Wan Fayhsal defends PAS over hate speech claim, blames DAP instead
Faced with a reminder that PAS had been identified as one of the biggest amplifiers of ethno-religious hate, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal launched a spirited defence of his Perikatan Nasional colleagues.
Speaking as a panellist on BBC World Questions, the former Bersatu Youth chief instead sought to shift blame to DAP - a move that drew jeers from a live audience in Petaling Jaya last night.
'Thank you for your research on my (component) party members when it comes to race and religious rhetoric,' he said, addressing an audience member who cited findings from a
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New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
BBC's Jonny Dymond: Malaysia is a story of economic success, not just 1MDB [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: BBC correspondent Jonny Dymond says the most rewarding part of his journalism career is not the major global stories he's covered — but the chance to speak directly with people around the world about their lives. Dymond, who was in Kuala Lumpur for the BBC World Questions debate earlier this week, said that while covering the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Sept 11 attacks were defining moments, it is the everyday human stories that have left the greatest impact on him. "It's being able to sit in people's front rooms across the world and talk to them about their thoughts, their losses... that is the privilege of being a correspondent," he said. The veteran journalist, who has also served as BBC's Europe and Middle East correspondent, is the host and moderator of the BBC's World Questions public debate. The series brings politicians and the public together in a live Q&A format that often puts leaders on the spot. Dymond said cost of living issues continue to dominate these events around the world — from Milan to Mongolia — with food, energy, and housing affordability topping the list of public concerns. "In fancy journals and political talk shows, people often miss the real priorities. But when you're in a room with the public, you hear what truly matters — and it's usually the same everywhere: daily life, survival, the environment, and fairness," he said. Asked about his role as moderator, Dymond said he aims to help the public get answers — not to take on politicians himself. "I'm not there to shout at people or score points. I'm there to help the audience get honest answers, even if that means pressing a bit harder sometimes," he said. On Malaysia, Dymond said the country is often viewed in the West through narrow lenses, such as the 1MDB scandal, but deserves broader recognition. "For me, Malaysia represents an incredible economic transformation. Of course, there are challenges — corruption, inequality, and so on — but the broader story is one of success," he said. He added that Western ignorance of Southeast Asia is often the biggest obstacle to better news coverage, with distance and complexity making it harder to tell full stories. "It's a very complicated part of the world, with enormous geopolitical pressures. And yet countries like Malaysia are often asked to 'pick sides' by those who don't understand what they're asking." Dymond declined to assess Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's performance directly, saying it wasn't his place. But he said that the ability to push through difficult policies — such as subsidy reforms — is often a test of leadership. On foreign policy, he acknowledged Malaysia's firm position on Gaza reflects strong public sentiment, adding that many in the West are also increasingly uncomfortable with the war. He also addressed criticisms of Western media double standards when covering conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. "All reporting is an art, not a science. We try to be as fair as possible and tell both sides. But it's a hard job, and we don't always get access. For example, we're not allowed into Gaza by Israeli authorities," he said. The BBC World Questions: Malaysia debate, recorded on Tuesday (June 10), will be broadcast on Saturday. Among the panellists are Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh and former Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
PETRONAS terminations should be gradual, give training, says Muhyiddin
PETALING JAYA: The planned layoff of 5,000 PETRONAS employees should be done gradually, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. "The terminations should be gradual, allowing for training in entrepreneurship skills and capital assistance to venture into businesses matching their qualifications," said the Perikatan Nasional chairman on Facebook on Wednesday (June 11). He said that although these employees are contract workers, they have served PETRONAS for a long time and have families to support. Muhyiddin suggested using funds meant for training Bumiputra entrepreneurs for this purpose, as it is the government's responsibility to address the issue. "There is no denying that PETRONAS faces significant financial challenges, with post-tax profits dipping by 32% from RM80.7bil to RM55.1bil compared to the previous year,' said Muhyiddin. "In the face of global challenges, falling oil prices, and the transition to renewable energy, PETRONAS needs a long-term plan to remain sustainable and competitive," he added. Muhyiddin said that as a nation-owned company contributing large dividends to the government and playing an important role in national development, the government must always protect the interests of PETRONAS and its employees. "Thus, it is reasonable for the government to immediately present PETRONAS's economic plan and the direction of the state's oil and gas industry," he added.
Malaysiakini
12 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
A burnt out Malaysian losing hope
LETTER | I'm 36, a middle-class Indian living in Malaysia, blessed with two children, a PhD candidate, and I also work. I mean, I work hard like most Malaysians do, but I long for a government that truly serves the people, addresses our concerns, and leads with integrity. Basically, I just want a decent life for myself and maybe a better one for the next generation. I used to be so excited. I remember back in 2018 when Pakatan Harapan swept into power. We all thought, 'Finally! Change is here!' Remember all the promises? Fighting corruption and making life easier for the rakyat? But honestly, looking at it now, it's been a huge disappointment because it feels like the old problems are still here, some got even worse. The cost of living keeps climbing, but salaries don't make a huge difference. It's frustrating when you feel like you're working harder and harder, but you are getting nowhere. They called themselves 'Harapan' (Hope), but honestly, there is 'no Harapan' at all. It's not just the economy. It's the feeling that no one in power really understands what it's like to be a regular Malaysian. Do they know how hard it is to make ends meet? Do they worry about the existing education system for their children? I doubt it. We Malaysians, we're not asking for the moon. We want a government that listens, that understands our struggles, and that actually does something about them. We're tired of empty promises. Whenever I hear the word 'politics', honestly, it feels like a circus sometimes. So, what lies ahead in the future? We, Malaysians, surely look forward to a 'New Malaysia'. Recently, I heard that Perikatan Nasional and the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) are stepping up with their 'National Consensus'. MIPP, especially, is talking about helping the Indian community through a mission called 'Reset 2027', focusing on education, employment, economy, and empowerment. Apparently, it's all about helping the Indian community, and I'm thinking… okay, someone finally remembers we're here. The Indian community, like many others in Malaysia, faces unique challenges. If MIPP is serious about tackling these issues, then I'm willing to hear them out. Education, jobs, a stronger economy, I mean, these are the aspects that would benefit all Malaysians, regardless of race. If the opposition party could prove that they are different and ready to restore our faith in politics in our country, then the stage is all theirs. But if they don't, I fear that our children will lose all hope towards the future. What do I actually want from the new government? 1. Focus on the basics: Forget the big, fancy projects for a while. Just focus on making life more affordable. Control the prices of essential goods, create more jobs, and help small businesses thrive. That's what will make a real difference to everyday Malaysians. 2. Stop the corruption: We are so tired of hearing about politicians lining their own pockets. We need real accountability. If someone is caught stealing from the people, they need to face the consequences, regardless of who they are. 3. Unity, not division: Malaysia is a beautiful country because of its diversity. We need leaders who will bring us together, not divide us along racial or religious lines. We need to focus and treat everyone fairly, no matter who they are. 4. Listen to us: Stop talking at us and start listening to us. Engage with regular people, understand our struggles, and make policies that actually address our needs. The upcoming political landscape from the opposition party presents an opportunity to reset Malaysia's trajectory. As an observer, I am hopeful that the next government will embrace a 'New national consensus' that acknowledges the contributions of all communities, addresses systemic inequalities, and paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all Malaysians. What we wish to see is a real plan. Not just words, but concrete steps. Show us how you're going to create jobs, how you're going to make education more accessible, how you're going to help small businesses thrive. Show us how you're going to fight corruption and make the government more transparent. It is time for transformative change, a change that is not just about power, but about building a better nation for generations to come. This requires not only a change in government but a change in mindset and, most importantly, a genuine desire to build a Malaysia where every citizen feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. We are not naive. We know change takes time. But we wish to see progress. We need to feel like our voices are being heard. We need to believe that our government is working for us, not against us. So, to whoever forms the next government, I'm pleading to not let us down again. Give us a reason to believe in Malaysia again. I believe that I'm not asking for miracles. I'm just asking for a government that actually cares about its people and make Malaysia a better place for everyone. Terima kasih. Thank you. Nandri vanakam. Xie xie. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
