from Alor Setar enjoying the King of Fruits at Anjung Indah in Balik Pulau, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star IT IS durian season again, but over-indulging in the King of Fruits can pose a serious risk to our health. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or high blood pressure should not binge eat. 'To enjoy the nutritional benefits of durian safely, limit intake to no more than two medium-sized pieces per day, or about 80g,' she said. Eating too much durian could have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, she noted. 'Bingeing on durian may cause discomfort and disrupt normal metabolic functions. 'For those with chronic conditions, durian should only be consumed in small amounts, occasionally or not at all,' she added. Dr Mastura said certain foods should be avoided when eating durian, which contains carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. 'These include spicy dishes, caffeine, carbonated drinks, sweet fruits, desserts, soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages. 'Consuming these alongside durian can cause digestive discomfort and increase health risks,' she said. 'Durian also has a 'heaty' effect, though reactions may vary among individuals,' said Dr Mastura. Penang Health Department nutritionist Zuhaida Harun said that like any other fruit, durian should be eaten according to the recommended serving size. 'One serving of durian is two to three pieces. 'It is high in calories and natural sugar. 'For people with diabetes, it can cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar,' she said. Zuhaida said high consumption of durian could significantly increase a person's overall calorie intake. 'Sometimes, bingeing can also lead to other health issues such as bloating, indigestion or feeling overheated,' she said, adding that moderation applied to all foods. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi reminded the public to practise moderation when enjoying durian, especially during the current peak season, to avoid potential health risks. 'Overindulgence, particularly in hot weather, can lead to discomfort such as a sore throat, dehydration or digestive problems,' he said. 'Drink plenty of water and exercise self-control to fully appreciate the fruit without experiencing adverse effects,' Gooi advised.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Media, bulwark of facts, bridge between people and govt
PUTRAJAYA: The explosion of information without borders has made the media not just a news provider, but a bulwark to ward off false information that can threaten stability, as well as functioning as a check and balance mechanism on government policies. Highlighting the role of the media as the fourth pillar or fourth estate in democracy, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Institute of Social Science Studies researcher Dr Mastura Mahamed said the media is like a "watchdog" and a bridge with institutions to ensure integrity, accountability and that the people's voices continue to be heard. "Journalists need to be given space, trust and protection to carry out their duties freely, safely and with dignity. "Only in this way can we build a media ecosystem that is functional, ethical and contributes to the building of civilization," she told Bernama. Mastura, who is also a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM, said many people who do not have a journalism background still tend to blame the media when an issue arises, without fully understanding the true function of the media in democracy. In this regard, she proposed a collaborative approach involving higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the media industry and the community to educate the public on the important role of the media. "This is not about giving praise to the media, but building an understanding that the media plays an important role as a check and balance in the national system in conveying the voice of the people, explaining government policies and clarifying communication between the people and the national leadership including the royal institution," she said. Mastura also celebrated the public's participation in the information ecosystem through the use of technology, but there are concerns about the risk of misuse by a few members of the social media who used fake identities and interacted unethically. "Therefore, efforts to strengthen media and digital literacy are important so that society can use technology prudently, responsibly and factually," she said. Besides, she added that the media also needs to involve the community as contributors of information, not just as passive viewers, to assist in the verification process, broaden perspectives and enhance trust in the reports presented. Mastura also called for the welfare of media practitioners to be given serious attention, given that every year thousands of journalists in Malaysia work under time pressure, safety risks with high social responsibilities, but are rarely given public recognition. In this regard, she suggested that Malaysia as the 2025 Asean Chairman examines the models of other Asean countries that provide space for media practitioners to voice their welfare. "This is where the important role of the Malaysian Media Council is to formulate a comprehensive welfare framework including guidelines, minimum benefits and recognition of the role of independent and organised journalists," she said, suggesting that the journalism community be built in a spirit of support and not just competition. Therefore, retraining and skill enhancement such as data journalism, the use of technology and reporting ethics should be provided to ensure that the field of journalism continues to develop competitively and professionally, said Mastura. She said that although the method of media delivery has changed from print to digital, radio broadcasts to podcasts, the basic function of the media will not fade with time, but will remain the backbone of national development, a catalyst for community progress and a guardian of the integrity of the democratic system. In conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025, Mastura hopes that it will become a stage to reshape the future of journalism in Malaysia beyond content and technology aspects by encompassing its values, ethics and social role. Themed "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics", this year's celebration begins tomorrow with the Hawana 2025 Carnival from 10am to 10pm and it will be officiated by the deputy secretary-general (Telecommunication Infrastructure) of the Ministry of Communications Mano Verabathran at 3pm at Sunway Putra Mall foyer.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia braces for "tough" tariff talks with US, readies fallback offer
KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming tariff negotiations between Malaysia and the United States will be "tough" but essential to reinforce both countries' complementary trade ties, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said the ministry's Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, who has been appointed chief negotiator, would lead on the technical groundwork ahead of the talks, allowing him to focus on strategic-level discussions. "I'll be going to the US with our chief negotiator, Mastura. Negotiations have been ongoing virtually, but a physical meeting is necessary," he said at a press conference during the Regional Socialisation of the AEC Strategic Plan under the Asean Community Vision 2045. "If Mastura manages to settle most of the technical matters, there will be less on my plate. But it's not going to be easy, and that's the reality. What's important is to demonstrate that the Malaysia-US trade and investment relationship is complementary. We are not undercutting or competing against the US," he added. Tengku Zafrul will travel to Washington on June 18 to resume negotiations over tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods. He is scheduled to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as well as other officials from the US administration and investors. Meanwhile, Mastura told Business Times that Malaysia is prepared to present a fallback proposal in its ongoing tariff negotiations with the US should Washington deem its original offer "insufficient". She said Malaysia's upcoming engagement in Washington would be a timely opportunity to re-engage US officials after earlier talks were postponed. "I believe the US is currently more focused on its court cases and negotiations with China. They had earlier postponed our physical meeting," she said on the sidelines of the event held here, today. "We will take the opportunity of the minister's visit to meet with them and get their feedback on our initial offer. If that's not sufficient for them to consider, we're ready with a second layer of proposals to keep the negotiations moving," she added. Mastura did not disclose the details of either the initial or fallback offer. Earlier, on April 24, Tengku Zafrul led a high-level delegation to Washington, where he held talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Greer. During that meeting, Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of sustained engagement and reiterated Malaysia's commitment to finding constructive solutions to the concerns raised by the US. Malaysia has expressed its readiness to negotiate in four key areas, namely narrowing the trade deficit, addressing non-tariff barriers, strengthening technology protection and security and exploring the potential for a bilateral trade agreement. On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced tariff measures affecting around 60 countries, including a 24 per cent levy on most Malaysian goods. However, the tariffs have been temporarily suspended for 90 days, with the exemption set to expire on July 8.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Talks ongoing amid contingency steps'
PETALING JAYA: Talks with the United States on the proposed tariff increase are still in progress, while the government has begun rolling out contingency measures such as market diversification and economic reforms, according to Malaysia's chief negotiator, Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. She said the government is actively engaging US counterparts to seek a mutually acceptable outcome. 'It's difficult to say at this point whether we can conclude an agreement before the deadline,' Mastura, who is also the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry's (Miti) deputy secretary-general (trade), told The Star. At the same time, she said, negotiations with the United States are only one part of Malaysia's broader strategy to cushion the potential impact on exporters. 'With regard to the contingency plan, as has been stated on numerous occasions, engagement with the United States is not the sole measure that the government is taking to mitigate the impact. 'The government is also looking to diversify export markets and strengthen trade partnerships under Asean, the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and other free trade agreements. 'Additionally, it aims to implement reforms to enhance national productivity and competitiveness,' the chief negotiator stated. She added that efforts are also underway to design targeted support measures for local industry players, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them navigate potential disruptions and reduce over-reliance on a single market. 'These combined steps are aimed at strengthening the resilience of Malaysia's export sector and positioning the country for more sustainable, long-term growth amid an increasingly challenging global trade environment,' she said. The United States has announced a 24% tariff on most Malaysian goods, along with a range of duties affecting around 60 countries. However, the tariffs have been suspended for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations. Previously, Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the United States had made four key demands to Malaysia in the ongoing tariff negotiations, aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial outcome. The priorities focus on non-tariff barriers, addressing the trade deficit, safeguarding US technology and encouraging investment in American industries. Following a market revolt after his major tariff announcement on April 2, US President Donald Trump paused most import duties for 90 days and said he would hammer out bilateral deals with trade partners.
