Appreciation for frontline personnel who tirelessly helped curb the spread of COVID-19 was a focal point during the debate on the motion of thanks for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's royal address at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
All the government MPs and those in the opposition bloc who took part in the debate thanked the national heroes for their efforts which have led to Malaysia being recognised as one of the five best countries in the world in containing the pandemic.
Opening his debate by proposing that the government create a special day to celebrate frontline personnel, Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (PH-Sepang) said the move was to express gratitude for all the sacrifices that have been made by those involved.
"It is time for us to express our gratitude for their (frontline workers) sacrifices with lasting appreciation like 'Frontliners Day' or Dataran Frontliners to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our safety," he said.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (BN-Pekan) who also touched on the same issue said Perikatan Nasional had taken over the government at the right time and implemented firm and uncompromising efforts to curb the epidemic.
"I would like to thank the Perikatan Nasional government and frontline personnel for making Malaysia one of the few countries in the world that successfully curbed the spread of the disease," he said.
Commenting further, the former prime minister said compared to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling, the PN government was seen to be more focused on curbing the spread of COVID-19.
He asked the government to act decisively to control import cases involving Malaysians returning home or among foreign visitors as it was one of the main reasons other countries had to once again enforce their respective restricted movement orders after believing they had managed to contain the pandemic.
Sharing his sentiment was Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun (Bersatu-Beaufort) who praised the efforts and wisdom of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in handling the spread of the disease with the support of cabinet and government officials, as well as the people who worked together to comply with government directives.
"Thank you and our appreciation goes out to the Director-General of Health, frontliners, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department who ensure that the country's problems are addressed together, even though the PN government has just taken over," she said.
Today's debate session also touched on the issue of national education that got the attention of Dewan Rakyat members such as Steven Sim Chee Keong (PH-Bukit Mertajam) and Azizah who raised the issue of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
In his debate, Sim suggested that the government implement a drastic shift in TVET education in line with the job market that prioritises the importance of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0. because the TVET approach cannot be limited to the technical stream alone.
Azizah, on the other hand, suggested that TVET graduates be given employment opportunities, especially graduates from the B40 group to help them get out of poverty.
Also getting much attention was Datuk Johari Abdul's (PH-Sungai Petani) proposal for the National Service Programme to be reintroduced with improvements through military involvement for an estimated one-year period to ensure the country produces a much braver and more disciplined future generation.
"I am confident of this after seeing some countries like China which in just 40 years has come out of poverty. Look at our former soldiers who have served the country. Their style, the way they carry themselves, act and think are different. They are not only able to help their family become successful but can help develop the country too," he said.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues Monday.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jul 16 2020
All the government MPs and those in the opposition bloc who took part in the debate thanked the national heroes. - Filepic/BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
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.