Arutchelvan: Honour Shahrul's sacrifice
In a poignant reflection, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan posed a burning question: Have the very hands that once ignited the flame of change now extinguished it?
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New Straits Times
42 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
PN endorses United Opposition Front to coordinate stand on key national issues
KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Supreme Council has reviewed and endorsed a proposal to form Barisan Pembangkang Bersatu (BPB), or the United Opposition Front, aimed at forging consensus on key national and public interest issues among political parties outside the ruling coalition. The proposal, presented by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today, outlines the formation of a structured platform to enable opposition parties to take joint positions on matters affecting the people and the country. In a statement issued after the meeting, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the objective was to coordinate efforts among non-government political entities and align their responses to issues of national concern through a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility. "The Supreme Council has agreed in principle to the formation of this opposition front and will initiate follow-up discussions with other political parties outside the government bloc," he said via the statement posted on PN's official Facebook page. He said the council viewed the proposal as a step forward in strengthening the voice of the opposition and ensuring the concerns of ordinary Malaysians are brought to the forefront of national discourse. "The supreme council sees it as a timely and necessary move to restore balance to the country's democratic process. We must unite all political forces outside the ruling bloc to ensure there is a credible, structured and effective opposition that can speak and act on behalf of the people," he said. Azmin added that further discussions would be held with other political parties and civil society groups before proceeding with the initiative. He also said that earlier in the meeting, which was attended by top leaders of all component parties, the council discussed preparations for the upcoming Sabah state election. "A central committee, chaired by opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, was formed to coordinate seat distribution, campaign strategies, and manifesto development. Among the concerns raised were over the long-standing infrastructure issues in Sabah, especially water supply, electricity, and road access, that are said to have burdened the people for far too long," he said. Azmin also reiterated that PN fully supported the Himpunan Turun Anwar rally, describing it as a peaceful gathering reflecting the people's demand for real change. "This is not merely a protest. It is the people's expression of frustration and hope for a better future, free from economic oppression and authoritarian governance," he added.
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
RM100 aid welcome, but inaccessible for many in rural Sarawak, say reps
Gerawat says the initiative, credited directly to recipients' MyKad and usable only at authorised supermarkets or mini markets, does not take into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities. MIRI (July 25): While the federal government's latest RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative has been lauded as a timely relief for many Malaysians, elected representatives from rural Sarawak have raised concerns that the current rollout mechanism risks leaving out communities in the interior. Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said the initiative, credited directly to recipients' MyKad and usable only at authorised supermarkets or mini markets, does not take into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities. 'Assistance that helps reduce the people's burden is always appreciated. However, for those in the interior without access to approved outlets, this RM100 becomes inaccessible, unless they travel to town, often spending more than RM100 just to get there. 'This defeats the very purpose of the aid,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted for comments on the aid distribution. To address the issue, Gerawat suggested expanding the Jualan Rahmah programme to remote communities and allowing the RM100 credit to be used there. He also proposed extending the validity of the aid to one year, to give rural recipients sufficient time to utilise it. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several Madani appreciation measures, including the RM100 Sara assistance, a freeze on toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a reduced RON95 fuel price of RM1.99 per litre. However, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau noted that many of the measures appear to be more applicable to urban populations, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. 'The only direct benefit for our rural folks is the RM100. But how can they use it if they have no access to the outlets, or if they don't have a MyKad?' he questioned. Dennis pointed out that some villagers in longhouses still do not possess identity cards, due to a combination of remoteness and logistical hurdles. 'It's not that they don't want to apply. Some were born and raised deep in the interior, and getting to the nearest JPN (National Registration Department) office, even during mobile outreach visits, is a journey full of challenges.' He added that fuel price reduction, toll freezes, and even EPF-related announcements hold little relevance in the rural belts of Sarawak, where roads remain limited and fuel prices are already higher due to transport costs. 'The delivery system needs to reflect the realities in Sarawak's interior,' Dennis stressed. Both leaders agreed that while the Unity Government's intentions are noble, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach risks further marginalising those living far from urban centres, unless a more inclusive distribution mechanism is adopted, one that reflects the unique needs of rural Sarawak. Their concerns are grounded in personal experience: Gerawat hails from Pa' Lungan, a remote village in the Bario highlands near the Malaysian-Indonesian border, while Dennis is from Long Bedian, deep in central Baram region. Dennis Ngau gerawat gala rural Sara aid
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Join us to inspect MyKiosk locations, Pahang MCA youth tells DAP
MCA Youth Pahang finds it deeply troubling that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and DAP leaders are using the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) early conclusion that there is 'no criminal element' in the MyKiosk project as a shield — not only to silence critics but to demand an apology from MCA. From the beginning, the MyKiosk initiative raised serious concerns. The project involved spending a substantial sum of public funds to construct over 7,000 metal kiosks, supposedly to raise public income and resolve illegal hawker issues. Yet these promises were never backed by sound planning or evidence-based policy. MCA Youth has consistently raised two fundamental questions: • Was the government overcharged for these kiosks? • Has the project, in practice, turned into another white elephant? It is absurd that DAP leaders deflect blame onto MCA and demand an apology, yet still refuse to explain whether MyKiosk is effective or if public funds were wasted. It's a classic case of attacking the messenger instead of answering the message. Key questions remain unanswered: Why did the Minister think 7,000 kiosks would raise public income? How would these 7,000 kiosks solve illegal hawking? What is the actual cost per kiosk — and was it overpriced? Instead of addressing these concerns, the government hides behind MACC's remarkably swift declaration. A one-day investigation followed by a blanket statement of 'no criminal element' hardly reassures the public, especially when no real explanations are provided. Malaysians deserve transparency, not political diversion. Minister Nga and DAP leaders continue to evade the real questions. Why did the Ministry believe that mass-producing kiosks would solve complex socio-economic issues? What data supported this plan? And who is accountable for the growing evidence — including videos and photos — that these kiosks are now abandoned, underused, or placed in remote, impractical locations? Ironically, the first person to call this project a 'white elephant' did not hail from MCA, but DAP's own Negeri Sembilan EXCO, Arul Kumar. Is DAP now accusing him of spreading misinformation? Or do they only demand apologies when it suits their narrative? True leadership means owning up to flawed decisions, not shifting blame. The MyKiosk debacle reflects a worrying trend: superficial, headline-grabbing policies with no real depth. Minister Nga should not dismiss valid public concern as political rhetoric. Malaysians are not demanding perfection but merely asking for responsible policies, honest answers, and meaningful outcomes. It is not MCA that owes the nation an apology. If anything, those who pushed forward a flawed and costly programme without foresight or accountability — and now refuse to answer for its failings — are the ones who owe the public an explanation. Meanwhile, MCA Youth Pahang invites DAP leaders to join us in visiting and inspecting the grounds of the MyKiosks and self-gauge on the suitability of the location and if the price justifies the construction costs. It is time to stop defending failed policies and start delivering results that truly matter. Wong Siew Mun Pahang MCA Youth chief
