JOHOR BAHRU, June 11 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has committed to fully supporting the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by providing reliable digital connectivity infrastructure to ensure smooth operations of the cross-border rail network, according to a post on the RTS Link JB-SG official Facebook page.

MCMC Chief State Affairs Officer Bukhari Yahya said that robust telecommunications systems and effective stakeholder collaboration were vital to ensuring the successful implementation and future operation of the RTS Link.

He highlighted this during a working visit by an MCMC delegation to the RTS Link project site at the Bukit Chagar Station and Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim yesterday to gain firsthand insight into the project’s progress and ongoing developments.

The MCMC delegation was welcomed by the RTS Link’s Electrical, Mechanical and Building Services (EMBS) Project Director Ir Ardy Suhaidy, and Health, Environment, Safety and Security Chief Syahmarul Zulaihan Marlap.

The working visit commenced with a comprehensive project briefing at the Project Information Centre (PIC) in Menara JLand, where the delegation was updated on the latest progress and key milestones of the rail project.

Following the briefing, the delegation proceeded to a site tour of the Bukit Chagar Station and Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim complex.

During the tour, key facilities were introduced, including the passenger inspection hall, operations control room, autogate system, baggage screening area, and designated office spaces for the various agencies that will be housed within the complex.

The RTS Link project remains on track to enhance cross-border connectivity, improve commuting efficiency, and strengthen economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore through a safe, reliable, and sustainable rail transport system.

Currently, about 400,000 Malaysians commute daily across the Johor Causeway to work in Singapore.

The RTS Link, slated to begin operations in January 2027, will have the capacity to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, linking Bukit Chagar in Johor and Woodlands North in Singapore in about five minutes. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has conveyed his condolences to the families of two army personnel killed in an explosion during grenade-throwing training at the Hobart Camp shooting range in Gurun, Kedah, this morning.

In a Facebook post, His Majesty prayed that the victims’ families would be granted strength and resilience in facing the difficult time.

“Al-Fatihah to the two personnel who were killed in this tragedy. May they be placed among the faithful and the martyrs,” said Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The King also decreed that the Armed Forces conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and ensure that safety aspects are given top priority and further strengthened.

Earlier, the Malaysian Army confirmed that the victims were Corporal Norazmi Abu Bakar from the 6th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment (6 RAMD), and Private Siti Khadijah Sungip from the 1st Squadron, Royal Army Engineers Regiment (1 RAJD).

Both sustained serious injuries in the 10.57 am incident and were pronounced dead while being transported to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) in Sungai Petani. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Umno will continue to support the Unity Government that was formed after the 15th General Election (GE15) until the next general election, in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this stance was decided during the Umno Supreme Council (MKT) meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno President, at Menara Dato’ Onn here yesterday.

At the same time, he stated that the agreement to form the Unity Government at the Federal level does not bind any state government.

According to him, the Johor State Government was formed before the creation of the Federal-level Unity Government and did not involve parties from Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Asyraf Wajdi added that the decision by Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) to defend the state mandate is not a form of betrayal against the Federal Government, as claimed by certain parties.

“On the contrary, it is a legitimate, mature, and constitutional democratic practice that fully returns the mandate to the people,” he said.

He also mentioned that Umno remains open to any form of cooperation with any party for the sake of the country’s political stability and the well-being of the people; however, any cooperation must be built upon the principles of sincerity and trust. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — A Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department (JUPEM) personnel, Donysius Gabriel Goh, who died while on duty at the Malaysia–Brunei border in March this year, has been posthumously awarded the Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (JPP) in recognition of his service and contributions.

According to the official list of recipients for the 2026 federal awards, medals and honours in conjunction with the Official Birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the late Donysius is the sole recipient of the honour.

The JPP is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and courage outside the battlefield.

Based on the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA) portal of the Prime Minister’s Department, JPP recipients are entitled to a monthly allowance of RM1,000. In the case of posthumous recipients, the allowance is paid as a lump sum of RM10,000 to the next of kin.

On March 17 this year, Donysius, 36, who served as an H1 General Services Assistant at the Miri Regional Topography Office in Sarawak, was reported missing after being swept away by strong currents while crossing a river in the Ulu Temburong area, Lawas, during a border survey operation with five other colleagues.

His body was later discovered about 500 metres from the last known location by a search and rescue team on March 25.

A total of 161 individuals were conferred federal honours in conjunction with this year’s official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The investiture ceremony was held at Istana Negara today. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman to carry out his duties with the highest level of integrity.

According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page, His Majesty stressed that efforts to combat corruption must be pursued continuously, firmly and without fear or favour to safeguard integrity and uphold the rule of law.

The advice was given when Abdul Halim was granted an audience with the King at Istana Negara today.

On April 25, the King consented to Abdul Halim's appointment as the new MACC chief commissioner, effective May 13. The former High Court judge succeeded Tan Sri Azam Baki in the role. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has revoked the Panglima Setia Mahkota award conferred on former Felda chairman Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Department said the award, which carries the title “Tan Sri”, was revoked effective June 8.

“The revocation is in connection with his conviction and the fact that he is currently serving a prison sentence at Sungai Buloh Prison in Selangor,” read the statement.

The department said the revocation was made under Paragraphs XXV and XXVIA of the Statutes of the Darjah Yang Mulia Setia Mahkota Malaysia, which allow an award to be revoked if the recipient is convicted of an offence.

It said the move was also in line with a royal decree made during a federal awards, stars and medals investiture ceremony at Istana Negara on September 7, 2024.

Mohd Isa, a former Negri Sembilan menteri besar, is serving a six-year jail sentence after the Federal Court in February reinstated his corruption conviction and RM15.45 million fine over nine corruption charges linked to Felda Investment Corporation’s purchase of a hotel.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has decreed that there should be no delay in gazetting Kuala Lumpur’s green spaces and flood retention ponds, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said today.

The matter was raised during Yeoh’s recent audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara, where she also briefed His Majesty on reform initiatives being undertaken by her ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong decreed that we must not delay the decision on the gazetting of areas such as green zones and flood retention ponds, because these are areas of public interest.

“We must expedite it.

“That is why the task force we established is highly crucial for us to protect all these public spaces, as well as for the safety of our senior citizens,” Yeoh told reporters after launching the KL Architecture Festival’s Tropical Fruit Pavilion in Titiwangsa here today.

The issue of flood retention ponds has come under scrutiny following reports that a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation found several key flood mitigation sites in Kuala Lumpur, including in Jinjang and Batu, had received protection approvals in 1998, but were never formally gazetted.

As a result, the land remained ungazetted for nearly two decades before a land working committee revoked the 1998 approvals in 2015 and alienated about 80 acres of flood retention land to private developers for mixed-use residential projects.

Separately, Yeoh said Kuala Lumpur already has sufficient infrastructure and that the current focus is on improving and revitalising public recreational spaces, particularly for families.

Among the measures introduced is the extension of operating hours at 10 major public parks in the capital, including Titiwangsa Lake Gardens and Perdana Botanical Gardens.

“We are moving the opening time forward from 6am to 5.30am.

“Furthermore, on Fridays and Saturdays, we are extending the closing time from 10pm until 12.30am.

“This is because we want these families to have a healthy environment where they can go out and enjoy time together,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has extended his congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on the occasion of the King’s Official Birthday.

In a Facebook post, Fadillah said he, together with all Malaysians, prayed that His Majesty and the Royal Family would be granted continued good health and remain under the protection and blessings of Allah.

“May the King continue to reign with majesty, sovereignty and honour, guiding the nation and its people with wisdom, fairness and prudence,” according to the post. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also conveyed his highest congratulations and royal greetings to the King in conjunction with His Majesty’s Official Birthday.

“My family and I humbly extend our deepest gratitude and pray that Your Majesty’s reign will always be blessed by Allah,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also prayed that His Majesty be granted enduring health and continue to reign with sovereignty and wisdom, guiding and protecting the people and the nation. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Members of the Cabinet today extended their congratulations and offered prayers in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the ministry’s staff and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai.

“With utmost respect and loyalty, I, together with all staff of the Ministry of Communications and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, extend our respectful salutations to His Majesty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said prayed that His Majesty would be blessed with divine grace to continue safeguarding the people with wisdom, dignity and compassion for the prosperity and well-being of the nation.

“Together with all Malaysians, I pray that Allah SWT grants His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen long life and abundant blessings, bestows upon them continued good health and lasting well-being, and keeps them under His protection and care at all times,” she said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in a Facebook post, prayed that His Majesty’s reign, wisdom and compassion would continue to serve as a unifying force for Malaysians of diverse races, religions and cultures, fostering national unity and harmony.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also prayed to Allah SWT to bestow His blessings and guidance upon His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and the entire Johor royal family, and to grant them continued good health and enduring sovereignty.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir also extended his congratulations, praying that His Majesty and the royal family be blessed with lasting good health, longevity and prosperity, and continue to safeguard the nation and its people with wisdom and compassion.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, likewise, extended his highest congratulations and heartfelt loyalty to His Majesty in conjunction with the historic occasion. 

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, in a Facebook post, expressed hope that His Majesty’s reign would continue to inspire the people to preserve peace and strengthen national unity.

“May Malaysia continue to be blessed with peace, prosperity and unity, while all Malaysians enjoy a life of well-being, harmony and progress,” he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also prayed that His Majesty would continue to be blessed with good health as he reigns under the system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.

Congratulatory messages were also conveyed by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

Others who also extended their greetings and best wishes included Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh; Youth and Sports Minister Dr Muhammed Taufiq Johari; and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Politicians and Malaysians in general should heed and uphold the call by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for the people to embrace and practise the spirit and values of the Rukun Negara in their daily lives, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said Sultan Ibrahim’s reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history, the May 13, 1969 incident, should be taken seriously by all parties to ensure that such an event never recurs and that the country’s unity and harmony continue to be preserved.

Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesperson, described His Majesty’s remarks as a timely and important reminder that should serve as a guide for all Malaysians.

“I respectfully uphold His Majesty’s call, and I believe politicians across the country will do the same.

“This is an important reminder for all of us. I believe many people, including politicians, will heed His Majesty’s call to embrace the spirit of the Rukun Negara, and to deepen their understanding, appreciation and practice of its values,” he said.

He said this to Bernama after the investiture ceremony for Federal awards, honours and medals held in conjunction with the King’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara today.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, graced the ceremony.

In his Royal Address, the King reminded Malaysians to embrace the spirit of the Rukun Negara and stressed that anyone unwilling to uphold its principles is not worthy to be called a Malaysian citizen.

His Majesty also called on all political leaders to uphold proper conduct and decorum, and to exercise caution when making public statements.

Sultan Ibrahim said politicians should refrain from provoking sensitive issues, especially ahead of election periods, which often become a platform for individuals to seek prominence and win public support.

Also present at the investiture ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; and members of the Cabinet.

A total of 161 individuals received Federal awards, honours and medals in conjunction with this year’s official birthday celebration of His Majesty the King. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today presented a RM30,000 cheque contribution to Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) here.

The donation was bestowed during Her Majesty's visit to the school as part of celebrations marking the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.

Receiving Her Majesty on arrival were Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim.

Her Majesty was presented with a traditional dance performance by SBJK students and took the opportunity to view their handicrafts and engage with teachers and pupils.

Earlier, Wan Hashim said in his speech that SBJK, which began operations in 2013, was established as a Ministry of Education initiative to provide vulnerable children in the Chow Kit area with access to quality education, to break the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life.

“SBJK currently has 16 teachers and 158 pupils, ranging from preschool to secondary level,” he said, adding that the school had recorded commendable results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, with consistent improvements in performance since 2014 and a 100 per cent pass rate between 2022 and 2025.

“For the 2025 SPM examination, all 10 candidates from the school passed,” he said.

He said the school had also implemented the Zero Undocumented Students Programme (Zamrud) to ensure that all pupils possess valid identification documents.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the National Registration Department (JPN) through the Mekar Didik programme (designed to resolve documentation issues for students who lack essential identification), resulting in 61 pupils successfully obtaining their identification documents, he added. — Bernama

JUNE 2 — Our own great constitutionalist, Prof Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi explains the Rukun Negara in the following paragraphs.

The Rukun Negara are five stirring objectives of our nation: unity; a democratic way of life; a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner; a liberal approach towards our rich and varied cultural traditions; and a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology.

Supporting the objectives are five transcendental ideals: belief in God; loyalty to king and country; supremacy of the Constitution; rule of law; and courtesy and morality.

Launched by the then Yang di–Pertuan Agong on Aug 31, 1970, and like the Pancasila of Indonesia, the Rukun Negara was meant to be the sail and anchor of our nation and its guiding philosophy.

Unfortunately, it could not be presented to Parliament because the Emergency Proclamation of May 15, 1969, had sent Parliament into dissolution. Regrettably also, the Rukun Negara has not become the guiding light it was meant to be.

The Rukun Negara was meant to be the sail and anchor of our nation and its guiding philosophy. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Lip service is paid to the Rukun Negara in all schools. It is honoured but hardly observed and emulated.

The above explains why it remains one of his two fervent hopes that the Rukun Negara could be incorporated into our Federal Constitution as a stirring Preamble to our supreme law.

If you wonder why, Prof Faruqi explains in the following paragraphs.

The Rukun Negara distills the essence of our Constitution. Its principle of “Supremacy of the Constitution” replicates Articles 4(1) and 162(6) of the Constitution. “Belief in God” is honoured in Articles 3 and 11. “Loyalty to King and country” is required by innumerable provisions, including Articles 32-38.

“Rule of law” is implied in provisions for judicial review of governmental action in Articles 4, 121 and 128. “Democratic way of life” is promoted by innumerable provisions conferring personal liberties in Articles 5 to 13 and providing for elected and representative assemblies at both federal and state levels in Articles 44-49, 71-72, and 113-119.

“Rich and varied cultural traditions” are protected by provisions for freedom of religion in Article 11 and freedom of speech, assembly and association in Article 10. The right to use vernacular and native languages is protected by Article 152. Malay and native customs are safeguarded even in times of emergency under Article 150(6A).

“Morality” is safeguarded by empowering Parliament in Articles 10 and 11 to enact laws to safeguard morality.

The special rights of Sabah and Sarawak in our federal set-up are entrenched in about 30 Articles of the Constitution.

I particularly like it when Prof Faruqi describes the Rukun Negara as “distilling” the essence of the Federal Constitution.

So, if one is a citizen of the country by reason of Part III of the Federal Constitution (Articles 14-22) – mind you, there can’t be any other reason – but rejects the Rukun Negara, then His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is right.

He or she is not worthy of being regarded as a Malaysian citizen.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.