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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Is ex-MIC treasurer Ramanan's meteoric rise in PKR a case of loyalty to PMX over Reformasi legacy?
NEWLY elected PKR vice-president and current Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan is visibly jubilant following his party's internal victory. However, his swift ascent within PKR has ignited tensions and raised eyebrows among party veterans. Speaking after the recent leadership shake-up, the Sungai Buloh MP urged critics not to pressure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over Cabinet appointments. He stressed that while he does not seek a ministerial post for his commitment lies in fulfilling the duties entrusted to him. His remarks come amid speculation that former UMNO supreme council member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz may be eyeing a PKR berth following the resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Datuk Seri Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Ramanan's name has since surfaced as a likely candidate for ministerial promotion – his first since Anwar assumed office. Indians sceptical of Ramanan Yet Ramanan's rapid rise has not gone uncontested. Rafizi, the former PKR deputy president, has publicly questioned how someone who joined the party just four years ago could leapfrog long-serving Reformasi-era stalwarts to secure a top post. Notably, Ramanan was formerly the treasurer-general of MIC before his sudden exit and entry into PKR – a move that still raises questions within political circles. Rafizi's criticism wasn't subtle: he expressed concern over Anwar's sweeping powers to promote and sideline party members. According to him, Ramanan lacks stand-out qualities beyond his staunch loyalty to Anwar – a loyalty that, he implies, seems to be the main currency in today's PKR. Despite his political surge, many in the Indian community remain sceptical of Ramanan's ability – or willingness -to fight for their rights. Critics argue he has been largely silent on key issues affecting Indians, including the controversial relocation of a 130-year-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur to make way for the new Madani mosque. Indian leaders in PKR, including Ramanan, not only failed to oppose the move but some even defended it. Ramanan insists his dedication to the Indian community remains unchanged whether he is assigned a ministerial role or not. But for many, such reassurances ring hollow. The perception is that Indian leaders in the current government function more as rubber stamps than as real advocates. The underlying issue, critics say, is not just representation but meaningful leadership. Recently Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad laughed off the claim that there are no qualified Indian candidates – citing the community's abundance of doctors and lawyers – yet Anwar's Madani government has failed to reflect that in its Cabinet. Recall that during Dr Mahathir's 22-month Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, three Indian Tamils and one Sikh were appointed ministers. Today, the Indian community watches anxiously to see whether Anwar will finally appoint an Indian Tamil to the Cabinet – and whether that leader will truly speak for them. Ultimately, Ramanan's rise may symbolise a deeper shift in PKR: a party once known for reform but now seemingly shaped by loyalty over legacy and compliance over conviction. If Ramanan is appointed minister, critics fear it will be another case of optics over outcomes – especially for a community long sidelined in Malaysia's political narrative. – June 4, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Ramanan Ramakrishnan Official Media/Facebook
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lao PM's wife enjoys Putrajaya cruise ahead of Asean Summit
PUTRAJAYA: Vandara Siphadone, spouse of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, went on a cruise around Putrajaya Lake here today. Arriving at 10.30am, she was warmly welcomed by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Vandara spent about 45 minutes in friendly conversation with Dr Wan Azizah while admiring the iconic buildings surrounding the national administrative centre. She also took the opportunity to view intricately carved wooden wall decorations featuring hibiscus motifs, crafted by artisans from Kraftangan Malaysia. Siphandone and his wife arrived in Putrajaya today on his first official visit to Malaysia ahead of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. The special aircraft carrying Siphandone, Vandara and the Lao delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 9.05am, where they were greeted by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Upon arrival, Siphandone inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and members of the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain J Lingesri Rao. According to Wisma Putra, this marks Siphandone's first official visit to Malaysia since his appointment as Prime Minister of Laos in December 2022. The official visit coincides with the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit, scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, which reflect the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Laos. Last year, trade between Malaysia and Laos was recorded at USD21.9 million (RM 99.7 million), with exports at USD14.9 million (RM 67.8 million) and imports at USD7 million (RM 31.9 million). Malaysia is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with total investments worth USD942 million across 46 registered projects, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, telecommunication, construction, banking and hotel services. –Bernama
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Spouse of Lao PM enjoys lake cruise in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA: Vandara Siphadone, spouse of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, went on a cruise around Putrajaya Lake here today. Arriving at 10.30 am, she was warmly welcomed by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Vandara spent about 45 minutes in friendly conversation with Dr Wan Azizah while admiring the iconic buildings surrounding the national administrative centre. She also took the opportunity to view intricately carved wooden wall decorations featuring hibiscus motifs, crafted by artisans from Kraftangan Malaysia. Siphandone and his wife arrived in Putrajaya today on his first official visit to Malaysia ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. The special aircraft carrying Siphandone, Vandara and the Lao delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 9.05 am, where they were greeted by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Upon arrival, Siphandone inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and members of the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain J Lingesri Rao. According to Wisma Putra, this marks Siphandone's first official visit to Malaysia since his appointment as Prime Minister of Laos in December 2022. The official visit coincides with the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, which reflect the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Laos. Last year, trade between Malaysia and Laos was recorded at USD21.9 million (RM 99.7 million), with exports at USD14.9 million (RM 67.8 million) and imports at USD7 million (RM 31.9 million). Malaysia is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with total investments worth USD942 million across 46 registered projects, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, telecommunication, construction, banking and hotel services.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Ewon Calls For Empowerment Of ASEAN Cooperatives To Drive GDP Growth
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The cooperative movement within ASEAN member countries plays a key role in strengthening the regional economy and significantly contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that as of December last year, the Malaysian cooperative movement recorded a turnover of RM68.2 billion, with assets totalling RM173.3 billion. 'The cooperative network must be expanded to include cooperatives from ASEAN member countries so that the turnover generated can extend beyond the domestic market and reach international markets. 'I would like to see these cooperatives develop capabilities similar to those of large national companies that penetrate international markets with their products and services,' he told reporters after officiating the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue (ACD 2025) here today. Also present was Asean Cooperative Organisation (ACO) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, who is also the Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) president. Elaborating, Ewon said that the participation of Malaysian cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a trade expo in Saudi Arabia last year was part of efforts to strengthen the cooperative movement. 'This year, we will participate in several expos, including in Osaka, Japan next month and I would like to see Malaysia's involvement extend not only to large companies and SMEs, but also to cooperatives. 'Under the Malaysian Cooperative Policy (DAKOM) 2030, we have set a target for increased revenue by 2030. I believe this goal is achievable, and it should not be confined to the domestic market. We must encourage, assist, guide, and fully support cooperatives in penetrating international markets,' he said. Earlier, during a bilateral meeting with his Timor Leste counterpart Araenio Pereira Da Silva, Ewon said Timor Leste expressed hope for cooperation in cooperative capacity development to be formalised through a memorandum of understanding.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to send cabinet representative to Pope Francis' funeral
PUTRAJAYA: A Cabinet member will be assigned to attend the funeral of the late Pope Francis, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. However, the government spokesman did not provide further details on the matter "A minister will be appointed to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. "In Malaysia, (Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister) Datuk Ewon Benedick will officially represent the government in signing the book (of condolences) at the Vatican embassy in Kuala Lumpur," he said during his weekly post-cabinet meeting press briefing. Francis died on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He was 88. His funeral is scheduled to take place on April 26. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had extended his condolences on the passing of the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Anwar had described Francis as not only the first Latin American and Global South leader of the Catholic church, but also a moral voice who stood for compassion, humility and justice in a turbulent world. He had said the Pope's commitment to interfaith understanding, environmental stewardship, and the dignity of the marginalised resonated far beyond the Catholic church. Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, spoke up for social justice and environmental issues. He was also known as a strong advocate of world peace and constantly criticised Israel's war in the Gaza Strip.
