After Izzah's rally march, Nik Nazmi urges PKR divisions to sign petition
The former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister said that this should be the goal, rather than calling for the suspension of the nine PKR MPs, over their demand for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into judicial appointments.
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Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Race-based policies a thorn in both sides, says ex-Umno man
(From left) Shahril Hamdan, formerly of Umno, was at a panel discussion with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad of PKR and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal of Bersatu. KUALA LUMPUR : A former Umno leader has called for an honest national dialogue on how Bumiputera policies are implemented, as current approaches have bred resentment not just among non-Bumiputeras but also within the Bumiputera community itself. 'I think you need to make sure that whatever set of policies you have, reduce resentment,' former Umno Supreme Council member Shahril Hamdan said at the Malaysian student leaders summit held here today. 'There's too much resentment in this country,' he said. 'Clearly, the Bumiputera policy has been actioned in a way that has caused resentment among the non-Bumiputeras. And what's tragic is that you also have resentment from the Bumiputera community. 'Although they get Bumiputera privilege, they feel that they got a raw deal,' he said at a panel discussion on the mandate of the Madani government. Another speaker, former minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad of PKR said Malaysia should gradually shift away from race-based affirmative action to a needs-based approach, which was also seen in the 13th Malaysia Plan. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal of Bersatu called for the social contract to be renegotiated, through a national dialogue. He agreed that some reforms were overdue, saying: 'It's high time in certain areas, race-based policies need to be forgone.' However, he said he would continue to uphold Bumiputera rights and privileges as part of his political struggle, but without sacrificing justice for other communities, because strategic intervention or affirmative action in certain areas was still needed on a race-based basis. Shahril said Singapore also provides for Malay rights in its constitution, but does so without stoking public frustration. 'Nobody talks about it, because the way it is expressed is probably a lot smaller than ours, and secondly, it's done in a way that does not cause resentment.' He said Malaysia's constitutional provisions for Bumiputera rights are difficult to amend, requiring not only a two-thirds majority in Parliament but also consent from the Conference of Rulers. 'So how do we then action (act) the policy in a particular way that reduces resentment? And that's a worthwhile national dialogue to have, but it has to be done honestly and sincerely,' he added. Wan Fayhsal, in calling for renegotiation of the social contract, said: 'How do we go about it? Through political discussion. And there has to be a lot of engagements done by political parties and governments. It's a national dialogue to begin with.' Any shift towards a more inclusive identity must be preceded by public engagement, 'unless you want a somewhat equal identity of Malaysian-based politics or economic policy'. Nik Nazmi said affirmative action must also consider other factors beyond race. 'We need to look at gender, look at communities, and race in terms of how you push people to participate in the country,' he said. He said this shift was discussed in Najib Razak's government and remains relevant today. Current policies place excessive focus on race alone, which undermines the broader goals of equitable development, he said. The three political leaders were responding to a question on what each panel member thought about Bumiputera quotas and the relationships between Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar making tough calls in people's interest, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the people's interests by focusing on economic recovery, strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Madani government's approach was not limited to short-term gains but was framed with a long-term vision to guarantee the well-being of all Malaysians, regardless of race or background. "We can see how the prime minister consistently puts the people first. "In terms of the economy, various initiatives have been introduced to stimulate growth, stabilise the cost of living and ensure fair job opportunities for all," said Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president. He said this after officiating a casual engagement session with nearly 400 students of SMK Subang Bestari at Help University today. Ramanan said recent announcements under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is clear evidence that the government is serious about driving post-pandemic economic recovery amid global uncertainties. On unity, he described the Malaysia Madani concept as a crucial foundation in bringing together the country's multiracial and multi-religious society. "Unity is not just a slogan. It is translated through inclusive policies, fair distribution of assistance and continued support for all communities. Ramanan added that the political stability achieved through the cooperation within the unity government must be preserved for the continuity of national development. "No development can be achieved if the nation's politics remain unstable. "What we have today is a stable government led by an experienced leader who is willing to make tough decisions for the good of the people," he said. He said the public must not be swayed by negative narratives aimed at causing unease and division. "The people must be wise in their judgment. Under the Madani government, welfare is protected, economic opportunities are expanding and the nation is on the right track. "This is not the time for narrow politics, but the time to unite and build a better future," he said. Ramanan also urged Malaysians to continue placing their trust in Anwar's leadership, which he said was grounded in integrity, inclusivity and courage in defending the people's interests.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MIC risks political marginalisation if it leaves BN, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC could face a bleak future if it chooses to leave Barisan Nasional (BN), as it would struggle to compete with established multiracial parties amid Malaysia's increasingly competitive political landscape. Political experts believe that the Indian-based party's survival hinges on either remaining within BN, given how closely its identity is tied to the coalition, or undertaking major reforms to remain relevant in the country's political arena. This follows a statement by party president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, who said MIC is prepared to engage in discussions with any political party to ensure its survival and better serve the Indian community. He added that the decision was made in the party's best interest and not due to pressure from any external party. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said MIC could face greater political marginalisation if it exits BN, as it would struggle to compete with multiracial parties already gaining support among Indian voters. Speaking to the New Straits Times, Syaza said the party has long depended on BN's framework to maintain its relevance as the Indian community's representative. She added that MIC would also find it difficult to go head-to-head with more established multiracial parties such as PKR and DAP, which have broadened their appeal among Indian Malaysians. "It will be challenging for them to leave BN, as the party has long positioned itself as a representative of the Indian community within BN's larger framework. "This allows them to access resources that would not be available outside BN. "If they leave the coalition, it is unclear how they would compete with parties like PKR and DAP, who also attract Indian support," she said. Syaza added that MIC could only stand a chance outside BN if it goes through significant internal reform, brings in younger leaders and shifts its focus from race-based to issue-based politics. This, she said, could help it shed the perception of being a 'minor' party. However, even with reform, she believes MIC would still face stiff competition. "All in all, I think it is best for MIC to remain in BN but perhaps reinvent itself, much like what Umno is trying to do which is by reaching out to younger voters without losing its core base," she said. Echoing this view, Universiti Malaya political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said MIC is unlikely to survive outside BN due to its long-standing reliance on the coalition's political structure and the increasingly fragmented support among Indian voters. He said MIC's traditional strength was built within BN's consociational framework, alongside Umno, representing the Malays, and MCA, representing the Chinese, which provided it access to ministerial posts, patronage networks, and grassroots machinery. "Outside this framework, MIC risks being reduced to a symbolic actor without institutional backing," he said. Awang Azman also pointed out that the Indian vote is now heavily fragmented across Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and various groups, making it difficult for MIC to establish legitimacy without the support of a major coalition. He said the most strategic path forward for MIC is to remain within the coalition, led by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. "Umno under Zahid has shown adaptability by cooperating with PH, demonstrating political pragmatism over rigidity. "This stable and inclusive environment allows MIC space to rehabilitate its image and reconnect with the community through service delivery, policy advocacy, and youth outreach, without the existential risk of venturing into the unknown. "MIC's political survival is not viable outside BN unless it secures a guaranteed platform within a ruling coalition. "Its safest and most strategic path is to work alongside a rejuvenated Umno under Zahid and leverage the machinery of the unity government for the upliftment of the Indian community," he said. Political analyst Assistant Professor Dr Lau Zhe Wei said remaining in BN still offers MIC a viable support structure. He added that while the party may be open to cooperating with other coalitions, such overtures are unlikely to significantly improve its political standing. "For parties like MIC and MCA, there are only two options, whether to stay in BN or form an independent party and stand on their own. "It sounds promising to say they are open to working with other parties, but in reality, Pakatan Harapan does not need them and if they join PN, their fate could be even worse than in BN. "It is a gamble, they could either win independently or suffer even greater losses," he said.
