Latest news with #AseanFranchiseConvention
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramanan backs Nurul Izzah for PKR deputy president post
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR deputy information chief I, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, supports Nurul Izzah Anwar's candidacy for the party's deputy president post for the 2025-2028 term. The Sungai Buloh MP said this was because Nurul Izzah was seen as someone with international influence and very high integrity, which would benefit the party. "In terms of qualifications, she's definitely qualified. Not only does she have vast political experience, but she also has a strong public image in Malaysia and is globally recognised. So in my view, she's truly deserving. "I see Nurul Izzah as someone transparent, with direction and foresight. She never took a break or said she didn't want to serve. If some do not wish to serve or want to serve differently, then they should not hold any position at all," he said. He said this after attending Thursday's (May 8) opening of the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM 2025) exhibition and the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 Declaration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Ramanan also dismissed claims by certain quarters that the nomination of Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter to contest the deputy president post amounts to nepotism. He argued that logically, it was a democratic contest and not an appointment. "If Nurul Izzah were appointed by her father, then yes, that would be nepotism. But this is a party election for deputy president; she is contesting, not being appointed. "We have 30,000 members, party leaders representing three races to decide who becomes deputy president, vice-presidents and members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP). So to me, the issue of nepotism doesn't arise because she'll be elected, if she wins," he said. He added that more than two-thirds of PKR's 222 divisions have supported her candidacy, reflecting the party's grassroots democracy. "To me, this represents the grassroots' wishes. Based on what I've seen, more than 150 divisions, or two-thirds, have nominated her," he said. Ramanan also said he submitted his nomination form to contest the vice-president post on Wednesday (May 7). ON Wednesday, Nurul Izzah, who is a PKR vice-president, said she would make the best decision regarding calls from grassroots members and party leaders for her to contest the deputy president post in the 2025-2028 term. In a Facebook post, Nurul Izzah, who is also Penang PKR chief, said the decision must balance consensus, camaraderie and meaningful reforms for all party members. Nominations for the 2025 PKR central leadership elections, including for Youth and Women's Wings, are being held online over two days starting Thursday. The PKR National Congress would be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru. – Bernama
Daily Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
BN-PH strengthening unity, alliance ahead of Sabah election: Ahmad Zahid
Published on: Thursday, May 08, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 08, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) is strengthening its alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as it prepares for the upcoming Sabah Election, with discussions also extending to a broader coalition tentatively dubbed 'BN, PH Plus', according to BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the political cooperation in Sabah would be guided by both local BN leadership and central leadership to ensure a strong and unified front. 'We leave it to the wisdom of Sabah BN, with strategic guidance from the federal level, to chart a prudent path toward achieving political dominance through consensus.' He said this to reporters when asked after officiating the 2025 Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition and Conference, and the declaration of the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today. To a question on cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid said BN remains open to alliances with any political party. 'Our principle is to keep our doors wide open, and not to shut them completely,' he said, suggesting that political manoeuvring in Sabah still has ample room for new partnerships. On the matter of seat allocations, Ahmad Zahid said it was premature to finalise any decisions, noting that detailed negotiations would take place at a later stage. 'It's still too early to make any decision. We will negotiate thoroughly on the allocation of state seats we plan to contest,' he said. Prior to this, Sabah BN confirmed plans to contest 40 of the 73 state seats available in the upcoming state election, with the remaining 33 seats allocated to Pakatan Harapan (PH). * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Broader ‘BN-PH Plus' coalition discussed ahead of Sabah polls, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is strengthening its alliance with Pakatan Harapan as it prepares for the upcoming Sabah state election, with discussions extending to a broader coalition tentatively dubbed 'BN-PH Plus', according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Barisan chairman said the political cooperation in Sabah would be guided by both local Barisan leadership and central leadership to ensure a strong and unified front. "We leave it to the wisdom of Sabah Barisan, with strategic guidance from the federal level, to chart a prudent path toward achieving political dominance through consensus," he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition and Conference, and the declaration of the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Thursday (May 8). To a question on cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Barisan remains open to alliances with any political party. "Our principle is to keep our doors wide open, and not to shut them completely,' he said, suggesting that political manoeuvring in Sabah still has ample room for new partnerships. On seat allocations, Ahmad Zahid said it was premature to finalise any decision, noting that detailed negotiations would take place later. Prior to this, Sabah Barisan confirmed plans to contest 40 of the 73 state seats available in the upcoming state election, with the remaining 33 seats allocated to Pakatan. – Bernama
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Ramanan: 150 PKR divisions back Nurul Izzah for deputy president post
Slug: iznurul HL: Ramanan: 150 PKR divisions back Nurul Izzah for deputy president post Fahmy A Rosli KUALA LUMPUR: More than 150 PKR divisions have expressed support for the nomination of Nurul Izzah Anwar for the post of deputy president in the upcoming party election. Revealing this, PKR deputy information chief Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's eldest daughter exceeds two-thirds of the party's branches nationwide. "In my view, this reflects the wishes of the grassroots. Although I have not made an official count, more than 150 divisions - two-thirds of the party - have nominated Nurul Izzah as deputy president," he said. He said this after attending the launch ceremony of the Asean Franchise Convention and the Malaysia International Exhibition 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. At the same time, Ramanan, who is also the member of Parliament for Sungai Buloh, expressed his support for Nurul Izzah, widely known as Puteri Reformasi, to contest the party's second-highest post. He said that Nurul Izzah has extensive experience in politics, including her leadership credentials, which have earned her international recognition and a strong public image. He said it would be unfair to label the proposal for Nurul Izzah to contest as deputy president as nepotism or as an instance of "a family-run party". "Nurul Izzah is contesting through a democratic process, not by being directly appointed to the position. "We have 30,000 members - PKR leaders, including grassroots members - who will decide who becomes deputy president, vice-president, and members of the Central Leadership Council," he said.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid proposes Asean franchise accelerator to boost franchise sector in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Thursday proposed three initiatives, including the introduction of the Asean Franchise Accelerator Programme, to elevate Malaysia's franchise ecosystem. He said the programme could serve as a flagship initiative to groom local franchise brands through expert mentorship, access to funding, and fast-tracked regional market entry. The second initiative is the Asean University Franchise Business Challenge Program, which, he said, is an initiative that gathers cutting-edge franchise concepts from university students across Asean, offering the best ideas the opportunity to be adopted, nurtured and scaled by leading franchise players. "Lastly, celebrating World Franchise Day, a global event observed by all World Franchise Council (WFC) members every second week of June, honouring the impact and unity of the global franchise community through awareness programs or conferences in Malaysia,' he said at the opening of the Asean Franchise Convention Declaration and the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition 2025 here Thursday (May 8). He said these ideas reflect the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of franchise leaders who will carry the Malaysian flag proudly across Asean and beyond. Zahid said he firmly believes the franchise industry does more than boost national competitiveness as it generates jobs, cultivates entrepreneurs and builds cross-border connections that unite economies and communities. He noted that Malaysia's franchise sector currently contributes over RM36bil to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and provides more than 68,000 jobs, proving its significant potential. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming business matching sessions, which will feature over 100 franchise companies from both local and international backgrounds, offering exceptional investment and partnership opportunities at the convention. "I urge all Malaysians, especially our youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, to seize this moment. This is your launchpad to explore franchise ventures that align with your passion and ambition, and to propel yourselves onto the regional and global stage. "I am confident this convention will emerge as a premier platform focused on embedding sustainability into business models, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, and driving franchise growth that is competitive, resilient and future-ready,' he said. Meanwhile, Zahid said the joint declaration signed by franchise associations from six Asean countries marks a historic commitment to regional collaboration in franchise development. He said the Malaysian government fully supports the initiative and looks forward to it becoming a lasting and inclusive platform that benefits all stakeholders. The declaration, read out by the Director of Asean Franchise Convention (AFC), Deric Yeo, contained a commitment to ensuring Asean franchise sustainability, digitalisation and collaboration. The event was also attended by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and his deputy, Datuk Seri R Ramanan. - Bernama TAGS: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, franchise, FMI, convention, ASEAN
