Latest news with #Mazlan
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Find out strength in Lumadan first, Amanah told
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is advised to re-evaluate its intention to contest the Lumadan state seat in the upcoming election by considering the strength of grassroots support in the area. Lumadan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Division Chief Mazlan Joehari Manan (pic) said any move to contest should be made with due regard to the local political reality. He said the Lumadan seat, currently held by Datuk Ruslan Muharam of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, remains strongly backed by grassroots supporters. 'We welcome Amanah's interest as a Pakatan Harapan (PH) component to serve in Lumadan, but they must first gauge their grassroots strength before declaring their intention to contest. 'The seat is currently held by Ruslan, who has strong grassroots support. Therefore, this momentum of support for GRS must continue without interference that may threaten this potential,' Mazlan said in a statement on Wednesday. Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu recently stated the party's intention to contest the Lumadan, Tanjung Aru and Sulabayan seats in the 17th State Election (PRN17). Amanah is part pf the Pakatan Harapan coalition which has a political arrangement with GRS in the unity government. Mohamad reportedly said discussions are still ongoing, but negotiations involving two other undisclosed seats under PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) have already been finalised. Mazlan, who is also Special Officer to the Chief Minister, stressed that preserving the GRS-PH government's stability requires any contesting efforts to be done through consultation and mutual understanding. 'As a component of GRS, I will continue to support and defend the Lumadan seat to remain under GRS in the coming State Election. It is only right, as the Lumadan seat belongs to GRS, and the candidate for PRN17 should rightfully come from GRS,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Malaysia keen to improve mutual trade relations: HC
PESHAWAR: Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Pakistan stated that his country gave much importance to improve trade and economic relations with Pakistan. Mazlan was speaking to members of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his visit to the chamber on Wednesday. The High Commissioner emphasized it is highly essential to have proactively engagement between business communities of the both countries. On the occasion, a multi-media documentary was played, which highlighted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa potentials in diverse sectors, as well as the origin of the chamber, its objectives, facilitation services to the business community and other initiatives. SCCI senior vice president Abdul Jalil Jan, vice president Shehryar Khan, members of the chamber's executive committee Safiullah Khan, Adnan Nasir, Ashfaq Ahmad, Sultan Muhammad, Gul Zaman and Bakht Mir Jan Khan Durrani, former senior vice president Imran Khan Mohmand, Hasnain Sheraz, Sherfarzand, Affaf Ali Khan, Qurat Ul Ain, Naeem Qasmi, Sikandar Iqbal, Rashid Iqbal Siddiqui, Mushtaq Ahmad, Shahzad Qaiser, Saddar Gul, SCCI Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, Fazal e Wahid, Ishtiaq Muhammad Paracha, importers and exporters were present in the meeting. Accompanied by First Secretary of High Commission of Malaysia in Pakistan, Mohammad Zulasri Bin Rosdi, Mazlan acknowledged that countless investment opportunities exist in Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and stressed the need for fully exploiting these investment avenues through mutual collaboration. The HC said they want to engage and facilitate the business community of the both countries to further enhance bilateral trade and economic relations. Mazlan mentioned the huge investment opportunities available in multiple sectors in Malaysia, especially oil, gas, palm oil and asked KP businessmen to invest in these potential sectors. He said his country offers special concessions and incentives for attracting foreign investment. He said Malaysia has introduced Eco-system for determining the Halal food products. Earlier, SCCI president Fazal Moqeem Khan in his opening remarks called for simplifying business visa issuance process, exchange of trade delegations, unlocking potentials and organising a single country exhibition to enhance Pak-Malaysia economic and trade relations. SCCI chief said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a lucrative destination for foreign investors and invited Malaysian businessmen to make investment in oil, gas, hydropower generation, tourism and other potentials of the province. He said immense investment opportunities are available in oil, gas, minerals, hydropower generation, tourism, honey, pharmaceutical, and other important sectors in KP and called upon Malaysian businessmen to take full advantage by making investment through joint ventures. Malaysian High Commissioner asserted It is a great time for Pakistan and Malaysia to unlock the potentials on both sides to boost up bilateral trade volume between the two countries, the. He assured the removal of complications and all irritants and smooth/swift issuance of visas to the business community. By concluding he raised the slogan Malaysia-Pak Dosti Zindabad (Long Live Malaysia-Pakistan Friendship). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Star
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Meniti Cakerawala' dance theatre odyssey sets off on a nationwide orbit
It was truly a match made in the heavens when an astrophysicist floated the idea to her friend, an Indian classical dance icon, to collaborate on a dance-theatre production. Titled Meniti Cakerawala: The Science & Romance Of The Cosmos , the show explored the cosmic experience and its connection to humanity. Staged at Auditorium Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur last December, it featured some of Malaysia's most celebrated cross-disciplinary talents. The show – in English – was created by Prof Emerita Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, Malaysia's first astrophysicist, and Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, founder of Sutra Dance Theatre and a leading figure in Indian classical dance. Both were all smiles when they took a bow last year – and those smiles returned as they recently announced that Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 will go on a nationwide tour starting this week. As a multimedia dance-theatre production, 'Meniti Cakerawala' fuses music, dance, poetry, and art into a single, immersive experience – now set to tour the nation. Photo: S. Magendran At the launch event, Ramli and Mazlan were in high spirits and playful moods – yet just as ready to roll up their sleeves, hosting fundraising events to keep the project moving forward and to fill up halls across the country. 'Few companies get the opportunity to perform beyond major cultural hubs, which are often centred around KL. After last year's successful show – one that both educated and inspired – we felt it was important to bring it to communities across Malaysia,' says Ramli, 72, in an interview, thumbing through a list of 10 performances in KL, Klang (Selangor), Penang, Melaka, Seremban, Johor Baru, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. 'In terms of its cultural roots, Meniti Cakerawala also represents a meaningful contribution from the Asean region. Drawing from classical Indian dance, regional literature, and contemporary South-East Asian art, it presents a narrative that transcends language and borders,' he adds. The 75-minute production (with intermission) blends classical dance, film, visual art, music, and poetry into a rich, multi-sensory experience. It drew on the talents – from narration to music – of National Laureate Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh, Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Dr Valerie Ross, Sivarajah Natarajan, Leslie Variyan, S. Magendran, the late Mano Maniam, Chacko Vadaketh, Jayalakshmi Sekhar, Kamarul Baisah Hussein, and Jalaini Abu Hassan – a constellation of creatives united by their shared awe of the cosmos. Mazlan (left) and Ramli gear up to ignite eight Malaysian states with 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0'. Photo: S Magendran "Mazlan is a kindred spirit and without doubt she is a star that holds the show together. I guess, being the main feature in the production was a novel experience for Mazlan as she had to explore a different facet of her personality - as a storyteller!" says Ramli. The show's second season tour, running from July 18 to Sept 7, will also feature 11 dancers from Sutra Dance Theatre. Some of the narrators and musicians will join selected upcoming shows, giving the production an extra boost with original cast involvement. On July 18, Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 begins its tour at Auditorium Panggung Sari, Melaka, before heading to Ikeda Peace Auditorium, Soka International School Malaysia in Sendayan (Negri Sembilan) on July 19, and then returning to Auditorium Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur from July 25-27. The tour continues at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, Johor Baru on Aug 2, and moves to Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor Culture Centre in Klang on Aug 9. The stage production first sparked from Mazlan's 2023 coffee table book 'Cosmic Connections: Langkawi', featuring astrophotography from the Langkawi National Observatory. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias The next stop is at Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Penang Culture Centre in Bayan Lepas on Aug 15. On Aug 17, the production will be staged at MBKS Theatre, Kuching; the tour concludes at Auditorium Kompleks JKKN in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 7. The big bang The idea for the stage production first twinkled into being thanks to Mazlan's 2023 coffee table book Cosmic Connections: Langkawi, which showcases astrophotography from the Langkawi National Observatory. These starry snapshots were paired with poems by Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh and paintings by Jalaini Abu Hassan – together laying the poetic and visual groundwork for what would eventually dance its way onto the stage. For Mazlan, this marks her first time on a performing arts tour. Instead of standing behind a lectern delivering scientific lectures, she now finds herself centre stage – narrating, storytelling, and even bantering with dancers as she brings her cosmic insights to life. It's a delightful shift from PowerPoint slides to dance and poetry. 'Fortunately, we refined much of the choreography and spatial design, making the production more effective and engaging this season,' says Ramli, adding the upcoming shows will feature many new Sutra dancers. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias 'Going on a nationwide tour is something I never imagined doing in my lifetime, especially not past the age of 70. It's a completely new experience for me in the performing arts but incredibly exciting,' says Mazlan, 73, with a laugh. 'Strangely enough, it also feels like something I've been building towards all my life. I was encouraged to pursue science from a young age, even though I had a love for poetry. 'So to have performed last year, and now to take this production across the country, truly feels like a culmination of cosmic proportions,' she adds. A great tapestry As the production evolves (on the road), it also welcomes fresh talent: seven new dancers will step into roles of their predecessors – a hallmark of Sutra's commitment to nurturing emerging artists. Alongside the tour, a new visual art exhibition titled Cosmic Connextions will also travel with the show where possible. Organised by the newly formed collective Spektra and the Museum of Asian Art, Universiti Malaya, it features works by nine contemporary artists who reflect on the cosmos as concept and metaphor, offering visual meditations on humanity's place in the universe. Several segments of 'Meniti Cakerawala' feature narration by the late Mano, a poignant reminder of his enduring presence. Photo: S. Magendran Yet perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Meniti Cakerawala lies in the voice that helps bind its many elements together – that of Mano Maniam, who died on May 31 aged 79. A beloved figure in theatre, television and film, Mano's voice appears in three reflective segments of the performance. In what became his final creative work, he describes the heavens as a great tapestry – a metaphor that helped shape the show's emotional and visual tone for Mazlan. 'He was more than a collaborator, he was a dear friend. To hear his voice woven into the production gives it a layer of meaning that feels both personal and universal. It's a tribute that continues to live on,' says Ramli. 'Across Malaysia, audiences can still experience the grace and wisdom Mano brought to everything he touched,' says Mazlan, echoing the same sentiment. For the renowned astrophysicist, the blending of poetry, performance, and science reflects a lifelong belief in how these disciplines deepen and enrich one another. As Mazlan puts it, this family- friendly production is 'an exploration of how stars must die for us to exist, and how we are, quite literally, made of star-stuff.' More info here.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Police boost patrols at Kuala Krai school after pupil approached by stranger
KUALA KRAI: Police are increasing patrols and surveillance at a school in Guchil here following a viral video of a Year Four female pupil who was approached yesterday by an unknown man in all black, wearing a face mask, outside the school gate. Kuala Krai district police chief, Superintendent Mazlan Mamat, said that the police are taking this matter seriously, especially concerning the safety of children and pupils who are vulnerable to criminal threats. "Following this incident, the relevant police station chief has been directed to increase patrols in the school area, especially during dismissal times," he said in a media statement today. He also advised school principals to allow pupils to wait inside the school premises until their parents or guardians arrive to pick them up. Additionally, school security guards have been asked to conduct stricter monitoring, ensuring that every student is accounted for and only allowed to leave with verified parents or guardians. The incident went viral after a Year Four pupil recounted being approached by an unknown man while waiting for her mother outside school yesterday. The man claimed the child's father had asked him to pick her up. However, when the child asked for her father's name for verification, the man couldn't answer, and the student then ran away. Mazlan urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activities or provide information related to this incident to the police. "All cooperation is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety of the community, especially in the Kuala Krai district," he added. As a preventive measure, the police recommend several safety guidelines for students: always wait inside the school premises until picked up by family or guardians, and avoid walking alone. If approached by an unknown person, immediately scream and run to a safe area or the security guard post. Pupils are also advised to wait at the security guard post if their family has not yet arrived. The public is also encouraged to download the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) PDRM 2.0 application as a quick channel to provide information to the police.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Space and dance' go on nationwide tour
LAST year, Odissi dance maestro Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra Foundation teamed up for the first time with acclaimed astrophysicist Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman for 'Meniti Cakerawala'. This out-of-the-ordinary dance showcase combined science and art, and was well received by Malaysians from all walks of life. STAR-STUDDED Staged at City Hall Auditorium in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur from Dec 4 to 8, 'Meniti Cakerawala was a multimedia dance theatre production incorporating dance, film, art, music and poetry. This star-studded, 90-minute "edutainment" showcase also featured poets Muhammad Haji Salleh and Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, actors the late Mano Maniam and Chacko Vadaketh and artist Jalaini Abu Hassan, with original music by composer and arranger Dr Valerie Ross and a live performance by multi-instrumentalists Kamarul Baisah and Jayalakshmi Sekhar. HIT In a recent interview with NST, Mazlan who served as the main narrator said: "The show received the thumbs-up from many guests, they all loved it. "We did not expect it to be such a hit with arts lovers, and it was memorable for me as I danced and sang in space age costumes designed by Leslie Variyan." Mazlan added that the guests felt that she should "learn to dance better", but her narration was perfect. "My daughter said that I was stiff on stage when I danced, so a second time will make things better. "Our guests also suggested that the show visit other major cities around the country," said Mazlan. VOYAGE Fans of Mazlan and Ramli can once again catch 'Meniti Cakerawala' this year, beginning from July 18 as it is set to embark on its second season and "maiden voyage" around the country. The 8.30pm showcase will be staged at Taman Budaya Melaka on July 18, Ikeda Peace Auditorium of Soka International School Malaysia in Seremban on July 19, Kuala Lumpur City Hall from July 25 to 27, Permaisuri Zarith Sofia Opera House in Johor Bahru on Aug 2, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Klang on Aug 9, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Bayan Lepas, Penang on Aug 15, Kuching Lake Park Theatre on Aug 17, and the Culture Arts and Heritage Department in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 7. TIGHTER Ramli said: "It's going to be the same, only tighter, and we're retaining the great New Age music from the first season. "There won't be any new segments, and all the musicians will be back. "The only change is that there will be 7 new dancers, and the number of dancers will now be 12 instead of 15." EXHIBITION Ramli also said that there will be a new exhibition outside each venue, titled Cosmic Connections. This painting exhibition is presented by the Spektra Group. Ramli said: "Many of the guests were very impressed with Mazlan. They thought she was only going to be a narrator, and had glowing praise for her singing and dancing. "It was also her first time singing on big stage, and that duet we had, Tan Sri P. Ramlee's Malam Bulan was splendid." IMPRESSED Mazlan, who described the show as a "cosmic journey that is wholly Malaysian and surreal", learnt that dancing is never easy but "good to try". "I finally did it after five nights, and Ramli was so impressed," she said. "Rehearsals are now going on almost daily, and while I was a bit nervous before the first show, I've learnt to accept my limitations and will strive to do better, for it is always good to learn something new." BOUNDARIES Ramli said that while he and Mazlan (who is also a trustee of Ramli's Sutra Foundation) are "poles apart in work", they are like-minded in that they do not believe in "boundaries". "This show tells us that it is perfectly feasible to combine science and dance or the arts. "It is great to make science part of showbiz as it entertains and need not be fearsome or dry," he said. MESSAGE Mazlan said that fans of the show loved its catchy message "we are all made of star stuff", and praised Sutra's Dance Of Creation as metaphorically beautiful. "The message conveyed by 'Meniti Cakerawala' is deep, and brings lots of questions for us to ponder. It tells us that we have a lot to learn, that we are a speck in the universe and should learn to accept each other," she said. Ramli is optimistic that more Malaysians will attend 'Meniti Cakerawala' this time. "We had about 1,500 guests in the first season, and this time I'm sure there'll be more. "If all goes well, we might take 'Meniti Cakerawala' to Thailand and India at year's end." BRAINCHILD 'Meniti Cakerawala' is the brainchild of Mazlan, and encourages Malaysians to deepen their knowledge of astronomy and learn how the universe came into being. Ramli said: "In her work, Mazlan has always emphasised her strong belief in the notion that art and science are intimately and complementarily related. "Indeed, it will blast off audiences on a cosmic journey of the senses and may even answer their questions on the meaning of life." He added: "There are 10 dance pieces which are inspired by the movements of planets and astral bodies, as well as the creation of the universe.
