logo
Ayer Kuning polls: BN's final push before polling day

Ayer Kuning polls: BN's final push before polling day

The Star25-04-2025

PETALING JAYA: With less than 24 hours to go before polling day for the Ayer Kuning by-election, the Barisan Nasional leadership is going all out in a final push to rally support for candidate no 1, Dr Yusri Bakir, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that on Friday (April 25), Barisan leaders gathered in the predominantly Chinese-populated Kampung Baru Coldstream, including Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Perak Mentri Besar and Perak Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, as well as Perak MIC chairman Tan Sri M. Ramasamy.
"The Deputy Prime Minister also criticised the opposition for playing up racial sentiments. He assured the people that all legitimate farming and agricultural activities in the area would remain unaffected and would continue to receive support from the state government.
"During my speech, I called on local voters to support Dr. Yusri in order to preserve the multicultural and progressive society in the constituency," he said on Facebook on Friday.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'
'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'

Focus Malaysia

timean hour ago

  • Focus Malaysia

'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'

IN a rare case, a non-Muslim Klang native has stood up in defence of Kampung Raja Uda villagers who are reportedly up in arms over the construction of a four-storey columbarium adjacent to a mosque in their vicinity. Facebooker Emmanuel Joseph who felt annoyed with racial comments contended that 'people who don't live here may not understand' the actual situation on the ground. 'Until six months ago, I lived in this area, just two streets away from this very mosque. The villager's concerns are not unfounded for the village is 99% Muslim,' observed the self-proclaimed 'Chindian Klang native who is moderately fluent in sarcasm and irony' in a Facebook post. 'The nearest non-Muslim house is just streets away left and right … and they already have two large Chinese temples at the end of the adjacent street. This area is opposite Pandamaran which itself has like a few dozen temples including many large ones. 'So why not put the crematorium or columbarium or whatever there (in Kampung Raja Uda)?' Emmanuel was commenting on a recent Bernama report that the village folks were even contemplating to submit a protest memorandum to Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on the matter, As it is, most of the 5,000 residents in the village oppose the construction of the columbarium on a one-hectare plot of private land given the project had not been discussed with the residents who only became aware of it two weeks ago. 'Many residents are worried that the village area may become polluted by ashes generated from the cremation process, particularly for homes situated less than 10 metres from the site,' village committee chairman Azhar Ibrahim told reporters after participating in a peaceful protest in Port Klang recently. Delving further, Emmanuel described Kampung Raja Uda as 'relatively tolerant despite the strong PAS presence there'. 'There's even a couple of Hindu shrines just around the nearby Muslim cemetery, co-existing peacefully,' observed the University of London law graduate. 'This particular mosque is newly renovated and a work 25 years in the making.' Hoping that non-Muslims 'don't make it out to be case of intolerant villagers when it really isn't', Enmanuel added: If I were still staying there, I wouldn't agree to a burial ground of any sort on this street either. The house on the left of the mosque is Hindu and prayers are still done there harmoniously. The house opposite that one is a popular businessman who holds parties now and then with no problems. This mosque is very popular and active in social work, etc and is frequently packed with parking being already tight there. The entire area around the mosque are hang-outs and tomyam stalls where Malay youth hang out. The end of the street houses a pasar malam that mainly serves a Muslim clientele but they happily host Chinese vegetable sellers and yoyo ice and toys traders, among others.' – June 9, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama

Comment: What can Cambodia offer the US ahead of third round of tariff negotiations?
Comment: What can Cambodia offer the US ahead of third round of tariff negotiations?

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Comment: What can Cambodia offer the US ahead of third round of tariff negotiations?

PHNOM PENH: As Cambodia and the US prepare for a potential third round of negotiations regarding the heavy tariffs imposed on Cambodian goods, the stakes could not be higher for the Cambodian economy. The current situation — where the US maintains a 49% tariff on a broad range of Cambodian exports — is unsustainable for a developing country that relies heavily on international trade. This trade barrier threatens not only Cambodia's economic stability but also its attractiveness as a regional investment destination. The second round of negotiations ended without a concrete agreement, leaving both sides with open expectations and diplomatic uncertainty. As the third round approaches, Cambodia must reconsider its approach and think strategically about what it can offer the US — both as a gesture of goodwill and as a calculated move to regain economic advantage. The US remains one of Cambodia's most important export markets. In 2023 alone, the Kingdom exported over $8 billion worth of goods to the US, primarily garments, footwear and travel goods. With the new tariffs, many of these goods are now subject to nearly 49% import tax — crippling their competitiveness in the US market. Even more concerning is the broader implication: Chinese investors and manufacturers, who had shifted to Cambodia in previous years to avoid US-China trade disputes, are now beginning to pull out. If Chinese businesspeople, who have been instrumental in building Cambodia's manufacturing base, decide to relocate to Vietnam, Indonesia or Bangladesh, the long-term damage to Cambodia's industrial ecosystem could be devastating. It is clear that without a breakthrough in negotiations, Cambodia risks economic isolation and a significant loss in employment opportunities, foreign direct investment, and GDP growth. This is why Cambodia must consider making the first concession. In diplomacy, small symbolic actions can unlock large strategic benefits. Cambodia must recognise that the US is not only negotiating as an economic power but also as a political actor with global norms and values. The deterioration of Cambodia-US relations began in 2017, when the Cambodian government accused the US of supporting a 'colour revolution' and took a number of aggressive actions against the opposition, particularly the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Since then, several high-profile political activists with alleged ties to the United States have been arrested or exiled. To move forward, Cambodia could consider making a political goodwill gesture before the third round of talks. For example, the early or conditional release of certain political prisoners — particularly those with clear connections to US institutions or civil society organisations — could demonstrate a spirit of compromise. This would not only help repair trust but also provide the US with a tangible outcome to present to its own domestic stakeholders, especially members of Congress who remain critical of Cambodia's human rights record. The US has long maintained a dual-track policy toward Cambodia: one based on economic engagement and another focused on human rights and democratic governance. Unlike China, the US does not provide aid or investment without conditions. The US seeks reciprocity in political values — freedom of expression, multiparty democracy and rule of law. Thus, even as Cambodia hopes for economic relief, it must understand that US negotiators are likely to push for more than trade concessions. They may seek reassurances on political reform, media freedom, and the reopening of democratic space. Pre-emptively addressing these concerns could help create a more favourable environment for the third round of discussions. It is important for Cambodian leaders to see beyond short-term national pride and recognise the broader geostrategic context. While China remains Cambodia's closest political and economic ally, China itself is now looking for ways to stabilise its relationship with the US, especially in the trade sector. China's priority is to show that it can be a strong and credible actor on the global stage. In this context, Cambodia must also demonstrate that it is a 'qualified friend' — not one that simply asks for help, but one that brings value to the relationship. China wants to support strong, stable and strategically useful allies. If Cambodia appears diplomatically isolated or economically weak, even China's support may become more conditional. The best way for Cambodia to prove its strength is to show that it can negotiate effectively with global powers like the US while maintaining its own dignity and national interests. Cambodia's leadership has repeatedly emphasised national sovereignty and pride, which are valid principles. But diplomacy requires pragmatism. By taking a calculated step toward political openness, Cambodia stands to gain not only economic relief but also renewed credibility on the world stage. This is not about surrendering national dignity — it is about safeguarding Cambodia's economic future. The third round of negotiations offers a narrow but real window of opportunity. Cambodia should walk into that room not as a passive petitioner, but as a proactive and responsible partner ready to contribute to a shared solution. The US is not asking Cambodia to become its ally against China. What it wants is clear: respect for democratic norms, transparent governance and political accountability. Offering the first concession — on Cambodia's own terms — could redefine the trajectory of bilateral relations for the better. All in all, Cambodia is at a crossroads. The current trade impasse with the US must be resolved not through confrontation, but through strategic compromise. A well-thought-out gesture — particularly one rooted in political goodwill — could unlock immense economic and diplomatic benefits. Now is the time for courage, not defiance. By showing a willingness to engage constructively, Cambodia can not only win favour in Washington but also retain the respect and support of its friend in Beijing. This delicate balancing act requires wisdom, timing and a clear understanding of what Cambodia must give in order to get what it truly needs. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN *** Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

Small food businesses need more clarity on new LPG rules, says Bung
Small food businesses need more clarity on new LPG rules, says Bung

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

Small food businesses need more clarity on new LPG rules, says Bung

KOTA KINABALU: A call has been made for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to adopt a more transparent and responsible approach in enforcing Ops Gasak. The concern, raised by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin ( pic ), centres particularly on the requirement for food premises to use commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. Bung Moktar highlighted that the lack of clarity surrounding the operation had caused confusion and anxiety among small food operators, especially in Sabah. "The people of Sabah, particularly small traders in the food sector, are now anxious and uncertain over the ministry's move to make the use of commercial LPG mandatory for food premises. "This concern stems from a lack of clear and comprehensive information on the implementation of Ops Gasak, leading to misunderstandings and unease among small food businesses," he said in a statement on Monday (June 9). The Sabah Barisan Nasional chief also called for greater transparency from the ministry, stressing that any weaknesses or confusion in implementation should not be concealed but dealt with openly and responsibly. Urging the ministry to address public concerns through a more inclusive and trader-friendly approach, he added that the state government must also play a proactive role in explaining the matter to the public, especially in providing complete information and assisting small traders with the application process for the Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB). He stressed that if the government believes domestic cooking gas is no longer suitable for use in certain food outlets, then the rationale, guidelines, and enforcement conditions must be clearly outlined. "This will avoid confusion and unfairness in implementation,' he said. Bung Moktar further emphasised the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with on-the-ground realities. "This balance is key to effective administration and the people's wellbeing. I urge all parties involved to show greater commitment in addressing this issue thoroughly, fairly, and prudently," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store