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Free Malaysia Today
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Reforms slowed by lack of formal coalition agreement, say analysts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leads a unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak and Warisan. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The unity government would have been better placed to advance its reform agenda had it sealed a formal coalition pact akin to a blueprint drawn up in Germany eight years ago, two analysts said. Earlier this month, Senator Fuziah Salleh acknowledged that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government, cobbled together after the 15th general election (GE 15) in 2022 turned up a hung Parliament, lacked a clear framework to implement reforms effectively. Speaking on BBC's World Questions podcast, she said that in hindsight, a formal coalition agreement, like the one used by Germany's grand coalition, might have helped the government quicken delivery of reforms and position itself better on policies. In 2017, Germany faced a hung parliament after no party secured a simple majority in the Bundestag, the country's lower house, to form a government on its own. Political parties then took nearly five months to negotiate and agree on a blueprint listing policies, including on foreign affairs, media reforms, environmental protection and social welfare, to serve as a guide while in office. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Awang Pawi agreed with Fuziah's remarks, saying that there was 'merit' in her 'critique'. He said Germany's coalition-building process took nearly five months to complete but resulted in a comprehensive document spanning more than 170 pages. 'An approach like Germany's could have worked in Malaysia if political actors prioritised national reform over narrow party interests,' he said, adding that a longer negotiation process might have helped the unity government align on shared goals. International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer Syaza Syukri agreed, noting that the unity coalition came together without clear agreements on policies, which has slowed reform efforts. 'The current government came together for the sake of forming an administration without putting much thought into its framework and agreements, besides how to share the spoils of power,' she told FMT. 'Had we a clearer blueprint, maybe it could have empowered Anwar to do more. Now, it seems like there's a constant need for negotiations, which is impeding his reform agenda.' However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara took a different view, saying that the perception that reforms and institutional changes promised by Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition have been slow was misplaced. He said the government's anti-corruption efforts were a 'strong start'. 'You have to start at the foundation to eradicate corruption, which has long plagued our civil institutions,' he said. Anwar was sworn in as the 10th prime minister on Nov 24, 2022, after a unity coalition was formed between PH, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak and Warisan. PH leaders have previously said they were not in a position to deliver on all their election pledges due to the constraints of governing within a broad-based unity government. Anwar, for his part, has consistently defended the pace of reforms of his administration, saying that meaningful change takes time and must be pursued with wisdom and broad political support. He also pointed to the reality that PH's 82 MPs do not even make up a simple majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat. Nonetheless, he said, with the support of all its coalition partners, the government has been able to push through impactful national programmes. 'You can't take things for granted (in the unity government). The process of negotiation, discussion and engagement is important,' said Anwar.
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Razarudin: Cops must back Malaysia's leaders, but those who break laws or Islamic principles must face ‘sailang'
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — Former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Hussain has urged the police force to back Malaysia's political leaders, provided that they obey the law and Islamic principles. In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Razarudin said leaders who violate those principles must face action for their transgressions. 'The unity government has the capability to lead, develop, and boost the nation's economy while earning the trust of both the local population and the international community. 'Therefore, the Royal Malaysia Police must reinforce support for the ulil amri,' he said, using the Arabic term roughly meaning leaders or those with authority. 'Any leader who violates Islamic principles, moral conduct, discipline, or the law must face firm action — or in modern term, be sailang,' he added. Sailang is a Malaysian slang word originating from Cantonese, meaning 'going all in'. However in Malay, the slang word is mostly used to mean 'usurping someone' or 'laying claim to their possession'. 'Leaders must continually bring fresh ideas in line with current developments to avoid falling behind,' Razarudin added. He pointed to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), saying Malaysian may now be 15 years behind China after ignoring the technology five years ago. 'In addition, my successor must be responsive, particularly towards the media, as it concerns public issues. 'Information must be conveyed to the media, which in turn must report fairly to keep the public informed on investigation progress,' he said. Yesterday, former director of the Special Branch Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail was appointed as the new Inspector-General of Police on a two-year contract beginning this Monday. Razarudin stepped down yesterday after a two-year term, previously succeeding Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno won't back Malay unity efforts with ‘hidden political motives', says Zahid
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Umno will remain part of the unity government 'we helped establish'. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Umno will not support any movement that claims to unite the Malays but is actually rooted in personal political ambition, says party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid said any genuine effort to unite the Malay community must be built on shared ideals, not disguised attempts to revive political careers. 'We in Umno will never accept any form of secretariat that claims to unite the Malays under the guise of politics. 'We remain in Umno, and we will continue to be part of the unity government we helped establish,' he was quoted as saying at the Bagan Datuk Umno division meeting today. Zahid is believed to be referring to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal for a 'Malay secretariat committee' to unite the Malays and restore their political power. Announcing the formation of a loose Malay unity alliance on June 4, Mahathir said he would invite Umno members to join it in an effort to 'restore Malay power' in the government. He stressed, however, that he was not inviting Umno as a party to join the alliance. Zahid described the secretariat's formation as 'a political move driven by the failure of a former prime minister who lost public support'. 'When someone finds that none of their party's candidates won in the last election, and all lost their deposits, only then do they suddenly want to find a way to 'unite the Malays'. 'And yet, it was that very person who previously divided the Malays,' he said. He outlined Mahathir's political journey – from leading Umno and becoming prime minister, to forming new parties after being ousted, only to lose his deposit in a recent general election -and said his attempt to form a secretariat was merely an effort to compensate for his political shortcomings.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Malaysian leader Anwar wins a reprieve in a lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday won a reprieve in a civil suit accusing him of sexual misconduct, after a court approved his bid to temporarily suspend the trial due to start next week. The suit was filed in 2021 by his former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther. Yusoff, 32, alleged that Anwar sexually harassed him in 2018 — before Anwar became premier, in November 2022. Anwar, 77, denies any wrongdoing and accuses Yusoff of fabricating the charge to ruin his political career. The case gained attention after Anwar sought immunity from prosecution, sparking criticism from the opposition and others. The High Court dismissed his application last week, saying everyone is equal before the law. Anwar has turned to the nation's top court, which will hear his case on July 21. The Court of Appeal on Tuesday approved Anwar's bid for a temporary stay to the trial that was due to start June 16, pending next month's hearing in the Federal Court. Anwar wants the Federal Court to rule on several legal questions including whether a sitting prime minister has immunity from lawsuits stemming from alleged private events before his appointment. His lawyers claimed the legal action could impair his ability to govern and risk destabilizing the government. The case could undermine Anwar, who heads a unity government comprised of rival factions. He has denied seeking personal immunity or trying to escape legal scrutiny. 'It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated or institutionally disruptive,' he wrote on Facebook last week. Anwar, a former reformist opposition leader, was previously jailed twice for sodomy. He has said the charges against him were manufactured by the government to thwart his opposition party. Anwar was pardoned by the king in 2018, just months before the alleged sexual assault on Yusoff. Yusoff is currently in detention and on trial after police found drugs and fake pistols in his car last September. He has said he was framed by those in power. The court will decide this Thursday whether he needs to enter his defense, or acquit him.
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Malaysian leader Anwar wins a reprieve in a lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday won a reprieve in a civil suit accusing him of sexual misconduct, after a court approved his bid to temporarily suspend the trial due to start next week. The suit was filed in 2021 by his former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther. Yusoff, 32, alleged that Anwar sexually harassed him in 2018 — before Anwar became premier, in November 2022. Anwar, 77, denies any wrongdoing and accuses Yusoff of fabricating the charge to ruin his political career. The case gained attention after Anwar sought immunity from prosecution, sparking criticism from the opposition and others. The High Court dismissed his application last week, saying everyone is equal before the law. Anwar has turned to the nation's top court, which will hear his case on July 21. The Court of Appeal on Tuesday approved Anwar's bid for a temporary stay to the trial that was due to start June 16, pending next month's hearing in the Federal Court. Anwar wants the Federal Court to rule on several legal questions including whether a sitting prime minister has immunity from lawsuits stemming from alleged private events before his appointment. His lawyers claimed the legal action could impair his ability to govern and risk destabilizing the government. The case could undermine Anwar, who heads a unity government comprised of rival factions. He has denied seeking personal immunity or trying to escape legal scrutiny. 'It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated or institutionally disruptive,' he wrote on Facebook last week. Anwar, a former reformist opposition leader, was previously jailed twice for sodomy. He has said the charges against him were manufactured by the government to thwart his opposition party. Anwar was pardoned by the king in 2018, just months before the alleged sexual assault on Yusoff. Yusoff is currently in detention and on trial after police found drugs and fake pistols in his car last September. He has said he was framed by those in power. The court will decide this Thursday whether he needs to enter his defense, or acquit him.
