The COVID-19 pandemic may have left a big impact on the country, especially on its economy but, on the positive side, it has also strengthened the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the people have shown that they are a caring society and, together with the government, even extended a helping hand, especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March.
He explained that COVID-19 had highlighted the goodness of the people, whether individually or as a group, which aptly ties in with this year's National Day theme of Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares).
"I agree that COVID-19 has made the good deeds of all Malaysians stand out. Actually, Malaysia Prihatin symbolises the positive life values shown by the people of this nation.
"Take for example the (caring nature of) fashion designers who collaborated with a group of 20 youngsters to sew personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) during the early stages when the country faced the COVID-19 threat," he said in an interview on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme yesterday.
Saifuddin also praised the actions of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who delivered food as well as the caring nature showed by individuals to their neighbours throughout the pandemic.
Touching on the different celebration for the National Month compared to previous years, Saifuddin said Malaysians have a high spirit of independence and such good appreciation in expressing their patriotic spirit in their own way.
He said that although there won't be any big celebrations, Malaysians should carry out activities which could illuminate the spirit of independence that could then be shared on social media.
He also called on Malaysians to further enliven the celebration of this year's National Day through their own creativity via social media, such as recording themselves singing the national anthem Negaraku with their families.
He said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will address the nation on Aug 30.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, will grace the National Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan on Aug 31 and receive the salute from members of the security forces before giving the royal address, which will be broadcast live.
"Normally, there is no royal address on National Day, but, because 50 years ago, we had the Yang di-Pertuan Agong declare Rukun Negara on Aug 31, so in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration, (of Rukun Tetangga), we want to have a royal address," he said
Bernama
Thu Aug 27 2020
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. BERNAMApic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.