Latest news with #GE16
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Marang exit nothing to do with PAS presidency, says Samsuri
PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (right) is a former political aide to party president Abdul Hadi Awang. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has dismissed speculation he is not defending his post of Marang PAS chief so that he can vie for the party's presidency. Samsuri said his decision was simply aimed at allowing new leaders to take over the divisional post and to focus on preparations for the next general election (GE16). The Terengganu menteri besar also said there is no reason for PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to step down from the top post when the Islamic party is performing strongly. 'The question of (Hadi) stepping down doesn't arise. Why entertain such thoughts (about having a new PAS president) when the party is performing so well? 'The current momentum must be maintained,' he said, according to Berita Harian. Yesterday, political analyst Azmi Hassan told FMT that Samsuri's decision not to defend the Marang PAS chief's post could be a tactical move so that he could contest for a higher position in the party hierarchy. Azmi said relinquishing his long-held position might not just be about giving Marang PAS a breath of fresh air but possibly an early sign of Samsuri's greater political ambitions ahead of GE16. It was reported recently that Hadi, 77, had hinted at stepping down as PAS president due to health reasons, after leading the party since 2002. Following that, speculation began circulating regarding his successor, including calls for the continuation of clerical leadership in the Islamic party. Samsuri, a former political aide to Hadi, has been touted as a potential prime minister candidate from PAS, though the ulama faction in the party is said to be resistant to him taking the helm because of his technocrat background. PAS is expected to hold its party elections in September.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Next Economy Minister needs expertise and public trust, analysts warn
Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said that despite Tengku Zafrul's name being floated, he would need to contest and win a by-election first. Tenku Zafrul (left) and Anwar Ibrahim (right). - Photo by Bernama SHAH ALAM - The race to fill Cabinet's vacant Economy Minister post remains entangled in coalition politics and a shrinking pool of candidates, with much of the uncertainty centred on the next move of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, political analysts say. Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said that despite Tengku Zafrul's name being floated, he would need to contest and win a by-election first. "The name that has been thrown is, of course, maybe Tengku Zafrul but then he needs to win a by-election. But at least it would be from within PKR," she told Sinar Daily. Syaza also stated that while other names such as Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari have been mentioned, any such move would trigger new political balancing acts. "Maybe Amirudin, but he may need to let go of the MB-ship, which is another thing altogether," she said. She stated that bringing in an Umno leader such as Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani could disrupt party equilibrium within the ruling coalition. 'If we consider an Umno leader like Johari, it would disrupt the party balance. The best, I think, is to consolidate the ministry with another ministry,' Syaza said. For now, Syaza said it remains a 'wait and see' situation. According to O2 Research Head Anis Anwar, the challenge lies in managing expertise, coalition harmony and the risk of factional battles so late in the government's term. "The fifteenth Parliament is already nearing its end. Bringing in a non-partisan technocrat can serve as a strategic buffer, preventing any risk of party infighting or coalition disputes during the caretaker phases ahead of GE16," he said. The soon-to-be-tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) adds another layer of urgency, with continuity being vital to maintaining public confidence. "Markets and ordinary citizens alike expect the next minister to safeguard key policies already outlined in RMK-13, including subsidy rationalisation, EPF reform and labour-market modernisation," Anis said. Beyond expertise and policy continuity, Anis said the ability to communicate with the public effectively will be crucial. Following Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's high-profile departure, Anis said the importance of appointing a minister who can clearly articulate complex economic reforms. "Media-savvy communication skills are also crucial, as the public needs clear explanations of complex reforms to restore trust after Rafizi's high-profile departure," Anis said. Anis stressed the importance of securing cross-faction acceptability within PKR and the broader Pakatan Harapan coalition. "Failing to address internal tensions now could jeopardise the government's unity ahead of 16th General Election (GE16)," Anis 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.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
BN will field MCA, MIC candidates in GE16, says Zahid
PORT DICKSON: All Barisan Nasional component parties, including MCA and MIC, will continue to be given opportunities to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16). Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that this decision has been set by the coalition, including using its own symbol in the upcoming election, reported Sinar Harian. "I mentioned that in GE16, we will continue to use the scales as BN's symbol. "The parties within BN will continue to be given seats to contest. Although the election is still far off, that is the decision we have made," he said during a press conference after officiating the Port Dickson Umno division meeting here on Sunday (June 15). Also present were Negri Sembilan Umno chairman, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, and Port Dickson Umno division chief, Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli. He added that the contributions and sacrifices of MCA and MIC, in particular, should continue to be remembered as these parties were instrumental in Barisan's existence during Umno's split in 1987. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said it would be inappropriate for Barisan to abandon those parties when they are facing difficulties now. "During Umno's split into two in 1987, when there were Teams A and B, our friends in BN, especially MCA and MIC, were instrumental in BN's existence. "In GE14 and GE15, they faced issues as they could not retain their seats. Therefore, Umno must support our friends when they have problems, and this is the BN spirit that we must strengthen," he said. Ahmad Zahid also expressed confidence that Barisan's current component partners will continue to strengthen the party. When asked about the 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' expected to be held by PAS Youth on July 26, he said the opposition would continuously try to topple the government by any means. "The current government will not fall just because of demonstrations. "The opposition's attitude has always been like that. So, we should not worry about such attitudes (bringing down the government) and I think it's easy to criticise, but doing the work is hard,' he said. Ahmad Zahid urged the component parties in the unity government to continue strengthening the existing unity, thus ensuring that the current government remains until GE16.
Focus Malaysia
5 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
PMX needs to bridge widening trust deficit; even his call to pay more for avocado gets ridiculed big time!
ONE can imagine that whoever the Pakatan Harapan (PH) election strategy director is, he or she would be scratching his/her head as to how to defend the coalition's chairman ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16) which must be held before end-November 2027. Never before had Malaysians at large being so hyper critical with statements that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made – presumably they would previously take with a pinch of salt if the Madani government founder went off tangent with statements articulated in bombastic Malay or English for he still merits respect as the Prime Minister. But no longer so in recent times! Over the weekend, trolling was prevalent when PMX zeroed in on avocado by alluding that the expanded sales and services tax (SST) on imported goods targets wealthy consumers, hence the latter must be willing 'to pay a bit more' compared to fruits grown for local consumption such as banana and jambu batu (guava). However, PMX who is also the Finance Minister ended up getting criticised for having been detached from reality for his speech at the Madani Rakyat programme in Lumut, Perak yesterday (June 15). 'Can Anwar explain why local fruits are so terribly expensive? In the Klang Valley, rambutan are priced from RM10-RM12/kg, banana (RM7.50-RM8.50/kg) small pineapple (RM7/kg) and the same apply for watermelon and mangoes,' one netizen summed up for hundreds of online commenters. 'Durian is beyond most people's reach. People buy apples and oranges because they are cheaper than local fruits. 'Please don't insult us with the avocado example. If the government wants us to eat local fruits, please control the prices and not let the businessmen go havoc. 'With the SST on imported fruits, B40 Malaysians won't be able to afford fruits in their diet. The government is making the health of Malaysians worse. This is Reformati, not Reformasi!' Unprecedented trolling Even reiterating his commitment to continue clamping down on leaders who practice corruption regardless whether he receives widespread support or otherwise not only failed to convince the masses but worse, only invited a slew of jeering. Saya akan terus banteras rasuah tak kira dapat sokongan atau tidak – PM — Malaysiakini (BM) (@mkini_bm) June 14, 2025 The detractors pointedly trained their guns on Deputy PM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who been granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) by the Kuala Lumpur High Court for his 47 charges, including criminal breach of trust (CBT), corruption and money laundering involving the Yayasan Akalbudi funds. Or when will the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) start pursuing the wealth amassed by Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak who was formerly PMX's political secretary? Imagine how detractors just would not spare PMX some breathing space even for a safe topic such as youth empowerment on his own Facebook page. To re-cap, PMX's trust deficit gap has been widening at an alarming pace ever since the run-up to the May 23 PKR central leadership poll whereby his role as the party's president came under massive scrutiny amid cries that the reformasi spirit is dead. The backlash from PKR grassroots was so intense especially after incumbent deputy president Rafizi Ramli lost the second most powerful post in the party which effectively helmed the Madani government to PMX's eldest daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar with accusation of nepotism reverberating across the party. Retaliation from his own party members was so overwhelming in the aftermath of the PKR polls that PMX's social media administrators had to disable comments, particularly those related to his presence at the recent 18th PKR national congress on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. – June 16, 2025 Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
