PSM, Muda keep distance from Muhyiddin's opposition Bloc as PAS cites busy schedules
Meanwhile, PAS explained that its leaders were occupied with other commitments, giving the impression that an opposition leader's major effort to rally parties was not a priority for them.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man explained that party leaders could not attend the meeting due to prior commitments in Kedah following Thursday's 'Himpunan Mandat Negarawan' rally.
Muda stated it is open to cooperating with any party sharing its principles while PSM clarified it did not assent to joining PN.
'If we talk about differences, every party present has significant differences. But I think there are a few fundamental issues that we are all concerned about.
'These include the rising cost of living affecting the people, the increasing abuse of power, and the reform promises that remain unfulfilled,' Muda's Acting President, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said in a statement on Saturday.
Nevertheless, she stressed that the opposition must remain strong and principled to hold the government accountable.
Muda currently has political understandings with PSM and a cooperation agreement under URA with Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).
PSM deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan said his party attended the meeting as part of its policy to engage with any political group but has not decided to join PN or any new coalition. Any coalition decision must be approved by PSM's Congress.
On Friday, Muhyiddin held a meeting with 11 opposition party leaders to discuss the proposal to form a cross-party alliance.
Muhyiddin, who is also President of Bersatu, said the discussion aimed to gather views and preliminary agreement on establishing a political coalition involving various opposition parties to strengthen the voice of checks and balances both inside and outside Parliament. —July 20, 2025
Main image: The Diplomat
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia stands firm on Palestine, warns of rising Mossad threat amid geopolitical tensions
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's stance on the Gaza issue, as well as matters concerning Palestine and West Asian countries, including Iran, will remain unchanged despite the possibility of facing pressure or objections from the United States (US) during the ongoing tariff negotiations, which are expected to continue until August. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia, as an independent and sovereign nation, has the right to express its views on the matter. "We are not yet at the final stage of negotiations as reported last week. There are still no clear indications, but there are several considerations during the negotiations,' he said. "The main issue involves electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors, and chips, as I mentioned in the Parliament. About 60 per cent of our production is exported to the US. However, the US also relies on Malaysia for chips and E&E, accounting for around 25 per cent of its production. "So, we hope and pray, insya-Allah, that this matter can be resolved amicably,' he said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), who asked whether Malaysia's firm stance in defending Palestinian rights would be taken into account by the United States, which is likely to impose additional tariffs, and whether Malaysia was prepared to compromise on the matter. "My question is, on Aug 1, Malaysia will face an additional tariff of 25 per cent, even though US President Donald Trump announced this on economic grounds only. However, if we look at what was imposed on Brazil, it is clear that it was not due to a surplus or deficit, but because of Trump's anger towards his friend who is about to be imprisoned," said Syed Saddiq. The Prime Minister said that although the latest tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia is 25 per cent - which is still lower compared to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand - Malaysia does not consider the US decision to be fair as it was made unilaterally and is not in line with the principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international agreements that have been signed. "We have raised this issue, and Muar is right to mention that because of Brazil's strong stance - with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva openly criticising the US over the genocide in Gaza and opposing unilateral measures to pressure developing countries, including those in BRICS - a 50 per cent tariff was imposed on Brazil. "We still have time until August and negotiations are ongoing, so I do not want to pre-empt the outcome. However, in my recent meetings with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Singapore and US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, although tariffs were mentioned, they were not the main issue of discussion," Anwar said. Anwar said Malaysia has always respected diplomatic relations with all countries while firmly upholding universal humanitarian principles. "Regardless of the impact, threats or objections towards our stance on Palestine, Gaza or our good relations with Iran, this will not change our firm position as an independent and sovereign country in voicing our views," he said. Responding to the original question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) on the government's short- and long-term plans to address geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, Anwar said Malaysia had done what it could by firmly voicing its stance and views. He said Malaysia has consistently maintained a strong position on the Palestinian issue at international conferences, including joint platforms with the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral forums. "Malaysia has done its utmost to voice its views firmly... but Israel's tyranny and violence have not ceased. Now, it is not only about Gaza, but also involves attacks on Iran, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon," he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister welcomed suggestions and advice from Members of Parliament to further strengthen Malaysia's efforts in voicing opinions, providing humanitarian aid, and enhancing bilateral relations on the issue. Meanwhile, in response to a supplementary question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) on the government's measures to safeguard Malaysia against the infiltration of Mossad agents, Anwar said the government, through the Home Ministry, had taken additional steps to enhance the country's security capabilities. "What is being highlighted about Malaysia is perhaps due to our strong voice on the Middle East issue, which may have made the country a target for drug smuggling, weapons trafficking and the infiltration of Mossad agents. "In the latest briefing by our intelligence agencies, there is genuine concern about national security, particularly since it has been proven that Mossad agents are present and have used, or colluded with, Malaysian spouses," he said. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Talks ongoing with Indonesia on jointly developing Sulawesi Sea blocks
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that discussions with Indonesia on jointly developing areas in the Sulawesi Sea, specifically blocks ND6 and ND7, are still ongoing, and no agreement has been reached yet. He said discussions will resume on July 29 and will include Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, as the state's maritime borders will be addressed, and Hajiji's input will be necessary before any potential resolution can be reached. "There is no agreement yet regarding the Sulawesi Sea. Therefore, when negotiations reach this topic, the (Sabah) government will be involved," he said during the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. The annual consultation between Malaysia and Indonesia on July 29 will also be joined by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Last month, Anwar and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed the strong commitment of both countries to accelerate strategic cooperation in various fields, including joint development in the maritime border area of Malaysia and Indonesia in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner. Anwar added that the details of the proposed joint development areas were not made public due to the non-disclosure clause. He said Malaysia remains firm on its sovereignty over the two areas. "The important thing is that the status of the Sulawesi Sea has not been finalised. Our final decision is based on the Sulawesi Sea Treaty Agreement, but Indonesia does not agree. "What is our stance? There are two options, either to go to war or to negotiate, and we choose to negotiate." Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) regarding whether a joint development area has been signed with Indonesia to develop the Sulawesi Sea, including the ND6 and ND7 blocks claimed by both countries, and why Sabah was not involved in the negotiations held in Jakarta on June 27. Commenting further, Anwar explained that his visit to Jakarta (last month) was an informal one, as a reciprocal gesture to the visit of Prabowo, who had already visited Malaysia four times. He said that there was no official agenda set, but he and Prabowo did discuss informal matters.
Focus Malaysia
4 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
PMX must be careful with what he wishes for after he mocks opposition to table no confidence motion
'IF HE is as gutsy as he has sounded, then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should hold a secret vote of no confidence which is free from (party) whip restrictions. But he's unlikely to do so.' Such is the challenge threw at PMX yesterday (July 22) by Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz after he dared the opposition to bring on a vote of no-confidence in Parliament if they plan to remove him from power. This came about after PMX told a gathering of the Prime Minister's Department staff in Putrajaya that he had reminded the police not to block this Saturday's PAS-inspired Turun Anwar rally This is when he insinuated that he would be waiting for the motion of no confidence with yesterday (July 21) being the first day of the Dewan Rakyat session. 'If there is a majority, if there are enough numbers, go ahead,' he challenged. Elaborating on his proposed secret vote of no confidence without party whip restrictions, Tun Faisal said this was the quickest way to unseat PMX. 'If we hold a vote of no confidence in secret today without (party) whip restrictions, tomorrow, God willing, the country will have PM11 and a new government,' he said in a comment to a Malaysiakini Facebook post entitled 'Anwar Signals Gov't Will Allow Vote of No confidence in Parliament'. 'With reference to the previous Langkah Dubai (Dubai Move), the government had claimed that the PM11 candidate from the opposition bloc could secure up to 123 votes. 'Since Anwar is highly unlikely to hold a vote of no confidence in secret and free from (party) whip restrictions, then on July 26 the rakyat shall continue to gather and demand that Anwar steps down and resign.' Interestingly, PMX's latest gesture of turning the tables on the opposition received mixed responses with some reminding the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition that PMX has thrown the ball back to their court while some cautioned PMX to be extra careful with what he wishes for. Some even wondered if the opposition has the guts to push through the no confidence motion while others are wary if the 'backdoor government gang' of Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin (Bersatu president) and Tan Sri Hadi Awang would make a comeback. Others went on the lambast the opposition for being 'weak' and unable to play 'a proper check and balance role'. – July 22, 2025
