KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — The National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) Media Forum is a timely platform for media practitioners to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to ensure the industry remains relevant and resilient amid rapid transformation.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the forum, themed “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility,” which was attended by more than 200 participants, is not merely a platform for discussion but also an avenue to shape the future of journalism.

“The theme is not only relevant but indeed fundamental to the resilience, sustainability and continued strength of journalism in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape,” she said in her speech at the forum’s opening ceremony here today.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Teo further stressed that despite technological advancements, it is vital for journalism to retain its human core.

“While AI (artificial intelligence) offers powerful tools to enhance efficiency and innovation, it should support — not replace — human judgment, integrity and accountability. This balance is critical as we navigate the evolving media landscape,” she said.

On media sustainability, Teo said the Media Innovation Fund, introduced to support training, technology adoption, infrastructure, content development, as well as research and development (R&D), has shown encouraging progress.

She said Phase 1 was successfully completed, with 34 organisations receiving RM12.38 million. Phase 2 saw 16 organisations receive RM5.16 million, and in Phase 3, RM2.6 million was approved for 10 organisations, recipients of which started receiving their approval letters today.

“For Phase 4, which closed on April 14, 10 applications were received, with seven confirmed eligible and currently under evaluation. Phase 5 is now open until May 14.

“Local media organisations registered with the Information Department are strongly encouraged to apply to strengthen skills, enhance competitiveness and explore new approaches in the evolving media landscape,” she added.

Held ahead of the Hawana 2026 Summit on June 20 in Penang, the forum is expected to focus on media sustainability, the evolving realities of the profession, and the adoption of technologies such as AI, all part of ongoing efforts to keep the industry relevant.

Meanwhile, on Tabung Kasih@Hawana, Teo said the initiative, managed by Bernama, continues to safeguard the welfare of media practitioners.

She said a total of 728 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with cumulative contributions reaching RM1.94 million as of April 30.

“This year alone, contributions have been channelled to 122 media practitioners, amounting to a total of RM370,000,” she said, adding that the role of journalists is not only professionally demanding but also comes with safety risks and health challenges.

“As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support not only the sustainability of media institutions but also the people behind the stories who keep the public informed every single day,” she emphasised. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — More than a decade after stepping into the spotlight, Sharifah Sakinah remains one of Malaysia’s most dynamic performers, captivating audiences with roles that consistently push creative boundaries.

Known for a diverse portfolio spanning both film and television, the star now takes on the role of Aisha in the newly released action-thriller Tarung: Unforgiven, directed by Razaisyam Rashid.

Despite a longstanding friendship with the director, Tarung: Unforgiven marks their first professional collaboration.

In the film, Sakinah delivers a performance of emotional intensity as Aisha, the sister of protagonist Hatta (played by Mierul Aiman).

Speaking to the media at the film's gala premiere at GSC Mid Valley on Monday, Sakinah revealed that Razaisyam insisted every line be delivered exactly as written, a significant challenge for an actress accustomed to improvisation.

“The challenge was not being able to change the dialogue,” she admitted. “I usually go by feeling, and when we do that, we come up with our own dialogue.”

She added with a laugh that even colloquial flourishes like "lah" or "ke" were off-limits, often resulting in retakes.

“Which is good,” she reflected, “because it took me out of my comfort zone.”

While initially difficult, Sakinah explained that she respected Razaisyam’s meticulous approach.

“He’s not very flexible because he knows exactly what he wants,” she explained. “I respect his script because the dialogue is good. If I change the dialogue, it would mean the scriptwriter’s writing isn’t good. So I went with it.”

The experience reinforced her personal philosophy of prioritising the director when selecting roles.

She said that no matter how strong a story is, it is ultimately the director’s vision that brings it to life.

She also praised the on-set professionalism, noting that from day one, the entire cast and crew were exceptionally well-prepared.

“I believe actors in Malaysia are very talented, but they lack preparation,” she observed.

“Alhamdulillah, on this set, everything went smoothly.”

Tarung: Unforgiven, which opens in cinemas nationwide today, features a powerhouse cast including Aedy Ashraf, Bront Palarae, and Zul Ariffin alongside rising stars like Amir Ahnaf and Azira Shafinaz.

The film follows Hatta, a former silat champion haunted by a tragic incident from his past. To save his sister Aisha, he is forced back into the brutal world of underground fighting, where he must confront Isa (Aedy Ashraf), a former friend turned bitter rival.

“It’s more than just an action film,” Sakinah said. “It explores themes of family, friendship, acceptance, forgiveness, sacrifice; emotions that reflect society today.”

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 — Technical issues have caused some fleet card holders under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) and Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) to be unable to receive their subsidised fuel quota starting May 1.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), in a statement today, said that the issue stemmed from problems in the integration between the Road Transport Department’s MySikap system and KPDN’s MySubsidi system.

It said that the issue affects certain vehicle owners who renewed their Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM), registered new vehicles or carried out vehicle ownership transfers between April 1 and 28.

“In this regard, KPDN is currently carrying out corrective measures and reviews with the relevant parties to ensure that data updates and quota regeneration can be implemented immediately,” it said.

The ministry said affected SKDS and SKPS fleet card holders may submit applications for review and updating at https://forms.gle/hQy1ZQZ2NZoBFJgeA no later than 5 pm tomorrow.

The required information includes the company name, Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) registration number, vehicle registration number, and the date of road tax renewal, new vehicle registration or ownership transfer.

KPDN expects the quotas for affected SKDS and SKPS fleet card holders to be regenerated between May 9 and 11. — Bernama

 

Agency supports Government's fuel crisis response, but flags need to consolidate finances.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is leading a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines on May 7–8 at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, Chair of ASEAN 2026. Since joining ASEAN on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has remained a proactive and responsible member, making important contributions to ASEAN Community building and regional peace, stability and cooperation.

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 — The outcome of applications for admission into public universities (UA), public higher education institutions (IPTA) and the MARA Higher Education Division (MARA BPT) for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders will be announced on May 22, said the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

It said the results for certificate, foundation and diploma-level admissions for the 2026/2027 Academic Session can be checked from 12 noon on that date until 5pm on May 31, 2026.

The results can be checked online via https://upu.mohe.gov.my or the UPUPocket mobile application on smartphones or through the MyGov mobile application.

“Offers for places for the 2026/2027 Academic Session are final, and any application to change study programmes at UA, IPTA and MARA BPT will not be allowed,” MOHE said in a statement today.

“Acceptance of offers is open from May 23 to 31, 2026, via the websites of the UA, IPTA and MARA BPT, while official offer letters will be issued to successful applicants beginning May 23 after candidates confirm acceptance within the stipulated period,” it said.

The ministry said only unsuccessful applicants or those offered certificate-level programmes may submit appeals through UPU Online within 10 days, from 12 noon on May 22 until 5pm on May 31.

It added that appeals to community colleges may be submitted directly to the respective institutions without going through UPUOnline.

“The appeal selection policy is subject to the availability of places offered under the respective study programmes after the registration of new students has been completed,” it said. — Bernama

LONDON, May 7 — Millions of Britons vote Thursday in local elections set to heap more pressure on beleaguered Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and showcase the rise of hard-right and left-wing populists.

Voters across Scotland, England and Wales head to the ballot box in Starmer’s biggest electoral test since his July 2024 general election landslide victory ended 14 years of Conservative rule.

Opinion polls predict grim results for Labour, which could amplify calls for Starmer, 63, to resign or finally face a long-rumoured party leadership challenge.

Nigel Farage’s anti-immigrant Reform UK and the left-wing Greens, led by self-described eco-populist Zack Polanski, are expected to be the main beneficiaries of widespread disillusionment.

“It’s a huge barometer for how the country is feeling about this political establishment,” said Melanie Garson, associate professor of politics at University College London.

“We’ve got, for the first time, significant pressure on the main political parties across every single council.”

Polls open at 7am (0600 GMT) and close at 10pm. Some results are expected overnight, but most will not come until later on Friday.

Around 5,000 local council seats, out of 16,000, are up for grabs across England, while in Wales and Scotland voters will elect new devolved parliaments.

Starmer swept to power two years ago following 14 years of largely chaotic Conservative rule defined by austerity, Brexit and the tanking of the economy under former prime minister Liz Truss.

But critics say he has swerved from one policy misstep to another, and he has been embroiled in a scandal over sacked US envoy Peter Mandelson, a former friend of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Starmer has also failed to fulfil his main promise of spurring economic growth, with impatient Britons still suffering a cost-of-living crisis, including from high energy prices.

“The change hasn’t been delivered, or change that has been delivered has been negative,” Garson told AFP.

Leadership challenge? 

Starmer said Wednesday there was a “clear choice” at the ballot box.

“Unity or division. Progress versus the politics of anger.”

Labour has also fought back, unearthing racist remarks by some Reform candidates and antisemitic comments by certain Green hopefuls.

But Starmer is now one of the most unpopular prime ministers ever, and surveys suggest Labour will lose control of the devolved Welsh government in Cardiff for the first time since Wales got its own parliament 27 years ago.

A More in Common poll published Tuesday projected Reform is neck-and-neck with the pro-independence Plaid Cymru in Labour’s former heartland.

Labour is also fearful of a drubbing in Scotland, where the Scottish National Party is expected to extend its 19-year control of the devolved parliament in Edinburgh.

YouGov has predicted Reform could even force Labour into third place there.

“The message is clear: if you want real change, you’d better vote for it, and we go into tomorrow feeling pretty optimistic about our prospects,” Farage said.

Labour also looks set for big losses in London as the Greens pick up disaffected left-wingers in urban areas with a pro-Gaza message.

Pollster Robert Hayward has predicted the UK’s ruling party could lose about 1,850 of the roughly 2,550 local authority seats it is defending.

Hayward has tipped Reform to take 1,550 seats from Labour and Kemi Badenoch’s right-wing Conservatives — mostly in white, working-class areas. The Conservatives are also bracing for the loss of traditional strongholds.

“The two-party era has moved into a multi-party era,” Badenoch told news agency PA. “But the fact is none of these new parties or Labour have a plan for the country.”

Britain’s media is full of rumours that ex-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner or Health Secretary Wes Streeting could try to oust Starmer after the results.

Neither is universally popular within Labour, however, and would need the backing of 20 percent of the party’s MPs to launch a contest.

Some Labour lawmakers are also reportedly planning to demand that Starmer set a date for his departure.

He has insisted he will lead the party into the next general election, likely in 2029. — AFP 

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 7 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today tabled a Bill to amend the state constitution to allow the appointment of five unelected state assemblymen.

The Bill, which had earlier drawn mixed views over claims that it was ambiguous, was tabled during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here.

Onn Hafiz said the amendment would increase the number of Johor assemblymen from 56 to 61, adding that the five additional assemblymen would require the consent of the Ruler before being appointed.

“These assemblymen are not appointed to complement the existing composition of assemblymen in Johor.

“The appointed assemblymen must have the consent of the Ruler,” he said.

It is understood that the appointed state assemblymen can take part in debates and have voting rights, but are not eligible to be elected as menteri besar or state executive council members.

It is still unclear if the appointed representatives would draw a similar salary and allowance structure as regular serving assemblymen.

Earlier this week, several Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional and Muda politicians questioned the proposed Bill to amend the state constitution to allow for the appointment of unelected assemblymen.

They questioned the need for the five assemblymen and added that the proposed Bill lacked clarity and posed a challenge to the established democratic process.

1News was ordered to broadcast a follow-up statement on its 6pm bulletin by the BSA.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam’s May 5-7 state visit to India not only advances bilateral ties but also contributes more broadly to promoting a multipolar and multilateral world order, and a more balanced and inclusive Asia as well.

ALOR SETAR, May 7 — The official birthday celebration of the Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has been moved from June 21 to July 5 this year.

The change in date was announced through an official state government letter signed by deputy state secretary (Management) Muhammad Mahazi Ibrahim, dated May 6.

Following the amendment, the Kedah public holiday has also been revised in line with the new date.

The letter was distributed to heads of state and federal departments, heads of state and federal statutory bodies, as well as heads of local authorities for their attention. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — A total of 464 pieces of false content related to the global supply crisis were identified between March 29 and April 30, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said 312 of the items had been successfully taken down.

“In addition, 65 investigation papers were opened, with 15 cases referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers while others remain under investigation,” she said in her speech when opening the Hawana 2026 Media Forum here today.

Also present were Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Teo said the rapid spread of misinformation, amplified by artificial intelligence (AI), posed a significant challenge to public trust.

She said cases of fraudulent content, including fake accounts and impersonation of public figures, had surged sharply in recent years, rising from 6,297 cases in 2023 to 63,652 in 2024 and 98,503 in 2025.

“As of April 30 this year alone, 60,829 such content items have already been taken down by platforms,” she said.

Teo said the development underscored the need for credibility in journalism to be consistently upheld amid the evolving digital landscape.

Meanwhile, she called for a greater role for the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) and a more measured approach in handling media-related issues.

She said the matter was crucial following Malaysia’s placement at 95th in the latest Reporters Without Borders index, compared with 88th previously, reflecting ongoing concerns in the media landscape.

“While journalist safety has improved, declines in the media economy and legislative environment remain a concern, and this is not a position we are satisfied with.

“Journalism is a pillar of democracy,” she said, adding that disputes over reporting should be resolved through the MMC as the primary arbiter.

The MMC, established in February last year, is an independent self-regulatory body aimed at upholding journalistic ethics, formulating a code of conduct and safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners.

The council is governed by a board comprising representatives from media organisations, practitioners and public interest groups, including academics and civil society, with provisions to ensure representation from Sabah and Sarawak as well as gender balance. — Bernama