KESUMA pacu reformasi tenaga kerja negara

KESUMA pacu reformasi tenaga kerja negara

Kementerian Sumber Manusia (KESUMA) memikul amanah besar dalam merangka dan melaksanakan dasar yang memberi kesan langsung kepada jutaan rakyat negara ini.Tugas itu menuntut pembangunan dan hala tuju dasar yang inklusif, berasaskan data dan berteraskan kesejahteraan rakyat bagi memperkukuh struktur tadbir urus, selain menyelaraskan penyampaian dasar secara berkesan.Ia bukan sahaja melalui perancangan strategik, tetapi melalui pelaksanaan yang memberi impak sebenar kepada pekerja, majikan dan seluruh ekosistem pekerjaan negara.Ketua Setiausaha KESUMA, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof menegaskan, tenaga kerja yang sejahtera dan berdaya saing bukan sekadar aset ekonomi, tetapi pemangkin utama kepada kemajuan negara yang inklusif serta mampan."Aspirasi KESUMA adalah untuk melahirkan tenaga kerja yang cekap, berkemahiran tinggi dan berdaya saing di peringkat global. Namun dalam mengejar kecemerlangan ini, kita tidak boleh sesekali melupakan hakikat bahawa di sebalik setiap pekerjaan, terdapat seorang insan."Maka, setiap pekerja wajar dihargai, dilindungi, diberi ruang dan peluang yang adil untuk berkembang serta maju bersama arus kemajuan negara," katanya.Tenaga kerja merupakan tunjang utama dalam pembangunan sesebuah negara. Di Malaysia, landskap pasaran buruh sedang melalui fasa transformasi yang signifikan, dipacu oleh kemajuan teknologi, perubahan demografi dan tuntutan ekonomi global semakin mencabar.Prinsip 3K jadi terasSebagai kementerian yang bertanggungjawab dalam hal ehwal buruh dan sumber manusia, KESUMA komited untuk memastikan dasar dan inisiatif yang dilaksanakan mampu memperkukuh daya saing tenaga kerja tempatan serta menjamin kesejahteraan pekerja di semua peringkat.Kementerian itu didorong oleh prinsip 3K iaitu kebajikan, kemahiran dan keberhasilan yang menjadi teras kepada setiap dasar dan inisiatif di bawah kepimpinan menterinya, Steven Sim Chee Keong.KESUMA terus bergerak selari dengan aspirasi Malaysia Madani yang menekankan kemakmuran bersama dan pembangunan inklusif, salah satu aspek paling kritikal dalam agenda berkenaan ialah pembangunan kemahiran rakyat.Justeru, melalui pendekatan menyeluruh terhadap Pendidikan dan Latihan Teknikal dan Vokasional (TVET), KESUMA sentiasa memastikan kurikulum sejajar dengan keperluan industri dan teknologi semasa.Langkah tersebut disokong dengan peningkatan peruntukan TVET kepada RM7.5 bilion pada tahun 2025 menerusi inisiatif seperti Akademi Berasaskan Industri (ADi), Program Intensif Perantisan dan ILHAM KESUMA sebagai antara pendekatan yang diambil untuk memperkukuh kebolehpasaran bakat tempatan.Kerjasama erat antara Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) dan pihak industri merupakan antara tonggak utama dalam memperkukuh ekosistem TVET negara.Pendekatan itu bukan sahaja memastikan latihan yang diberikan relevan dan berpandukan kehendak semasa industri, malah turut meningkatkan kebolehpasaran graduan serta mempercepatkan penyesuaian tenaga kerja kepada keperluan sektor strategik.KESUMA melalui Jabatan Tenaga Manusia (JTM) telah memeterai kerjasama dengan Proton dan Huawei bagi memperkukuh TVET negara dan melibatkan latihan, perantisan dan penempatan kerja menerusi 33 ILP serta ADTEC.Sementara itu, kerjasama dengan Huawei memfokuskan pembangunan TVET berteknologi tinggi seperti kecerdasan buatan (AI), 5G dan data raya.Inisiatif berkenaan sejajar dengan Dasar TVET Negara 2030 dalam melahirkan tenaga kerja mahir dan bersedia untuk era digital.Fokus perlindungan sosialKESUMA juga memainkan peranan signifikan dalam memperkukuh sistem perlindungan pekerjaan negara dan memartabatkan keadilan sosial menerusi dasar dan inisiatif yang bersifat inklusif, progresif serta berteraskan kesejahteraan rakyat.Antara tonggak utama ialah pelaksanaan Perintah Gaji Minimum 2024 yang menyaksikan peningkatan gaji minimum daripada RM1,500 kepada RM1,700 sebulan mulai 1 Februari 2025 dan dikuatkuasakan sepenuhnya pada 1 Ogos 2025.Penetapan itu dibuat secara sistematik dan inklusif, melibatkan sesi libat urus bersama pelbagai pihak berkepentingan seperti agensi kerajaan, wakil pekerja serta majikan.Seiring pertumbuhan ekonomi negara, peningkatan kadar gaji minimum mencerminkan komitmen berterusan kerajaan yang mengutamakan prinsip keadilan upah, sekali gus memperkukuh usaha meningkatkan taraf hidup golongan pekerja secara menyeluruh.KESUMA turut melangkah ke hadapan melalui pelaksanaan Dasar Gaji Progresif yang dirangka bersama Kementerian Ekonomi sebagai pendekatan strategik untuk mengiktiraf prestasi dan produktiviti pekerja secara adil.Inisiatif itu dirumus dengan penuh pertimbangan agar tidak membebankan majikan, khususnya perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang merupakan tulang belakang ekonomi negara.Pembangunan tenaga kerja tidak boleh terhenti di institusi formal semata-mata. Penekanan perlu turut diberikan kepada pembelajaran sepanjang hayat, termasuk dalam bidang baharu seperti kecerdasan buatan, tenaga boleh diperbaharui serta pendigitalan.Melalui kerjasama strategik dengan agensi seperti Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) dan HRD Corp, KESUMA menyediakan laluan latihan dan penempatan kerja yang lebih menyeluruh antaranya MYFutureJobs telah menempatkan lebih 700,000 pencari kerja sejak tahun 2020.HRD Corp pula menjadi pemacu utama pembangunan latihan terutamanya bagi sektor perusahaan mikro, kecil dan sederhana (PMKS) dan sektor-sektor baharu yang sedang muncul, melalui pelbagai program pembiayaan latihan yang berstruktur dan bersasar bagi memastikan modal insan negara kekal relevan serta berdaya saing.Pada masa yang sama, perhatian khusus turut diberikan kepada golongan rentan, terutamanya pekerja sektor informal dan gig.KESUMA kini giat memperkukuh jaringan perlindungan sosial bagi kelompok berkenaan melalui pewartaan Rang Undang-Undang Pekerja Gig, pelaksanaan caruman PERKESO secara berfasa serta insentif padanan caruman.Prinsip KESUMA jelas iaitu tiada pekerja harus tercicir daripada perlindungan, tanpa mengira bentuk dan status pekerjaan mereka.Hasil usaha kolektif berkenaan, kadar pengangguran negara berjaya diturunkan kepada 3.2 peratus pada suku pertama 2025 iaitu kadar terendah sejak pandemik melanda.Sejak tahun 2023, lebih 1.5 juta pekerja telah mendapat manfaat daripada pelbagai program latihan di bawah KESUMA.Kemajuan ekonomi serta kestabilan sosial negara akan terus digerakkan melalui dasar-dasar buruh yang progresif, adaptif dan berdaya tahan dalam mendepani cabaran semasa dan akan datang.KESUMA akan terus menjadi peneraju dalam membentuk ekosistem pekerjaan yang mampan, saksama dan progresif demi Malaysia yang lebih sejahtera.

Isu pengabaian warga emas semakin serius

Isu pengabaian warga emas semakin serius

KUALA LUMPUR - Isu warga emas terabai semakin mendapat perhatian di negara ini. Warga emas  yang menjadi mangsa pengabaian keluarga dan masyarakat mengharungi hari tua mereka dalam kemurungan, kesedihan dan terpaksa hidup sendirian tanpa keluarga di sisi.Peka dan prihatin dengan isu ini, aktivis muda, Muhammad Syafiq Mohiadin, 36, semakin lantang bersuara membela nasib warga emas yang terabai."Masalah warga emas dipinggir dan diabaikan oleh darah daging sendiri semakin banyak berlaku dan kita perlu melakukan sesuatu agar mereka dapat melalui ‘hari tua’ dengan bahagia.  "Warga emas emas terabai ini  termasuk anak-anak yang menghantar orang tua yang sakit ke hospital dan dibiarkan dalam wad tanpa dijemput semula. Saya pernah terjumpa kes seorang warga emas yang dibiarkan selama 200 hari di hospital."Selain itu, isu ini juga melibatkan orang tua yang tiada rumah akibat dibuang keluarga atau anak-anak. Apa pun situasinya, keadaan ini amatlah menyedihkan selepas ibu bapa berkorban untuk  membesarkan dan menyediakan segala keperluan untuk anak-anak," katanya.Seiring dengan usahanya mahu terus memperjuangkan nasib warga emas, Syafiq kini aktif sebagai Setiausaha Persatuan Kebajikan Mahmudah Malaysia, Penolong Setiausaha Kehormat Pertubuhan Gabungan Rumah Kebajikan Perpaduan Negeri Selangor (PAKAR) dan Setiausaha Pertubuhan Sukarelawan Hospital Kajang, Selangor (kini dikenali Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin).Bagi Syafiq, isu pengabaian orang tua ini akan berterusan jika ia tidak diperjuangkan secara serius dan konsisten.Untuk merealisasikan semangat dan iltizamnya, Syafiq kini sedang mengatur langkah untuk menceburi bidang politik  demi membela nasib golongan ini."Menceburi dunia politik membuka laluan yang lebih luas untuk saya menyuarakan isu ini dan  inilah agenda yang akan  saya perjuangkan sekiranya bergelar ahli politik."Saya akan mengusulkan dan berusaha mewujudkan undang-undang melindungi warga emas yang terabai," katanya.Syafiq juga mencadangkan KWSP (Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja) melakukan pemotongan khas untuk warga emas ke atas anak-anak yang didapati telah mengabaikan ibu bapa mereka."Apabila mekanisme ini dilaksanakan, sekurang-kurangnya orang tua ini ada sumber kewangan untuk meneruskan kehidupan dan boleh digunakan untuk menanggung keperluan mereka yang dijaga di pusat jagaan."Kalau anak-anak enggan menjaga ibu bapa mereka, kami boleh menjaga dan merawat mereka dengan menggunakan duit yang dipotong menerusi akaun KWSP," katanya.Menurut Syafiq, anak-anak perlu dididik sejak mereka berada pada peringkat persekolahan lagi dengan mewujudkan silibus khusus berkaitan tanggungjawab kepada ibubapa dan pengurusan berkesan menjaga warga emas yang sakit dalam sistem pendidikan."Ini antara perkara paling asas dan pada pendapat saya pendidikan tentang kesedaran menjaga orang tua ini masih kurang. Sedangkan kita menuju ke arah negara Malaysia menua 2030, tapi kita seolah-olah tak bersedia apabila banyak kes warga emas terabai."Mungkin ada yang memandang remeh isu ini dimasukkan dalam sistem pendidikan. Namun inilah  yang memberi impak besar kepada generasi akan datang agar dapat menunaikan tanggungjawab terhadap ibu bapa."Dalam sebulan, pusat jagaan saya menerima 50 permohonan untuk letak warga emas di bawah jagaan kami tapi kami tidak mampu mengambil kesemuanya kerana pelbagai faktor termasuklah soal kewangan," jelasnya.

‘Anak saya bukan untuk diperlekehkan orang’

‘Anak saya bukan untuk diperlekehkan orang’

KUALA LUMPUR – Usahawan sensasi, Kak KM menafikan dakwaan bahawa anaknya, Nabila Razman tidak layak untuk menjadi kru kabin sebuah syarikat penerbangan di Singapura seperti dakwaan ramai. Menceritakan situasi sebenar, Kak KM atau nama sebenarnya, Liana Rosli, 44, berkata, Nabila sememangnya mendapat tawaran bekerja di negara republik tersebut namun diminta berhenti kerana sebagai ibu, dia ... Read more The post ‘Anak saya bukan untuk diperlekehkan orang’ appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

USIM bangunkan fon khas bantu OKU pendengaran celik al-Quran

USIM bangunkan fon khas bantu OKU pendengaran celik al-Quran

SEREMBAN: Pusat Penyelidikan Ibnu Ummi Maktum (Ummi) Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) membangunkan inovasi fon Rasm IshaRI bertujuan memperkasakan pembacaan dan pemahaman al-Quran dalam kalangan orang kurang upaya (OKU) pendengaran. Menurut Pengarah Ummi, Prof. Madya Dr. Norakyairee Mohd. Raus, pembangunan fon tersebut selepas menerima permintaan daripada komuniti OKU pendengaran yang ingin bahan pembelajaran al-Quran yang ... Read more The post USIM bangunkan fon khas bantu OKU pendengaran celik al-Quran appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Police corporal killed by fleeing robbers in Alor Setar

Police corporal killed by fleeing robbers in Alor Setar

ALOR SETAR : A police corporal was killed after being struck by an SUV driven by fleeing robbers in Taman Golf today. Kedah police chief CP Adzli Abu Shah confirmed Corporal Mohd Hafizul Izham Mazlan, 35, died at the scene. The incident occurred after police responded to a house burglary tip-off at 3.30 pm. A CID team arrived in two vehicles, but the corporal was hit as he stepped out of his car. He suffered severe head and body injuries and died instantly. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while three others fled in the same Lexus SUV. The remaining suspects later hijacked an elderly couple’s vehicle near a hotel in Kepala Batas. They forced the male driver out and drove off with his wife in the passenger seat. The stolen vehicle was later involved in an accident in Kepala Batas, leading to the suspects’ capture. All four suspects, aged 24 to 26, will be investigated for murder and housebreaking. The suspected ringleader has 77 prior criminal records, including burglary and drug offences. The other three suspects, believed to be from the southern region, also have criminal histories. Police will apply for a remand order to continue investigations. Corporal Mohd Hafizul, a 15-year veteran from Setiu, Terengganu, leaves behind a wife and three sons. His body has been sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for a post-mortem. - Bernama

Stor rahsia simpan barang tiruan di Jalan Petaling terbongkar

Stor rahsia simpan barang tiruan di Jalan Petaling terbongkar

KUALA LUMPUR - Tindakan ubah suai premis dengan pembahagian partition lengkap berserta kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) sebelum disewa sebagai stor menyembunyikan barang tiruan di Jalan Petaling di sini terbongkar pada Khamis.Serbuan bermula jam 5 petang itu dijalankan sepasukan Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) Kuala Lumpur hasil risikan selama satu minggu.Tinjauan Sinar Harian di lokasi mendapati setiap 'partition' atau bilik kecil yang menyimpan barangan disyaki tiruan berlainan jenis termasuklah kasut, jersi dan jam tangan.Ketua Pegawai Penguat Kuasa KPDN Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Shahran Mohd Arshad berkata, kira-kira 7,000 unit pelbagai barangan tiruan bernilai RM700,000 dirampas dalam serbuan dengan kerjasama pemilik cap dagang.Katanya, lima premis telah diserbu melibatkan dua stor simpanan dan tiga gerai."Hasil pemeriksaan, kita menemukan pelbagai barangan seperti beg tangan, tali pinggang, jersi dan kasut disyaki menggunakan cap dagangan palsu."Empat individu membabitkan dua Bangladesh dan dua tempatan berusia lingkungan 20 hingga 50 tahun disyaki pekerja turut ditahan untuk siasatan lanjut," katanya kepada pemberita selepas operasi terbabit di sini pada Khamis.Mohd Shahran berkata, siasatan awal mendapati barangan tiruan terbabit dibekalkan kepada peniaga sekitar Lembah Klang dan turut dijual secara dalam talian dengan harga antara RM40 hingga RM300 seunit.Tambahnya, barangan tiruan itu dipercayai diperoleh dari luar negara berdasarkan kepada pembungkusan serta gred tertentu.Jelasnya, siasatan awal turut mendapati stor simpanan terbabit dipercayai telah beroperasi antara dua hingga tiga bulan."Kita akan siasat lanjut termasuk mengenal pasti harga sewaan serta pemilik premis tersebut," ujarnya.Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, Op Putra yang dijalankan di Jalan Petaling sejak tahun 2023 merekodkan 49 kes dengan nilai sitaan RM2.3 juta, manakala bagi tempoh tahun ini sahaja mencatatkan 24 kes dengan nilai sitaan RM1.2 juta.Tegasnya, KPDN Kuala Lumpur tidak akan teragak-agak mengambil tindakan undang-undang dan peniaga dinasihat agar mematuhi segala perundangan yang ditetapkan.Kes disiasat mengikut Akta Cap Dagangan 2019.

FBI fires ex-acting director Driscoll, other senior agents

FBI fires ex-acting director Driscoll, other senior agents

WASHINGTON : The FBI is firing another round of employees, including former Acting Director Brian Driscoll, in its latest moves against officials who worked on issues that drew President Donald Trump’s ire, four people briefed on the matter said on Thursday. Driscoll, who temporarily served as the bureau’s director early this year before FBI Director Kash Patel’s Senate confirmation, was viewed as a hero by some in the bureau after he sought to shield them from being targeted for their role in investigating people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a failed bid to overturn Trump’s election defeat.\ The Justice Department’s former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who has since been confirmed to serve as an appellate court judge, accused Driscoll and former FBI Acting Deputy Director Robert Kissane of insubordination, after they tried to fend off his efforts to collect a list of the names of all those people. Driscoll, nicknamed “The Drizz,“ told his colleagues in a farewell message on Thursday that he was given no explanation for his removal. “Last night I was informed that tomorrow will be my last day in the FBI. I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers. No cause has been articulated at this time,“ he wrote, according to a copy seen by Reuters. “Please know that it has been the honor of my life to serve alongside each of you.” The FBI also notified at least three other agents they will be terminated by Friday, including the Washington Field Office’s Assistant Director-in-Charge Steve Jensen, former Las Vegas Special Agent-in-Charge Spencer Evans and Walter Giardina, an agent in the Washington field office who was recently targeted by Republican Senator Charles Grassley for his involvement in several Trump-related cases, said the people who were briefed on the matter. Jensen, in a message to his staff, said he received a similar message that his employment will be terminated effective Friday. “Never waver in your resolve to answer the call to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,“ he wrote, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters. The FBI declined to comment. The moves are the latest in a string of firings that kicked off on Trump’s first day in office, including against people who worked on cases related to January 6 or former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s two indictments against Trump for his retention of classified records and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In most of the firings, employees were not provided with explanations for their removal. Many have since filed legal challenges that remain pending. In a statement, the FBI Agents Association said it was “deeply concerned” about the reports that agents will be “summarily fired without due process for doing their jobs.” “There is a review process when employment actions are taken against Agents. The process was established so that the FBI could remain independent and apolitical. FBI leadership committed — both publicly and directly to FBIAA — that they would abide by that process. We urge them to honor that commitment and follow the law,“ the group added. - Reuters

Business events key to Malaysia’s tourism targets under 13MP

Business events key to Malaysia’s tourism targets under 13MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Business events will play a vital role in helping Malaysia reach its tourism targets under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that business delegates are high-value travellers who contribute significantly to the economy. “More importantly, business travellers bring with them ideas, investments, and influence,” he said at the Business Events Awards Gala Dinner. The tourism sector remains a national priority, with foreign tourist expenditure reaching RM102.2 billion in 2024. Malaysia has hosted over 3,000 business events in the past decade, attracting more than a million delegates and generating RM18 billion in economic impact. Ahmad Zahid stated that the government views the business events industry as a strategic driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. Efforts include simplifying visa processes for frequent travellers and upgrading airports and convention centres to global standards. The government is also enhancing collaboration between agencies like MACEOS, the Tourism Ministry, and the Trade Ministry. “But infrastructure alone is not enough,” he added, urging MACEOS to elevate its efforts further. - Bernama

Haram kutip zakat di Pahang, bayar ke negeri lain

Haram kutip zakat di Pahang, bayar ke negeri lain

PEKAN: Perbuatan mengutip zakat di negeri ini dan membayarnya ke negeri lain tidak sah di sisi hukum syarak serta bercanggah dengan peruntukan undang-undang zakat yang berkuat kuasa di negeri-negeri. Penegasan itu selari keputusan yang dicapai menerusi Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Perundingan Hukum Syarak Nege­ri Pahang Bil. 1/2025 pada 14 Januari lalu serta berpandukan kepada ketetapan Muzakarah Majlis ... Read more The post Haram kutip zakat di Pahang, bayar ke negeri lain appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Open Letter from the OKU and Advocacy Community: Discriminatory UPU Admission Filtering Must Be Urgently Addressed

Open Letter from the OKU and Advocacy Community: Discriminatory UPU Admission Filtering Must Be Urgently Addressed

EVERY year, during the UPU system’s kemaskini period, those of us in civil society and NGOs serving OKUs brace ourselves for the flood of panicked pleas from disabled students desperate to pursue higher education yet denied their rightful course choices because of arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions imposed on them. Despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) that this issue was resolved, it continues to resurface, leaving students traumatised and their futures jeopardised. This is not a new problem. As far back as the 1970s, disabled students have raised concerns about exclusionary practices in Malaysia’s education system. As understanding and recognition of disability has grown over the decades, our systems have unfortunately not caught up in terms of accessibility. In 2021, the UPU’s system was found to be automatically filtering course options for applicants who declared their OKU status, restricting them to “OKU-friendly” programmes regardless of merit. Disabled students who had done incredibly well academically were excluded from competitive courses of their choice like engineering and sciences solely due to their disability status. Since then, efforts were made via various stakeholders, activists, and policy advocates which led to KPT acknowledging this violated Malaysia’s obligations under the UNCRPD and agreeing to remove the tagging. By 2022 and 2023, KPT publicly stated that the filtering mechanism had been fixed. Yet in August 2025, we again see multiple reports surfacing. In one of the recent cases this year, one student reached out to an autistic advocate: he explained that despite scoring a perfect 4.00 in PSPM (Peperiksaan Semester Program Matrikulasi), eight of his preferred courses, including Civil Engineering, vanished from his UPU account simply after entering his OKU status. Another student who also met all the requirements for a mathematics programme described being inexplicably blocked and redirected to unrelated courses. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a recurring pattern where disabled students with proven merit are stripped of their choices upon disclosure of disability status. We’ve even sighted the responses they receive. Automated and scripted system messages that reveal poor understanding of what support an autistic student needs. In one reply from the BKPA unit (Bahagian Kemasukan Pelajar Antara), the only response given was: “Setelah membuat semakan, pihak BKPA mendapati bahawa calon adalah pemegang kad OKU bagi kategori Pembelajaran-Autisme.” No further justification was provided. The system merely acknowledged the student’s disability status and then ceased engagement. In another case, a student stated: “Setelah menyemak fasa 3 permohonan UPU, data tersebut telah hilang. Saya telah melepasi syarat am dan syarat khas bidang yang telah dimohon.” These examples are more than bureaucratic mishaps as they reflect a system that quietly denies deserving students their future. We urge the following steps to be taken: A clear explanation from KPT on why filtering persists, supported by system documentation and transparency in decision-making. A review of disability-based filtering in UPU and the reinstatement of course options for affected applicants, with recognition that OKU students are not a homogenous group and have differing accessibility needs that require flexible, human-centred approaches. An audit of admissions data from 2020 to 2025 and publication of findings on the treatment of OKU applicants. The removal of exclusionary disability clauses from course requirements across all public universities. Creation of a fair complaint and appeal mechanism that protects applicants from penalties. Meaningful engagement with OKU-led organisations and lived experience experts in shaping education policy reforms, ensuring future education policies reflect the diverse realities and accessibility needs across different disability groups. We do note that this matter has now been raised through official platforms and that the relevant departments and ministries have taken swift steps to remedy the problem. Nevertheless, we urge further decisive and transparent action to address the root of this issue, ensuring that such systemic barriers are permanently removed and do not recur. Education is supposed to be limitless. It is meant to open doors, to create opportunities, to help us reach the sky. But the way this system operates, it feels as though that sky is only reserved for a select few and disabled students are told to stay grounded, to settle for less. And these are just the cases that have reached us, the ones who found their way to community representatives and spoke up. What about those who quietly accept these limits, believing this is their only chance to study? What about those who choose silence because it’s either accepting restricted options or losing the chance at education altogether? This ongoing discrimination particularly harms autistic students, those with learning disabilities, and sensory disabilities, whose access needs differ from accessible physical infrastructure but could be met by supportive academic environments. Denying them entry to courses like mathematics, computer science, or statistics is unjustifiable and rooted in long-established prejudice rather than policy. We would like to reiterate, Malaysia ratified the UNCRPD in 2010, committing to equal access to education. Yet, year after year, OKU students face structural exclusion masked as “system limitations.” This is also disproportionately affecting learners with disabilities. Above all, education is so vital to everyone. Why are we doing this to people with disabilities? Why are we restricting their choices and making them feel like their dreams and opportunities don’t matter? At a time when this country desperately needs more youth contributing their skills and knowledge towards nation building, why are we shutting out those who are ready to give back? We ask why we don’t see more disabled leaders, but how can we, when we keep excluding them from the very start? For most Malaysians, public universities are their beacon of hope. They are the places where the Rakyat place their trust, believing education can open doors to a better quality of life. Disabled students hold those same hopes to sit side by side with their peers, not as charity cases or exceptions, but as equals with the same hope and dreams. Yet we continually make it harder for them, compounded obstacles and extra costs by narrowing their choices and shutting them out of paths they deserve. Not everyone has the means to turn to private universities. Have we really stopped to look at what that means? To feel what it’s like to be told your ambition is not valid because of who you are? If we speak of Malaysia Madani, shouldn’t this be where we start by asking how we treat those who most need our solidarity, and whether we are truly willing to open the doors we keep promising will be open to all? And this comes at a time when Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, proudly speaking of inclusion and regional progress. Yet here we are, with our own education system quietly closing its doors on disabled students. How do we claim to lead an ‘inclusive ASEAN’ when our own policies fail those at home? Are we truly making the changes we declare on international stages, or are we content with slogans while systemic barriers remain? If we are serious about being inclusive, it must begin here, in our own institutions, in the way we treat our own Rakyat. Education is supposed to open doors, not close them. Yet here we are, watching those doors shut for some of the very students who most need them. These are just the cases that reached us, but we know there are many more who stay silent, accepting limits because they feel they have no choice. We cannot build a truly inclusive Malaysia or an inclusive ASEAN if our own systems continue to exclude. This is not only a policy failure, it is a moral one. We, the undersigned, call on the Ministry of Higher Education, public universities, and all responsible authorities to act now. And above all, honour the promise of education as a right for all. We need to echo Malala Yousafzai’s words, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world,“ reinforcing the transformative power of education for all. The disabled community needs this more than ever to nurture stronger leaders and shape our shared future. Let our OKU students be free to chase their dreams. Signatories Beatrice Leong, Autistic Gender-Disability Activist, Independent Documentary Filmmaker. Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS, Consultant Paediatrician, Child-Disability Activist. Ng Lai Thin, Inclusive Educator, Disability-inclusion advocate, Book Author of Small Steps, Big Changes for Preschool Inclusion Yuenwah San, OKU rights-ageing-gender intersectionality advocate Anit Kaur Randhawa, Parent Advocate, Advocate & Solicitor The OKU Rights Matter Project Mr. Ngau Kao Pin, Chartered Accountant, Father of a level 2 autistic boy Dr Shyielathy Arumugam, Parent Advocate Tina Yap Li Yan, Social Worker Assoc Prof Dr Ezura Madiana Md Monoto, Family Medicine Consultant UKM, mother to 2 children with special needs Aziph Mustapha, Head of Culture and Engagement, and father to a 17-year-old who’s neurodivergent, curious, and wonderfully wired in his own way. Rafidah Rafizah Ahmad, Disability Activist, Founder & President-Gabungan Anak-Anak Palsi Serebrum (GAPS), Mother of a young adult with Cerebral Palsy. Melanie Oh, Executive Director, Mother of a child born with Down Syndrome. Dr Wong Tze Peng, Speech-language therapist, University faculty member in Special and Inclusive Education Yap Sook Yee, Disability Activist and mother of a child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Ch’ng B’ao Zhong, Autistic Adult, Licensed and Registered Counsellor Lee Sook Foong, Operations Director, Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre Srividhya Ganapathy, co-chairperson CRIB Foundation, Child-Disability Activist, Adult with ADHD Persatuan Kebajikan Sokongan Keluarga Selangor & KL (Family Frontiers) Dr Ching Bih Hwa, Developmental Paediatrician, Regency Specialist Hospital Khoo E-May, Late Diagnosed Autistic Adult, Disabled, HRDC Accredited Trainer, Self-Advocate Bathmavathi Krishnan, wheelchair-using student University of Malaya 1976-1978; Senator at Parliament Upper House 2013-2016,2016-2019. Ser Kwee Mui, mother of a young adult with adhd and autistic Dr. Lee Hwee Ming, Rehabilitation Physician, and Father to an Autistic Child Dr. Kuria Dip Silas, Mother to an Autistic Child Desiree Kaur, Parent Advocate, Project Haans Founder and Kita Family podcaster Nik Nadia Nik Mohd Yusoff, Parent advocate, Moderator of Autisme Malaysia Facebook and Kita Family podcaster. Faizura Nazri, Mother to an Autistic Child Joyce Teoh Lay Bee, Parent advocate, Persatuan Alumni Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (Alumni KDSF) Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) SIUMAN Collective Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar, Disabled Disability Advocate Tay Chia Yi, Speech-language Therapist Dr Siti Sarah Aishah Suhaidi, Mother of autistic child and Paediatrician Dr Balkis Nachiah, Medical officer UD14 and parent of autistic children Datin Soheir Khatib, parent Alvin Teoh, Parent Advocate Tracey Tan, Parent Aaron Lim Hong Rong, member of Dewan Muda Johor (Jawatankuasa Pendidikan dan Penerangan) Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif, child rights advocate Teong Chia Ying, Occupational Therapist Teo Chai Hoon, parent Goo Tzy Yeen, Speech and Language Therapist Tok Swei Ing, Parent Koh Lee Kiaw, Parent Intan Nahariah Bt Yaacob, Parent and Advocate for Neurodiversity at Work Sherrene Teh, Registered Music Therapist Allida MS, Rare Disease Advocate Senator (Retired) Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba Radzi, President Persatuan OKU Sentral & Persatuan Para Menembak Malaysia. Leonard Ng, Spouse & SPELL user Kwan Wei Yen, Parent Sah Henn Wei, Parent Dunstan Lim, Chairperson & Advocate, Sarawak OKU Skills Development Association (SOSDA) Izyan Nadiah Md Noh, Disability-inclusion advocate, Mother of a rare disease child Raizil Emeli Juzilman, Parent of Autistic Son Ayu Syahira Binti Zaili, Parent Dr. Fahmi bin Hassan, Pharmacist Jeremiah Liew Yong Sin, Lecturer and Registered Counselor Mohamad Nur Firdaus Zulkifli, Medical Student Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, Ph.D., Director, Xiron ES & Person with multiple disabilities Miza Marsya Roslan, individual with Rare Disease & Rare Disease Advocate Ili Akmal binti Mohd Razif, individual with ADHD, asperger and mild autistic. Izzat binti Zaid, registered clinical psychologist Mohd Khairudin Rohani, Chemist Darshan Singh, Parent Surendra Ananth, Advocate & Solicitor Ahmad Razif Abdul Wahab, Parent to autistic children Nurulhuda binti Mohd Zaki, ADHD and Registered Psychologist, Founder of Shine and Hope Therapy Nur Adilah binti Md Nasser, registered Clinical Psychologist Toh Ting Jii, PhD student with AuDHD, mother to 3 boys with ADHD and Autism Ivy Josiah, Activist Nazril Aizudin bin Nasser Ansari, Autistic student, one of the victims affected by the discriminatory filtering. Dr Goh Xin Yi, Dentist and clinical hypnotherapist Siti Norziyana, President, Persatuan Dyslexia Malaysia Mohammad Aiman bin Amri, Registered Clinical Psychologist Lim Yee Hong, Level 1 ASD Student & Advocate. Zatur-Rawihah Ismail,Parent Alicia Chui, Level 1 ASD & Advocate SIS Forum (Malaysia) Law Phoy San, Parent Nur Hana Liyana binti Yusli, ADHD, Level 1 ASD, Autistic Advocate Tan Shi Yee, Level 1 ASD, Advocate, Accounting Lecturer, Neuroinclusive trainer, PhD candidate, student of Master of Arts in Psychology. Nur ‘Alyaa’ Basyirah Binti Nor Israj, Autistic and Diploma in Science student, UiTM Tapah Koh Wee Sun,Chairman of Persatuan Penyayang Kanak Kanak Istimewa Johor Bahru Chiau Boon Wei, Parent Chong Chia Wen, Parent Yeoh Ming Hwan, ADHD Adult with OKU card, Art College Lecturer. Emelyn Lee, Level 1 AS Fairus Farihah Binti Mohd Remly , Former Volunteer for Persatuan Mahasiswa Istimewa Universiti Malaya (PERMIUM) , Disability inclusion advocate. Jack Leong, level 1 ASD Nick Ng, level 1 ASD Emma, Former Volunteer for Persatuan Mahasiswa Istimewa Universiti Malaya (PERMIUM), Disability inclusion advocate. Abdul Adieka Amirul, MDD & Type 1 ASD. Autistic Self-Advocate. Gracious Yoong Chen Xin, ADHD and Level 1 ASD adult, self-advocate, student of Master of Arts (Visual Arts) in Universiti Malaya Ooi Ivan, ADHD+ Level 1 ASD, secondary school teacher Dr Ali Azman, Consultant Paediatrician and parent advocate, Green Apple Hippotherapy Meera Samanther, Parent Advocate, Women’s Rights Activist Vince Leong, A mentally ill person. Digital Marketing Analyst Jacintha Roland, Parent Moses Choo, Blind advocate for OKU rights, and former Member (2016-2021), National Council under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008 Irene Wong, mother of twins with ASD level 1, Quality Assurance Team Lead, Integrated DNA Technologies PTE Ltd Stephanie De Souza, Speech Language Therapist Wo Su Woan, lecturer Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) Ahmad Fawaz, Adult with ASD Dr Cheah Boon Eu, Medical Officer & Neurodivergent Individual Muhammad Salim bin Harmanain, Advocate & Solicitor with Cerebral Palsy, Disability Advocate DR MASTURA MAHAMED, Academician, media trainer, disability Inclusion advocate and person with cerebral palsy Alyson Su Ying Yeng, Parent of Autistic Child Haryati Mohd Nordin, Parent of Autistic Child Wan Maryam Binti Wan Zulkipli, adult with ADHD and ASD mild to moderate Christine Lee, Wheelchair User & 126Disability Advocate. Sam Wong, Wheelchair User & Disability Advocate. Lim Tien Hong (PhD), Blind advocate for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Nur Zahra Rihana binti Azam, Matriculation student Fatimah Az-Zahraa binti Amir Farid, Occupational Therapist Low Wei Lun, Adult with Autism Haji Mohd Zaini Mat Abas, Co-Founder, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pondok OKU Dr Nazean Jomhari, Researcher & Lecturer Universiti Malaya, Co-Founder Yayasan FAQEH Rohaniza Jamili, Parents of a neurodivergent child. Derrick Tan Jia Xin, Level 1 ASD Lee Khiam Jin (PhD), Vice President, Minds Association of Penang, parent Loh Cheng Kooi, activist Mariam Lim, activist Ivy Tan Jia Bao, Board-Certified Music Therapist, Founder of Life Tunes Music Dr Aida Abdul Aziz, Consultant Radiologist, Gleneagles Hospital Johor and mother of autistic son Chai Tze Ru, trainee clinical psychologist Engku Mohd Hairulnizam bin Tuan Ahmad, Chairman, Persatuan Autisme Terengganu (PAUT) Hasbe Zuraini binti Abu Bakar, Committee, Persatuan Autisme Terengganu (PAUT) Nurulhuda Bt Mohammed, mother of a magnificent asperger hfa son. Tee Sook Sing, Secretary of Persatuan Penyayang kanak-kanak Istimewa JB, mother of 2 children Chu Maw Nian, father of vision impaired OKU Dawn Tan, Parent. Qistina Ellysha Binti Rashid, trainee clinical psychologist Cheng Miao Shan, trainee clinical psychologist Karen Kee, mother to a son with ASD Level 1 Norsuriani Che Musa, mom of cp boy, Samuel Kai Mun Chew (PhD), Interpreter (BIM, ASL and IS -- spoken English, Malay and Mandarin) Nurul Izzah Abdul Aziz, mom of cp boy Muhammad Khairul Musa, NGO Vasanthi Govindan, Guardian of Autism teenager Tau Fong Kian, Mother of autistic son See Seow Chu, Computing Analyst and part-time teacher Nadia Mohd Ismail, mother to an ASD Level 1 daughter Noor Hafizar Hashim,mother of CP boy Dr. Adli Azam, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Father of autistic son Malicca Ratne, President, Soroptimist International Pearl of the Orient Dr. Nadirah Babji, Medical Doctor and public health/gender researcher. Wang Shu Xiang, Physiotherapy, NGO David Ananth, Charter President of Rotary Club Klang Central Fatimah Insyirah Binti Ahmad Kamal Peong, teacher at an autism centre. Rev. Ong Bee Leng, Chairperson of Pertubuhan Kebajikan OKU Beacon and Parent Advocate Teh Guih Poo, mother of autistic son Esther Ng Zi En, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Dr Wong Woan Yiing, Paediatrician Loke Pui Kuan, mother of ASD child Manjula Aryaduray, Secretary-Gabungan Anak-Anak Palsi Serebrum (GAPS), Mother of a teenager with Cerebral Palsy Saravanan Selanduray, Audiologist Kashmira Thiagarajan, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Dr Izam Suziani Ismail, Autism Advocate & Care partner, SPELL Licensed User. Ng Kok Ping, Father of ASD Child, Dr Shobhana Sivandan, Radiologist UD15 Dr Sankari Ganesh, Child & Adolescent psychiatrist Noraishah binti Ismail, concerned citizen Dr Connie Teo Kai Ru, Paediatrician Ivy Peik Luo Yin, Mother of 2 Boys with visually impaired Chai Jing Yun, Autistic adult Dr Ngim Chin Aik, Cardiologist Dr Woon Teck Kim, paediatricism Kok Huey Huey, mother of 2 ASD kids. Moong Lee Peng, mother of a child with Krabbe Arwinderjit Singh, Dad of twins Gan Jun Qi, parent to autistic child, Entrepreneur. Nur Athirah Mohd - Mother of CP girl and Sister at Peads ICU HM Karina Yong Ker-Ai, Senior Policy Researcher, and Public health Advocate Ooi Choon Ee, Adult with ADHD, Gym Owner Nurhidayatul Diana binti Ahmad Zaidi, Adult with ADHD Sam Loh Dhania Sorfina Binti Md Zaki Fadzil, ADHD, OKU, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Founder of At Peace Therapeutic Space Fahda Nur Ahmad Kamar, Member of the Board of Advisors, Anak Istimewa Selangor (ANIS) Madeleine Chang Huijia, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Azhanni bt Che Mo’in, mother to an autistic child. Syuhanaz Saharudin, stepmother to an autistic + ADD teenager Dr Michelle Chan, parent of a child with ASD Syafiqah Saharudin, Speech Language Therapist Dr Louis Siao, Dentist Dr Wong Leh Chen, Medical Officer Siti Athirah Saharudin, IT Officer Erni Fadzila Saharudin, Housewife CHAN KAM FONG, Teacher( PPKI) mother of a DS Mohd Hazree bin Zakaria, parent of an ASD child. Nor Hazairianty binti Abdul Razak, parent of an ASD kid. Mohd Mahanif Mamat, parent of an ASD child Laura Kho Sui San, Mind Brew, Mental Health Association of Sarawak Nur Nadhirah Aqmar Binti Izzar, Adult Asperger’s Hamidah Ismail, parents advocate Dr Choy Sook Kuen, Parent advocate, Founder Intervention Centre & Kita Family Podcaster Samudiswary Goby, Parent of CP child Ramanitharan Annamalay, Parent of CP child Lim Seh Cheen, parent Chua Hsiao Shang, Parent of an ASD child. Nor Syazwani Binti Aziz, Parent of a Specific Learning Disorder child Muhammad Hanifah B Mohd Halit, Parent of ASD son Nurfazila Yanti binti Mohd Fawzi, parent of CP child Melanie Cheong Suet Mei, Proud Parent of ASD teen Kevin Lim Li, Advocate Sandhya N. Sathesh, sister of adult ASD sibling Preetha Pillai, mother of ASD son Ong Yai Peng mother of ASD son Teo Hwee Joo, mother of ASD & ADHD son Sia Jia Lin, mother of ASD child Chia Wei How, father of ASD child

US federal courts targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks

US federal courts targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks

WASHINGTON : The federal judiciary’s information technology systems have been targeted by “recent escalated cyberattacks of a sophisticated and persistent nature,“ the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said in a statement on Thursday. The statement follows a Politico report late on Wednesday that the judiciary’s electronic case filing system had been compromised in a sweeping hack that was believed to have exposed sensitive court data in several states. Politico, which cited two people familiar with the matter, said the incident had affected the judiciary’s federal case management system, which includes the Case Management/Electronic Case Files, or CM/ECF, which legal professionals use to upload and manage case documents; and Public Access to Court Electronic Records, or PACER, which provides the public with pay-for access to some of the same data. The Administrative Office’s statement did not address the specifics of Politico’s reporting. It said the judiciary was focused on “further enhancing security of the system” and “working with courts to mitigate the impact on litigants.” - Reuters