
Creating artificial political barriers will not suppress China's development and runs counter to the mainstream understanding in the scientific and business communities, harming the interests of the entire world.
Creating artificial political barriers will not suppress China's development and runs counter to the mainstream understanding in the scientific and business communities, harming the interests of the entire world.
This photograph shows a general view of the courtroom during a non-binding ruling on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on July 19, 2024. -AFP
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has lauded a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel's continued occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) is unlawful and should cease immediately.
Wisma Putra said following the landmark ruling, all nations should compel Israel to abide by the decision and immediately end their support to Israel in continuing its illegal occupation of Palestine.
"Malaysia hails the landmark ruling of the ICJ in favour of Palestine rendered through its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the OPT, including East Jerusalem on July 19.
"The court, by an overwhelming majority, ruled that Israel's continued occupation in the OPT is unlawful and should end immediately.
"All new settlement activities should be ceased and all damages be compensated," it said in a statement on Saturday (July 20).
Wisma Putra said the ICJ ruling upholds Palestinian legitimate right to self-determination and that Israel's actions and policies contravene international law.
The Court, it said, also emphasised the collective legal obligations of all states and international organisations to end the illegal occupation by Israel.
The findings of the ICJ also affirm Malaysia's legal arguments presented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during the oral submission to the court on Feb 22.
"Malaysia will continue to support and strongly advocate for the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations," it added.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have been urged to register for their MyDigital ID now that the system is in place since June.
The MyDigital ID system now integrates with several government applications such as the Human Resources Management Information System Mobile, MySejahtera, MyJPJ and MyGov portal, with plans to incorporate banking and financial services as well.
MyDigital ID communication and promotion head Susie Annie Tamin said signing up early will enable Malaysians to fully utilise the system better down the road.
When individuals obtain their own MyDigital ID certification, she said, they will be able to log seamlessly into apps such as MySejahtera or MyJPJ.
“One of the benefits of signing up for the MyDigital ID is that you do not have to log in using different passwords but the one verification system instead for apps and portals.
“Another advantage of using the MyDigital ID login into MyJPJ is that the user will be auto-upgraded as an ‘advance user’, therefore it is not necessary for the user to perform another biometric verification at the JPJ counter for the purpose,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Explaining further how the system works, Susie said having a MyDigital ID certificate will protect users from online fraud as the password and certificate are unique to the individual.
For example, users lose access to their MySejahtera login when changing their mobile phone.
With MyDigital ID, the user will be able to regain access to the app and all their information there.
Last December, Mimos acting president and chief executive officer Dr Saat Shukri Embong said the MyDigital ID system would only be used to verify a user’s identity for login to government platforms and transactions, and data would not be collected.
He said the system only compares the information contained within a MyKad and a user’s fingerprint or facial features against existing data held by government agencies like the National Registration Department (NRD).
Mimos, which is in charge of the implementation of MyDigital ID, is planning to expand its registration kiosks to include both rural and urban areas in phases.
Susie said there are plans to have more services integrate with MyDigital ID but there is no deadline yet for the public to register for the system.
Since it was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in November last year, Susie said the acceptance level from the public has been positive with comments mostly centred on the technical aspect.
“Therefore, more promotion of the system will be carried out on social media and other methods.
“Most of the feedback we received from the public is on how to use the system. Right now, we are progressing to provide more information through press releases and talk shows as has been done when it was first announced,” she said.
Right now, the public can register for the MyDigital ID either online on the mobile app or at kiosks.
On July 10, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said MyDigital ID registration kiosks have been placed at 199 NRD branches and five branches of the National Information Dissemination Centre throughout the country.
So far, 465,924 users have registered for MyDigital ID. They include civil servants.
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PETALING JAYA: Aiming to establish a legal career, he decided to relocate to the Middle Kingdom with the expectation of a relatively short stay in the country.
“Yet, unexpectedly, here I am in my ninth year,” said Mah Soon Sin, an international legal consultant at a Chinese law firm.
The Melaka-born lawyer has become so proficient in Mandarin that locals often mistake him for a native speaker.
“Whenever I meet strangers or make new friends, they tend to think that I’m a local,” he said, adding that his accent is similar to theirs.
In addition to his linguistic abilities, the 39-year-old bachelor has participated in over 10 marathons in China.
The enthusiastic runner, who has worked in Shanghai, Qingdao and Hangzhou, said: “I have achieved a personal best by completing a marathon in three hours and 43 minutes in China.”
Currently based in Hangzhou, Mah said he appreciates the ease of travel between cities.
“I find it convenient here. Shanghai is a mere 50-minute high-speed train ride away, along with Suzhou.”
It’s easy to travel within this vast country, said Mah.
“I enjoyed exploring the cities. While I haven’t visited them all, places like Tibet have left me mesmerised.”
Looking ahead, he said Beijing could be his next destination.
“It beckons as a place steeped in history. The Forbidden City and other historical sites are truly remarkable and worth exploring.”
When it comes to food, Mah has savoured the diverse offerings rooted in the country’s geography and population.
“The culinary scene in China is a delightful mix of flavours.
“Sichuan dishes bring the heat while Shanghai cuisine leans towards sweetness, each offering a unique taste,” he said.
As for his vocation, Mah has found his career thriving in China.
Serving as a legal director and in-house counsel for multinational giants spanning ecommerce, high-tech, and traditional manufacturing industries, Mah has spearheaded a wide range of projects, from mergers and acquisitions to litigation.
“My work here is fulfilling, although demanding at times,” he said.
Reflecting on his early days in China, Mah remembered arriving in China alone in 2015 with limited knowledge of the country but armed with a strong desire to better himself.
“I distinctly remember arriving here with no friends and with just 20,000 yuan to cover my initial expenses.
“Although unfamiliar with China and lacking local connections, I was eager to establish myself.”
Mah said he was thankful for his enriching experiences and achievements in China.
“I have gained much insight (into the country). I am thankful for all that I have accomplished so far.”
As for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, Mah said, “I hope this relationship will deepen with more development between the two nations and their people.”
He encouraged young people to bravely pursue their dreams, even in a foreign land.
“With clear vision and preparation, we can overcome any obstacles and achieve our goals.”
Having worked in Malaysia and Singapore before finding his niche in China, Mah acknowledges that he misses home sometimes.
“I do miss the work-life balance in Malaysia, but I aspire to achieve more in my current environment.”
And when homesickness does strike, Mah has some familiar “companions” from Malaysia.
“My trusty blanket and pillow from my hometown still accompany me,” he quipped.
By ALLISON LAI allison@thestar.com.my