Add source Login
National team management not involved in player documentation process

National team management not involved in player documentation process

HARIMAU Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend has clarified that the national team management had no involvement in the documentation or registration process of the seven heritage players currently under FIFA investigation. Friend stated that his side only became involved after FIFA had officially approved the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia. “We’re not involved in any of the documentation registration,” he said during a press conference here today. He explained that the management was ready and available once these players would be accepted by FIFA. “Once the documentation registration was completed, FIFA would issue a document that approved the players to play for the national team,” he added. Friend said his main priority now is to protect the integrity of the national team. This prompted him to engage top international legal experts, including Serge Vittoz, to assist FAM in defending the case after FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the national football body and the players since August 22. “There are players who have bled for this country,” he said. “They represent this country.” “They’re Malaysians.” “My responsibility is to protect these players, protect the integrity of the national team,” he emphasised. Earlier, FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram announced Vittoz as their legal counsel, an international sports lawyer from Geneva and London based law firm, Charles Russell Speechlys. Friend revealed that he had also travelled to FIFA’s legal offices in Miami, United States to better understand what had actually happened on the seven heritage players issue. Friend, who was appointed late last year, is the main leader in the new organisational structure for the Harimau Malaya squad’s revolution. Last month, FAM and seven naturalised players were penalised by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after allegedly being found guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code related to document falsification. The players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. In a statement, FIFA alleged that the FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the eligibility of the players, allowing them to compete in the third-round match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10. As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, approximately 1.8 million ringgit. Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs, about 10,560 ringgit, and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities, effective from the date of notification of the decision. In a previous statement, FAM explained that it had identified a technical error in the submission process involving the seven players’ documents, which was made by an administrative staff member. FAM had also stated that it did not rule out the possibility of taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the appeal at the FIFA level fails to yield a positive outcome. – Bernama

LTMS power project key success in ASEAN energy cooperation

LTMS power project key success in ASEAN energy cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR : The 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting highlighted ASEAN’s ongoing progress towards building a connected energy future. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project is recognised as a key success story. He stated that the project serves as a model for future regional energy cooperation and demonstrates ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen energy connectivity, security, and sustainability. “One of the previews to the ASEAN Power Grid is LTMS, which facilitates cross-border energy exports between countries,” he told reporters at the closing press conference. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, added that the project has made significant progress. He confirmed that Thailand is expected to formalise its participation in the project soon. “Yesterday, during the meeting, it was agreed that Thailand has submitted a document confirming their intention to sign the agreement, which is expected to happen by November,” he said. Fadillah noted there has been a delay due to changes in the Thai government but expressed hope that the agreement will be concluded by November. He also said that the LTMS project provides a viable business model that could be expanded to other ASEAN countries. “This business model can be scaled to all ASEAN nations within the APG framework,” he explained. Fadillah emphasised that many people currently see Laos as the sole energy supplier to Singapore. He highlighted the critical aspects of the ASEAN Power Grid as ensuring security of supply, sustainability, and affordability of energy. “This is where each country in ASEAN will assist one another,” he stated. Fadillah further elaborated that the cross-border electricity trading arrangement allows ASEAN members to support each other during times of peak demand or low generation. “There are instances when Laos may not be able to supply energy to Singapore because, during winter, their hydro plants may not operate at full capacity,” he said. He explained that at such times, Malaysia may provide additional electricity to Singapore. “Similarly, when Malaysia faces a shortage, it can draw energy from Singapore or Thailand,” he added. Fadillah concluded by saying this mutual support system demonstrates how ASEAN countries collaborate in the energy sector. – Bernama

UMS convocation and Sabah state polls on same day will not clash

UMS convocation and Sabah state polls on same day will not clash

SHAH ALAM : The 27th convocation of Universiti Malaysia Sabah scheduled for November 29 will not clash with voting for Sabah’s 17th State Election on the same day. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated the Election Commission considered all relevant factors before setting the election date. He confirmed university halls will not be used as polling stations and the schedule accommodates the upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exams starting November 3. The Barisan Nasional chairman also noted that many students are from other states so the convocation will not affect voter turnout. “Parents attending the convocation are not solely from Sabah,” he told reporters at the ASEAN Sports Industry Expo 2025 here. Ahmad Zahid explained that UMS students come from all over Malaysia so he does not foresee any issue arising from this. The 27th UMS convocation for the 2025 graduates is scheduled from November 29 to December 2. On the postponement of UMNO’s 2025 General Assembly, Ahmad Zahid said party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has contacted the Registrar of Societies for approval. “This is the second postponement,” he explained. The assembly was originally set for August and then November 26 but has been rescheduled to January next year due to the Sabah state election polling on November 29. The Election Commission has set November 15 as nomination day and November 25 for early voting for the Sabah state election. Seventy three state seats across 25 parliamentary constituencies will be contested in the election. – Bernama

No crime or misconduct cases at TVET institutions so far

No crime or misconduct cases at TVET institutions so far

SHAH ALAM : No criminal or serious misconduct cases involving students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions have been reported so far. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed this positive record must be maintained. He noted that TVET institutions place strong emphasis on discipline and conduct during student admissions to prevent any untoward incidents. Ahmad Zahid said every TVET intake briefing includes proper conduct which is constantly reinforced. The National TVET Committee chairman revealed there are 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide with coordinated efforts to ensure student integrity and discipline. He made these remarks after launching the ASEAN Sports Industry Expo 2025 here today. In a separate development, Ahmad Zahid proposed reintroducing a specific policy on the sports industry. He believes this would ensure the sector’s continuous growth without being affected by leadership changes. Ahmad Zahid said sports industry promotion has occurred since the 1980s by the Youth and Sports Ministry. He observed that implementation has been inconsistent due to frequent changes of ministers or secretaries-general. The Deputy Prime Minister thinks a sports industry policy would provide a useful guideline. He highlighted the vast sports industry market not only in Malaysia but across the ASEAN region. Ahmad Zahid noted the global sports market is worth over 688 billion US dollars. He suggested capturing even a small share could make sports a significant national income contributor. – Bernama

Outdoor activities and community programmes reduce student social issues

Outdoor activities and community programmes reduce student social issues

KUALA LUMPUR : Outdoor activities and community-based programmes play a vital role in shaping discipline and reducing social issues among students. Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy stated such initiatives allow young people to socialise and understand the wider world around them. She explained these activities also nurture a stronger sense of belonging and responsibility towards the nation. “Apart from education in schools and the steps taken by schools, activities outside the classroom are also very important so that young people are exposed to knowledge and experience, as well as focus on positive things,” she told reporters. Saraswathy highlighted the Ministry of Unity’s many programmes at the National Archives and museums throughout the country. “Through these initiatives, we hope to nurture a stronger sense of identity and help citizens become more meaningful and contributing members of society,” she added. She made these comments after attending the Malaysia Book of Records certificate presentation ceremony for Raaji Silk Palace. The textile chain received recognition as the country’s ‘Most Indian Ethnic Wear Retail Chain’ with 18 outlets. Saraswathy also presented Deepavali contributions from Raaji Silk Palace to several underprivileged recipients. She expressed hope that more business entities would come forward to support B40 communities during festive seasons. The country has recently been rocked by several tragic incidents in schools. These include the fatal stabbing of a Form Four girl by a 14-year-old schoolmate in Selangor. Another case involved a gang rape with four Form Five boys and a Form Three girl in Melaka. Meanwhile, Raaji Silk Palace founder Datuk L. Gandesan said the textile chain had contributed around 1,500 sets of Deepavali clothing. This forms part of its annual corporate social responsibility initiative. “This is also part of our gratitude to Malaysians for this remarkable achievement since we opened our first branch in 1997,” he said. Gandesan expressed hope to build their own textile factory in the future. This would enable them to proudly produce and sell clothes bearing the ‘Made in Malaysia’ label. – Bernama

Tiga agensi agama salur RM184,700 bantu mangsa ribut Telok Panglima Garang

Tiga agensi agama salur RM184,700 bantu mangsa ribut Telok Panglima Garang

KUALA LANGAT: Tiga agensi agama telah menyalurkan sumbangan berjumlah RM184,700 kepada mangsa ribut di sekitar Telok Panglima Garang. Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia dan Yayasan Taqwa Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan memberikan bantuan kewangan itu pada Rabu lepas. Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar berkata bantuan itu akan memberi manfaat kepada 65 keluarga dan Sekolah Rendah Agama Kampung Medan yang musnah teruk. Beliau menyatakan JAKIM menyumbang RM86,400 diikuti Yayasan Taqwa dan YAPIEM masing-masing RM65,000 dan RM33,300. “Sesungguhnya ini adalah sebahagian daripada ujian daripada Allah untuk meningkatkan keimanan kita,“ katanya kepada pemberita selepas meninjau SRA Kampung Medan. Mohd Na’im menegaskan bantuan itu mencerminkan prinsip ‘Ihsan’ dalam gagasan Malaysia MADANI yang prihatin terhadap rakyat. Beliau berkata setiap agensi agama perlu memainkan peranan bukan hanya dalam aspek kerohanian malah bertanggungjawab dari segi sosial. Sebanyak RM70,000 daripada jumlah bantuan itu diperuntukkan untuk membaik pulih SRA Kampung Medan termasuk surau dalam kawasan sekolah. Mohd Na’im berjanji pihaknya akan memastikan sekolah dan surau yang menampung 1,500 murid itu dibaik pulih secepat mungkin. Proses pemulihan amat penting untuk keselesaan pelajar yang akan menduduki Ujian Penilaian Kelas al-Quran dan Fardhu Ain pada 17 November. “Kerajaan MADANI melalui Jabatan Perdana Menteri akan terus cakna dan prihatin terhadap kebajikan rakyat,“ katanya. Dalam kejadian ribut kira-kira 4.15 petang Rabu lepas, enam sekolah dan lebih 40 rumah mengalami kerosakan. Kawasan terjejas termasuk Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sijangkang Jaya, Sekolah Kebangsaan Sijangkang Jaya dan Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Medan. Bangunan lain yang rosak ialah Sekolah Rendah Agama Kampung Medan, Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Tanjung dan Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Binjai. Kerosakan turut melibatkan Dewan Wawasan Batu 9, Pejabat Penyelaras DUN Sijangkang, kawasan perumahan Batu 9 dan kawasan industri Taman Sijangkang Jaya. – Bernama

PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah

PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah

PUTRAJAYA: Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) melalui Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) akan meningkatkan rondaan serta kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah dalam usaha tindakan bersepadu menangani isu keselamatan di institusi pendidikan. Menterinya, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail berkata, langkah itu sebahagian usaha dalam menekankan aspek pendidikan, pencegahan dan penguatkuasaan. Katanya, ini termasuk memperkukuh peranan Pegawai Perhubungan Sekolah ... Read more The post PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah

PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah

PUTRAJAYA: Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) melalui Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) akan meningkatkan rondaan serta kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah dalam usaha tindakan bersepadu menangani isu keselamatan di institusi pendidikan. Menterinya, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail berkata, langkah itu sebahagian usaha dalam menekankan aspek pendidikan, pencegahan dan penguatkuasaan. Katanya, ini termasuk memperkukuh peranan Pegawai Perhubungan Sekolah ... Read more The post PDRM tingkat rondaan, kehadiran polis di kawasan sekolah appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Bapa arah anak pukul pembuli sampai menangis

Bapa arah anak pukul pembuli sampai menangis

FERGUSON, MISSOURI – Seorang lelaki di negeri Missouri mengundang perhatian orang ramai apabila mengarahkan anak perempuannya berumur 6 tahun memukul seorang pembuli sehingga menangis, lapor akhbar New York Post.  Kejadian berlaku di bandar Ferguson, daerah St. Louis pada 9 Oktober lalu.  Rakaman video kejadian dimuat naik di media sosial menunjukkan lelaki dikenali sebagai Fox itu ... Read more The post Bapa arah anak pukul pembuli sampai menangis appeared first on Kosmo Digital .