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Malaysiakini
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Risky for Anwar to seek a meeting with Trump
YOURSAY | 'Trump might ambush Anwar like he did with Zelenskyy.' Anwar writes to Trump to request US-Asean meeting Anonymous_3f4b: When and why did Mr Madani (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) write to US President Donald Trump? As though Trump would read his letter. For all you know, the letter would have been dumped into the wastepaper basket even without Trump knowing it, at worst, or left to his many secretaries and officials to vet even before putting it on his desk. Mr Madani, as prime minister of this year's Asean chair, should and could have made a direct line phone/video call to Trump like his Asean counterparts Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the like. Did he even congratulate Trump on the latter's win? By not doing so, he has not shown respect and diplomatic decorum to Trump, and likewise, we should not expect favours or diplomatic considerations from the Trump administration. But then Trump would have chastised him and given Mr Madani a piece of his mind. Unlikely that Trump will accord a US-Asean meeting soon, and if so, he would send one of his many secretaries or officials to do the talking to Mr Madani as head of the Asean chair. Another head would have been better suited to expedite the talks. Pink: Trump does not like to deal with trade blocs; he prefers to have bilateral trade negotiations between individual countries because he will have better negotiating power. This is the reason why he is belligerent towards the European Union. So, this is bound to fail. I fear Trump will insult Anwar the way he insulted Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, by showing a fake video claiming there is a genocide of white people in South Africa. What if he raised the issue of racial and religious discrimination in Malaysia in front of all the cameras for the world to see, even though it is far from the truth? That will damage Malaysia's reputation as a moderate, liberal country. He may also likely claim that Anwar's support of Hamas is anti-semitic. It is a risky proposition. Anwar may be highly regarded and respected by all at home. But to Trump, he is just the leader of a small, underdeveloped country. Just a Malaysian: It's just a formality. How do you negotiate with a 'madman' who is hell-bent on bullying his way through? He who believes power will get everything their way? It is much like our citizens who love to shout down at all minorities' concerns. Who refused to listen to different opinions and ideas, where 'my way' is the only way, or else? Now we are faced with a real bully, while our local bullies are all quiet as mice. Isn't this the time to defend race and religion? For real this time, not the wayang, chest-thumping performance at people who cannot fight back. TaaS: It used to be protests and boycotts (towards America). Now, it is like begging (to meet their president). How can the village leader possibly lead Asean when he has shown poor leadership for his country and a bad example for his party? Do you think Trump would be particularly concerned about meeting with a group of Asean countries, many of which have recorded among the highest trade deficits with the US, and making concessions? Do you think Malaysia and others can get away without removing non-tariff barriers? BesamanMucho: Did you also mention in the letter that: 1. Malaysia is a 'fiercely independent nation'; 2. I have written to the United Nations to sack Israel from the world body; 3. I have met the leaders of Hamas; I have met now deceased Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Hassan Nasrallah; 4. I have contributed RM100 million of our people's money to Gaza; 5. I give free education to Palestinian children, while the same may not be available to other local minorities. 'Based on the above achievements, it is only right that you meet me soonest.' Apanama is back: I prefer Trump to come over (to Malaysia) for the Asean meeting. Why? So that he can ambush Anwar (on several issues). So far, Trump had ambushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (ongoing war with Russia) and Ramaphosa (over white farmers and land reforms) in the Oval Office. Therefore, Trump needs to give Anwar a 'tight slap' in front of the Asean leaders by ambushing him, playing the videos, showing proof that Anwar is supporting Hamas, as the US will not be happy with his behaviour. Trump accepts the invitation and ambushes Anwar. Just do this favour for me. Hmmm: Trump is willing to let his own most prestigious university in the world sink because of some of their students' pro-Palestine protests. What do you think he will do to someone who openly supports Hamas and even supports protests against the US, boycotts US franchises, and lets school children mimic Hamas in schools? When you are only a small fry, don't try to be a hero. Look after your own backyard first. If you want to support Hamas, do it quietly and don't drag the country down with you. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Risky for Anwar to seek a meeting with Trump
YOURSAY | 'Trump might ambush Anwar like he did with Zelenskyy.' Anwar writes to Trump to request US-Asean meeting Anonymous_3f4b: When and why did Mr Madani (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) write to US President Donald Trump? As though Trump would read his letter. For all you know, the letter would have been dumped into the wastepaper basket even without Trump knowing it, at worst, or left to his many secretaries and officials to vet even before putting it on his desk. Mr Madani, as prime minister of this year's Asean chair, should and could have made a direct line phone/video call to Trump like his Asean counterparts Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the like. Did he even congratulate Trump on the latter's win? By not doing so, he has not shown respect and diplomatic decorum to Trump, and likewise, we should not expect favours or diplomatic considerations from the Trump administration. But then Trump would have chastised him and given Mr Madani a piece of his mind. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Unlikely that Trump will accord a US-Asean meeting soon, and if so, he would send one of his many secretaries or officials to do the talking to Mr Madani as head of the Asean chair. Another head would have been better suited to expedite the talks. Pink: Trump does not like to deal with trade blocs; he prefers to have bilateral trade negotiations between individual countries because he will have better negotiating power. This is the reason why he is belligerent towards the European Union. So, this is bound to fail. I fear Trump will insult Anwar the way he insulted Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, by showing a fake video claiming there is a genocide of white people in South Africa. What if he raised the issue of racial and religious discrimination in Malaysia in front of all the cameras for the world to see, even though it is far from the truth? That will damage Malaysia's reputation as a moderate, liberal country. He may also likely claim that Anwar's support of Hamas is anti-semitic. It is a risky proposition. Anwar may be highly regarded and respected by all at home. But to Trump, he is just the leader of a small, underdeveloped country. Just a Malaysian: It's just a formality. How do you negotiate with a 'madman' who is hell-bent on bullying his way through? He who believes power will get everything their way? It is much like our citizens who love to shout down at all minorities' concerns. Who refused to listen to different opinions and ideas, where 'my way' is the only way, or else? Now we are faced with a real bully, while our local bullies are all quiet as mice. Isn't this the time to defend race and religion? For real this time, not the wayang, chest-thumping performance at people who cannot fight back. TaaS: It used to be protests and boycotts (towards America). Now, it is like begging (to meet their president). How can the village leader possibly lead Asean when he has shown poor leadership for his country and a bad example for his party? Do you think Trump would be particularly concerned about meeting with a group of Asean countries, many of which have recorded among the highest trade deficits with the US, and making concessions? Do you think Malaysia and others can get away without removing non-tariff barriers? BesamanMucho: Did you also mention in the letter that: 1. Malaysia is a 'fiercely independent nation'; 2. I have written to the United Nations to sack Israel from the world body; 3. I have met the leaders of Hamas; I have met now deceased Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Hassan Nasrallah; 4. I have contributed RM100 million of our people's money to Gaza; 5. I give free education to Palestinian children, while the same may not be available to other local minorities. 'Based on the above achievements, it is only right that you meet me soonest.' Apanama is back: I prefer Trump to come over (to Malaysia) for the Asean meeting. Why? So that he can ambush Anwar (on several issues). So far, Trump had ambushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (ongoing war with Russia) and Ramaphosa (over white farmers and land reforms) in the Oval Office. US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Therefore, Trump needs to give Anwar a 'tight slap' in front of the Asean leaders by ambushing him, playing the videos, showing proof that Anwar is supporting Hamas, as the US will not be happy with his behaviour. Trump accepts the invitation and ambushes Anwar. Just do this favour for me. Hmmmmmmmm: Trump is willing to let his own most prestigious university in the world sink because of some of their students' pro-Palestine protests. What do you think he will do to someone who openly supports Hamas and even supports protests against the US, boycotts US franchises, and lets school children mimic Hamas in schools? When you are only a small fry, don't try to be a hero. Look after your own backyard first. If you want to support Hamas, do it quietly and don't drag the country down with you. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
With DAP like MCA 2.0, pact with Umno works, for now
YOURSAY | 'It will work until non-Malays say enough is enough.' PAS-DAP-Umno: 'Can't Live With or Without You' saga continues Milshah: Whether it is PAS-DAP or Umno-DAP combo, I think it's about how to get the most votes. It's a bit confusing, but both have advantages and disadvantages. For Umno-DAP, it's the complete opposite. Umno is pro-3R (race, religion, and royalty), while DAP is Malaysian Malaysia. It's very strange how they were able to form the pact. Somehow, the two political parties were able to form a pact, with Umno continuing to champion 3R issues. We can see Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, whom the non-Malays love to hate, championing the Malay cause. However, for this pact to work, DAP had to change from streetfighter to MCA 2.0. And that's how the Umno-DAP combo was able to survive till this day. It would not have worked if DAP continued using the streetfighter style of yesteryears. To put salt into the wound, we see Umno leaders saying that under Umno, DAP has been tamed. This, of course, upset many non-Malays. Many non-Malays have said they will not vote for Pakatan Harapan in the 16th general election (GE16). However, the Umno-DAP combo has a strong advantage, which is PAS. True, Umno has Akmal. True, DAP is MCA 2.0. But with PAS lurking in the shadows, non-Malays are forced to vote for Harapan for fear of PAS. All in all, I would say this Umno-DAP is working. For how long? Until the day non-Malays say enough is enough, we are not going to vote for Harapan, even if PAS becomes the government. I don't think that day is coming, as every time I post about PAS becoming the government, should non-Malays stop voting for Harapan, nobody dares to challenge it. So, yes Umno-DAP combo is working, for now. IndigoHamster4797: Umno people like to talk about PAS and DAP. In reality, the only parties that can confidently rely on winning 40-50 seats in GE16 are DAP and PAS. They have hardcore supporters who back both parties' unwavering core values. You may disagree with them or even not like them, but you know what they stand for over the many years. One party sits on the extreme left while the other one sits on the extreme right of the political spectrum in Malaysia. Voters face challenges when deciding on Umno, PKR, Bersatu, MIC, MCA, Gerakan, and Amanah. They crowd the middle with very little differentiation other than 'we are not xxxxx' (e.g. we Amanah are not PAS, we Bersatu are not Umno, we PKR are not Umno). None have a real plan and unique selling proposition to voters on what voters will see if we put them in power. I think the middle parties should get all their current leaders who are more than 65 years old to retire to allow for introspection and refresh. Save Our Currency: PAS will never be able to form the government. Perhaps, they can, but the earliest would be by two more GEs. Today, they are being rejected by the Chinese, Indians, Sarawakians, Sabahans, and most importantly, the educated Malays. Ask yourself (PAS), with this situation, how are you going to form the government? Day by day, you are hurting these people with your remarks, which are disgusting and repeated so incessantly that even your own community is sick of hearing them. Coward: Any Umno president thinking about his own future, not that of the party, mind you, will not join PAS, for fear of losing their power. This is one of the important reasons why it will be very difficult for PAS to form the federal government, even with Bersatu's help. Money politics is so ingrained in non-PAS Malay politics that Bersatu is likely to disintegrate if it cannot be offset by the government come next GE. That's scary for both Bersatu and PAS leaders, for there is no guarantee that Bersatu votes will flow to PAS, or that enough will flow to Umno for them to join hands. Bottom line: It's ok to collaborate with DAP, but equally, it is also okay to criticise the other party for collaborating with DAP. As far as both sides of the divide are concerned, it's a win-win situation. Anyone who cares to analyse this situation will have to come to at least one of the two conclusions: DAP is fine, they are just vilified for political mileage, or Malay politicians are an 'unscrupulous' lot who will sleep with the devil. Don't need to incite. Just maintain or increase their seat share, and sooner or later, it will be the kingmaker. Then they will let their weight be felt. Anwar is nothing without DAP. From a Malay political perspective, they are split between three, not two parties. As their seat distribution becomes even, then DAP just might be the kingmaker. Cheong Sai Fah: DAP is always used as a punching bag or bogeyman. Where do Umno and PAS find in DAP's constitution that it is against Islam, Malays, and the monarchy? The world has changed to a multi-polar world. Malaysia needs to remain a multi-polar society. A uniracial or religious society does not result in or guarantee a progressive and prosperous future. Share, live, and let live. Malaysia has enough room for every citizen. Let's focus on building a prosperous country. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
With DAP like MCA 2.0, pact with Umno works, for now
YOURSAY | 'It will work until non-Malays say enough is enough.' PAS-DAP-Umno: 'Can't Live With or Without You' saga continues Milshah: Whether it is PAS-DAP or Umno-DAP combo, I think it's about how to get the most votes. It's a bit confusing, but both have advantages and disadvantages. For Umno-DAP, it's the complete opposite. Umno is pro-3R (race, religion, and royalty), while DAP is Malaysian Malaysia. It's very strange how they were able to form the pact. Somehow, the two political parties were able to form a pact, with Umno continuing to champion 3R issues. We can see Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, whom the non-Malays love to hate, championing the Malay cause. However, for this pact to work, DAP had to change from streetfighter to MCA 2.0. And that's how the Umno-DAP combo was able to survive till this day. It would not have worked if DAP continued using the streetfighter style of yesteryears. To put salt into the wound, we see Umno leaders saying that under Umno, DAP has been tamed. This, of course, upset many non-Malays. Many non-Malays have said they will not vote for Pakatan Harapan in the 16th general election (GE16). However, the Umno-DAP combo has a strong advantage, which is PAS. True, Umno has Akmal. True, DAP is MCA 2.0. But with PAS lurking in the shadows, non-Malays are forced to vote for Harapan for fear of PAS. All in all, I would say this Umno-DAP is working. For how long? Until the day non-Malays say enough is enough, we are not going to vote for Harapan, even if PAS becomes the government. I don't think that day is coming, as every time I post about PAS becoming the government, should non-Malays stop voting for Harapan, nobody dares to challenge it. So, yes Umno-DAP combo is working, for now. IndigoHamster4797: Umno people like to talk about PAS and DAP. In reality, the only parties that can confidently rely on winning 40-50 seats in GE16 are DAP and PAS. They have hardcore supporters who back both parties' unwavering core values. You may disagree with them or even not like them, but you know what they stand for over the many years. One party sits on the extreme left while the other one sits on the extreme right of the political spectrum in Malaysia. Voters face challenges when deciding on Umno, PKR, Bersatu, MIC, MCA, Gerakan, and Amanah. They crowd the middle with very little differentiation other than 'we are not xxxxx' (eg we Amanah are not PAS, we Bersatu are not Umno, we PKR are not Umno). None have a real plan and unique selling proposition to voters on what voters will see if we put them in power. I think the middle parties should get all their current leaders who are more than 65 years old to retire to allow for introspection and refresh. Save Our Currency: PAS will never be able to form the government. Perhaps, they can, but the earliest would be by two more GEs. Today, they are being rejected by the Chinese, Indians, Sarawakians, Sabahans and most importantly, the educated Malays. Ask yourself (PAS), with this situation, how are you going to form the government? Day by day, you are hurting these people with your remarks, which are disgusting and repeated so incessantly that even your own community is sick of hearing them. Coward: Any Umno president thinking about his own future, not that of the party, mind you, will not join PAS, for fear of losing their power. This is one of the important reasons why it will be very difficult for PAS to form the federal government, even with Bersatu's help. Money politics is so ingrained in non-PAS Malay politics that Bersatu is likely to disintegrate if it cannot be offset by the government come next GE. That's scary for both Bersatu and PAS leaders, for there is no guarantee that Bersatu votes will flow to PAS, or that enough will flow to Umno for them to join hands. Bottom line: It's ok to collaborate with DAP, but equally, it is also okay to criticise the other party for collaborating with DAP. As far as both sides of the divide are concerned, it's a win-win situation. Anyone who cares to analyse this situation will have to come to at least one of the two conclusions: DAP is fine, they are just vilified for political mileage, or Malay politicians are an 'unscrupulous' lot who will sleep with the devil. Don't need to incite. Just maintain or increase their seat share, and sooner or later, it will be the kingmaker. Then they will let their weight be felt. Anwar is nothing without DAP. From a Malay political perspective, they are split between three, not two parties. As their seat distribution becomes even, then DAP just might be the kingmaker. Cheong Sai Fah: DAP is always used as a punching bag or bogeyman. Where do Umno and PAS find in DAP's constitution that it is against Islam, Malays, and the monarchy? The world has changed to a multi-polar world. Malaysia needs to remain a multi-polar society. A uniracial or religious society does not result in or guarantee a progressive and prosperous future. Share, live, and let live. Malaysia has enough room for every citizen. Let's focus on building a prosperous country. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Food drive to commemorate World Hunger Day
Gearing up for World Hunger Day on 28 May, NPO Walk in Faith is rallying the community, schools and businesses to lend a hand to help raise awareness about the plight of many – the daily struggle for food. As an organisation that assists the vulnerable and needy with food hampers and school lunch packs, Walk in Faith calls on everyone to come together and make a contribution of non-perishable items for redistribution to those in need. Founder Merinda Ackerman said this is not just another day on the calendar, but a chance for Zululanders to come together and make a real difference. Arboretum Primary School has heeded the call, handing over a massive haul of foodstuffs collected by the school last week. 'World Hunger Day is an annual day focused on raising awareness and encouraging action to end world hunger. And this is a reminder that millions of people globally struggle with food insecurity and malnutrition,' said Ackerman. 'Imagine if every step we took, every smile we shared, and every little donation we made added up to a future where no one had to worry about their next meal. Walk in Faith is all about believing in the power of community. 'It is about knowing that you and I together can transform hunger into hope. 'Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our message, every act of kindness is a stride towards change, and often the smallest gestures spark the biggest ripples. 'This month, let us lace up our sneakers, open our hearts, and walk this journey side-by-side to join this challenge and create a world where compassion triumphs over hunger.' If you would like to make a donation of food, contact 081 5382331. Deliveries can be made to 38 Raphia Palm, Arboretum, Richards Bay. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
