Latest news with #DrMahathir
Focus Malaysia
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy's gentle reminder to PMX: No automatic extension for Malaysian judges nor for its PMs
JUST as there is no automatic extension for the terms of judges, there is similarly no automatic process for extending the tenure of Datuk Seri Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Like the layered procedures required for judicial extensions, Anwar must also navigate a complex political path: he must win a parliamentary contest, secure a working majority, and obtain the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. In fact, extending the services of judges might be far simpler than Anwar securing a second term as PM. In his first term, Anwar only managed to convince the Agong to appoint him with the crucial support of parliamentarians from Sabah and Sarawak. Without their backing, his path to Putrajaya would have remained shut. Of course, Anwar aspires to serve a second term. But given the growing unpopularity of his government, such a scenario seems increasingly like wishful thinking. Thorny path ahead Anwar rose to power on the promise of institutional and structural reform. Today, those promises lie in tatters. Many Malaysians now believe that the reform agenda was less about genuine change and more about elevating Anwar to the premiership. His recent actions – particularly the perceived assault on the judiciary – have only deepened his unpopularity despite efforts to manufacture statistics suggesting otherwise. Respected judges may have left the bench with their dignity and integrity intact. In contrast, Anwar's potential exit from power may not be met with the same respect by a rakyat who had expected far better governance. While Anwar once spoke of institutional reform when he was in the opposition, governing has proven to be an entirely different matter. Twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad might have wanted a judiciary that facilitated the smooth functioning of his administration but it wasn't motivated by personal legal concerns. Anwar's motives, however, appear more self-serving. His desire for a weakened judiciary seems closely tied to the civil suit filed by his former research assistant Yusoff Rawther over allegations of sexual misconduct. Anwar had reportedly sought immunity from the Federal Court to have the suit struck out. This goes far beyond Dr Mahathir's approach – Anwar appears to want a judiciary that not only doesn't obstruct governance but actively shields him from legal scrutiny. While Dr Mahathir may have weakened the judiciary; Anwar has rendered it impotent. The deliberate decision to not extend the terms of three seasoned and respected Federal Court judges represents a systematic attempt to hollow out the judiciary. In short, institutional reform is dead in Malaysia. And with it, the promise of a truly democratic, accountable and just system of governance. – July 2, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim tourism packages The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Tun Mahathir drives Proton's first electric vehicle ahead of 100th birthday
FORMER Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 99, was seen behind the wheel of Proton's first electric vehicle, the 7, just weeks before his 100th birthday. In a video by on his Facebook page, the soon-to-be centenarian is seen driving the electric SUV. The SUV, rebranded from the Geely Galaxy E5 for the Malaysian market, marks a new chapter for the national automaker. Dr Mahathir, who will turn 100 on July 10, has long been associated with Proton, having initiated the national car project in 1979 as deputy prime minister. Proton was officially launched in 1983 during his first term as PM, with the iconic Proton Saga debuting in 1985. The 7, available in Prime and Premium variants under Proton's PRO-NET division, boasts a range of up to 410km and supports DC fast charging, reaching 80% in 20 minutes. However, real-world usage suggests a more practical range of around 350km per charge. Dr Mahathir's test drive symbolizes his enduring connection to Proton, which he nurtured from inception. Despite Proton's later challenges, including being overtaken by Perodua in sales and its 2017 acquisition by China's Geely, Mahathir's legacy with the brand remains strong.
Free Malaysia Today
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Malay unity a must for broader national consensus, says Bersatu man
The 'Malay umbrella' initiative was launched by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with support from leaders of Bersatu and PAS. PETALING JAYA : A Bersatu leader has defended the party's support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed 'Malay umbrella', denying claims that it contradicts its shift towards a more moderate and centrist political position. Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal argued that supporting the latest initiative to unite the Malays complemented, rather than contradicted, the party's efforts to reach out to non-Malays. The Machang MP said the two are not mutually exclusive but key building blocks in establishing long-lasting multiracial cooperation. 'In fact, Malay unity is a prerequisite for building a broader national consensus,' he told FMT. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. Wan Fayhsal rejected suggestions that Perikatan Nasional was veering towards far-right or chauvinistic politics, saying its approach was anchored in the higher objectives of Islam, namely to preserve harmony and peace among all races. 'We're not launching a far-right or ultra-nationalist movement. We simply want Malays to be aware of long-term issues that will affect them if we remain disunited,' he said. Any political party aspiring to govern the country must have the support of the Malay electorate, whose electoral participation and political awareness are still lacking, he added. PN's main components of PAS and Bersatu have already obtained a big chunk of Malay support, but Wan Fayhsal said it was insufficient and could be improved. 'We have to build enough consensus among the Malays first, among the scholars, among the teachers, among the kampung folks, before reaching the next step,' he said, adding that this was the approach even before Malaya's independence. On Wednesday, Mahathir launched his new Malay unity 'umbrella'' with the backing of PAS and Bersatu; it is aimed at restoring the community's political power and protecting them from political and economic decline. However, the initiative's theme appeared to contradict Bersatu's shift towards more moderate and centrist politics, when leaders such as deputy president Hamzah Zainudin had recently mooted a 'new national consensus' that went beyond one race or religion. Political analyst Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Bersatu's decision to back the 'Malay umbrella' would make people question the party's sincerity about bringing national reconciliation. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia described it as typical political doublespeak, where politicians use almost contradictory tones and themes when addressing different audiences. However, Wan Fayhsal said he believed that Mahathir's alliance was a sincere and necessary step towards political stability. He said the current government was on an unstable footing. 'Like it or not, the current government is in very bad shape because (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) has failed to muster Malay support until today. So until and unless the Malays warm up to the government, the country will not be politically stable,' said Wan Fayhsal, a former deputy national unity minister. Wan Fayhsal said the 'Malay umbrella' could also generate political interest and awareness among young Malays, adding that this was a key strategy for PN as it prepares for the next general election.
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Taking a leaf from Tun M, Ramasamy moots umbrella body to champion non-Malays' political, economic rights
LEGAL and constitutional protections are no longer enough to safeguard not just the Malays – but all Malaysians – from the looming spectre of economic and political decline. Twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently proposed the formation of an umbrella organisation to defend and promote Malay economic and political interests. His concern: the Malays face an uncertain and troubling future despite formal guarantees. Dr Mahathir believes that the current administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lacks sufficient Malay support to effectively defend their interests. On other occasions, Dr Mahathir has even suggested that the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition is politically dependent on the DAP, thus raising doubts about its ability to act independently or inclusively. But Dr Mahathir's alarm shouldn't just concern the Malays. The future of all Malaysians – including the Chinese, Indians and native communities in Sabah and Sarawak – is being called into question. UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin has pointed to legal provisions and the role of Malay rulers as safeguards. But these are formal structures without agency. Without proactive and visionary leadership, they cannot ensure the well-being of Malays or non-Malays alike. 'Fate of non-Malays equally worrisome' Although Dr Mahathir stopped short of detailing the exact economic, social or political threats, his warning speaks to a broader fear: the current government's inability to manage national affairs effectively. And while his message was targeted at Malays, its implications apply to every ethnic group in Malaysia. Dr Mahathir's emphasis on Malay solidarity seems calculated – an attempt to build a united front against the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar-led Madani government. Whether Malays will rally under his new political umbrella remains to be seen. Many have already shifted their allegiance from the PH coalition to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition which appears to support Dr Mahathir's latest initiative. While Dr Mahathir's concern is centered on Malays, the fate of non-Malays under the PH-led government is equally worrisome. Anwar's much-vaunted reform agenda has all but collapsed, replaced by political manoeuvring, favouritism and family politics. The so-called reformist seems more focused on securing legal and constitutional immunity than delivering real change. Meanwhile, the DAP – once the voice of disillusioned Chinese Malaysians – has retreated into the politics of silence and complicity. Among Indian Malaysians, their disillusionment with multi-racial parties within the PH coalition which began in 2023 has since accelerated. Perhaps it is time for non-Malay communities to consider their own umbrella coalition – a political force to defend their rapidly eroding rights in an increasingly fragmented and directionless Malaysia. The writing is on the wall: without meaningful reform and inclusive governance, the entire nation – not just the Malays – faces an ominous and uncertain future. – June 6, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: UKEC
Free Malaysia Today
06-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
PN trying to portray itself as Malay unifier, says PKR man
Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari said Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal for Malay-based parties to come under a single, broad coalition is a 'desperate and provocative move'. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : PKR's Taufiq Johari today accused Perikatan Nasional (PN) of attempting to portray itself as a unifier of the Malay community, following a PAS leader's defence of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's new alliance for 'restoring Malay power' in the government. In a statement, he said the former prime minister and PAS, a PN component, had 'divided the community many times before in the past'. He said Mahathir had quit Umno to form Bersatu and then Pejuang – all three of them Malay-based parties. PAS, meanwhile, had broken up Muafakat Nasional, an alliance between the Islamic party and Umno, the country's two largest Malay-Muslim parties, he said. 'Now PAS is the latest to jump on Mahathir's false assertion that a new alliance is needed to restore Malay unity. 'Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man must know that Mahathir's proposal for all Malay-based parties to come under a single, broad coalition is a desperate and provocative move,' he said. Tuan Ibrahim, the PAS deputy president, said last night that Mahathir's new platform was key to uniting the Malays. He also said that the proliferation of political parties was one of the main reasons behind disunity within the community. He said the democratic system had allowed the formation of many political parties and that a grand alliance involving intellectuals, corporate figures, politicians, and religious scholars was needed to unite the Malays. He also said that Mahathir's platform was different from PN, which was a coalition of political parties. On Wednesday, Mahathir announced a new loose coalition which would include PAS and Bersatu, to rally the Malays in an effort to save the community from what he described as political and economic decline. The event was attended by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, and Tuan Ibrahim. Taufiq, the Sungai Petani MP, labelled it a 'gathering of disgruntled leaders' whom he said were trying to distract the public with a false narrative. 'I urge the Malays of today to look to the future, and not be tricked by these deceitful and irresponsible claims,' he said. Separately, Urimai chairman P Ramasamy said while Mahathir's new initiative was targeted at the Malays, it had implications for every ethnic group in Malaysia. 'Perhaps it is time for non-Malay communities to consider their own umbrella coalition – a political force to defend their rapidly eroding rights in an increasingly fragmented and directionless Malaysia,' he said in a Facebook post.
