Latest news with #PH-led
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Petrol price reduction shows govt has kept its promise'
KOTA BARU: The reduction in petrol price will silence critics who previously accused the PH-led government of breaking its long-standing promise to lower the prices of fuel. Kelantan Pakatan Harapan women's chief Dr Hafidzah Mustakim said the announcement of a package to relieve the rising cost of living by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reflected a serious and people-centric approach in delivering direct subsidies to those in need. "The prime minister has fulfilled his word. This shows the government listens and takes real action, not empty promises," she added. She also said the decision to double the allocation for Rahmah Sales from RM300 million to RM600 million was a clear demonstration of the Madani government's commitment to easing the people's burden, especially when essential items were becoming expensive. "This increase means more frequent Rahmah Sales, which are often referred to locally as 'Kedai Cari Rakyat'. Previously, each state constituency held four sales monthly. "With this boost, the programme can be carried out even more regularly, especially in rural areas where they are most needed," she said. Dr Hafidzah, who is Kota Lama assemblyman, described today's announcement as a milestone in government aid delivery, showcasing a deep concern for public well-being. "The RM100 one-off assistance for all Malaysians aged 18 and above also proves this government is fair and inclusive. No one is left behind," she said when met at her office.
Focus Malaysia
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy: Muhyiddin's grip with non-Madani party leaders crucial to bolster opposition unity
YESTERDAY (July 18), the head of Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, held a pivotal meeting with leaders of political parties not aligned with the current government. The three-hour meeting held in Kuala Lumpur was aimed at strengthening the opposition by forging unity among political parties operating outside the framework of the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition. Present at the meeting were leaders of Berjasa, PUTRA, Pejuang, Urimai (United Rights of Malaysian Party), MAP (Malaysian Advancement Party), PPP (People's Progressive Party), Gerakan, MIPP (Malaysian Indian People's Party), MUDA and several others. During the discussions, Muhyiddin gathered diverse views on how to enhance the opposition's appeal – particularly among non-Malay communities such as the Chinese and Indians. There was a collective recognition that both Bersatu and PAS need to adopt a more inclusive approach in strengthening ties with these communities. It was generally agreed that while the Indian community shows increasing receptiveness toward PN, the Chinese community remains hesitant though disillusionment with DAP appears to be growing. 'Madani losing appeal' A notable suggestion was made to form a political bloc separate from the PN coalition which is aimed specifically at garnering support from the Chinese and Indian communities. Overall, the meeting was seen as positive and productive, offering a serious platform to strategise PN's approach toward winning broader multiracial support. Recent by-elections were cited as examples: while Chinese voters may remain reluctant to embrace PAS, there is a discernible shift away from the Madani government as reflected in declining voter turnout and growing dissatisfaction. As the head of Urimai, I expressed my full support for the creation of a political bloc outside the government. Such a bloc could serve to consolidate the strength of the opposition – especially among Chinese and Indian voters – in anticipation of a more profound electoral shift in the next general elections. Finally, it was agreed that Muhyiddin would present the consolidated views of the party leaders to the PN supreme council to chart a way forward on the question of non-Malay support. While the Chinese and Indian communities may currently be cautious about fully backing the opposition, PN must take the initiative to engage with them meaningfully. It is only through mutual effort that both the non-Malay communities and PN can find common ground to overcome the PH-led coalition. – July 19, 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.
Focus Malaysia
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramsamy: Time to restore dignity; it's now or never for MCA to bid farewell to BN coalition
THE United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) fully supports the stand of some sections in MCA to break away from Barisan Nasional (BN) in general and UMNO in particular. Contrary to the warning issued by the UMNO supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, MCA is already in a deep mess within BN let alone digging its own grave by leaving the coalition. Although MCA has yet to make the final move, it is nevertheless clear that remaining in BN with UMNO's new-found ally DAP does not augur well for the grand old party of the Chinese. If UMNO can embrace its bitter political enemy despite years of bitterness and animosity, then UMNO in the eyes of the MCA has become unreliable and not trustworthy. Following the last general elections in 2022, UMNO was instrumental in not allocating ministerial positions for MCA and MIC. The latest assurance of UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that MCA and MIC will be considered for ministerial positions seems to be less than honest. Editor's Note: Zahid who is also the BN chairman had expressed confidence that MCA will remain in the coalition despite speculation of an internal push for the party to leave. 'There's no such thing (as MCA leaving BN). If it were happening, I'd hear it directly from MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong,' Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister said after launching the Port Dickson UMNO division delegates meeting over the weekend (June 15). 'Perhaps there are movements by certain quarters; I've been told about that but the decision of their central committee suggests otherwise. In the Cabinet appointments, UMNO grabbed all the positions leaving MCA and MIC with nothing. While there are reasons why the MIC is reluctant to leave the fold of the BN and more so the PH-led coalition, there is nothing for MCA to gain by prolonging its stay within the BN coalition. By prolonging its stay in the BN, MCA is only digging its own grave. Leaving the BN means among other things restoration of dignity and the chance to climb out of the coffin. MCA or the MIC cannot wait for the right circumstances to leave, decision must be made under the circumstances that present themselves. It is now or never for MCA that is on the verge of drowning in the tears of sorrow and indignity. – June 17, 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
Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Disillusioned non-Malays may punish PH without backing PN, says Ramasamy
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Urimai chairman P Ramasamy said it is also a mistake to treat all non-Malay voters, like Chinese, Indians and others, as if they think and vote the same way. PETALING JAYA: Even if non-Malay voters do not directly back PAS or Perikatan Nasional (PN), former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has warned that their frustration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could still carry serious political consequences. He said political discontent among non-Malay voters may manifest not through outright support for PN, but in other forms of political disengagement. Advertisement 'Under the right socio-political conditions, there is no guarantee that the non-Malays won't abandon a hypocritical or ineffective PH-led coalition. 'It could emerge in other forms — lower turnout, protest votes, or support for alternative opposition figures,' the Urimai chairman said in a statement today. He was commenting on Wong Chin Huat's analysis in an FMT report, in which Wong said PAS's bid to woo non-Malay voters dissatisfied with PH was unlikely to succeed due to the party's entrenched 'zero-sum' political framing that alienates non-Muslims. Wong had said PAS's political messaging often presents gains for non-Muslims as losses for Muslims. This narrative tends to alienate non-Malay voters, he added. However, Ramasamy argued that such analysis may overlook the diversity and evolving sentiments within the non-Malay electorate. 'Lumping all non-Malays into a single bloc is a form of essentialism that flattens the political distinctions among Chinese, Indians and other minorities. 'Their political calculations, sentiments and thresholds of tolerance differ.' Ramasamy said Chinese voters may reject PAS over ideological and cultural differences, but noted that some Indian voters are starting to shift — not because they support PN, but because they're frustrated with the PH-led government. He went on to say that non-Malay voters are not 'blindly loyal' and any support for PAS or PN would depend on whether the coalition moves beyond narrow ethno-religious politics to address minority concerns meaningfully. 'Political allegiances are fluid, and the Malaysian political environment is evolving rapidly.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Amanah targets Tanjung Aru, Karambunai, Lumadan, and Sulabayan
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 Text Size: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) plans to contest four Sabah State Legislative Assembly seats in the upcoming 17th State Election , targeting Tanjung Aru, Karambunai, Lumadan, and Sulabayan. According to its National Election Director, Mohd Sani Hamzan, the seats are located in the Putatan, Sepanggar, Sipitang, and Semporna parliamentary constituencies. Advertisement Sani noted that the final decision would depend on negotiations with Pakatan Harapan and other coalition partners. He emphasized that these four seats are the party's main focus. State Amanah Chairman Lahirul Latigu meanwhile added that discussions with PH have been 70 to 80pc completed. "Further talks are planned after PKR's elections. Amanah is also set to engage with Barisan Nasional following the Unity Government's recent announcement. "Amanah's membership in Sabah has grown to 18 districts, and we aim to continue expanding," he told a press conference today. Advertisement Despite not securing any seats in the previous elections, they are hopeful about their prospects in the upcoming election under the PH-led coalition. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
