KUALA KUBU BAHARU BY-ELECTION BEGINS WITH NOMINATION TOMORROW


The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will begin tomorrow with the nomination process at the Hulu Selangor Multipurpose Hall and District Sports Complex here.

Potential candidates will have one hour, from 9 am to 10 am, to submit their nomination papers, after which the returning officer will announce the list of candidates eligible to contest in the by-election.

So far, Housing and Local Government Minister’s press secretary Pang Sock Tao has been announced as the Unity Government’s candidate, while Perikatan Nasional has chosen Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting division chief Khairul Azhari Saut to represent the coalition.

The 14-day campaign period will begin after the nominations tomorrow until 11.59 pm, May 10.

The electoral roll for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election has 40,226 people consisting of 39,362 ordinary voters, 625 policemen, 238 military personnel and spouses and one overseas absentee voter.

Polling day is set for May 11, with early voting scheduled for May 7.

Meanwhile, according to the Malays
ian Meteorological Department website, the weather is expected to be clear in Kuala Kubu Baharu tomorrow morning, while thunderstorms and rain are forecasted in the afternoon and evening.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

LIMA ’25 FROM MAY 20-24 NEXT YEAR TO EMPHASISE INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS


The 2025 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LlMA ’25) to be held from May 20 to 24 next year will emphsise the importance for industry players to innovate constantly and enhance competitiveness, in line with the rapid technological advancements.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said LIMA ’25, which will be held in Langkawi, Kedah, was themed “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow”.

“The 17th edition of the exhibition has received an encouraging response from companies both domestically and internationally, despite LIMA ’25 only being launched today.

“It proves that the LIMA exhibition is an event that local and international players in the aerospace and maritime industry look forward to,” he said in a press conference after officiating the LIMA ’25 Pre-Launch Ceremony at Wisma Perwira ATM here, today.

Also present were Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman K
han, and Navy deputy chief Vice Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain.

LIMA ’25 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC).

In ensuring the success of LIMA ’25, Adly said GEC had established a strategic collaboration with Arabian World Events, QUBE Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, SHP Media Sdn Bhd, Curio Pack Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT).

“GEC is still in discussions with other potential strategic partners to bring LIMA’ 25 to a level capable of providing a positive impact to the country and also the industry,” he said.

He added that LIMA ’25 will introduce several new segments to attract more participation from small and medium-sized enterprises to be part of the exhibition for both aerospace and maritime segments.

“We encourage participation from government and private higher education institutions that possess expertise in the aerospace and maritime i
ndustries to join LIMA ’25.

“This is Mindef’s desire and initiative to make LIMA a centre for industrial development and human resource development,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MEDIOCRE SCHOLAR SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT IN AS VISITING PROFESSOR – PM ANWAR


A mediocre scholar should not be brought in as a visiting professor in the first place, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said this in response to the issue involving an American professor Bruce Gilley’s post on X that he left Malaysia due to safety concerns caused by an ‘Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government’.

‘A mediocre scholar should not be brought in as a visiting professor in the first place. The rest (of the story), the minister (Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir) had already clarified.’

Anwar said this when met after officiating Malaysia Airlines (MAB) Academy and the groundbreaking ceremony of its Flight Simulator Building, here today.

Meanwhile, Zambry reportedly described Gilley’s claim that Malaysia is not a safe country to visit as a very dangerous statement that causes discomfort to many parties.

‘Even the United States Embassy in Malaysia is not comfortable with the statement issued by the professor. Today, the embassy even reaffirms th
at Malaysia is still a safe country to travel,’ he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MALAYSIA-CHINA TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR


Malaysia and China today discussed various strategic initiatives to expand and strengthen cooperation in the higher education sector in conjunction with celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) said in a statement the discussion was held between China’s Education Minister Huai Jinpeng and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir in Putrajaya.

‘The counterparts exchanged views on their countries’ higher education landscape and direction as well as potential strategic cooperation, particularly in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) field, in aspects such as socio-cultural and industrial collaboration for Malaysian students involving companies led by Chinese firms including Huawei and Geely,’ read the statement.

The discussion also covers the cooperation in advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, computing, green technology, microchips and automotive, among other things.

According to
the statement, both ministers agreed that cooperation in the relevant research sector could be enhanced by establishing a national-level research centre for the two countries.

They also encouraged strategic cooperation between higher education institutions in Malaysia and China in various science and technology development programmes, resource sharing, technical data, facilities, training research, and dialogues on civilisations.

The statement also said a signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) was also conducted during the meeting.

CSCSE and MQA will join forces to facilitate the exchange of information and expertise on national qualification frameworks and accreditation processes and to promote international cooperation to recognise qualifications and skills acquired through higher education.

‘The collaboration will further strengthen academic mobility programmes, sharing of research fi
ndings and best practices in quality assurance of the Kuala Lumpur-Beijing higher education sector,’ it added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

HONG KONG AWAITS TRAVELLERS WITH VIBRANT CULTURAL FESTIVITIES THIS MAY


Hong Kong international visitors would be able to join in the diverse array of vibrant cultural festivities taking place around the city this May, including the debut of spectacular new pyrotechnic and drone shows.

Offering tourists the chance to experience Hong Kong from a different perspective, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement highlighted four unmissable cultural experiences suitable for the whole family which will promise unforgettable journeys into its rich heritage.

Taking place from May 15 to 16, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, known for its distinctive local traditions, draws thousands of visitors and locals alike with events such as the Piu Sik Parade, where local children dressed up as deities, with colourful procession sets the stage for the much-anticipated Bun Scrambling Competition.

Meanwhile, on May 1, the Tin Hau Festival, listed as part of the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, will showcase colourful religious rituals, dynamic dragon and lion dances, captivating
parades, and traditional performances held across different parts of Hong Kong.

Another cultural event to be held on May 15 is Buddha’s Birthday, an inclusive celebration, offering enriching cultural activities for all to enjoy and embrace, regardless of their faith.

Also taking place on the same day, the Tam Kung Festival, a cherished cultural event gathered locals and visitors to the streets of the harbourside to witness colourful processions, traditional lion dances as well as thanksgiving opera performances.

Separately, starting May 1, a captivating Pyrotechnic Display will kick off to welcome the month of cultural celebrations, at Victoria Harbour, while the newly curated drone show will be launched on May 11, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the festivities that resonate throughout the city.

Travellers looking to immerse themselves in the richness of Chinese heritage and culture should book their trip to Hong Kong next month to experience this extraordinary and unmissable season of celebratio
n.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KING, QUEEN WISH HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TERENGGANU SULTAN


The King and Queen of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, today posted birthday greetings to the Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

It was posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page.

‘Happy 62nd birthday to Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

‘May Allah SWT bless His Royal Highness with happiness and long life,’ the poster read.

April 26 is a public holiday for Terengganu in conjunction with the Sultan’s birthday.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FORM E, CP8D EXTENDED TO MAY 31 – IRB


The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) today announced that the deadline for taxpayers to submit Form E and CP8D has been extended to May 31.

In a statement today, IRB said the month-long time extension was meant to give ample time for authorised individuals to apply for the role of director/employer before submitting the e-E and e-CP8D forms.

It said guidelines for the application of the director/employer role can be found at MyTax portal, while the slides can be accessed at https://www.hasil.gov.my>EduZone>Slaid/Poster Percukaian>Tahun 2024>Slaid Permohonan Peranan dan Pelantikan Wakil Melalui MyTax.

IRB also said that the time extension for the submission of e-forms for individuals, partnerships, organisations and estates is 15 days; companies, cooperatives, limited liability partnerships and trusts (one month) and petroleum (one month).

‘Taxpayers are advised to declare their income by submitting the e-Form and make payments (if any) within the prescribed period to avoid any penal
ties and tax increases.

‘Taxpayers are also advised to key in and update their personal and banking information accurately to assist in the tax refund process (if any),’ it said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency