Latest news with #Subang
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Subang a PKR safe seat, but incumbent not easily replaceable, says analyst
Wong Chen announced on June 8 that he would be taking a two-week break from work for a family holiday, during which he would ponder his future in politics. PETALING JAYA : PKR's Subang MP Wong Chen may have sparked some discontent among party grassroots recently, but may be hard to replace given his policy expertise and strong backing from the urban electorate, an analyst said. James Chin of the University of Tasmania told FMT that Subang remains a 'very safe seat' for PKR, and that the party could afford to drop Wong if it wished. However, he said, Wong's contributions went beyond grassroots politics. 'Wong is not easily replaceable. He is one of the few Chinese MPs actively engaged in public policy. He's also quite popular in the Chinese urban community – not because of the usual constituency work but because of his contributions to policy. 'He's also well-known and active in the diplomatic community in Kuala Lumpur. PKR might find that useful, especially when it needs to send someone to defend government policies internationally,' he said. Chin said Wong's recent frustration with the lack of reforms under the unity government arose from his long-time support for Rafizi Ramli and their shared push for change within PKR. 'Wong was in Rafizi's camp. It was all emotional for him after Rafizi lost (the deputy presidency). 'He saw himself and Rafizi as part of the reform group in PKR. It's obvious that he has come to the same conclusion as many Malaysians – that there have been no significant reforms under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim even after two-and-a-half years in government. 'Wong is just tired of pushing for reforms and nothing is happening. So now he's venting his anger,' he said. Wong drew flak from his own party recently after voicing frustration over the government's failure to carry out meaningful institutional reforms. Last week, Subang PKR deputy chief Wan Hasifi Amin said Wong's remarks were inappropriate for a party MP and called for him to step down if he was no longer aligned with PKR's direction. Wan Hasifi also criticised Wong for not attending a single divisional meeting since being elected to the PKR central leadership council in 2022 – a post he lost in the party's recent elections. Final decision rests with PKR's top leadership Chin said Wong's fate would likely rest with the party's top leadership and not the division, given his background and profile. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Wong was more of a technocrat than a politician, but still won his parliamentary seat because of PKR's support. 'It's unbecoming of a PKR politician to publicly show a loss of confidence in the party. He can't have the best of both worlds – enjoying PKR's platform while criticising the party. That sends a negative message. 'If he has truly lost confidence, he should voice those views internally, not through public criticism,' he said. Azmi said it was too early to speculate on candidates for the next general election, but acknowledged that Wong's remarks could jeopardise his chances of being re-nominated for the Subang seat. On June 8, Wong announced that he was taking a two-week break from work for a family holiday, during which he would ponder his future in politics. The former PKR central leadership council member said he could not shake a deep worry that the government led by party president Anwar would have little to show in terms of institutional reforms at the end of its parliamentary term. Wong lost his seat on the PKR central leadership council in the May party polls, while Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar for the deputy presidency and subsequently offered to resign from the Cabinet. Wong is a two-term Subang MP, having first won the seat in the 2018 general election with a whopping 92,353-vote majority before recording an even bigger win in the 2022 general election with a 115,074-vote majority. He was first elected an MP in 2013, when he won the contest for the Kelana Jaya seat for PKR with a 28,827-vote majority.
Free Malaysia Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Groove for a good cause at this charity concert
Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia's president, Francis Danker (fifth from left) pictured here with association members and several performers of the upcoming concert. (Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia pic) PETALING JAYA : Music has the power to unite, heal and inspire – and this July 5, Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia, also known as Musicians for Musicians Malaysia (MfM), plans to harness that power for a meaningful cause. Called the 'MfM Benefit Showcase: Giving Through Music', this event is aimed at raising funds for musicians in need throughout Malaysia and increasing awareness about their challenges. Set up in May 2019, MfM is dedicated to supporting local musicians in crisis, helping them achieve a better quality of life while empowering them to continue pursuing their passion for music. The charity concert, held at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, promises eight hours of non-stop live performances spanning a variety of genres: jazz, contemporary, pop, retro and country. The legendary David Arumugam and the Alleycats is part of the concert's star-studded lineup. (Mykakiseni Facebook pic) Guests can look forward to a stellar lineup featuring Alleycats, Stag, Strollers, Sons of Adam, Looking Good, Raja Badri Shah, Michelle Nunis & Friends, Roland Choi & Stephen Jay, Bala & Friends, Revolution, Michael Veerapan Quartet, Straits Kambradus, Sofa Sundays, The Thompsons Country Band, Karen Nunis & the Namahages, Wild Roses and Kaya. Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Warren Harding from Sofa Sundays, who is also a member of MfM said: 'MfM's efforts give us hope, and hope is a very powerful thing. It reminds us that we are not alone and there are people who care, who understand what we do, the skills and experience we have matter.' Sofa Sundays are all set to get you grooving this July 5. (Sofa Sundays pic) 'I think it's a very worthy and honourable effort by MfM to support the musicians whose talents have entertained generations of Malaysians and helped build up the music industry here. 'As young musicians new on the scene, it's truly a privilege to be able to contribute to this initiative,' said Delphine Thompson of The Thompsons Country Band. Her bandmate, Rouvin, concurred. 'Without the hard work of these pioneer musicians, the Malaysian music scene wouldn't be where it is at now. As young musicians, it's our job to support them to continue the legacy they started,' he said. Get ready to holler 'yeehaw' when The Thompsons Country Band takes the stage. (The Thompsons Country Band Facebook pic) Fellow band member Jocelyn Thompson added: 'The beautiful thing is how we, as young musicians, get to see first-hand how care – and not talent alone – defines the music here in Malaysia.' Summing up the spirit behind the concert, Francis Danker, president of MfM said: 'Every ticket sold, every note played, and every voice lifted will contribute to a cause that is close to our hearts.' MfM Benefit Showcase: Giving Through Music When: July 5 (Saturday), from 3pm onwards Where: Dewan Tunku, Kelab Golf Negara Subang, Jalan SS 7/2, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya Selangor Dress code: Smart casual with a collared shirt (no shorts or slippers) Packages available: RM 5,000 Diamond Hearts Table for 10 pax (inclusive of dinner and drinks) RM 3,000 Golden Hearts Table for 10 pax (inclusive of dinner) RM 1,000 Standard Table for 10 pax (inclusive of first drink each pax) RM100 Standard Ticket (inclusive of one drink, free seating) RM70 MfM Member Ticket (inclusive of one drink, free seating) Tickets are available for purchase here or at the venue on concert day. For enquiries, contact 019-282 2290 or send an email to musiciansmalaysia@ Note: Light bites such as chicken wings, fries, mee goreng and more will be available for purchase starting from 3pm. A buffet-style dinner will be served from 6pm onwards, with coupons available for purchase during the concert. Nasi lemak bungkus will be on sale from 9pm to satisfy any late-night hunger pangs after all the fun! MfM also welcomes contributions: Public Bank Account: 3213 9954 08 (Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia) Learn more about MfM on Facebook.
Free Malaysia Today
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Use internal channels to air grievances, S'gor PKR members told
Selangor PKR secretary Khairuddin Othman said members should focus on strengthening the party instead of making statements that tarnish its image. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Two Selangor PKR leaders have reminded members and elected representatives to refrain from making public statements that could damage the party's image. Selangor PKR secretary Khairuddin Othman said criticism should be raised internally to avoid creating a negative perception of the party. 'We urge all members to focus on strengthening the party in Selangor. Don't shoot ourselves in the foot with public remarks. 'We're part of the government, and we have internal party channels that should be used,' he told FMT. Earlier, Subang PKR deputy chief Wan Hasifi Amin expressed a loss of confidence in the constituency's MP, Wong Chen, and suggested he step down from the elected post if the party's struggle no longer aligned with his. He said Wong's recent statement, where he lamented the lack of reforms carried out by the unity government, was unnecessary, especially coming from a PKR MP. Wan Hasifi also claimed that the three-term MP did not attend a single divisional meeting since being elected a PKR central leadership council member in 2022, a post he lost in the party's recent elections. He called for Wong to be dropped as a candidate in the next general election, saying Subang PKR wanted an MP who was not 'distant' from the grassroots and heeded the voice of the people. PKR Youth deputy chief Izuan Kasim said all PKR leaders, including those at the grassroots level, should focus on uniting members following the party's recently concluded elections. 'PKR should be the voice of the people and help explain government programmes,' said Izuan, who is also the Kota Damansara assemblyman. 'I respect every member's views and criticism, but not all of them need to be aired through the media.' Wong announced on Sunday that he was taking a two-week break from work for a family holiday, during which he would ponder his future in politics. Wong said he could not shake a deep worry that the government, led by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, would have little to show in terms of institutional reforms at the end of its parliamentary term.
Free Malaysia Today
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
We've lost confidence in Wong Chen, says Subang PKR No 2
Yesterday, Subang MP Wong Chen expressed fear the government led by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would have little to show in terms of reforms at the end of its term. PETALING JAYA : A Subang PKR leader has expressed a loss of confidence in the constituency's MP, Wong Chen, and suggested he step down from the elected post if the party's struggle no longer aligns with his. Subang PKR deputy chief Wan Hasifi Amin said that Wong's statement yesterday, where he lamented the lack of reforms carried out by the unity government, was unnecessary, especially coming from a PKR MP. Wan Hasifi also claimed that the three-term MP did not attend a single divisional meeting since being elected a PKR central leadership council member in 2022, a post he lost in the party's recent elections. 'And, until now, no Subang Pakatan Harapan committee has been formed, when it could serve as a platform for cooperation among the PH components in the Subang parliamentary constituency. 'As the grassroots machinery, we in Subang PKR want to state our disappointment and loss of confidence in Wong Chen,' he said in a statement. Wan Hasifi called for Wong to be dropped as a candidate in the next general election, saying Subang PKR wanted an MP who is not distant from the grassroots and heeds the voice of the people. 'If Wong Chen feels that (the party's) struggle is no longer aligned with his, then the clear and principled move he should make is to step down (as MP) respectfully.' Yesterday, Wong announced that he was taking a two-week break from work for a family holiday, during which he will ponder his future in politics. The former PKR central leadership council member said he could not shake a deep worry that the government led by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would have little to show in terms of institutional reforms at the end of its parliamentary term. Wong was aligned with former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli during the party's elections last month. He lost his seat on the PKR central leadership council, while Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar and subsequently offered his resignation from the Cabinet. Wong was first elected an MP in 2013, when he won the contest for the Kelana Jaya seat for PKR with a 28,827-vote majority. He was then fielded to contest the Subang seat in 2018, winning by a convincing 92,353 votes before recording a bigger victory in the 2022 general election with a 115,074-vote majority.
Free Malaysia Today
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR's Wong Chen takes a break to ponder his future
Subang MP Wong Chen pictured at KLIA tonight before leaving with his family for a holiday in France. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Subang MP Wong Chen, a backbencher from PKR, said today he is taking a two-week break from work for a family holiday during which he will ponder his future in politics. In a brief yet contemplative posting on Facebook, Wong said he will be in France for more than two weeks, and hopes to rest, spend time with his children, and also contemplate his political future. The three-term MP also said he could not shake a sense of dread that the government led by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would have little to show in terms of institutional reforms at the end of its parliamentary term. 'So much time (15 years) and effort have been spent getting into power, but now, I can't help but feel a deep worry that we have so little reforms to show. I know we can achieve more reforms, and the only way to do this is us MPs must push the government harder from the backbench,' said Wong. Wong was aligned with former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli during the party's elections last month. He lost his seat on the PKR central leadership council, while Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar and subsequently offered his resignation from the Cabinet. In the lead up to the PKR elections, Wong had questioned the source of funds used to hold party events, pointing out that such events were not so lavish in the past. He had also reportedly said at a forum that going into politics had come at a personal cost and that the allowance received by MPs was not sufficient as they also had to cover constituency costs. According to published reports, backbench MPs may receive about RM27,500 in total allowances a month, while also supervising a constituency development allocation of RM1.7 million.
