Latest news with #Malay-based
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Ex-MACC chief will be an asset for Umno, says Puad
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: It was reported on Saturday that Dzulkifli Ahmad had officially joined Umno, through the Merbau Kudong branch under the Tasek Gelugor division. (File pic) PETALING JAYA: An Umno leader says former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad could be an asset to the party, particularly by providing checks and balances. Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said Dzulkifli joined the party through the regular process, without involving top-level negotiations. Advertisement 'He dealt with the branch and division chiefs directly (with respect to his application to join Umno). He's starting from the bottom, not using Umno as a transit. 'There was no red carpet and no promise of any positions. No big fuss,' he said in a Facebook post. Puad previously said that one of Umno's biggest mistakes was 'spoiling' Tengku Zafrul Aziz by giving him the red-carpet treatment. His comment followed Tengku Zafrul's decision to quit as an Umno member, and his plans to join PKR instead. Puad said Umno was happy to have Dzulkifli join the party, describing him as an asset who could help the party with issues of legislation, anti-corruption, and transparency. It was reported on Saturday that Dzulkifli had officially joined Umno, through the Merbau Kudong branch under the Tasek Gelugor division. Dzulkifli said he was joining as an ordinary member and that he had chosen Umno because of its past dominance. He also said he hoped to bring 'a new breath of life' to the Malay-based party. Speculation was rife that Dzulkifli would contest the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat during the 15th general election in 2022, but the rumours never materialised. He was appointed MACC chief on Aug 1, 2016 and resigned in May 2018 after Pakatan Harapan formed the government following its victory in the 14th general election. * 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
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Race-based politics losing appeal among young Malays
PETALING JAYA: Race-based politics may be losing its appeal among young Malay voters, with many saying they now care more about good governance and transparency. Speaking to theSun, several young Malays said they want leaders who focus on policies and national progress – not racial rhetoric. Multinational company consultant Safwan Johan, 25, said he supports the unity government formed by the Pakatan Harapan– Barisan Nasional alliance, although he emphasised that he personally does not support race-based politics. 'I think Malaysia needs to move past old divisions and focus on policies that genuinely benefit all Malaysians. For me, the most important issue is improving the national education system.' Safwan also said the Madani government has yet to make major breakthroughs, attributing this to persistent bureaucratic red tape and the lingering effects of previous administrations. 'I understand they haven't achieved anything groundbreaking yet, but I believe they deserve a chance for another term.' Similarly, branding and marketing executive Aizat Zainol, 26, said race should not be a factor when choosing a government. 'I disagree with voting based on race because Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural country. This value has been instilled in us since young. I believe the sentiment of 'fear of being ruled by other races' is merely an agenda used to win votes. 'What matters more to me is the work and performance of the politicians themselves.' This sentiment was echoed by administrative assistant Siti Hajar Ibrahim, 27, who said she does not support race-based political parties. However, she remains undecided about which coalition to vote for in the next general election. 'I'm flexible. It all depends on the government's performance. Voters will decide when the time comes.' Writer Rais Zulfahmi, 25, said his preference for Malay-based parties does not stem from racial superiority but rather from a belief that such parties are better positioned to address the community's needs. 'It's not that I'm racist or dislike other races. But as a Malay, I naturally have a slight bias towards parties that advocate Malay interests.' Rais also called for renewal in national leadership. 'Our country has seen former prime ministers coming from the same group of political elites, the same generation and largely the same parties. I think it's time for Malaysia to have a fresh leader with new ideas and a new vision for the country.' Another voter, who wished to be known only as Hashim, said while he values stability, he is open to voting for a change if the current administration fails to perform. 'For me, choosing a party isn't about race. It's about what they can deliver. 'I want stability, but if serious issues arise, there's a high chance I'll vote for the opposition,' said the 28-year-old tuition teacher. However, Hashim added that Malay-based political parties still have a role, especially given the socio-economic demographics of the country. 'The majority of Malaysians are Malay, and many of them fall under the B40 income group. 'So, I believe such parties are still necessary.'
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sg Petani MP slams PN over race politics
KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari has criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN) for what he calls a cynical use of unity rhetoric, following a Pas leader's defence of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's new alliance aimed at "restoring Malay power". "Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man must know that Dr M's proposal for all Malay-based parties to come under a single, broad coalition is a desperate and provocative move," he said in a statement. Taufiq, a PKR lawmaker, also accused PN of political opportunism, saying the coalition is attempting to present itself as a unifier of the Malay community despite a history of causing division. "They now pretend to champion unity, but both Dr Mahathir and Pas have repeatedly fractured the Malay community in the past," he said. Taufiq is an emerging leader in PKR party led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. PKR represents a multiracial party, and Anwar has pledged to protect the rights of all races in the country while promoting economic growth, with a special action plan to uplift the poor. Taufiq said the unity government under Anwar is a broad-based coalition with strong Malay leadership alongside representation from diverse communities and regions. On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir announced the formation of a new loose coalition — comprising Pas and Bersatu — to rally the Malay community in what he described as an effort to save it from political and economic decline. The event was attended by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, and Pas deputy president Tuan Ibrahim. Taufiq urged Malays not to fall for their rhetoric and not to be tricked by the "deceitful and irresponsible claims." "What does Mahathir even mean by "restoring Malay power?!
Malaysiakini
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Dr M to launch big umbrella to 'save Malays'
Summary Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is forming a Malay secretariat committee as a "big umbrella" to "save the Malays" by addressing issues affecting the community. The committee aims to return Malay-led government by focusing on Malay issues. PN is involved, but he claims it is non-partisan and that Umno is also free to join. In yet another bid to 'save the Malays' through returning political dominance, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday announced the formation of a Malay secretariat committee as a 'big umbrella' for the community. This follows a meeting with several political leaders - including from Perikatan Nasional - to discuss the secretariat. Among those present were PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, and PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Mahathir said the committee would serve as a platform to address issues affecting the Malay community that the current government had failed to resolve. 'We have agreed to focus on Malay issues—not party matters, but issues that concern all Malays. 'They (Malays) need fighters to champion their cause. Right now, they don't have a dedicated fighter. We're not concerned with other problems, we just want to focus on one struggle—the struggle to save the Malays,' he said during a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya. 'We know there are many problems faced by the Malays, and they can only be resolved if the government is once again led by Malays. That is why our struggle is to find a way to return to power, so we can address the problems faced by the Malays. 'We have agreed to form an informal movement, which we are calling the 'big umbrella', so that all Malays can be part of one group,' said the soon-to-be centenarian. When asked whether the movement would involve Umno, the main Malay-based party, Mahathir, who since his exit had led two splinter parties - Bersatu and Pejuang - said he was open to Umno members joining the struggle. 'Even if they are Umno members, if they agree with our cause, we will accept them,' he said.
Malaysiakini
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Dr M to launch big umbrella to 'save Malays'
Summary Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is forming a Malay secretariat committee as a "big umbrella" to "save the Malays" by addressing issues affecting the community. The committee aims to return Malay-led government by focusing on Malay issues. PN is involved, but he claims it is non-partisan and that Umno is also free to join. In yet another bid to 'save the Malays' through returning political dominance, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday announced the formation of a Malay secretariat committee as a 'big umbrella' for the community. This follows a meeting with several political leaders - including from Perikatan Nasional - to discuss the secretariat. Among those present were PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, and PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Mahathir said the committee would serve as a platform to address issues affecting the Malay community that the current government had failed to resolve. 'We have agreed to focus on Malay issues—not party matters, but issues that concern all Malays. 'They (Malays) need fighters to champion their cause. Right now, they don't have a dedicated fighter. We're not concerned with other problems, we just want to focus on one struggle—the struggle to save the Malays,' he said during a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya. 'We know there are many problems faced by the Malays, and they can only be resolved if the government is once again led by Malays. That is why our struggle is to find a way to return to power, so we can address the problems faced by the Malays. 'We have agreed to form an informal movement, which we are calling the 'big umbrella', so that all Malays can be part of one group,' said the soon-to-be centenarian. When asked whether the movement would involve Umno, the main Malay-based party, Mahathir, who since his exit had led two splinter parties - Bersatu and Pejuang - said he was open to Umno members joining the struggle. 'Even if they are Umno members, if they agree with our cause, we will accept them,' he said.
