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Sinar Daily
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
My struggle has always been for my race, country and religion
SHAH ALAM – As Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad turns 100 years old today, he stands not just as Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister, but as a figure whose enduring dedication to his race, religion and country continues to shape national discourse. At the threshold of a century, Dr Mahathir remains as defiant and reflective as ever. Dr Mahathir continues to stand tall as a symbol of distinguished leadership that remains untarnished by time. - Photo by ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR and HALIM WAHID/SINAR In an exclusive interview with Sinar, Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister opened up about the milestones, regrets and battles that have shaped his life and legacy. 'I still cannot believe I have reached 100. I thought I would pass away at 70 or 75. "Suddenly I am 99 and now 100. I can only say I am grateful and want to use whatever time I have left. "My struggle has always been for my race, my country and my religion. "That is all I think about, since I have been given time up to this age. Alhamdulillah, I am grateful,' he said. Dr Mahathir's political life spanned multiple eras. From becoming Prime Minister in 1981, spearheading Malaysia's rapid industrialisation, to returning in 2018 at age 92 and setting a Guinness World Record as the world's oldest elected head of government, his political comebacks remain historic. Though he resigned in 2002, his reentry into politics was driven by necessity, not ambition. 'Even though I wanted to retire, to step down and hope that the fight for the Malay people would continue, there were many problems. Many people came to me asking for help. What could I do? I could not avoid re-entering national politics, eventually forming a new party. 'I had hoped that when the party was formed, disappointed supporters of Umno would migrate to it. But they did not. Instead, they went to other parties. "That is why I was disappointed that even in the 14th General Election (GE14), Bersatu only won 13 seats. If we had won 30 to 40 seats, then Bersatu would have dominated Pakatan Harapan (PH), meaning PH would be Malay-led and that would have fulfilled the struggle," he said. When asked why he continues to stay active despite calls for retirement, Dr Mahathir was resolute. Age has not hindered his ability to think clearly, stay mobile and remain engaged. He posed a question to himself: if he is still alive, then what purpose should he serve? 'I have had enough. I have already been Prime Minister. There is nothing more for me. But I still believe that my struggle is not over. "It is the fight to save the Malays and the country. That is what I have to continue to do. If we are alive and do not have a purpose, what is the point of life?' he questioned. Dr Mahathir remains relevant as a reference point for academics and policymakers in exploring economic, technological and future directions, especially in the Asian region. -Photo by ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR and HALIM WAHID/SINAR A prolific writer throughout his life, Dr Mahathir said he preferred the written word to speech. He said that one can think deeply about what to record. If something is wrong, one can correct it. But if you speak, you cannot take it back. People will have already heard and judged that that is your view. Addressing his often-quoted phrase, 'Melayu mudah lupa,' Dr Mahathir clarified that Malays tend to forget they were once colonised, extremely poor, scorned and insulted. 'And now, when we are free from that, we forget the struggle it took to escape that shame. The future does not guarantee things will remain the same. "As it changed from colonialism to independence and development, the future might not always bring progress. Disasters might strike and we might be powerless to overcome them,' he said. Though he achieved much, Mahathir remains unsatisfied with the current state of affairs. He is disappointed because he said he can clearly see the threats in front of Malaysia. 'Yet, we act as if we are blind to it. We only want comfort. I've never felt tired. People still ask for my views. Why should I say I am too old to speak? If I have an opinion, I will express it," he said. If he had not become Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir said he still could not imagine a life outside of politics. When asked who was harder to manage, his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah or Malaysia, he chuckled. 'There is no difference. Both are equally hard to manage,' he quipped. Dr Mahathir advised that men or husbands must listen to their wives. "Sometimes there are differences and tolerance is needed. 'We must accept that we cannot change their ways, just like they cannot change ours,' he said. As he looked back on 100 years, Dr Mahathir left behind not just political milestones but a personal testament to struggle, reflection and an unwavering belief in purposeful living. His journey, filled with high expectations, disappointments and resilience, remains interwoven with the story of Malaysia itself.
Free Malaysia Today
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PAS ready to field non-Muslim candidates in Sabah polls
PAS had earlier confirmed it would contest at least six of the 73 Sabah state assembly seats. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sabah PAS is open to fielding non-Muslim candidates in the upcoming state election, expected to be held later this year. Its secretary Sahar Abdul Majid said such nominations would depend on the need and suitability of the constituencies PAS planned to contest under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner. He said this openness aligned with the party's long-standing 'PAS for All' principle and was not a new move, noting that the party had fielded non-Muslim candidates in the 14th general election (GE14). 'Our non-Muslim supporters' wing (DHPP) in the Sabah chapter is active, particularly among the Dusun and Chinese communities, with over 1,000 members to date,' he told FMT. 'In 2018, PAS fielded a non-Muslim candidate. This shows that Sabah DHPP plays an important role in garnering support from non-Muslim communities.' Non-Muslims fielded by PAS in GE14 included farmer Satail Mojungkat for the Kadamaian state seat in Sabah and the late R Kumutha for the Johor Jaya state seat in Johor. Satail lost to Upko's Ewon Benedick, who had contested under the Barisan Nasional banner, while Kumutha lost to Pakatan Harapan's Liow Cai Tung. Sahar said PAS was confident it could deliver a surprise outcome in the upcoming state election with more structured and strategic preparations, including nominating credible and capable candidates. 'The people of Sabah are showing a growing desire for change and better leadership,' he added. As for which seats PAS would contest, Sahar said the final decision would be made collectively with other PN component parties. Previously, PAS confirmed it would contest at least six out of the 73 Sabah state assembly seats. Sabah PAS commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan is currently one of six assemblymen appointed by the state government after the 2020 state election. PAS did not contest any seat in that election.
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
PAS ready to field non-Muslim candidates in Sabah polls
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Faiz Zainudin, FMT Text Size: PAS had earlier confirmed it would contest at least six of the 73 Sabah state assembly seats. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Sabah PAS is open to fielding non-Muslim candidates in the upcoming state election, expected to be held later this year. Its secretary Sahar Abdul Majid said such nominations would depend on the need and suitability of the constituencies PAS planned to contest under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner. He said this openness aligned with the party's long-standing 'PAS for All' principle and was not a new move, noting that the party had fielded non-Muslim candidates in the 14th general election (GE14). 'Our non-Muslim supporters' wing (DHPP) in the Sabah chapter is active, particularly among the Dusun and Chinese communities, with over 1,000 members to date,' he told FMT. 'In 2018, PAS fielded a non-Muslim candidate. This shows that Sabah DHPP plays an important role in garnering support from non-Muslim communities.' Non-Muslims fielded by PAS in GE14 included farmer Satail Mojungkat for the Kadamaian state seat in Sabah and the late R Kumutha for the Johor Jaya state seat in Johor. Satail lost to Upko's Ewon Benedick, who had contested under the Barisan Nasional banner, while Kumutha lost to Pakatan Harapan's Liow Cai Tung. Sahar said PAS was confident it could deliver a surprise outcome in the upcoming state election with more structured and strategic preparations, including nominating credible and capable candidates. 'The people of Sabah are showing a growing desire for change and better leadership,' he added. As for which seats PAS would contest, Sahar said the final decision would be made collectively with other PN component parties. Previously, PAS confirmed it would contest at least six out of the 73 Sabah state assembly seats. Sabah PAS commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan is currently one of six assemblymen appointed by the state government after the 2020 state election. PAS did not contest any seat in that election. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
Sinar Daily
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Hishammuddin's return to Umno seen as ‘elitist pardon'
SHAH ALAM – The unconditional reinstatement of former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, into the party is likely to be seen as a form of 'elitist pardon', reflecting Umno's failure to uphold internal discipline and its core principles. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the move to readmit the senior figure without any public explanation risked fuelling dissatisfaction among grassroots members and could potentially destabilise the party internally. 'In the post-15th General Election (GE15) era, Umno is actively seeking a new identity to regain the trust of the younger generation. Hishammuddin's return only reinforces the perception that Umno remains trapped under the shadow of its old elite warlords. 'Hishammuddin is seen by many as having shown a clear inclination towards cooperating with Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly in the aftermath of GE15. Such actions could be interpreted as a betrayal of the GE15 mandate given to the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition and a blow to party unity. 'Prior to this, his name was also linked to Umno's party-hopping crisis in Sabah following GE14. 'Reinstating him without any open clarification to the party base will only provoke anger and discontent, ultimately harming internal cohesion,' Awang told Sinar. His remarks came in response to Umno Sembrong Division's renewed motion calling for Hishammuddin's suspension to be lifted immediately and unconditionally. Awang also stressed that if the party leadership was seriously considering Hishammuddin's return, it must be on a conditional basis accompanied by efforts to restore his image and demonstrate ethical, accountable political conduct. 'This might include a formal public apology to the party over his alleged involvement in attempts to forge a secret alliance with the PN without party mandate after GE15. 'He should also retract any past statements or actions that were in conflict with Umno's official stance. A clear commitment is essential to ensure he no longer brings in a proxy agenda or factions that may lead to further division within the party,' he said. When asked about Hishammuddin's relevance in Umno's current leadership landscape, Awang said his return would likely not have a significant impact. 'I don't see any major effect if the former vice-president is reinstated, particularly because there are other Umno leaders who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the party, even during difficult times,' he added. He noted that several figures, especially from Johor such as Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan have stood their ground and avoided alliances with rival parties like Bersatu or PN. These individuals, he added, served as strong examples of loyal and principled leadership. Awang added that current Umno leaders such as Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail also have the potential to work alongside the party president in leading its recovery and revival ahead of the next general election. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that every individual and division within Umno has the right to express opinions, submit appeals and propose motions. 'In the end, it is up to the Umno Supreme Council to consider these views and make a decision, just as is the case in other political parties,' he said.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
BN will field MCA, MIC candidates in GE16, says Zahid
PORT DICKSON: All Barisan Nasional component parties, including MCA and MIC, will continue to be given opportunities to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16). Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that this decision has been set by the coalition, including using its own symbol in the upcoming election, reported Sinar Harian. "I mentioned that in GE16, we will continue to use the scales as BN's symbol. "The parties within BN will continue to be given seats to contest. Although the election is still far off, that is the decision we have made," he said during a press conference after officiating the Port Dickson Umno division meeting here on Sunday (June 15). Also present were Negri Sembilan Umno chairman, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, and Port Dickson Umno division chief, Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli. He added that the contributions and sacrifices of MCA and MIC, in particular, should continue to be remembered as these parties were instrumental in Barisan's existence during Umno's split in 1987. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said it would be inappropriate for Barisan to abandon those parties when they are facing difficulties now. "During Umno's split into two in 1987, when there were Teams A and B, our friends in BN, especially MCA and MIC, were instrumental in BN's existence. "In GE14 and GE15, they faced issues as they could not retain their seats. Therefore, Umno must support our friends when they have problems, and this is the BN spirit that we must strengthen," he said. Ahmad Zahid also expressed confidence that Barisan's current component partners will continue to strengthen the party. When asked about the 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' expected to be held by PAS Youth on July 26, he said the opposition would continuously try to topple the government by any means. "The current government will not fall just because of demonstrations. "The opposition's attitude has always been like that. So, we should not worry about such attitudes (bringing down the government) and I think it's easy to criticise, but doing the work is hard,' he said. Ahmad Zahid urged the component parties in the unity government to continue strengthening the existing unity, thus ensuring that the current government remains until GE16.
