logo
Selangor PAS Youth chief calls on ‘marginalised' Singaporean Malays to fight for rights, but denies election interference

Selangor PAS Youth chief calls on ‘marginalised' Singaporean Malays to fight for rights, but denies election interference

Malay Mail27-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar has urged the allegedly 'marginalised' Malays in Singapore to continue fighting for their rights in education and economy, and to preserve their cultural identity.
Accused of attempting to influence Singapore's ongoing general election, he said he fully respects the country's sovereignty and laws and stressed that he had no intention to do so, either directly or indirectly.
'I stand firmly by the principle that any change must occur through peaceful means, in full respect of the law, and with the dignity of all parties upheld,' he wrote on Facebook.
'I call upon the Malay community in Singapore to continue striving with wisdom and prudence, to strengthen education, empower the economy, preserve cultural identity, and contribute actively to the development of their own nation.'
He insisted that upholding justice, dignity, and the future of a people is not an act of 'foreign interference' when done with courtesy, principle, and love for humanity, without coercion or political incitement.
Mohamed Sukri emphasised that Malays in Singapore deserve fair and equitable opportunities in all aspects of life as full citizens.
He also asserted that speaking out against injustice is a moral and religious obligation, and that defending the Malay-Muslim identity strengthens genuine social justice rather than threatens peace.
'My calls and concerns were never aimed at intervening in the electoral affairs, but rather stem from my moral responsibility as a Muslim and as a person deeply concerned for the plight of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore — a community increasingly marginalised in various aspects, whether in education, economy, or cultural freedom,' he said.
He also urged Singaporeans to view his calls through the lens of 'love for the community and for humanity at large', rather than through the 'narrow lens of political suspicion'.
On Friday, Singapore told Meta to block local access to several Facebook posts by foreigners allegedly attempting to influence the city-state's upcoming election.
The posts were made by two leaders from the Malaysian Islamist party PAS, and an ex-Singaporean who is now an Australian citizen.
PAS treasurer Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad has since slammed Singapore government's attempt to link his Islamist party and the opposition Workers' Party (WP) — calling it 'preposterous and counterproductive'.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Will intra-racial or ethnic unity illuminate or darken Malaysia?
Will intra-racial or ethnic unity illuminate or darken Malaysia?

Focus Malaysia

time3 hours ago

  • Focus Malaysia

Will intra-racial or ethnic unity illuminate or darken Malaysia?

THE call by two-time premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for an umbrella of greater unity among Malays brings an eerie feeling to all mature, educated, and level-headed Malaysians. Greater Malay unity contradicts the very fabric of 'unity in diversity' envisioned at the formation of Malaya and later Malaysia by our founding fathers. The question now is whether intra-racial unity will illuminate Malaysia—or darken and dim it. Tipping the balance against the very spirit of our formation and subsequent nation-building will bring negative repercussions both nationally and internationally, affecting our nation economically and politically. In the colorful tapestry of Malaysia, the national identity is sewn together by a rich blend of cultures—primarily Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples. Now, among this delightful variety, a question lingers: Is it enough for people of the same race to stand closely together, or do we need to stretch our hands across the ethnic lines to build a truly united nation? This little piece argues that while unity within a single group may give a sense of belonging, it is that intermingling of communities—both in politics and daily life that truly nurtures a lasting bond among all Malaysians. A thoughtful person named J.S. Furnivall once described a plural society as one where different racial groups live side by side, much like guests at a grand wedding reception, each enjoying their own food without much mingling. Malaysia fits this bill perfectly; ethnic groups have their own schools, political parties, and even places of worship. In such a setting, for national harmony, it's not just about being cosy within your own circle but also about making connections with the others. Though intra-ethnic unity is necessary to some extend, it has its own limitations and it is insufficient. The desire for ethnic-based unity has been a familiar feature in Malaysian life and politics. The Malays often gather around UMNO, the Chinese rally with the MCA or DAP, and the Indians find a voice through MIC and current multiple Indian parties or other community groups. This cosy internal bonding certainly helps the communities to voice their particular needs and desires. However, as wise voices had previously pointed out, there lies the risk of becoming too self-contained, like a beehive that doesn't allow other pollinators. A constant emphasis on intra-group solidarity can create walls instead of bridges, making it hard to build trust and encouraging narratives that view relations between groups as a competition rather than a collaboration. Since independence the nation was build based on inter-racial/ethnic competition among races which cannot continue to be the trajectory for future nation building as the world has moved towards the 'earth is but one country and mankind its citizens' tenet. As we venture into the present political landscape of Malaysia, the significance of inter-ethnic unity shines through. Since the time of the 2018 general election, there have been notable shifts in political coalitions that highlight both the prospects and challenges of different ethnicities coming together, which leads to inter-ethnic unity. The current Pakatan Harapan (PH) unity government champions reforms, good governance, and inclusivity. Though it has faced some criticisms about ethnic imbalances, it remains one of the most ethnically diverse alliances in Malaysia's journey. Following the 2022 elections, the advent of unity governments, which brought together several coalitions, mark a pragmatic embrace of multi-coalitional governance. Despite their differing ideologies, these partnerships underline the necessity for cooperation across ethnic and geographical lines to uphold national steadiness. The real unity is not merely a matter of politics; it seeps into the daily grind of life. Inter-ethnic solidarity should be nurtured through, social economic and institutionalised integration. There must be education reforms that promote multicultural understanding and national harmony. A fair economic policies that shift from race-based views to need-based frameworks, striving toward a shared prosperity vision should be the hallmark. Initiating civic engagement and youth activism where the younger generations forge a Malaysian identity that transcends race must be framework towards every government machinery. While unity among a single ethnic group can surely bolster community strength, it is the cooperation across different ethnic lines—politically, economically, and socially—that lays the groundwork for Malaysia's brighter future. The evolution of the country's political frameworks reflects a delicate, yet sincere, effort towards multi-ethnic governance. As Malaysia strides forward, embracing this spirit of inter-ethnic solidarity will be the secret recipe for national resilience, unity, and inclusive growth. We cannot continue to operate on intra-ethnic, which we did since independence, as the world has moved forward for inclusivity and integration in all dimensions. ‒ June 9, 2025 Maran ( KT Maran) Seremban, Negri Sembilan The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Borneo Post

Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api urges sacrifice, sets sights on historic win
Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api urges sacrifice, sets sights on historic win

Daily Express

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api urges sacrifice, sets sights on historic win

Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain (left) presents a memento to Secretary-General Datuk Razali Razi after officiating the division's 2025 annual meeting. KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Api-Api Division Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain has called on party members to view time and financial sacrifices as necessary investments for long-term political success. Speaking to some 200 delegates at the division's annual meeting here on Sunday, Faisyal said while current sentiment favors local parties, collaboration with the federal government remains crucial. Advertisement He acknowledged the contributions of former national parties but emphasized that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) represents the present and future of Sabah politics. Faisyal pledged Gagasan Rakyat's support for any GRS or Pakatan Harapan candidate in upcoming elections and urged the youth wing to focus on mobilizing young voters, who make up half of Sabah's electorate. He noted that with Api-Api's voter composition—48pc Bumiputera and 40pc Chinese—there is a real opportunity for GRS to make inroads in a seat long held by Chinese representatives. 'A GRS victory here is possible within five to ten years,' he said, citing the coalition's broad appeal under its multiracial platform. Advertisement To boost voter outreach, a series of programs are being planned. Youth chief Safwan Faisyal Diego announced a townhall session with business and community leaders, in collaboration with former mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, and a soup kitchen initiative with Jetsin Sdn Bhd's Datuk Jade Koh. Safwan said Api-Api's ethnic mix including Chinese, Dusun, Malay, and Tausug members reflects GRS's inclusivity. 'That's the beauty of GRS and Gagasan Rakyat. As long as you're a Sabahan, you'll always have a place with us,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Trump travel ban on 12 countries comes into effect
Trump travel ban on 12 countries comes into effect

Malaysian Reserve

time8 hours ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Trump travel ban on 12 countries comes into effect

WASHINGTON — A travel ban on 12 countries by US President Donald Trump (picture) has come into force, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. According to a White House statement, the regulation came into effect early on Monday (0401 GMT). Trump announced the ban on Wednesday, saying that he 'must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.' The ban, from June 9, fully restricts the entry of nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Those from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted, Trump's proclamation adds. A fact sheet issued by the White House stated that some of the named countries had 'inadequate screening and vetting processes, hindering America's ability to identify potential security threats before entry.' Other countries 'exhibit high visa overstay rates,' or did not cooperate in sharing identity and threat information, it added. Trump placed travel restrictions on a group of predominantly Muslim nations as one of his first presidential acts after he first took office in 2017. Several federal courts tried to block the ban before the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that it was 'squarely within the scope of Presidential authority.' — BERNAMA-dpa

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