
Terengganu MB steps down as Marang Pas chief, to focus on GE16
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has stepped down as Marang Pas division chairman.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, the Pas vice-president made the announcement during the division's 41st annual general assembly in Marang on Saturday.
Samsuri said the decision was made to allow new leadership to continue the party's struggles.
"I am stepping down as I believe it is time for other leaders to carry forward the party's mission.
"Leadership does not belong to any one individual, it belongs to the party," he said.
Marang Pas division deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Nor Hamzah was named the new chairman after winning the post uncontested.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Pas committee member Hanafiah Mat told FMT that Samsuri is needed at the central level for a "major mission" in the 16th General Election (GE16).
Hanafiah added that Samsuri will focus on helping Pas to increase its parliamentary seats in the next general election.
"Full focus is needed on his role as vice-president in facing GE16 to reshape the national political landscape."

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


Malaysian Reserve
24 minutes ago
- Malaysian Reserve
SST is not 'divine law', can be reviewed, says PM polsec
THE government is open to reviewing the extension of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), which will take effect on July 1, said Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's political secretary (polsec) Kamil Abdul Munim (picture). He was reported to have said that the extension of the SST is not 'God's law' and it can be reviewed if necessary. 'Every policy will cause complaints in the early stages, that's normal. But in the end, the government will ensure that it is adjusted so that it does not burden the majority of the people. 'I don't think the government will close the door to reviewing this policy if there is a specific segment or sector that needs reconsideration. 'This is not God's law, so if there is a need for improvement, then it should be reviewed,' he said as quoted by Sinar Harian last night. The government previously announced the extension of the SST to several categories of imported fruits, a move that received mixed reactions, including concerns about its impact on the cost of living for the people. Defending the decision, Anwar sparked criticism when he used avocados as an example of an imported luxury fruit typically enjoyed by the high-income group. However, several parties pointed out that imported products also include fruits such as apples and lemons, which are not grown in Malaysia but are widely consumed, including by the low-income group. Explaining further, Kamil said the main purpose of the SST expansion is to strengthen the country's tax base, which is currently among the lowest in the South-East Asian region, while ensuring it does not burden the people. He also stressed that basic necessities should be ensured not to be affected by the SST expansion, which he said is necessary to strengthen the country's fiscal base. Kamil's statement came amid pressure from six major business groups urging the government to delay the implementation of the SST changes, particularly the 8% levy on commercial rental and leasing services set to take effect on July 1. In a joint statement, the SME Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Malaysia Retailers Association, Federation of Malaysia Business Associations, Bumiputra Retailers Organisation Malaysia and Malaysia Shopping Malls Association warned that the tax could severely cripple businesses already facing escalating costs. They described the timing and scale of the new tax as 'gravely misguided' and warned it would trigger inflation, shrink consumer spending, discourage investment and threaten the survival of many small and medium enterprises (SMEs). — TMR


Focus Malaysia
26 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
PAS conveys gratitude to IJN for Hadi's successful heart procedure but dead silent on succession planning
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has rightly thanked specialists and healthcare workers at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for successfully carrying out the necessary treatment procedure on party president Tan Sri Hadi Awang without any complications yesterday (June 17). 'We greatly appreciate the expertise, efficiency and high commitment on the part of IJN,' applauded the Kota Bahru MP and Opposition chief whip in a statement this morning (June 18). 'Finally, we call on PAS members in particular and all citizens in general to pray together so that our country and all its people will always be in prosperity under God's protection from all disasters, calamities or epidemics, Insya-Allah.' Earlier yesterday (June 17), Hadi's son Dr Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi had revealed on a Facebook post that the procedure conducted on the 77-year-old seven-term Marang MP has been successful. Interestingly, all PAS branches in Terengganu were even instructed to hold a solat hajat to pray for the well-being of the cleric on the eve of his heart procedure. 'Let us together pray that Allah SWT facilitates all treatment matters and grants a complete recovery to the beloved Tuan Guru of the people,' Terengganu PAS secretary Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah had pointed out in a statement. According to Hadi's political secretary and Tumpat MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, there will be no visitors in the near future on the advice of the IJN doctors. Amid all the brouhaha over Hadi's health condition, it is perhaps most intriguing that there has been a deafening silence on succession planning within the Islamist party given it is no more a secret that the former's health has been deteriorating in recent times. In fact, PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar stressed that Hadi's leadership and ideas of are still needed in facing current political challenges and in strengthening the party's future direction. The Terengganu Menteri Besar further credited the former Prime Minister's special envoy to the Middle East for PAS' two greatest victories – enabling the party to emerge as one of the two largest parties in Malaysia by winning almost 200 seats at state elections and having the most parliamentary seats in the 15th General Election (GE15). 'His leadership and ideas are very much needed in continuing the party's work because this is not just a political struggle but it goes beyond that,' acknowledged Samsuri who is also the Kemaman MP. 'I don't think there is any question of Tok Guru's resignation. In fact, from the grassroots level to the highest leadership, we are praying for his health to return to normal.' The only clear indication for now is that should anything untoward happens to Hadi, the top echelon of PAS will still be helmed by an individual with an ulama (religious scholar) inkling as opposed to technocrats like Samsuri who is an aerospace engineering background. 'PAS leaders cannot just rely on the rule of law but must also understand the political climate. This is not about rejecting the professionals/technocrats but the party's leadership must come from the ulama rank-and-file,' asserted PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin. 'In the event of a vacancy, among the figures best known to the president is his deputy Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. However, the question of who will take over is not a pressing issue as long as Hadi is still willing and able to lead.' – June 18, 2025


Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar posts get-well wish for Hadi Awang after heart procedure
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said he has prayed for PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to be blessed with continuous good health. In a brief statement shared on X today, Anwar expressed his prayers for Abdul Hadi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Marang, after undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday. 'Praying for continued health for Ustaz Hj Hadi, God willing,' he said in a post on X this morning. Abdul Hadi is reported to be in good condition after undergoing heart surgery at IJN. His son, Dr Muhammad Khalil, who is also Terengganu Information, Da'wah and Sharia Empowerment Committee chairman, said the treatment on the PAS president was successful. — Bernama