'My focus was on economy,' Rafizi explains being less vocal in cabinet
During the most recent episode of Rafizi's podcast "Yang Berhenti Menteri", guest Syed Azuan asked why the former had been less vocal and courageous when serving as a minister...
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Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR leader dismisses Puad's Selangor claim as ‘coffee shop talk'
PKR Youth deputy chief Izuan Kasim (left) said Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi's remarks sometimes did not reflect the direction taken by the Umno president. PETALING JAYA : A PKR leader has dismissed as mere 'coffee shop talk' a remark by Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi that it is not impossible for Umno to become dominant in Selangor. PKR Youth deputy chief Izuan Kasim told FMT that by the same logic, PKR could also become the dominant party in Johor and Melaka. 'Statements like this really don't need to be made publicly. It's fine for casual chats with friends at a coffee shop, but there's no need to make such remarks officially. 'Especially since he's not a low-ranking leader – he holds a top position. Sometimes what he says doesn't reflect the direction taken by his party president,' said Izuan, who is also the Kota Damansara assemblyman. Yesterday, Puad took a jab at Khir Toyo's move to join Bersatu, blaming the former Selangor menteri besar for Umno's loss of power in the state – a loss that persists to this day. When explaining his decision to join Bersatu, Khir claimed that Umno had lost all ambition to lead the government, whether at the federal level or in Selangor. He said Umno had become merely a supplementary party, lacking the ambition to return to power. Khir, a former Umno Supreme Council member, also believes that the party would not be allocated enough parliamentary seats in the next general election. In response, Puad argued that politics today required wisdom and trust, and that Umno's return to dominance was not far-fetched. He said that if Umno could lead in Perak and Pahang with fewer seats, it is certainly possible in Selangor, too. Izuan, however, warned that such statements could make it more difficult for Umno heading into the next general election, especially since such decisions were made by the top leadership. He added that, unlike Umno, PKR was more flexible and capable of making collective decisions, drawing from its involvement in coalitions like Pakatan Rakyat, Pakatan Harapan and now the unity government. 'We (PKR) are sincere in how we operate. But really, his (Puad's) remarks were unnecessary. There's no need to paint such a picture – he should just go enjoy his breakfast quietly,' Izuan quipped. Meanwhile, PKR central leadership council member G Gunarajah said Puad's comments should be made more carefully, especially in the current context where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leads a unity government. He said the unity government – which has restored political stability and investor confidence – was not built on party dominance, but on shared responsibility. 'The same applies in Selangor. Under (menteri besar) Amirudin Shari, the state administration has shown consistent and progressive achievements, and enjoys strong support across communities. 'If you want to show strength, do it by serving the people, not by trying to dominate your partners. Dominance doesn't need to be declared – let the people judge us by our performance and sincerity.'
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
PM says too early to lower Malaysia's school-leaving age
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is too early for the government to make a decision on a proposal to lower the school-leaving age to 16. 'That's something we'll discuss, but it's still too early at this stage,' he told reporters after the Budget 2026 consultation session here today. Malaysia currently mandates schooling up to the age of 17 under the Education Act 1996. Any change to this policy would require amendments to the law and engagement with education stakeholders. The proposal came into public focus after Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli on Monday suggested that secondary education should conclude by age 16. He said this would enable the younger generation to enter the workforce by 21 — a shift he deemed necessary as Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation. Rafizi argued that a younger workforce contributing earlier to the economy would help strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar: Too soon to say if students should finish school at 16 to join workforce earlier
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said it is too early to decide whether students should complete secondary school by the age of 16 to enable them to enter the workforce by 21. He said the matter still requires thorough discussion before any decision can be made. 'We'll discuss that. It's too early,' he told reporters briefly after attending the Budget Engagement Session at the Finance Ministry's headquarters here. On Monday, former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli suggested in the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia should consider allowing students to complete secondary school by 16, enabling them to enter the workforce by 21. He said the policy shift was worth considering as the country moves towards becoming an ageing nation, stressing the need for a younger workforce to begin contributing to the economy earlier.
