Latest news with #Shamsul
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Madani gov't trolled for using KSN to ban civil servants from joining 'Turun Anwar' rally
DETRACTORS have questioned the rationale behind the call for civil servants to stay away from this Saturday's (July 26) PAS-inspired 'Turun Anwar' rally. This is because civil servants must adhere to the pledge enshrined in the Rukun Negara, particularly by upholding the principle of loyalty to king and country, according to Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. 'They cannot attend. Civil servants recite the pledge every day, every week,' justified Shamsul who succeeded Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali on Aug 10 last year. 'Have they forgotten? Be loyal to the king and country,' he said after launching the Association of Former Students of Mara Junior Science Colleges (ANSARA) Sports Carnival 2025 in Putrajaya yesterday (July 20). While Shamsul did not specify if the nature of disciplinary action to be taken on errant civil servants, a majority of commenters to the NST Online Facebook post of Shamsul's message felt that it is unbecoming of the Madani government to even use the KSN as its protective shield. After all, they recounted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had in fact instigated civil servants to take to the streets to protest against injustice inflicted on him, notably his sacking as deputy PM following which the Reformasi movement was born. After all. Saturday is an off day to most civil servants, henceforth it is their right to decide what they wish to do during their spare time so long as their action does not disrupt their workflow. Therefore, Shamsul's directive is deemed as both 'army twisting method and double standard'. As a learned commenter put it, the KSU cannot deny the basic rights and freedom of all citizens as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, namely the right to free speech and the right to assemble and association. '(The) KSU is clearly fear mongering and threatening civil servants,' he attested. As a commenter aptly pointed out, the Madani government has nothing to fear if it is doing a good job 'unless this Madani (government) is so unstable that it feared that the opposition might influence their (civil servants) support towards this government'. Another contended that 'a democracy would not order such a thing but civil servants can be reminded that action can be taken against them if their behaviour during such a rally led to arrest and/or detention'. In fact, a commenter opined that civil servants are duty-bound 'to speak out if the government is harming the country'. The bottom-line as one commenter noted, 'public sector workers will STILL go to work tomorrow if the government falls or a new government comes in'. As 'they work for the country, the King and not a POLITICAL PARTY', he urged PMX 'not to be arrogant but to understand hardship of sorts the rakyst are experiencing from Perlis to Sabah'. – July 21, 2025 Editor's Note: A recent Utusan Malaysia report citing Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth Chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has estimated a turnout of 300,000 (up from 50,000) at the 'Turun Anwar' rally slated to be held at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday (July 26). This is in stark contrast to Kuala Lumpur Acting Police Chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad who previously expected 10,000 to 15,000 people to attend. He nevertheless confirmed that the organisers have informed the Dang Wangi district police headquarters about the rally following which some 2,000 officers and personnel will be deployed to ensure the rally runs smoothly and to safeguard the participants and the public. Main image credit: Utusan Malaysia
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
'Turun Anwar' protest a political ploy, says PM's aide
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, has labelled the upcoming 'Turun Anwar' protest as an attempt by a 'small group' to stay politically relevant. He argued that the demonstration, set for July 26 in the federal capital, does not reflect genuine public dissatisfaction. 'This protest is not about the rakyat. It is about a small group trying to overturn what they couldn't achieve through elections,' Shamsul said during his speech at the National Economic Forum. He emphasised that the government, elected through a fair process, is focused on addressing institutional decay and fiscal mismanagement left by past administrations. 'If change is desired, contest the next election. That's democracy. Malaysia must not be distracted by noise. We need maturity, unity, and delivery,' he added. Shamsul stressed that the country requires wise leadership, not populism. 'A true leader builds institutions, not ego; trust, not divisions; and plans for future generations, not just the next election.' He praised Anwar's leadership style as principled and reform-driven, citing his diplomatic success as ASEAN Chair in bringing global powers to Kuala Lumpur. - Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- New Straits Times
RM11.8mil worth of aluminium, machinery seized in Perak raid
IPOH: The Third Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) has raided an illegal aluminium processing factory and uncovered more than 1,200 tonnes of aluminium and machinery valued at over RM11.8 million. The operation, conducted under Op Hazard, was led by the Intelligence Branch of Battalion 3 of the GOF, with support from the Northern Brigade GOF Intelligence Branch, Battalion 1 GOF, the Perak Department of Environment (DOE), and the Batu Gajah District Council. GOF Northern Brigade Deputy Commander Assistant Commissioner Shamsul Baharin Aman said the raid was carried out yesterday in the Pengkalan Industrial Area 4, Pusing. Shamsul said the factory had allegedly been operating without the required licences and permits under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "We also arrested a 37-year-old local man who identified himself as the factory manager for further investigation. "We discovered and seized approximately 1,221.3 tonnes of aluminium, various scheduled waste materials, and processing machinery, including a lorry engine. "The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM11,812,280," he said at a press conference at the factory today.
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Anwar's secret announcement will bring joy to Malaysians, civil servants, says govt chief secretary
Shamsul declined to elaborate further, saying the initiative was a 'surprise' and fully under wraps. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 15): Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar today said that the upcoming announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to bring joy to Malaysians, including civil servants. According to a report in Harian Metro , Shamsul declined to elaborate further, saying the initiative was a 'surprise' and fully under wraps. 'If it's for the public, they'll be happy. If it's for civil servants, they'll be happy too, Allah willing,' he was quoted as saying. Yesterday, Anwar hinted on Facebook that a special 'appreciation' for the people would be announced soon. The post included the slogan 'Bersama Malaysiaku' (with my Malaysia). No official date for the announcement has been shared. – Malay Mail anwar ibrahim lead secret announcement Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar
New Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Six businesses issued notices under Op Kesan 4.0 for suspected profiteering
SERI KEMBANGAN: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has issued six notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 following nationwide inspections as part of Op Kesan 4.0. Its deputy director-general (operations), Shamsul Nizam Khalil, said two companies have agreed to defer price increases and maintain current prices, another two reported that prices were adjusted in line with Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation, and the remaining two are undergoing engagement sessions. He added that these notices were issued after ministry enforcement teams inspected 375 premises covering 1,698 stock-keeping units between July 1 and 8. Shamsul said this at a press conference after an inspection in Balaji Enterprise Sdn Bhd near Selangor Wet Market today, as part of Op Kesan 4.0. Today's inspections, he said, focused on wholesalers of dry goods and canned food to trace price movements from suppliers to consumers. He said enforcement actions during the operation will assess four key elements: whether the goods or services are on the SST list; whether the businesses exceed the registration threshold with the Customs Department; whether prices shifted for goods produced or imported before the SST came into effect; and whether the new margins suggest profiteering. "Even goods not subject to the SST, such as essential items, are being monitored," he added. Seventeen complaints have been recorded under Op Kesan 4.0 since July 1, Shamsul said, adding that all are under investigation. "Traders with SST-related concerns should consult the ministry. Questions about profiteering should be directed to its enforcement division." Shamsul urged businesses to engage with the ministry on uncertainties surrounding profiteering and SST. "This is to enable us to provide assistance to ensure that the goods being sold are not marked up and are in line with the law." Shamsul warned that individuals found guilty of profiteering face fines of up to RM100,000 or three years' jail, or both, and companies can be fined up to RM500,000. He urged the public to report suspected profiteering through the Enforcement Command Centre (03-8882 6245/6088), WhatsApp, e-Complaint Portal, Ez ADU KPDN mobile app or the ministry's call centre at 1-800-886-800. The expanded SST came into effect on July 1. The changes include higher sales tax on some luxury goods such as king crab, truffle, essential oils, imported fruit and racing bicycles. Essential goods like rice, sugar, milk, cooking oil, medicine and basic construction materials remain exempt under the zero per cent sales tax bracket.
