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Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/feed/

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<title>Calling all Jedis! May the 4th be with you this weekend</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/05/04/calling-all-jedis-may-the-4th-be-with-you-this-weekend/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/05/04/calling-all-jedis-may-the-4th-be-with-you-this-weekend/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Selven Razz @ FMT Lifestyle]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[film]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[popular culture]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[science fiction]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Star Wars]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[television]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2751492</guid>
<description><![CDATA['Star Wars' fans in Malaysia can celebrate this galactic festivity with a string of exciting activities and releases kicking off from today.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2751502" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2751502" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-2751502 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a767100b-swd.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2751502" class="wp-caption-text">It would be a shame not to honour the huge cultural impact resulting from 47 years, and counting, of cinematic history.</figcaption></figure>
If you’re a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise, then you would know what today is. For those who are not, May 4 is the date picked by fans themselves as a play on the iconic line “may the Force be with you”.
With the first film released in 1977, creator George Lucas has helped reshape the general public’s perception towards science-fiction over the decades. That appreciation can still be seen until today, with most media acknowledging the tremendous cultural impact of this fictional universe.
As such, FMT Lifestyle has compiled activities in which you may immerse yourself on this day, for both die-hard fans and those who have yet to experience anything related to this galaxy far, far away.
Back to the screens with ‘The Phantom Menace’
<div class='youtube-container'><iframe loading="lazy" title="May The 4th Be With You" width="580" height="326" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ya-FCRMaWmw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
The revival of the “Star Wars” franchise began 25 years ago with the release of “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”, serving as a prequel to the original three films (1977-1984).
While the movie received some backlash for a dry script and even drier acting, no one could deny Lucas’ efforts in welcoming a new generation of fans. From exciting action sequences to extensive world-building, for many, it was a journey worth the wait.
<figure id="attachment_2751503" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2751503" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2751503 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4932b848-gsc.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2751503" class="wp-caption-text">25 years after its initial release, ‘Episode I’ returns to the big screen for a nostalgic dive back into the galaxy. (GSC pic)</figcaption></figure>
GSC is doing a rerun of this film in 2D and 4DX in participating outlets across Malaysia. For RM65, you will receive one ticket and a limited-edition movie poster, including food and beverage.
But hurry, screening ends tomorrow, so get your <a href="https://epaymentwebapp.gsc.com.my/showtime-by-movies?id=4397" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tickets here</a>!
Royal Selangor’s month-long celebration
Clearly one day isn’t enough for long-time “Star Wars” collaborators Royal Selangor, which kicks off a slew of activities throughout this month starting from 2pm today. From a costume competition to a social media photo contest, Malaysia’s – and the world’s – foremost pewter brand is excited to make the 47th anniversary of the franchise a banger.
It’s the perfect time for kids to meet characters brought to life in our local cosplay scene, and there will also be plenty of collectables on sale – pewter statues, busts and much more – with discounts of up to 40%.
Additionally, there will be a special showing of “Peperangan Bintang”, the wayang kulit adaptation of “Star Wars”, happening on May 18 and 19. What better way for you to recap the whole franchise than catching it in our local storytelling format?
All activities organised by Royal Selangor will be held at its <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Selangor+Visitor+Centre/@3.1966646,101.724434,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xa6453bc47ab2e683?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visitor centre</a> in Setapak Jaya. Wait no more, <a href="https://forms.gle/BrtG44LgJVR6uKfG9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RSVP here</a>!
Lego @ Sunway Pyramid
Brick toy company Lego is also having its own celebration with plenty of activities. Until May 12 at the LG2 Orange Concourse at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall, you and your young ones can take part in fun activities such as:
<ul>
<li>making your very own mini-figure poster;</li>
<li>experiencing the latest “Fortnite x Star Wars” game on PlayStation5;</li>
<li>taking photos with character mascots, brick models and much more;</li>
<li>winning Lego “Star Wars” sets in a mini treasure hunt; and</li>
<li>enjoying exclusive “Lego x Star Wars” releases!</li>
</ul>
 
<figure id="attachment_2751501" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2751501" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2751501 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/e4077004-lego.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2751501" class="wp-caption-text">Set your blasters to stun because Lego Malaysia is set to shock you with new releases at their 25th-anniversary event.</figcaption></figure>
‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’
It can be annoying to hear “Star Wars” nerds fans gushing over all the different characters and factions. Perhaps a more detached perspective could help you understand them better?
“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire”, a sequel animated series to “Tales of the Jedi”, dives into the Dark side of the Force and what made the evil Galactic Empire such a fearsome entity over the years.
The anthology of six animated shorts will be released today, only on Disney+ Hotstar. Check it out:
<div class='youtube-container'><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tales of the Empire | Official Trailer | Disney+" width="580" height="326" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8SIST9t72kY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
‘Star Wars: The Acolytes’
While the release of this series is only happening on June 4, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be hyped about it now! Set approximately 100 years before the events of “Episode I”, the series follows a Jedi master investigating a series of crimes that eventually lead him to a former disciple and other sinister forces.
The series stars some big and familiar faces from TV/streaming platforms such as Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”), Carrie-Ann Moss (“The Matrix” franchise), Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”) and Charlie Barnett (“Russian Doll”).
<div class='youtube-container'><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Acolyte | Official Trailer | Disney+" width="580" height="326" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BtytYWhg2mc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
The entire franchise
For the uninitiated, you’ll need more than a day to absorb the entire franchise in one sitting… though a weekend might suffice!
The following sequence is based on the release dates of each title, though some fans might prefer a different arrangement:
Films
<ul>
<li>“Episode IV: A New Hope” (1977)</li>
<li>“Episode V: Empire Strikes Back” (1981)</li>
<li>“Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1984)</li>
<li>“Episode I: The Phantom Menace” (1999)</li>
<li>“Episode II: Attack of the Clones” (2002)</li>
<li>“Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (2005)</li>
<li>“Episode VII: The Force Awakens” (2015)</li>
<li>“Star Wars: A Rogue One Story” (2016)</li>
<li>“Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” (2017)</li>
<li>“Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018)</li>
<li>“Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019)</li>
</ul>
Series
<ul>
<li>“Clone Wars” (3 seasons)</li>
<li>“Rebels” (4 seasons)</li>
<li>“The Mandalorian” (3 seasons)</li>
<li>“The Bad Batch” (3 seasons)</li>
<li>“The Book of Boba Fett” (1 season)</li>
<li>“Ahsoka” (1 season)</li>
<li>“Obi-Wan Kenobi” (1 season)</li>
<li>“Andor” (1 season)</li>
<li>“Tales of the Jedi” (1 season)</li>
<li>“Visions” (2 seasons)</li>
</ul>
 
<div class='youtube-container'><iframe loading="lazy" title="May The 4th Be With You" width="580" height="326" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ya-FCRMaWmw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Here’s hoping you have a fun-filled day celebrating “Star Wars”, and May the 4th be with you!
]]></content:encoded>
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<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>PRK KKB: Penerimaan pengundi Cina, India bergantung isu sara hidup, kata calon PN</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/prk-kkb-penerimaan-pengundi-cina-india-bergantung-isu-sara-hidup-kata-calon-pn/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/prk-kkb-penerimaan-pengundi-cina-india-bergantung-isu-sara-hidup-kata-calon-pn/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nora Mahpar dan Faiz Zainuddin]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Super BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Tempatan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cina]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Khairul Azhar Saut]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Melayu]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[PN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752232</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Bagaimanapun Khairul Azhari Saut berkata beliau tetap fokus untuk menyantuni semua pengundi.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752233" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752233" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2752233 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ebd999e1-khairul-azhari-saut-emel-pic-040524.webp" alt="Khairul Azhari Saut" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752233" class="wp-caption-text">Calon PN Kuala Kubu Baharu Khairul Azhari Saut bersama Presiden Gerakan Dominic Lau berkempen di Kampung Baru Cina Kerling, baru-baru ini.</figcaption></figure>
HULU SELANGOR: Calon Perikatan Nasional (PN) Khairul Azhari Saut mengakui masih belum melihat petanda jelas mengenai sokongan masyarakat Cina dan India bagi membolehkannya menang PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu pada 11 Mei depan.
Mengulas penerimaan masyarakat itu selepas seminggu berkempen, Khairul berkata mereka telah turun bertemu kelompok terbabit yang masing-masing mewakili 36% dan 18% daripada 40,226 pemilih layak mengundi.
“Hitam atau putih kepada PN dalam soal sokongan kaum, lebih terarah kepada isu sara hidup yang kian menekan. Kuala Kubu Baharu ini tempat di mana kitaran ekonomi berlegar aktif sesama mereka. Jika kos kenaikan berlaku di kalangan peniaga, secara langsung terkesan kepada pembeli.
“Maka semua terkena dengan kesan ini dan ini fokus saya dalam menyantuni semua pengundi,” katanya kepada FMT.
Sebelum ini, Pengerusi PN Muhyiddin Yassin mengakui pemilihan Khairul untuk berdepan Pang Sock Tao dari Pakatan Harapan (PH) pada pilihan raya itu dibuat berdasarkan jumlah pengundi Melayu yang ramai iaitu dianggarkan meliputi 46%.
Beberapa penganalisis berpendapat PN perlu melipatgandakan usaha untuk mendapat sebanyak mungkin sokongan segmen pengundi Cina dan India yang selama ini menyokong PH, jika ingin merampas kerusi terbabit.
<figure id="attachment_2752234" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752234" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2752234 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/57219b45-khairul-azhari-saut-emel-pic-040524-2.webp" alt="Khairul Azhari Saut" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752234" class="wp-caption-text">Khairul Azhari Saut bertemu pengundi Cina pada kempen di Kampung Baru Cina Kerling, baru-baru ini.</figcaption></figure>
Namun kemungkinan itu juga boleh berlaku dengan andaian lebih 80% pengundi Melayu menyokong PN, mengharapkan trend sejak PRU15 berterusan.
Selain Pang dan Khairul, PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu turut ditandingi calon Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) Hafizah Zainudin dan calon bebas Nyau Ke Xin.
PRK itu diadakan susulan kematian penyandangnya Lee Kee Hiong daripada PH akibat barah pada 21 Mac lalu. Pada PRN Selangor Ogos lalu, Lee menang dengan majoriti 4,119 undi.
Jika diberi mandat oleh pengundi Kuala Kubu Baharu, Khairul mengakui mungkin ada kekangan dari segi peruntukan kerana beliau akan berada dalam blok pembangkang di kerajaan Selangor pimpinan PH dan Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Namun kita kena faham ada dua komponen untuk jadi perhatian rakyat, pertama projek kemudahan serta bantuan kewangan manakala kedua sentiasa turun padang dan cakna masalah.
“Walaupun saya ada kekangan untuk syarat pertama, namun saya akan juarai yang kedua sekali pun tiada peruntukan dan bantu mereka setakat yang mampu,” katanya.
]]></content:encoded>
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<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bar risks credibility by challenging Najib’s pardon in court</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/05/04/bar-risks-credibility-by-challenging-najibs-pardon-in-court/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/05/04/bar-risks-credibility-by-challenging-najibs-pardon-in-court/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Letter to the Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Super Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Opinion]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[absolute power]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Bar Council]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[futile]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[judicial review]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[justiciable]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[king]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Bar]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mandate]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[members]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Najib Razak]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[pardon]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SRC]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2751788</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The lawyers’ body must think again, and rationally.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-2748663 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/451ce834-najib-razak-bernama-300424.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" />
From Ibrahim M Ahmad
On April 26, it was reported that the Malaysian Bar had commenced legal proceedings to challenge the pardon granted by the former king to Najib Razak.
The Bar Council said it was authorised to do so by a resolution passed at the Bar’s annual general meeting (AGM) held on March 16.
But was the mandate secured in accordance with the law?
Under Section 64(4) of the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPA), an AGM can only proceed if a quorum of 500 members is present. The provision says: “No business shall be transacted at any AGM unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business.”
Section 64(5) of the LPA provides that if no quorum is present after an hour, the meeting shall be adjourned to the following day, unless the Bar Council has said otherwise in its notice of meeting. The same provision goes on to say that if at an adjourned AGM no quorum is present after one hour, the members present shall constitute the quorum.
In a circular to members dated Feb 21, the Bar Council gave notice that the AGM would be held at 10am on March 16. The notice also said: “If the quorum is not present by 11am, the AGM shall be adjourned to 11:15am on the same day.”
As it turned out, no quorum was present at 11am to allow the AGM to proceed. The meeting was then adjourned to a mere 15 minutes later.
Then, at 12.15pm, the adjourned AGM was called to order, with the 401 members present constituting the quorum.
Incoming Bar president Ezri Wahab later told the press that the “Najib” resolution was passed with 238 members voting in favour, and one against.
Now, the Bar will argue that it has complied with the letter of the law. But was that the intention of Parliament?
It is unlikely that the drafters of the law would have intentionally allowed for an adjourned meeting to be convened immediately after the originally-called AGM failed to achieve the required quorum.
Such an interpretation would have rendered the quorum requirement in Section 64(4) otiose. Why would Parliament insist on a quorum if it could so easily be circumvented?
Lawyers will know that an interpretation that makes any part of a statutory provision redundant or otiose may not hold up in court. Is that the case here?
In any case, what real value can there be in a resolution passed at a meeting that failed to draw even the statutory minimum of 500 members – especially in a 22,000-strong Bar?
Even more concerning is the fact that a meeting boasting so many bright legal minds would vote to bring a court action of this nature.
In a media statement dated Feb 6, then Bar president Karen Cheah said: “Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution empowers the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) to grant pardons, reprieves, and respites in respect of … all offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
“Indeed, in the case of Superintendent of Pudu Prison & Ors v Sim Kie Chon [1986] 1 MLJ 494, the Supreme Court ruled that the YDPA’s power to pardon under the Federal Constitution cannot be justiciably reviewed. The case of Juraimi bin Husin v Board of Pardons, State of Pahang & Ors [2002] 4 MLJ 529 further affirmed that the YDPA’s decision to pardon or otherwise is not subject to judicial review. Whether the apex court will change its stance remains to be tested.”
The Bar knows that the law on the point has already been stated twice with certainty by the apex court. It simply wants to test its own arguments in the current suit.
But to do so, it will have to run through the upper levels of the country’s judicial system and utilise much judicial time in the process. The Federal Court and even the Court of Appeal may be forced to empanel full benches to consider the matter, given that the case touches on the powers of the king himself.
Are the Bar’s arguments of such great merit as to justify the usage of so much judicial time? Is this a “sure win” case, or one of “hit-and-hope”? Or is it just pure theatre?
Finally, does the real remedy not lie in an amendment to the Federal Constitution? Why not push for that instead?
The Bar is risking its credibility by pursuing what may well be an exercise in futility. It should think again, and rationally.
 
Ibrahim M Ahmad is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
]]></content:encoded>
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<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Prudent financial management allows for civil servants’ salary hike, says PM</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/prudent-financial-management-allows-for-civil-servants-salary-hike-says-pm/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/prudent-financial-management-allows-for-civil-servants-salary-hike-says-pm/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bernama]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:54:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[anwar]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Civil servants]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[management]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Prime Minister]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[salary]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[salary increase]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752236</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the government can afford the estimated cost of over RM10 billion with the right financial oversight.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2719336" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2719336" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2719336 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/a6ae6783-anwar-ibrahim-fbpic-260324.webp" alt="bang non" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2719336" class="wp-caption-text">Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the decision to raise the salaries of civil servants is aimed at enhancing their understanding of duties and discipline. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
KANGAR: The salary increase for civil servants announced two days ago, can be implemented through strict financial management, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the projected salary adjustment, effective from December, and estimated to cost over RM10 billion from next year, is feasible with disciplined financial oversight.
“With our nation’s RM1.5 trillion debt and a 5.6% deficit, which is expected to reduce to 5% this year, and further next year, how can we proceed with this salary increase?
“It is because we can exercise control over the nation’s financial management,” he said in his keynote address at the 9th Series of Perkampungan Sunnah programme here last night.
He said the decision to raise the salaries of civil servants is a fair reward and aims to enhance their understanding of duties and discipline.
“How can we enhance their understanding of the need to work diligently, maintain police and military discipline, if they are not fairly rewarded. So, I am responsible for ensuring this can be implemented,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar urged Islamic leaders to boldly address and express their views on the current atrocities against Palestinians.
“The recent developments in Gaza highlight the diminishing voices of Islamic leaders and the waning efforts to take a resolute stance against oppression.
“As a consequence, the audacity of Zionist Israel persists with the backing of several Western nations, particularly the United States. While I represent a modest nation with moderate economic strength, I cannot condone this apathy and allow it to perpetuate,” he said.
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<title>Guardiola backs England for Euro 2024 glory</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/guardiola-backs-england-for-euro-2024-glory/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/guardiola-backs-england-for-euro-2024-glory/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:43:11 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Euro 2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Gareth Southgate]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Manchester City]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Pep Guardiola]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752221</guid>
<description><![CDATA[He believes Gareth Southgate can guide England to victory in Germany this year. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752225" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752225" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752225" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/9ab3d514-afccef34_ap24111663745507_1600x1000_1.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752225" class="wp-caption-text">Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the English passion for football will be an uplifting factor at Euro 2024. (AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
LONDON: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed England to win Euro 2024 if they follow his club’s route to continental glory.
Guardiola finally guided City to their first Champions League crown last season after a number of near misses earlier in his reign.
The Spaniard feels Gareth Southgate can do the same with England following their own painful failures on the brink of silverware.
England were beaten in the European Championship final by Italy on penalties at Wembley in 2021, lost the World Cup semifinal against Croatia in 2018 and were beaten by France in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
“They are really good. It’s not just the talent of the strikers, it’s the whole package, the whole group and Gareth knows perfectly what he has to do,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“So I have the feeling, everyone has the feeling, that the England national team, (from) the last events – the World Cup and European Championship – they make steps, they are on the verge, they are really close. They lost a final, got to a semifinal.
“When you arrive at these stages every two years, it’s going to happen. It’s quite similar to us, we were close, and in the end we lifted it.”
Guardiola believes the English passion for football, which has often weighed heavily on their players at tournaments, will prove a more uplifting factor this time.
“I see the reaction when they play European Cups or World Cups, people go crazy on the streets. They go crazy for the national team,” Guardiola said.
“That proves how proud they are and, at the end of the day, as a football player, that is the best, your country is proud of what you are doing for your country, and the way you are playing, reaching the last stages.
“Just believe it. If they believe it, they can do it. Believe it, believe it, they can do it.”
City forward Phil Foden could have a key role to play for England after an outstanding season at club level.
The 23-year-old’s performances were recognised as he was named the Football Writers’ Association men’s Player of the Year on Friday.
Guardiola believes Foden, who has progressed through the club’s youth ranks to become one of their most important players, could go on to become one of City’s greatest ever.
“This club has a long, long history. You can’t forget what happened with the players who played at Maine Road, like everyone knows. I think the club has been built with many, many top-quality players,” he said.
“But I have the feeling if he continues his career until the end here, and continues that level, he can be one of the best, that’s for sure.”
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<title>Vacationers want experiences that ‘speak to the senses’</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/05/04/vacationers-want-experiences-that-speak-to-the-senses/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/05/04/vacationers-want-experiences-that-speak-to-the-senses/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ETX Daily Up]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[geography]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[survey]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[trends]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[vacations]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2751487</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Survey on travel trends reveals how today's travellers are looking for memorable and immersive opportunities, whether it's adventure or quieter times.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2751491" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2751491" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2751491" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5b8e4a8d-orangegreen-lifestyle-emelpic-030524.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2751491" class="wp-caption-text">Travellers these days are looking for opportunities for vacations that rouse their senses and make them feel alive. (Envato Elements pic)</figcaption></figure>
While yesterday’s travellers sought to check off all the boxes of the many cultural sites to visit during a vacation, today’s travellers are increasingly looking to make memories through immersive, experience-based vacations. In short, travellers are looking for trips that speak to the senses.
The current craze for adventure travel has been noted by Pinterest: searches for this type of vacation have risen by 45% in the space of a year worldwide, according to the latest report from the visual platform.
“It’s a testament to seeking exhilaration, a reconnection with nature, and a departure from the mundane – a collective yearning for experiences that offer an adrenaline rush, immersion in nature and elevation of the spirit.
“Achieving goals in adventurous settings can foster a sense of accomplishment and empowerment,” Pinterest’s summer 2024 travel trends report says.
In detail, travellers’ top-trending adventure travel activities include luxury safari lodges (110%), hiking trails (94%), trekking (40%) and mountaineering (40%). In terms of trending adventure travel destinations, Pinterest reports strong interest in Tanzania safaris and nature-focused trips to the Philippines (60% and 150%, respectively).
Taking the time to experience the emotions stirred by an encounter and/or the discovery of a landscape is what motivates many travelers today. That’s why the “slow travel” movement is of so much interest to the Pinterest community: searches using the keywords “quiet life” have soared by 530% in one year, the platform reports.
In a context where daily life involves a multitude of screens, travel appears to be a way of turning away from this hyperconnection. Searches for “quiet places”, for example, have increased by 50%, while trips to national parks (250%) and stays in mountain chalets (180%) are all the rage, too.
In this quest for thrills and deeper experiences, the data echoes what Booking.com recently reported, namely that travellers want to be surprised. In fact, 52% of those surveyed by the reservations platform said they wanted to book trips where the destination remained a mystery until they arrived.
Similarly, consumers are looking for mysterious places on Pinterest. Ancient cities are particularly popular (75%), but vacationers also want to feel spooked, by visiting haunted (155%) places or exploring abandoned (230%) sites.
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<title>Sarawak needs mix of old and new for greater economic growth, say experts</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/sarawak-needs-mix-of-old-and-new-for-greater-economic-growth-say-experts/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/sarawak-needs-mix-of-old-and-new-for-greater-economic-growth-say-experts/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lynelle Tham]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:30:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Borneo+]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Barjoyai Bardai]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Evan Lau]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[GDP]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Gross Domestic Product]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[growth]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[industries]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sarawak]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752002</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Going off the beaten track can help to make Sarawak a bigger contributor to GDP but sustaining traditional sectors also play an important role, say economists.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2747920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2747920" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2747920 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cbdecbd4-kuching-bernama-290424.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2747920" class="wp-caption-text">Economists say Sarawak could enlarge its contribution to national GDP by introducing new industries but there are challenges. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak must ensure sustainable development of its natural resources as well as introduce new industries to expand its economy, according to economists.
Evan Lau of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak told FMT that sustainable management of Sarawak’s resources is crucial to ensure long-term prosperity without harming the environment.
“This is in line with the Sarawak government’s post Covid-19 development strategy,” he said in response to the state government’s plans to become Malaysia’s second highest contributor to gross domestic product before the next state elections, which must be held by April 2027.
Sarawak’s contribution of RM140 billion puts it in fourth place, behind Selangor (RM422 billion), Kuala Lumpur (RM263 billion) and Johor (RM142 billion).
Lau and fellow economist Barjoyai Bardai are optimistic that Sarawak will achieve its goal within the next three years but the state would face challenges.
Lau said Sarawak’s growth had come from natural resources such as oil and gas, timber, hydroelectric power and agriculture, as well as tourism.
The state must ensure that its resources are sustainably managed to ensure it achieves its goal, he said. “Infrastructure development is also vital for economicgrowth,” he added.
Bardai, of the Malaysia University of Science and Technology, said Sarawak’s venture into unconventional industries such as hydrogen energy can be key to it achieving its economic target.
The state had recently received permits to import <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/09/18/sarawak-to-receive-permits-to-import-evs-hydrogen-powered-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles</a>, which could pave the way for Sarawak to venture into the hydrogen power sector.
“That will make it much easier for them (to attract investors)”, he said, because Sarawak would not be competing with regions such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor which focus on manufacturing of electronic and electrical products, automotive and aerospace components as well as finance.
Lau said Sarawak will have to diversify its economy beyond the traditional oil and gas sector while addressing socio-economic disparities.
“An over-reliance on commodities such as oil and gas can make the state vulnerable to price fluctuations and market uncertainties,” he said.
He said the state can turn to tourism and manufacturing as alternative sectors to reduce its high dependence on commodities.
Lau said Sarawak must also ensure that its development policies are inclusive enough to bridge the urban-rural divide to bring sustainable growth and nurture social cohesion.
Bardai said Sarawak’s slower growth rate compared with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor could pose a challenge.
In 2022, Selangor recorded an economic growth of 11.9% compared to 6.5% by Sarawak.
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<title>Boikot minyak sawit tempatan jejas pekebun kecil, kata persatuan</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/boikot-minyak-sawit-tempatan-jejas-pekebun-kecil-kata-persatuan/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/boikot-minyak-sawit-tempatan-jejas-pekebun-kecil-kata-persatuan/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mohamad Fadli]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:30:25 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Tempatan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[aiskrim]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[kelapa sawit]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[kempen]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[minyak]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[MSPO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[NPO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[pekebun]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2751755</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Persatuan Kebangsaan Pekebun-Pekebun Kecil Malaysia meminta orang ramai tidak menyokong kempen 'Tiada Minyak Sawit' yang ada dipapar pada sebahagian produk dari luar negara.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2715091" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2715091" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2715091 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bc8cac59-kelapa_sawit_cmco_perak_fmt_210324.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2715091" class="wp-caption-text">Adzmi Hassan berkata pekebun kecil kelapa sawit menyumbangkan kepada 40% eksport komoditi utama negara itu.</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Sebuah pertubuhan pekebun kecil kelapa sawit bimbang kempen ‘Tiada Minyak Sawit’ atau ‘No Palm Oil’ termasuk dipaparkan pada pembungkusan produk dari luar negara dijual di Malaysia akan menjejaskan pendapatan mereka untuk jangka panjang.
Mengulas penemuan produk aiskrim memaparkan label kempen itu dalam serbuan di sebuah kedai serbaneka di Putrajaya, kelmarin, Presiden Persatuan Kebangsaan Pekebun-Pekebun Kecil Malaysia Adzmi Hassan menggesa orang ramai tidak menyokongnya.
Menurutnya, kempen seumpama itu tidak akan membantu pertumbuhan ekonomi memandangkan pekebun kecil yang menyumbangkan kepada 40% eksport komoditi utama negara.
Beliau turut menegaskan tidak timbul isu kaedah penanamannya memandangkan semua pengusaha ladang dan pengeluar minyak mengamalkan pengurusan baik termasuk menerusi Pensijilan Minyak Sawit Mampan Malaysia (MSPO).
“Jika (kempen) itu dibiarkan, nanti pengguna lain buat kempen (yang sama) dan akan memberi imej buruk pada minyak sawit kita.
“Kalau minyak sawit tak diterima di antarabangsa, pekebun kecil yang menyumbangkan 40% kepada eksport negara akan terjejas berikutan permintaan eksport (kurang) serta harga (akan) jatuh,” katanya kepada FMT.
Dalam serbuan di Presint 3 itu, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup menyita produk aiskrim mempunyai label ‘No Palm Oil’ iaitu kesalahan bawah Peraturan-Peraturan Perihal Dagangan (Larangan Penggunaan Pernyataan, Ungkapan Atau Petunjuk) (Keluaran Kelapa Sawit dan Barang-Barang Minyak Sawit) 2022.
Menerusi undang-undang mula berkuat kuasa 15 Mac lalu, mereka yang melakukan kesalahan itu boleh didenda maksimum RM250,000 atau penjara tidak lebih lima tahun.
Adzmi berkata, pihaknya menyokong penguatkuasaan KPDN dan ketegasan Menteri Perladangan dan Komoditi Johari Ghani dalam mencegah kemasukan produk luar negara yang menyelitkan kempen seumpama itu.
“Kena lindungi minyak sawit kita kerana kualitinya diiktiraf,” katanya mengulas kenyataan Johari yang kerajaan tidak akan membenarkan mana-mana produk dengan mesej tiada minyak sawit dijual dalam negara.
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<title>Biden awards Medal of Freedom to Michelle Yeoh, Katie Ledecky</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2024/05/04/biden-awards-medal-of-freedom-to-michelle-yeoh-katie-ledecky/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2024/05/04/biden-awards-medal-of-freedom-to-michelle-yeoh-katie-ledecky/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reuters]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:27:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Joe Biden]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[medal of freedom]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Michelle Yeoh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752211</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The honouree list pays homage to ‘firsts’ in their field, including Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win an Oscar for Best Actress. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752215" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752215" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752215" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/f166cb6a-afccef34_2024-05-03t222457z_1740926429_rc2aj7azzkx9_rtrmadp_3_usa-biden_1_1600x1000_1.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752215" class="wp-caption-text">US president Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Michelle Yeoh at the White House in Washington. (Reuters pic)</figcaption></figure>
WASHINGTON: A winner of seven Olympic gold medals, a leader of the Mississippi civil rights struggle and a pioneer of television’s tabloid talk show genre are part of this year’s class of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
US president Joe Biden extended the highest US civilian award to 19 people, including Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky, the assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers and television host Phil Donahue.
“Don’t let age get in your way,” Biden, the oldest US president at 81, said to Ledecky, 27, as he encouraged her to seek more medals during an awards ceremony at the White House on Friday. “Katie, age is just a number, kid.”
The honouree list plays special homage to “firsts” in their field, including the ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ actress Michelle Yeoh, who was the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress; Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space; and Jim Thorpe, the versatile athlete who became the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal in 1912.
Biden also celebrated some key political allies in the Democratic Party, from Representative Jim Clyburn, who rescued his 2020 presidential primary bid with an endorsement in South Carolina, to Nancy Pelosi, who shepherded his legislative agenda through Congress as House of Representatives speaker until last year.
Also included are several one-time presidential candidates, former senator Elizabeth Dole, former vice-president Al Gore, one-time secretary of state John Kerry and previous New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions,” Biden said of Gore’s concession to George W Bush in the 2000 election, a jab at ex-President Donald Trump, who has never conceded his 2020 loss to Biden.
“That to me was amazing what you did, Al. I won’t go into that.” The remark drew some laughter.
“In my view, the last two guys should be standing here at this podium,” Biden said of Gore and Kerry.
Bloomberg, a billionaire businessman who strayed from the Republican Party he once called home, may become an important financial backer of the president’s 2024 reelection campaign.
Biden also honoured Father Greg Boyle, a Catholic priest who founded the gang intervention programme Homeboy Industries; Opal Lee, an activist who pushed for Juneteenth to be a holiday marking the end of slavery in the US; senator Frank Lautenberg, a consumer safety advocate; astrophysicist Jane Rigby; United Farm Workers president Teresa Romero; LGBT advocate Judy Shepard; and Clarence B Jones, who helped draft Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.
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<title>Labour demands election after routing Tories in local UK polls</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/labour-demands-election-after-routing-tories-in-local-uk-polls/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/labour-demands-election-after-routing-tories-in-local-uk-polls/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:06:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Britain]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kier Starmer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Rishi Sunak]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752201</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Party leaders say the nationwide victories should send Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a clear signal.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752208" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752208" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752208" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/90f2ca52-afccef34_ap24124281564475_1600x1000_1.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752208" class="wp-caption-text">Newly elected Labour MP Chris Webb (right) with party leader Sir Keir Starmer, after winning the Blackpool South by-election. (PA/AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
LONDON: Britain’s Labour party on Friday urged beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call a general election, after making huge gains in English polls that included a seat in parliament.
Labour, out of power since 2010 and trounced by Boris Johnson’s Conservatives at the last general election in 2019, won a host of local council seats and mayoral contests as well as the Blackpool South parliamentary seat.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said the emphatic victories nationwide, which included winning a new mayoral post encompassing Sunak’s own northern English constituency, sent the prime minister a clear signal.
“Voters in Blackpool South have sent a direct message to Rishi Sunak: make way, let’s have a general election,” he said after visiting Blackpool to congratulate the new MP there, Chris Webb.
Sunak must order a general election to be held by Jan 28 next year at the latest.
He insisted voters will re-elect his Conservatives, as he sought solace in a Tory mayor winning a third term in Tees Valley, in northeast England, albeit with a vastly reduced majority.
“Come a general election, (voters) are going to stick with us too,” Sunak said, as he celebrated the rare Conservative win, for Ben Houchen, on an otherwise dismal day of results.
Labour has enjoyed double-digit poll leads over the Tories for approaching two years.
The embattled prime minister, in charge since October 2022, had earlier conceded results so far had been “disappointing” but noted many were still to be announced.
“I am focused completely on the job at hand: that’s delivering for people across the country,” he told reporters.
Mayor battles 
Labour began Friday by winning the Blackpool South constituency with a 26% swing — the third-largest from the Tories to Labour at a by-election since World War II.
By evening, Labour had gained nearly 170 councillors, control of eight more councils and several new mayors — in northeast England, Yorkshire and in the East Midlands — after voting on Thursday.
The Conservatives were on track to lose around half the nearly 1,000 seats they were defending.
If replicated in a nationwide contest, the initial tallies suggested Labour would win 34% of the vote, with the Tories trailing by nine points, according to the BBC.
Sky News’ projection for a general election using the partial results would see Labour become the largest party but short of an overall majority.
Speculation has been rife in Westminster that restive Conservative lawmakers could use dire returns to try to replace Sunak, forcing him to possibly call an immediate general election.
He has previously said he is eyeing the “second half of 2024”. 
The 43-year-old has failed to improve his party’s dismal standing since succeeding Liz Truss.
Senior Conservatives played down the Blackpool defeat, noting it was triggered by a lobbying scandal that saw the area’s ex-Conservative MP resign.
Houchen’s win provided some respite.
The outcome of another key mayoral contest in the West Midlands is also seen as crucial for Sunak but not expected until Saturday.
The London mayoral election result, when Labour’s Sadiq Khan is expected to win a record third term, is also due then.
Right-wing upstarts
The Tories were defending hundreds of seats they secured in 2021, when they led Labour in nationwide polls before the implosion of Johnson’s premiership and Truss’s disastrous 49-day rule.
Starmer said Friday’s results showed that his party, beset by ideological infighting and claims of anti-Semitism under hard-left former leader Jeremy Corbyn, was rejuvenated.
The Tories are under fire nationally on issues ranging from the cost-of-living to transport and health.
Voters are also turned off by infighting that has resulted in five prime ministers since the 2016 Brexit vote.
“The results of the local elections have for the most part been deeply disappointing for the Conservatives,” polling expert John Curtice wrote on the BBC’s website. He called the party’s performance “one of its worst ever”.
The Blackpool defeat was the Tories’ 11th by-election loss this parliament, the most by any government since the late 1960s. Sunak has been in charge during seven of them.
Worryingly for him, the Conservatives only beat the fringe Reform UK party into second place by 117 votes in Blackpool.
The party linked to arch-Eurosceptic Nigel Farage won 17% of the vote, its best-ever by-election performance, suggesting it could squeeze the right-wing vote at the general election.
Labour lost control of one local authority, and suffered some councillor losses to independents elsewhere, due to what analysts said was its stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
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<title>Embark on a healing road trip through Malaysia – with a talking cat</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/05/04/embark-on-a-healing-road-trip-through-malaysia-with-a-talking-cat/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Lifestyle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[authors]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Literature]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Penguin Random House SEA]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Yeoh Jo-Ann]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2750734</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author Yeoh Jo-Ann’s latest novel tells the tale of a man who must move on following the passing of a loved one.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2750738" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2750738" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2750738 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/23d7b9ee-cover.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2750738" class="wp-caption-text">Yeoh Jo-Ann’s second novel, a nuanced exploration of grief, has talking cats, family ties, and lots of coffee. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: If cats could speak, what would they say? In writing her latest work, local author Yeoh Jo-Ann had to put herself in a feline frame of mind.
She found this process very entertaining. “You have to think to yourself, what would cats look at? A lot came from the feeling that cats feel superior to us, and if they could talk, they would probably tell us how to live our lives,” she told FMT Lifestyle with a laugh.
A talking cat is one of the main characters in “Deplorable Conversations With Cats and Other Distractions”, Yeoh’s second novel published by Penguin Random House SEA.
The novel tells the tale of Lucky Lee, a Singaporean café owner with a charmed life, blessed with almost everything he could possibly want. Things are unexpectedly upended, however, after the sudden death of his sister, go-getting TV chef Pearl Lee.
Paralysed by grief, things take a surreal turn for Lucky when Coconut, his departed sister’s cat, suddenly starts talking. It tells him stories, makes observations on his life, and asks difficult questions, such as where Pearl is.
Soon, an unexpected discovery about his family leads the two on a road trip across Malaysia. And what Lucky experiences will change him forever.
<figure id="attachment_2750740" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2750740" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2750740 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/f46ae2a8-joann.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2750740" class="wp-caption-text">Her first novel ‘Impractical Uses of Cake’ won Singapore’s Epigram Books Fiction Prize in 2018. (Moganraj Villavan@FMT Lifestyle)</figcaption></figure>
Expect a moving, sometimes surreal story of choice, family, and self-discovery. And lots of coffee, Yeoh teased: this hearty brew features heavily in the pages.
According to Yeoh, the novel took shape from her realisation that the intricacies of sibling relationships are rarely explored or analysed.
“We talk a lot about romantic relationships, but we don’t think a lot about our sibling relationships, although they are so dynamic and complex,” said the Singapore-based writer, who has a sister living in Australia.
“You love them and hate them. They are usually the first peers you meet. Your first moment of tenderness probably came from a sibling. Or your first betrayal.”
Coconut, Yeoh said, was an amalgamation of all the cats she got to know over her lifetime. Her mother was a huge cat lover, and Yeoh grew up living with four or five of them. She was often scolded for getting in THEIR way, the author laughed.
Despite the novel’s whimsical premise, grief is one of its major themes, and Yeoh hopes the book will inspire readers to consider the nuanced nature of this emotion.
“There is no proper form or proper time for grief. There is no need to be hard on ourselves if our grieving process doesn’t match what other people expect. Grieving feels different for different people, and there are infinite permutations for what it might look like.”
<figure id="attachment_2750741" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2750741" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2750741 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10664123-litbooks.jpg" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2750741" class="wp-caption-text">Yeoh during a reading of ‘Deplorable Conversations’ at Lit Books in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently. (Zetong Leow pic)</figcaption></figure>
Yeoh, a former magazine features editor now in digital marketing, has always been a voracious bibliophile. As a child, she would read so quickly, her mother suggested she write her own stories to save her from constantly having to buy new books!
Yeoh took these words to heart, and look where she is now. Her short stories have been included in anthologies such as “Best Singaporean Short Stories: Volume Three”, and her 2020 short story “Dog Tiger Horse” won the Boston Review’s annual Aura Estrada short-story competition.
Her <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2023/12/31/6-books-from-malaysian-authors-to-look-out-for-in-the-new-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">debut novel</a>, “Impractical Uses Of Cake”, won the Epigram Books Fiction Prize in Singapore in 2018. She names authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Tash Aw as among her favourites.
Yeoh is currently at work on her third novel: her only cryptic hint is that it will involve plants. Fans of her second novel will also be pleased to hear that more may be coming for one of her characters!
“Whenever I write anything, I have conversations with the characters in my head. That’s how I get to know them. I’ve said goodbye to Lucky already. Pearl and I never had that many conversations to begin with.
“Coconut and I, though, we still have conversations, even though the book is done. I don’t think she’s done with me yet!”
Get your copy of ‘Deplorable Conversations With Cats and Other Distractions’ from local bookstores including<a href="https://litbooks.com.my/product/deplorable-conversations-with-cats-and-other-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lit Books</a>.
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<title>Forget PJD link, here’s a better alternative for Taman Medan residents</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/05/04/forget-pjd-link-heres-a-better-alternative-for-taman-medan-residents/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/05/04/forget-pjd-link-heres-a-better-alternative-for-taman-medan-residents/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rosli Khan]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Column]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Opinion]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[highway]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[PJ Old Town]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rail]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[station]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Taman Medan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[toll]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Transport hub]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2751407</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Let’s not build another toll highway in the Klang Valley.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2480476 alignleft" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/8cc5c3d7-rosli-khan-column-300x400-1532023-new-columnist-latest.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" />
Recently, the residents of Taman Medan have been asking for the government to reconsider its decision to cancel the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) highway project. They say the proposed highway would alleviate congestion in their vicinity.
There is no doubt that the residents of Taman Medan have been neglected. One needs to only visit the place to understand why.
However, constructing another highway in front of their homes will not solve their predicament. Neither will it alleviate traffic congestion, reduce the number of cars in the area, or increase the value of their houses. Instead, it is likely to only exacerbate their problems.
Recently, Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin, Petaling Jaya Amanah secretary Ammar Atan, and politician turned radio commentator Khairy Jamaluddin, among others, have all spoken about the need to find a solution for this long-suffering community.
Here is my suggestion.
Railway access
Adjacent to Taman Medan, across an existing elevated highway, lies a small rail station called Kg Dato Harun.
Further down the same road, which intersects with two other highways leading towards Shah Alam, sits another small rail station, Seri Setia.
Both stations are literally sandwiched by a network of highways, making them extremely difficult to access due to the presence of elevated structures, the NPE at the first station, and the LDP and Federal Highway at the second.
Instead of facilitating them, these highways obstruct vehicular and passenger movements to these two train stations. The construction of PJD Link would likely make this situation even worse.
As a result, both stations are not receiving the number of passengers they ought to expect and appear bleak and empty most of the time.
The next station after Kg Dato Harun, in the direction of Kuala Lumpur, is located at Pantai Dalam, more than 10km away.
Realistically, there is no dependable rail station that the residents of PJ Selatan, or indeed even the entire PJ area, can rely on to cater to their public transport needs.
There is no easy and feasible daily commute either to KL or Port Klang, although the rail lines are there and connect directly to Port Klang and Westport on the west of PJ (with a branch to Subang airport), and to KL Sentral on the east.
From KL, the same track extends all the way to Ipoh, Butterworth, Padang Besar (and into Thailand) up north, while its southern branch extends to Seremban, JB, and Woodlands (Singapore) across the Causeway.
So, theoretically, the Taman Medan residents have good infrastructure in place and fantastic railway access via the Kg Dato Harun station. However, in reality, the station is underutilised by the working-class community that lives in its vicinity.
New rail station
Strategically located along that rail network is PJ Selatan. That makes it the ideal for a new central rail station which is capable of servicing the needs of the populace in the vicinity as well as those in the neighbouring Old Klang Road and Kinrara areas.
PJ Old Town seems to be an ideal location for such a station. It already has an existing railway track that has been neglected, cast aside in favour of a toll highway.
A public transport station here can be the catalyst for the area’s regeneration, and may transform this blighted urban enclave into a modern, liveable and stylish environment.
Urban regeneration
Over the years we have seen how effective transport networks have stimulated new economies, encouraged investment and brought about job creation.
Successful cities like London, Singapore, Amsterdam and Tokyo boast high-quality integrated public transport systems operating from a central rail station.
Many developed countries, including China, have used the railways to bring about a regeneration of old urban areas.
In much the same way, PJ Old Town and its adjacent areas, including Taman Medan, stand to benefit from such a project.
It must not be left to suffer the same fate of Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Gopeng and Tanjung Malim, four towns in Perak which have lost much of their charm and value after being displaced by toll highways.
Railway stations have the potential to serve as the primary nucleus for commercial activities in this part of PJ.
The emphasis should be on adapting existing infrastructure, turning the area into a transport hub, and making it a focal point for broader investment into housing and commercial activity.
Please, let’s not build another toll highway in the Klang Valley.
 
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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<title>Kenaikan gaji penjawat awam boleh dilaksana, kata Anwar</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/kenaikan-gaji-penjawat-awam-boleh-dilaksana-kata-anwar/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/kenaikan-gaji-penjawat-awam-boleh-dilaksana-kata-anwar/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bernama]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 23:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Tempatan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Anwar Ibrahim]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[gaji]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[pengurusan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[penjawat awam]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Perdana Menteri]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752200</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Perdana menteri berkata peningkatan gaji penjawat awam membabitkan kos lebih RM10 bilion itu boleh ditampung dengan kawalan pengurusan kewangan.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752202" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752202" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2752202 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/08883e9f-anwar-ibrahim-bernama-040524.webp" alt="bang nonon" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752202" class="wp-caption-text">Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim berkata keputusan untuk menaikkan gaji penjawat awam adalah satu ganjaran yang adil dan sebagai usaha meningkatkan lagi kefahaman tugas serta disiplin mereka. (Gambar Bernama)</figcaption></figure>
KANGAR: Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim memberi jaminan bahawa peningkatan gaji penjawat awam mulai Disember ini mampu dilaksana menerusi kawalan pengurusan kewangan kerajaan.
Anwar yang juga menteri kewangan berkata peningkatan gaji penjawat awam, dijangka membabitkan kos lebih RM10 bilion mulai tahun depan, boleh ditampung dengan pengurusan kewangan yang lebih tegas.
“Kenaikan gaji itu boleh dilaksana kerana kita boleh kawal pengurusan kewangan… saya yakin ada barakah, ada nikmat kalau kita betul-betul ‘strict’ dan rigid dalam hal ini,” katanya ketika menyampaikan ucaptama pada Program Perkampungan Sunnah Siri ke-9 malam tadi.
Beliau berkata keputusan untuk menaikkan gaji penjawat awam adalah satu ganjaran yang adil dan sebagai usaha meningkatkan lagi kefahaman tugas serta disiplin mereka.
“Tingkatkan kefahaman, kerja bersungguh-sungguh, disiplin polis, disiplin tentera… jadi saya bertanggungjawab untuk pastikan ini boleh (dilaksanakan),” katanya.
Sementara itu, perdana menteri berkata pimpinan negara Islam perlu terus berani menegur dan menyatakan pandangan dalam isu kekejaman terhadap rakyat Palestin ketika ini.
“Perkembangan mutakhir di Gaza yang pernah saya ungkapkan sebelum ini ialah kelesuan suara pimpinan negara-negara Islam, hilang upaya dan kekuatan untuk menyatakan sikap keras dan tegas bagi menghentikan kekejaman penjajahan manusia ke atas manusia.
“Oleh yang demikian, kerakusan (rejim) Zionis Israel (akan) berterusan dengan dukungan beberapa negara Barat khususnya Amerika Syarikat.
“Saya tidak mewakili negara besar, saya mewakili negara sederhana dengan kekuatan ekonomi yang sederhana tetapi saya tidak boleh lihat kelesuan ini dan mengizinkannya,” kata beliau.
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<title>Rains in southern Brazil kill at least 37, more than 70 missing</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/rains-in-southern-brazil-kill-at-least-37-more-than-70-missing/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reuters]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 22:38:36 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brazil]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[death toll]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rains]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Rio Grande do Sul]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752197</guid>
<description><![CDATA[At least 23,000 residents have been displaced in the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752198" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752198" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752198" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/533ad28c-afccef34_brazil_floods.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752198" class="wp-caption-text">A man wades through an area flooded by heavy rains, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
CAPELA DE SANTANA: Heavy rains battering Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed 37 people, local authorities said on Friday, and the death toll is expected to rise as dozens still have not been accounted for.
More than 70 people were still missing and at least 23,000 had been displaced in the state bordering Uruguay and Argentina, which had nearly half of its 497 cities affected, according to Rio Grande do Sul’s civil defence.
In several towns, streets essentially turned into rivers, with roads and bridges destroyed. The storm also triggered landslides and the partial collapse of a dam structure at a small hydroelectric power plant.
A second dam in the city of Bento Goncalves is also at risk of collapsing, authorities said, ordering people who live nearby to evacuate.
The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains and others of drought.
Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change.
Heavy rains had already hit Rio Grande do Sul last September, as an extratropical cyclone caused floods that killed more than 50 people.
That came after more than two years of a persistent drought due to the La Nina phenomenon, with only scarce showers.
“It’s not just another critical situation; it’s probably the most critical case the state has ever recorded,” Rio Grande do Sul governor Eduardo Leite said in a live broadcast on social media on Thursday.
He added that the death toll will likely climb as authorities have not been able to access certain locations.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva travelled to the state on Thursday to visit affected locations and discuss rescue efforts with the governor.
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<title>Hamas, CIA director to hold talks on Gaza truce</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/hamas-cia-director-to-hold-talks-on-gaza-truce/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/hamas-cia-director-to-hold-talks-on-gaza-truce/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reuters]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 22:30:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hamas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[truce]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752195</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Hamas says its delegates are travelling to Cairo in a ‘positive spirit’ after studying the latest proposal. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2731450" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2731450" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2731450" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e60c52e2-william-burns-cia-ap.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2731450" class="wp-caption-text">CIA director William Burns will meet Egyptian mediators today together with Hamas representatives. (AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
CAIRO: Hamas said on Friday it was sending a delegation to Cairo to discuss a deal for a truce and the release of hostages in Gaza, hours after CIA director William Burns arrived in the Egyptian capital, according to Egyptian sources.
Egypt, along with Qatar and the US has been leading efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas to broker a deal for a ceasefire in the conflict that began on Oct 7.
The Hamas and CIA officials will meet Egyptian mediators today, an Egyptian security source said, though it was unclear whether they would meet separately or together.
Hamas said its delegates were travelling to Cairo in a “positive spirit” after studying the latest proposal for a truce agreement.
“We are determined to secure an agreement in a way that fulfils Palestinians’ demands,” the Palestinian group said in a statement.
A US official said the US believed there had been some progress in talks but was still waiting to hear more.
The CIA declined to comment, reflecting its policy of not disclosing the director’s travel.
Ceasefire talks have continued for months without a decisive breakthrough. Israel has said it is determined to eliminate Hamas, while Hamas says it wants a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Egypt made a renewed push to revive negotiations late last month. Cairo is alarmed by the prospect of an Israeli ground operation against Hamas in Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than one million people have taken shelter near the border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
Egyptian sources say both sides have made some concessions recently, leading to progress in the talks, though Israel has continued to say an operation in Rafah is imminent.
The war began after Hamas staged a cross-border raid on Oct 7 in which 1,200 people in southern Israel were killed and 253 hostages taken, according to Israeli tallies.
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 77,000 have been wounded by Israeli fire during a campaign that has laid waste to the coastal enclave, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
A major Israeli operation in Rafah could deal a huge blow to fragile humanitarian operations in Gaza and put many more lives at risk, according to UN officials.
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<title>Canada arrests 3 Indian nationals over killing of Sikh activist</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/05/04/canada-arrests-3-indian-nationals-over-killing-of-sikh-activist/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 22:23:11 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top World]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hardeep Singh Nijjar]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sikh]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752191</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The suspects are accused of being the shooter, driver and lookout on the day Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752192" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752192" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752192" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a09cf84d-anis.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752192" class="wp-caption-text">Karan Brar, 22, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and first degree murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. (Integrated homicide investigation team/Reuters pic)</figcaption></figure>
VANCOUVER: Canadian police on Friday arrested three men over the killing of a Sikh separatist in Vancouver last year, whose death has been linked to the Indian government.
The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar plunged Canada and India into a serious diplomatic crisis last fall after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested Indian government involvement in the homicide.
India dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and responded furiously, briefly curbing visas for Canadians and forcing Ottawa to withdraw diplomats.
Three Indian nationals, two aged 22 and one aged 28, were arrested on Friday morning and charged with first degree murder and conspiracy charges. They are accused of being the shooter, driver and lookout on the day Nijjar was killed.
They were arrested by police in Edmonton, in the neighbouring province of Alberta, where they reside, and are being held behind bars pending further proceedings.
All had been in Canada for between three and five years, police said at a news conference on Friday.
Nijjar, who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a citizen in 2015, advocated for a separate Sikh state, known as Khalistan, carved out of India.
He was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.
On June 18, 2023, he was shot dead by masked assailants in the parking lot of the Sikh temple he lead in suburban Vancouver.
Trudeau announced several months later that Canada had “credible allegations” linking Indian intelligence to the killing and expelled an Indian official, spurring the diplomatic tit-for-tat with New Delhi.
In November, the US justice department charged an Indian citizen living in the Czech Republic with allegedly plotting a similar assassination attempt on American soil.
Prosecutors said in unsealed court documents that an Indian government official was also involved in the planning.
The shock allegations came after US President Joe Biden hosted Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for a rare state visit, as Washington seeks closer ties with India against growing China’s growing influence.
US intelligence agencies have assessed that the plot on American soil was approved by India’s top spy official at the time, Samant Goel, the Washington Post reported this week.
Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two percent of the country’s population, with a vocal minority calling for creating an independent state of Khalistan.
The Sikh separatist movement is largely finished within India, where security forces used deadly force to put down an insurgency in the state of Punjab in the 1980s.
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<title>Luton grab 1-1 draw with Everton as relegation worries deepen</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/luton-grab-1-1-draw-with-everton-as-relegation-worries-deepen/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/luton-grab-1-1-draw-with-everton-as-relegation-worries-deepen/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reuters]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 22:01:07 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Dominic Calvert-Lewin]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Elijah Adebayo]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Everton]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Luton]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752187</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Everton took the lead through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty in the 24th minute. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752188" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752188" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752188" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/8c348239-afccef34_2024-05-03t213543z_1062349375_up1ek531jr8yw_rtrmadp_3_soccer-england-lut-eve-report_1600x1000_1.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752188" class="wp-caption-text">Dominic Calvert-Lewin (centre) celebrates scoring Everton’s first goal against Luton Town. (Reuters pic)</figcaption></figure>
LONDON: Striker Elijah Adebayo scored a superb equaliser for Luton Town as they drew 1-1 at home to Everton on Friday, but the Hatters were guilty of some wasteful finishing en route to a result that does little to ease their Premier League relegation fears.
With 36 of their 38 league games played, Luton remain in 18th spot in the table on 26 points, behind Nottingham Forest on goal difference and with Forest having a game in hand over the Hatters, and two points ahead of Burnley in 19th.
Everton, who ensured their Premier League survival by beating Brentford 1-0 last week, took the lead through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty in the 24th minute, but they were pegged back seven minutes later thanks to Adebayo’s excellent chest control and finish.
Luton’s Carlton Morris had a header cleared off the line late in the first half and Ross Barkley drilled a shot straight at Jordan Pickford, but for the most part the home side struggled to hit the target as Everton held on to take a point back to Merseyside.
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<title>Japan beat Uzbeks to secure U23 Asian Cup title</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/japan-beat-uzbeks-to-secure-u23-asian-cup-title/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/japan-beat-uzbeks-to-secure-u23-asian-cup-title/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reuters]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 21:59:44 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Asian Cup]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Leo Kokubo]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uzbekistan]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752182</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Leo Kokubo’s penalty save earned the Japanese their second Under-23 title since 2016.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752183" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752183" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752183" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/941f0c3c-afccef34_japan_u23_asia_cup.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752183" class="wp-caption-text">Japanese players celebrate after winning the Under 23 Asian Cup final against Uzbekistan in Doha, Qatar. (AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
DOHA: Japan lifted the Under 23 Asian Cup after they beat Uzbekistan 1-0 on Friday, an injury time penalty save by Leo Kokubo securing the trophy for Go Oiwa’s side.
Substitute Fuki Yamada gave the Japanese the lead when he stroked his shot into the bottom corner of the Uzbek goal in the 91st minute, but a handball by Hiroki Sekine gifted Uzbekistan an opportunity to take the game into extra time.
Kokubo, however, dived to his right to keep out Umarali Rakhmanaliev’s spotkick and earn the Japanese their second under 23 title since 2016.
Japan and Uzbekistan went into the final at Doha’s Jassim bin Hamad Stadium having already claimed two of Asia’s three berths at the Olympics in Paris in the summer, with the tournament serving as the continent’s final eliminator for the Games.
Iraq took the third place on Thursday with an extra-time win over Indonesia, who will play Guinea on May 9 in a playoff for the last remaining spot at the finals.
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<title>Auger-Aliassime in final as ‘crazy’ Madrid injury curse strikes again</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/auger-aliassime-in-final-as-crazy-madrid-injury-curse-strikes-again/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/auger-aliassime-in-final-as-crazy-madrid-injury-curse-strikes-again/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 21:58:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Tennis]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Andrey Rublev]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Felix Auger-Aliassime]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jiri Lehecka]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Madrid Open]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752178</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Czech 30th seed Jiri Lehecka became the latest player to withdraw in the Spanish capital through injury.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752179" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752179" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752179" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/31748296-afccef34_jiri_lehecka_madrid_open.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752179" class="wp-caption-text">Jiri Lehecka was forced to retire in the opening set of his semifinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime. (Reuters pic)</figcaption></figure>
MADRID: Felix Auger-Aliassime said “it’s crazy times for the elite of our sport” as the Canadian benefitted from yet another retirement to set up a Madrid Open final clash against Andrey Rublev on Friday.
Czech 30th seed Jiri Lehecka became the latest player to withdraw in the Spanish capital through injury, as he sustained a back problem and was forced to retire at 3-3 in the opening set of his semifinal against Auger-Aliassime.
Top seed Jannik Sinner withdrew ahead of his quarterfinal with Auger-Aliassime, citing a hip injury, while Jakub Mensik also gave the Canadian free passage when he retired early in the second set of their third round.
The Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid has been dealt one blow after another, starting with the pre-event withdrawal of world number one Novak Djokovic.
After losing Sinner to injury, the tournament also saw its third seed bow out as Daniil Medvedev retired midway through his quarterfinal with Lehecka on Thursday.
Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, announced on Friday he was withdrawing from next week’s Masters 1000 in Rome due to a forearm injury.
“It’s crazy. I don’t know if it’s ever happened to a player before, it’s kind of a weird situation to be in on my part,” said a stunned Auger-Aliassime, who is through to the first Masters final of his career by playing just three completed matches.
Lehecka felt something in his back as he attempted a serve early in the match and took an eight-minute off-court medical timeout before play resumed at 3-3.
It was all over three points later as Lehecka fell to the ground in pain, bringing the match to an abrupt end.
“I couldn’t believe what was happening when I saw that his back blocked on him. I feel really bad for him,” said Auger-Aliassime.
“It’s crazy times for the elite of our sport, withdrawing from many events. But obviously for me it’s kind of a weird rhythm not having played that much and being in the finals. But I can just focus on the first week of tennis I had.”
Rublev in ‘right direction’
Rublev reached the fifth Masters final of his career with a 6-4, 6-3 win against American Taylor Fritz.
The seventh-seeded Rublev arrived at the tournament carrying a four-match losing streak but rebounded in the Spanish capital, claiming five impressive wins, including one over world number three Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
“For sure mentally I was feeling much better (this week) and I was able to perform, putting emotions in the right direction, for sure that helped me to be in the final,” said Rublev.
After getting broken in the opening game, Rublev recovered immediately and won the last seven points of the first set to take the lead in 39 minutes.
A break of serve in the sixth game of the second frame was enough for the Russian to complete a 72-minute victory.
Rublev leads his head-to-head 4-1 against Auger-Aliassime but four of their five encounters have gone to a deciding set.
Auger-Aliassime lost their most recent clash in Rotterdam in February after holding three match points.
“We’ve always had three-set battles, even back in 2018, I was much younger,” said the 23-year-old Canadian.
“He’s always a player that fights hard, that’s always present every tournament, us players have highs and lows but he’s always there.”
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<title>Serang kerajaan tak berhasil, PH jangka kempen PN makin ‘gila’</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/serang-kerajaan-tak-berhasil-ph-jangka-kempen-pn-makin-gila/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/serang-kerajaan-tak-berhasil-ph-jangka-kempen-pn-makin-gila/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mohd Farhan Darwis]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:14:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Tempatan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Amirudin Shari]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ceramah]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kuala Kubu Baharu]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mat Sabu]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[PRK]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752129</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Pengerusi PH Selangor berkata kempen pembangkang seperti berubah-ubah dan cuba memainkan sentimen membangkitkan kemarahan rakyat.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752169" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752169" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752169" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/25623a10-amirudin-shari-bernama-pic-040524.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752169" class="wp-caption-text">Amirudin Shari berkata kerajaan perpaduan tampil dengan kempen berbeza iaitu tawaran dan perancangan untuk pengundi di Kuala Kubu Baharu. (Gambar Bernama)</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Kempen Perikatan Nasional (PN) di PRK DUN Kuala Kubu Baharu akan semakin ‘menggila’ kerana serangan disasarkan mereka kepada kerajaan perpaduan tidak berhasil, dakwa Amirudin Shari.
Pengerusi Pakatan Harapan (PH) Selangor berkata, kempen pembangkang juga seperti berubah-ubah serta cuba memainkan sentimen membangkitkan kemarahan rakyat tanpa bukti dan fakta.
“Kalau jadi pembangkang tetapi bukan nak bangkang semua benda. Lihat sebelum penamaan calon, kemudian selepas penamaan calon kempen PN melompat-lompat, agaknya suka lompat parti.
“Mula-mula kata nak tukar kerajaan kemudian nada berubah, kata ekonomi Selangor dizalimi kerana keluarkan belanjawan defisit…dia main sentimen tak guna data,” katanya dalam ceramah mega perpaduan di Bandar Utama Batang Kali, malam ini.
Menteri besar Selangor berkata, sebaliknya kerajaan perpaduan tampil dengan kempen berbeza iaitu tawaran dan perancangan untuk pengundi Kuala Kubu Baharu.
“Jangkaan saya selepas mereka gagal, mereka akan makin menggila sebab apa…sebab mereka terpaksa menggila, mereka tak boleh ‘move on’ daripada kesilapan mereka lakukan.
“Merekalah yang bertanggungjawab mencipta ketidakstabilan politik. Bila kita pulih pelaburan masuk, kalau kestabilan ditunjukkan ini kita boleh bentang dasar perubahan tenaga…dasar baru perindustrian besar, dapat menarik pelaburan semikonduktor, mereka tiada benda lain terpaksa adakan alasan,” katanya.
Katanya, malah PN juga ibarat ‘gila talak’ apabila menyerang pihak mengadakan kerjasama dengan DAP seperti Umno dan PH.
“BN dah dua tahun bersama DAP tidak ada masalah pun. PN hala tuju tak tetap. Nak pergi mana tak tahu. Dia tahu ambil kesempatan, curi orang sini nak bentuk kerajaan. Itu timbulkan ketidakstabilan, hasilkan negara tak makmur dan wujudkan krisis.
“Sedangkan kita 18 parti bergabung untuk pastikan kestabilan kekal, orang boleh buat kerja, bekalan pulih, ekonomi kita tarik inilah masa depan rakyat sekarang,” katanya.
Dalam majlis sama, Presiden Amanah Mohamad Sabu berkata kenaikan gaji penjawat awam diumumkan Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim bukti kejayaan kerajaan dalam tempoh dua tahun memerintah.
Katanya, lebih banyak pengumuman akan dibuat pentadbiran kerajaan yang berbaki lebih tiga tahun lagi.
“Ini kejayaan awal…kejayaan lain akan mendatang. Tiga setengah tahun menjelang pilihan raya kita akan umum kejayaan dari semasa ke semasa demi faedah rakyat,” katanya.
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<title>Help shape AI with Malaysian values, says Anwar</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/help-shape-ai-with-malaysian-values-says-anwar/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/04/help-shape-ai-with-malaysian-values-says-anwar/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bernama]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:08:06 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Anwar Ibrahim]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[computing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mathematics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Satya Nadella]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752114</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The prime minister says if Malaysians do not master the technology, its values and morals will be determined by those who control it, particularly from western countries.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752165" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752165" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2752165 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/72ca8d24-anwar-ibrahim-fbpic-040524-01.webp" alt="Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752165" class="wp-caption-text">Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeting a young well-wisher at the Perkampungan Sunnah event in Kangar this evening. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
KANGARL: Malaysians must master the technology of artificial intelligence to ensure that it embraces Malaysian cultural and moral values, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
If AI is not mastered, the values and morals embedded in it will be determined by those who control the technology, particularly from western countries, he said.
“If we do not master AI and digital transformation, we will lose out because in all areas of government management, defence, police, immigration, private sector, and agriculture, AI will dominate,” he said.
Anwar said he had raised with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella the possibility of local values, religion, culture and morals being shaped by AI from western countries. Satya responded that it was up to Malaysians themselves to master AI technology according to the country’s norms and environment.
“In the past, there were those who opposed the use of computers because of pornography, but we found it difficult not to (accept the technology),” he said.
He said interest in mathematics and science among young Malays has dwindled. AI mastery cannot be achieved if the people do not have basic mathematics and science skills, he said.
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<title>Syed Saddiq mohon semakan mahkamah dapatkan peruntukan Muar</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2024/05/04/syed-saddiq-mohon-mahkamah-untuk-dapatkan-peruntukan-bagi-muar/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Predeep Nambiar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:03:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Tempatan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top BM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[peruntukan ahli parlimen]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[semakan mahkamah]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Syed Saddiq]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752112</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Syed Saddiq berkata sistem demokrasi akan terjejas apabila peruntukan Ahli Parlimen digunakan sebagai alat tawar-menawar untuk mendapatkan sokongan.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752012" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752012" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752012" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/614d4260-syed-saddiq-side-eye-fmt-030524.jpg" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752012" class="wp-caption-text">Muda yang dianggotai Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman membuat keputusan menarik diri daripada kerajaan pada September tahun lepas.</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman memohon semakan mahkamah ke atas keputusan kerajaan belum menyalurkan, menghentikan atau membatalkan peruntukan sebanyak RM730,300 bagi kawasan Parlimen Muar.
Ahli Parlimen Muar itu mahu mahkamah memerintahkan responden menyalurkan wang tersebut dan peruntukan buat tahun 2024.
Syed Saddiq menamakan perdana menteri dan kerajaan sebagai responden. Beliau juga memohon semakan ini bersama tiga individu lain.
Menurut affidavit yang difailkan di Mahkamah Tinggi di Kuala Lumpur, Syed Saddiq mendakwa peruntukan itu dihentikan atau dibatalkan selepas partinya, Muda, membuat keputusan untuk menarik diri daripada kerajaan pada September tahun lepas.
Syed Saddiq berkata keputusan kerajaan itu melanggar harapan yang sah beliau sebagai Ahli Parlimen Muar, salah dalam undang-undang, tidak munasabah, dan tidak berperlembagaan, sedangkan kawasan Parlimen yang mana Ahli Parlimennya berada di blok kerajaan menerima peruntukan.
Sebaliknya, kata wakil rakyat itu lagi, Ahli Parlimen daripada pembangkang yang menyatakan sokongan kepada perdana menteri dan/atau menyokong kerajaan menerima peruntukan untuk kawasan masing-masing.
“Sistem demokrasi negara serta prinsip pengasingan kuasa akan terjejas, di mana pihak eksekutif dan/atau responden-responden menggunakan peruntukan ahli-ahli Parlimen sebagai alat tawar-menawar untuk mendapatkan sokongan daripada pihak legislatif, terutamanya ahli-ahli Parlimen daripada pihak pembangkang,” katanya dalam permohonan itu.
Syed Saddiq menamakan lima Ahli Parlimen pembangkang tersebut iaitu Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), dan Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).
Dalam tuntutannya, Syed Saddiq memohon mahkamah membatalkan keputusan-keputusan yang berkenaan, dan memerintahkan responden menyalurkan RM500,000 dan meluluskan dan/atau menyalurkan peruntukan kepada projek-projek telah diluluskan, yang berjumlah RM230,300.
Menurutnya, RM500,000 itu bagi tujuan perbelanjaan untuk program-program bentuk kebajikan, kesejahteraan rakyat, dan bencana; manakala RM230,300 itu untuk projek seperti sumbangan bagi membiayai kos pembangunan sebuah pusat sumber sekolah.
Syed Saddiq juga mahu menghidupkan aksesnya kepada sistem MyKHAS, dan menyalurkan peruntukan kepada pusat khidmat Parlimen Muar pada kadar yang sama seperti peruntukan yang disalurkan kepada Ahli Parlimen kerajaan buat tahun 2024.
Semakan mendapati kes akan dibawa untuk e-semakan oleh Mahkamah Tinggi pada Isnin. Kes difailkan oleh Messrs Lim Wei Jiet.
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<title>Rublev ousts Fritz to reach Madrid Open final</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/rublev-ousts-fritz-to-reach-madrid-open-final/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/04/rublev-ousts-fritz-to-reach-madrid-open-final/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:01:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Tennis]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Andrey Rublev]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Madrid Open]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Taylor Fritz]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752108</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A break in the sixth game of the second set was enough for the Russian to secure the 6-4, 6-3 win over the American.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752110" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752110" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752110" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/e4b18208-andrey-rublev-ap.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752110" class="wp-caption-text">Andrey Rublev will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Jiri Lehecka in the final of the Madrid Open. (AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
MADRID: Andrey Rublev reached the fifth Masters 1000 final of his career with a 6-4, 6-3 win over American Taylor Fritz at the Madrid Open on Friday.
The seventh-seeded Rublev arrived at the tournament carrying a four-match losing streak but rebounded in the Spanish capital, claiming five impressive wins, including one over world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
“For sure mentally I was feeling much better (this week) and I was able to perform, putting emotions in the right direction, for sure that helped me to be in the final,” said Rublev.
After being broken in the opening game, Rublev recovered immediately and won the last seven points to wrap up the first set in 39 minutes.
A break of serve in the sixth game of the second set was enough for the Russian to complete a 72-minute victory and book a final clash with either Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime or Czech Jiri Lehecka.
]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Reus to leave Dortmund at end of season</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/03/reus-to-leave-dortmund-at-end-of-season/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/05/03/reus-to-leave-dortmund-at-end-of-season/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[AFP]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 15:52:27 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Borussia Dortmund]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Marco Reus]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752094</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Both the club and player agreed that his contract would not be extended, although the 34-year-old will not retire.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752098" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752098" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752098" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/f3069978-marco-reus-ap.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1031" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752098" class="wp-caption-text">Marco Reus has spent 21 years with Borussia Dortmund and was the club’s captain from 2018 to 2023. (dpa/AP pic)</figcaption></figure>
DORTMUND: Borussia Dortmund veteran Marco Reus will leave after 12 years with the side at the end of the season, the club announced on Friday.
Both parties agreed Reus’ contract would not be extended, although the 34-year-old wants to keep playing and will not retire.
“I’ve dedicated half my life to this club, experienced a lot of ups and downs, but more ups I think,” the Dortmund-born Reus said in a video message.
“The club and I came to the decision not to extend the contract. It made me incredibly proud, I’m incredibly grateful to have played for this club for so many years.”
Reus, who came through Dortmund’s junior system before returning to the club after breaking through at neighbouring Borussia Moenchengladbach, won two German Cups with the side but never lifted the Bundesliga title.
The forward came closest last season, where Dortmund were atop the table heading into the final day but a 2-2 home draw against Mainz saw the title go to Bayern Munich for the 11th straight time.
While Bayer Leverkusen’s breakthrough Bundesliga title means Reus will not lift the shield with the club, his side are two matches away from winning the Champions League.
Reus came off the bench in a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s first semifinal at home, with the return leg taking place next Tuesday.
A win or a draw in Paris will see the side through to the final at Wembley, where Reus played in Dortmund’s previous final, a 2-1 loss in 2013 to rivals Bayern.
“We want to go to Wembley, we want to bring the trophy to Dortmund.”
“That’s why it’s simply important that the decision has been made and that the issue is then over. And that we all concentrate on this big goal.”
In total, Reus has spent 21 years with Dortmund and was captain of the club from 2018 to 2023.
The two-time Germany player of the year was among the best attacking talents of his generation, but injury robbed him of a chance at World Cup glory in 2014.
He played 48 matches for Germany, scoring 15 goals.
Reus reportedly turned down a number of offers from larger clubs in order to stay at Dortmund.
In a statement issued by the club calling the news “the end of an extraordinary era,” BVB’s managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke praised Reus as “one of the club’s greatest players” and wished him “all the best for his future.
“We very much hope that he will return to BVB after his professional career, because there are plenty of exciting tasks waiting for him here in Dortmund.”
]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Ex-Bersatu man Santhara may campaign for PN tomorrow</title>
<link>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/03/ex-bersatu-man-santhara-may-campaign-for-pn-tomorrow/</link>
<comments>https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/03/ex-bersatu-man-santhara-may-campaign-for-pn-tomorrow/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Elill Easwaran]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 15:52:06 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[campaign]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Edmund Santhara]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Indian votes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kuala Kubu Baharu]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?p=2752102</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A source close to the former deputy minister says the opposition coalition has roped him in to help shore up support among the Indian community.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_2752103" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2752103" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2752103" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cbb77ec5-edmund-santhara-kumar-fmt-030524.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2752103" class="wp-caption-text">Former PKR and Bersatu politician Edmund Santhara Kumar has kept a low profile since withdrawing from politics last year.</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Former PKR and Bersatu politician Edmund Santhara Kumar is set to appear at Kuala Kubu Baharu tomorrow to campaign for Perikatan Nasional after withdrawing from politics last year.
Santhara had been roped in to help the opposition coalition gather more Indian support, said a source close to the former politician.
“He is very influential in Hulu Selangor especially during his days as a deputy federal territories minister, so that will benefit PN. Also Santhara is well known among the Indian community so it would be good for PN to attract Indian support,” the source told FMT.
Indian voters make up 18% of the constituency’s 40,226 voters.
The source also said Santhara will likely meet with many influential Indian leaders in Kuala Kubu Baharu. He is also expected to campaign around Kerling tomorrow at 4pm.
Santhara was among 11 MPs who followed Azmin Ali out of PKR following the Sheraton Move in 2020. Azmin is currently the Selangor PN chief.
Santhara joined Bersatu in 2020, becoming the first non-Bumiputera to join the party. He was later made the head of Bersatu’s associate wing in 2021. However, he quit the party in July the following year.
In the November 2022 general election, he had been expected to defend the Segamat parliamentary seat under the Parti Bangsa Malaysia banner, but withdrew at the last minute citing personal reasons. He has kept a relatively low profile since.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat fell vacant following the death of three-term DAP assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21. Polling is fixed for May 11.
]]></content:encoded>
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