‘Political developments are normal': Umno-PKR unity intact despite Tengku Zafrul exit, says Johari Ghani
BATU PAHAT, May 31 — Umno's cooperation with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) within the unity government remains intact despite Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's resignation from the party, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Johari, who is Umno vice-president, said both parties must remain united in their efforts to ensure the country's political stability.
'For example, in government, I play a role in national development as a minister. Political developments are normal, but they should not affect the strength of our coalition within the unity government and the country,' he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Madani Adopted Village (KAM) programme handover ceremony for the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) at Kampung Parit Bilal here today.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul, who is Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, announced his resignation as an Umno Supreme Council member, Kota Raja division chief and party member.
On today's programme, Johari, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, said a total of RM2.5 million has been allocated to Kampung Parit Bilal and Kampung Parit Ahmad under the KPK Madani Adopted Village initiative.
The funds will go toward implementing various development projects, including upgrading educational facilities, houses of worship and basic infrastructure, he said.
He said the initiative also involves strategic cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies, the Batu Pahat district office, Johor state development office, village development and security committees (JPKK) and local community leaders.
'Among the activities planned are entrepreneurship training, such as chocolate-making courses and outreach programmes under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) MyCommodity initiative,' Johari added. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Cops to wrap up probe into gas pipeline blaze
Police said whether heavy machinery was the cause of the gas pipeline blaze could be determined only after the end of the investigation. PETALING JAYA : The police expect to wrap up an investigation into the cause of the April 1 Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze within this month, says Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan. Hussein confirmed that an excavator was near the site of the blast and fire but said whether the heavy machinery was the cause of the incident could only be determined after this investigation is completed. 'We can confirm that one excavator was used for digging works for the laying of sewage pipes right in front of the shoplots that have yet to be completed,' he said, according to Berita Harian. 'We believe that the excavator was buried in the crater after the explosion. Towards the end of the recovery process, we will dig up the area to extract the excavator.' Hussein added that this would only take place after repairs on the Petronas gas pipeline is completed. The massive blaze on April 1 saw flames soaring over 30 metres high with temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degree Celsius. No one died in the incident but 150 victims had to seek treatment at hospitals. The fire destroyed 81 houses, with structural damage exceeding 40%. Another 81 houses were partially damaged and 57 homes were affected but not burned.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Dry season ‘won't be so hot' with no El Nino this year
The fire and rescue department said it was making preparations to meet the prolonged dry spells expected, afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Temperatures are expected to remain below average during the coming dry season this year according to weather forecasts, the fire and rescue department said today. The department said in a statement that meteorological forecasts had indicated there would be no extreme El Niño weather phenomenon this year. However, the department would remain on the alert for three key weather events – heat, heavy rain and strong winds – during the southwest monsoon season, which lasts until September, Bernama reported. Fire and rescue director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad, speaking in George Town, said the department was making preparations to meet the prolonged dry spells expected, which would cause high temperatures, intermittent heavy afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls or tropical storms. Nor Hisham said the department is on alert for open-fire incidents during dry spells, as well as for rescues related to flash floods and storm-driven winds. There had been a significant decrease in open-fire reports so far this year, with nearly 3,000 emergency calls up to April, compared to over 9,000 during the same period last year. However, the department's current concern lies with heavy afternoon rains, particularly during school holidays when many people visit rivers, waterfalls and beaches. 'Members of the public should remain vigilant and follow weather warnings closely. If heavy rain is forecast, leave picnic areas immediately and avoid swimming or engaging in water activities,' Nor Hisham advised. MetMalaysia has forecast that the southwest monsoon would last from early May until September, bringing steady winds from the southwest. Humidity will be generally low during this season and rainfall is reduced in many areas. However, heavy showers, strong winds, and thunder squalls remain possible, especially in western Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak and western Sabah, often in the early mornings due to squall lines.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Nurul Izzah neither confirms nor denies Rafizi's second deputy post suggestion
KUALA LUMPUR: Nurul Izzah Anwar today neither confirmed nor denied claims that she had suggested the creation of an appointed post of second PKR deputy president for Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. "I believe that matters spoken in confidence between friends should remain between them," the PKR deputy president said in a brief response to the New Straits Times. She added that her intentions had always been to foster unity within the party. "It is my sincere effort to build bridges in the party. "My focus now is on fulfilling my haj pilgrimage, and I pray for the well-being of all Malaysians. I remain committed to strengthening our party's unity and values," she said. Nurul Izzah's remarks came after Rafizi said that he had turned down a suggestion for him to be appointed as the second PKR deputy president. The Pandan member of Parliament said he had long made up his mind not to accept any leadership position within the party. On May 23, Izzah was elected as the new PKR deputy president with 9,803 votes, defeating incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who garnered 3,866 votes. Following his defeat, Rafizi submitted his resignation letter to step down as Economy Minister. He said his refusal was consistent with a decision he had made from the outset, which was already known to many within the party.
