TMR

by AUFA MARDHIAH

MERCY Malaysia is calling for stronger governance and accountability across the humanitarian and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector as public confidence comes under pressure from recent allegations involving civil society groups.

Its president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus (picture) said the issue could no longer be treated as isolated, as the debate over NGO transparency has widened and affected public trust in the broader sector.

“We felt we had to do this. It’s our responsibility,” he said at a press conference of Mercy Malaysia’s governance and accountability workshop on May 19.

The workshop, the first in a planned series, brought together NGOs, government agencies, corporate representatives and audit firms to discuss gaps in governance, transparency and accountability within the sector.

Ahmad Faizal said Mercy Malaysia has also been reviewing its own internal processes, including its risk management framework and governance procedures, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability within the organisation.

Meanwhile, Life Care International Medical Group CEO Datuk Dr ‘Aliyah Karen said one of the main weaknesses in Malaysia’s NGO oversight framework is fragmented governance, as civil society groups can register under different bodies and operate under different sets of rules.

“One of the biggest issues is that there are many ways to set up and register an NGO in Malaysia. There are different regulatory bodies looking at slightly different types of organisations,” she said.

She said this has created uneven standards across the sector, including in reporting, fund management and the way organisations account for money raised from the public.

She also noted that the issue has become more pressing as Malaysian NGOs have grown from volunteer-driven groups into professional organisations with full-time staff, wider donor bases and larger financial responsibilities.

Ahmad Faizal said the public has also become more cautious, with Mercy Malaysia seeing more questions from donors following recent debates over NGO accountability.

He said the organisation’s general public funds have recorded a dip, despite Mercy Malaysia not being implicated in any allegations.

However, he said the impact should not be viewed only as a Mercy Malaysia issue, as public scepticism could affect the wider civil society sector, including organisations involved in humanitarian aid, conservation, climate change, animal welfare and policy advocacy.

Ahmad Faizal said accountability must therefore involve NGOs, donors and regulators, as each party has a role in ensuring that funds are raised, managed and used responsibly.

“NGOs for a long time, before we have been taking that part a little bit easily, thinking that because they are not for profit, it’s okay,” he said.

He said donors and the public should ask questions before contributing, while NGOs must be able to show how money is used and what outcomes are achieved.

Ahmad Faizal said Mercy Malaysia hopes future sessions can be carried out with institutional partners and regulatory stakeholders to build wider consensus on governance reforms.

At the same time, he cautioned that concerns over NGO governance should not be used as a reason to restrict civil society space.

“We would like to reiterate to the government that it also should not use this as an excuse to clamp down on civil society or restrict civil society space,” he said.

Ahmad Faizal said Malaysia may need better harmonisation of laws, the closing of loopholes and a suitable platform to strengthen transparency and accountability in the sector.

He said this could include studying models such as the UK’s Royal Charity Commission or developing a different structure suited to Malaysia’s civil society landscape.

The post Mercy Malaysia calls for stronger NGO governance without shrinking civil society space appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KANGAR — The Sessions Court here today acquitted and discharged the son of former Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli from a charge of submitting a false claim amounting to RM19,505.10 in February 2024.

Judge Datuk Nu’aman Mahmud Zuhudi ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Mohd Syafeeq Mohd Shukri, 37, after examining the witnesses’ testimony.

As such, the accused was not called to enter his defence.

“Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged, and the bail money of RM20,000 is to be returned,” the judge said.

On May 23, 2024, Mohd Syafeeq pleaded not guilty in the same court to a charge of submitting a government order to Nurul Nabilah Mohd Sukri, an administrative assistant at the District Administration Division, Perlis State Secretary’s Office, with the intent to deceive his principal. 

He was accused of having reason to believe that the claim document dated Feb 14, 2024, for RM19,505.10 in the name of Mohd Farid Abdul Hamid, related to beverage supply services for the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, at Tuanku Fauziah Hospital here, contained false particulars.

The charge was brought under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 (Act 694).

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the proceedings, MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Fariz Abdul Hamid said 11 prosecution witnesses were presented over the two-year trial period.

He said the prosecution will file a notice of appeal with the Kangar High Court against the decision within 14 days.

Mohd Syafeeq was represented by lawyer Mohd Fadhly Yaacob. — BERNAMA

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LUMUT — The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has issued a notice of demand to a Norwegian manufacturer following the cancellation of an export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship and land-attack missile system.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (picture) said the notice, seeking compensation for both direct and indirect losses, was sent to the company today.

“We are claiming both direct and indirect costs. The direct cost amounts to EUR126 million (RM583.47 million), which has already been paid, and we are also seeking substantial indirect costs, bringing the total claim to about RM1 billion.”

He said this to reporters after a working visit to inspect the progress of the littoral combat ship (LCS) project at the Lumut Naval Shipyard at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base here today.

Also present was Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain.

Mohamed Khaled said the direct claim of EUR126 million represented 95 per cent of payments already made under the RM634.7 million contract involving weapons systems for the LCS fleet as well as two other naval vessels, KD Jebat and KD Lekiu.

He said the Norwegian government had unilaterally revoked the export licence without prior discussions with Malaysia, despite the government having fulfilled all contractual obligations.

“We have paid 95 per cent of the contract value. But at the final stage, based on the chronology of events, the Norwegian government cancelled the export licence for the system unilaterally.

“They refused to issue the export licence because their new policy restricts the export of sensitive defence technology only to allies and close strategic partners.

“Meaning that the export is limited to members of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and countries regarded by Norway as strategic partners,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said the cancellation had triggered a crisis of confidence over international commitments and should serve as a lesson for Malaysia and its ASEAN partners in future dealings with Norway.

“When commitments can be cancelled unilaterally, confidence in the entire system will begin to erode. We hope ASEAN countries and nations that are not close allies of Norway will learn from Malaysia’s experience and avoid purchasing or dealing with Norway.

“For the Defence Ministry, I have also reminded them that future purchases, whether ammunition or otherwise, should no longer be sourced from Norway. We must be cautious when procuring from countries that may take similar action against us,” he added. — BERNAMA

The post MINDEF claiming RM1b in compensation from Norwegian firm over missile deal appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUALA LUMPUR — Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have been crowned National Sportsman and Sportswoman respectively at the 2025 National Sports Awards (ASN) at the National Sports Council (MSN), Bukit Jalil, here today.

The pair’s outstanding success on the international stage, particularly their world title win in Paris last year, which ended Malaysia’s 48-year wait for a mixed doubles world crown, earned them the prestigious awards.

For Ee Wei, the award is not only for herself and Tang Jie but also for all Malaysians who have continuously supported them. She described the recognition as a stepping stone towards achieving even greater success.

“Of course, after becoming world champions, there are still many targets to achieve and people certainly expect us to deliver more success. However, I feel this is an important journey with my partner because in sport, we have wins and losses.

“When we win, we celebrate together, and when we lose, we must rise again and overcome it to achieve better results. I believe that if we continue to work hard, stay disciplined and trust in God, we will be able to achieve something even better,” the Melaka-born athlete told a press conference during ASN 2025. 

Tang Jie said: “I feel that without Malaysia, we would not be at this level today. So this trophy is not only for ourselves and our families, but also for all Malaysians. It motivates us to work even harder moving forward.”

Meanwhile, para cycling ace Mohammad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin and para-swimmer Lim Carmen were named National Paralympic Sportsman and Paralympic Sportswoman respectively.

“I was really surprised and could hardly believe it because all my competitors are very strong, such as Bonnie (Bunyau Gustin) and Latif (Datuk Abdul Latif Romly), who are big names and win many titles every year.

“Last year I only won at the Para Cycling Track World Championships in Brazil, so even coming here as a nominee I was already grateful. When I was announced as the winner, I was really shocked,” said Mohammad Yusof from Kuala Kangsar.

The winners of the National Sportsman and Sportswoman as well as the National Paralympic Sportsman and Sportswoman categories each received a trophy, challenge trophy, certificate of appreciation and RM20,000 in prize money. 

For the National Men’s Coach Award, national sepak takraw coach Ahmad Jais Baharun was named recipient, while the National Women’s Coach Award went to Nor Hamizah Abu Hassan from pencak silat.

Sepak takraw continued its dominance as the national men’s team was named winner of the National Men’s Team Award.

The National Women’s Team Award went to the Duilian Wushu team comprising trio Tan Cheong Min, Lee Jia Rong and Pang Pui Yee. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the ceremony.

Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, his deputy Mordi Bimol, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Dr Norza Zakaria, Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin and MSN director-general Jefri Ngadirin.

Following is the full list of winners at ASN 2025: 

• National Sportsman: Chen Tang Jie (badminton)
• National Sportswoman: Toh Ee Wei (badminton)
• National Paralympic Sportsman: Mohammad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin (para cycing)
• National Paralympic Sportswoman: Lim Carmen (para swimming)
• Special Award: The late Datuk Hishamuddin Aun, Ikan Bilis Swimming Club & Petronas
• Sports Leadership Award: Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan
• National Men’s Team Award: Sepak Takraw Team
• Natioanl Women’s Team Award: Duilian Wushu (Tan Cheong Min, Lee Jia Rong and Pang Pui Yee)
• National Men’s Coach: Ahmad Jais Baharun (sepak takraw)
• National Women’s Coach: Nor Hamizah Abu Hassan (pencak silat)
• Sports Personality Award: No winner — BERNAMA

The post ASN 2025: Tang Jie, Ee Wei crowned National Sportsman and Sportswoman appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is working closely with leaders of friendly nations to secure the immediate release of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 detained by the Zionist regime.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said Malaysia is demanding that all activists involved be treated humanely and protected from any form of abuse.

“Malaysia demands that they are not mistreated, denied their humanitarian rights or subjected to any inhumane action simply for carrying the message of peace and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

“Pray that all these efforts will be eased, Insya-Allah. Hasbunallah wa ni‘mal wakil,” he posted.

Meanwhile, when asked about the government’s next course of action regarding the incident, Anwar said that Malaysia has lodged a formal protest over the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla and the detention of more than 100 activists, including 16 Malaysians involved in the humanitarian mission.

“We have already lodged a protest,” he said briefly when met after attending the National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony at Bukit Jalil.

Yesterday, the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC) confirmed that the Israeli forces had intercepted nine GSF vessels, with 16 Malaysians onboard, as of 8 pm Malaysian time.

SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the vessels were approached aggressively by Israeli naval forces while in international waters near Cyprus. — BERNAMA

The post PM Anwar: Malaysia working with friendly nations to push for release of GSF activists appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.