Latest news with #PuadZarkashi
Focus Malaysia
3 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
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Ex-MACC chief will be an asset for Umno, says Puad
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. '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.
Free Malaysia Today
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Parties don't have final say over Johor village heads, says exco
State exco Zahari Sarip said Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi's claim that community leaders were appointed based on the preferences of party division heads was inaccurate. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The selection of village heads in Johor undergoes a rigorous multi-level screening process and is not based solely on recommendations from political leaders or division chiefs, said a state executive councillor. Zahari Sarip, who handles rural development matters, described as inaccurate a claim by Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi that community leaders were appointed based on the preferences of party division heads. The selection of village heads is overseen by the district office and involves screening by various agencies, including the police, with input from the local community, said Zahari. 'The selection committee is chaired by the district officer, with related departments conducting interviews with the candidates,' Zahari told FMT. 'Candidates who score highly are referred to the state, but we still vet them further, including checking their community involvement. The notion that political parties make the final decision is simply not accurate.' He was responding to Puad's call for the Johor government to overhaul the village head appointment system. Puad's call followed the Johor state assembly speaker's suggestion that appointments be made based on performance, not political connections. The speaker also proposed forming a special committee to ensure only those who are truly committed are appointed to represent local communities. Zahari, who is Segamat assemblyman, said that not all appointees are from Barisan Nasional. 'I can't disclose specific areas, but it's not true that we only appoint from BN. There are village heads from other parties as well,' he said. 'That said, we take all complaints seriously and are considering expanding the selection committee to better reflect voices from various levels of society.' Committed despite low allowances Asked about the low allowances received by village heads, Zahari acknowledged that the compensation does not reflect the weight of their responsibilities. 'That's why we've consistently raised this with the federal government, urging them to increase the monthly allowance from RM1,200 to at least RM1,500,' he said. 'I've also reminded village heads not to use the low allowance as an excuse not to carry out their duties. If they're unwilling, they can resign – but thankfully, most continue to perform well.' He added that starting this year, the state government has also begun making Socso contributions for all 677 village heads to ensure they are protected while serving their communities.
Malaysiakini
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Puad: Zafrul may owe RM100m for 'party-hopping', PKR must be warned
Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi has urged the party leadership to review whether Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz can be held liable for RM100 million in damages for allegedly breaching his pledge as a BN candidate. This follows Zafrul's announced resignation from Umno, with intentions reportedly to join PKR.
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Umno's Puad says Tengku Zafrul just trying to fill Rafizi void, will be a liability to PKR
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 – Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi has criticised Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz following his resignation from the party, saying his entry into PKR would only burden the party. Puad repeated said Umno should not repeat its 'mistake' in rolling out the red carpet for Tengku Zafrul, which he accused of having 'no real loyalty'. 'Umno shouldn't mourn his departure. Let him go. He's simply trying to fill the void left by [Datuk Seri] Rafizi Ramli,' he was quoted saying by Free Malaysia Today, referring to former PKR deputy president. 'I believe Tengku Zafrul will become a liability to PKR.' Rafizi recently lost his post to Nurul Izzah Anwar, and has since resigned as economy minister. Puad said Umno had 'spoiled' Tengku Zafrul by appointing him as an election candidate, a division chief, a Supreme Council member, and finally with a Cabinet post as investment, trade and industry minister. 'It should never be repeated. Umno must stop bringing in individuals with no roots or commitment to the party. Tengku Zafrul never had any real loyalty to Umno,' he reportedly said. Puad, who is also Rengit assemblyman, claimed Tengku Zafrul had long distanced himself from Umno, skipping Supreme Council meetings, and should have been expelled sooner. Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul said he has resigned from Umno and announced plans to apply for membership in political ally PKR. The investment, trade and industry minister is also vacating his seat on the Umno Supreme Council as well as his position as its Kota Raja division chief. Tengku Zafrul previously said that he had joined Umno back in 1997. He served as CIMB Group chief executive for six years before resigning from his post after being appointed senator and the country's finance minister in 2020. He had contested the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in the 15th general election but was defeated by Parti Amanah Negara's Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.
