PKR Youth leader: Let rally go on, it poses no threat to PM
Johor PKR Youth vice-chief Faezuddin Puad also reminded the authorities that the Federal Constitution allows Malaysians the right to assemble peacefully.
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Focus Malaysia
12 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Is Rafizi fighting for justice or burnishing his dented image?
EVER since former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli quit his cabinet post, his break from his boss Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has widened. His animus against the Prime Minister surfaced when he lost the PKR deputy president post to the latter's daughter Nurul Izzah during the party election. 'Mr Formula' exhibits a pattern of behaviour typical of politicians who become resentful when they lose their high-ranking post in the party or in the government. Rafizi must be really annoyed that Anwar's daughter managed to wrest the number two post from him whom many thought was unshakeable. Although still an MP, he is effectively thrust out into the political wilderness and may eventually see his political career come to an end. But it looks like this once close ally and strong supporter of Anwar is not going to go down without a fight. He must make some loud noise to express his displeasure with the PKR president and in the process reclaim the high ground. Hence, he must latch on to some issues to attract public attention in order to foist himself into the limelight. 'Tightening the screw' And the Pandan MP conveniently found one controversial issue that has recently been making huge waves in the public arena – the allegation that someone has interfered in the appointment of judges to fill the top judicial posts. Rafizi promptly bestirred himself and pointed an accusing finger at Anwar for allegedly planning to pick a judge of his own choice for the post of chief justice. To make it look like a crisis has engulfed the country, 'Mr Formula' has resorted to playing the all-too familiar broken record named the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to look into Anwar's alleged interference into judicial matters. Every time something goes awry. you hear this tiresome record being played over and over again. To tighten the screw further, Rafizi also took out another popular tool: online petition. He wants all Malaysians to sign this petition to show their unstinting support for the judiciary supposedly under siege. Have Malaysians responded to the online campaign enthusiastically and overwhelmingly? One wonders. It doesn't matter that the judicial storm has somewhat subsided with the appointments of the new chief justice and two other senior judges. The Rafizi's show must still go on: he is taking up his big cudgel and will be beating around the country to draw attention – largely to himself. 'Crusader of justice' For sure, any controversial issue will come under his intense scrutiny as he eagerly searches for any opening to launch his salvoes. Recently, he shined his light on some controversial business dealings allegedly linked to Anwar's former aide Datuk Seri Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak. It rapidly developed into a political hot potato with Rafizi turning up the heat with a strident call on MACC to open an investigation paper on the dealings. Invariably, he shifts his target to Anwar himself because he seems to smell a rat in this whole issue. From the looks of it, Rafizi is transforming himself into a crusader for justice; if he can succeed in causing severe headache for PMX, it will give him a big boost to his image. But when politicians play up issues of national importance, the real narrative is not about fighting for the causes they espouse but more about resuscitating their waning political career. Rafizi – like all disgruntled politicians who have fallen out of favour – must take up a new role to stay relevant in national politics but one wonders: is he trying to burnish his dented image or assuming the guise of a people's champion fighting for justice? – Aug 3, 2025 Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Rafizi Ramli/Facebook
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
The story of a separation
MALAYSIANS today tend to view Singapore as a kind of sibling – full of rivalry but close in relation. Close not only in geography but also in culture, language and ties that go back generations. After all, we were both part of the same country once. That shared chapter in our history began formally on Sept 16, 1963, when the Federation of Malaysia was officially established, uniting Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. It was part of the leaders' bold vision to bring together diverse territories with different strengths into a single, post-colonial federation as Britain undertook a decolonisation effort at the time. While not everyone was thrilled with the merger, most of the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore initially entered the partnership with enthusiasm and optimism. But over time, differing approaches to governance, economic policies and political direction eventually led to Singapore's formal separation from Malaysia on Aug 9, 1965. Although the union was shortlived, the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore have remained strong in the decades since. Here is a look back at the significant events leading up to the historic milestone. > Aug 31, 1957: Tunku Abdul Rahman officially proclaims Malaya's independence from Britain at Dataran Merdeka, leading the iconic 'Merdeka' chant seven times. > June 3, 1959: Britain grants Singapore full internal self-government, except in defence and foreign affairs. Lee Kuan Yew from the People's Action Party's (PAP) becomes Singapore's first prime minister and begins to campaign for a merger with Malaya, believing it to be vital for the fledgling Singapore's economic survival. > May 27, 1961: Tunku Abdul Rahman proposes the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, with a vision to unite Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei to ensure economic and political stability in the region, counter communist threats and promote development. > Sept 1, 1962: Singapore holds a national referendum on joining the Federation of Malaysia. Despite boycott attempts from those who oppose joining Malaysia, the majority of Singaporeans vote for a conditional merger that preserves local control over certain areas of governance. > Sept 16, 1963: The Federation of Malaysia is officially formed, uniting Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Malaysia Day Celebrations: Schoolchildren rally At Merdeka Stadium on Sept 16, 1963. > Sept 21, 1963: Singapore holds a general election. Singapore Umno participates in the election as part of the Singapore Alliance Party, but fails to secure any seats. > April 1964: Malaysia holds a general election. Singapore's PAP's decision to run in this election is seen as a provocative move by federal leaders. PAP wins one seat in Selangor, deepening political friction. > July to September 1964: Racial riots break out in Singapore following the merger. The most significant ones are on July 21, which took 17 days to stabilise and saw the deaths of 23 people and 454 injured, as well as on Sept 2, with 13 deaths and another 106 injured. > May to July 1965: Tensions continue to rise between Malaysian and Singaporean leaders over public and private disagreements on economic policies such as taxation and revenue sharing, as well as over political differences and distribution of power. The leaders enter into negotiations to address these grievances but are unsuccessful. > Aug 7, 1965: The governments of Malaysia and Singapore sign The Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965, formalising Singapore's secession from Malaysia. > Aug 9, 1965: Singapore officially separates from Malaysia and becomes a sovereign nation. In a televised press conference, Lee Kuan Yew breaks down in tears as he calls it 'a moment of anguish' and reflects on his lifelong belief in the unity of the two territories. Sources: Information Department Malaysia, National Archives Malaysia, The Straits Times/ANN, The Star
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Our commodities remain competitive even with tariffs, says Johari
JOHOR BARU: The United States' 19% tariff on Malaysian imports will not affect the competitiveness of the country's commodities in global markets, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic). The Plantation and Commodities Minister said this was because the tariff for Malaysia remains competitive compared to other Asean nations, including Indonesia, which also faces the same rate. 'The 19% tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysia is among the lowest in Asean countries, and even Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, is subject to the same tariff rate. 'In the context of palm oil, Indonesia is the largest producer and we are number two. But Indonesia is also subject to 19% like Malaysia, so there is no problem,' he told reporters after the Pasir Gudang Umno division annual general meeting here. On Aug 1, US President Donald Trump announced the 19% tariff for Malaysian goods entering the United States, down from an earlier rate of 25%. The new tariff structure takes effect in seven days and applies to all goods with limited exceptions for shipments already in transit. Besides Indonesia and Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia have also been slapped with a 19% tariff. On an unrelated matter, Johari, who is also Umno vice-president, said the party needs to adopt a more progressive and inclusive mindset to stay relevant, particularly in reaching out to younger Malaysians. He said youth engagement must be prioritised, since young voters are expected to make up 40% of the electorate across parliamentary constituencies in the 16th General Election (GE16). 'This is not a small number. Their thinking is different. Many are highly educated, with degrees, Master's and even PhDs. 'They evaluate candidates based on substance, not just party loyalty. 'To win the hearts of this group, we must think differently, act differently, and truly listen to what they want,' he said. He added that the party must be willing to embrace reform and create space for new ideas, including those brought forward by younger members.
