Now Anwar understands why BN did it, Umno Youth chief says of past political appointments
In a Facebook post, Muhamad Akmal also thanked the Tambun MP for what he described as finally understanding the Barisan Nasional (BN) government's previous actions.
'Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Prime Minister, for finally understanding what the BN government did in the past,' he wrote, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
Anwar, during his winding-up speech at the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) National Congress in Johor Bahru yesterday, said governments should be allowed to appoint qualified individuals, and such appointments were not a form of power abuse.
'We should give positions to those who are qualified, as a reward for their decades of service and contribution to the party's struggle,' he said.
He also shared that many individuals had sacrificed their careers and savings to support the party without expecting anything in return.
'I remember a man named Pak Kudus in Tanjung Karang. He was one of the earliest to support me after I was sacked, living only on a pension of RM1,800 a month,' Anwar said.
'There were academic lecturers and medical specialists who lost their jobs and spent hundreds of thousands of ringgit, yet never asked for anything in return and lived the rest of their lives modestly,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
29 minutes ago
- CBS News
Thai, Cambodian meeting in Malaysia in effort to resolve deadly border clashes
Thai and Cambodian leaders were meeting in Malaysia Monday in an urgent effort to resolve deadly border clashes that entered a fifth day despite mounting international calls for peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were holding talks at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting the negotiations as chair of the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The fighting flared last Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 260,000 people on both sides. Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand shut all border crossings with Cambodia, with an exception for migrant Cambodian workers returning home. Troops from both sides reported ongoing fighting Monday along border areas. Gunfire could be heard as dawn broke in Samrong in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, Associated Press reporters covering the conflict said. Maly Socheata, a Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson, said the Thai assault was "ongoing and strong" on Monday. Anwar said late Sunday that both sides would present their conditions for peace but "what is important is immediate ceasefire." "I hope this can work," Anwar was quoted as saying by Malaysian national news agency Bernama. "Although it's not as bad as many other countries, we have to put a stop (to the violence)." The meeting followed direct pressure from President Trump, who has warned that the United States may not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continue. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts. Both President Trump and I remain engaged with our respective counterparts for each country and are monitoring the situation very closely. We want this conflict to end as soon as possible." Before departing for Kuala Lumpur, Phumtham told reporters in Bangkok representatives of the U.S. and China would also attend the talks, as observers. He said the key focus would be on an immediate ceasefire but noted trust could be an issue as Cambodia hasn't stopped its strikes. "We have informed that we don't have trust in Cambodia. All they have done reflect that they are not sincere in solving this problem. So they have to show the detail how they will do to prove their sincerity," he said. The violence marks a rare instance of open military confrontation between member states of ASEAN, a 10-nation regional bloc that has prided itself on non-aggression, peaceful dialogue and economic cooperation. In a statement Monday, ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated concern over the rising death toll, destruction of public properties and displacement of a large number of people along the disputed border areas. They urged the two countries to resolve their disputes through negotiations and expressed support for efforts to find a middle ground during Monday's talks. The conflict also drew the attention of Pope Leo XIV. At the Vatican on Sunday, the pontiff said he was praying for all those affected by war in the world, including "for those affected by the clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, especially the children and displaced families." At an evacuation shelter in Cambodia's Siem Reap province far away from the border, Ron Mao, 56, prays for a ceasefire deal during the leaders' meeting Monday. She and her family fled their home 0.6 mile away from the front line when fighting broke out Thursday. They took refuge in a shelter but moved again to another camp farther away after hearing artillery shelling. "I don't want to see this war happen. It's very difficult and I don't want to run around like this," she said, "When I heard our Prime Minister go to negotiate for peace, I would be very happy if they reached the deal as soon as possible, so that I and my children can return home as soon as possible." The 500-mile frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The latest tensions erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics.
News24
29 minutes ago
- News24
Thailand warns Cambodia should ‘demonstrate genuine intent' ahead of peace talks
Thailand and Cambodia are fighting in their border regions. Peace talks are scheduled for Monday. At 35 people have been killed and more than 200 000 displaced. Thailand and Cambodia's leaders are due to meet for peace talks on Monday, as a festering territorial dispute along their shared frontier dragged into a fifth day of open combat. At least 35 people have been killed and more than 200 000 displaced since Thursday as the countries fight over a smattering of contested ancient temples. In an effort initiated by US President Donald Trump, Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet will meet at 15:00 (07:00 GMT) in Kuala Lumpur. China is also expected to send a delegation. Ahead of the talks, Thailand and Cambodia traded fresh fire and accusations. 'We do not believe Cambodia is acting in good faith, based on their actions in addressing the issue,' Phumtham told reporters as he departed Bangkok airport. They need to demonstrate genuine intent, and we will assess that during the meeting. Phumtham Wechayachai Cambodia's defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Monday was 'the fifth day that Thailand has invaded Cambodia's territory with heavy weapons and with the deployment of a lot of troops'. In Thailand's Surin city - 30km from the border and a hub of evacuees fleeing the fighting - 58-year-old Lamduan Chuenjit shared her leader's scepticism. 'I hope the negotiation goes well today and ends with a ceasefire,' the cleaner told AFP while sweeping a shopfront. 'But I do wonder how trustworthy Cambodia is.' On the eve of the talks, Thailand's military said Cambodian snipers were camping in one of the contested temples, and accused Phnom Penh of surging troops along the border and hammering Thai territory with rockets. The Royal Thai Army/Anadolu via Getty Images It said fighting was ongoing at seven areas along the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. 'The situation remains highly tense, and it is anticipated that Cambodia may be preparing for a major military operation prior to entering negotiations,' the Thai military statement read. On Saturday, Trump said he made a late-night call to both leaders, who agreed to 'quickly work out' a truce. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the summit - which will be mediated by Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim - was also organised 'with the participation of China' - a key trade and political ally. 'The purpose of this meeting is to achieve an immediate ceasefire, which was initiated by President Donald Trump and agreed to by both prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand,' Hun Manet said. Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that US officials 'are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts', while Anwar told domestic media he would focus on securing an 'immediate ceasefire'. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn marked his 73rd birthday on Monday, but a notice in the country's Royal Gazette said his public celebrations scheduled for Bangkok's Grand Palace have been cancelled amid the strife. Trump has threatened both countries with eye-watering levies in his global tariff blitz unless they agree to independent trade deals - saying he would 'look forward' to signing them once 'Peace is at hand.' Both sides have agreed to a truce in principle, while accusing the other of undermining peace efforts and trading allegations about the use of cluster bombs and targeting of hospitals. Thailand says eight of its soldiers and 14 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military deaths. The Thai military said it has returned the bodies of 12 Cambodian soldiers killed in combat. More than 138 000 people have fled Thailand's border regions, while around 80 000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia. With the skirmish enflaming nationalist sentiments, Thailand warned its citizens to 'refrain from any kind of violence, whether in speech or action' against Cambodian migrants living in the country.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Thai, Cambodian Leaders Set for Peace Talks After Trump's Tariff Deal Threats
(Bloomberg) -- Thai and Cambodian leaders are set for talks Monday to halt the deadliest clash between the neighbors in more than a decade, with the US and China sending envoys after President Donald Trump used tariff threats to press for a ceasefire. The High Costs of Trump's 'Big Beautiful' New Car Loan Deduction Can This Bridge Ease the Troubled US-Canadian Relationship? Trump Administration Sues NYC Over Sanctuary City Policy Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet are scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur at 3 p.m. local time, according to Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. The gathering will be at the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who's facilitating the dialogue in his role as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The first talks since clashes began on July 24 come within 48 hours of Trump saying Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to 'quickly work out a ceasefire.' After separate calls with Phumtham and Hun Manet on Saturday, Trump had threatened that Washington would not do a trade deal with either as long as the fighting continued. Before departing for the talks, Phumtham questioned Cambodia's commitment as clashes continued into early Monday. The discussions will focus on ending the hostilities and maintaining Thailand's sovereignty, he told reporters. 'After everything that has happened, we don't trust that they have sincerity and determination to solve the problems,' Phumtham said. 'Today's discussions will be focused on ensuring safety for all civilians and stopping aggression into our territory.' The Thai army reported fighting at multiple locations along the border. Cambodia's defense ministry said Thai forces used heavy shelling at two locations from around 3 a.m., the Khmer Times reported, citing a spokesperson. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US officials are on the ground in Malaysia 'to assist these peace efforts.' China, the top trading partner for both Southeast Asian nations and a major backer of Phnom Penh, is due to participate in the talks, officials from Cambodia said. 'Both President Trump and I remain engaged with our respective counterparts for each country and are monitoring the situation very closely,' Rubio said in a statement. 'We want this conflict to end as soon as possible.' Trump's tariff threat set off a series activities on Sunday with Anwar getting the two sides to agree to meet. Rubio also spoke to the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia and urged them to immediately de-escalate tensions. Speaking to reporters just before meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, Trump acknowledged the phone calls with the two leaders. 'I called the prime ministers of each and I said, 'We're not going to make a trade deal unless you settle the war.' A lot of people killed,' Trump said. 'And I think by the time I got off, I think they want to settle now.' With Trump's Aug. 1 tariff deadline looming, trade-reliant Thailand wants to avoid antagonizing the US president, especially as its officials have been holding talks to lower the steep 36% planned levy on its exports. Trump has claimed credit for helping halt border clashes earlier this year between India and Pakistan by leveraging trade measures. It's an assertion India has consistently denied but Pakistan has embraced. 'When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!,' Trump said on Truth Social after speaking to Thai and Cambodian leaders Saturday. Thailand's trade talks with the US have included offering expanded access for American goods to narrow a $46 billion trade surplus. Neighboring Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have already secured trade deals with the US in recent weeks. Thailand and Cambodia shouldn't have needed the pressure from Trump, and should have turned to Asean as a natural middle ground to mediate the conflict well before US intervention, said Fuadi Pitsuwan, a lecturer in international relations at Thammasat University in Bangkok. 'In the end, Trump will likely frame the situation as a win: he enforced a ceasefire while securing leverage' to impose punitive tariff rates, he said. Despite the economic stakes, Thailand has taken a firm stance ahead of Monday's talks. Officials say any ceasefire must be tied to bilateral resolution of the dispute, the withdrawal of troops, and a halt to the use of lethal weapons. Cambodia, by contrast, has said it is open to an unconditional cessation of hostilities. The talks are 'intended to listen to all proposals that could contribute to restoring peace,' spokesman Jirayu said. 'The Thai government remains committed to defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Every square inch of it.' The conflict, which escalated from months of simmering border tension, has killed more than 30 people and displaced over 150,000 civilians on both sides. Thailand has reported 22 fatalities, including eight soldiers, while Cambodia has confirmed 13 deaths, including five military personnel. Heavy artillery fire continued Sunday across their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilians. Thailand has responded by deploying F-16s and Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets to strike Cambodian military positions. Thailand and Cambodia share a history of border disputes, though relations have remained largely stable since a deadly 2011 clash that left dozens dead. The last major flare-up centered on the Preah Vihear temple, a historic flashpoint rooted in colonial-era disagreements. Much of the current dispute stems from maps drawn on differing interpretations of early 20th-century Franco-Siamese treaties, which defined the border between Thailand and Cambodia, then part of French Indochina. --With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse. (Updates with comment from Thai leader in fourth paragraph. An earlier version of this story corrected a chart to show latest tariff rate for Philippines.) Burning Man Is Burning Through Cash It's Not Just Tokyo and Kyoto: Tourists Descend on Rural Japan Confessions of a Laptop Farmer: How an American Helped North Korea's Wild Remote Worker Scheme Elon Musk's Empire Is Creaking Under the Strain of Elon Musk Dude! They Killed Colbert! ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
