Latest news with #KedahUmno
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah MIC hits back at Umno over PN cooperation criticism
ALOR STAR: Kedah MIC has hit back at Kedah Umno over claims that its motion to cooperate with Perikatan Nasional (PN) signals the party's intention to quit Barisan Nasional (BN). Kedah MIC chairman S.K. Suresh said MIC does not need anyone's permission to make decisions regarding its political future. "The future of the nation and the Indian community is our priority, and we always welcome cooperation with all parties for the benefit of the party and the community," he said in a statement today. Earlier, Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said Kedah MIC's move was a clear indication that it no longer wished to be part of BN's efforts to rebuild its political strength. He said Kedah BN had never been intimidated by changes in the political landscape, including parting ways with any component party. Suresh, however, questioned Kedah Umno's stance on loyalty, pointing to its cooperation with DAP. "The message from Umno grassroots to your leadership is that they do not like Umno working together with DAP. Yet you are happy to enjoy all the privileges from the federal government and continue embracing them," he added. He also took aim at recent defections from the party, including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who joined PKR. "Tengku Zafrul left the party, and even Umno members themselves have left BN and Umno. You could do nothing about it, so what is there for you to say? Suresh cautioned Kedah Umno against provoking MIC further. "It would be better for you to remain silent before we start revealing past incidents that will only worsen the situation and when that happens, do not regret it," he said. Yesterday, Suresh announced that the party had approved the motion to work with PN and did not rule out the possibility of leaving BN. He said the final decision on the matter would be determined by the MIC central leadership, led by its president, Tan Sri S A. Vigneswaran.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah Umno dismayed over sorry state of Tanjung Dawai beach
KUALA MUDA: Kedah Umno has voiced disappointment over the deteriorating condition of Tanjung Dawai beach, describing it as an eyesore that undermines efforts to promote the state as a tourism destination. Its information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the beach was now strewn with marine debris, casting doubt over the effectiveness of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign. "What is the point of launching a tourism campaign if iconic destinations like Tanjung Dawai are left in such a polluted state?" he said in a statement today. He said Tanjung Dawai beach was not only known for its tourism appeal, but also served as a lifeline for local communities, including fishermen, small traders and homestay operators, who were now affected by the worsening waste problem. Shaiful took aim at Merbok member of parliament Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan and Tanjung Dawai assemblyman Hanif Ghazali, claiming that they appeared indifferent to the state's tourism agenda. "Where are they when it comes to defending the dignity of their own constituency? Have they made any effort to push for urgent action from the local authorities and the state government?" he said. Commenting further, Shaiful urged the state government and relevant agencies not to rely solely on catchy tourism slogans while failing to address basic issues such as environmental cleanliness and lack of tourist infrastructure. "The people demand answers and immediate action," he said. The New Straits Times had contacted both Nazri and Hanif but yet to receive a response. Once known for its white sands, Tanjung Dawai beach now saw fewer visitors. Despite twice-weekly clean-ups by the Sungai Petani Municipal Council since July last year, rubbish and debris continue to wash ashore and pollute the beach. Non-governmental organisations, government bodies and student volunteers had pitched in to clean up the area, but their efforts were short-lived. Some locals had suggested installing garbage traps or a sea wall, but these might pose financial and other environmental challenges.
