Politics / News

OVER 200,000 members have either left or are preparing to leave Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to join the “Reset” team led by former deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (picture).

Former Melaka Bersatu chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik reportedly claimed that Hamzah was not behind efforts to split the party, saying Bersatu’s own leadership culture was driving members away.

“When a political party begins to operate like a private limited company, selectively enforcing disciplinary action against members, allowing defeated leaders to be reinstated, tolerating leaders with questionable moral records, treating corruption lightly, abandoning the people’s struggle, excessively glorifying leaders and branding criticism of the party as betrayal of its leadership, then naturally members will grow resentful of such practices and culture,” he was quoted as saying.

Abdul Rahim said his views were based on nearly 50 years in politics and warned that Bersatu would struggle to move forward under its current “negative and destructive” culture. 

He argued that internal party practices and leadership issues were fuelling dissatisfaction among members, emphasising that Hamzah was not responsible for splitting the party

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FORMER Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli says Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has received about 18,000 membership applications just a week after he took over the party alongside former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

He said 46%of the applicants had never joined any political party before.

“Almost half are fence-sitters who never really had a political home. They voted, but never felt the desire to join any party. Now they are coming to Bersama.

“Among those from other parties, 29% are from PKR, followed by UMNO, PAS, Amanah, Bersatu and Muda. Every major Malay-based party is represented.

“This means there is a segment in every party that has long been disappointed and is now searching for a new home,” Rafizi said in a post on X.

He also  dismissed claims that Bersama would split votes, saying the party was attracting support from a broad cross-section of Malaysians, including first-time political members, with applicants comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera.

According to Rafizi, the demographic makeup reflects Malaysia’s population, and membership is expected to exceed 20,000 by the end of Bersama’s first weekend.

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ALOR SETAR — The resignations of several former PKR leaders and members, including those at the Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) level, from the party will not affect its focus, said AMK vice-chief Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

He said PKR must continue looking forward and focus on efforts to strengthen the party for the benefit of the people and the nation.

“PKR has always looked ahead. Every individual has their own rights, but what is important is that this will not have a major impact on the party.

“We want to continue progressing and moving forward, while strengthening the party at the grassroots level, including branches and activists,” he told reporters after officiating at the Kedah-level National Youth Day celebration here last night.

He said the party could not afford to dwell too much on the actions of those leaving, as the priority now is to help the government and the country face various current challenges, particularly the global supply crisis.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Taufiq, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, stressed the importance of youth participation in associations or youth organisations to help shape character and leadership from an early stage.

“We need to empower our youths with knowledge, character and strong spirit to develop the country together,” he said. — BERNAMA

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by AKMAR ANNUAR

FORMER Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) Petaling Jaya chairman Danish Firas has broken his silence following recent remarks by PBM president Datuk Larry Sng, saying young politicians should focus on service and nation-building instead of political drama.

The statement follows the mass resignation of PBM Petaling Jaya division leaders announced yesterday, which sparked reactions from the party leadership and online discussions over the group’s departure and future political direction.

While Danish did not directly address specific remarks made by Sng, he said the youth team’s political journey had never been driven by positions or power.

“Our intention was never about positions or power. From the very beginning, our purpose has always been to serve, champion racial unity and contribute towards a better future for all Malaysians,” he said in a statement today (May 21).

Danish said his team remained united by shared values centred on unity, mutual respect and service despite recent developments.

He also stressed that the group’s departure had taken place peacefully and respectfully regardless of how the situation had been portrayed publicly.

“As young people in politics, we hope Larry Sng and Parti Bangsa Malaysia will continue giving youth the space and support to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully,” he said.

He added that wherever the team’s journey leads next, they were “not here for political drama” but remained committed to contributing towards a better Malaysia.

Former PBM Petaling Jaya deputy chairman Yeemin Chen said the team’s commitment towards service and strengthening unity among Malaysians remained unchanged.

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by NURNABIHAH DINI

THE government remains stable with all coalition component parties reaffirming their support for the administration until the end of its term, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (picture).

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed appreciation for the continued commitment shown by component parties within the Madani government coalition, including Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“The parties have stated that they will continue supporting and remain with the unity government until the end of the administration term,” he said at a press conference today.

Fahmi said the commitment reflects the priority placed on the interests of the people and the country, while allowing the government to focus fully on addressing economic challenges arising from the crisis in West Asia.

“It also ensures that the welfare of the citizens continues to be protected,” he added.

On whether the possibility of an early general election or snap polls was discussed during the Cabinet meeting, Fahmi said the Prime Minister had already addressed the matter during the Pakatan Harapan convention last Sunday.

“He informed Cabinet ministers regarding the matter and reiterated the commitment of component parties in the unity government to continue supporting the administration until the end of the term,” he said.

Fahmi also dismissed speculation that the resignation of MPs and government representatives had been discussed during the meeting.

“It was only informed regarding preparations for the Dewan Rakyat sitting beginning June 22, involving two former MPs who have vacated their seats,” he said.

Separately, Fahmi said the Prime Minister welcomed efforts to organise official government events in a more modest and cost-efficient manner.

According to him, the simplified approach allows government expenditure to be managed more prudently without affecting the objectives and implementation of official programmes.

“This approach is important in ensuring government spending is more efficient and focused in line with efforts to prioritise the welfare of the people and the country’s current needs,” he said.

Fahmi added that Putrajaya’s move to streamline operational expenditure priorities across ministries had begun showing positive results without affecting service delivery or ministry programmes.

He said efforts to prioritise expenditure had achieved about 50% of the government’s intended target so far.

He added that priority continues to be given to strengthening frontline services, particularly in the healthcare, security and education sectors.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Cabinet also welcomed initiatives by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) in conducting surveys to identify specific challenges faced by industries and businesses.

He said the survey findings would help the government formulate and coordinate initiatives in a more strategic, focused and effective manner to address industry-related concerns comprehensively and sustainably.

On another matter, Fahmi expressed regret over an incident involving members of the media during a recent convention in Johor.

“As the director for the convention, I am very disappointed with the incident, especially since I know the Johor media team very well. For me, the matter should not have happened,” he said.

Fahmi said he had instructed the secretariat to review complaints lodged and identify the issues as well as parties potentially involved before further action is taken.

He stressed that journalists must be given adequate space to carry out their duties during events.

“At the same time, I understand that in certain situations, especially in limited physical spaces or when attendance is very high, incidents that are not intended may occur,” he said.

Fahmi added that the secretariat had provided facilities to assist media personnel, but acknowledged that improvements could still be made in certain areas.

“We will take note and try to improve,” he said.

On the government’s proposed social media age verification mechanism for users under 16, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would hold a special briefing session to answer technical questions from the media.

He said the use of official government documents such as MyKad for age and identity verification was already common practice in other sectors, including e-wallet services and social media account verification.

“In terms of policy, we do not see any contradiction in using official government documents for age verification when other sectors in the country already use the same approach,” he said.

Fahmi added that the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) would apply in handling personal data collected for such purposes.

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by ALISSYA ZUNIZAM

FORMER PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (picture) has called on members of the People’s Justice Party (PKR) and Parti Bersama Malaysia not to regard each other as adversaries following his decision to leave the party and lead Bersama.

Speaking on the Lebih Masa podcast hosted by former PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad yesterday, Rafizi said political decisions should not destroy long-standing relationships among party members.

He said many of his close friends were still in PKR and respected their decision to remain in the party despite his departure.

Rafizi said every individual had personal reasons for joining, staying in or leaving a political party, adding that such choices should not automatically create hostility.

“When it comes to people who want to remain in PKR or make their own decisions, for Nik and me, we do not take it personally.

“We have many friends. If they choose to stay with PKR, that is their choice,” he said during the podcast.

He added that both he and Nik Nazmi wanted to avoid the style of factional politics previously associated with former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, which he described as operating on an “either with us or against us” approach.

However, Rafizi said those who remained in PKR should also reflect on why they chose to stay, adding that the party no longer represented the ideals that had originally attracted him.

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PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) urged political leaders to prioritise resolving issues affecting the people instead of engaging in power struggles amid current global uncertainties and economic challenges.

“Our country is facing problems. The focus should be on the people’s problems, not power struggles,” he said.

Anwar said political disputes should be resolved through consultation and consensus, while elections remained the proper platform for leadership contests.

He also commended Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun for remaining steadfast amid ongoing political turbulence in the state, New Straits Times (NST) reported.

His remarks came amid reports that 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen had withdrawn support for Aminuddin.

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IPOH — Former Gunung Semanggol assemblyman Datuk Abd Muhaimin Abd Rahman Nazri died at Penang Hospital yesterday.

The news of his passing was shared by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad via his official Facebook page this morning.

Saarani extended his condolences to Abd Muhaimin’s family and prayed that they would find strength in facing this difficult time.

Meanwhile, Bagan Serai UMNO Division chief Datuk Sham Mat Sahat said Abd Muhaimin was laid to rest at the Ar-Rahmaniah Mosque Muslim Cemetery at about 11.45 am today.

He described Abd Muhaimin’s passing as a great loss, as he was a seasoned leader who had contributed extensively to the party and local community.

“He had served UMNO for about 25 years, especially in Bagan Serai. He had made various contributions to ensure the party remained strong here.

“More sadly, he had just last week submitted his form to rejoin UMNO to me. It shows that his love for the party had never faded, despite going through various phases in his political struggle,” Sham said when contacted by Bernama today.

Abd Muhaimin, 62, a native of Gunung Semanggol, was the assemblyman for the state constituency for one term from 2004 to 2008 and served as deputy chief of the Bagan Serai UMNO Division from 2013 to 2018.

He also held the post of Bagan Serai UMNO Division Information chief from 2004 to 2008 and was formerly head of its Youth wing from 1995 to 2004. — BERNAMA

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PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) is expected to confirm the admission of four new parties into the coalition at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur on May 16, as the opposition bloc looks to strengthen its position ahead of the 16th General Election.

According to a report, the parties understood to be involved are Parti Berjasa Malaysia (Berjasa), Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman).

PN Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu told Utusan Malaysia that a meeting would be held on May 16, but he declined to confirm its agenda.

“There will be a meeting on May 16, but I cannot confirm the agenda because the matter is confidential. However, it will be announced after the meeting,” he said.

Meanwhile, Berjasa president Zamani Ibrahim said the party had applied to join PN since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin became the coalition’s chairman, adding that its participation could help strengthen the opposition grouping before GE16.

He said Berjasa has nearly 100,000 members and several prominent figures, which he believed could contribute to PN’s organisational and electoral machinery.

Meanwhile, Putra president Datuk Ibrahim Ali said there was no reason for PN to reject Putra, citing the party’s seven-year track record, stable structure, 64 active divisions and 40,000 paid members.

At the same time, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid said the coalition should be strengthened quickly to unite opposition parties, offer voters a clearer choice on the ballot paper and accelerate preparations for the next general election.

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