Latest news with #governmentaccountability
Malay Mail
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Saifuddin Nasution downplays talk of PKR discord after Rafizi, eight others press for RCI on judiciary
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today framed the call by nine PKR lawmakers for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on judicial appointments as a sign of healthy internal discourse, saying the party welcomes different perspectives. Saifuddin, who is also PKR's secretary-general, was commenting on remarks from the MPs, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, regarding judicial independence and government accountability. 'PKR is an open party. Views that are sharper than this have been expressed before and they were accepted,' he said at a press conference today, downplaying any suggestions of party discord. 'The party allows its members, including backbenchers, to voice different perspectives.' Saifuddin characterised the MPs' statement as democratic, describing such discourse as a sign of democratic maturity rather than damaging dissent. 'That is their view. For some, it may seem strong, but we allow for freedom of expression in this party,' he added. Yesterday, the PKR MPs called for an RCI to investigate allegations of interference in the judiciary and controversies surrounding judicial appointments, asserting a need to prevent a repeat of the damage to public trust from events like the 2007 VK Lingam tape scandal and the 1988 constitutional crisis. When asked if the MPs' actions would reflect poorly on the party, Saifuddin noted that while they offered criticism, they also reaffirmed their support for the current administration. 'They continue to support the government. I've spoken with the party's political bureau, and we take all feedback seriously,' he added.
Malay Mail
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Saifuddin downplays talk of PKR discord after Rafizi, eight others press for RCI on judiciary
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today framed the call by nine PKR lawmakers for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on judicial appointments as a sign of healthy internal discourse, saying the party welcomes different perspectives. Saifuddin, who is also PKR's secretary-general, was commenting on remarks from the MPs, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, regarding judicial independence and government accountability. 'PKR is an open party. Views that are sharper than this have been expressed before and they were accepted,' he said at a press conference today, downplaying any suggestions of party discord. 'The party allows its members, including backbenchers, to voice different perspectives.' Saifuddin characterised the MPs' statement as democratic, describing such discourse as a sign of democratic maturity rather than damaging dissent. 'That is their view. For some, it may seem strong, but we allow for freedom of expression in this party,' he added. Yesterday, the PKR MPs called for an RCI to investigate allegations of interference in the judiciary and controversies surrounding judicial appointments, asserting a need to prevent a repeat of the damage to public trust from events like the 2007 VK Lingam tape scandal and the 1988 constitutional crisis. When asked if the MPs' actions would reflect poorly on the party, Saifuddin noted that while they offered criticism, they also reaffirmed their support for the current administration. 'They continue to support the government. I've spoken with the party's political bureau, and we take all feedback seriously,' he added.
Al Bawaba
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Ten killed in Kenya's Saba Saba protests
ALBAWABA- Kenya's veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for a national dialogue to address the country's deepening political, economic, and social crises, following deadly protests that marked this year's Saba Saba anniversary. According to a Kenyan human rights group, at least ten people were killed during the nationwide demonstrations, which were driven largely by youth demanding government accountability and justice. #BREAKING Ten killed in nationwide Kenya protests: Kenyan rights group — AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 7, 2025 Odinga, who played a central role in Kenya's democratic transition during the original Saba Saba protests of July 7, 1990, said the same issues that mobilized citizens 35 years ago, economic inequality, police brutality, and poor governance, remain painfully unresolved. Speaking at a press briefing, he warned that the country was once again 'at a crossroads.' He was expected to address a rally at Nairobi's Kamukunji Grounds to commemorate the anniversary but was forced to cancel his appearance after police roadblocks and a heavy security presence effectively blocked access to the venue. 'I was going to Kamukunji to join Kenyans in commemorating this important day. Unfortunately, the roadblocks all over town made it difficult for people to get there,' Odinga said. In response to the growing public unrest, Odinga proposed the establishment of a national conclave, an inclusive civic forum representing diverse political voices, age groups, and regions, to chart a new direction for the country. 'The most important struggle now is for good governance and economic opportunity,' he said. 'Do we embrace chaos, or do we choose unity? As one of the architects of Saba Saba, I choose unity.' He outlined four main pillars for the proposed dialogue: launching a national reform agenda through an inclusive forum, implementing comprehensive police reforms, intensifying the fight against corruption with a focus on transparency, and prioritizing youth empowerment and economic inclusion to address the frustrations of Kenya's Gen Z and millennial populations. Odinga sharply criticized the security forces for their violent response to the youth-led protests. 'We inherited a rogue force from the colonialists—one that still shoots people with impunity. We must reform it urgently,' he said, underscoring the urgency for systemic change in the country's policing institutions. The original Saba Saba movement was a pivotal moment in Kenya's history, sparking a nationwide push for multiparty democracy after years of one-party rule under former president Daniel arap Moi. Although met with brutal repression, the movement ultimately led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution and ushered in a new democratic era. This year's anniversary unfolded against the backdrop of mounting public discontent over the high cost of living, government crackdowns, and perceived indifference from President William Ruto's administration. While Odinga has historically been the face of Kenya's opposition, his recent political rapprochement with Ruto has distanced him from parts of his traditional support base, particularly among younger Kenyans who have taken to the streets demanding reform. Despite this, Odinga emphasized that the way forward must be through civic engagement and a renewed national commitment to reform. 'The conclave must be guided by the most sober and serious minds in our nation,' he said. 'It should lead to a referendum, where the people will have the final say on Kenya's future.'
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
House passes rescission package to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR, PBS
Washington — The House on Thursday narrowly approved a request from the White House, known as a rescissions package, to claw back funding for NPR, PBS and international aid that lawmakers had previously appropriated. In a 214 to 212 vote, all but four House Republicans voted in favor of the measure, with all Democrats opposing. The package now heads to the Senate. President Trump put pressure on Republicans to vote in favor of the bill ahead of the vote, calling it a "no brainer." "Every single Republican in Congress should vote, 'YES,'" he wrote on Truth Social. The package would cancel $9.4 billion appropriated by Congress, looking to make permanent some of the Department of Government Efficiency's spending cuts. Its primary focus is slashing foreign aid, from peacekeeping efforts to refugee assistance and climate projects, but it would also essentially cut off federal funding for NPR and PBS. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, touted the request to cancel what he called "wasteful spending" in recent days, calling it a "manifestation of the DOGE effort," adding that it would "ensure greater accountability in government going forward." "This is a long time overdue," Johnson said. "Today's passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first." The cuts in the rescissions package The rescissions package includes $1.1 billion in cuts for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS. The White House has targeted the entities, claiming they have "spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'" PBS received $325 million in CPB funding this year. Johnson said of NPR and PBS that funding them is an outmoded idea because "we're in a different era now." "There is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds," Johnson said. "Especially those who appear to have so little regard for the truth." The package would cut $8.3 billion for the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, among other international assistance programs, after the foreign aid agency became an early target of the administration. Johnson said the resolution would make cuts in what he called the "USAID abuses area." Johnson said DOGE "went after USAID first for their review, their audits," because USAID "opposed the loudest of this accountability measure," claiming they "put the scrutiny targets on their own backs." But some of the cuts have sparked objections among Republican lawmakers, like cuts to a program aimed at combatting HIV and AIDS globally. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, was started by former President George W. Bush, and has been credited for saving millions of lives around the world. Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, told The New York Times he would oppose the rescissions package because of these cuts, though he seemed to warm to the package this week, telling reporters he feels "better" about the cuts to the program after the House GOP conference met Tuesday. Bacon ultimately voted in favor of the measure Thursday. Other Republicans, like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced concerns as well. "PEPFAR cuts make no sense to me whatsoever, given the extraordinary record of PEPFAR in saving lives," Collins told reporters last week, while pointing to several other global health care programs targeted in the rescissions package. "So, I have a lot of concerns." But Republican leaders in Congress were bullish about the path forward. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, said Tuesday that "our members are ready to go lock in some of those DOGE cuts," adding that "this is a start — it's a good start, it's an important first step and we're going to take it on Thursday." Johnson said the vote on the package "is an important signal — House Republicans are serious about getting our fiscal house in order, and we'll do that." The rescissions process Congress can cancel funds that the federal government has not yet spent but has previously appropriated under the rescissions process. Each year, Congress approves funding to keep the federal government running before the funds are disbursed to government agencies and programs. The president can temporarily defer funds or withhold them altogether — but only with Congress' approval. The White House's official transmission of the rescission package on June 3 started the clock on a process that gives Congress 45 days to act. Rescissions requests first go before relevant committees for consideration, before moving to the full House and Senate for votes. In the Senate, rescission bills are not subject to the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation in the upper chamber and only require a simple majority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, told reporters Thursday that Collins, the top Republican appropriator in the Senate, would receive the package in the upper chamber. He said the Senate is prioritizing the massive budget bill that's key to enacting Mr. Trump's agenda, pushing work on the rescissions package likely into July. and contributed to this report.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Just Backed Warren Buffett's 3-Word Fix for the Deficit. Would It Work?
The U.S. deficit topped $1.8 trillion in 2024, but a bold idea from Warren Buffett is making the rounds again, and this time, Elon Musk is getting behind it. In a 2011 CNBC interview, Buffett said he could end the deficit "in five minutes" by passing a law that disqualifies all sitting members of Congress from re-election if the deficit exceeds 3% of GDP. That clip recently resurfaced on social media, reigniting debate over government accountability—and catching the attention of Musk. He responded to Lee: "100%. This is the way." Moneywise reported that the proposal got a push from Utah Senator Mike Lee, who's now drafting a constitutional amendment inspired by Buffett's logic. Lee's version adds another twist: members of Congress would be ousted whenever inflation climbs above 3%. Buffett's plan might sound extreme, but based on recent numbers, it would be career-ending for nearly every lawmaker on Capitol Hill. The 2024 deficit hit 6.3% of GDP, which is double the threshold. Of course, critics were quick to point out the obvious flaw in the setup. Congress would need to vote to fire itself, making the law politically toxic. Even so, the idea is tapping into deep frustration with government spending. Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once said, "Only Washington can create money," and warned that unchecked spending leads to inflation. Musk's endorsement, paired with Lee's amendment effort, has amplified the conversation online. Some supporters argue that even if the proposal never passes, it forces lawmakers to confront the consequences of fiscal irresponsibility. Others see it as more political theater than policy. While the odds of Congress passing a law that threatens its own job security are slim to none, the Buffett-Musk-Lee alignment has given the concept a second wind. For now, the public can only vote the traditional way. But the viral resurgence of this three-word fix—'fire the incumbents'—shows Americans are still searching for accountability where it matters Musk Just Backed Warren Buffett's 3-Word Fix for the Deficit. Would It Work? first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
