Latest news with #PakatanHarapan
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sabah polls coming, but timing of assembly dissolution is my call, says CM
PUTATAN, June 18 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has confirmed that the state election will be held soon, though the exact timing of the state assembly's dissolution remains at his sole discretion. When asked about speculation that the Sabah State Legislative Assembly may be dissolved as early as next month, Hajiji declined to confirm the rumours. 'That's for me to think about. Others don't need to think too much,' he told reporters on Monday. 'As a chief minister, I will decide soon. But what is clear is that we will hold an election soon. Whether it is early or late, it must be held. So wait, we will leave it to the people to decide who they want as the government,' he said after meeting victims of the fire at Kampung Petagas. Hajiji however did confirm that preliminary discussions have been held with current partners Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding cooperation in the upcoming election. He said further talks are expected before the formal dissolution of the state assembly. 'There has been an initial discussion with PH, and we will complete it soon — before the dissolution,' he said. Hajiji has previously indicated his preference for continuing the working relationship between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah PH, which has governed the state in partnership since 2022 after a falling out with Sabah Barisan Nasional. However, the national PH leadership has also announced an electoral pact with BN, adding uncertainty to the alliance dynamics in Sabah and raising questions about seat negotiations and potential electoral clashes with GRS in Sabah. Sabah is expected to head to the polls for its 17th state election (PRN17) in the coming months or face automatic dissolution by November. The eight component GRS currently governs in partnership with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH), which comprises three components.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Malaysia Edition: MCA mulls cutting ties with PH
Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-coalition government, formed after the November 2022 general election, offers political stability after a series of short-lived administrations following GE2018. But after being sidelined from contesting in by-elections in the last two-and-a-half years, several divisions of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) are making loud calls to terminate its association with Datuk Seri Anwar's Pakatan Harapan when the next general election is called. The MCA's top leaders will discuss whether it should remain with Umno, which favours rival DAP. Meanwhile, Singaporeans heading to Johor will need to be more careful when disposing their waste, as the state government has taken more enforcement action against litter bugs this year. Johor is also beefing up anti-littering by-laws. Follow ST's coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
PMX should minimise speaking off the cuff on unfamiliar subject: GST ain't 'General Services Tax'!
'SHOULD 5% appear too small. Be thankful I don't take it all.' Those immortal lyrics were a sarcastic jab aimed at Her Majesty's revenue collector and sung by the Beatles way back in 1966 in the tune Taxman. Those same sentiments appear to remain valid in Malaysia in 2025. The target of Malaysians' ire? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is deemed the 'Taxman' by virtue of him helming the Finance Ministry Apart from imposing the Sales and Services Tax (SST) which is proving unpopular, PMX has been attacked for making a muddle of the issue. For starters, he referred to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as 'General Services Tax' in a speech at the Madani Rakyat programme in Lumut, Perak on Sunday (June 15). Such slip-up though unintended has proven costly in light of the widening trust deficit whereby detractors – both external (the opposition) and internal (from within his own political party) – are scrutinising every word that comes out of PMX's mouth like never before. With due respect, perhaps it is high time for PMX to take a step back from his fondness to speak off the cuff to instead read prepared script by his policy officers to minimise blunders especially on areas or topics that are not his forte. After all, why waste the effort of his speech writers who are all funded by Malaysian taxpayers yet their work is hugely unappreciated (barely used). Just treat this as a temporary antidote till the storm has calmed lest detractors are to capitalise on his missteps to the extent of harping on his academic past – 'this is the level one can expect from a (Malay) literature graduate in managing the nation's economy or financial matters'. Malaysians are well aware of PMX's past as a versatile/fiery orator but economic or financial matters are complex and cannot be easily mastered even by the subject matter experts given their constant evolving nature. 'Anwar Ibrahim proves that speaking based on a PDF is better than blabbering off the cuff,' a pro-opposition key board warrior pointed out on X in response to PMX's purported reference to GST as 'General Services Tax'. Anwar Ibrahim membuktikan bahawa berucap berdasarkan PDF adalah lebih baik dari menyembang ikut anak tekak. Sudahnya kantoi selama ni dia sendiri tak lepas maksud GST. Penatlah cytro nak counter lepas ni. — MY 🇲🇾 🇵🇸 (@saythenameayy) June 16, 2025 'In the end, he got caught off guard for not understanding the meaning of GST himself. (Pakatan Harapan) cytros are going to have a tough time countering this.' Also taking a potshot at PMX is former UMNO information chief Isham Jalil who teased the former for 'not fully comprehending GST and SST yet dare to tell others to attend courses on the matter'. 'He claimed that GST is General Services Tax or general tax. After that he expounded that GST is a tax for everyone, ie a general tax. This is not true,' contended Isham who was once a special officer to incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak (GST was introduced during the Najib administration). 'And he further claimed that SST is a tax on imports. If this is a slip of the tongue, we can forgive him. But this is not the case because he elaborated his understanding. This shows he doesn't know or understand at all about GST and SST. 'What a misfortune for Malaysians to have such a Finance Minister.' Another who gleefully attacked PMX was Tygrysku (@ashkravat) who accused the PKR president of being confused over such a fundamental issue. 'PMX said GST is General Services Tax – meaning all items are taxed at a flat rate of 6%. Clearly, he doesn't understand and is wrong which is terrifying because he is the Finance Minister and PM who is responsible for our tax policy,' justified the netizen. PMX kata GST tu General Services Tax — semua benda cukai pukul rata 6%. Clearly dia tak faham dan terkhilaf which is terrifying because he is the MOF and PM, people responsible for our tax policy. Dulu tak semua benda pun kena GST and ada item zero rated juga. Fundamental issue — Tygrysku (@ashkravat) June 15, 2025 'Even in the past, not everything was subject to GST for there were zero rated items as well. Fundamental issue.' – June 18, 2025
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
S'gor PH dismisses Azmin's claim that PN can take over state govt
Selangor PH secretary Khairuddin Othman says PN will face an uphill battle to take over the state, as its assemblymen have failed to effectively serve their constituencies. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Selangor Pakatan Harapan (PH) has dismissed Azmin Ali's claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is capable of taking over the state government at the next polls. Azmin, the Selangor PN chief, recently said the coalition could seize control of the state by winning 10 additional seats at the next state election. PN currently holds 22 out of 56 seats in the Selangor state assembly. Speaking to FMT, Selangor PH secretary Khairuddin Othman said PN would face an uphill battle to secure enough seats as its assemblymen had failed to effectively serve their constituencies. Acknowledging PN's right to aspire to govern Selangor, Khairuddin nevertheless expressed confidence that voters would be wise enough to determine which coalition genuinely prioritises their well-being. He said many of the Selangor government's current programmes had boosted public confidence in the state administration, giving PH a strong chance of retaining its position in the next state polls. 'With our strong track record in public welfare, we're confident we will reclaim PN's marginal seats in Selangor – not the other way around,' he added. In the Selangor state election in August 2023, PH, in cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), secured 34 seats and successfully formed the state government. Khairuddin also reminded PH-BN coalition members to avoid 'shooting themselves in the foot' by openly criticising one another, warning that such behaviour would only erode public confidence in the alliance.
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Focus on solutions, not seat deals, says Phoong
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Syakilla Maarof Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe ( pic ) said the State deserves leadership grounded in policy, not constant political manoeuvring. He urged politicians to move beyond seat allocations and instead focus on real solutions to Sabah's pressing challenges. Advertisement Amid speculation over Pakatan Harapan's role in upcoming state polls, Phoong said DAP remains committed to policy-first governance and measurable outcomes. He added that decisions on cooperation must prioritise the people's needs over personal ambition while praising the unity among Pakatan Harapan (PH) component parties. Citing his ministerial track record in industrial and renewable energy development, Phoong said DAP's results prove its readiness to help lead Sabah with substance. * 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
