Opposition urged to use 'PM's Question Time' for checks and balances
"Personally, I believe the space allocated in Parliament every Tuesday should be fully utilised. That is the platform where the opposition, if they truly want to uphold checks and balances, should be directing their questions straight to the Prime Minister," he said during the Analisis Madani programme on TV Al-Hijrah.
Shamsul Iskandar also called on the opposition to break free from the politics of identity.
The PKR leader said the opposition should raise better issues in the "Turun Anwar" rally planned for this Saturday instead of identity-based matters.
"We are also trying to overcome the politics of identity, where we see the opposition are more comfortable harping on narrow issues such as race, religion, and other identity-based matters.
"That's why, for example, there's going to be a rally on July 26, just days away, purely over the alleged reason that Anwar should be removed from office.
"The reason? Supposedly because he doesn't defend the Malays, and so on. To me, we must break free from this narrow perception of identity politics.
"As for the rally, this is the first time I've ever heard of a Prime Minister giving instructions to the police to facilitate such a gathering," he said.
He called on the opposition to raise broader issues and highlight actual weaknesses in policy that the Prime Minister needs to improve on.
"To me, some of the arguments made are extremely shallow. Because if we look at the record, both in terms of economic performance and the Prime Minister's diligence, it far surpasses that of past ministers.
"If we compare, he's 10 times more committed. So I ask, what exactly are the real arguments here?
"If there's a better candidate, name them. I too would like to know who the opposition thinks is better," he said.
Earlier today, Anwar's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said in a daily briefing that the Prime Minister has asked the police to offer appropriate cooperation and facilitation for the rally.
He added that Anwar has also directed the police to cooperate with organisers and ensure public safety without resorting to any form of intimidation or unnecessary restriction.
Meanwhile, responding to criticisms of the "extraordinary tribute" announced by Anwar yesterday, which includes a one-off RM100 assistance for adults aged 18 and above, he said the government was leveraging the mid-term review as an opportunity to build momentum by unveiling allocations and initiatives aimed at benefiting the people after two and a half years in power.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to amend atomic law to explore nuclear energy
KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend Malaysia's atomic energy legislation may be tabled in the current parliamentary session, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang said the move to enact the law would reflect Malaysia's commitment to exploring nuclear energy as a future energy source. "The ministry is currently in the process of amending the Atomic Energy Bill. If we receive Cabinet approval, we hope to table it during this session," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. On March 10, Chang said that the government will be amending the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 to further strengthen the legal infrastructure dealing with nuclear technology. At the time, the government was engaging with stakeholders to gather input before moving forward with the use of nuclear technology as an energy source, which is expected to be incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan. Chang, in Parliament today, said Malaysia has the laboratory expertise to extract thorium, but lacks the research and development capacity to utilise the element as a source of electricity — unlike countries such as China. "We are enhancing our research and development capabilities through collaboration with nations that have expertise, such as China, Russia, India and the United States," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN–Kuala Terengganu). Chang said that a pre-feasibility study conducted by a committee under the ministry had been completed, with preliminary findings indicating that Malaysia has significant potential to adopt nuclear technology as an energy source.
Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Malaysiakini
Don't trivialise 'Turun' rally attendees' grouses
Former PKR leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad advised government leaders to be cautious when commenting about the recent 'Turun Anwar' rally or risk creating sympathy for the opposition. This comes after Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming claimed that some 20 tonnes of rubbish were left behind following Saturday's rally.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Poisons Act Amendment Passed To Boost Enforcement Powers
PUTRAJAYA, July 29 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, signalling the government's continued commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled substances through more robust and inclusive enforcement. In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Ministry (KDN) said the Bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement under the Poisons Act 1952, which governs the use, possession, and distribution of poisons and psychotropic substances in Malaysia. 'These amendments are intended to allow for faster, more comprehensive and responsive action in addressing threats to public health and national security,' the ministries said. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 12 Members of Parliament from both the government and the opposition. Key provisions include expanding enforcement authority to all police officers regardless of rank, and to other officers appointed by the Health Minister — including those from other ministries or agencies — as needed. Under the current provisions, only three categories of officers have enforcement authority - Drug Enforcement Officers (pharmacists in the public service), police officers ranked Inspector and above, and senior Customs officers. 'However, in practice, patrol and inspection duties are usually carried out by lower-ranked officers such as constables and corporals. Therefore, expanding enforcement powers to all police personnel will improve operational efficiency and coverage,' read the statement. The Bill also addresses enforcement gaps in areas where authorised officers are not present. The Health Minister is now empowered to appoint other officers, under set terms and conditions, to assist in enforcement when needed. Additional focus has been placed on enhancing officer training, supervision, and coordination of control over listed poisons and prohibited substances, including those found in vape products, to ensure stronger safeguards for both public health and national safety.
