Latest from New Straits Times
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Umno cannot rely on legacy alone
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has called for a major shift in party strategy to better align with younger Malaysian voters. Speaking at the Titiwangsa Umno division delegates' meeting today, Johari acknowledged that while the party was historically instrumental in achieving independence and laying the nation's foundations, it can no longer rely on its legacy alone to secure support. "Younger generations today are educated, critical, and capable of evaluating leaders based on merit, integrity, and ideas — not sentiment or nostalgia," said Johari, who is the Titiwangsa Umno division chief. The Titiwangsa member of parliament said the younger demographic now constitutes over 40 per cent of the electorate, and their expectations of political leadership differ greatly from those of previous generations. "They are less interested in historical achievements and more concerned with issues such as transparency, integrity, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance. "They don't want to hear about what we did 60 years ago. "They want to know what we're doing today and what we'll do tomorrow. "They want leaders who are transparent, who can articulate policy, who are not tainted by corruption, and who care about future generations, not just winning elections," said the plantation and commodities minister. He said that if the party fails to evolve, it risks continuing its electoral decline, as seen in the past general elections (from the 12th to the 14th general election), where support dwindled significantly. He also stressed that Umno leaders at all levels — from branch to national — must actively engage with young voters and understand their values, ideas, and aspirations.
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Thai protesters call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn's resignation
BANGKOK: Hundreds of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on today demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together ahead of a potential no confidence vote next month. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments over the last two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said today that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech yesterday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai Foreign Ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute.
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: New St Peter's Church building a symbol of vision, resilience and faith
KUCHING: The Gothic-inspired St Peter's Church building in Padungan here, one of the most iconic buildings in the city, was officially opened today, five years after its construction commenced in 2019. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the church building is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience and deep-rooted faith. "The presence of St Peter's Church among other religious houses in close proximity is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony. His speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari said Sarawakians are blessed to live in a land where mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are not mere aspirations, but a way of life. "This church adds further beauty to that legacy and will undoubtedly be a feature tourism attraction in the years to come," he said. "What is even more heartening is the spirit of togetherness that made this vision a reality." He lauded the remarkable collaboration shown by the Catholic community, joined hand-in-hand by friends and supporters from other faiths and walks of life. He said whether through generous funding or dedicated physical labour, this has truly been an exemplary showcase of what a united community can achieve. He also said it is the shining model of how shared purpose and collective goodwill can give rise to greatness. Later, Uggah, on behalf of the premier, handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund. The RM38-million church, which can accommodate up to 1,000 parishioners, first opened its doors for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve last year. The new church also features an impressive collection of stained glasses that have been handmade and expertly designed by Italians, as well as incorporating the Brooke family crest and the Sarawak emblem in two stained glasses, along with local Dayak motifs showcasing the uniqueness of Sarawak's culture and history. Thye church's history dated back to 1937 with the purchase of seven acres of swampland in Padungan by Monsignor Aloysius Hopfgartner to foster the growth of the local church. With the availability of the land, he later initiated the construction of the church, which was completed in December 1949. Since then, it had undergone several further developments by the 1960s to accommodate the growing congregation. Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie, former federal minister Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Penang Cardinal Bishop Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, Kuching Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh, Melaka-Johor Diocese Bishop Berard Paul and St Peter's Church rector Father Vincent Chin.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Party success needs team effort- Johari Ghani
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today called on party members to embrace a team-based approach, warning that relying on individuals alone will lead to failure. Johari, who is Titiwangsa Umno division chief, likened political strategy to a football match, that every 'player' must play their part effectively for the team to succeed. "We need to have a team mentality. If we do not base our efforts on a team, we won't get anywhere," he said at the division's delegates meeting today. Johari, who is also Titiwangsa member of Parliament, cited his experience in past general elections, noting that he lost in the 14th General Election despite being the deputy finance minister at the time, due to a weak team structure. "I lost by 4,000 votes because the team was not solid," he said. The plantation and commodities minister illustrated his point with an analogy involving a village football team that spent RM300 million to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo, only to find the star player ineffective because the rest of the team could not get the ball to him. Johari said success is only possible when each member of the team understands their role. In his speech, Johari also credited Barisan Nasional's win in Titiwangsa in the 15th General Election to four and a half years of careful preparation and the dedication of grassroots members including branch leaders, Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings. "We won during the worst tsunami in Umno's history, but Titiwangsa held firm because the team was solid," he said. He said that even the most prominent figures cannot win elections without a functioning support system. "Even with great strikers, if the team is not strong, this is what we will see," he said, referring to a former prime minister who lost his deposit in Langkawi despite his legacy. Looking ahead to the 16th General Election, Johari cautioned that dismantling the team concept would be detrimental, regardless of the candidate. Later, at a press conference, Johari said political success cannot rest on the shoulders of one individual alone, underscoring the importance of teamwork in any contest. "One person cannot win for the party. He cannot guarantee victory on his own," said Johari, adding that a strong team creates a better chance of winning. Meanwhile, acknowledging the diversity within political organisations, Johari said differing opinions and ideologies are common. "We must accept the reality that political parties are established to champion their respective ideologies," he said, citing Umno, DAP, PKR, Amanah and the various parties from Sabah and Sarawak as examples. He highlighted the challenge and the necessity of cooperation among ideologically distinct parties during elections and in forming a functional government post-victory. "The real question is how we organise our roles despite differing ideologies and once we win, how we unite to build a government that can drive national development." He said Malaysia's political landscape has changed significantly. "It's no longer like the past, where one party could dominate for up to 60 years. Now, we must learn the concept of power-sharing," he said.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Nation records 188,528 complaints involving social media platforms logged within 6 months
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 188,528 complaints involving various social media platforms were logged between Jan 1 and June 26, with online gambling making up more than half of all takedown requests. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said out of the total, 173,642 resulted in content removals or account restrictions. "Online gambling led the category with 96,240 complaints and 90,770 takedowns, followed by scam-related content with 45,933 complaints and 43,865 takedowns. "Bullying and harassment saw 24,283 complaints, with 19,440 removals, while 74 reports were lodged over obscene content involving children, leading to 21 takedowns," he said in a press conference after attending the Nadi Aspirasi Nasional Bersama Anak Muda (Nanba) Programme at IWK Eco Park here. Fahmi said these figures highlighted the severity of content abuse on digital platforms and the need for stronger cooperation between Malaysian authorities and platform providers. He also confirmed that Telegram representatives were scheduled to meet with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) here soon to discuss enforcement issues. Among the issues to be highlighted in the meeting are online scams, gambling, child sexual abuse materials, pornography and copyright infringement. "Telegram has about a billion users worldwide but only around 50 employees. They rely heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to moderate content. However, he said legal differences across countries had made enforcement difficult, citing online gambling as an example. "In Malaysia, online gambling is illegal, but in countries like Vietnam it may be allowed. "This makes compliance inconsistent, and that's why discussions with Telegram is important to ensure it follows our laws." He stressed that only the platform itself had the authority to block or remove any content or account. "If the platform does not agree (with a takedown request), unfortunately no action can be taken. "But when content is removed, it means the platform recognises it violates our laws," he said. Fahmi singled out Facebook as the leading platform for online gambling advertisements, calling it the "biggest offender", followed by widespread scam activity on both Facebook and TikTok. "This is not just about Telegram. Every platform is being misused differently by bad actors. The MCMC continues to take strong and comprehensive action against such abuses," he added.
