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Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia says adopting ‘whole of govt' approach in Sulawesi Sea negotiations, as Sabah and Sarawak leaders join Indonesia consultation
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — The involvement of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation demonstrates the Federal government's commitment to involving state governments, particularly on border issues such as those related to the Sulawesi Sea. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the participation of state governments and relevant agencies in the negotiation process reflects the Federal government's 'whole of government' approach. He further emphasised that the ministry continuously collaborates with stakeholders on matters concerning Malaysia's maritime boundaries. 'Discussions on maritime borders are based on legal and technical principles, carried out thoroughly and responsibly. The government always conducts detailed assessments of any proposed solutions,' he said during the parliamentary question and answer session today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) about whether the Sabah government would be included in discussions on the Sulawesi Sea to safeguard the state's interests and ensure economic opportunities for the people of Sabah. In reply to a supplementary question from Bung Moktar regarding the outcomes and impacts of these discussions, Mohamad explained that the talks cover not only maritime economic matters but also issues important to both Indonesia and Sabah. 'These include access to education, such as the Community Learning Centres (CLC) in Sabah, as well as cross-border trade, especially water trade between Sabah and Indonesia,' he said. In response to a question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) about Indonesian businessman Mohd Riza Chalid, who is under investigation for corruption related to PT Pertamina's crude oil management between 2018 and 2023, Mohamad reiterated Malaysia's stance that no individual would be protected in the legal process. 'The key point is maintaining Malaysia's integrity and strengthening our cooperation with Indonesia. The issue involving him (Mohd Riza) is strictly a legal matter,' he said. Earlier reports indicated that Mohd Riza, named as a suspect by Indonesian authorities, is believed to be in Malaysia. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah BN leader sees ‘Anwar factor' behind GRS pact with PH
Sabah Barisan Nasional treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said GRS's decision to work with PH must be respected. (Wikipedia pic) PETALING JAYA : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) may have chosen to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the upcoming state polls as the coalition is headed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, says former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak. The Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) treasurer said GRS, the state's ruling coalition, might want to ensure strong ties with the federal government. 'This aligns with the need to ensure political stability and continued development for Sabah,' he said in a Facebook post. While BN and PH are partners in the unity government at the federal level, BN sits in the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly. GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said yesterday that his coalition would form an alliance with PH for the upcoming state polls. PH had previously agreed to an electoral pact for the state election with BN. Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition would not work with GRS in the state election, and would only consider cooperation after the outcome of the election. Salleh nevertheless said that GRS's decision to work with PH must be respected. 'Undoubtedly, they have their own reasons, and the people will be the judge,' he said. He added that BN had decided to work with PH as the two coalitions were the foundation of the unity government at the federal level. He said cooperation between the two was a 'logical and responsible continuation of that partnership'. 'How PH manages its cooperation with both BN and GRS is not our concern. What matters to us in BN is sincerity in partnership, and our focus remains on strengthening our party on the ground,' he said.
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bung Mokhtar: Sabah BN unperturbed by GRS-PH alliance for state election
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is not perturbed by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming state election. Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the party is instead focusing on strengthening its grassroots machinery and fielding candidates in constituencies where it has the best chance of winning. "Umno Sabah is not too concerned with whom GRS wants to work. As of now, BN is only cooperating with PH. "Our priority is to strengthen our machinery at the grassroots level, and we will field our candidates in constituencies where we are confident of winning," he told the New Straits Times. Bung Mokhtar added that BN was prepared for any electoral battle. The former state deputy chief minister said it does not matter whom the coalition would face or go up against. "What matters is that we are ready to defend our existing seats, and on top of that, we aim to win back those we previously lost," he said. His statement comes amid confirmation from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor that GRS will maintain its alliance with PH for the 17th Sabah state election, despite calls for the Sabah-based coalition to contest solo. Hajiji said both coalitions have held seat negotiation talks, including discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman. GRS has 38 state seats, Parti Warisan 14, Umno 11 and PH 7. Umno's seats include Bengkoka, Usukan, Karambunai, Tanjung Keramat, Pantai Manis, Sungai Manila, Sungai Sibuga, Lamag, Sukau, Segama and Tanjung Batu.
Free Malaysia Today
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah Umno at historic low after ‘Kinabalu Move', says analyst
Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin and fellow Umno leaders at the press conference in January 2023 where the party announced its withdrawal of support for chief minister Hajiji Noor. PETALING JAYA : Sabah Umno may be at its weakest position yet heading into the upcoming state election, following public disagreements between its top two leaders, Bung Moktar Radin and Abdul Rahman Dahlan, according to an analyst. Rahman, who is Sabah Umno deputy chief, had suggested that Barisan Nasional (BN) made a mistake by pulling out of the state government in the 2023 'Kinabalu Move'. Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said Rahman's remarks were likely prompted by a realisation of the party's weak grassroots machinery and organisational structure. 'This highlights how quitting a government without a clear recovery plan can have long-term consequences on voter perception and the party's ability to compete effectively. Bilcher Bala. 'Rahman's view may also reflect growing awareness of Sabah's increasingly complex political landscape, where local parties like Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Warisan are becoming more dominant, while Umno is seen as carrying 'federal baggage'. 'Sabah Umno is now in the weakest position in its history,' he told FMT. It was reported previously that Bung, the Sabah Umno chief, had advised Rahman to stop dwelling on the past following the latter's comments on the Kinabalu Move. He also maintained that the withdrawal of support for chief minister Hajiji Noor in January 2023 was not his personal call, but a collective decision by the state Umno leadership that was not taken lightly. However, Bilcher said the weakness Sabah Umno is facing does not spell the end for BN's ambitions to contest and win as many of the 73 Sabah assembly seats as possible, provided it can craft a new narrative that resonates with the voters. 'Despite the disagreements, both leaders still operate within the party's formal leadership structure, and Bung himself has said such differences are normal in any party. 'If Umno can unite its grassroots machinery, forge strategic alliances with other parties, and offer a relevant manifesto, there's still a chance for an upset. But it won't be easy,' he said. Bung and Rahman have clashed on several occasions over the past few years, including last year after Rahman invited Hajiji to a divisional meeting also attended by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In March, they traded barbs again over where Rahman may be fielded as a candidate in the state election. But Bung has played this down to mere 'differences in opinion' which he said was a normal process in bolstering the state chapter and had not led to outright division. Lee Kuok Tiung. Another UMS academic, Lee Kuok Tiung, said being in government is a clear advantage, which is why Pakatan Harapan (PH) agreed to join the Sabah administration after the Kinabalu Move. He noted that some Umno assemblymen joined GRS, while others, led by Bung, remained in the opposition. 'Looking at the 14 seats BN won in the 16th state election (in 2020), it's clear there's been a split,' he said. Awang Azman Awang Pawi. However, Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said there is still hope for Sabah Umno despite its fragile current state as it continues to have a strong grassroots base. 'Rahman himself acknowledged that Umno's grassroots machinery remains strong despite the difficult situation. 'This is a crucial foundation for mobilising during the campaign period, though more efforts must be made to strengthen the party's machinery,' he said.
Malay Mail
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘We are not prisoners of the past': Bung Moktar says Sabah Umno focused on future ahead of state polls, not 2022 drama
KOTA KINABALU, July 18 — Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin says the party is focused on moving forward, despite attempts to revive old political narratives ahead of the state election. He said this in response to recent remarks by former minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who had touched on events that unfolded in 2022. 'As a senior leader in Umno and my long-time friend, Datuk Rahman has every right to express his personal views. In a party that believes in democracy, such openness is part of our political maturity,' Bung said in a statement. He said the differences of opinion that arose between them back then were normal in politics. 'What matters is how we resolve them. Datuk Rahman knows that the decision taken at the time was not personal, but the result of a collective leadership consensus in Sabah Umno after careful consideration of all implications,' Bung added, stressing that the episode is now behind them. 'We respect the past, but we are not prisoners of it,' he said. He also took a swipe at certain quarters in the media, accusing them of trying to spin the old issue for their own narrative. 'Let me be clear. Sabah Umno is united, focused and fully committed as one team heading into the coming state election (PRN17). 'We are ready with solid grassroots machinery, renewed energy and a clear agenda to restore dignity and deliver effective governance under a strong national leadership,' he said. He added that in today's political landscape whether in Sabah, Malaysia, or globally the public values leaders who offer solutions, not those who remain stuck in the past. 'That is why Sabah Umno chooses to be part of the solution, part of the future,' he said. — The Borneo Post
