Persidangan Menteri Menteri Luar Negeri Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam (ICFM) Ke-27 : 27th Session of The Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) (26th July 2000)

Malaysia will be hosting the 27th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) scheduled to be held from 27-30 June 2000 in Kuala Lumpur in Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel. It would be the second ICFM hosted by Malaysia, the first being the 5th ICFM in 1974.

The ICFM is the second principal body of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which is responsible for the defining the policies of the Organization. It meets actually to examine the means to implement the general policy of the Organization. It takes decision on issues of common interest in accordance with the goals and objectives of the OIC which principally to safeguard the interest and secure the progress and well being of the Muslim Ummah.

The 27th ICFM is held at the dawn of the new millennium which brings with it new challenges to the Muslim Ummah especially in view of their lagging behind in term of social and economic development and technology. The situation would be further compounded with the so-called globalization and liberalization agenda currently espoused by the developing countries.

Globalization and a borderless world seem very attractive in this Information Age especially in view of the advances made in transportation and communication. While it provides opportunities for the creation of wealth and economic growth, it has brought with it new risks and threats. Malaysia and other developing countries strongly believe that globalization can bring benefits only if it is given a human face and if it is governed by rules and practices to protect the interest of poor and developing countries.

In this regard, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in its 27th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Kuala Lumpur had chosen Islam and Globalization as the theme of the Conference. It is hoped that the Conference would be able to provide better understanding on the issues involved and to prepare the Ummah in facing the perils of globalization.

It is estimated that around 700 delegates from 56 Member States of the Organization if the Islamic Conference and other participants will be participating in the 27th ICFM. Some 300 members of the local and foreign Print / Electronic Media will also cover the Conference.

Kenderaan Buatan Malaysia Siri II : Malaysia Made Vehicles Series II (9th July 2001)

Since the launch of Malaysia’s first car, Proton, in 1985 the Malaysian motor industry has since developed by leaps and bounds. Through advancements is technology, design and initiative Malaysia has produced the Tiara, Kancil, Kembara, Rusa, Satria, Putra, Inokom, Kenari TD2000 and the Waja. These vehicles are popular not only in Malaysia but also the world over.

50 Tahun Jubli Emas KWSP : 50th Golden Anniversary of EPF (1st Oct 2001)

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) was established under the EPF Act 1951. The EPF is a statutory organization that is responsible for providing financial security in the form of savings for its members upon their retirement.

Until 1958 the Director of Post administered the Fund and subsequent to that, the Board took over its operations. The EPF received its first monthly contributions, totaling RM2.6 million from 518,948 members in August 1951. Fifty years later, its membership increased to 9.7 million with annual contributions of RM20.97 billion.

During the early years, the WPF provided coverage only for certain categories of workers. Then in 1970, the EPF expanded its role to cover almost all workers.

EPF members are allowed to withdraw their savings for retirement purposes at the age of 55 and prior that age, they are allowed to withdraw part of their savings upon reaching 50 years of age, for housing, healthcare and other purposes.

EPF is administered by Board of Directors. The Fund’s headquarters is located at the EPF Building in Kuala Lumpur. The Fund has 14 States Offices and 48 branches throughout the country.

Hidupan Laut Siri V : Marine Life Series V (17th Nov 2001)

Our sea, our heritage.

The wonderous marine life with its unique and beautiful corals are the ocean treasures that requires protection and care for us and our future generation to enjoy. It is a marine ecosystem chain links with one another and the destruction of one of the chains will then destroy the ecosystem.

Pertabalan DYMM Tuanku Raja Perlis : Installation of His Royal Highness of Perlis (7th May 2001)

His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, D.K., S.S.P.J., D.K. (Terengganu), S.P.M.J., S.P.C.M., S.S.M.T., was installed as Ruler of Perlis on the 17th April 2000. His Royal Highness was born in Arau, Perlis on the 12th Jamadilawal 1362 of the Muslim calendar of 17th May 1943.

His Royal Highness received his early education at the Arau Malay School. He then continued his English primary education at the Wellesley Primary School and then at the Westland Primary School, both in Penang until 1955. His Royal Highness continued his secondary education at the Penang Free School before proceeding to England where he completed his formal education in 1963 at the Wellingborough Public School.

His Royal Highness was installed as the Crown Prince of Perlis on the 30th October 1960, while he was still schooling. His Royal Highness underwent the officer cadet course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England from January 1964 until December 1965.

Upon completing his training in Sandhurst, His Royal Highness returned home and joined the Malaysian Defense Ministry. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd regiment of the Malaysian Reconnaissance Corps from 12th December 1965. His Royal Highness also served in Sabah in 1966 and in Sarawak in 1967 and he was transferred to Pahang until resignation on the 31st December 1969 to concentrate on affairs of the state of Perlis.

On 15th February 1967, he married DYTM Tengku Fauziah binti Tengku Abdul Rashid, D.K., S.S.P.J., S.P.M.P., who carried the title Raja Puan Muda Perlis. His Royal Highness was installed for the first time as the Regent when His Royal Highness the Raja and Raja Perempuan of Perlis left for America and Europe from 23rd June 1967 until 24th October 1967.

In 1970, His Royal Highness served the army again after being appointed as Captain of the Local Territorial Army where he served from 16th November 1970 until 1st October 1972. His Royal Highness also served as the Commanding Officer of Regiment 504, an Army Reserved Unit, with the rank of Colonel. His Royal Highness was appointed Colonel-In-Chief of the Malaysian Rangers on 19th September 2000.

His Royal Highness was also actively involved in sports especially golf, tennis and football. In May 1971, His Royal Highness was elected President of the Putra Golf Club, a post he held until 16th April 2000. His Royal Highness is also the patron of the Perlis Referees Association since 1967 and held the post of the Yang DiPertua, Perlis Football Association for 18 years.

His Royal Highness is dedicated towards his people and takes great interest and care especially in the field of education. In 1986, His Royal Highness was elected the Chairman of the Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation, an organization formed to assists students in Perlis to further their studies in institution of higher learning, both locally and abroad. This, in return would help uplift the living standard in the state. His Royal Highness is also the Chancellor of the University Sains Malaysia.

His Royal Highness is keen on religious matters and is directly involved in the religious affairs of the state where he heads the Perlis Religious Islamic Council. His Royal Highness ensured that the religious understanding is based on the Fahaman Sunnah Wal Jammaah. To ensure that these teachings are spread and preached correctly throughout Perlis, His Royal Highness constantly seeks advice from religious experts in Perlis.