Latest news with #15thGeneralElection

The Star
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Umno to continue driving Malay and bumiputra agendas
Strategic planning: Mohamad (centre) posing for a photo with other delegates at the opening of the Cheras Umno division meeting in Cheras. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will remain in the federal government to continue championing the Malay and bumiputra agendas, says party deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He described the decision as a strategic move, warning that exiting the government would allow another party to take its place. 'If we leave, another party will fill the gap within two hours. We don't want to be spectators on the sidelines. It is better to be in government, where we can drive new agendas suited to today's realities,' said Mohamad, who is also Foreign Minister. Mohamad, who is MP for Rembau, said this when opening the Cheras Umno division delegates' meeting here yesterday, Bernama reported. He cited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as one of the party's key focus areas. Although the portfolio is traditionally under the Human Resources Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had taken the lead in addressing gaps, particularly affecting Malay youths. 'Many are not dropping out because they failed exams but because they never sat for them. That's why we introduced the National TVET Policy, the National Tahfiz Policy and several other initiatives,' he said. Mohamad added that Umno was undertaking internal reforms to adapt to a shifting political landscape, following setbacks in the 15th General Election in 2022. 'The political reality now is that no party anywhere in the world can govern alone. That era has ended. 'We must be realistic. Although we have 192 divisions, our strategy should focus on constituencies we can win. Political idealism can be misleading and dangerous,' he said. He also expressed pride in Umno's internal unity, saying it was one of the few stable parties in the country. 'No one will support a party that's in disarray. We must maintain harmony and project ourselves as a moderate, peaceful force,' he added.


Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
PAS conveys gratitude to IJN for Hadi's successful heart procedure but dead silent on succession planning
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has rightly thanked specialists and healthcare workers at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for successfully carrying out the necessary treatment procedure on party president Tan Sri Hadi Awang without any complications yesterday (June 17). 'We greatly appreciate the expertise, efficiency and high commitment on the part of IJN,' applauded the Kota Bahru MP and Opposition chief whip in a statement this morning (June 18). 'Finally, we call on PAS members in particular and all citizens in general to pray together so that our country and all its people will always be in prosperity under God's protection from all disasters, calamities or epidemics, Insya-Allah.' Earlier yesterday (June 17), Hadi's son Dr Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi had revealed on a Facebook post that the procedure conducted on the 77-year-old seven-term Marang MP has been successful. Interestingly, all PAS branches in Terengganu were even instructed to hold a solat hajat to pray for the well-being of the cleric on the eve of his heart procedure. 'Let us together pray that Allah SWT facilitates all treatment matters and grants a complete recovery to the beloved Tuan Guru of the people,' Terengganu PAS secretary Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah had pointed out in a statement. According to Hadi's political secretary and Tumpat MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, there will be no visitors in the near future on the advice of the IJN doctors. Amid all the brouhaha over Hadi's health condition, it is perhaps most intriguing that there has been a deafening silence on succession planning within the Islamist party given it is no more a secret that the former's health has been deteriorating in recent times. In fact, PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar stressed that Hadi's leadership and ideas of are still needed in facing current political challenges and in strengthening the party's future direction. The Terengganu Menteri Besar further credited the former Prime Minister's special envoy to the Middle East for PAS' two greatest victories – enabling the party to emerge as one of the two largest parties in Malaysia by winning almost 200 seats at state elections and having the most parliamentary seats in the 15th General Election (GE15). 'His leadership and ideas are very much needed in continuing the party's work because this is not just a political struggle but it goes beyond that,' acknowledged Samsuri who is also the Kemaman MP. 'I don't think there is any question of Tok Guru's resignation. In fact, from the grassroots level to the highest leadership, we are praying for his health to return to normal.' The only clear indication for now is that should anything untoward happens to Hadi, the top echelon of PAS will still be helmed by an individual with an ulama (religious scholar) inkling as opposed to technocrats like Samsuri who is an aerospace engineering background. 'PAS leaders cannot just rely on the rule of law but must also understand the political climate. This is not about rejecting the professionals/technocrats but the party's leadership must come from the ulama rank-and-file,' asserted PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin. 'In the event of a vacancy, among the figures best known to the president is his deputy Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. However, the question of who will take over is not a pressing issue as long as Hadi is still willing and able to lead.' – June 18, 2025

The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘BN still silent on unity govt pact'
MCA vice-president cum Penang state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng. ( November 29, 2024 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star MCA calls for clear strategy ahead of next general election PETALING JAYA: Despite the general election being less than three years away, Barisan Nasional has yet to make clear its collaboration with the unity government in facing the next poll, says MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng ( pic ). 'This is a question that requires leadership and clear direction, yet it continues to go unanswered,' he said. The collaboration with the unity government or Pakatan Harapan remains unclear and requires urgent clarification, he said. 'As MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon rightly noted, MCA has given Barisan over two years since the conclusion of the 15th General Election to recalibrate and set a strategic path forward. 'To date, no decisive plan has been presented to the component parties,' Tan said in a statement yesterday. On April 29, Chong said that Barisan had not yet put forward a clear direction although almost three years had passed since the 2022 general election. Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted last Sunday as saying that Barisan would continue to use its scales as a symbol of the coalition in the next general election. He also said that Barisan component parties, including MCA and MIC, would continue to have opportunities to contest in the next general election. However, Tan pointed out that Ahmad Zahid's statement about Barisan contesting under its own banner 'lacked clear direction' for the national polls. 'While he suggested that MCA would have a chance to contest in the election, it needs clarification as the MCA leadership has not had detailed discussions with other Barisan component parties about seat distribution,' he said. As such, Tan said that in the spirit of partnership and unity within Barisan, the Barisan chairman should start a proper consultation process involving all component parties. 'Seat negotiations and electoral strategy should not be determined or announced unilaterally. 'These decisions should reflect the collective will and consensus of the Barisan coalition. 'The credibility of Barisan moving forward depends on its ability to operate with transparency, inclusiveness and a shared purpose. 'To regain the confidence of the people, we must respect coalition leadership principles, which have held us together through decades of service to the nation,' he added.


The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Zahid needs to clarify Barisan's election strategy, says MCA veep
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi must clarify whether the coalition will collaborate with the unity government or partner with Pakatan Harapan in the next general election, says MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng. Tan said that component parties require leadership and clear direction on this unresolved issue. On Sunday (June 15), Ahmad Zahid stated that Barisan component parties - including MCA and MIC - would continue to have opportunities to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16). However, Tan said that his party's leadership has yet to start detailed seat discussions with other Barisan parties. Tan also highlighted that Zahid's statement about Barisan contesting under its own banner lacks clear direction for the national polls. "While Ahmad Zahid recently suggested that MCA would have a chance to contest in the upcoming election, it needs clarification because the MCA leadership has not had detailed discussions with other Barisan component parties about seat distribution," he said. "As MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon rightly noted, MCA has given Barisan over two years since the conclusion of the 15th General Election to recalibrate and set a strategic path forward. "To date, no decisive plan has been presented to the component parties," Tan added in a statement on Monday (June 16). He urged that, in the spirit of genuine partnership and unity within Barisan, MCA calls on the Barisan chairman to start a proper consultation process involving all component parties. "Seat negotiations and electoral strategy should not be determined or announced unilaterally. These decisions should reflect the collective will and consensus of the Barisan coalition. "The credibility of Barisan moving forward depends on its ability to operate with transparency, inclusiveness, and a shared purpose. To regain the confidence of the people, we must respect coalition leadership principles, which have held us together through decades of service to the nation," he added. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of remembering the contributions and sacrifices of MCA and MIC, particularly during Umno's split in 1987. He stated it would be inappropriate for Barisan to abandon these parties when they are currently facing challenges.


Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Ex-MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad joins Umno
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 Text Size: BUTTERWORTH: Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad has officially joined Umno, submitting his membership form in a brief ceremony in Sungai Dua today. The Penang native said he took his time before entering politics, wanting to assess things carefully. Advertisement 'I feel the time is right. What matters most to me is continuing to serve the people of Tasek Gelugor, regardless of race or religion,' Harian Metro reported. Dzulkifli, now an ordinary member with no formal pact with party leaders or voters, said he chose Umno to help revive the once-dominant Malay party and offer it a fresh start. He had previously hinted at joining politics during the 15th General Election in 2022, with speculation he would contest in Tasek Gelugor although it never materialised. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia