About 30 DAP MPs visit Umno HQ for TVET briefing by Zahid
The MPs were attending a briefing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the national TVET Council.
Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, in his Facebook post, described the occasion as a first for both parties, marking a significant milestone in post-GE15 political collaboration.
"It marked the first time that such a large group of DAP MPs visited Umno's headquarters, a sign of maturity and cooperation within the unity government," Chan said.
"The Madani government is not perfect. But we are serious in discharging our responsibilities. We are working to overcome ideological and party differences for the sake of national progress. Nation-building requires unity, not uniformity, and that's the spirit we're committed to," he said.
Among the DAP leaders present were party secretary-general Anthony Loke, adviser Lim Guan Eng, and vice-chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
The meeting also saw the attendance of Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, reflecting the broad-based support behind the government's TVET reform agenda.
Umno's alliance with DAP in the formation of the unity government following the 2022 general election marked a dramatic shift in Malaysia's political dynamics. Once fierce adversaries, the two parties have since taken steps to demonstrate a new spirit of bipartisan cooperation.
In June last year, Loke made headlines as the first DAP leader to attend the Umno general assembly alongside Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Several months later, Zahid, Asyraf and Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir attended DAP's national convention.
The rare show of unity comes amid a series of developments that have further defined the government's agenda in recent weeks.
Among them was the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) by Anwar, which sets out a strategic five-year blueprint to elevate Malaysia into a formidable middle power. The plan outlines long-term priorities in economic resilience, innovation and inclusive growth.
Separately, Malaysia also secured a revision to a previously imposed 25 per cent US import tariff, bringing it down to 19 per cent. The move is expected to benefit local industries, especially rubber glove and furniture manufacturers, who can now compete on a more level playing field with Asean counterparts.
Chan said these achievements demonstrated that the government's consistent, strategic approach was yielding results.
"PMX has proven that his strategy works, and it's time we continue to stand behind him," he said.
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The Star
8 minutes ago
- The Star
From solidarity to politics?
'WE didn't start the fire It was always burning, since the world's been turning We didn't start the fire No, we didn't light it, but we tried to fight it.' I used the chorus of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire to explain in the Sabah Politics text group I belong to that the rallies in Sabah to show solidarity with the late Zara Qairina Mahathir could quickly turn political. Zara was a 13-year-old student at a religious boarding school in Papar, Sabah. She died on July 17 after falling from the third floor of her dormitory the day before. Unhappy with the investigation into her death, her family has asked for a more thorough look. Following a review of a preliminary report, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) returned the case to the police for further investigation. The AGC also directed that Zara's body be exhumed for a postmortem to check the cause of death. This tragedy has angered a lot of people. On Friday night, thousands gathered in Sandakan and Tawau to demand justice for the teen, who might have faced bullying (though that has not been confirmed). There were similar gatherings in Lahad Datu and Semporna, with events in Sipitang, Papar, Ranau, Kundasang, Telupid, Kudat, and Keningau scheduled over the coming days. Some in the text group didn't think that a solidarity gathering would turn into a political rally. It has not yet happened, I replied, but since when do politicians not jump on any opportunity to win votes? 'Think Teoh Beng Hock,' I posted, referring to the DAP political aide who was found dead on a rooftop beneath the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Selangor office in Shah Alam on July 16, 2009, after being questioned there. That tragedy has certainly been politicised thoroughly over the years. I asked a Ranau community leader, Japiril Suhaimin, who was organising the gathering in Kundasang tomorrow, what he thinks are the reasons for the Justice for Zara rallies. Japiril listed them: > Demand justice for Zara and other victims who may have suffered the same fate. > Unite the voices of the people from various districts and bring them to Kundasang as a symbol of hope and strength. > Deliver a message to the authorities that the community will not remain silent in the face of injustice. > Educate and raise awareness among the public about human rights, dignity, and values. The Star reported that in Sandakan, participants carried banners, read poems, and offered prayers for Zara, while several activists and local people's representatives addressed the gathering. In Tawau, people dressed in black held placards and chanted, 'Justice for Zara' and 'Stop the bullying'. Why the big crowds showing support for Zara, I asked Sabah Bersatu Women chief Rahimah Majid. On why the public is angry, Rahimah contended that Zara's death is somewhat suspicious. The lawyer said the public is enraged by the authorities' failure to carry out a proper investigation. The police, she said, failed the most basic test of their duty: to investigate a sudden and suspicious death thoroughly, fairly, and without delay. 'For almost three weeks after Zara's death, no meaningful investigation took place. No postmortem was conducted. Her personal belongings, including her clothing, were returned to the family without any forensic examination,' she said. 'Until today, no transparent report has been released. This is an outrageous breach of duty.' The lawyer pointed out that there were lapses that violated Sections 329 and 300 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which clearly require a postmortem and complete investigation into any unnatural death. 'If the police had done their job properly from the start, the AGC would not need to send the file back. This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong with the way this case has been handled,' she said. Japiril lists his take on the reasons for the public's anger: > Zara died under suspicious circumstances in a school dormitory. She may have been the victim of bullying, but the initial investigation was not thorough. > Sabahans feel this issue represents a weakness in the education system and student protection, especially in boarding schools. Will Zara's death become a political issue? Japiril, who is also Sabah Progressive Party deputy president, said people's anger over the case is growing. He listed reasons why he thinks it's happening: > The education system is seen as failing to protect Zara, prompting calls for reform and criticism of government agencies. 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The Star
8 minutes ago
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Pivoting to Russia?
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Is Malaysia pivoting to Russia? As this question becomes prominent, it is worth examining what recent global trends reveal about Malaysia's shifting geopolitical posture. For example, in Europe, superpower rivalries have driven nations to double military spending to address the heightened risks of war. Similar tensions in South-East Asia could compel Asean countries, including Malaysia, to strengthen military capabilities to navigate this uncertainty. Amid a challenging international order and shifting trade dynamics, the heightened engagements with Moscow reflect Anwar's strategic ambition to recalibrate Malaysia within the BRICS framework and diversify our global alliances. Through Russia and BRICS, we seek to pursue autonomy and forge partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. The rationale behind it is simple. Malaysia cannot rely on any single country, especially one whose policies may shift unpredictably, as we pursue long-term economic stability and resilience. 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It is a partner in shared priorities such as economic growth and stability. In a period of intensifying great power rivalry, our BRICS alignment reflects a pragmatic choice for regional proximity. In choosing and trusting our 'neighbour', we are not turning our backs on our friends. Like a good neighbour who respects your right to design your own home, our friends should understand Malaysia's choice for balance, economic resilience and independent future. Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is the Dewan Negara deputy president and former Pulai member of Parliament. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
The Star
16 minutes ago
- The Star
Zahid's Singapore visit strengthens bilateral ties and trade
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Singapore have discussed strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic ). In a statement following his arrival for a two-day official visit to Singapore, he said he also had meetings with the republic's top leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also the Trade and Industry Minister. In his meeting with Wong, discussions centred on strengthening long-standing bilateral ties, with emphasis on strategic projects to boost foreign direct investment, and the creation of more job opportunities in Malaysia. Both leaders also explored new cooperation in tourism, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and people-to-people exchanges to foster long-term understanding. The two sides also discussed sharing best practices in regulating the gig economy, a growing sector in both countries. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Singapore are reviewing the matter from legal and policy perspectives to ensure gig workers receive adequate protection and have their welfare safeguarded. 'I also shared Malaysia's initiatives to support gig workers through social protection and progressive policies as part of efforts to build a competitive digital economy,' he said. During talks with Gan, both leaders agreed on the importance of fully tapping into Asean's vast potential to enhance bilateral trade. Ahmad Zahid also highlighted Malaysia's position as the region's leading halal hub, supported by halal industrial park infrastructure, world-class certification standards and strong regional trade ties. Gan informed Ahmad Zahid that Singapore had sent TVET trainers to Malaysia, reflecting a joint commitment to improving quality and strengthening the TVET ecosystem. On regional issues, Ahmad Zahid said both Singaporean leaders commended Malaysia's leadership in addressing the Thailand-Cambodia issue under its Asean chairmanship. The working visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by Tharman to mark his final engagement with Singapore's top leadership.
