Latest news with #FIM2025
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Ramanan backs Nurul Izzah for PKR deputy president post
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR deputy information chief I Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has personally expressed support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the party's deputy president post for the 2025-2028 term. The Sungai Buloh MP said this is because Nurul Izzah is 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, 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 has never taken a break or said she didn't want to serve. If some do not wish to serve or want to serve in a different way, then they should not hold any position at all,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending the opening of the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM 2025) exhibition and the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 Declaration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. 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 is 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 expressed support for 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 yesterday. Yesterday, Nurul Izzah, who is a PKR vice-president, said she will 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 today. The PKR National Congress will be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru.
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
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Zahid urges youth to explore franchises beyond F&B
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on youths to explore broader opportunities in other high-potential franchise sectors beyond the food and beverage (F&B) industry. 'The government recognises significant potential in other sectors that should not be overlooked. Our youth must take proactive steps, either individually or in groups, to enhance the quality of their products and services,' he said. He was speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) and Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition (FIM) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Zahid also urged young entrepreneurs to engage with agencies such as the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to seek support and guidance in developing local products into competitive franchise brands. 'Local products must not only thrive in the domestic market but also be positioned for franchising and international expansion. The government has allocated substantial support for the franchise sector, complemented by a range of financing schemes,' he added. He noted that the MFA has played an active role in developing a robust local franchise ecosystem poised to penetrate regional markets, particularly within ASEAN. 'The ASEAN market comprises approximately 600 million people. If we can tap just 10 percent of that, we're looking at a potential customer base of 60 million,' he said. Also present at the event were KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and MFA chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan. Meanwhile, Radzali said the convention, held from May 7 to 10, brings together more than 160 franchise companies and 250 exhibitors, and is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, making it one of the largest franchise events in Southeast Asia. 'FIM 2025 showcases a wide range of local and international franchise brands from 16 countries, including China, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and many more,' he said. Radzali also expressed hope that the AFC and FIM would serve as catalysts for rapid growth in the national franchise industry, contributing to economic development and strengthening Malaysia's position at both regional and global levels. Touching on Zahid's call for greater youth participation in entrepreneurship, he said the MFA remains committed to supporting young people as they take their first steps into the business world. 'We have designed numerous entrepreneurship programmes specifically for youth and university students. We hope to see more of them coming forward and actively engaging with the initiatives available. 'The younger generation today is more agile, intelligent, and digitally savvy, a major advantage that should be fully leveraged,' he added. Radzali also noted that MFA was recently recognised by ASEAN Records as the organiser of the Longest-Running Annual Franchise Exhibition in ASEAN, with 32 consecutive editions of FIM since 1994. 'This recognition is a testament to decades of consistent effort and our role in driving the growth of the regional franchise sector,' he said.
