Latest news with #Mohamad
The Star
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Amanah eyes three seats in Sabah polls
United front: Mohamad (seated, centre) with state and division leaders at the launch of Sabah's Amanah election machinery. KOTA KINABALU: Tanjung Aru, Lumadan and Sulabayan are three seats currently being eyed by Amanah in the upcoming Sabah election, says party president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. 'However, these are only our wishes and aspirations but whether we will get these seats is not confirmed and final yet,' he said, adding that the aim is to minimise clashes with Pakatan Harapan's electoral partners in Sabah. Amanah, DAP and PKR make up the Pakatan coalition, which has announced plans to work together with Sabah Barisan Nasional in the regional polls. It is learnt that so far, Amanah has been allocated two of the 73 seats up for grabs in the election, but Mohamad declined to reveal them. As for the Tanjung Aru and Sulabayan seats, they are currently held by Parti Warisan's Datuk Junz Wong and Datuk Jaujan Sambakong respectively. Lumadan is represented by Parti Bersatu Sabah's (PBS) Datuk Ruslan Muharam. Asked about whether it would be reckless for Amanah to contest in the Warisan stronghold of Sulabayan, Mohamad said: 'This is just our intention. It is not final yet and it does not mean that Amanah will definitely get this seat.' He added that discussions on seat allocations are still ongoing among Pakatan parties and between Pakatan and its Sabah allies. Mohamad, who is also Agriculture and Food Security Minister, was speaking to reporters after launching the party's election machinery here yesterday. Earlier during his speech, he criticised those playing up religious and ethnic sentiments for political gain. One of the false narratives being stirred up is that the Chinese community is trying to take over the country, he noted. 'We must stop it because if we don't step in now, it would not do good for the country,' said Mohamad. 'Look at the population statistics. The Chinese population is becoming smaller while the Malay population is growing. 'So, how is it possible that the Chinese will to take over this country?'
Daily Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Amanah seeks five seats in Sabah, pledges unity with PH
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Mohamad with other party leaders. Kota Kinabalu: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has launched its election machinery in Sabah while continuing seat negotiations with its Pakatan Harapan (PH) partners ahead of the state polls. Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the party has requested to contest five seats, including Tanjung Aru, Lumadan and Sulabayan, but no final decisions have been reached. Advertisement He assured that Amanah remains committed to PH unity, noting that two of the requested seats have been tentatively agreed upon but are still subject to coalition approval. Mohamad also responded to the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment by affirming that all Amanah candidates fielded in the state will be Sabahans and announced plans for grassroots campaigns across Sabah. Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu said the party aims to avoid three-way contests, and while more seats have been requested, any final allocation will depend on ongoing discussions within PH. * 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
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
National sovereignty top priority in US trade negotiations
by AZALEA AZUAR FOREIGN Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan assured that national sovereignty will be a top priority in trade negotiations with the US. Following US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose new retaliatory tariffs on all Malaysian exports effective Aug 1, Mohamad said trade negotiations with the US are still in progress and the government is carefully and rationally presenting the value of maintaining bilateral relations. These discussions would also go beyond trade issues as they involve Malaysia's stance as a neutral nation and ASEAN member which upholds regional inclusivity. 'We want to ensure that our shared interests are well protected. These tariff negotiations must not harm our bilateral relations. 'Malaysia is a strategic partner to the US, as well as to other countries. Any attempt to divide us is unhealthy,' he said after presenting contributions in the Rantau state constituency yesterday. The US announced a 25% tariff of all Malaysian products, up by 1% from its initial decision, which is expected to strain Malaysia's export-reliant economy. It also raises concerns about the future of trade relations between the two countries. Earlier, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz assured that Malaysia will protect all its key sectors during the renegotiation of the tariff hike. The US Trade Representative (USTR) had previously labelled Malaysia's halal import rules as a trade barrier. Responding to comparisons with Indonesia's lower 19%, Mohamad stressed that negotiations should treat all countries fairly to preserve regional cooperation. 'We don't want this to be seen as a threat to our bilateral relationship. That's why the scope of negotiations should be broader — not just focused on trade but also on national sovereignty,' he said. Moreover, Bank Mualamat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid stressed that Malaysia should never compromise on its national interests. Doing so would cause the government to lose control over important fiscal and economic policies. National sovereignty must remain in the core principle when negotiating tariffs with the US and Malaysia should not succumb to investor pressure to dominate key sectors such as banking and utilities. 'The concern is that if we follow too much external influence, the government may lose control over its own policy decisions. Therefore, sovereignty must remain the main foundation in these negotiations,' he told Utusan Malaysia yesterday. Meanwhile, economist Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai warned that Malaysia could lose up to RM30 billion in export value if the high tariff continues. However, he believed the impact will be short term if Malaysia actively seeks new markets and boosts trade ties with countries like China.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Revamped fisheries law to pack more bite
KUALA LUMPUR: Major amendments to the Fisheries Act 1985 will impose increased penalties on various offences, including intrusion by foreign fishermen into Malaysian territorial waters, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He added that the amendments aimed to increase the punishment for offenders, although the increased penalties will still be lower than those in the regulations in Indonesia and Thailand. Mohamad said that among the other amendments is control on certain types of nets and equipment that will destroy sea life. 'The amended Act will also protect live turtles from being sold and ensure that these animals do not go extinct,' he said after opening the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) annual general meeting here yesterday. He said the amendments will go through their first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next week. Earlier in his speech, Mohamad said that the subsidised diesel will continue to be supplied for fishermen registered with Nekmat.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Fisheries Act 1985 amendments to increase fines, protect marine habitats
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries Act 1985 is set for amendments to strengthen enforcement, increase penalties, and safeguard marine ecosystems. The proposed changes, expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, aim to align Malaysia's regulations with regional standards while addressing habitat destruction and food safety concerns. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, highlighted that the amendments will introduce stricter controls on harmful fishing practices, such as the use of dragon nets, which damage fish spawning grounds. 'This act is mostly to strengthen existing enforcement including tighter surveillance of waters. Many new policies are being advocated by stakeholders for amendment,' he said. The revised act will also impose higher fines for violations, bringing Malaysia's penalties in line with those of neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand. 'The existing fines are also lower when compared to Indonesia and Thailand. Therefore, this amendment will coordinate and strengthen the enforcement aspect,' Mohamad added. Additional measures include a ban on fishing in polluted waters and mandatory inspections of catches to ensure food safety. The amendments will also reinforce protections for endangered species, such as turtles, by prohibiting their sale. 'This will be detailed in the amendment to the act to ensure that the species does not become extinct,' he said. The draft amendments were finalised after consultations with industry stakeholders and elected representatives. The first reading is scheduled for the upcoming parliamentary session, with the second reading expected in August. - Bernama
