ON HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND PEACE ISSUES, LABOUR RIGHTS, MIGRANT RIGHTS, FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY, TOWARDS AN END OF TORTURE, POLICE ABUSES, DISCRIMINATION...
Iran's Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a fatwa, most prominently around
2003, prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of
nuclear weapons, calling them forbidden (haram) under Islamic law.
The US-ISRAEL justification for ILLEGALLY attacking IRAN was because of worry that Iran may develop Nuclear Weapon - DOUBT that Iran will go against any existing FATWA.
Laws, like FATWAs can change over time - but existing FATWA must be acknowledge - Has IRAN developed Nuclear Weapons - the fact that IRAN has the technology or the materials needed to build Nuclear Weapons is like saying that one has the ability/capacity to kill > but until he/she Kills, can she/he be considered to be a MURDERER or a person who will MURDER?
Malaysians and others understand that this will reasonably mean that Iran will never develop Nuclear weapons until the existing FATWA is varied or removed.
The REASON for the US-Israel ILLEGAL attack was based on a FEAR that Iran may be developing Nuclear Arms, which has been proven false in the past by several EIAC investigations.
US-Israel attack ILLEGAL. Why? Proven FACT that the attack was against UN Charter and also INTERNATIONAL LAW.
Attacking a COUNTRY because of fear that it may attack is ILLEGAL - Worse, ISRAEL who now has NUCLEAR weapons who is not even part of the NON-Proliferation Agreement - and US is also a nation with NUCLEAR weapons..
So, that 'rationale' of attacking another country because it may soon have NUCLEAR weapons is ABSURD and totally unjustifiable.
The attack of another country attacking another country because of 'FEAR' that it may or may not attack it sometime in the FUTURE is absurd - Likewise, Malaysia attacks Singapore because of such a 'FEAR' cannot be justified...
We recall that US did use similar justification to attack IRAQ - claims that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) - and today, we know that it was a LIE - no WMD was found.
Journalism ethics
are professional principles guiding reporters to deliver accurate,
independent, fair, and accountable news, fostering public trust.
Key pillars include verifying facts, minimizing harm, ensuring
diversity, and disclosing conflicts of interest. These guidelines adapt
to digital challenges and contextual constraints.
The INDEPENDENT MEDIA and professional journalism is on the decline. Once trusted media like BBC, etc now cannot be 'trusted' anymore as they no longer report the TRUTH and the different perspectives. The 'downfall' began with the IRAQ war - as the reporting seemed to justify the US illegal attack on Iraq because of 'Weapons of Mass Destruction(WMD)'- at the end of the day, NO WMD - was the real intention a 'Change in Regime"?
If you read any media report on the war in Iran, who does not mention the basic fact that US-Israel unlawfully attacked Iran leading to start of US/Israel against Iran - that media and/or journalist maybe BIAS and possibly compromised into becoming a propaganda tool of US/Israel.
OR if Media blames just Iran ONLY for the global economic crisis not mentioning that is a consequence of the Us-Israel attack of IRAN, Iran's use of its right of self defense.
All that needs to be mentioned in at least a paragraph in media reports is HOW the war started and is continuing? Who was responsible? Maybe also whether it was a violation of international law... And the actions of Iran is a justified exercise of the right to self defense acknowledged in the UN Charter and International Law. TO NOT MENTION the background - can deceive the readership into not understanding how it all started - hence leading to readership BLAMING IRAN only...is not professional journalism.
US/Israel has been trying very hard to convince the global public that their attack against IRAN is justified - when it actually VIOLATED UN Charter and also international law.
Be careful of Media that try to blame IRAN alone for the rise of cost of living and other problems we face now > all that would not have happened if US/Israel did not unlawfully without notice attack Iran, kill the Ayatollah and leaders of Iran - WORSE because at that time there was an ongoing US-Iran Negotiations, and it was going well.
Malaysian MEDIA simply take reports from Reuters, AFP, etc and publish it in their publications - BUT be careful some of these media agencies have been 'compromised' - they forget to mention important FACTs, i.e. the WAR was unlawfully commenced by US-Israel, and that Iran is exercising its right to defend in its attack of US/Israeli in some Gulf Nations, or airports/ports in these countries that were used to attack IRAN...
Do these Reuters, AFP, etc even present the view/position of IRAN - or it just reports the position and narrative of US only? SO, what should Malaysian media do - write your own UNBIASED reports - reporting western sources and maybe also other sources so Malaysians are not 'brainwashed' into a pro-US narrative and justification.
In Malaysia, MEDIA can be biased - in favour of government, sometimes in favour of big businesses too...do they report on ALL perspectives and views? Do they report and explain properly WHY the people are protesting - not just numbers who turned up ... Do they provide the names of COMPANIES that allegedly violated worker rights? OR are they ONE-SIDED?
Why is Malaysian MEDIA biased in favour of government sometimes >> the fear of government retaliation using MCMC? the cancellation of licences/permits?
Why is Malaysian MEDIA biased in favour of companies? WELL, the worry that these bigger companies MAY SUE Media as it has happened often before ...
Bestinet Sdn Bhd and its founder, Aminul Islam Abdul Nor, are suing 10 media outlets and individuals, including Malaysiakini, with over RM1 billion being sought as damages.
This is over Bloomberg’s
report titled “Everyone gets a cut, and migrant workers pay the price”,
published on Jan 23, and subsequent reports repeating its claims and
commenting on the issue.
In their statement of claim, Bestinet and Aminul (above)
claimed that the impugned statements, among others, portrayed them as
being involved in human trafficking, money laundering, corrupt
practices, deliberately denying the government access to the Foreign
Worker Centralised Management System (FWCMS), and had enriched
themselves at the expense of vulnerable migrants.
“The impugned
statements are defamatory, false, untrue, inconsistent, baseless,
published with malice, misleading, and a complete fabrication,” Aminul
said in his affidavit, according to filings made at the High Court in
Kuala Lumpur on Feb 12 and served to Malaysiakini today. - Malaysiakini, 24/2/2026
Journalist and MEDIA, if they practice ethical journalism that report the TRUTH - they too are vulnerable to wrongful repercussion by State and big businesses - they could face SLAPP actions - Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. Many media and journalist simply cannot afford to spend so much money and time ... so some chose to play SAFE ...but in so doing they RISK undermining the principles and values of Journalism...
If a media is not pro-US, its access to the US market can be blocked - Remember during the 1MDB issue, the Sarawak Report was not accessible online in Malaysia.
EVEN then, simply endeavor to be an independent JOURNALIST - it is wrong to report in a way that your readership gets a wrong understanding or a 'pro-US understanding' of what is happening in the US-Israel against IRAN illegal war...
Iran’s rejection of nuclear weapons based on religious beliefs, fatwa: Pezeshkian
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks
during a meeting in the northern province of Mazandaran on February 26,
2026. (Photo by IRNA)
President Masoud Pezeshkian has
reiterated Iran’s opposition to nuclear weapons, saying the policy is
rooted in “theological" beliefs and a religious decree issued by Leader
of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei banning nuclear
arms.
"When the religious leader explicitly states that we will not pursue
nuclear weapons, this is a position rooted in theological and
jurisprudential beliefs, not a political tactic that can be changed,”
Pezeshkian said while speaking during a visit to the northern province
of Mazandaran on Thursday, highlighting the fatwa (religious decree)
that had been issued by Ayatollah Khamenei forbidding nuclear arms.
“A politician may speak based on expediency, but a religious leader cannot speak against beliefs and a religious ruling.”
The remarks came on the same day that Iran and the United States are
holding the third round of Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations in the
Swiss city of Geneva.
The two sides held two rounds of indirect talks on February 6 and 17
amid escalating tensions caused by the US military threats against Iran
and the build-up of American forces in the region.
Speaking in his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, US
President Donald Trump claimed that last year’s illegal Israeli-US
aggression “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear
facilities, but alleged that Tehran is restarting its “sinister” nuclear
ambitions.
Trump also spoke of recent foreign-backed riots in Iran, which he had
openly supported, and claimed that at least 32,000 people had been
killed.
Pezeshkian said, “We have announced the death toll and even provided
the national ID numbers of the people killed; anyone who says it's more
than this, they should corroborate the claim with evidence.”
According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a
total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, and 2,427 of
those killed were innocent civilians and security personnel.
The Iranian president said that 300 to 400 of the martyrs were military personnel who were defending the country’s security.
The enemies sought “regime change” during the riots, he noted, saying
those who set mosques on fire and martyred security forces are not
considered protesters.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has been a victim of terrorism over the past decades.
The enemies, he added, want to deprive the country of its human
resources by eliminating capable and specialized people in a bid to
insinuate that the authorities are ineffective in addressing problems.
"We recognize protests and consider ourselves obliged to serve our
people … in the face of shortcomings and deficiencies. We are deeply
saddened from the bottom of our hearts by what has happened to our
beloved people,” he said.
“The Leader stated that we are grieving for the people, but a
distinction must be made between a peaceful protest and a violent
action.” - PressTV, 26/2/2026
Outstanding performances in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) by
Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) and Maahad Tahfiz Turath Negeri
Pahang (MTTNP), both under Yayasan Pahang, have helped the state achieve
its best-ever state average grade, placing it second nationwide. _NST, 8/4/2026
Recently, we read that the Anwar's Madani Government has OPENED access to Malaysian Public Universities for students from Tahfiz/Religious Schools and the Chinese Independent Schools.
A bit of research revealed a 'LIE?' - because Tahfiz/Religious schools take the SPM, and the Chinese Independent schools have UEC (an equivalent to the SPM). Many in the Chinese Independent schools also do additionally sit for SPM/STPM exams...but some may only have have UEC certifications ...UEC certification today is acknowledged by many Universities overseas and private universities in Malaysia - ONLY the Malaysian public Universities do not???
Under the new framework, two distinct pathways are now available. First, students from these streams who possess a full Sijil Pelajaran
Malaysia (SPM) certificate may apply for any study programme offered
through the standard UPUOnline system.
Second, for those without a full SPM but who have passed the SPM
papers for Bahasa Melayu and History, a new pathway has been created for
them to apply to a specific list of relevant degree and diploma
programmes.For religious and tahfiz school graduates under this
second pathway, the identified programmes include studies in Dakwah
(Islamic Outreach), Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and Tahfiz Education.
Meanwhile,
for graduates of Chinese independent secondary schools, the available
courses focus on Chinese language and cultural studies, such as a
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese
Language and Linguistics
Initial happiness EXTINGUISHED because it is not a TOTAL Recognition, which opens to all courses in Malaysian Public Universities (which Malaysians fund with our monies) - but a LIMITED ACCESS to just to some Islamic studies, and for UEC just Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese
Language and Linguistics. MOST DISCRIMINATORY - if recognized, access to all courses in Malaysian Public Universities.
Now, we learn that Tahfiz/Religious schools sit for the SPM there is no other academic qualification exam like UEC- in fact some Tahfiz schools do rather well in SPM - one even 2nd nationwide? -
Thus, was not the only QUESTION for Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI government to do was the recognition of the UEC academic certification for admission into PUBLIC Universities and to get to become public officers??/- Note, the UEC graduates are not just Chinese Malaysians but also include Bumiputeras too. So it is not just discriminatory against Chinese and Indian Malaysians but also Malaysian Bumiputra students?
Bumiputera students make up approximately
20% of the student population in Chinese Independent High Schools. While
the vast majority are Chinese, a growing number of Malay and other
indigenous Bumiputera students take the UEC (Unified Examination
Certificate) to benefit from its trilingual curriculum
The UEC is accepted by over 1,000 universities worldwide as a qualification equivalent to A-levels or STPM.
Why is Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government not acknowledging UEC? It is really an achievement of Malaysians - how many other non-government academic qualification have gained recognition of so many foreign Universities? Getting an EDUCATION standard created not by government is a GREAT achievement - now recognized by about 1,000 Universities...(What was needed was just that the Malaysian government to decide whether the UEC is of sufficient standard to be a necessary academic qualification for entry into PUBLIC Universities in Malaysia - FULL STOP.
Politics should not be brought in...Malaysian Public Universities do already consider academic qualification OTHER than SPM/STPM - they consider A Levels, and other national qualification especially for foreign students....do the foreign students in Malaysian Public Universities have SPM/STPM to enter - naturally NOT - the Universities evaluate and determine whether their academic qualification from overseas is acceptable to be recognized for entry qualification for local Public Universities ...that is all - so do the same for UEC?
Was Anwar's decision a politically-motivated decision, to give an impression that he is pro-MALAY??? What was the DAP and MCA's motivation?
At the end of the day, it is an issue affecting Malaysian CHILDREN - and as such, the ONLY consideration must be an evaluation of the certification - is it GOOD enough to be recognized as enough for admission into Malaysian PUBLIC Universities, and for entry into PUBLIC SERVICE > No problem if it requires an additional SPM Credit for Bahasa Malaysia and History...
UEC is IRRELEVANT if the student manages to get into University and secure a Diploma, Degree, Masters or Doctorate from the University...because then only the later is important...
What are the proponents for the recognition of UEC asking for...Note that Sabah/Sarawak has already recognized and accepted UEC - so only Peninsular Malaysian States remain???
...stakeholders are seeking a conclusive answer on whether the UEC will
be formally recognised for entry into the civil service and public
universities, or whether it will continue to exist in a state of policy
uncertainty.
“The federal government must clearly state whether the UEC is
academically equivalent to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil
Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), and on what objective, transparent
and academically defensible criteria such determinations are made,” he
told The Borneo Post.
The UEC issue is more that issue of entry into Public Universities - it is also about the issue of qualification for State/Federal Student Grants/Loans, and also qualification for entry into the civil service...Now, Sabah/Sarawak has already acknowledged and accepted the UEC - so it now is about the Peninsular Malaysian States only...
At
the federal civil service level, the UEC is not yet recognized for
standard government officer entry [Public Uni Pathway](1.1.15, 1.2.11),
but you can take the convertible loan pathway Pre-Service Training which converts partially to a scholarship upon entering the civil service.
Detailed options for UEC graduates regarding loans and public service include:
1. Education Loans & Grants
PTPTN: Eligible to apply if your degree or diploma course is fully accredited by the MQA.
Sarawak Foundation Loans: UEC holders who meet localized criteria, including a Grade B6 in SPM Bahasa Melayu, can apply for this Yayasan Sarawak loan or grant.
Sabah State Government:
Sabah fully recognizes the UEC, allowing holders to apply for state
scholarships and financial aid to further their tertiary studies Sabah Govt UEC.
2. Public Service / Civil Service Employment
Federal Civil Service:
The federal government does not currently recognize the UEC for entry
into federal civil service jobs or fully unrestricted public university
admission [Public Uni Pathway](1.1.15, 1.2.11).
State Civil Service: East Malaysian states of Sarawak State and Sabah Govt UEC
officially recognize the UEC, which qualifies you for employment in
state-linked entities, state-owned companies, and state civil services.
Convertible Loans (PBU): You can apply for the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam
(PSD) sponsorship. If you study under this program and subsequently
serve in the Malaysian Civil Service, your loan will be converted into a
full scholarship and exempted from repayment Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam.
Now, many students in the Chinese Independent Schools not only get UEC qualifications - but also take the SPM/STPM as well. In the past and still now, many Malaysian students also do not study to get SPM/STPM qualifications - but also A/O Level qualifications - WHY? To increase opportunities for getting accepted to Universities... No big deal.
Remember that if you are only literate in the Malay language - now your chances of getting jobs and promotions reduce - compared to those who have literacy in English, Chinese and other languages. If you cannot speak English, like Anwar Ibrahim, will the government send you overseas for meetings/courses where the language used is basically English..or Chinese.. Only those with language skills get the chance...
Even in the public universities, the needed reference material is NOT in Malay but English... that is why Malaysian education system need to change imparting OTHER language skills including English, Chinese and other language. Malaysia have generally failed to TRANSLATE into Malay required reference material, and other resources ...and with only literacy in Malay...Malaysians students are prejudiced, and blame lies in Malaysian Education policy????
Will a private company who deals with customers and supply chains that do not speak Malay want employees who can speak/communicate in other languages? If you only have Malay, you can get low jobs in maybe Malaysian companies - but you may be unable to qualify for jobs in Singapore, UAE or other countries...???
Many liberal Malaysians, not just the non-Malay population, wonders when the government will address this issue that affects Malaysian UNITY > Special preference for certain citizens in terms of education is acceptable - but there must be some certainty as to the QUOTA allocated.
IT was shocking that UITM closes its doors to non-Bumiputra students, and oddly allows foreign students. What I expected of the MADANI government was to change this and open the doors to non-Bumiputra students - even if a higher quota of 60-70% is maintained for Bumiputra students - and CLOSE the door to foreign students. This is a PUBLIC or government University - and all Malaysians pay for it???
As all students compete for places in Malaysian government universities - which rightly not simply merits-based BUT should take into account socioeconomic realities. For 'superior' big town schools, usually with better teachers and access to tuition centers IS NOT THE SAME as rural schools, which is not of the same quality. There must be special preference for children from poorer families who simply cannot afford additional tuition or other reference books
When I was in school, for the form 6 exam (HSC/STPM), in my school in Kuantan, the teacher only managed to cover 2 out the 3 parts in the Chemistry subject - so, when I sat for the Chemistry paper, I could only answer two-thirds of the questions - compared to students in many Klang Valley/Big Town schools...
When Anwar became PM, he took the position that 'special preference' should be for B40 and M40 - because the rich can easily find other options even if they do not get admitted to public universities...
Anwar's MADANI government FAILINGS -
a) Failed to change Malaysian EDUCATION priority that emphasizes not just Malay, but also other languages like English, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and languages needed to improve employment opportunities in our GLOBAL World for our young people;
Mr Anwar also said that if he were to remove the racial quota system,
his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and its alliance the Barisan
Nasional (BN) coalition would lose all elections in Malaysia. “We will lose all the elections in this country and you will suffer
more in this country. Run by PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Bersatu
(Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia). Do you understand that?” he said. He added: “They are my children - the Chinese and the Indian students
here. (If) you force us to change course now, to satisfy the demand of
the extremists, we will be wiped out in the elections. “You will have PAS and Bersatu to govern and you know how they treat you. So please bear with us.”
b) Preferential treatments for Malays and natives of Sabah/Sarawak still OK - but there must be certainty how this happens. A definite ethnic QUOTA for those given preferential treatment - say 30%. Will those who manage entry by way of these preferential quota face the same standards of evaluation in acquiring University degrees > OR will lower standards apply - so, the 30% still graduate even if the fall below the required standards to pass exams > our future doctors, engineers, lawyers,etc...??? These need to be CLARIFIED by the MADANI government ... what is the policy and practice? If a Malaysian is seeking a good doctor - will it choose a Malay or native Sabah/Sarawak doctor or will they chose a non-Malay doctor - not certain about the 'quality' of the doctor because of this 'special preference' policy? From my experience there are many Malay doctors, engineers, lawyers that are TOP QUALITY - but the suffer the 'perception' that they are lower in standards because many believe they are sub-standard because they passed because of their ethnicity - and not because of their achievement academically ...HOW do we deal with this PERCEPTION, which is FALSE in most cases?
Anwar did not want to REVIEW the Quota System or EXPLAIN better WHY the QUOTA system is still NEEDED today - His only REASON once, was if we do that - PAS and BERSATU will come into POWER come next elections >> was it a GOOD reason? It may be important for PAS to explain their position on the QUOTA system, UITM, UEC too... IS PAS a WORSE Option for Malaysians today... or is PH the worse option?
c) UITM Issue - MADANI government should have acted - OPENED it to non-Bumiputra students, setting maybe a low QUOTA of 10-15%...and closed the doors to foreign students.
ALL Malaysians want a GOVERNMENT for all Malaysians, that emphasize and recognize EQUALITY of persons. OK for preferential treatment for some marginalized and poor - especially the B40 and M40 - but not otherwise.
NO preferential treatment for some politicians and persons in LAW - '...entitled to the equal protection of the law...'. This means that even them politicians that break the law, even though the support of their party MPs are needed for Anwar to remain Prime Minister and for the MADANI government continue to govern, they must be investigated and CHARGED for their crimes...
Even if the alleged perpetrator is Anwar Ibrahim himself - he must be professionally investigated and charged if needed.
TRUE, PH, in the last elections did not get MUCH MALAY SUPPORT -
Pakatan Harapan chairman
Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that the coalition lacked Malay
support and had received only 19% of Malay votes in the recent general
election. Anwar said a preliminary analysis of the election results showed that PH received the support of 31% of Malay voters overall.- FMT, 6/2/2023
Our VOTES are secret - so how exactly did you figure out how many Malays voted for PH?
Another factor that has CHANGED is Malaysians have moved from voting for a political party because of its RELIGION or ETHNICITY - the modern VOTER is smarter - he/she looks at the PARTY's position/principles/values and of course its track record. If there are many who have been corrupt, or many who still support leaders who are CORRUPT - then, the VOTER's preference is for one that is CLEAN, Efficient and TRUSTWORTHY. The VOTER's preference is for a party and its 'leaders' who speak out bravely against injustices, wrongs... In that sense, PAS gets more and more support - as there SEEMS to be less CORRUPTION or ABUSE of Power cases against its leaders/members.
BN/UMNO got rejected because of 1MDB/SRC - and numerous allegation of corruption and abuse of power - and confirmed by Najib's conviction - and the fact that many still in leadership still deny this fact. Then, there is Zahid Hamidi - prima facie case against all 47 charges (it matters not that the Prosecutor has discontinued the case, the DNAA, etc - for after all it was NOT a decision of the COURT at the end of the Trial).
PH too is plagued now with its own 'corruption' and abuse of power - we have Anwar's own political secretary, allegations of abuse of power by Anwar... all NOT RESOLVED. Worse, was the fact that Anwar applied for NAJIB to be pardoned, and made Zahid Hamidi his Deputy Prime Minister... Note also DAP leaders corruption cases...
When PH decided to JOIN HANDS with UMNO/BN to form the government - many were angry...but many accepted as PH had 'NO CHOICE' but to join hands with BN to form government ... BUT, when PH formed an 'electoral pact' with BN to contest some elections, MANY were disappointed... OK as far as elections to contest as PH only - and then if the ONLY OPTION to form Government is to do so with BN > but to CONTEST TOGETHER??
Do NOT UEC a racial issue - it is NOT...
LET's BE HONEST ...
All in all, we need to know MORE about the UEC. Is the UEC really following the Malaysian education fundamental policy/syllabus/requirements - is this even required in LAW. It is OK if the language of instruction is DIFFERENT, and it is OK if they study MORE than what is required by the existing Malaysian policy. NOW, if they were breaking the Malaysian law and not teaching the basics as required by government policy - WHY was no legal action taken against them before? - this applies to the all INDEPENDENT schools in Malaysia, Tahfiz schools and other schools as it involves MALAYSIAN children.. it is NOT just a matter of content, but also a matter of QUALITY (lower quality should be a breach of law - whilst same or Higher quality should NOT be???) Best interest of the CHILD is an important Human RIGHT ...we do not want schools that teach how to be corrupt, or promote ethnic/religious/gender discrimination...???
Tahfiz schools lift Pahang to 2nd place in 2025 SPM
Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia top scorers from Maahad Tahfiz Turath Negeri Pahang
posing for a photo in Kuantan recently. PIC FROM YAYASAN PAHANG
KUANTAN:
Outstanding performances in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) by
Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) and Maahad Tahfiz Turath Negeri
Pahang (MTTNP), both under Yayasan Pahang, have helped the state achieve
its best-ever state average grade, placing it second nationwide.
MTTNP emerged as the top school in both Pahang and the country, while
MTNP was ranked second in the state and placed among the top five
nationwide.
MTTNP recorded an impressive school average grade (GPS) of 0.6, with
83.3 per cent of its students achieving straight A's, underscoring the
institution's status as a model of educational excellence that integrates academic strength with character development.
MTNP, the top-performing school nationwide in the 2023 SPM, delivered
another outstanding performance, recording a GPS of 1.06 — the best in
its history — with 90 per cent of its students scoring at least eight
A's.
Yayasan Pahang said some quarters had argued that religious subjects
such as Al-Adab Wa Al-Balaghah and Hifz Al-Quran contributed to inflated
grades.
"This is untrue. Unlike typical science stream students who usually
take about nine subjects, students at MTNP often handle 11 to 12
subjects.
"This includes advanced Arabic and specialised Islamic studies,
indicating that their achievements are not derived from taking 'easier'
papers, but from managing a more demanding curriculum."
The foundation said greater emphasis should be placed on the cognitive impact of hifz, or Quran memorisation, as studies suggested that the discipline required to memorise all 30 juzuk (chapters) could boost focus and memory retention.
"These cognitive benefits support students in mastering challenging
subjects such as Physics and Additional Mathematics, as well as passing
the Syahadah Quran tests for 10, 20 and 30 juzuk," it said.
Yayasan Pahang said beyond academic performance, students were shaped by a rigorous culture of discipline and time management.
"Their daily routine, often described as a '3am to 11pm cycle', reflects a balance between religious and academic commitments.
"The day typically begins in the early hours before dawn with Quran
memorisation, requiring high levels of focus and mental endurance.
"As the day progresses, students transition into formal academic classes, including practical science laboratory work.
"This demonstrates their ability to manage time effectively in a dual
curriculum that integrates spiritual and academic excellence.
"The strong SPM performance was attributed to the commitment of
stakeholders in advancing education in the state, particularly under the
leadership of Yayasan Pahang chairman Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan
Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The achievement reflects steady progress in the state's education
sector, demonstrating that ongoing efforts to improve quality are
yielding results.
This aligns with the Pahang First aspiration, which prioritises human capital development and educational excellence._NST, 8/4/2026
UEC Results Will Count For Admissions at UPM, UM And UPSI — But Only For These Four Courses
To qualify, applicants must have obtained a credit in Bahasa
Melayu and a pass in History in the SPM; the application starts on 30
June.
by Fernando Fong
May 15, 2026
UMCCed/Kuen Cheng
Malaysian students from Chinese independent schools will be able to
apply directly to selected public universities from 30 June, the Higher
Education Ministry announced today (15 May), marking a quiet but notable
shift in the country’s university admissions landscape.
The move opens a direct application pathway for graduates from
non-national education systems — including religious schools, private
schools and Chinese independent schools — who have sat the Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
To qualify, applicants must have obtained a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History.
The pathway is limited in scope. Independent school students may
apply for one of four Chinese-language courses at three public
universities:
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) — Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese Language Studies
Universiti Malaya (UM) — Bachelor of Chinese Language and Linguistics; Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) — Bachelor of Chinese Education
Director General of Higher Education in Malaysia, serving within the
Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Datuk Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman,
confirmed that the ministry has no plans to expand the pathway to other
courses for now, saying the focus remains on these four programmes.
Unified Exam Results Will Count
In a significant detail, Azrilinda said admissions for these four
courses will consider results from both the SPM and the Unified
Examination Certificate (UEC) — the qualification sat by most Chinese
independent school graduates.
While the UEC has long been a point of contention in Malaysian
education policy, its formal consideration in public university
admissions, even for a limited number of courses, marks a meaningful
step.
Students admitted through this pathway will be treated the same as
any other public university student, including receiving government
tuition subsidies, Azrilinda confirmed.
If they are admitted, they are considered part of the mainstream pathway, which means these courses are government-funded.
Applications Will Be Handled Separately for Now
To avoid disrupting the ongoing UPU Online centralised admissions
system, applications under this new pathway will be processed directly
by each university.
From next year, the ministry intends to incorporate applicants from non-national education systems into UPU Online
— the government’s centralised university admissions portal that
processes the bulk of public university applications in Malaysia — under
a separate category.
Admissions will be based on merit, available places, academic
standards and interview assessments set by each university, said MOHE
deputy secretary-general for policy Ahmad Riza.
If students meet the standard required to pass the interview, they
will have to compete with other students — that is only fair to
everyone. TRP, 15/5/2026
Malaysia PM’s 'harsh' response to student's question on
meritocracy stirs debate; Anwar explains why ethnic quotas cannot be
scrapped
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Penang MADANI Unity Tour on Aug 5, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim)
Rhea Yasmine Alis Haizan
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim is under fire for his harsh tone during his
explanation to a student that the country’s racial quota system cannot
be scrapped as it would cause the unity government alliance to lose all
elections.
Videos of his response went viral and sparked debate online among the Malaysian masses.
Last
Saturday (Aug 5), during a dialogue session at the Penang Matriculation
College, Mr Anwar was asked by a student about whether the student
admission quota system will be abolished in favour of a meritocratic
system.
In Malaysia, the expansive pro-Bumiputera system means that
Bumiputera students enjoy a 90 per cent quota for the matriculation
college enrolment, paving their way to university.
After interrupting the student twice, Mr Anwar chided her for asking a
question that he had answered before at a separate “Meet Anwar” event.
“Next time, follow this,” he told her.
He then went on to explain that such questions require knowledge
about history and the social contract in Malaysia, adding that it is
better to provide special aid to a few outstanding non-Bumiputera
students than to change the policy.
Mr Anwar also said that if he were to remove the racial quota system,
his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and its alliance the Barisan
Nasional (BN) coalition would lose all elections in Malaysia.
“We will lose all the elections in this country and you will suffer
more in this country. Run by PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Bersatu
(Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia). Do you understand that?” he said.
He added: “They are my children - the Chinese and the Indian students
here. (If) you force us to change course now, to satisfy the demand of
the extremists, we will be wiped out in the elections.
“You will have PAS and Bersatu to govern and you know how they treat you. So please bear with us.” - CNA, 7/8/2023
BIG announcement by Ministry of Higher
Education (KPT) for students from religious/tafiz and Chinese independent schools. Why should they not have access to all diploma/degree programme offered by public Universities? Why just OPEN for Islamic studies and Chinese Language studies.
The Cabinet has approved a new, alternative entry
pathway for students from religious schools, private schools, and
Chinese independent secondary schools into the nation's public
universities (IPTAs).
For religious and tahfiz school graduates
under this second pathway, the identified programmes include studies in
Dakwah (Islamic Outreach), Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and Tahfiz Education.
Meanwhile,
for graduates of Chinese independent secondary schools, the available
courses focus on Chinese language and cultural studies, such as a
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese
Language and Linguistics.
This is WRONG - it should be OPEN to all courses available in Malaysian public Universities. Of course, the enrollers of the respective University will look at the grades in different subjects when determining whether a student gets to enroll into a Science, Engineering, Law, etc ... programme. MIND you even if you get into the Science, Law, Engineering and Medicine faculty in a public university - you are not guaranteed that you will pass and graduate. You can still FAIL and not graduate if you fail to meet the standards in these various University courses...it is a 'sieving process' - only the TRULY qualified passed. Entry opens a door or gives you an opportunity - but whether you pass or not is a totally different matter.
Take LAWYERS - to become a practicing lawyer in Malaysia, if you obtained a foreign law degree, you have to sit for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam, which has a pass rate of about 20% - where even 1st class graduates from prominent foreign Universities sometimes fail to pass, even after 3 attempts - so they cannot practice as LAWYERS but will have to seek other employment. There has been suggestion for a COMMON qualifying exam to replace the CLP, that all law graduates have to take and pass, irrespective of whether they are from Malaysian public universities or private universities before they are allowed to practice as lawyers in Malaysia. Will the law graduates from Public Universities be able to pass this 'common qualifying exam' - or will they FAIL and never be admitted as practicing lawyers.
THUS, it should have been an ACADEMIC evaluation of the different Universities to determine whether the religious and tahfiz school graduates education qualification and the UEC(the Chinese Independent Schools qualification) meets the required STANDARDS for admission of the Student for ANY Course offered by Malaysian PUBLIC Universities. That is after all, the determination when we evaluate OTHER academic qualifications - including the British A-level, foreign students qualifications, even those from Palestinian. It must be an ACADEMIC evaluation only - NOT a POLITICAL consideration of PM Anwar Ibrahim and/or the MADANI government.
WHY NOW Anwar Ibrahim - is it an attempt to garner Malaysian Support for upcoming elections - support from parents/family that chose to send their kids to religious/Tahfiz schools, SUPPORT from Malaysians who chose to send their kids to Chinese independent schools.
SURELY all schools in Malaysia adopt the same common Malaysian syllabus/curriculum - and religious/Tahfiz schools ADD on extras, and maybe use other languages of instruction.
MALAYSIA had a PROBLEM - it DID NOT sufficient places in Malaysian Public Universities for ALL Malaysian students. Worse, the Ethnic-Based quota also meant that lesser opportunities for non-Malay Malaysian students... > Thus obviously, some parents, with a view of providing more options of getting a University entrance ENHANCED or look for alternatives. Some maybe did both A-levels, and SPM/STPM - so even if no chance to enter Malaysian public Universities - they enabled their kids the opportunity to QUALIFY and enter some 'foreign' University program, studying either in Malaysia in private Universities/Colleges or overseas.
Some parents felt that the Malaysian government schools were inadequate - because they felt that standards are dropping - so many from B40,M40 groups are electing to send their children to Chinese schools. One other reason was language skill - for national schools now use Malay(whereby before it was English and Malay) - and people are realizing that besides academic qualification - language competence is also important, and by going to Chinese schools, their kids also learn to master the Chinese language. In the modern world, if you only can speak and read Malay - you are at a disadvantage, but if you also are literate in English, Chinese and other languages your chances of employment/promotions also increase. If you are a public officer, and is only fluent in Malay > you are at a disadvantage???
ALL in all the recent MADANI government's decision on UEC and religious/Tahfiz may just be an exercise to WOO support of the people back to PH and the MADANI government -- and we expect more such actions in the near future...BUT is not the duty of the government for the well-being of the people > and not for purposes of winning elections..
WHAT significant REFORMS or changes has Anwar Ibrahim's government really brought since November 2022? I find it difficult to list out these achieved reforms - can you?
Malaysia opens public university access for tahfiz, UEC, private school graduates
Graduates
attend a Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) convocation ceremony in Shah
Alam on August 5, 2023. — Picture by Miera Zulyana
By Malay Mail
Thursday, 14 May 2026 7:11 PM MYT
KUALA
LUMPUR, May 14 — The Cabinet has approved a new, alternative entry
pathway for students from religious schools, private schools, and
Chinese independent secondary schools into the nation's public
universities (IPTAs).
In a statement today, the Ministry of Higher
Education (KPT) announced that the decision creates clearer and more
inclusive access for students from outside the national education
system, including holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
Under the new framework, two distinct pathways are now available.
First,
students from these streams who possess a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
(SPM) certificate may apply for any study programme offered through the
standard UPUOnline system.
Their
applications will be considered based on merit alongside all other
candidates, subject to meeting the general and specific programme
requirements.
Second, for those without a full SPM but who have
passed the SPM papers for Bahasa Melayu and History, a new pathway has
been created for them to apply to a specific list of relevant degree and
diploma programmes.
For religious and tahfiz school graduates
under this second pathway, the identified programmes include studies in
Dakwah (Islamic Outreach), Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and Tahfiz Education.
Meanwhile,
for graduates of Chinese independent secondary schools, the available
courses focus on Chinese language and cultural studies, such as a
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese
Language and Linguistics.
The ministry stressed that all
applications will be processed based on the principle of meritocracy and
are subject to the final approval of each university's Senate.
Sometimes we cannot depend on Prime Minister, politicians and even government to act in defence of people and communities. The PEOPLE must act against injustice and in defence of their HUMAN RIGHTS and rights of others..
Sometimes POLITICIANS are all TALK NO ACTION - it is foolish at times to believe verbal commitments, assurances and PROMISES that sound GOOD - because after that the PEOPLE's problems, issues and causes are forgotten ...
WE have to go to the PUBLIC to fight for rights and justice in PUBLIC. We have to tell people the ISSUES so they can understand our PLIGHT and then JOIN IN THE FIGHT for Justice...
In Malaysia, the law says that the PUBLIC must be consulted for some DEVELOPMENT Project - but it may not happen, because sometimes these 'politically-appointed'(not democratically chosen and elected by the people/community' STEAL our rights of PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - The political appointees 'quietly' give the approval for these projects without the community knowing. WHY? They are political appointees so they listen to the political masters not the people...or sometimes, BRIBES too may be involved... When the people then protest, the government's answer is that the people were consulted - and the people agreed and may show you letters of Ketua Kampung or JKKK or even the political appointed Local Council(not chosen and elected by the people) - That is why in Malaysia, we need DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES...Were the people in Kuantan/Gebeng consulted before the Rare Earth Lynas factory was approved.
Did the PM Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI government even REALLY consult the people before now extending Lynas licence for 10 Years?
People must stop relying on promises of politicians - and FIGHT on their own for JUSTICE and Human Rights.
Below is the struggle of a community and others for the ENVIRONMENT and for their rights...
Statement of the Pattani River Protection Network
6 May 2026
The march against the Krong Pinang Dam, held from 4–6 May 2026, was driven by one fundamental aspiration:
to
liberate the Pattani River from rigid infrastructures that destroy the
river’s natural potential and undermine the just and equitable use of
the river by local communities.
The Pattani River Protection Network therefore puts forward the following three demands:
The cancellation of the Krong Pinang Water Gate Project (Krong Pinang Dam)
The revocation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report
The cancellation of the Pattani River Basin Development Plan of 1967
Following
initial negotiations between the Pattani River Protection Network and
the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), the
following preliminary outcomes were reached:
The
SBPAC will coordinate with the Office of the National Water Resources
(ONWR), as the lead agency of the National Water Resources Plan, and the
Royal Irrigation Department to consider suspending or terminating the
Krong Pinang Dam project, the 1967 Pattani River Basin Development Plan,
and all related actions and operations.
The SBPAC,
together with the Advisory Council for the Administration and
Development of the Southern Border Provinces, will coordinate with the
Pattani River Protection Network to establish a joint committee to study
future approaches for the development and management of the Pattani
River Basin. This process will proceed through the Strategic Committee
for Southern Border Provinces Development (KPT) and will be guided by
the principles of the Green River approach, grounded in meaningful and
fair public participation.
The Pattani River
Protection Network extends its deepest gratitude to all sisters and
brothers, communities, and supporters who joined together to raise their
voices in defense of the river and the rights of the people who depend
on it.
We will continue to monitor and hold all
parties accountable in order to uphold the spirit and determination of
this struggle until genuine victory is achieved.
The Pattani River must flow free.
Pattani River Protection Network
6 May 2026
Opposition to Krong Pinang Dam in Yala Province: Three Demands Citing Community Rights Violations
*This
English content is automatically translated from Thai version by AI.
Thairath does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability of
the translation. Please refer to the Thai version
Civil
society opposes the Krong Pinang Dam in Yala Province, submitting three
demands to “stop the project,” citing violations of community rights
and river rights under international law related to the river.
The
Pattani River Protection Network, together with human rights defenders
and residents of Krong Pinang District and the Pattani River Basin
community network, organized a 19-kilometer march from Ban Lue Mu
community in Yala Province, where the project site is located, to the
Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) to submit a
letter to its secretary-general on 4–5 May.
The
network's three demands are to halt the Krong Pinang water gate project
and propose its suspension to the Cabinet, stating that the project
will affect the livelihoods, economy, and culture of communities along
the Pattani River, as well as the river's ecosystem in the long term.
They also call for canceling the EIA report and revoking the 1967
Pattani River Basin Development Plan.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 1:56
Environmental impact analysis report lacks public participation.
The
network stated that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report,
prepared by a consultancy hired by the Royal Irrigation Department
between 2017 and 2019, has critical flaws regarding completeness of
information and public participation processes. Much of the information
does not align with facts on the ground and fails to truly reflect how
communities use the resources.
The
communities therefore view the EIA as illegitimate and believe it may
lead to policy decisions unfairly impacting the people.
The
Krong Pinang water gate project is part of the Pattani River Basin
development plan since 1967, continuing from the construction of Bang
Lang and Mae Lan dams. It consists of eight water gates, 88 meters wide,
8 meters high, and 80 meters long, with a budget of 3,565.52 million
baht.
The
project will straighten and dam the Pattani River, expected to directly
affect at least 10 riverside communities in terms of their economy,
lifestyle, and local culture.
"River rights" under international law.
Sohabudin
Loyapa, a human rights defender and coordinator of the Pattani River
Protection Network, said their three main demands are to halt this
project, initiate a water management process that respects ecosystems
and community ways of life, and to cancel the EIA report and the 1967
Pattani River Basin Development Plan.
He
added that the project not only impacts domestic community rights but
also violates international human rights principles, especially the
public’s right to participate in environmental decisions, fair access to
natural resources, and the right to maintain local community lifestyles
and cultures.
This
includes the increasingly recognized international principle of "Rights
of Rivers," which views rivers not merely as resources to be used but
as ecosystems with rights to exist, be restored, and flow naturally.
This
principle aligns with trends in international law and rulings in
several countries that recognize legal status for rivers and emphasize
the state's duty to protect ecosystems alongside community rights.
The
walk aims to communicate publicly and to policymakers that the
community does not consent to the project and calls on the government to
reconsider water management approaches based on social and
environmental justice.
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