Azalina: Cabinet posts held under party mandate, not personal capacity
"Although the Unity Council is chaired by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), each appointed minister represents their respective party in an official capacity," said information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in a statement.
She added that Umno remains committed to serving in the government and will continue to uphold the people's trust.
"Accordingly, the Umno Legal Bureau has been tasked with reviewing the implications of the Anti-Party Hopping Act, including the status of a senator, to ensure that all subsequent actions are in line with the legal framework," she added.
Azalina also called on members and supporters to remain focused on national development and the party's struggle, despite changes in individual political affiliations.
Yesterday (May 31), Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was unethical for any party within the unity government to accept membership applications from former leaders or members of its allies.
The deputy prime minister, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said he was not surprised by Tengku Zafrul's announcement to quit Umno and join PKR, as they had discussed the matter during a parliamentary session three months ago.
Meanwhile, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has urged party members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and united following Tengku Zafrul's decision to leave the party for PKR.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
39 minutes ago
- The Star
Umno Youth chief leads group of over 200 in march on barricaded shop lots
KEPALA BATAS: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh led a group of over 200 people in a march towards barricaded shop lots here, saying the group came in peace. Chanting "Merdeka", "Sayang Malaysia" and "Pertahan Jalur Merdeka", the group marched about 1.4km to the location with many waving the Jalur Gemilang. "We are not here to bully anyone. We are here to make it clear that there cannot be such incidents as our flag is sacred. "We are here to send a clear message that we cannot accept any form of mistake like this. "It cannot be hung upside down," he said at the gathering along Jalan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi here on Thursday (Aug 14). The planned gathering followed a recent controversy, linked to an upside-down Jalur Gemilang incident at a hardware store here. Dr Akmal said the group represented Malaysians and not any political party. "It is not a question of politics or race but it about respect for our country, Malaysia," he said. The group of over 200 people, including representatives from Bersatu and PAS, then sang the national anthem. Just before the gathering ended, there was a war of words between the Umno representatives and Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) director Zaid Malek, who turned up with placards saying "Jangan Membuli" and "Jangan Bersikap Zionis". The group then needed to be calmed down and were told to disperse after Zaid's group put down their placards. Zaid said it was only fair that he was allowed freedom of speech like the Umno representatives. He said the fact that the group had turned despite the flag placement being an honest mistake was an act of intimidation. "His (Dr Akmal's) call to have the hardware shop owner charged amounts to bullying and harassment. 'They hurled all sorts of accusations at the hardware store owner about the upside-down flag incident. "Of course, the owner would be scared," he said. Zaid also asked why they did not gather in Terengganu where there was also an issue with the Jalur Gemilang. 'No one is free from committing mistakes. The store owner has apologised and had no intention to commit the mistake. 'We are here to defend him from any form of harassment,' he said. There was strong police presence throughout to control the crowd and the road leading to the store were also barricaded. Businesses were also forced to close early as a safety precaution. Meanwhile, local DAP leaders handed out Jalur Gemilang as they waited for Dr Akmal and his group to turn up. Penang DAP vice-chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang DAP assistant secretary H'ng Mooi Lye and Penang Chief Minister's Special Coordinator Lay Hock Peng, among others, turned up early to distribute food and Jalur Gemilang to passers-by. On Saturday (Aug 9), hardware shop owner Pang Chin Tian, 59, was arrested by police following accusations that he had improperly displayed the flag in front of his shop. He has been released on police bail. Pang said he would accept any punishment over the case, which he described as unintentional and regretful. On Thursday, Bukit Aman advised all parties to cancel the planned gathering in Bertam, Kepala Batas to avoid conflicts and ensure safety. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the police viewed seriously any issue that could threaten public safety and well-being. "In the interest of preserving community safety and preventing confrontations between groups, we advise that the gathering on Thursday be called off," he said. The gathering is believed to be linked to a recent controversy over an upside-down display of the Jalur Gemilang that went viral on social media. The IGP said investigations are ongoing, with 38 reports lodged nationwide, 17 in Penang and 21 in other states. "The probe also covers action against individuals who recorded and shared the footage under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. "The investigation paper was submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Monday (Aug 11) and is now under review," he said.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Philippine lawmaker hails order for e-wallet providers to cut ties with online gambling sites
MANILA: Rep Brian Poe (pic) of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list on Thursday (Aug 14) lauded the decisive action taken by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), led by Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, in directing e-wallet providers to disconnect from online gambling platforms within 48 hours. The announcement was made during a Senate committee hearing earlier this week. The move comes as the House of Representatives considers House Resolution No. 40, authored by Poe, which calls for a comprehensive investigation into the proliferation of online gambling in the country and its social, economic, and legal implications. The resolution specifically seeks to: >Examine the impact of online gambling on public health, particularly its role in fostering gambling addiction among the youth and vulnerable sectors. >Review the adequacy of existing laws and regulations governing online gaming and digital payment systems. >Identify and address systemic loopholes that enable the continued operation of unregulated or under-regulated gambling platforms. >Recommend policy and legislative measures to strengthen regulatory oversight and enforcement, including possible amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act and related financial regulations. 'This is a welcome development as it reinforces the intent of House Resolution No. 40,' Poe said. 'There is a pressing need to tighten regulations on digital transactions related to gaming, especially with the growing concerns over the rapid proliferation of online gambling and the ease of access provided through digital payment channels,' he added. The BSP's order underscores the urgency of the issues raised in HR No. 40, particularly the intersection of online gambling operations and financial technology platforms. Without stronger safeguards, Poe warned, the nation's youth and marginalised communities remain exposed to exploitation and financial harm. 'The BSP's action is proof that decisive measures can and must be taken,' Poe added. 'It's about time we act collectively — across both the executive and legislative branches — to close the gaps that allow these operations to thrive and to ensure our financial systems are not misused to fuel addiction.' Poe reaffirmed his commitment to work with regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and fellow lawmakers to craft balanced, effective legislation that will protect public welfare while ensuring the integrity of the country's financial system. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Let the authorities handle it: Rafizi on flag controversy
PETALING JAYA: Let the authorities investigate errors involving the Jalur Gemilang before turning them into an issue, says former minister Rafizi Ramli. Rafizi said there are many possible reasons a flag might be flown upside down, including an honest mistake. 'Most people would not even dare to do it on purpose as they are afraid of the Umno Youth chief, who may bring a whole gang to stage a protest. 'So, let investigations be carried out by the authorities for each case to determine whether it was intentional or a mistake,' he said in a video on social media. Rafizi also noted that there are provisions to press charges if such acts are believed to be intentional. 'Let it go to court and let the court decide whether the accused really meant it or not. 'If an investigation from the start shows it was an unintentional mistake, then there's no need to turn it into an issue. 'Because if I were a citizen - especially a non-Malay - who put up a flag to show love for my country only to end up being targeted by Umno Youth? I would think twice before doing it again,' he said. On Aug 9, a 59-year-old hardware shop owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, was investigated after the national flag was found hanging upside down outside his shop. The shop owner said it was an unintentional mistake made while measuring a flagpole, which he corrected shortly after. Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh had announced plans to stage a protest at the shop, but the gathering did not take place after police were stationed in the area and advised against it. Rafizi, who was also a former PKR deputy president, reminded young politicians to know their limits. 'Our value lies in the knowledge and vision we bring to improve society. While you're young, maybe you can make a name for yourself with socks, flags, shoes, slippers and hats. 'But when you're older, people will laugh at you when they see you as the 'sock, flag, shoe, slipper and hat' politician. So, know your limits,' he said. He also reminded Umno Youth that there was once a time when they proudly raised a keris at their assemblies. 'It was that keris that people remember, and it became one of the reasons Umno was rejected by part of the people,' he said.
