Politics / News

PAS has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying there is no issue of the party going solo for the 16th general election.

PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the party remains committed at the leadership level and respects the cooperation built with PN’s component parties.

“We are aware the current political landscape is constantly changing and challenging, but PAS’ main focus now is to continue strengthening PN for political stability and the interests of the people,” he said, as quoted by Utusan Malaysia.

Ahmad Samsuri, who is also Terengganu Menteri Besar, said claims PAS wants to move alone are unfounded.

On the coalition’s internal tensions, he said issues are expected to be resolved after PN’s top leadership meeting, which is due to be held soon.

He added that PN still has room to be strengthened and parties should avoid polemics that could undermine public confidence.

Ahmad Samsuri declined to comment on the PN chairman post, saying he is not in the coalition’s top council.

“Wait and see,” he said.

PN has been reported to be facing strain after the chairman’s post was left vacant when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down on Jan 1.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin was previously reported as urging the appointment of a new PN chairman to be settled quickly, and suggested PAS should consider going solo if the impasse drags on.

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MELAKA — UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh (picture) remains the state executive council (Exco) member for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

He said that although the Merlimau state assemblyman had submitted a resignation letter from his post as an Exco member, the matter has yet to be discussed with Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

“I have yet to consult (Tun Mohd Ali)… which means that for now he remains an Exco member.

“Whether it is accepted or rejected, there has been no final decision yet. However, as of today, he is still carrying out his duties as an Exco member,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the Melaka State Executive Council Day with the People Programme (HEBAT) Series 1/2026 at the Seri Negeri Complex here today.

Dr Muhamad Akmal had earlier announced his resignation as a Melaka state Exco member after UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi rejected his call for UMNO to withdraw from the Unity Government. — BERNAMA

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PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (picture) missed last night’s Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) meeting due to a last-minute change in his schedule, said his political secretary Syahir Sulaiman.

Syahir said PAS Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan had told Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of Abdul Hadi’s absence, and that the latter’s views on key issues were submitted in writing.

He stated that PAS had yet to receive updates on the outcome of the meeting.

“We are waiting for the full council meeting to convene so that we can finalise outstanding matters.

“For PAS’ part, we want everything organised and managed according to the constitution and proper regulations,” Syahir told Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

Last night, Muhyiddin chaired a meeting of the loosely aligned IPR alliance, amid growing tensions between Bersatu and PAS over the leadership structure of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Some insiders suggested that Abdul Hadi’s absence during last night’s meeting has led to speculation that PAS may be preparing to exit the coalition.

The meeting convened following a cancelled emergency PN Supreme Council meeting, which was intended to formalise Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman and appoint his successor.

Previously, Abdul Hadi had laid claim to the PN chairmanship on behalf of his party, but ruled himself out due to health reasons.

However, according to a leaked letter dated Jan 27, Muhyiddin said that PAS and Bersatu had agreed to abolish the PN chairman’s post as part of the coalition’s restructuring at another prior meeting held at his residence.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who reportedly attended the meeting, subsequently rejected Muhyiddin’s claim.

Among those present during the meeting were Gerakan president Dominic Lau, Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) deputy president S Subramaniam, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air president Mukhriz Mahathir,  United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) secretary M Satees,Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) president Ibrahim Ali and Malaysian Advancement Party president P Waytha Moorthy.

Yesterday, the portal reported that one participant said the discussions focused on the need for Opposition parties to remain united in facing Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly with the Melaka and Johor state elections approaching.

He added that further talks on IPR’s direction would take place once all party leaders are present.

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KUALA LUMPUR — The debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat, which concluded this week, saw various important issues raised, including education, infrastructure empowerment, the socioeconomics of the people and digital security.

The debate session, which began on Jan 20, following the Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament by His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Jan 19, saw a total of 150 Members of Parliament (MPs) come forward to express their views and bring the voices of the people from their respective constituencies.

In discussions related to the Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB) 2026–2035, MPs hoped that its implementation would be inclusive, taking into account the realities of educational infrastructure, especially in states and rural areas.

Among them, Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) welcomed the initiative for preschool education starting at age five and voluntary entry into Year One at age six, but emphasised that the policy’s implementation must be accompanied by the provision of basic educational facilities, especially in rural areas.

The same matter was also raised by Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan), who hoped the government would pay attention to basic facilities such as classrooms to ensure teaching and learning sessions could be carried out effectively.

Additionally, some MPs also wanted the issue of urban poverty to be addressed more comprehensively, including proposing the establishment of a special ministry or central agency to coordinate efforts to tackle the problem.

According to Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak), without specific focus, existing efforts to help the urban poor are feared to only address the symptoms without solving the root cause of the problem.

Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) also suggested that the government refine the methods for assessing economic assistance to address the financial pressure faced by the “sandwich generation,” particularly in light of the reality of an ageing society expected by 2036.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) suggested that every government policy should include components of entrepreneurship development and education with clear and achievable targets for all parties.

In the issue of digital security, Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) urged the government to increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tracking applications to combat information manipulation, following the recording of 67,735 digital crime cases with losses totalling RM2.7 billion in 2025.

Also drawing attention in the Dewan Rakyat this week was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s agreement that diagnostic screening tests to determine children’s eligibility to enter Year One at the age of six, starting from the 2027 school session, will not be implemented.

When answering a question during Ministers’ Question Time, Anwar said the matter had been reviewed, taking into account concerns that implementing the diagnostic test could have psychological effects and be discriminatory towards children.

However, he emphasised that the absence of such tests does not mean monitoring of students’ readiness levels is neglected; rather, this responsibility must be shared by teachers and parents through continuous observation.

Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, before adjourning the sitting today, said that the question-and-answer session by ministers regarding the issues raised in the debate is scheduled to take place from Feb 4 to 10.

He also announced that the Dewan Rakyat would not be sitting on Monday and Tuesday (Feb 2 and 3) due to the deferred public holidays for Federal Territory Day and Thaipusam (which both fall on Feb 1). — BERNAMA

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by SHAHRIN AIZAT NOORSHAHRIZAM

THE Cabinet is set to deliberate on a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s term in office tomorrow, a move the government says is aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing the concentration of power.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the proposal is still at the policy discussion stage, but could be brought to Parliament as early as the next sitting should the Cabinet agree on its direction.

“The proposal is being put forward by the Madani Unity Government as part of the Madani accountability framework targeted for 2026. For this year, it remains at the policy discussion phase to be brought to the next parliamentary session. 

“If the Cabinet agrees on the policy position tomorrow, we hope to secure the support of Members of Parliament to table this as a constitutional amendment in the nearest parliamentary sitting,” she told reporters after a policy engagement session on the matter in Putrajaya today.

Azalina said the proposal is not driven by public surveys or opinion polls, stressing that feedback gathered so far was merely general in nature and not determinative of Cabinet’s decision.

Responding to a question on whether survey results would influence the Cabinet’s stance, she said the responses largely reflected similar views, with many preferring a limit based on terms rather than years while some opposing retrospective application, and others raising questions about how the tenure should be calculated.

However, Azalina emphasised that the broader significance of the proposal lay in the government’s willingness to address the issue of executive power.

“What is most important to me is the step taken by the Madani Unity Government. This is a leadership that is prepared to openly discuss limits on the power of the Prime Minister,” she said.

Azalina noted that any amendment to impose a term limit would require the support of at least two-thirds of the 222 Members of Parliament, emphasising that the move goes beyond a simple majority vote.

“To pass a constitutional amendment, we need a two-thirds majority, not a simple majority,” she said, adding that parliamentary support would signal a collective commitment to transparency and accountability.

Conversely, she said that a rejection of the proposal would require lawmakers to justify their stance to voters.

“If the amendment is rejected, then the Members of Parliament concerned would need to explain to the people why they do not support limiting the powers of the Prime Minister,” she said.

Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would table a bill in the upcoming Parliament session to limit the tenure of the prime minister.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the bill would ensure that the tenure of the prime minister does not exceed 10 years or two terms.

He said the move was based on the principle that leadership positions should have clear term limits to allow for orderly succession.

The proposed term limit has sparked debate over whether it should be based on a fixed number of years or parliamentary terms, and whether it should apply prospectively or retrospectively. 

The government has maintained that these technical details remain part of the ongoing policy discussion and would be refined if the Cabinet gives its approval.

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PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin appears intent on retaining control of Perikatan Nasional (PN), even as tensions with PAS intensify, said an analyst.

According to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Assistant Prof Syaza Shukri Muhyiddin’s claim that Bersatu and PAS had agreed to abolish the PN chairmanship, which PAS later denied, reflected his desperation to remain at the helm of the Opposition coalition.

“It looks like he was just devising ways for himself (to remain at the helm of PN) without proper discussions and the agreement of the other parties,” she said.

Syaza noted that the former prime minister’s (PM) attempt to head the PN presidential council, and have it take precedence over the Supreme Council in executive matters, seemed “fishy”, given that he had stepped down as the coalition’s chairman on Jan 1.

Although the disclosure that PAS had not consented to abolishing the PN chairmanship cast Muhyiddin in a negative light, she said it was unsurprising that the former PM might intensify his efforts to maintain his leadership of the Opposition coalition.

She added that Muhyiddin was unlikely to step aside ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), noting that the PN leader would play a key role in endorsing candidates through the issuance of watikah, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.

“Calls for Muhyiddin to step aside have been a recurring theme over the past year, but he has not (done so). I think he will use his position as Bersatu president to argue that he’s higher in the pecking order than (PAS’ candidate for the PN chairmanship).

“Or, he will say the majority of PN party presidents are with him. Whatever it is, I don’t see him stepping down yet,” said the analyst.

Syaza said PAS would likely yield under such pressure. She added that the party would have replaced Muhyiddin earlier if it had the chance, and its inability to do so indicated that even the Islamic party was uncertain about how to handle the situation.

She added that while PAS may appear cornered, it was unlikely to leave PN or revive its Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact with UMNO, which became defunct after PAS joined PN.

“An MN revival has never been a serious possibility, especially on UMNO’s side. I think PAS is just pushed into a corner right now.”

Yesterday, Muhyiddin claimed that Bersatu and PAS had agreed to abolish the PN chairman’s post as part of a coalition restructuring discussed at a meeting held at his home more than a week ago.

The former PM said the proposal would place decision-making powers under a presidential council led by Bersatu, with administrative matters handled by an executive council led by PAS.

However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man denied the claim, saying the issue was not discussed at a meeting held on Jan 16.

In another letter sighted by FMT, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang stated that the party’s position was for the presidential council to serve solely as an advisory body, while the Supreme Council would continue to make the coalition’s executive decisions.

In a separate view, Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said Muhyiddin appeared more disconnected on the sentiments within PN leaders and grassroots rather than desperately clinging to PN’s leadership.

“It’s not so much a leader desperate for his position, but rather a failure to grasp the details and essence of the serious discussion that took place. This has strengthened pressure from PAS’ auxiliary leaders who would be happy to see Muhyiddin go,” he said.

Fauzi added that PAS was unlikely to exit PN, citing the continued alliance between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) heading into GE16.

He said that with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi maintaining his UMNO presidency and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim continuing to helm PH, he believed the time was not yet right for PAS to leave PN, as the BN-PH partnership was likely to continue into GE16.

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KUALA LUMPUR – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, delivered a strong warning on corruption during the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday.

In a royal address touching on various national priorities, Sultan Ibrahim said efforts to combat corruption must not consider rank or position, reminding lawmakers, government officials, and civil servants involved in corrupt practices that they would be regarded as “traitors to the nation.”

“I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt officials, and it seems I have found them. This is just the tip of the iceberg, including some within this chamber, who will continue to be pursued until justice is served,” he said during the opening ceremony.

The monarch emphasised that anti-corruption measures must be comprehensive, targeting not only recipients but also givers and all parties involved, urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act swiftly and fairly, without being influenced by rank or position.

Sultan Ibrahim also cautioned against exploiting religious, racial, or royalty sensitivities (the “3Rs”) for political purposes, stressing the importance of upholding the Malay language and the foundational principles of Malaysia under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).

His Majesty further called attention to digital security threats, including deep-fakes, and underlined the need to strengthen democratic institutions, including limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms.

In response, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reminded MPs to observe decorum during debates and noted that the use of parliamentary media centres must follow proper procedures to prevent misuse.

He encouraged lawmakers to focus on key issues, including the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and announced reforms to expand question sessions and allow greater access to the Special Chamber for more guests.

So far, 41 MPs have participated in the debate on the Royal Address, which began on Tuesday.

The first week of the session also saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressing major issues during Question Time, including Malaysia’s cautious stance on supporting a proposed Gaza Peace Committee while Israeli attacks continue and humanitarian aid remains unsecured.

Anwar said the matter would be discussed at the Cabinet meeting today, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had been tasked with obtaining the full membership list of the committee. Malaysia is also consulting world leaders for their perspectives.

On international trade, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Malaysia-United State Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), signed on Oct 26, 2025, has yet to be implemented as negotiations are ongoing and the government seeks clear written guarantees.

He stressed that the government takes seriously concerns that the deal could affect domestic policy, including subsidies, sensitive strategic controls, and Malaysia’s neutral stance.

On other foreign policy matters, Anwar said Malaysia maintains a firm position on the issue involving Venezuela based on upholding international law and rejects any attempts to annex Greenland in violation of sovereign rights. He also highlighted the importance of prudence in managing diplomatic relations, including with Iran.

On the economic front, Anwar said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will announce a record RM3 trillion in trade for 2025, reflecting the economy’s resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

The current Dewan Rakyat session will run for 20 days until March 3,  while the Dewan Negara session begins on Feb 23. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, delivered a strong warning on corruption during the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday.

In a royal address touching on various national priorities, Sultan Ibrahim said efforts to combat corruption must not consider rank or position, reminding lawmakers, government officials, and civil servants involved in corrupt practices that they would be regarded as “traitors to the nation.”

“I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt officials, and it seems I have found them. This is just the tip of the iceberg, including some within this chamber, who will continue to be pursued until justice is served,” he said during the opening ceremony.

The monarch emphasised that anti-corruption measures must be comprehensive, targeting not only recipients but also givers and all parties involved, urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act swiftly and fairly, without being influenced by rank or position.

Sultan Ibrahim also cautioned against exploiting religious, racial, or royalty sensitivities (the “3Rs”) for political purposes, stressing the importance of upholding the Malay language and the foundational principles of Malaysia under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).

His Majesty further called attention to digital security threats, including deep-fakes, and underlined the need to strengthen democratic institutions, including limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms.

In response, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reminded MPs to observe decorum during debates and noted that the use of parliamentary media centres must follow proper procedures to prevent misuse.

He encouraged lawmakers to focus on key issues, including the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and announced reforms to expand question sessions and allow greater access to the Special Chamber for more guests.

So far, 41 MPs have participated in the debate on the Royal Address, which began on Tuesday.

The first week of the session also saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressing major issues during Question Time, including Malaysia’s cautious stance on supporting a proposed Gaza Peace Committee while Israeli attacks continue and humanitarian aid remains unsecured.

Anwar said the matter would be discussed at the Cabinet meeting today, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had been tasked with obtaining the full membership list of the committee. Malaysia is also consulting world leaders for their perspectives.

On international trade, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Malaysia-United State Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), signed on Oct 26, 2025, has yet to be implemented as negotiations are ongoing and the government seeks clear written guarantees.

He stressed that the government takes seriously concerns that the deal could affect domestic policy, including subsidies, sensitive strategic controls, and Malaysia’s neutral stance.

On other foreign policy matters, Anwar said Malaysia maintains a firm position on the issue involving Venezuela based on upholding international law and rejects any attempts to annex Greenland in violation of sovereign rights. He also highlighted the importance of prudence in managing diplomatic relations, including with Iran.

On the economic front, Anwar said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will announce a record RM3 trillion in trade for 2025, reflecting the economy’s resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

The current Dewan Rakyat session will run for 20 days until March 3,  while the Dewan Negara session begins on Feb 23. — BERNAMA

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