
S'gor Opposition snubs gas blast briefing, demands transparency
The decision, announced by Selangor Opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali ( pic ), was due to concerns over the briefing being conducted behind closed doors, which he argues undermines accountability and transparency.
'Despite our absence from the briefing, we are committed to actively participating in the debate when the issue is addressed during the Selangor State Assembly sitting starting tomorrow (July 8),' Mohamed Azmin said.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had previously announced that a special technical briefing by agencies would be held today after the state assembly sitting for all MPs and state assemblymen in Selangor regarding the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights.
Mohamed Azmin said the Opposition bloc was also unhappy that a motion brought up by Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin was rejected by Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San.
'The motion was to request a special state assembly sitting to debate the Putra Heights gas pipeline incident,' said Mohamed Azmin.
'Afif had on July 4, submitted a petition on behalf of 20 residents affected by the blast. This petition was submitted in the interest of public safety and administrative transparency.
'However, the motion was rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the number of people who signed the petition was too few, and some were not voters from the area.'
The Hulu Kelang assemblyman said he also submitted an urgent motion under Standing Order 17(1) urging the government to release the full investigation report on the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion incident.
"This is because the initial report was inconclusive, not comprehensive and failed to answer many critical questions,' said Mohamed Azmin, who said that a White Paper on the matter must be presented in a special assembly.
"We want to delve into the factors that triggered the incident, for example, whether there was negligence involved and possible failures in the planning approval process in granting the right-of-way access.'
The Bersatu politician added that the Opposition bloc also wants a thorough investigation to be carried out and for the planning permission approval process by local councils to be tightened.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Malaysiakini
Turun Anwar rally: Police nab Chegubard for sedition probe
Bersatu division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin was arrested by police this afternoon, according to his legal counsel, allegedly over Saturday's 'Turun Anwar' rally in Kuala Lumpur. Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali said the activist better known as Chegubard was picked up at his house about 2.30pm.


New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Liew: PN must offer vision, not just angry noise
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs an opposition that offers solutions, not just protests, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said following a rally demanding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation. He made the remarks in a Facebook post after the July 26 gathering at Dataran Merdeka, which he said reflected more anger than direction. "Their leaders must understand that being an opposition that only releases anger to manipulate emotions, especially among Malays, will take the country nowhere," he wrote. "Perikatan Nasional (PN) could be a constructive opposition if it chooses to be. This means working with the unity government through parliamentary processes to serve the people." Liew said the rally at Dataran Merdeka, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of Bersatu, trained its criticisms on Anwar's leadership. Despite rallying Pas's core base, it failed to draw support the wider public, he said. Liew said that PN, which holds nearly one-third of the seats in Dewan Rakyat, has the opportunity to play a meaningful role in a healthy democracy — if it chooses to move beyond populist anger. He pointed to the aftermath of the 2020 Sheraton Move as an example of responsible political conduct. Liew said in the wake of the political crisis, DAP's Anthony Loke persuaded party colleagues to work toward stability through bipartisan cooperation with Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's administration, leading to a memorandum of understanding that ensured continuity in government policies. In contrast, he said that PN remains divided and without clear direction. Liew said Bersatu continues to face internal leadership struggles, while Pas appears locked in a rigid ideological stance. Without a coherent vision or practical policy proposals, PN risks alienating broader segments of the electorate. "With no constructive proposals or coherent vision, PN will struggle to appeal beyond its base," he said. "Democracy in Malaysia deserves a better opposition — one that puts the country first," Liew added.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Rally sparks debate, not upheaval
PETALING JAYA: Analysts remain divided over the significance of the recent 'Turun Anwar' rally, held in the capital on Saturday to call for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation, particularly in light of the reported turnout. Independent political analyst Dr Lim Teck Ghee questioned the organisers' claim that 500,000 people attended, describing the figure as likely overstated. 'A turnout of 500,000 seems unlikely. A more reasonable estimate might be closer to 50,000,' he told theSun. Lim noted that while the crowd size was not insignificant, it may not be sufficient to bring about major political shifts. He also pointed out that the rally appeared to draw a predominantly Malay crowd, which he said reflected limited participation from other communities. 'Roughly 95% of attendees were Malays, suggesting the event was not broadly representative of the wider population and may have primarily involved PAS or Bersatu supporters,' he said. Lim also observed that most speakers did not outline clear policy alternatives, focusing instead on calls for the prime minister to step down. 'While the slogan 'Turun Anwar' may resonate with some, there was a lack of detailed proposals or solutions presented during the rally,' he added. Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, said the rally appeared designed to give the impression that Anwar had lost public support. 'In reality, this was not a people's rally, as it only drew one segment of society. The non-Malay presence was minimal, so it cannot be said to represent the rakyat as a whole,' he told theSun. Azmi added that while the opposition may be attempting to shape public perception, any change in leadership must follow due parliamentary process. 'Anwar retains the backing of the majority of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat. I doubt the opposition will table a no-confidence vote, as they are aware they lack the numbers,' he said. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political analyst Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid offered a different perspective, describing the rally's turnout as noteworthy. 'Based on drone footage, TikTok livestreams, and television coverage, the rally brought together thousands to express their protest. Many remained despite the rain, chanting loudly for Anwar to step down,' she said. Kartini added that from a democratic standpoint, the peaceful nature of the event underscored Malaysians' right to free speech and assembly. 'The rally was symbolic — a way for citizens to voice dissatisfaction directly to their leaders. Malaysians understand that elections are the appropriate channel to choose their government. It's highly unlikely the people would seek to forcefully remove a prime minister, as has happened elsewhere,' she said. Estimates suggest more than 30,000 people, many dressed in black, gathered at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday to call for Anwar's resignation. Among those who addressed the crowd were former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Perikatan Nasional information chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor of PAS. In a WhatsApp response to theSun, Azmin Ali said the prime minister had yet to fulfil many of his reform pledges. 'Public confidence has diminished. While many promises were made, there has been a lack of meaningful delivery. His leadership appears increasingly uncertain,' he said.