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Focus Malaysia
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
MCA should treat gutsy Wong Siew Mun as Malaysia's icon of free speech, its ‘poster girl'
PUBLIC perception of MCA as an advocate in championing free speech has skyrocketed of late in tandem with its Pahang Youth chief Wong Siew Mun being summoned to Bukit Aman for disputing a request from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to telcos to collect mobile phone data. For that reason, she was being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 respectively for allegedly causing public alarm with the circulation of a statement and misusing network facilities. As MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has pledged to stand firmly with her – and even to provide her with legal assistance – Wong has suddenly found herself endeared to Madani government doubters as a fighter of people's right to freedom of expression. In fact, her courageous action in light of rife speculation of MCA exiting the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has given the grand old party of Malaysian Chinese a glimmer of hope to rejuvenate its 'tarnished-beyond-repair' reputation. Articulate with good command of Bahasa Malaysia, the 35-year-old who lost to DAP's Lee Chin Chen in the Bilut state seat contest during the 15th General Election (GE15) has charmed many pro-opposition voices who have begun to look up to MCA to replace the once firebrand DAP who is now a pale shadow of its former self. Interestingly, Wong whose trip to Bukit Aman on June 18 was featured in a video clip on the Facebook of opposition-slant blogger and political activist Ratu Naga received all-rounded applause for daring to 'tear apart the Madani government'. Berated at DAP, some commenters who are charmed with Wong's educated and professional poise even expect MCA to turn the table on DAP which they still perceive as 'seemingly communist and racist'. Only time will tell if MCA can turn over a new leaf by being the eye, ear, nose and mouth for check and balance – and mostly to fill the void created by the so-called 'fang-less' DAP ever since the latter become part of the Madani establishment. The bottom line is whether such role is more easily executed outside the realm of BN which is now a close ally of the Madani administration. – June 20, 2025
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sabah state polls: BN central, state leaders in sync
BANGI: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims by certain quarters that there is discord between the central and state BN leadership ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election. The Deputy Prime Minister said the leaderships remained aligned in principle and were merely conducting coordination efforts in preparation for the state polls. 'Upon review, I found that sometimes statements (by central and state BN leadership) are taken out of context. There are no differences in principle between the state's stance, especially UMNO and BN, and the central leadership's position. 'We frequently hold negotiations and discussions (regarding preparations for the Sabah state election),' he said at a press conference after officiating the National Community Development Department (KEMAS) Educators' Day at the national level here today. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, said that Pakatan Harapan (PH) need not act as a 'bridge' to connect BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the upcoming state election. 'This is because BN and PH are in agreement. Our decision is to open doors to other parties and coalitions (for cooperation). 'This matter is currently in the pipeline. I don't think a bridge or any other channel is necessary, God willing, we will engage in broader negotiations beyond GRS,' he said.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah polls: BN's central, state leaders in sync, says Zahid
BANGI: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims by certain quarters that there is discord between the central and state BN leadership ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election. The Deputy Prime Minister said the leaderships remained aligned in principle and were merely conducting coordination efforts in preparation for the state polls. "Upon review, I found that sometimes statements (by central and state BN leaders) are taken out of context. There are no differences in principle between the state's stance, especially Umno and BN, and the central leadership's position. "We frequently hold negotiations and discussions (regarding preparations for the Sabah state election)," he said at a press conference after officiating the National Community Development Department (Kemas) Educators' Day at the national level here Thursday (June 19). Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said that Pakatan Harapan need not act as a "bridge" to connect BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the upcoming state election. "This is because BN and PH are in agreement. Our decision is to open doors to other parties and coalitions (for cooperation). "This matter is currently in the pipeline. I don't think a bridge or any other channel is necessary, God willing, we will engage in broader negotiations beyond GRS," he said. - Bernama
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Decision to dissolve Sabah Assembly lies with me
Chief Minister Hajiji visits one of the families affected by the recent fire. PUTATAN (June 18): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has reminded all parties that the decision to dissolve the current Sabah government rests solely with him. 'That matter, I will think about it. Others do not need to overthink. As the Chief Minister, I will decide. But what is certain is that we will have the general election — whether sooner or later, it must take place,' he said. Hajiji who is also president of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), urged the public to be patient, assuring that the time will come when the mandate will be returned to the people to choose their next government. 'Just wait,' he said when asked about the potential dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly, following his visit to fire victims at Dewan Sri Putatan on Wednesday. Hajiji also confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding political cooperation, with a decision expected before any dissolution is announced. When asked about the role of Barisan Nasional (BN), Hajiji simply replied, 'Ask BN what they want.' Last month, Hajiji had expressed GRS's openness to cooperating with PH but noted the coalition might consider contesting alone if PH proceeds with its pact with BN. Meanwhile, the Sabah government has extended immediate assistance to victims of fires that broke out in Kampung Petagas and Bukit Vor on June 16 and 17 respectively, affecting 74 individuals from 28 families. Hajiji handed over aid to heads of households currently sheltered at the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Sri Putatan. To alleviate their burden, each household head received several forms of assistance, including RM1,000 in compassionate aid (BWI), RM1,000 from the Sabah Welfare Foundation (YKS), RM1,000 from the Sabah Zakat Centre under the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), food baskets and RM300 from the Sabah State Baitulmal Corporation. 'For household heads whose homes were completely destroyed, the State Government will construct Rumah Mesra SMJ on the existing sites. Those whose homes were partially damaged will receive financial assistance ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000,' said Hajiji. He added that 10 houses would be rebuilt under the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative. 'The State Government is deeply concerned and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of the people, especially during times of hardship,' he said. In the two separate incidents, 20 household heads with 46 victims were affected in Kampung Petagas, while Bukit Vor saw eight household heads with 28 victims impacted by the fire. Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Datuk Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong; Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari; Secretary of Home Affairs and Research Datuk Awang Shahminan Datuk Sahari; and Putatan District Officer Masawi Salleh.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy wants MIC to lead MCA in abandoning ‘sinking' BN ship
SHOULDN'T the MIC leaders start thinking on similar lines with some sections of the MCA on quitting the ineffective Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition that has come completely under the domination of UMNO? At least some MCA leaders have emerged in the open to debate whether the party should remain in the BN or face the ignominy of indignity and shame. Unfortunately, MIC leaders – at least some of them – have merely expressed dissatisfaction with UMNO in private circles. Maybe they are afraid that any move to abandon the BN coalition might invite retribution in the form of MACC's (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) investigations on some past scandals. However, if the present MIC leaders think that managing the party properties is more important than articulating the concerns and anxieties of the discriminated Indian community, then the question of the party leaving the fold of the BN is just academic. 'Emerging stronger' The consociational framework that used to be the basis of political bargain between UMNO and the MCA-MIC has been long abandoned due to racial arrogance of the former. If the MIC really believes that leaving the straight jacket of the BN coalition would free itself from pursuing the long-neglected interests of the Indian community, it should make the critical decision. I think that MCA having exhausted all avenues to better the lot of the Chinese community might be seriously thinking of abandoning the BN basically controlled and manipulated by UMNO. Contrary to what was said by UMNO supreme council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi, MIC and the MCA might not dig their own graves by leaving the B but emerge unconstrained from the quagmire. Yes, UMNO, MCA and MIC should be proud of their historical ties but when these ties are threatening to send these two parties into political oblivion of no return, then the threshold of history and camaraderie has long past. MIC should lead the way I always thought that Indians in the country always make the first political move in embracing the opposition forces or abandoning the outmoded political coalition. In 2008, it was the Indian community that first abandoned the BN coalition to embrace the opposition to be followed by the Chinese. Well, I think that if MIC has the interest and well-being of the Indian community that it ostensibly seeks to represent, it should part ways with BN before MCA does. If this happens, then MIC need not ask the question 'May I Come (MIC)' and what more, MCA need not ask 'May Come After'. Well, leaving the BN might endow both political parties with new political meaning of possibly a new dawn in the future of Malaysian politics. In the past, MIC might not have put up a good fight to protect the rights of the Indian community even though its symbolic and representative credentials were viewed positively by the community. Regrettably, under the present challenging political circumstances, MIC might even be robbed of its symbolic presence. – June 18, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia
