Latest news with #PAS-led
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Takiyuddin arrives at Sogo, urges rallygoers to protest peacefully
KUALA LUMPUR: Kota Baru member of parliament Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has arrived in front of Sogo to address rallygoers here today. The PAS secretary-general arrived around 11am and met with supporters and gave a short speech, in which he reminded all rallygoers to abide by the law and protest peacefully. "Please ensure a peaceful gathering. If you see anyone trying to cause provocation, hand them over to the police," he said. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's PAS-led rally. Participants are set to gather at Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo — before converging at Dataran Merdeka. The rally aims to pressure the government over issues such as the rising cost of living and alleged institutional failures. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police would facilitate the assembly. A total of 16 roads will be closed for the rally, which is expected to end after 5.15pm. Police have advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Police deploy drones to monitor opposition rally
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have deployed drones to monitor the situation at the PAS-led rally in the city today. The crowd in front of Sogo, which gathered since 9.30am, has started to swell. Most of the participants were seen dressed in all black. Policemen have been stationed at several locations to ensure public safety and order. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's rally. The rally aims to pressure the government over issues such as the rising cost of living and alleged institutional failures. Participants are gathering at Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo — before converging at Dataran Merdeka. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police would facilitate the assembly. A total of 16 roads will be closed for the rally, which is expected to end after 5.15pm. Police have advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Two-time prime minister Dr M turns 100
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Dr Mahathir Mohamad held the post of prime minister twice, from 1981 to 2003 and again from May 2018 to February 2020. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad turned 100 years old today, reaching a century of life marked by decades of political influence. Mahathir, the youngest of nine siblings, was born on July 10, 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah. He led the Barisan Nasional (BN) government from 1981 to 2003 and held the top post again from May 2018 to February 2020 under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, after helping to topple BN from power. He is known as Malaysia's 'Father of Modernisation' for the initiatives he carried out as fourth prime minister, including iconic infrastructure projects like the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, KLIA, and Putrajaya as the nation's administrative hub. Mahathir also oversaw the launch of Malaysia's first carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd, and introduced the Look East Policy, promoting education and business ties with nations like Japan and South Korea. During his first tenure as prime minister, Mahathir presided over the rise of the Malaysian economy as an 'Asian Tiger', pushing industrialisation to drive the economy. He also promoted the extensive privatisation of the economic sector, including many government-owned companies like Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd. He was seen as key in navigating the Asian financial crisis, choosing bold measures like capital controls and pegging the ringgit to the US dollar instead of seeking help from the International Monetary Fund. Mahathir, now an adviser to the PAS-led state governments of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis, remains a divisive figure in Malaysian politics. He has been openly critical of his former deputy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as PH and Umno, a key component in the unity government. He and his wife, Dr Hasmah Ali, 98, have seven children: Marina, Mirzan, Melinda, Mokhzani, Mukhriz, Maizura and Mazhar. * 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
Focus Malaysia
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
UMNO-BN reveals big plans to capture PAS-led states in GE16 but they face hurdles with young voters
BN leaders are signalling bold ambitions to reclaim Perlis, Kedah, and Terengganu from PN in the upcoming general election, banking on voter dissatisfaction with the current state governments. UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan expressed confidence that BN, working closely with PH, can topple PAS-led administrations in these states. 'We lost before, but it's not impossible for us to win them back,' he said, highlighting that many voters remain undecided and could swing towards BN-PH if effectively courted. 'This means half the population supports us, and the others are in the middle, so these observers or undecided voters will play an important role,' he added. BN chairman and UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi echoed similar sentiments, saying that the coalition will conduct detailed studies to identify winnable seats, particularly those now held by Bersatu and PAS. 'We will work hard to ensure that these seats are recaptured by candidates from Umno in GE16,' he said at the closing of the Sri Gading UMNO delegates' meeting yesterday. He urged members not to fall for opposition propaganda attempting to fracture the unity government, stressing that cooperation with PH is crucial to ensuring political stability and UMNO's return to dominance. However, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani issued a note of caution. He warned that nearly 40 per cent of voters are now youth who care more about future policies, environmental issues, and leadership integrity than Umno's historic nation-building legacy. 'They assess leaders' commitment to future issues, including environmental matters and the integrity of the leadership,' he said, suggesting Umno must adopt fresh strategies to win their trust. Adding to BN's potential woes are claims that the MCA and MIC could quit the coalition, weakening its multi-ethnic appeal ahead of GE16. —July 6, 2025 Main image: Malay Mail
Nahar Net
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Top EU officials head to Moldova for key summit ahead of pivotal parliamentary election
by Naharnet Newsdesk 04 July 2025, 15:00 The European Union's top officials will travel to Moldova's capital on Friday for a key bilateral summit to strengthen ties months before the EU candidate member holds a pivotal parliamentary election. Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean will host the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa in Chisinau. Talks will focus on EU membership, security and trade. The leaders are expected to issue a joint statement afterward. Brussels agreed to open accession negotiations with Moldova for EU membership last year after granting official candidate status in June 2022, the same day as neighboring Ukraine. Some observers say Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU membership could hamper Moldova's progress, since both countries' applications are being processed concurrently. "Moldova is now at the most advanced stage of European integration in its modern history," said Daniel Voda, Moldova's government spokesperson. "The path toward the EU has become clear, irreversible, and politically embraced at the highest level." Brussels is keen to reaffirm its commitment to Moldova joining the 27-nation bloc with the approach of a parliamentary election Sep. 28. Allegations continue to circulate about Russia conducting a "hybrid war" against the former Soviet republic by interfering in elections and spreading disinformation. Moldova's pro-Western government led by the Party of Action and Solidarity, or PAS, has been in power since 2021. Moldova watchers have warned the upcoming parliamentary vote is in Moscow's crosshairs. The summit's agenda states EU leaders will reiterate their "unwavering commitment" to Moldova's sovereignty and security in the face of "Russia's continued hybrid attacks." Moscow has denied meddling in Moldova. Radu Magdin, a political analyst at Smartlink Communications, said the joint summit is "of top symbolic importance" and could bolster support for PAS in the upcoming elections. "The elections are pivotal, as a PAS government majority or a PAS-led coalition can be more credible for Brussels in terms of genuine intention of reform," he said. "The main threats to Moldova's accession process is any EU state opposition to Ukraine's entry." Moldova's membership in the EU is conditional on the country enacting reforms in policy areas, known as chapters, in areas such as the rule of law, fundamental rights and economic reforms, a process that will likely take years. To support such reforms, Brussels is providing Moldova with up to 1.9 billion euros (about $2.2 billion) between 2025 and 2027. "EU accession is not just a destination," said Voda, the government spokesperson. "It's a profound change for the benefit of the people." President Sandu was reelected in a heated election last year that saw her beat a Russia-friendly opponent in an election cycle beleaguered by claims of Russian interference and voter fraud. Moldovans last year also voted narrowly in favor of securing the country's EU path.
