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Public uni applications from UEC holders open June 30; PAS women's wing praises Tamil Nadu CM

6pm

UEC

  • Public university applications for students from non-national education streams - including Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders and tahfiz graduates - will open on June 30 through direct admissions to the respective universities, the Higher Education Ministry said today.

    Speaking at a press conference, Higher Education director-general Azlinda Azman said applications for this year would not go through the UPUOnline system, as preparations for the current intake had already been made under the existing framework since last year.

    Future applications, however, are expected to be channelled through the system under categories separate from the national curriculum.

    Azlinda added that admissions would be limited according to each university’s projected programme capacity, with selections made based on merit and prerequisite criteria set by the respective universities and their senate boards.

Tamil Nadu alcohol ban

  • PAS women’s wing has lauded the Tamil Nadu government under its new chief minister, C Joseph Vijay, for ordering the closure of over 700 liquor shops under the state’s Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation that are situated near schools, houses of worship, and public transport terminals.

    In a statement, wing chief Nuridah Salleh said controlling access to alcoholic beverages is vital to creating a safer and more peaceful environment for the people.

    PAS women’s wing chief Nuridah Salleh

    “The concern shown by the Tamil Nadu government towards their people’s voice, especially women who demand social protection and safeguard for families, should be commended and made an example,” she said.

    The PAS wing also urged all parties, including the government and civil societies, to enhance public policy, education and prevention efforts in addressing alcohol addiction in society.

    The move by the Vijay administration was not unprecedented, as previous Tamil Nadu governments under Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam parties have, over the years, introduced measures to curb alcohol consumption, including reducing the number of liquor shops.

Youth

  • Putrajaya is allocating an additional RM1 million for the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) this year, increasing its funding to RM5 million.

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who announced the matter during the 2026 National Youth Day celebration in Negeri Sembilan earlier today, said it was to strengthen the council’s role in advancing youth development in the country.

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

    “MBM is the sole youth association under the Youth and Sports Ministry. So this year, I agreed to increase it to RM5 million… last year it was RM4 million,” he said in his speech, as reported by Bernama.

    Anwar said the increase was also a recognition of MBM’s role as the main driver of the national youth agenda under the ministry, while reflecting the government’s continued commitment to supporting youth development programmes.

Politics

  • Youth group Mandiri has refuted allegations that it was used as a proxy by Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli to receive foreign funding to bring down Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

    In a statement, Mandiri executive director Amir Hadi regarded the accusation - made by an NGO representative based on information from a TikTok video - as politically motivated and intended to attack the group for speaking up against corruption.

    Mandiri executive director Amir Hadi

    “Mandiri is not a political party and is not involved in any power struggle, or any efforts to install or remove any prime minister. As a progressive organisation, we uphold democratic values and act within the framework of democracy,” Amir said.

    He said that Mandiri is unaffiliated with any politician and only cooperated with Rafizi in campaigns concerning former MACC chief Azam Baki’s shareholding and corporate mafia issues.

    Amir added that the group is also mulling legal action against the accuser and will decide after consulting lawyers.

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