Latest news with #Perikatan
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Perikatan's rejection makes things easier, says GRS' Armizan
PENAMPANG: Perikatan Nasional's rejection of cooperation makes Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) direction clear ahead of the coming state election, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali The deputy secretary-general said Perikatan's decision, led by chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, makes it easier for GRS to move forward without political ambiguity. 'In my personal view, we should thank Tan Sri Muhyiddin for making things easier for us,' Armizan said in a statement on Sunday (July 13). On July 11, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, speaking in Sandakan, described GRS's departure from Perikatan as a 'betrayal' — claiming that GRS had denied Perikatan its rightful seats and even though he was the one who had named the coalition and approved its registration. 'Working together again (with GRS) is very difficult, because it is a party that has denied us the government. Would you work with them if you were in my position?' the Perikatan chairman had told a reporter. Armizan, who is also Papar MP said Muhyiddin's remarks spared GRS from having to issue its own statement of rejection, which could be misunderstood. 'Firstly, without us needing to explain, he has made it clear that there was never any proposal for cooperation between both parties. 'Secondly, it saves us from having to issue a rejection ourselves, which could have come across as arrogant. Let others speak — we welcome it. 'Thirdly, our path is now more straightforward. Without us asking, Barisan Nasional Sabah and now Perikatan have both publicly rejected GRS. What truly matters is the support of the people — not of any political bloc,' he said. While stressing that he would not respond personally to Muhyiddin, Armizan said he was raised to respect political differences without resorting to personal attacks. 'In politics, I was taught to avoid making personal remarks — especially when it involves a former prime minister who is highly respected.' He urged Sabahans instead to pay attention to the tone of national leaders who continue to imply that GRS leaders owe their positions to West Malaysian political figures. 'We've heard statements like 'we made Hajiji an elected representative' or 'we chose him to be Chief Minister'. That mindset is exactly what needs to change in Sabah politics.' He said such statements reflect how major national coalitions continue to dominate decision-making — from candidate selection to leadership appointments — leaving Sabahans subordinate to West Malaysian party leadership. 'Those selected are expected to be loyal and obedient to the top leadership over there,' he said. Armizan said local parties like GRS offer Sabah a more independent future. 'With local parties, candidates are selected and endorsed by Sabah leaders. The Chief Minister is someone chosen from among Sabah-based parties, by the people of Sabah themselves.' 'Moving forward, it's time we send a clear signal — the master is not there, the master is here – the people of Sabah,' he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (June 11, 2025)
Malaysia: * Thanks, but no thanks: Perikatan won't back Rafizi's bid for RCI into judicial appointments, says Takiyuddin * Respect judicial appointment process in accordance with Constitution, says Anwar * China, Australia among seven nations in bilateral talks with Anwar * Malaysia's population to peak at 42.38 million by 2059, says Stats Dept * MACC: Late Daim has about RM3bil in assets overseas * PAC to recall witnesses, former independent director over MAHB share sale * Govt seeking to advance agriculture towards a sustainable future - Chan * MAHB privatisation: Amir Hamzah gave full cooperation during proceedings, says PAC * 'CEO Batu' charged again, with possessing obscene materials * MARC Ratings projects Malaysian economy to grow 4.4% in 2025 * Fair laws needed to protect domestic workers, human rights groups say * Govt seeking to advance agriculture towards a sustainable future - Chan * Najib's 'royal addendum': Govt respects views of all parties, says PM * Govt shelves 45-hour work week plans for over 82,000 healthcare workers * Amir Hamzah, Johari to serve as acting ministers until new appointments made, says PM * Johari Ghani takes over duties, functions of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister * Police probe claim of assault on singer Shila Amzah / Artiste Shila Amzah lodges police report, claims she was threatened by 'legendary' male singer US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gestures as he boards his flight before departing from Subang Air Base, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, on Friday, July 11, 2025, after attending the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' meeting. -- Photo: Mandel Ngan/AP Singapore: * China and US to lead as usual and aquatics chief expects record medal spread at World Swimming Championships in Singapore * HK superstar Jacky Cheung adds three more encore concerts in Singapore, bringing total to six shows * Singaporean who defaulted on NS obligations used fake Malaysian passports at checkpoints over 800 times * Man who abused and killed five-year-old daughter gets life sentence after appeal against 35-year jail term * Trump's pick for Singapore envoy struggles to answer questions at Senate confirmation hearing * Singapore youth who performed lewd act on cat ordered to undergo probation * Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty * Singapore Idol winner Hady Mirza is now a property agent * Bitcoin jumps to record on institutional investor demand * Oil climbs on potential Russia sanctions; Opec + output, tariffs weigh Indonesia: * In Indonesia, a start-up captures coolants to stop global warming * Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts and triggers flight warning in Eastern Indonesia * Malaysian confirmed dead in Bali Strait ferry tragedy * Samosir island to build 22km beach tourism area on Lake Toba * Search underway in Bali waters for missing Saudi tourist * Jakarta sees stronger retail sales in June * 'Whatever they do is wrong': Chinese exporters trapped by Trump's Asean tariffs * Emerging markets - Singapore stocks at all-time high and Indonesia stocks also soaring as investors eye tariff talks Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono attends the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ton Friday (July 11). -- Photo: Bernama Thailand: * Asean reaffirms support for Myanmar peace efforts, Timor-Leste's bloc membership * Thaksin confident Thai court will clear daughter's suspension as PM in ethics case * Thai Ministers and economic experts come together in fine-tuning response to Trump tariff threat * Thai authorities move to clip wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin * Thailand may revise trade offers if needed: Finance minister * G-Dragon's Bangkok concert cancelled amid fan protest over agency's tour mismanagement * Thaksin reveals backstory of leaked audio clip * Hippo birthday, Moo Deng! - Thailand's pygmy hippo Moo Deng marked her first birthday Philippines: * Two dead and another 27 injured after bus falls into ravine in southern Philippines * US tariffs won't backfire or alienate Asean , says Rubio * 'It destroyed families': The evil of e- sabong that became a scourge during the pandemic * Philippines orders removal of gambling ads amid addiction fears * South Korea, Japan and US conduct air drill as defence chiefs meet * Govt will continue to negotiate to lower tariffs, says the Philippines * Philippines - Search for missing cockfighters begins at lake in murder probe European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas attends the 32nd Asean Regional Forum at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday (July 11). -- REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain Vietnam: * Vietnam jails ex-provincial officials in bribery case, according to local reports * Appeals Court reinstates Vietnamese man's four-year jail term for possessing leopard parts * Vietnam's 2025 coffee exports hit target, set for record US$7.5bil * Vietnam jails 30 people for graft worth US$45mil * Trump to host Philippine president to discuss trade and security in Asia * Vietnam unlocks carbon credit market with legal reforms * Vietnam-US economic ties thrive as relations enter new chapter Myanmar: * Asean reaffirms support for Myanmar peace efforts, Timor-Leste's bloc membership * Crisis-hit Myanmar urges US to lift sanctions and slash new tariff rates * China prosecutes 21 key members of telecom fraud crime group in Northern Myanmar * Asean re-emphasises five-point consensus over election, says Tok Mat on Myanmar issues * Myanmar junta chief asks Trump for sharp reduction in 40% tariff rate * Achieve ceasefire before holding elections, Malaysian Foreign Minister urges Myanmar/ Elections only possible when unrest settles, says Tok Mat Cambodia: * Cambodia moves to strip citizenship from those who commit treason or engage with foreign entities to undermine the govt * China vows to play constructive role in promoting dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia * Cambodia amends constitution to pave way for legal framework to revoke citizenship * China says it is ready to assist in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute * Cambodia seeks Unesco intervention over Thai Angkor Wat replica Laos: * Huge drug shipment weighing more than 200kg seized near major highway in northern Laos * Laos and Vietnam agree to deepen bilateral ties * AI-generated images of child sexual abuse are flooding the Internet * UN report urges stronger measures to detect AI-driven deepfakes Brunei: * Ten held in Brunei for alleged involvement as money mules * Brunei ramps up marine conservation efforts * launch sparks backlash from Sabah creatives and indigenous groups Water Polo - World Aquatics Championships - Women - Group C - Greece v Hungary - OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore - July 11, 2025Greece's Ioanna Stamatopoulou and Christina Siouti in action. -- REUTERS/Jeremy Lee AseanPlus : * East Asia Summit declarations to boost cooperation to be adopted during Asean Summit, says Tok Mat * Asean Regional Forum urged to focus on pressing challenges, says Mohamad Hasan * Australia to deepen engagement with South-East Asian countries, says Foreign Minister Wong * Australia reaffirms commitment to regional sovereignty and stability, says Penny Wong * EU urges Asean to defend rules-based order amid regional, global conflicts * East Asia Summit gains relevance amid global challenges, says Mohamad Hasan * 58th AMM: Final day packed with high-level meetings and regional dialogues * Asean mulls expediting Turkiye's bid for full dialogue partner status, says Tok Mat * South Korean man jailed three months for overstaying in Malaysia * Immigration busts prostitution syndicate, 89 arrested * Seoul heatwave: Detention centre flooded with calls demanding air-conditioning for Yoon * Trump's Hooters-loving Malaysia ambassador pick worries Asean diplomats * Trump may attend Asean Summit in October, says Rubio/ Trump has been invited to visit China, says Rubio * Malaysian Cops investigating disappearance of missing British teen * Jay Chou joins Chinese platform Douyin , gets over 11 million followers in a day * US, China envoys to meet in possible prelude to Trump-Xi summit * Even 190% tariffs can't shake US shoemaker's reliance on China * China tried to cut lavish spending. Now some officials fear ordering coffee * Asean maintains strategic balance in engaging China, US at 58th AMM * Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar Ali found dead in apartment, police say she died 8-10 months ago * Armed men kidnap, kill nine bus passengers in Pakistan, say officials * Bull sharks linger in warming Sydney waters * K-pop idol Taeil sentenced to 3½ years for rape * Overseas customers flock to Chinese online marketplaces * Hong Kong to press ahead with tabling same-sex partnership bill despite pushback * Welcome to "Justifiable Defence", top stars Gao Ye and Zhang Luyi's judicial suspense thriller makes its way into iQIYI * HK superstar Aaron Kwok reportedly gifts pregnant wife unlimited credit card, sets aside RM54mil for arrival of baby * Matcha mania drinks tea farms dry - Surging demand outpaces supply as producers struggle to keep up. * China - 'Honeytrap' among foiled spy plots by govt * Pakistani father kills daughter over TikTok account: Police * South Korean restaurant may face charges for adding ants in 12,000 dishes for 'unique flavour' * 'Missing' Chinese man spends 6 days in mountains to forget ex, sparks search * Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others * South Korea - Former president Yoon back behind bars after four months * Bangladesh -- Tribunal indicts ousted PM Hasina over deaths of protesters * Cricket - Steady Root lifts England to 251-4 on tense day at Lord's * Basketball - Australia police arrest man over online racial abuse of player * Tennis-Sizzling Swiatek blasts past Bencic into Wimbledon final/ Finalist Anisimova continues painting Wimbledon masterpiece * 'Oldest' elephant in captivity dies - Vatsala , the world's oldest elephant in captivity, has died at a wildlife sanctuary in India's Madhya Pradesh state
The Star
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah PAS at a crossroads as state polls near
SANDAKAN: As Sabah gears up for its 17th state election, Sabah PAS finds itself at a political crossroads – a Perikatan Nasional component party in the Opposition at federal level, yet friendly with the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. However, Sabah PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan stressed that the party's political direction remains with Perikatan. 'As of now, I feel I'm still among those who are friendly with GRS because it is part of the government, and that's based on the political history that began in 2020. "As for what will happen in the state election, if I look at the other parties, none of them have made a decision either. ALSO READ: Sabah PAS yet to finalise under which party logo to contest 'Everyone is still looking for friends, coalitions, and so on. In the context of Sabah, I think what's clear is that PAS remains within Perikatan. So any discussions are still centred on Perikatan,' he said after officiating the Karnival Keluarga Sandakan 2025 here on Saturday (June 14). Last month, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party aimed to contest at least six seats in Sabah, possibly under a different logo as part of a broader coalition strategy. Aliakbar, however, said no specific number of seats has been decided, and the party has yet to begin formal negotiations with any potential allies. 'For now, we are focused on strengthening our organisation within Perikatan,' he said. He also cautioned politicians against fanning regional sentiments ahead of the polls, warning that such rhetoric could threaten national unity. ALSO READ: Sabah PAS 'comfortable' with GRS, says state commissioner 'Sometimes, before elections, we act like there's a separation between the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak. If we keep stirring that, it could lead to bigger conflicts or long-term segregation,' he said. On candidates, Aliakbar said PAS intends to field credible and honest individuals with strong religious grounding and a clear understanding of the responsibility of leadership. 'If politicians don't understand the concept of sin and reward, they could fall into corruption or abuse of power,' he said. Although PAS has yet to win a seat in Sabah, the party will continue its community outreach and leave it to the public to evaluate its performance, Aliakbar said. His appointment as the first PAS-nominated assemblyman in Sabah in 2020 drew criticism from some state leaders and civil society groups, who viewed the party as too extreme for Sabah's multireligious and culturally diverse landscape. ALSO READ: Sabah PAS invites non-Muslims to join as associate members While concerns were raised about the potential impact on social harmony, PAS leaders sought to downplay the backlash, stressing that their priority in Sabah was service and inclusivity. Despite the early controversy, Aliakbar has remained the party's sole nominated assemblyman and continues to openly support the GRS-led state government. PAS became part of the Sabah government following the 2020 state election, when Perikatan aligned with GRS and Barisan Nasional to form the state administration after defeating Parti Warisan. In 2022, following the 15th General Election, Perikatan became the federal Opposition. Its position in Sabah also shifted after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and several state leaders left Bersatu.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Nga must address MyKiosk concerns, not politicise them, says MCA Youth chief
ISKANDAR PUTERI: MCA has called on a federal minister to apologise for accusing the party of trying to destabilise the unity government simply for voicing public concerns. MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said the party was merely carrying out its duty as a political party by raising public concerns about the MyKiosk 2.0 project. 'What MCA brought up are issues raised by the people. They are simple questions from the public that we are directing to the Ministry to get some answers. 'However, instead of answering the questions, MCA was accused of trying to disrupt the government. 'That is a baseless accusation and shows a lack of maturity,' he said in a press conference at the sidelines of the Johor state assembly here on Wednesday (May 21). Ling was responding to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who reportedly accused MCA of politicising the MyKiosk project to destabilise the unity government. He said that Nga should just address concerns on MyKiosk, instead of politicising the matter. 'Other ministries chose to respond or provide the necessary data. 'Unfortunately, the Housing and Local government Minister did not answer and chose to point fingers at those who asked the questions instead,' he said. He also slammed Nga for accusing MCA councillors of being lazy and implying that they were involved in handling and receiving tenders. 'They have been going all out to serve communities for the benefit of the people. This is a baseless accusation. 'These are malicious accusations and I call on the minister to apologise to MCA and also to our councillors,' he said. Ling, who is also the Johor health and environment committee chairman, said that it was also irresponsible for Nga to accuse MCA of trying to join Perikatan Nasional. 'He even claimed that MCA was doing all this to find an excuse to join Perikatan. 'It is unacceptable for a fellow member of the unity government to make such a claim,' he said. In the same press conference, Ling also slammed Kampar MP Chong Zhemin for urging him and his fellow state executive councillor Lee Ting Han from the party to resign. 'Chong also called for a stop to all allocations to new villages led by MCA community leaders. 'What have they done wrong? Are they trying to punish blameless people?' Ling said in response to a Facebook statement in Mandarin posted by Chong. On Tuesday (May 20), Nga reportedly accused MCA of deliberately politicising the MyKiosk project in an effort to destabilise the unity government. NGA also claimed that MCA was trying to tarnish the government's image so that the party could leave and join Perikatan His remarks come after MCA Beliawanis called on DAP youth to lodge a joint report to the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the MyKiosk 2.0 project. MCA Beliawanis chairman Ivone Low said the public deserved to know whether the project under the Ministry went through an open tender, the actual cost involved, site selection criteria and other details.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Barisan win shows voters want political stability'
Hello there: Mohamad Yusri greeting locals in Batu Tiga following his by-election victory. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: The Ayer Kuning by-election has delivered a significant message – voters are prioritising political stability and national prosperity over extremism and divisive politics, say political leaders and analysts. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the Barisan Nasional victory, with Tapah Umno secretary Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir securing a 5,006-vote majority, reflected growing grassroots support for moderate, multicultural and progressive political ideals. 'This marks three consecutive by-election victories with overwhelming majorities for Barisan, especially Umno, after successes in Nenggiri and Mahkota. Tuan Ibrahim attributed Perikatan's loss to low voter turnout. — Bernama 'It demonstrates that voters have rejected extreme and unethical politics that promote hatred, racism, verbal abuse, slander and false accusations,' he said, adding that the win reaffirmed the Barisan-Pakatan Harapan partnership. On Saturday, Mohamad Yusri won with 11,065 votes in a contest against Perikatan Nasional's Abd Muhaimin Malek and KS Bawani of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). Universiti Malaya's Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the result served as a wake-up call for Perikatan, which had expected to strengthen its grassroots influence in Ayer Kuning. 'Instead, it shows Barisan's narrative is resonating better with Malay voters who value stability and familiarity,' he said. However, he cautioned that Malay support was not uniform across the country, and future elections would provide clearer insights. International Islamic University Malaysia's Asst Prof Lau Zhe Wei noted that non-Malay voters, particularly the Chinese community, continued to shy away from third-force parties such as PSM and Muda. 'This does not mean there's no sympathy for them, but sympathy alone has yet to translate into votes,' he said, adding that a stronger third force would be healthy for Malaysian politics in the long run. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said while the results were encouraging for Barisan and Pakatan at both the state and federal levels, the partnership still needed to work harder to address grassroots concerns. 'The margin should have been wider. Malay voters turned out in strong numbers but non-Malay voter turnout was noticeably lower, possibly because they viewed it as a Barisan stronghold,' he said. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali agreed, adding that the result showed growing acceptance of the Barisan-Pakatan cooperation, particularly among Malay voters. He said the win reinforced the partnership among the parties within the government, which is likely to continue until the next general election. Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man attributed Perikatan's loss to the low voter turnout and alleged abuse of government machinery. 'The Election Commission (EC)must do more to ensure higher turnouts during by-elections,' he said at PAS' national Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Lukut, Negri Sembilan. Tuan Ibrahim claimed that many of the party's outstation supporters had already returned during Aidilfitri and could not get leave again to vote. He also dismissed claims that Perikatan's focus on pig farms had alienated voters, insisting it was a genuine environmental and public health issue raised by both Malays and non-Malays. He argued that despite the loss, Perikatan had made 'inroads' and managed to secure over 6,000 votes. Tuan Ibrahim said Perikatan would conduct a full post-mortem of the campaign early next month and called for the EC to address irregularities raised by political observers, including groups such as Bersih.
