‘They need a fighter': Dr Mahathir announces ‘big umbrella' committee to unite Malays
According to a report in Malaysiakini, Mahathir met with other political leaders in Putrajaya — including PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man — before making the announcement.
'They (Malays) need fighters to champion their cause. Right now, they don't have a dedicated fighter,' he was quoted as saying
'We're not concerned with other problems, we just want to focus on one struggle — the struggle to save the Malays,' he reportedly added.
According to the report, Mahathir said that the Malays' problems could only be solved if Malays once again led the government.
He reportedly added that the movement was open to all Malays, including Umno members, provided they supported the same cause.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Yahoo
Thousands rally in Malaysia to call for PM Anwar's resignation
Thousands rally in Malaysia to call for PM Anwar's resignation By Rozanna Latiff KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Thousands of people rallied in the Malaysian capital on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as public discontent grows over rising living costs and allegations of failing to deliver promised reforms. Protesters - mostly wearing black t-shirts and bandannas carrying the slogan "Turun Anwar", or "Step Down Anwar" - marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, before converging in the city's Independence Square to hear speeches by top opposition leaders. Police estimated at least 18,000 were in attendance. Anwar, who campaigned on a reformist platform before taking office in November 2022, has faced criticism over measures aimed at boosting government revenue, including an expanded sales and services tax and subsidy adjustments that some fear could lead to a spike in consumer prices. The premier this week announced a cash handout, increased aid for poor households and a pledge to lower fuel prices, in a bid to quell worries over rising costs. Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic students' group, said she was worried that new taxes as well as higher electricity tariffs imposed on large businesses would eventually be passed down to consumers. "These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food," she said. Anwar has also faced claims of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft charges against several figures allied to the government and following a recent delay in the appointment of the country's top judges. Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering in the courts. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his position to prosecute political rivals, charges the premier has previously rejected. "Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go," Mahathir told the crowd. Mahathir and Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades. The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government in 2018, but their coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Yahoo
Perikatan deputy chief: PM talks reform, but ‘biased' A-G pick fails the test
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has raised concerns over the appointment of a serving civil servant as Auditor-General. He said the move goes against constitutional norms and undermines the principles of good governance and independence. 'According to Articles 7 and 105 (4) and (5) of the Federal Constitution, the Auditor-General should not be appointed from among those still actively serving in the civil service. While it may not be illegal, it certainly goes against the spirit of independence and accountability,' he said during a press conference in Parliament here today. Hamzah argued that the role demands independence from executive influence and questioned the credibility of the appointment, given that the appointee still reports to senior civil service officers, including the Director-General of Public Services and the Chief Secretary to the Government. He also cited the late Tan Sri Hadenan Jalil's appointment as a proper example, noting that Hadenan had resigned from his civil service post before becoming Auditor-General. 'The prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) talks about governance, but when it comes to implementation, it all falls apart. The people will see this as biased. The individual should have resigned before the appointment to maintain independence,' he said. Hamzah then went on to defend growing calls for a public protest this weekend, saying it reflects the people's frustration over unresolved issues and governance failures. He said several civil society organisations including Bersih, C4, IDEAS, Projek Sama, and others had met with the opposition to voice their dissatisfaction over current national issues. 'They are not happy, and when people are unhappy, it builds momentum. That's why many are planning to take to the streets this Saturday. 'Don't blame us. This is the people's response, they are fed up because so many issues have piled up. When I asked my team what issues we should raise today, they said there are a thousand. If each issue affects a group of a thousand people, that's already a million voices. That's how serious it is,' he said. Hamzah urged the authorities not to prevent or suppress the planned gathering and respect the public's right to express themselves.

USA Today
18-07-2025
- USA Today
Dozens protest against Trump's 'alpha male' nominee for US ambassador to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Reuters) - Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to protest against the proposed appointment of Nick Adams, a self-styled "alpha male" influencer, as the United States' envoy to Malaysia. President Donald Trump last week named outspoken author and political commentator Adams as the White House's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Malaysia. Adams, a naturalised U.S. citizen originally from Australia, has cultivated a brash social media persona, using a macho, "alpha male" branding to weigh in on cultural issues and appeal to an audience of mainly young men. But it is his posts harshly criticising Islam and showing support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza that has angered Muslims in Malaysia, triggering a rare protest against a foreign diplomatic appointment in the Southeast Asian country. The outcry comes at a critical time for Malaysia, which has until August 1 to reach a trade deal with Washington to avoid a steep 25% tariff imposed on its exports to the United States. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters on Friday it was too early in the process to decide on Adams' appointment but his government would give the matter due consideration. More: Trump nominates self-described 'alpha male' Nick Adams as U.S. ambassador to Malaysia "At the same time, we will seek to protect the good relations between Malaysia and the United States," Anwar said, according to a recording of his remarks provided by his office to Reuters. Demonstrators led by youth leaders from Anwar's ruling coalition submitted a memorandum of protest to the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur asking for Trump to reconsider his nomination of Adams. The memorandum cited "divisive rhetoric" used by Adams, and characterised his postings as insensitive towards Malaysia's multi-cultural society. Malaysia, which has a majority of mostly Muslim ethnic Malays alongside significant ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian minorities, has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause. "An ambassador's task is to be the bridge between two countries and we don't want that person to be someone who destroys that bridge instead," said Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim, a member of Anwar's People's Justice Party. The embassy and Adams' office did not respond to requests for comment. The protestors also called on Malaysia's government to exercise its right under international norms to reject Adams' proposed appointment. Under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, host countries have discretion to accept or reject ambassadorial appointments without having to provide a reason. Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said on Tuesday the cabinet had not yet received any formal notice of Adams' appointment to Malaysia. Adams' nomination has not yet been approved, but he is widely expected to be confirmed by the Republican-held U.S. Senate. (Reporting by Mandy Leong and Rozanna Latiff; editing by Philippa Fletcher)