Latest news with #post-GE15
Focus Malaysia
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Marzuki rebuts Rafizi's claim: PN did offer DPM post and cabinet roles to BN after GE15
FORMER PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli claimed that PN did not offer any positions to BN during post-GE15 negotiations and that PN leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin looked down on UMNO. However, former Political Secretary to the eighth Prime Minister, Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad, has now countered Rafizi's claims by revealing a letter proving that PN did offer BN the Deputy Prime Minister post, Cabinet positions, and other government roles. Marzuki insisted that negotiations were cordial, Muhyiddin never belittled UMNO, and it was Rafizi who was lying about what truly happened in those discussions. 'I watched a podcast video by Rafizi claiming that PN did not make any offer to BN during the negotiations to form a government after GE15. 'In fact, he claimed Tan Sri Muhyiddin looked down on UMNO. He said he had an insider in the PN-BN negotiations at Hotel St Regis on 23 November 2022. 'I don't know if he really had an insider or not. Brother Rafizi, you are lying,' he said in a Facebook post on Saturday. Marzuki emphasised that he wasn't merely an insider but was directly involved in the negotiations from beginning to end. He described the discussions with BN as having taken place in a friendly and respectful atmosphere. 'Not once did Muhyiddin belittle UMNO. Moreover, those who attended were all his friends from UMNO and BN. They spoke like friends too. 'Secondly, in any negotiation, there must be offers. The BN delegation came with the offer of BN MPs giving 'en-bloc' support to Muhyiddin as Prime Minister. 'In return, PN offered the Deputy Prime Minister post to BN, Cabinet positions according to the number of parliamentary seats won, and several other matters,' he said. —July 20, 2025 Main image: Sinar Harian
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Guessing game over return of Hishammuddin to Umno
PETALING JAYA: As talk of reinstating Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein into Umno gains traction, analysts are divided on what the move could mean for the internal stability and public image of the party, although they agree it would be a crucial test of the confidence in the leadership. Although the push to lift Hishammuddin's suspension came from his home division, political observers suggest it may reflect broader undercurrents within the party rather than just local sentiment. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the move, while significant, should not be overinterpreted. 'The motion came from his division, so it doesn't necessarily reflect a widespread shift in sentiment,' she told theSun. 'But it does suggest that Umno is relatively stable now and may be open to bringing back a senior figure who still holds grassroots support.' She said Hishammuddin, currently serving as an MP, remains a familiar figure within Umno's ranks. 'If they accept Hishammuddin, it could strengthen the party. His suspension was more of a reactionary move by the president during the chaotic post-GE15 period. 'He may have been divisive then, but he now appears to understand where the party stands – if he actually wants to return,' she added. Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have deferred the decision on lifting Hishammuddin's suspension to the party's supreme council. Zahid said Hishammuddin has yet to submit any appeal or apology, according to Astro Awani. 'The Sembrong division's motion will be brought to the supreme council via Johor Umno and reviewed by the political bureau,' he said, adding that the authority to decide on membership status lies with the council in the absence of a general assembly. Syaza described the situation as a political litmus test for Umno. 'They've already lost Tengku Zafrul. Maybe it's not a bad idea to bring back Hishammuddin. But it depends on how confident Zahid is in his leadership and whether Hishammuddin is willing to toe the party line.' If realised, Hishammuddin's return could mark the re-emergence of Umno's so-called old guard and reinforce the party's position as a dependable partner in the unity government, she added. 'If Umno can keep itself together and remain in government, then Hishammuddin's presence could underscore its seriousness as a coalition partner. 'In this context, his return would not reshape the party ideologically but rather signal a continuation of political legacy. 'Hishammuddin may have his baggage, but so do many others. His return would signal Umno returning to its roots, whatever that might mean today.' Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the possible comeback carried strategic weight in Johor, where state elections are expected soon. He noted that support within Umno Johor appears to be building as Hishammuddin remains influential in Sembrong and across the state. Azmi also pointed out that Hishammuddin had largely kept a low profile since his suspension, unlike other former party leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin or Isham Jalil. Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said the move sends an important signal to Umno's grassroots. 'Regarding the revocation or cancellation of Hishammuddin's suspension, I believe this is a significant signal to the party grassroots,' he said. However, he cautioned that while grassroots motions carry symbolic weight, they do not guarantee outcomes. 'The pressure and motions raised by grassroots members carry strong reasoning. However, any motion brought forward still carries no certainty it would be seriously considered or finalised by the party's top leadership.' He added that party elites tend to act based on political calculations. 'As we all know, the top leadership may have other objectives, often weighing the risks and benefits. If Hishammuddin is still seen as a threat to certain factions, then any such motion would likely go nowhere. 'But if something is viewed as beneficial to the party, even if it wasn't formally proposed, the top leadership could still act.' Ultimately, whether Hishammuddin makes a comeback or remains on the sidelines would hinge on political expediency and how his presence fits into the leadership's broader strategy.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno weighs Hishammuddin's return amid leadership debate
PETALING JAYA: As talk of reinstating Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein into Umno gains traction, analysts are divided on what the move could mean for the internal stability and public image of the party, although they agree it would be a crucial test of the confidence in the leadership. Although the push to lift Hishammuddin's suspension came from his home division, political observers suggest it may reflect broader undercurrents within the party rather than just local sentiment. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the move, while significant, should not be overinterpreted. 'The motion came from his division, so it doesn't necessarily reflect a widespread shift in sentiment,' she told theSun. 'But it does suggest that Umno is relatively stable now and may be open to bringing back a senior figure who still holds grassroots support.' She said Hishammuddin, currently serving as an MP, remains a familiar figure within Umno's ranks. 'If they accept Hishammuddin, it could strengthen the party. His suspension was more of a reactionary move by the president during the chaotic post-GE15 period. 'He may have been divisive then, but he now appears to understand where the party stands – if he actually wants to return,' she added. Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have deferred the decision on lifting Hishammuddin's suspension to the party's supreme council. Zahid said Hishammuddin has yet to submit any appeal or apology, according to Astro Awani. 'The Sembrong division's motion will be brought to the supreme council via Johor Umno and reviewed by the political bureau,' he said, adding that the authority to decide on membership status lies with the council in the absence of a general assembly. Syaza described the situation as a political litmus test for Umno. 'They've already lost Tengku Zafrul. Maybe it's not a bad idea to bring back Hishammuddin. But it depends on how confident Zahid is in his leadership and whether Hishammuddin is willing to toe the party line.' If realised, Hishammuddin's return could mark the re-emergence of Umno's so-called old guard and reinforce the party's position as a dependable partner in the unity government, she added. 'If Umno can keep itself together and remain in government, then Hishammuddin's presence could underscore its seriousness as a coalition partner. 'In this context, his return would not reshape the party ideologically but rather signal a continuation of political legacy. 'Hishammuddin may have his baggage, but so do many others. His return would signal Umno returning to its roots, whatever that might mean today.' Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the possible comeback carried strategic weight in Johor, where state elections are expected soon. He noted that support within Umno Johor appears to be building as Hishammuddin remains influential in Sembrong and across the state. Azmi also pointed out that Hishammuddin had largely kept a low profile since his suspension, unlike other former party leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin or Isham Jalil. Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said the move sends an important signal to Umno's grassroots. 'Regarding the revocation or cancellation of Hishammuddin's suspension, I believe this is a significant signal to the party grassroots,' he said. However, he cautioned that while grassroots motions carry symbolic weight, they do not guarantee outcomes. 'The pressure and motions raised by grassroots members carry strong reasoning. However, any motion brought forward still carries no certainty it would be seriously considered or finalised by the party's top leadership.' He added that party elites tend to act based on political calculations. 'As we all know, the top leadership may have other objectives, often weighing the risks and benefits. If Hishammuddin is still seen as a threat to certain factions, then any such motion would likely go nowhere. 'But if something is viewed as beneficial to the party, even if it wasn't formally proposed, the top leadership could still act.' Ultimately, whether Hishammuddin makes a comeback or remains on the sidelines would hinge on political expediency and how his presence fits into the leadership's broader strategy.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah Umno must accept reality
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Nizam said Umno still cannot accept the fact that within a coalition of political parties, the party with the highest number of seats has the priority to lead the coalition. TAWAU: Sabah Umno needs to accept the reality that it is no longer the political 'big brother' as it continues to lose support both nationally and in Sabah where the people are tired of the same old script, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. He said the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has chosen to look forward by forging a strategic partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to ensure post-GE15 stability and in preparation for the 17th State Election (PRN17). 'Ultimately, real power does not lie in the hands of any individual, party, or propaganda — but in the hands of the people… Let the people of Sabah judge who is truly working and who is merely acting,' he said, in a statement, Wednesday. The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister said he read with interest the remarks by Kota Kinabalu Umno Division Chief and Umno Women's Exco member Musliati Moslimin, who claimed that Umno is not a 'political tool,' not a 'script filler' and not a 'buyer of false promises.' Ironically, he said, such statements come from a party with a long history of writing political scripts full of loopholes — including in Sabah. Nizam said during the 2020 Sabah state election, history clearly showed who actually violated agreements and moral principles when, just two days before nomination day, Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) had agreed to contest 27 seats. 'However, when the time came, they contested 41 seats, which was not only a breach of understanding but also caused confusion and early cracks in the coalition. 'If they want to talk about 'dignity' and 'betrayal,' Umno should first reflect on its own historical record,' he said. Nizam, also Apas Assemblyman, said Umno still cannot accept the fact that within a coalition of political parties, the party with the highest number of seats has the priority to lead the coalition. He said GRS, which Musliati labelled as a coalition of 'splinter parties,' managed to secure the highest number of seats and therefore had the right to choose the Sabah Chief Minister—something that is not a betrayal, but the foundation of real democracy. 'Even more surprising is that Musliati did not mention the 'Kinabalu Move' incident in January 2023, when several Umno leaders, including Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, were involved in an attempt to overthrow the existing government,' he said. According to him, the actions of Bung and several other Umno leaders not only threatened the State's stability but also gambled with the people's mandate. Therefore, he said, their removal from the State Cabinet and positions in agencies was the Chief Minister's prerogative in order to safeguard the State's stability and interests. * 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
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Umno told to look in mirror before accusing others of betrayal
Nizam KOTA KINABALU (June 4): If one wishes to speak of dignity and betrayal, Umno should first take a hard look at its own history, said Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. The Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister said that he read with interest the statement by the Umno Kota Kinabalu Division chief and Umno Women's Exco member, Musliati Moslimin, who claimed that Umno is not a 'political tool,' not a 'script filler,' and not a 'buyer of false promises.' 'Ironically, this statement comes from a party with a long history of scripting flawed political narratives, including in Sabah,' said Nizam, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief. 'The reality is, during the 2020 Sabah state election (PRN), history clearly records who broke agreements and moral principles. Just two days before nomination day, Umno and Barisan Nasional had agreed to contest 27 seats. Yet, when the time came, they contested 41 seats — a move that not only violated mutual understanding but also created confusion and early fractures within the coalition,' he reminded. Nizam also said that Umno also still refuses to accept the fact that in a coalition of political parties, the party with the highest number of seats holds the priority to lead. 'The GRS coalition, which Musliati dismisses as 'splinter parties,' won the highest number of seats and thus rightfully held the prerogative to choose the Chief Minister of Sabah. This is not betrayal — it is the foundation of true democracy.' More surprising is that Musliati makes no mention of the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident in January 2023, in which several Umno leaders, including Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, were involved in an attempt to topple the existing government, he said. He added that the actions of Bung Moktar and several Umno leaders not only threatened state stability but gambled with the people's mandate. 'Their removal from the Cabinet and positions in government agencies was the Chief Minister's prerogative, made in the interest of safeguarding the state's stability.' He said that Umno Sabah must also come to terms with the fact that they are no longer the 'big brother' of politics. 'Nationally, they continue to lose public support, and in Sabah, the people are tired of the same old script — just with different actors, but the same plot,' said Nizam. He also said that the GRS government today chooses to look forward, forging strategic cooperation with Pakatan Harapan to ensure post-GE15 stability and prepare for the upcoming Sabah state election. 'Ultimately, real power lies not in the hands of any individual, party, or propaganda — but in the hands of the people. Let the people of Sabah decide who is truly working for them, and who merely excels at political theatre.' Musliati has described the experience of working with GRS as a betrayal of the trust and sacrifices made by Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) since the 2020 Sabah state election. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Musliati stressed that the state government formed after the 2020 polls was not the result of any one party's strength, but rather a coalition comprising several components, including Bersatu, PBS, STAR, and most importantly, Umno-BN. She asserted that Umno had not only contributed the highest number of seats to GRS at the time, but also provided vital election machinery, resources and grassroots support which formed the backbone of the coalition. 'Bersatu, at that time, was still in its infancy and relied heavily on the groundwork that Umno had established over the years. Yet silently, the hand extended in friendship was met with poison,' she said. Musliati also revealed that Umno had been sabotaged by independent candidates allegedly sponsored by certain quarters within GRS. Despite this, Umno still managed to secure 14 seats, more than Bersatu's 11. She went on to describe Umno's decision to give way to Datuk Seri Pangllima Hajiji Noor to become Chief Minister as a sacrifice made in the interest of state stability, even though Umno had a stronger claim to the post based on the number of seats won.
