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Free Malaysia Today
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Bersatu's centrist shift questioned after backing Dr M's ‘Malay unity' effort
Bersatu leaders such as Hamzah Zainudin and Saifuddin Abdullah have been seen to be pushing 'rather moderate' views and actions of late. PETALING JAYA : An analyst has questioned Bersatu's sincerity in pivoting towards a more moderate and centrist political position, after lending its support to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest effort to supposedly restore Malay political power. Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin and others like Saifuddin Abdullah have been pushing 'rather moderate' views and actions of late, following Hamzah's election as Bersatu deputy president late last year. This included Hamzah's vision of a 'new national consensus' that goes beyond one race or religion and serves to close the gap between political and societal divisions in the country. Mazlan said this apparent shift for Bersatu was apt given Malaysia's multiracial environment, adding that it could even pose a threat to Pakatan Harapan, which has enjoyed the bulk of non-Malay support in recent general elections. However, he said non-Malay voters would stay away and not support PN after it lent support to Mahathir's new platform. 'People will now question whether Bersatu is sincere about bringing national reconciliation,' he told FMT. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said it was typical of politicians to use almost contradictory tones and themes in speaking to different audiences. As PN and Bersatu cannot afford to sacrifice its core support of Malay-Muslim voters, they would support Mahathir's new endeavour to unite the Malays, he said. 'To a Singaporean audience, and more so a reputable think tank like ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute where Bersatu's Wan Saiful Wan Jan was a visiting fellow in 2016, we would expect PN delegates to speak in quasi-liberal language, and in English to boot, making it less accessible to Malay kampung folk. 'But to a Malay-oriented audience, PN doesn't want to sacrifice its core support and will continue to support initiatives of venerable figures like Mahathir, notwithstanding the contradictions it poses,' he said. Fauzi added that this was not dissimilar to DAP, which would have certain leaders appealing to Chinese sentiments while others who may be more Western-educated take a more centrist tone in their rhetoric. 'In short, it's simply political doublespeak characteristic of identity-driven politicians.' Speaking at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute last month, Hamzah had unveiled PN's 'new national consensus' vision which he said must unite all Malaysians, from the political class to religious leaders and civil society. His party colleague, Bersatu Supreme Council member Saifuddin Abdullah, had also called for political parties to shift towards a centrist approach and avoid extreme political ideologies given Malaysia's diverse society. Saifuddin said moderation lay at the heart of Bersatu's new ideology premised on inclusivity, democracy, moderation, integrity, and compassion, adding that it reflected the party's commitment to serving all Malaysians. Fauzi said it was important to note that Bersatu's leaders had more than one school of thought driving their ideologies, describing the likes of Saifuddin and Wan Saiful as more inclusive with 'a flair in English'. On the other hand, he said Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and those aligned with the former prime minister were more inclined towards ethno-religious-centric politics. 'Hamzah, as front runner to succeed Muhyiddin at the helm of PN and Bersatu, treads both paths, knowing that at this juncture PN cannot afford to lose either school of thought. PN needs to appear inclusive without alienating grassroots Malay support.'
Free Malaysia Today
02-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
No need for teachers to lead mass movements again, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers aren't as visible as before but still play an important role in criticising government leaders, especially on social media. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) says there is no pressing need for teachers to lead mass movements as they did in the past, given today's political and social landscape. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers remain important voices when criticising government leaders, especially on social media, even if they are no longer at the forefront as before. He said the landscape has changed, with Malay society now more diverse and materialistic, meaning the old model of teacher-led activism is no longer necessary. 'In the past, Malay society did look to the teachers to lead nationalist movements. But the situation today does not demand such mobilisation,' he told FMT. Fouzi's remarks came in response to Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah's call for Malay teachers to revive their historic role in activism that helped shape Malaysia's independence, culture, and politics. Saifuddin said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts, contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. Fouzi agreed that teachers remain key agents of political change, though their contributions often go unrecognised. 'Their current role is to preserve Malay and Eastern socio-cultural values and empower the younger generation to build the nation,' he said. 'It is important not to sideline teachers in national agendas. Their views must be taken seriously. With 420,000 teachers nationwide, it's possible they could mobilise if the time is right.'
Daily Express
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Malay teachers must reclaim role as community activists, says PN leader
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Bersatu's Saifuddin Abdullah said Malay teachers have long played a pivotal role in shaping national identity and in community leadership. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: A Perikatan Nasional MP has urged Malay teachers to revive the historic role they played in activism that contributed significantly to the Malay independence movement, culture and politics. Saifuddin Abdullah said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. 'Historically, Malay teachers have provided crucial leadership and have taken management roles in political parties. 'Their involvement has enabled parties to reach their peak and played a key role in advancing the interests of the Malay community,' the Indera Mahkota MP said when delivering a keynote address at the Forum Pendidikan Melayu, organised by the Selangor Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semananjung, at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 'With teachers playing such key roles, they were known then as 'parti berjuang' (parties that led the struggle). Today, with fewer teachers involved, some parties have become 'parti berwang' (cash-rich parties).' Saifuddin, who heads the PN education bureau, also said teachers must be meaningfully involved in decision-making at all levels — from the schools right up to the education ministry. Advertisement To better support teachers, he proposed expanding the number of subject matter experts, increasing funding for education research, improving career schemes, and easing teacher workloads by hiring more support staff and clerical personnel. He added that these ideas were part of PN's education reform proposals, completed in March last year. They outline reforms in philosophy, policy, curriculum, technical and vocational education and training, digital technology, human capital development, governance, and broader stakeholder involvement by parents and alumni. * 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
Free Malaysia Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
‘New national consensus' must reject discrimination, says PN MP
Saifuddin Abdullah said there needs to be a new kind of politics based on the struggles of various races, as well as moderation and reducing extreme polarisation. PETALING JAYA : Perikatan Nasional's (PN) vision of a 'new national consensus' must include components that promote inclusivity and reject discrimination, says Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah. Saifuddin, a senior Bersatu leader and former foreign minister, said the proposal announced by PN deputy chairman Hamzah Zainudin was significant, as it sought to unite all levels of politics and civil society, regardless of race, religion, or region. Saifuddin Abdullah. He said any such framework must be grounded in religious values, historical and cultural experience, and the founding principles of the nation as outlined in the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara. 'To uphold inclusivity means enhancing the spirit of developmental partnership and consultation between the three key sectors of society – government, business, and civil society – in the decision-making process,' he said in a commentary published by Sinar Harian. 'There needs to be a new kind of politics based on a multiracial struggle, moderation, and centrism, while reducing extreme polarisation.' Saifuddin said the public sector must empower itself through commitment, expertise, and the use of technology, while the business community must strengthen its competitiveness to support Malaysia's growth as a trading nation. 'The government should facilitate the business sector by acting as a 'shareholder', not merely a 'tax collector'. 'Civil society must become more professional. The world of volunteerism has been enhanced with new approaches (such as the solidarity economy and social entrepreneurship),' the Bersatu Supreme Council member added. On the principle of rejecting discrimination, Saifuddin said no one should be left behind, marginalised, or be underserved. 'More specifically, there must be no discrimination against citizens based on religion, race, descent, birthplace, or gender.' Hamzah outlined his vision for a 'new national consensus' on May 22 at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. He said the initiative aimed to bridge Malaysia's political and social divides and chart a path towards a more prosperous future. His proposal centred on three core pillars: shared goals, shared prosperity, and compassionate governance.
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Ex-minister, UN experts: Anwar must now drive Asean's Myanmar shift
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has triggered an Asean reset on Myanmar and must now lead the charge for a new regional approach to be adopted at the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah and three UN experts on Myanmar opined. In a joint statement today, Saifuddin, along with Marzuki Darusman, Yanghee Lee and, Chris Sidoti, proposed that this initiative take the form of a new five-point consensus on Myanmar. They noted that since the 2021 coup, Myanmar's junta led by Min Aung Hlaing has...
