Latest news with #AhmadSamsuriMokhtar


Free Malaysia Today
01-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Opposition MPs seek to observe PM's reference application court proceedings
Lawyers Azhar Azizan Harun, Takiyuddin Hassan and Zulkifli Noordin have been nominated to attend the High Court proceedings. KUALA LUMPUR : Three opposition MPs have applied for their lawyers to be allowed to observe High Court proceedings on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's counsel argues to refer eight questions of law to the Federal Court for determination, including whether he has immunity from a civil suit scheduled for trial in two weeks. A letter dated today to Justice Roz Mawar Rozain's secretary by legal firm Wan Jawahir & Takiyuddin, sighted by FMT, showed that the application was jointly made by MPs Hamzah Zainudin (Larut), Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (Kemaman) and Ronald Kiandee (Beluran). It said the three MPs were interested parties, as the constitutional issues to be ventilated in court would also be raised in the Dewan Rakyat. 'We request that our lawyers be allowed to be present throughout the proceedings as observers to represent the MPs,' the letter said. Lawyers Azhar Azizan Harun, Takiyuddin Hassan and Zulkifli Noordin have been nominated to attend the proceedings. Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, who is appearing for former research assistant Yusoff Rawther in response to Anwar's application, said he had been extended a copy of the letter. 'I believe they want the status of amicus curiae (friend of the court) and would want to submit if the judge extends an invitation,' he said. The parties will appear before the judge at 2.30pm on Tuesday and make oral submissions before a ruling is handed down. Rafique said Yusoff would be opposing the application. Roz Mawar has to determine whether the legal questions posed cross the threshold for them to be referred to the Federal Court. The prime minister wants the apex court to rule whether Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution grant him qualified immunity from a suit filed by Yusoff four years ago. The suit relates to events that allegedly took place before Anwar took office on Nov 24, 2022. In the application, filed by his newly appointed solicitors Messrs Zain Megat & Murad, Anwar said the apex court must decide whether the suit would impair the effective discharge of his executive duties and undermine the constitutional separation of powers. He also wants the apex court to rule whether the continued progress of the suit will offend his right to equal protection under the law, as prescribed in Article 8(1) of the constitution, particularly as he claims that the suit is an abuse of process. Anwar says the suit is premised on a 'manufactured claim' and that he is the victim of 'politically motivated reputational sabotage'. He also wants the Federal Court to rule that the High Court is obliged to hold a 'threshold inquiry' to determine whether the suit constitutes an abuse of process or a threat to public interest, and if so, whether it must be stayed or dismissed 'to preserve constitutional governance'. The application also seeks a determination as to whether Anwar, as the sitting prime minister, is entitled under Article 5(1) of the constitution 'to protection from a vexatious litigant' bringing a suit that is 'strategically timed or politically weaponised to undermine his ability to govern'. Anwar has also applied for the trial of the suit before Roz Mawar, scheduled to begin on June 16, to be stayed pending the outcome of proceedings in the apex court. Yusoff, a grandson of the late Penang consumer advocate SM Mohamed Idris, filed the suit against Anwar in 2021, claiming that he was assaulted at the PKR president's home in Segambut in October 2018. He is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. Anwar has denied the claim and filed a countersuit.


Free Malaysia Today
29-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Hadi told me to always turn criticism into motivation, says Samsuri
PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar at the launch of party president Abdul Hadi Awang's book titled 'Ensiklopedia Aqidah Muslimin' at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre. (Yayasan Permata Ummah pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar revealed that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang once advised him to always remain open to criticism and to continuously strive for improvement. Samsuri said Hadi gave him this advice after he asked how the Marang MP managed to stay calm despite facing harsh criticism and attacks from his political opponents. 'I once asked him how he managed to deal with all that criticism – sometimes it's not just harsh, it's extremely harsh. What he said gave me new motivation. 'Hadi told me that in our efforts to deliver a message (for the greater good), we must be open to criticism as even the Prophet, who was perfect, faced criticism,' he said. Samsuri shared this during a casual talk at the launch of Hadi's book, titled 'Ensiklopedia Aqidah Muslimin', held at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre. Samsuri, who is a PAS vice-president, said Hadi had encouraged him to see criticism as a chance to learn and stay motivated, stressing that the duty to speak the truth must always come before any criticism. Reflecting on his own experience as Hadi's political secretary and press secretary from 2008 to 2018, Samsuri said the PAS president's dedication to knowledge was remarkable. 'Hadi believes the duty of spreading knowledge must never stop. That's what drives his extraordinary discipline in learning and writing. 'Regardless of whether he's unwell or has a fever, he'll still wake up early, sit at his computer to read and write. 'Even now, no matter the circumstances, he continues to write. I think that level of discipline is truly exceptional,' he said.


The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECERDC facilitates RM1 billion committed investments in Terengganu
PETALING JAYA: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has facilitated RM1 billion in committed investments in Terengganu in the first quarter of 2025, achieving 43% of the RM2.4 billion investment target set for the state this year. These investments are driven largely by the tourism sector and will reinforce Terengganu's position as a strategic hub for high-value tourism initiatives. In addition to tourism, the investments span key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services, reflecting strong investor confidence in Terengganu's dynamic and diversified economy. These committed investments represent a significant step forward in the East Coast Economic Region's (ECER) tourism and agricultural transformation, the council said in a statement. Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said that realised investments stood at RM729.7 million as of March, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the state. The manufacturing sector remained the key driver, followed by tourism, agriculture, and services. 'Terengganu continues to position itself as a strategic destination for investors, supported by strong collaboration between the state government, ECERDC, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. 'We are committed to advancing innovation and sustainable growth across key sectors, from agriculture to high-tech manufacturing, to create quality employment, spur long-term economic progress and strengthen the state's economic foundation,' he said. Among the commitments are a 60MW photovoltaic solar farm integrated into an agricultural project, an ammonium paratungstate processing facility and a waste collection and treatment centre. Others include a dairy farm supported by a Napier grass plantation and biodigester system, and a calcined kaolin production facility. A key development highlighted at an ECER Terengganu Implementation Coordination Committee meeting in Kuala Terengganu recently was the completion of infrastructure expansion works at the Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP). Delivered under Phase 4A, the upgrade strengthens KBP's role as a national platform for advanced materials, clean technologies, and biopolymer production. Since KBP commenced operations in June 2015, the industrial park has recorded RM5.1 billion in realised investments, with demand for industrial space continuing to grow. To support this demand, the KBP SME Complex Phase 1B is currently under construction and scheduled for completion next month. Once operational, the facility will offer purpose-built units tailored for SMEs in the energy sector and support services, helping nurture a resilient and innovation-led industrial ecosystem in Terengganu. ECERDC CEO Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said the delivery of strategic infrastructure such as KBP and the successful attraction of quality investments speak to the ECERDC's long-term commitment to building a high-performing, sustainable economy. 'These achievements are more than physical developments; they represent an enabling ecosystem for innovation, inclusive growth, and global investor confidence,' he added. In tandem with investment growth, ECERDC is progressing several key infrastructure projects. The Kuala Terengganu airport road upgrade is on track for completion and will significantly enhance connectivity between Sultan Mahmud Airport and the city centre. The project includes an 'Executive Drive' route to facilitate logistics and improve investor access. The KTCC Promenade Phase 1 is 56% complete. The project is designed to boost tourism and urban vibrancy. In addition to industrial projects, the council highlighted the ongoing rollout of the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Program Usahawan Tani, which is equipping B40 communities with modern and sustainable farming practices. The fertigation chilli project in Bukit Bidong is poised to become the largest in Malaysia by the end of 2025, driven by precision farming systems and community-led management. Complementary initiatives include sweet potato cultivation in Kampung Banggol and Kampung Saujana, as well as an integrated agriculture project in Taman Rahmat, Marang. To scale up the programme, ECERDC is facilitating up to 400 acres across nine Terengganu locations for agro-based projects, benefiting over 400 participants. These efforts will further embed Terengganu's reputation as an inclusive and sustainable agriculture pioneer.


Malaysiakini
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Samsuri's reps send memo over TCO
Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had two representatives deliver a memorandum to Suhakam over the 'Travel Control Office/Order' (TCO) he claimed he was under. His political secretary Soud Said, and lawyer Kamilia Ibrahim handed over the memorandum protesting what Samsuri described as "excessive surveillance" and political intimidation that violated his human rights.


Bloomberg
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Malaysian Islamist Leader Says Under Surveillance, Phone Tapped
A senior leader of Malaysia's Islamist party said he was under state surveillance and his phone was tapped after he was flagged for travel control in the country's border systems, a claim that the government has downplayed. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the vice president of Malaysia's biggest opposition party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, said the surveillance on him was a 'blatant misuse of government resources as a political weapon,' according to a statement on Thursday.