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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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Experts divided over Bangladesh Asean bloc bid
PETALING JAYA: Bangladesh's renewed bid to join Asean has divided opinion among Malaysian experts, with some warning of geopolitical fallout and others highlighting possible strategic and economic gains for Malaysia. The proposal re-emerged after a meeting in Dhaka last week between PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar and Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who appealed for Malaysia's support for the South Asian nation's entry into the 10-member regional bloc. But analysts remain split on the viability of the move and its implications for Asean unity and Malaysia's national interests. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan questioned the logic of including Bangladesh, noting that it lies well outside Asean's traditional geographic boundary. 'Compared with Timor-Leste, which is within the Asean region, Bangladesh is quite distant.' Azmi said a similar proposal to admit Papua New Guinea, supported by Indonesia at last year's Asean Summit, failed to gain traction. 'If Papua New Guinea didn't get support from Asean members, then even less so for Bangladesh,' he said, adding that Dhaka's entry could stir geopolitical sensitivities involving both Pakistan and India. 'Among the 10 Asean member states, I doubt there would be much support for Bangladesh's inclusion. 'In contrast, Timor-Leste had strong backing from Malaysia and Thailand. For Bangladesh, I don't see any member likely to champion its entry.' On the other hand, International Islamic University Malaysia international law and relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Malaysia could stand to gain strategically from supporting Bangladesh's bid, particularly in trade, energy and maritime security. 'Economically, Malaysia could benefit from greater market access, increased investment flows and labour cooperation, given Bangladesh's large workforce and growing economy.' Still, Mohd Yazid acknowledged the geopolitical risks, particularly the risk of India gaining indirect influence within Asean, which could complicate the bloc's relationship with China. 'Malaysia should navigate this by framing Bangladesh as a neutral economic partner and emphasising shared development goals.' He added that closer Asean ties could lead to better protections for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia – one of the country's largest migrant groups – although any expansion must be approached with caution. 'Expanding Asean's size is not necessarily good. There should be in-depth analysis of the pros and cons.' Economist Prof Dr Geoffrey Williams offered a more critical perspective, warning that Asean is too fragmented to consider enlargement at this stage. 'Asean is not yet ready for expansion and inclusion of unstable new members,' he said, citing the unresolved tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Williams said Malaysia does not need Asean to deepen its ties with Bangladesh. 'Any economic benefits can be achieved through a free trade agreement with Bangladesh, covering the free movement of labour and capital and zero tariffs. Asean membership is not necessary.' He also dismissed the idea that the bloc would improve governance of regional labour migration. 'Improved labour mobility can happen if Malaysia removes the agency system and cuts corruption and vested interests.' Williams added that Asean's internal diversity – spanning absolute monarchies, military regimes and one communist one-party state – already presents significant obstacles to integration. 'Adding new countries will only make integration more difficult.' Asean has never yet admitted a country outside Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste remains the only non-member in the process of formal accession. Papua New Guinea, despite previous interest, has yet to garner sufficient support.
Free Malaysia Today
8 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
15 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.
