Azmin was born in sinkie.
He does not have the charisma to win votes on his own. Never heard him make speech before.
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(breaking!!!) anwar going to be jiuhu pm
- Thread starter kaninabuchaojibye
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He does not have the charisma to win votes on his own. Never heard him make speech before.
Anwar, zahid, dr m and najib should just retire.
It might work if umno get rid of the old guard kleptocrats but if tat the case. PAS will makan their constituents...and how are they different from Bersatu n PAS?
For Anwar to get ahead. Azmin needs to be discredited. The good news is he is hated by both sides
Defections from PKR have not given Perikatan Nasional parliamentary majority, claims Anwar
Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim gestures during a press conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 16, 2021. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
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KUALA LUMPUR: The recent defections of three Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs have not given the Perikatan Nasional (PN) a majority in the parliament, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, insisting that he still commands the support of an "adequate number" of MPs.
“It is simple mathematics. PN claims it has 111 or 112 (MPs). If we take into account that a portion of that has declared support for me, they are left with technically 100," Mr Anwar claimed in a press conference on Tuesday (Mar 16).
There are 222 seats in Malaysia's House of Representatives. Two MPs passed away recently and by-elections have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three MPs who recently quit PKR and pledged support for the PN government led by Mr Muhyiddin Yassin are Julau MP Larry Sng, Tebrau MP Steven Choong and Kuala Langat MP Xavier Jayakumar.
Mr Anwar, who is PKR president, said the PN ruling coalition has "less than 90 MPs", after excluding MPs from Parti Warisan Sabah, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance.
“What makes you think that taking three will make them reach 110? They have lost the core base of the MPs who have been with PN,” he said.
Mr Anwar had in claimed in September last year claimed that he had a "strong, formidable, convincing majority" to form the next government, while United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had then said the party would not stop its MPs from backing Mr Anwar as prime minister.
Malaysia is currently under a state of emergency, with parliament meetings suspended.
Asked in his Tuesday press conference if he still has the majority he claimed to hold, he replied: "I have the adequate numbers."
Mr Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, also claimed that a few other PKR MPs have been intimidated or lured with monetary remunerations to quit the party and join the ruling coalition.
He said PN as the ruling government should cease its methods of intimidation to lure members from the opposition and stressed that no one else from PKR would “jump over” to the ruling party.
“I will be writing to the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) on this tomorrow to seek an appointment to discuss this matter.
“The MACC should be used as an effective agency to combat corruption and not to be used as a political weapon against opposition politicians,” he said.
NO FORMAL AGREEMENT WITH UMNO
On whether PKR is going to work with UMNO, Mr Anwar said nothing has been formalised yet.
“It is too premature to say anything. It is just initial discussions. Nothing is formal yet.
“It is just a positive start. A new narrative. Evil politics needs to stop and I am open to discuss this with anyone,” he said.
This came after Mr Anwar said in an interview with a Malaysian newspaper that there have been initial discussions between PKR and UMNO, fuelling talks of possible collaboration between the two political rivals.
Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim gestures during a press conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 16, 2021. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
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KUALA LUMPUR: The recent defections of three Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs have not given the Perikatan Nasional (PN) a majority in the parliament, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, insisting that he still commands the support of an "adequate number" of MPs.
“It is simple mathematics. PN claims it has 111 or 112 (MPs). If we take into account that a portion of that has declared support for me, they are left with technically 100," Mr Anwar claimed in a press conference on Tuesday (Mar 16).
There are 222 seats in Malaysia's House of Representatives. Two MPs passed away recently and by-elections have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three MPs who recently quit PKR and pledged support for the PN government led by Mr Muhyiddin Yassin are Julau MP Larry Sng, Tebrau MP Steven Choong and Kuala Langat MP Xavier Jayakumar.
Mr Anwar, who is PKR president, said the PN ruling coalition has "less than 90 MPs", after excluding MPs from Parti Warisan Sabah, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance.
“What makes you think that taking three will make them reach 110? They have lost the core base of the MPs who have been with PN,” he said.
Mr Anwar had in claimed in September last year claimed that he had a "strong, formidable, convincing majority" to form the next government, while United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had then said the party would not stop its MPs from backing Mr Anwar as prime minister.
Malaysia is currently under a state of emergency, with parliament meetings suspended.
Asked in his Tuesday press conference if he still has the majority he claimed to hold, he replied: "I have the adequate numbers."
Mr Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, also claimed that a few other PKR MPs have been intimidated or lured with monetary remunerations to quit the party and join the ruling coalition.
He said PN as the ruling government should cease its methods of intimidation to lure members from the opposition and stressed that no one else from PKR would “jump over” to the ruling party.
“I will be writing to the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) on this tomorrow to seek an appointment to discuss this matter.
“The MACC should be used as an effective agency to combat corruption and not to be used as a political weapon against opposition politicians,” he said.
NO FORMAL AGREEMENT WITH UMNO
On whether PKR is going to work with UMNO, Mr Anwar said nothing has been formalised yet.
“It is too premature to say anything. It is just initial discussions. Nothing is formal yet.
“It is just a positive start. A new narrative. Evil politics needs to stop and I am open to discuss this with anyone,” he said.
This came after Mr Anwar said in an interview with a Malaysian newspaper that there have been initial discussions between PKR and UMNO, fuelling talks of possible collaboration between the two political rivals.
Is this possible? Will Anwar work with the old guard umno?
Sources: Pakatan set to follow Anwar’s lead if overtures towards Umno work in pact’s favour | Malay Mail
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaking during a press conference at Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya, March 16, 2021. ― Picture by Hari Anggara
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaking during a press conference at Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya, March 16, 2021. ― Picture by Hari Anggara
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 ― Even as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dropped the bomb that there are steps towards a possible cooperation between PKR and Umno, several sources within Pakatan Harapan (PH) said no such serious discussion has been made at the top level.
However, they told Malay Mail that some “unofficial” meetings with other parties outside the pact have already been held, and PKR’s partners may even follow Anwar to offer an olive branch towards former enemies Umno should it bring boon towards PH.
“DAP and Parti Amanah Negara will follow and support the cooperation if it would bring benefit to PH as a whole.
“However, the parties wanted proof that Anwar would be able to bring out the support first from their traditional arch rival,” said one anonymous insider privy to the interactions with outside parties.
Another leader from one of the component parties also downplayed the advances made towards Umno, saying it is normal for PH parties to gather their own strength in preparation for the next general election.
The leader, who refused to be named, gave examples of cooperation and discussions outside of PH, including with other Oppositions and even parties who are currently allied to the Perikatan Nasional government.
“The parties in PH are in the midst of strengthening their respective parties, so discussions with lawmakers from other parties are being done,” added another party leader from DAP.
“The cooperation between PKR and Umno will not mean anything if there is no black-and-white yet, so it should not be a concern for other allies in PH.”
Another source from the same party confirmed the matter, saying that DAP is open to any cooperation should it benefit PH.
A source was quoted as saying that DAP is open to any cooperation should it benefit Pakatan Harapan. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng
A source was quoted as saying that DAP is open to any cooperation should it benefit Pakatan Harapan. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng
“If it would help PH to win the 15th general election, the other parties in PH would follow, however there are still few caveats and conditions that needed to be agreed upon.
“If there is no agreement, then PH might end up weaker than before,” said the source.
Malay Mail also understands that DAP may be open to the idea as Umno has strength especially in the rural Malay-dominated areas, where PH had struggled to make any impact until the emergence of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in the last general election.
However Bersatu, who originally only won 13 seats in the 2018 general election was strengthened when another 13 MPs from Umno jumped to join the parties throughout 2018.
Formerly part of PH, Bersatu left the pact when it managed to ally with Umno and PAS, later forming the Perikatan Nasional government.
“This shows how strong Umno as a party is. If agreements can be made and with people being taken care of, it will bring benefit to PH and the country,” another PH insider told Malay Mail.
Yesterday, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed questions about a potential partnership with Umno for the 15th general election, saying talks in this direction were still at a very early stage.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan said his party is still maintaining its decision to reject any cooperation with PH components PKR and DAP.
Umno is still nominally part of the ruling PN government but has informed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu that their informal partnership will end once the general election is called
This comes as on Sunday, Anwar said PKR and rivals Umno are not that different ideologically, that the two camps are fundamentally striving for the same goals amid talks that the two parties could potentially align.
Anwar said PKR and rivals Umno are not that different ideologically, telling a Malay daily that the two camps are fundamentally striving for the same goals amid talks that the two parties could potentially align.
Several Opposition MPs have since come out with two statements chastising Anwar to focus on galvanising the bloc instead of making overtures to political rivals with questionable credentials, and that time has been wasted in arguing who should be prime minister.
These MPs include Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman, Liew Chin Tong, Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, Baru Bian, Maria Chin Abdullah, Ramkarpal Singh, Darell Leiking, and Hannah Yeoh.
Don’t be influenced by Anwar’s statements, Ismail Sabri tells Umno members | Malay Mail
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stressed that Umno would not cooperate with Anwar, PKR and DAP in GE15, as has been decided by the party’s supreme council. — Bernama pic
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KUALA NERUS, March 20 — Umno leaders and members should not be influenced by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statements as he might have an agenda to split Umno, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Ismail Sabri said he was worried that Anwar’s statements could create suspicion among Umno leaders and members.
“I fear that it could lead to splits within Umno. I’m also concerned that it might create mutual suspicion, with everyone quoting someone’s name and finally we ourselves are divided.
“That’s why I hope Umno would not be influenced by Anwar’s statements because his agenda may be to split Umno,” Ismail Sabri, who is Senior Minister (Security Cluster), told reporters after visiting the 18th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para) at Sri Pantai Seberang Takir camp here today.
Ismail Sabri was asked to comment on Anwar’s recent statement that there were unofficial talks between PKR and Umno on possible cooperation in the 15th general election (GE15)
Ismail Sabri stressed that Umno would not cooperate with Anwar, PKR and DAP in GE15, as has been decided by the party’s supreme council.
He said there had been no discussions between Umno and PKR, and anyone who engaged in talks with PKR could face action for defying the supreme council’s stand.
“But now we are hearing from Anwar only. Anwar is capable of making statements every week. This has happened before; (but) not even one is true,” he added. — Bernama
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KUALA NERUS, March 20 — Umno leaders and members should not be influenced by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statements as he might have an agenda to split Umno, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Ismail Sabri said he was worried that Anwar’s statements could create suspicion among Umno leaders and members.
“I fear that it could lead to splits within Umno. I’m also concerned that it might create mutual suspicion, with everyone quoting someone’s name and finally we ourselves are divided.
“That’s why I hope Umno would not be influenced by Anwar’s statements because his agenda may be to split Umno,” Ismail Sabri, who is Senior Minister (Security Cluster), told reporters after visiting the 18th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para) at Sri Pantai Seberang Takir camp here today.
Ismail Sabri was asked to comment on Anwar’s recent statement that there were unofficial talks between PKR and Umno on possible cooperation in the 15th general election (GE15)
Ismail Sabri stressed that Umno would not cooperate with Anwar, PKR and DAP in GE15, as has been decided by the party’s supreme council.
He said there had been no discussions between Umno and PKR, and anyone who engaged in talks with PKR could face action for defying the supreme council’s stand.
“But now we are hearing from Anwar only. Anwar is capable of making statements every week. This has happened before; (but) not even one is true,” he added. — Bernama
Nik Nazmi: Anwar approached to be part of Sheraton Move too, but rejected offer | Malay Mail
.JPG "Nik Nazmi (pic) said Anwar stood with PH and had rejected the opportunity to be in the Perikatan Nasional government along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Umno and PAS. — Picture by Azneal Ishak")
Nik Nazmi (pic) said Anwar stood with PH and had rejected the opportunity to be in the Perikatan Nasional government along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Umno and PAS. — Picture by Azneal Ishak
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — PKR organising secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad revealed that party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was initially approached to be part of the “Sheraton Move” last year but had rejected the offer, reports The Malaysian Insight.
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In an interview with the news portal, Nik Nazmi said Anwar stood with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and had rejected the opportunity to be in the Perikatan Nasional government along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Umno and PAS.
“Anwar was not willing to ditch PH ally DAP, as the Sheraton Move backers only wanted PKR, and not DAP,” Nik Nazmi reportedly said.
Nik Nazmi was commenting on the possibility of PKR and Umno collaboration in the coming 15th general election to supposedly catapult Anwar to be the prime minister.
“Had Anwar wanted to be prime minister, he could have done it ages ago.
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“Even as recent as the Sheraton Move [in February 2020], he was approached to bring PKR into the new coalition, but at that time the condition was, ‘no DAP’.
“Anwar did not agree,” said Nik Nazmi.
Nik Nazmi also commented on the previous power transition plan that was agreed by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar under PH’s tenure, stating that it was defective as the former had taken active steps to consolidate his power further.
“The two-year agreement about Anwar becoming the prime minister was a big eyewash because Dr Mahathir pulled Umno MPs to secure his position, even when we had enough numbers to form the government.
“There was no need [to get MPs to switch] at that time because we won and had the majority in Parliament, and we could govern.
“People started whispering when Umno MPs jumped, asking if Dr Mahathir was reneging on the deal with Anwar. Obviously, in hindsight, it was,’’ he said.
Last Tuesday, Anwar held a press conference in Kuala Lumpur where he addressed questions about the Opposition coalition working with its nemesis Umno in removing the ruling Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional coalition even as the Port Dickson MP insists PH and its allies have an “adequate” majority of MPs to form government.
Umno is still nominally a part of the ruling PN government, but has informed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also Bersatu president that their informal partnership will end once the 15th general election is called.
Both Anwar and Dr Mahathir continue to criticise each other openly following the collapse of the PH government due to the Sheraton Move in February of last year, with both men pining some of the blame to each other.
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — PKR organising secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad revealed that party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was initially approached to be part of the “Sheraton Move” last year but had rejected the offer, reports The Malaysian Insight.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––
In an interview with the news portal, Nik Nazmi said Anwar stood with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and had rejected the opportunity to be in the Perikatan Nasional government along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Umno and PAS.
“Anwar was not willing to ditch PH ally DAP, as the Sheraton Move backers only wanted PKR, and not DAP,” Nik Nazmi reportedly said.
Nik Nazmi was commenting on the possibility of PKR and Umno collaboration in the coming 15th general election to supposedly catapult Anwar to be the prime minister.
“Had Anwar wanted to be prime minister, he could have done it ages ago.
ADVERTISING
“Even as recent as the Sheraton Move [in February 2020], he was approached to bring PKR into the new coalition, but at that time the condition was, ‘no DAP’.
“Anwar did not agree,” said Nik Nazmi.
Nik Nazmi also commented on the previous power transition plan that was agreed by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar under PH’s tenure, stating that it was defective as the former had taken active steps to consolidate his power further.
“The two-year agreement about Anwar becoming the prime minister was a big eyewash because Dr Mahathir pulled Umno MPs to secure his position, even when we had enough numbers to form the government.
“There was no need [to get MPs to switch] at that time because we won and had the majority in Parliament, and we could govern.
“People started whispering when Umno MPs jumped, asking if Dr Mahathir was reneging on the deal with Anwar. Obviously, in hindsight, it was,’’ he said.
Last Tuesday, Anwar held a press conference in Kuala Lumpur where he addressed questions about the Opposition coalition working with its nemesis Umno in removing the ruling Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional coalition even as the Port Dickson MP insists PH and its allies have an “adequate” majority of MPs to form government.
Umno is still nominally a part of the ruling PN government, but has informed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also Bersatu president that their informal partnership will end once the 15th general election is called.
Both Anwar and Dr Mahathir continue to criticise each other openly following the collapse of the PH government due to the Sheraton Move in February of last year, with both men pining some of the blame to each other.
Anwar invited to ‘Sheraton Move’? First time I've heard of it, says Kit Siang | Malay Mail
Lim Kit Siang leaves the Eastin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur February 28, 2020. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang today claimed to have been in the dark that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had been approached to be part of the political manoeuvre dubbed the “Sheraton Move” to end the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government last year.
The DAP veteran was responding to a report by The Malaysian Insight yesterday citing PKR organising secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who alleged that Anwar was invited to join Bersatu, Umno and PAS to form a new coalition to take power but declined as he was not willing to abandon DAP.
“The version given by the PKR Organising Secretary and MP for Setiawangsa, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in an interview with Malaysian Insight yesterday is completely news to me,” Lim in a statement.
“I had met Anwar several times in the week after the Sheraton Move in February 2020, as well in the following months, but Anwar had never mentioned Nazmi’s version of the Sheraton Move to me,” he added.
In late February last year, former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, along with several others who would later defect from the party met with several rival political leaders at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The next day on February 24, 2020 Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as prime minister, which then paved the way for the toppling of the Pakatan Harapan government and the appointment of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
It has been speculated that Dr Mahathir refused to follow through with his promise to step down from office mid-term for Anwar to take over as prime minister.
Anwar, who has long waited in the wings to be prime minister, has repeatedly claimed he has sufficient support from MPs to take power but has been barred from doing so with Parliament suspended under the nationwide Emergency.
Earlier this month, he said there were early talks on a possible cooperation between PKR and Umno, although Umno leaders have denied the claims so far.
In a separate statement, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said he had connected with Anwar’s “inner circle” repeatedly between February 23 to 29 last year when the Sheraton Move occurred, and claimed such an offer to join the breakaway PH faction was never raised during those talks.
He dismissed Nik Nazmi’s claim that Anwar rejected those offers as he did not want to abandon DAP.
Liew pointed out that it was improbable as the Sheraton Move aimed to remove Anwar from being next in line to become prime minister.
“Throughout the Sheraton coup week from 23 February to 29 February, I was in many meetings of Anwar’s inner circle, which I have kept personal records and notes.
“The idea of an offer to Anwar to form a government without DAP did not arise as the original purpose of the Sheraton coup was exactly to remove Anwar from the equation,” the DAP senator said.
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang today claimed to have been in the dark that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had been approached to be part of the political manoeuvre dubbed the “Sheraton Move” to end the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government last year.
The DAP veteran was responding to a report by The Malaysian Insight yesterday citing PKR organising secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who alleged that Anwar was invited to join Bersatu, Umno and PAS to form a new coalition to take power but declined as he was not willing to abandon DAP.
“The version given by the PKR Organising Secretary and MP for Setiawangsa, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in an interview with Malaysian Insight yesterday is completely news to me,” Lim in a statement.
“I had met Anwar several times in the week after the Sheraton Move in February 2020, as well in the following months, but Anwar had never mentioned Nazmi’s version of the Sheraton Move to me,” he added.
In late February last year, former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, along with several others who would later defect from the party met with several rival political leaders at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The next day on February 24, 2020 Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as prime minister, which then paved the way for the toppling of the Pakatan Harapan government and the appointment of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
It has been speculated that Dr Mahathir refused to follow through with his promise to step down from office mid-term for Anwar to take over as prime minister.
Anwar, who has long waited in the wings to be prime minister, has repeatedly claimed he has sufficient support from MPs to take power but has been barred from doing so with Parliament suspended under the nationwide Emergency.
Earlier this month, he said there were early talks on a possible cooperation between PKR and Umno, although Umno leaders have denied the claims so far.
In a separate statement, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said he had connected with Anwar’s “inner circle” repeatedly between February 23 to 29 last year when the Sheraton Move occurred, and claimed such an offer to join the breakaway PH faction was never raised during those talks.
He dismissed Nik Nazmi’s claim that Anwar rejected those offers as he did not want to abandon DAP.
Liew pointed out that it was improbable as the Sheraton Move aimed to remove Anwar from being next in line to become prime minister.
“Throughout the Sheraton coup week from 23 February to 29 February, I was in many meetings of Anwar’s inner circle, which I have kept personal records and notes.
“The idea of an offer to Anwar to form a government without DAP did not arise as the original purpose of the Sheraton coup was exactly to remove Anwar from the equation,” the DAP senator said.
Anwar to meet MACC chief tomorrow over enticement claims | Malay Mail
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will be meeting Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki tomorrow. — by Miera Zulyana
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Days after alleging the state of using public institutions to exert pressure on Opposition politicians to switch sides, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took to Twitter his morning saying he will be meeting Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki.
The Opposition leader said the meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya and thanked Azam for agreeing to it.
Anwar also expressed hope that the meeting would help in moving towards a better Malaysia.
“I believe efforts to eradicate corruption and abuse of power and position is a serious issue and requires cooperation from all quarters, including from the Opposition and society.
“May this effort be a starting point towards the direction of a better Malaysia, InsyaAllah,” he wrote in a series of tweets on Twitter.
On March 16, Anwar said he would be writing to Azam to seek a meeting and explanation over the alleged use of MACC as a political weapon to pressure MPs into switching sides.
Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and the Inland Revenue Board were used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at that time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or to have been offered enticements in attempts to get them to switch support to the Perikatan Nasional administration.
On March 13, Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar who was the PKR vice-president quit the party, and pledged support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as an independent.
Dr Xavier was the latest senior figure to announce his departure from PKR, after last month’s exit of Julau MP Larry Sng and Tebrau MP Steven Choong. Both also declared themselves independents in support of Muhyiddin.
Another PKR MP, Sivarasa Rasiah claimed that the reason Dr Xavier decided to quit the Opposition was due to pressure from the MACC.
Both the police and the MACC had on March 6 however denied allegations that they were being used as a political weapon against Opposition politicians.
On March 15, the MACC urged politicians who were offered bribes to jump from their party to lodge reports with the anti-corruption body, in order to enable investigations on such matters.
MACC’s deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil was reported by national news agency Bernama as saying that individuals can be charged under Section 25(1) of the MACC Act 2009 if they failed to report any act of giving and offering of bribes.
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Days after alleging the state of using public institutions to exert pressure on Opposition politicians to switch sides, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took to Twitter his morning saying he will be meeting Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki.
The Opposition leader said the meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya and thanked Azam for agreeing to it.
Anwar also expressed hope that the meeting would help in moving towards a better Malaysia.
“I believe efforts to eradicate corruption and abuse of power and position is a serious issue and requires cooperation from all quarters, including from the Opposition and society.
“May this effort be a starting point towards the direction of a better Malaysia, InsyaAllah,” he wrote in a series of tweets on Twitter.
On March 16, Anwar said he would be writing to Azam to seek a meeting and explanation over the alleged use of MACC as a political weapon to pressure MPs into switching sides.
Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and the Inland Revenue Board were used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at that time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or to have been offered enticements in attempts to get them to switch support to the Perikatan Nasional administration.
On March 13, Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar who was the PKR vice-president quit the party, and pledged support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as an independent.
Dr Xavier was the latest senior figure to announce his departure from PKR, after last month’s exit of Julau MP Larry Sng and Tebrau MP Steven Choong. Both also declared themselves independents in support of Muhyiddin.
Another PKR MP, Sivarasa Rasiah claimed that the reason Dr Xavier decided to quit the Opposition was due to pressure from the MACC.
Both the police and the MACC had on March 6 however denied allegations that they were being used as a political weapon against Opposition politicians.
On March 15, the MACC urged politicians who were offered bribes to jump from their party to lodge reports with the anti-corruption body, in order to enable investigations on such matters.
MACC’s deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil was reported by national news agency Bernama as saying that individuals can be charged under Section 25(1) of the MACC Act 2009 if they failed to report any act of giving and offering of bribes.
Guan Eng: No cooperation with Umno until CEC decides otherwise | Malay Mail
DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng speaks to the press at a press conference in Wisma DAP, George Town March 8, 2021. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
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GEORGE TOWN, March 21 — DAP reiterates that there will be no political cooperation with Umno until the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) decides otherwise.
Its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the party’s CEC has not changed its previous policy position of no cooperation with Umno especially for the coming 15th general election (GE15).
“Let me state that DAP will not work with kleptocrat leaders in the coming general election. This will be our party’s stand until the CEC makes another decision in future,” he said in his opening speech at the Penang DAP Ordinary Convention 2021 at Spice Arena here today.
He said DAP could cooperate for the people’s benefit as in the Perak and Johor state governments which are led by Umno where allocations were given to opposition constituencies.
“There can be meetings and talks with Umno state governments on people’s issues which should be for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He said for instance, DAP is willing to work with Umno MPs to force the Perikatan Nasional government to convene Parliament and review harsh laws such as the imposition of RM10,000 compound fines on individuals and RM50,000 on companies.
Lim who is also the MP for Bagan said all of the 42 elected DAP MPs are still with the party and he also urged the opposition to unite and called for parliament sitting to resume.
Meanwhile, Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow also reminded all party members not to take things for granted in working towards the upcoming general election.
He said the current state administration needs to successfully deal with three crisis - health, economy and political — in order to earn the voters’ trust in the coming GE15.
“We, DAP and Pakatan Harapan should not take for granted and assumed that we can win easily in Penang. If the state government failed to play its role in tackling these three crises, we will lose the trust of the voters,” he said. — Bernama
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GEORGE TOWN, March 21 — DAP reiterates that there will be no political cooperation with Umno until the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) decides otherwise.
Its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the party’s CEC has not changed its previous policy position of no cooperation with Umno especially for the coming 15th general election (GE15).
“Let me state that DAP will not work with kleptocrat leaders in the coming general election. This will be our party’s stand until the CEC makes another decision in future,” he said in his opening speech at the Penang DAP Ordinary Convention 2021 at Spice Arena here today.
He said DAP could cooperate for the people’s benefit as in the Perak and Johor state governments which are led by Umno where allocations were given to opposition constituencies.
“There can be meetings and talks with Umno state governments on people’s issues which should be for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He said for instance, DAP is willing to work with Umno MPs to force the Perikatan Nasional government to convene Parliament and review harsh laws such as the imposition of RM10,000 compound fines on individuals and RM50,000 on companies.
Lim who is also the MP for Bagan said all of the 42 elected DAP MPs are still with the party and he also urged the opposition to unite and called for parliament sitting to resume.
Meanwhile, Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow also reminded all party members not to take things for granted in working towards the upcoming general election.
He said the current state administration needs to successfully deal with three crisis - health, economy and political — in order to earn the voters’ trust in the coming GE15.
“We, DAP and Pakatan Harapan should not take for granted and assumed that we can win easily in Penang. If the state government failed to play its role in tackling these three crises, we will lose the trust of the voters,” he said. — Bernama
Anwar to MACC chief: Why are sharks allowed to swim freely but small fish prosecuted? | Malay Mail
.jpg "Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks to members of the media at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya March 22, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon")
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks to members of the media at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya March 22, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
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PUTRAJAYA, March 22 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will not be able to rein in corruption in Malaysia if those with power are above prosecution.
He said if high-level officials are getting off scot free while selective prosecution continues against Opposition MPs, then the government agency will have a poor public image.
Anwar had a meeting with MACC chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki for an hour and 15 minutes today.
When he emerged at 4.15pm, the Opposition Leader told the media that he was told by a former minister that he would be free from prosecution too if he ‘jumped ship’ to the current government.
Anwar said he told Azam that if this is the case, the public will view the MACC as being in cahoots with the government.
“If the sharks are allowed to swim freely while the small fish are prosecuted, the MACC will lose the trust of the public.
“Then there is the allegation that former and current Umno MPs took 1MDB money but were not prosecuted because they changed allegiances to Bersatu. This is an open secret,” Anwar lamented.
“Same case, same facts. Those who ‘jumped’ were let go; those who didn’t were prosecuted. But the MACC told me that it wasn’t them who made the decision but the attorney general (AG).
“As such, I want the former and current AGs to answer why this is so.”
The last point raised by Anwar was the fact that many complaints have allegedly been made against the prime minister and ministers in the current Cabinet but no action or investigations have been taken against them.
The MACC chief, however, told Anwar that there are investigations but they have not been made public.
“The MACC said they are not protecting these people but investigations are happening. I’m not completely happy with this.
“In our history, we have seen that those in power are above the law. However, overall, I was happy with the meeting,” he added.
Prior to today, Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and Inland Revenue Board had been used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at the time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or offered enticements in an attempt to get them to switch sides to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
The latest incident involved Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jeyakumar who jumped ship to PN, saying that his decision was borne out of extreme frustration, following a series of events which happened over the past year.
Earlier today, Anwar met with Opposition MPs in Parliament to talk about the unemployment rate among youths, reconvening Parliament during the Emergency and the National Immunisation Programme, among other things.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on news you need to know.
PUTRAJAYA, March 22 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will not be able to rein in corruption in Malaysia if those with power are above prosecution.
He said if high-level officials are getting off scot free while selective prosecution continues against Opposition MPs, then the government agency will have a poor public image.
Anwar had a meeting with MACC chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki for an hour and 15 minutes today.
When he emerged at 4.15pm, the Opposition Leader told the media that he was told by a former minister that he would be free from prosecution too if he ‘jumped ship’ to the current government.
Anwar said he told Azam that if this is the case, the public will view the MACC as being in cahoots with the government.
“If the sharks are allowed to swim freely while the small fish are prosecuted, the MACC will lose the trust of the public.
“Then there is the allegation that former and current Umno MPs took 1MDB money but were not prosecuted because they changed allegiances to Bersatu. This is an open secret,” Anwar lamented.
“Same case, same facts. Those who ‘jumped’ were let go; those who didn’t were prosecuted. But the MACC told me that it wasn’t them who made the decision but the attorney general (AG).
“As such, I want the former and current AGs to answer why this is so.”
The last point raised by Anwar was the fact that many complaints have allegedly been made against the prime minister and ministers in the current Cabinet but no action or investigations have been taken against them.
The MACC chief, however, told Anwar that there are investigations but they have not been made public.
“The MACC said they are not protecting these people but investigations are happening. I’m not completely happy with this.
“In our history, we have seen that those in power are above the law. However, overall, I was happy with the meeting,” he added.
Prior to today, Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and Inland Revenue Board had been used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at the time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or offered enticements in an attempt to get them to switch sides to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
The latest incident involved Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jeyakumar who jumped ship to PN, saying that his decision was borne out of extreme frustration, following a series of events which happened over the past year.
Earlier today, Anwar met with Opposition MPs in Parliament to talk about the unemployment rate among youths, reconvening Parliament during the Emergency and the National Immunisation Programme, among other things.
After meeting Anwar, MACC chief says agency will always deal with allegations of corruption professionally | Malay Mail
.jpg "Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is pictured at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya March 22, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon")
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is pictured at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya March 22, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki today assured the public that the agency will act professionally when dealing with all allegations of corruption.
In a statement issued shortly after his meeting with Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Azam added that the MACC will act within the laws and jurisdictions accorded to it when tackling such issues.
“During the meeting with Anwar, president of PKR, he raised a number of concerning issues that have gained his attention.
“With this, I assure you that the MACC will act decisively in accordance with the laws and jurisdictions governing the MACC,” he said.
Azam then commended Anwar’s support for the MACC in fighting corruption effectively in the country.
Yesterday, Anwar tweeted that he will meet Azam today at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, and thanked the latter for agreeing to the meeting.
Anwar said that the meeting would allow him to raise concerns and help in moving towards a better Malaysia.
Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) were used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at that time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or to have been offered enticements in attempts to get them to switch support to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
The latest incident involved Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jeyakumar who jumped ship to PN citing his decision was borne out of extreme frustration, following a series of events which happened over the past year.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on news you need to know.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki today assured the public that the agency will act professionally when dealing with all allegations of corruption.
In a statement issued shortly after his meeting with Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Azam added that the MACC will act within the laws and jurisdictions accorded to it when tackling such issues.
“During the meeting with Anwar, president of PKR, he raised a number of concerning issues that have gained his attention.
“With this, I assure you that the MACC will act decisively in accordance with the laws and jurisdictions governing the MACC,” he said.
Azam then commended Anwar’s support for the MACC in fighting corruption effectively in the country.
Yesterday, Anwar tweeted that he will meet Azam today at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, and thanked the latter for agreeing to the meeting.
Anwar said that the meeting would allow him to raise concerns and help in moving towards a better Malaysia.
Anwar had said there was concern that government agencies such as the MACC, police and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) were used to assert pressure on MPs.
Anwar had also at that time said that several PKR MPs, including for Sekijang, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri, had claimed to have been threatened or to have been offered enticements in attempts to get them to switch support to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
The latest incident involved Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jeyakumar who jumped ship to PN citing his decision was borne out of extreme frustration, following a series of events which happened over the past year.
Commentary: In making moves to align with UMNO, has Anwar's PKR lost its moral compass?
Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat working with its arch-nemesis UMNO isn’t going to yield results, says an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute researcher
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was a leading member of the last government and seen by many as a prime minister in waiting. (Photo: AFP/Mohd RASFAN)
By Francis E Hutchinson
23 Mar 2021 06:00AM (Updated: 23 Mar 2021 11:10AM)
SINGAPORE: In what seems to be becoming a habit, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s hastily-convened press conference on Tuesday promised nuggets of new information and yielded but a whiff of gold dust.
At the event, Anwar confirmed that talks between his party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) were, in fact, taking place.
Stressing that it was premature to say anything definite, he stated that discussions on cooperation were in the “initial” stages.
READ: Commentary: Malaysia in a delicate balance after Najib Razak’s conviction
The opposition leader further claimed that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin did not have a parliamentary majority, as a portion of the ruling coalition had actually pledged support to him.
In contrast, he, Anwar, had an “adequate” majority. When pressed about who in UMNO he had been talking to, the opposition leader was coy – stating merely that he talked to “everybody”.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak leaves after a meeting at United Malays National Organization (UMNO) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 26, 2020. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng
The announcement has certainly attracted attention and – at first blush – the possibility of an alliance between the two parties is intriguing.
The timing is good, as it comes on the heels of UMNO’s decision to not cooperate with Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition in the next election. In the event of an election, the two parties would complement each other.
UMNO polls well in rural, Malay-majority seats and PKR is strong in urban, multi-ethnic seats.
AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE
However, there are plenty of opponents to the hypothetical “unholy alliance” on both sides of the fence.
From UMNO’s side, the prospects of a tie-up with PKR would ultimately be unsatisfying. For, if the supremely confident party is deeply unhappy about its secondary position in Perikatan Nasional, how would this be resolved in an alliance with Anwar at its head?
If relations between Malaysia’s grand old party and Muhyiddin’s upstart Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) are fraught, those between UMNO and PKR are even more complex, entrenched, and embittered.
READ: Commentary: From the unknown to world beaters, here’s how Malaysia raises superstar athletes
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SIGN ME UP
UMNO grassroots are vocal, plentiful, and influential, and an alliance with PKR – and by extension the Democratic Action Party – would give the tactical high-ground to PPBM in Malay-majority wards.
Small wonder, then, that UMNO leaders have not been welcoming of the prospect, with Information Chief Shahril Hamdan saying that the party’s rejection of Perikatan Nasional does not equate an agreement to work with PKR or DAP.
Azalina Othman, Johor MP and Deputy Speaker of parliament, stressed the need for the party’s apex body, the Supreme Council, to agree to any such alliance.
On the other side of the fence, PKR members have sought to cast these discussions in a positive light, but PH coalition partners are hostile. Amanah leaders have questioned whether UMNO has truly “repented” for its actions and if it is ready to let Anwar be the prime ministerial candidate.
The DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng, has rejected any form of cooperation. A multi-party group of younger opposition leaders has issued a declaration calling for PH to remain firm in opposing this deal.
Beyond the resistance to working with UMNO, which is seen by many as the root of many of Malaysia’s ills, the overt hostility is understandable if one asks who within UMNO Anwar has been talking to.
Muhyiddin Yassin (C) once described himself as a 'Malay first', rather than Malaysian first -- sparking controversy in a multi-ethnic country where race and religion are deeply sensitive AFP/Mohd RASFAN
The UMNO members in Muhyiddin’s cabinet are unlikely interlocuters, as they would be unwilling to jeopardise their positions. The “Independent” cluster in the party is also unlikely to agree, as many hail from mixed constituencies in the country’s south – where they would be competing with PKR.
By a process of elimination, this, leaves the “Court Cluster”, which includes the likes of senior leaders like party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Najib Razak.
These are the “losers” in the current set-up and have the most to gain from a political “reset”. These are also the very same people that Amanah and the DAP are most hostile to working with.
ALL IS NOT WELL IN PKR
Thus, in all likelihood, more than the unveiling of a sophisticated master plan, Anwar’s press conference seeks to underline his relevance, destabilise Perikatan Nasional, and inject some dynamism into the ranks of his party.
In reality, Anwar’s bid for some political momentum belies the fact that all is not well in PKR. In the past weeks, no less than three MPs have left the party to become PN-friendly independents.
Granted, the first two – Larry Sng from Julau in Sarawak and Steven Choong from Tebrau in Johor – are not national-level figures. However, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, party Vice-President, MP of Kaula Langat in Selangor and former Minister of Water, Land, and Natural Resources under Pakatan Harapan, is a figure of towering import.
READ: Defections from PKR have not given Perikatan Nasional parliamentary majority, claims Anwar
One of the party’s initial founders back in 1998, Jayakumar announced his departure, stating he was deeply frustrated with the past year’s events, and that he disagreed with the opposition’s focus on attaining national office during a time of emergency.
An additional five PKR MPs have stated that they were made offers to leave Pakatan Harapan. Anwar and the party leadership have gone on the offensive, charging that these parliamentarians were induced to leave PH with mixture of threats such as in-depth investigations by the Internal Revenue Bureau and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as inducements such as full allocations for constituency work.
While Anwar may be seeking the higher ground, his latest moves may cost him dearly. By mooting working with UMNO, and more particularly the Court Cluster, PKR appears to have lost its moral compass.
If he intends to sleep with the enemy, what is to prevent more MPs from supporting the government of the day?
Dr Francis E Hutchinson is a Senior Fellow and coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. This article was first published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute as a commentary in Fulcrum.
Source: CNA/cr
Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat working with its arch-nemesis UMNO isn’t going to yield results, says an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute researcher
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was a leading member of the last government and seen by many as a prime minister in waiting. (Photo: AFP/Mohd RASFAN)
By Francis E Hutchinson
23 Mar 2021 06:00AM (Updated: 23 Mar 2021 11:10AM)
SINGAPORE: In what seems to be becoming a habit, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s hastily-convened press conference on Tuesday promised nuggets of new information and yielded but a whiff of gold dust.
At the event, Anwar confirmed that talks between his party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) were, in fact, taking place.
Stressing that it was premature to say anything definite, he stated that discussions on cooperation were in the “initial” stages.
READ: Commentary: Malaysia in a delicate balance after Najib Razak’s conviction
The opposition leader further claimed that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin did not have a parliamentary majority, as a portion of the ruling coalition had actually pledged support to him.
In contrast, he, Anwar, had an “adequate” majority. When pressed about who in UMNO he had been talking to, the opposition leader was coy – stating merely that he talked to “everybody”.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak leaves after a meeting at United Malays National Organization (UMNO) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 26, 2020. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng
The announcement has certainly attracted attention and – at first blush – the possibility of an alliance between the two parties is intriguing.
The timing is good, as it comes on the heels of UMNO’s decision to not cooperate with Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition in the next election. In the event of an election, the two parties would complement each other.
UMNO polls well in rural, Malay-majority seats and PKR is strong in urban, multi-ethnic seats.
AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE
However, there are plenty of opponents to the hypothetical “unholy alliance” on both sides of the fence.
From UMNO’s side, the prospects of a tie-up with PKR would ultimately be unsatisfying. For, if the supremely confident party is deeply unhappy about its secondary position in Perikatan Nasional, how would this be resolved in an alliance with Anwar at its head?
If relations between Malaysia’s grand old party and Muhyiddin’s upstart Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) are fraught, those between UMNO and PKR are even more complex, entrenched, and embittered.
READ: Commentary: From the unknown to world beaters, here’s how Malaysia raises superstar athletes
Get the expert view
The best commentaries and analysis to better help you see beyond today’s news headlines. Subscribe to CNA’s Commentary newsletter.
This service is not intended for persons residing in the EU. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp's partners.
SIGN ME UP
UMNO grassroots are vocal, plentiful, and influential, and an alliance with PKR – and by extension the Democratic Action Party – would give the tactical high-ground to PPBM in Malay-majority wards.
Small wonder, then, that UMNO leaders have not been welcoming of the prospect, with Information Chief Shahril Hamdan saying that the party’s rejection of Perikatan Nasional does not equate an agreement to work with PKR or DAP.
Azalina Othman, Johor MP and Deputy Speaker of parliament, stressed the need for the party’s apex body, the Supreme Council, to agree to any such alliance.
On the other side of the fence, PKR members have sought to cast these discussions in a positive light, but PH coalition partners are hostile. Amanah leaders have questioned whether UMNO has truly “repented” for its actions and if it is ready to let Anwar be the prime ministerial candidate.
The DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng, has rejected any form of cooperation. A multi-party group of younger opposition leaders has issued a declaration calling for PH to remain firm in opposing this deal.
Beyond the resistance to working with UMNO, which is seen by many as the root of many of Malaysia’s ills, the overt hostility is understandable if one asks who within UMNO Anwar has been talking to.
Muhyiddin Yassin (C) once described himself as a 'Malay first', rather than Malaysian first -- sparking controversy in a multi-ethnic country where race and religion are deeply sensitive AFP/Mohd RASFAN
The UMNO members in Muhyiddin’s cabinet are unlikely interlocuters, as they would be unwilling to jeopardise their positions. The “Independent” cluster in the party is also unlikely to agree, as many hail from mixed constituencies in the country’s south – where they would be competing with PKR.
By a process of elimination, this, leaves the “Court Cluster”, which includes the likes of senior leaders like party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Najib Razak.
These are the “losers” in the current set-up and have the most to gain from a political “reset”. These are also the very same people that Amanah and the DAP are most hostile to working with.
ALL IS NOT WELL IN PKR
Thus, in all likelihood, more than the unveiling of a sophisticated master plan, Anwar’s press conference seeks to underline his relevance, destabilise Perikatan Nasional, and inject some dynamism into the ranks of his party.
In reality, Anwar’s bid for some political momentum belies the fact that all is not well in PKR. In the past weeks, no less than three MPs have left the party to become PN-friendly independents.
Granted, the first two – Larry Sng from Julau in Sarawak and Steven Choong from Tebrau in Johor – are not national-level figures. However, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, party Vice-President, MP of Kaula Langat in Selangor and former Minister of Water, Land, and Natural Resources under Pakatan Harapan, is a figure of towering import.
READ: Defections from PKR have not given Perikatan Nasional parliamentary majority, claims Anwar
One of the party’s initial founders back in 1998, Jayakumar announced his departure, stating he was deeply frustrated with the past year’s events, and that he disagreed with the opposition’s focus on attaining national office during a time of emergency.
An additional five PKR MPs have stated that they were made offers to leave Pakatan Harapan. Anwar and the party leadership have gone on the offensive, charging that these parliamentarians were induced to leave PH with mixture of threats such as in-depth investigations by the Internal Revenue Bureau and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as inducements such as full allocations for constituency work.
While Anwar may be seeking the higher ground, his latest moves may cost him dearly. By mooting working with UMNO, and more particularly the Court Cluster, PKR appears to have lost its moral compass.
If he intends to sleep with the enemy, what is to prevent more MPs from supporting the government of the day?
Dr Francis E Hutchinson is a Senior Fellow and coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. This article was first published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute as a commentary in Fulcrum.
Source: CNA/cr
Anwar: Is Perikatan govt protecting the privileged and leaving the vulnerable to bear the brunt of Covid-19’s economic fallout?
Friday, 26 Mar 2021 05:17 PM MYT
BY R. LOHESWAR
The buildings of HSBC Bank and Maybank are seen in Kuala Lumpur November 3, 2020. — Picture by Hari Anggara
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government seems to be protecting the privileged during the Covid-19 pandemic while the rest of the country struggles to make ends meet, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––
Citing reports where bankers were paid hefty bonuses in the millions of ringgit for the year ending 2020, the Opposition Leader and PKR president questioned why the automatic bank loan moratorium was not extended to the public and if the bonuses to top executives were extended to employees as well.
“At what point in 2020 were banks’ profits deemed adequate to support large increases in salaries, bonuses and shareholder dividends, but not large enough to support sustained loan moratoriums for struggling families?
“What is most distressing is that the PN government called for an all-of-society mobilisation to cushion the impact of the pandemic, which should include corporate and GLC executives sharing in the pain of their employees and customers.
“In reality, the PN government appears content knowing that some Malaysians, particularly the most vulnerable, are forced to bear a greater share of the burden, while others who are more privileged appear to be back to business as usual,” the MP for Port Dickson said in a statement today.
ADVERTISING
On Tuesday, reports revealed that top bankers were found to have received salary hikes and bonuses in the millions, some up to 58 per cent.
Anwar said while he does not condemn anyone making a profit, he wonders if there was profiteering going on seeing as the current finance minister was also a former banker who earned RM8.53 million in 2019.
“Now we are told that the banking sector is gearing for renewed profitability in 2021 and has given pay raises to senior executives as high as 58 per cent. The CEO of at least one GLC bank has earned a 10 per cent boost in salary.
“Business is booming for some while much of the country continues to cope with the ongoing impact of the movement control order.
“We do not condemn profit making. We are suspicious, however, of profiteering at the top at the expense of the weak and vulnerable,” he said.
Friday, 26 Mar 2021 05:17 PM MYT
BY R. LOHESWAR
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government seems to be protecting the privileged during the Covid-19 pandemic while the rest of the country struggles to make ends meet, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––
Citing reports where bankers were paid hefty bonuses in the millions of ringgit for the year ending 2020, the Opposition Leader and PKR president questioned why the automatic bank loan moratorium was not extended to the public and if the bonuses to top executives were extended to employees as well.
“At what point in 2020 were banks’ profits deemed adequate to support large increases in salaries, bonuses and shareholder dividends, but not large enough to support sustained loan moratoriums for struggling families?
“What is most distressing is that the PN government called for an all-of-society mobilisation to cushion the impact of the pandemic, which should include corporate and GLC executives sharing in the pain of their employees and customers.
“In reality, the PN government appears content knowing that some Malaysians, particularly the most vulnerable, are forced to bear a greater share of the burden, while others who are more privileged appear to be back to business as usual,” the MP for Port Dickson said in a statement today.
ADVERTISING
On Tuesday, reports revealed that top bankers were found to have received salary hikes and bonuses in the millions, some up to 58 per cent.
Anwar said while he does not condemn anyone making a profit, he wonders if there was profiteering going on seeing as the current finance minister was also a former banker who earned RM8.53 million in 2019.
“Now we are told that the banking sector is gearing for renewed profitability in 2021 and has given pay raises to senior executives as high as 58 per cent. The CEO of at least one GLC bank has earned a 10 per cent boost in salary.
“Business is booming for some while much of the country continues to cope with the ongoing impact of the movement control order.
“We do not condemn profit making. We are suspicious, however, of profiteering at the top at the expense of the weak and vulnerable,” he said.
UMNO will not work with Anwar, DAP or Bersatu in the next general election: Ahmad Zahid
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from right). (Photo: Bernama)Bookmark
KUALA LUMPUR: United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party will not work with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Democratic Action Party or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the next general election.
"There are no discussions with any of these parties, officially or unofficially. We will contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banners,” he said in his speech at the two-day UMNO annual general assembly on Sunday (Mar 28).
Even if there were negotiations, Ahmad Zahid said, this would only happen when UMNO becomes dominant again after the general election.
READ: Commentary - UMNO president Zahid Hamidi’s many headaches
UMNO, which is Malaysia's biggest political party, used to hold the prime minister position and lead the federal government until the fall of BN (a coalition of which UMNO is the backbone member) in the last general election in 2018.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over federal power but was toppled and replaced by Perikatan Nasional (PN) headed by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin last year.
UMNO is currently part of the PN government, but had said that it would only work with PN until the 15th general election (GE15) is called.
Mr Muhyiddin, whose legitimacy has been questioned, had promised to dissolve the parliament when the pandemic is under control.
On Sunday, Ahmad Zahid stressed that UMNO must win as many seats as possible in the next general election to regain its dominance.
He added that based on current political realities, BN had decided to face the elections alone.
“Let me be clear once and for all, for UMNO to be dominant after GE15, one, we must win the most seats.
“Two, BN has to determine which parties are truly earnest and honest about forming a government with us,” Ahmad Zahid told the delegates.
READ: What to watch out for at this weekend's UMNO general assembly
POLITICAL RESETS AND UNITY GOVERNMENT
Ahmad Zahid, who is a former deputy prime minister and is currently facing corruption charges, said UMNO is open to forming a unity government after the elections.
He pointed out that changes in the state governments in Johor, Melaka, Perak and Sabah were proof of an “ongoing political reset”. The chief minister's posts in Johor, Melaka and Perak went back to UMNO while the party is part of the state leadership in Sabah following a state election.
"Is it something impossible for UMNO and its political partners to build a political reset which will paint a new political landscape in this country?" Ahmad Zahid asked the delegates.
He said even without negotiations with any parties as of now, he could feel the people's aspirations for a "unity government" to stabilise Malaysian politics.
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from right). (Photo: Bernama)Bookmark
KUALA LUMPUR: United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party will not work with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Democratic Action Party or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the next general election.
"There are no discussions with any of these parties, officially or unofficially. We will contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banners,” he said in his speech at the two-day UMNO annual general assembly on Sunday (Mar 28).
Even if there were negotiations, Ahmad Zahid said, this would only happen when UMNO becomes dominant again after the general election.
READ: Commentary - UMNO president Zahid Hamidi’s many headaches
UMNO, which is Malaysia's biggest political party, used to hold the prime minister position and lead the federal government until the fall of BN (a coalition of which UMNO is the backbone member) in the last general election in 2018.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over federal power but was toppled and replaced by Perikatan Nasional (PN) headed by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin last year.
UMNO is currently part of the PN government, but had said that it would only work with PN until the 15th general election (GE15) is called.
Mr Muhyiddin, whose legitimacy has been questioned, had promised to dissolve the parliament when the pandemic is under control.
On Sunday, Ahmad Zahid stressed that UMNO must win as many seats as possible in the next general election to regain its dominance.
He added that based on current political realities, BN had decided to face the elections alone.
“Let me be clear once and for all, for UMNO to be dominant after GE15, one, we must win the most seats.
“Two, BN has to determine which parties are truly earnest and honest about forming a government with us,” Ahmad Zahid told the delegates.
READ: What to watch out for at this weekend's UMNO general assembly
POLITICAL RESETS AND UNITY GOVERNMENT
Ahmad Zahid, who is a former deputy prime minister and is currently facing corruption charges, said UMNO is open to forming a unity government after the elections.
He pointed out that changes in the state governments in Johor, Melaka, Perak and Sabah were proof of an “ongoing political reset”. The chief minister's posts in Johor, Melaka and Perak went back to UMNO while the party is part of the state leadership in Sabah following a state election.
"Is it something impossible for UMNO and its political partners to build a political reset which will paint a new political landscape in this country?" Ahmad Zahid asked the delegates.
He said even without negotiations with any parties as of now, he could feel the people's aspirations for a "unity government" to stabilise Malaysian politics.
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