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Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Appointed PKR deputy president lacks legitimacy, say analysts
Rafizi Ramli said Nurul Izzah Anwar had proposed creating an appointed deputy president's post for him in a private meeting three days before party delegates voted. PETALING JAYA : Political analysts have panned Nurul Izzah Anwar's idea of appointing a second deputy president for PKR, saying such a move would lack legitimacy and could deepen internal divisions in the party. Rafizi Ramli, who lost to Nurul Izzah in the recent deputy presidency election, revealed that she had proposed creating an appointed deputy president's post for him in a private meeting before party delegates voted. Appointed posts of deputy president are rare and not practised by major parties, including Umno. However, some vice-president's positions have been appointed. Rafizi rejected the offer and has since resigned as the economy minister. James Chin. James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the proposal made little sense from a democratic standpoint, and it was right of Rafizi to dismiss it. 'You can't have a non-elected deputy president because you have no legitimacy,' he told FMT. 'If you want to have a second deputy president's post, of course, it's up to the party to decide, but it should be based on votes by the delegates.' Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said the success of a two-deputy model would depend entirely on whether both deputies were willing to work together, something she views as unlikely in this context. Syaza Shukri. 'If the deputies try to one-up each other, their loyal supporters will act the same way. That won't solve the factionalism in PKR,' she said. Syaza said it was possible to make the structure work if roles were clearly divided between political and organisational responsibilities, but warned that the idea seemed purely symbolic. AdChoices ADVERTISING 'For now, it appears to be a political effort (by Nurul Izzah) to bring back PKR from the anger and disappointment of Rafizi's camp and followers. 'People can see through this attempt, and honestly, Rafizi has the upper hand.' Rafizi has said he will return to serve as a backbencher and head of PKR's Pandan division. He previously claimed that Nurul Izzah had made a last-ditch appeal to help her after the party polls, worried the new leadership lineup could spell trouble for her father, party president and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Free Malaysia Today
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Nurul Izzah's victory may fuel family dynasty narrative, analyst warns
Nurul Izzah Anwar won convincingly in her straight fight against incumbent Rafizi Ramli for the PKR deputy presidency on Friday. PETALING JAYA : The narrative surrounding Nurul Izzah Anwar's rise to PKR's No 2 spot must be tempered to counter claims about her family's grip on the party, an analyst said. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi said if Nurul Izzah's camp fails to manage and explain the situation properly, she risks losing PKR's ideological diehards and younger supporters. 'If not handled inclusively, this victory could also cause internal splits or dissatisfaction among other leaders, including Rafizi Ramli's supporters, thereby weakening the party from within,' he told FMT. Nurul Izzah won by a landslide in a two-way fight with incumbent Rafizi for the PKR deputy presidency on Friday. According to the party election committee, she garnered a total of 9,803 votes, or 71.7%, while Rafizi obtained 3,866 votes. Awang Azman said Nurul Izzah's win was not a personal victory, but a reflection of a trend within PKR which was trying to balance idealism and pragmatism of power. 'For PKR, this is an opportunity to show that familial ties do not necessarily equate to nepotism. Instead it could represent a blend of tradition and modernity, and a form of strategic unity. 'However, this must be managed wisely and inclusively ahead of the next general election,' he said. University of Tasmania's James Chin said Rafizi should refrain from making any disruptive moves for now, as he plays a crucial role in holding the government together. 'I hope Rafizi will not leave PKR, will not throw tantrums and choose to remain in the Cabinet. I hope they can accommodate him. Because I think over the long term, Rafizi and Nurul Izzah make a good team, and will be PKR's strength,' he said. Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian agreed that the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah combination would prepare PKR well for the next general election. He said Rafizi's polling numbers showed he has significant support from the grassroots, and that this is not the end of the road for the economy minister. As for Nurul Izzah, he said, her win was about the continuity of Anwar's vision for the party and the government that he currently leads. 'It will also mean that she will have a prominent role in preparing the party for the general election and making up for the shortfalls that have dogged it in the past. 'While Anwar will lead the government, she will be strengthening the party in clear coordination with him,' he said.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN Community Vision 2045 Likely To Uphold Core Values Of Peace, Stability
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, a new 20-year framework set to be launched on Monday in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, is expected to continue striving towards ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. An expert in geopolitical and Asian studies, Prof Dr James Chin of the University of Tasmania, said the new vision will be very similar to the ACV 2025 launched in 2015, with greater emphasis towards inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience that will benefit nearly 700 million people in the region. 'Maybe there will be something regarding Timor Leste, too. With the launch of the new vision, we can expect that every country will be trying very hard towards the aims, and target towards a better ASEAN Community. 'But it will depend on each country – how far they're going to push for it; some countries will perform better than others,' said the Director of the Asia Institute Tasmania, when contacted.
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Clock ticking for PKR to fix reformist image, says analyst
PKR needs to push the government to fulfil its reform to win back the trust of its supporters, says analyst Syaza Shukri. PETALING JAYA : With less than three years remaining on the unity government's term of office, the clock is ticking for PKR to reclaim its 'reformist' brand, says an analyst. James Chin of the University of Tasmania said that while PKR may still consider itself a reformist party, public perception suggests otherwise. James Chin. He said the Anwar Ibrahim-led party has not been able to push through any real reforms, partly due to its alliance with Umno in the unity government. Umno, a party not known for its support of reforms, has been dragging Pakatan Harapan down, said Chin. 'That's what's hurting PKR's image,' he told FMT. Chin added that while PKR members still believe in its reformist identity, their role in government has been limited as most key decisions rested with Anwar and his Cabinet, not party members. He cited the decision to extend Azam Baki's tenure as head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission as one example—a decision that has not sat down well with some PKR members including Nurul Izzah Anwar, the prime minister's daughter and a party vice-president. Chin, however, expects PKR supporters to remain loyal to the party, regardless of the excuses put forward by the leadership for failing to live up to promises made in the lead up to the 15th general election in 2022. 'The party will say it is just slow with reforms and they (the supporters) will just accept it,' he said, referring to remarks by another vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Last week, Nik Nazmi said that although the unity government has not moved fast enough to implement reforms, PKR remains committed to its pledge of carrying out much needed institutional changes. He said the unity government has made some progress in implementing the party's reform agenda, including pushing through a constitutional amendment granting citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses. Syaza Shukri. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) acknowledged that PKR's involvement in the unity government has affected its image but said the party still has time to reclaim the reformist mantle. She suggested that Anwar target certain 'low hanging fruits', such as imposing a term limit for the prime minister—a policy he has previously endorsed. 'The party needs to push the government to fulfil its reform to win back the trust of its supporters.' Syaza said the frustration among PKR supporters was apparent, especially the non-Malays who had backed the party on its promises of good governance and institutional change. 'PKR needs to go back to its roots,' she said, referring to the party's battle cry of reform.
CNA
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - What could be on Australian PM Anthony Albanese's agenda in visiting Singapore?
CNA938 Rewind Play Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in Singapore as part of his first international trip, after clinching a second term in office. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, what could be on the agenda for Mr Albanese's stopover here. CNA938 Rewind - What could be on Australian PM Anthony Albanese's agenda in visiting Singapore? Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in Singapore as part of his first international trip, after clinching a second term in office. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, what could be on the agenda for Mr Albanese's stopover here. 10 mins CNA938 Rewind - Redefining Beachfront Retreats - the Story Behind Oshom Bali In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to a luxury travel director in Europe who is now the founder of one of Bali's most buzzworthy openings of 2025. Daisy Angus, founder of Oshom Bali, talks about her brand new luxury beachfront boutique hotel located in the heart of Bali's Nuanu Creative City. Angus, who has a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, will recount the story behind Oshom: from its creative concept to fleshing-out its design-led experiences up to opening day. She'll also talk about how Nuanu Creative City is reshaping Bali's cultural and ecological landscape. 19 mins CNA938 Rewind - "To the Last Gram" - Putting Anorexia in the Spotlight using Comics In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro focuses on the local comic 'To the Last Gram', a fictional young adult coming-of-age story about living with an eating disorder (ED). Put out by publisher Difference Engine, 'To the Last Gram' is written by Shreya Davies and illustrated by Vanessa Wong. Written from the perspective of the protagonist Divya, the comic unpacks the lived experience of ED – how it impacts family members and affects those who grow up in diet-free households. Wong and Davies will also discuss Divya's emotional and mental journey via the captivating illustrations and unique writing style. 30 mins CNA938 Rewind - Teaching with a Twist - Meet Singapore's TikTok Educators In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with two local TikTok personalities - who double-up as educators - on the popular social media platform. BioGirl MJ (@justkeepthinking), co-founder and host of the science channel 'Just Keep Thinking' talks about how her lessons focus on bite-sized videos about science and wildlife. Math Tutor May (@maythematics) who is the founder of math tuition centre 'Maythematics', talks about her role as an educator and content creator who provides valuable tips and solutions to students. 32 mins
