Latest news with #UiTM
Sinar Daily
11 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 Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sultan Mizan graces groundbreaking of UiTM Bukit Besi Mosque
DUNGUN: Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, today officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a mosque at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Bukit Besi Campus. Also in attendance were the Yang Dipertuan Muda of Terengganu Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Sri Setia Mahkota Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Muhammad Mu'az. Their Highnesses were received by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali and other dignitaries. UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib said the mosque, to be named Pusat Hidayah, will be developed in three phases, with the first phase estimated to cost RM2 million. He said the waqf-based project is funded through public contributions, with RM2 million raised since 2018. Phase one will include a prayer hall and an imam's room, with subsequent phases to follow once more funds are secured. 'Construction on the 0.61-hectare site is expected to begin soon and phase one is targeted for completion in 2027,' he told reporters after the ceremony. The mosque, which can accommodate 1,500 worshippers, will serve 774 UiTM students and residents of Kampung Besol, as the nearest mosque is five kilometres away. In the interim, the student hostel lobby, surrounding recreation areas and landscaped spaces are being used for prayers. Once fully completed, the mosque will also serve as a centre for religious learning, community service, and the promotion of positive values among students and nearby residents.
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Sultan Mizan Graces Groundbreaking Of Uitm Bukit Besi Mosque
DUNGUN, June 26 (Bernama) -- Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, today officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a mosque at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Bukit Besi Campus. Also in attendance were the Yang Dipertuan Muda of Terengganu Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Sri Setia Mahkota Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Muhammad Mu'az. Their Highnesses were received by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali and other dignitaries. UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib said the mosque, to be named Pusat Hidayah, will be developed in three phases, with the first phase estimated to cost RM2 million. He said the waqf-based project is funded through public contributions, with RM2 million raised since 2018. Phase one will include a prayer hall and an imam's room, with subsequent phases to follow once more funds are secured. 'Construction on the 0.61-hectare site is expected to begin soon and phase one is targeted for completion in 2027,' he told reporters after the ceremony. The mosque, which can accommodate 1,500 worshippers, will serve 774 UiTM students and residents of Kampung Besol, as the nearest mosque is five kilometres away. In the interim, the student hostel lobby, surrounding recreation areas and landscaped spaces are being used for prayers. Once fully completed, the mosque will also serve as a centre for religious learning, community service, and the promotion of positive values among students and nearby residents.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Can the appointment of Nurul Izzah, Saifuddin Nasution help PKR win GE16?
SHAH ALAM - The appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) joint election directors marks a significant strategic move by the party as it gears up for the next general election. The pairing of the party's deputy president and its former secretary-general simultaneously reflects an effort to unite experience, idealism and tactical approaches in preparing for the challenges of the next general election (GE), particularly in strengthening PKR's position within the unity government. Additionally, this new arrangement seemed to aim at balancing narrative strength and electoral machinery, especially as GE16 is expected to take place amidst intense competition between the government and opposition blocs. As such, the effectiveness of the election machinery is considered crucial and the combination of two prominent PKR figures offers potential synergy between micro and macro-political strategies. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior political science lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan said the dynamic duo could generate fresh momentum for the election, provided they were not overshadowed by toxic or misinformed perceptions that could hinder their capabilities. Based on their comparable political experience, whether when PKR was in the opposition or in government, he noted that party mobilisation would be more efficient and easier with each of them contributing a unique narrative. 'However, it must be remembered that political cosmetics like this are no guarantee the public will be easily swayed because, ultimately, the true determinant is the government's performance,' he told Sinar on Monday. Previously, PKR's communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the appointment was decided during the Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council (MPP) meetings. He added that the decision could offer an advantage to the party led by President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the coming elections. Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin opined that the selection of the two individuals did not indicate or open the way for any party to dominate seat negotiations for the GE, as each party has key figures that could be put forward. Moreover, he noted that PKR was a multiracial party that operated within a coalition framework and must consider the views of its allies. 'It is still too early to assume that this appointment is part of an introductory process. 'There are still many in PKR who could be highlighted, but for now, other political players can be seen as a relevant reserve bench to replace Anwar in the future,' he added. UiTM senior political science lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan (left), PKR veteran Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (right) Alternatively, PKR veteran Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said that the pairing of PKR's deputy president and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary allowed the party's components to work as a strong and united team under the party's guidance and framework. The former Kapar MP said it was also part of the strategy to win and maintain the current government after GE16. 'The capabilities of both sides (PKR and PH) are crucial as the party's internal machinery is led by Nurul Izzah while PH's machinery is under Saifuddin Nasution,' he said.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Govt targets 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy this year
So far, approximately 186,000 individuals have been successfully released from the problem. 23 Jun 2025 03:21pm Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said - Photo by Bernama SHAH ALAM - The government is targeting 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy by the end of this year. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that so far, approximately 186,000 individuals have been successfully released from the problem. She said the record was obtained by the Malaysian Insolvency Department following the government's efforts in giving a second chance to the affected group to continue their lives. "We hope by the end of the year, we can give a calculation (people released from bankruptcy status). So in total we hope to target 200,000 this year," she said. Photo for illustration purposes only. She told reporters after the launch of the Financial Literacy Programme for Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) in 2025 by Malaysian Insolvency Department at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam today. Also present was UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Shabuddin. When tabling Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said the Second Chance Policy would be expanded to young people aged 40 and below who have debts not exceeding RM200,000 starting last year. Meanwhile, Azalina said a total of 25,578 bankruptcy cases were recorded from 2021 to May 2025 from the age of under 25 to 55 and above. Of that total, she said, 10,145 bankruptcy cases were recorded involving the 35 to 44 age group. She said that by gender, men recorded higher bankruptcy cases than women, at 18,590 during the same period. Meanwhile, Azalina said the programme organised today was one of the proactive steps taken by the Madani government in bringing laws and knowledge related to financial management and literacy to the people, especially students of higher learning institutions who are about to enter the working world. About 1,000 students from public and private universities and colleges were involved in the one-day programme. - BERNAMA Malaysian Insolvency Department
