Latest news with #SaifuddinNasutionIsmail
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: Appointments in national security institutions should not be politicised
BALING: Appointments to positions within national security institutions should not be turned into political or racial polemics, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said all appointments, including within the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), are made based on strict screening processes that prioritise merit and service discipline, regardless of race or religion. He said that such issues were non-existent during the 1990s, when officers worked in harmony without regard to ethnicity or background. "Recently, when someone was promoted and received two stars, from one to two, it suddenly became an issue. "Speculative comments then followed, suggesting that if this continues, one day Malaysia could even have a Chinese Prime Minister, and so on. "This is the kind of situation we want to avoid in a multiracial country like Malaysia. Not everything should be viewed through a racial lens. "This is especially true for military institutions. They understand the promotion process well, there's the Armed Forces Council, screening, and various procedures involved," he told reporters after visiting the Sabo Dam construction site along the Kupang River basin here today. Previously, the appointment of Datuk Johny Lim Kean Seng as a Lieutenant General in the ATM drew attention after criticism from Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharuddin Muhammad in a social media post. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim had reportedly slammed Zaharuddin's statement, describing it as an insult to the wisdom of the ATM and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Following this, Pas also expressed concern over the remarks and said it was reviewing further action in response to the allegations, which were deemed to undermine racial harmony in the country. Commenting further, Saifuddin said racially charged remarks such as those are dangerous and do not reflect the spirit of unity in a multiracial nation like Malaysia. He also upheld the recent decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who warned against the use of religion as a political tool to divide the nation. He said the royal reminder clearly reflected His Majesty's concern for national harmony and should serve as guidance to all, regardless of political affiliation. "National unity must always be prioritised, and all parties should stop magnifying racial issues that could jeopardise the country's stability," he said.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabo dam in Baling to finish early, boosting flood safety
BALING: The RM22.80 million Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang is set for early completion, offering enhanced flood protection for Baling's 5,000 residents. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the project is now 62% complete, surpassing the initial 20% target. Contractors have assured the dam will be ready two months ahead of schedule by late next year. 'It's rare for such projects to progress this swiftly,' Saifuddin said during a site visit as Kedah state development action council joint chairman. He also shared updates on Baling's flood mitigation plan. Phase 1, costing RM9.6 million, is 12% complete and set for November 2025, while Phase 2 (RM118 million) is at 3.68% progress, with a 2029 deadline. 'Baling recorded 17 floods in 2024 alone, up from 10 in 2023,' he noted, citing Irrigation and Drainage Department data. Additionally, Saifuddin inspected 17 replacement homes for Kampung Iboi's 2022 debris flow victims. The RM3 million project is 95% done, with utility works pending before handover by mid-July.
The Star
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Baling Sabo Dam expected to be completed ahead of schedule, says Saifuddin Nasution
BALING: The RM22.80mil Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang near here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The dam, which is currently at 62% progress as opposed to the scheduled 20%, will reduce the risk of debris flows that threaten the safety of the 5,000 residents in Baling Town, he added. "Contractors have given assurances that the project will be completed two months ahead of the original schedule, at the end of next year… it's rare that such a project develops at such a pace," he told reporters after visiting the project site in his capacity as Kedah state development action council joint chairman near here Saturday (June 28). He also shared that the flood mitigation plan in Baling district was at 12% development for Phase 1 and 3.68% for Phase 2 so far, with Phase 1, costing RM9.6mil, expected to be completed in November next year and Phase 2, costing RM118mil, expected to be completed in January 2029. The flood mitigation projects were of utmost importance to the people in Baling as they faced frequent flooding previously, he said. "In 2024, Baling was hit by 17 incidents of floods… in 2023 only 10 times… according to data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department," he said, pointing out that the flood mitigation plan was part of the Federal Government's efforts to tackle the flooding issue in the district. Saifuddin Nasution also visited the location where 17 replacement houses and facilities are being built for victims of the debris flow that hit Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022. The project, costing RM3mil, is 95% complete, with only the preparation of utilities for the houses remaining, he added. "It is expected to be done by the third week of July and when it is settled, we will hand the houses to those affected," he said. - Bernama
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Sabo Dam In Baling Expected To Be Completed Ahead Of Schedule
BALING, June 28 (Bernama) -- The RM22.80 million Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang near here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. The dam, which is currently at 62 per cent progress as opposed to the scheduled 20 per cent, will reduce the risk of debris flows that threaten the safety of the 5,000 residents in Baling Town, he added. 'Contractors have given assurances that the project will be completed two months ahead of the original schedule, at the end of next year… it's rare that such a project develops at such a pace,' he told reporters after visiting the project site in his capacity of Kedah state development action council joint chairman near here today. He also shared that the flood mitigation plan in Baling district was at 12 per cent development for Phase 1 and 3.68 per cent for Phase 2 so far, with Phase 1, costing RM9.6 million, expected to be completed in November next year and Phase 2, costing RM118 million, expected to be completed in January 2029. The flood mitigation projects were of utmost importance to the people in Baling as they faced frequent flooding previously, he said. 'In 2024, Baling was hit by 17 incidents of floods… in 2023 only 10 times… according to data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage,' he said, pointing out that the flood mitigation plan was part of the Federal Government's efforts to tackle the flooding issue in the district. Saifuddin Nasution also visited the location where 17 replacement houses and facilities are being built for victims of the debris flow that hit Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022. The project, costing RM3 million, is 95 per cent complete, with only the preparation of utilities for the houses remaining, he added. 'It is expected to be done by the third week of July and when it is settled, we will hand the houses to those affected,' he said.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Home minister mourns lance corporal killed on duty in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail extended his sympathies to the family of Lance Corporal Muhammad Amirul Aiman Muhammad Othman, who lost his life during a police operation early this morning. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the minister expressed his sorrow over the passing of the 24-year-old officer and urged the bereaved family to stay resilient. 'May Allah SWT forgive his sins and place him among the righteous,' he wrote, acknowledging the officer's service to the nation. Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa confirmed that Muhammad Amirul Aiman was involved in a fatal accident while riding his motorcycle along Jalan Kuching towards Selayang. The incident occurred at 4.30 am when he lost control, collided with a road divider, and fell. Another officer trailing him sustained minor injuries. Muhammad Amirul Aiman had served in the department's Intelligence/Operations Division for over a year after completing training. He is survived by his wife and three children. His burial will take place in Ajil, Terengganu, later today. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
