Latest news with #ZahidHamidi
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Ex-minister defends Zahid over ‘Sabah for Sabahans' criticism
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said leaders must look at issues as a country and a people. PETALING JAYA : Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has defended Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan hit out at the Barisan Nasional chairman for criticising the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment. Zaid said Kitingan's reaction was typical of Sabah leaders who take any opportunity to discredit federal leaders for their own failings, especially near elections. 'Sabah's poverty and lack of progress were mainly due to its elected leaders, who prioritised themselves, leaving the people behind. 'Who manages Yayasan Sabah? Who were the chief ministers all these years? (Were they) from Semenanjung?' he said in a post on X. Kitingan had lashed out at Zahid for describing the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment as divisive. He said Sabahans did not need the permission or validation of federal leaders to assert what was rightfully theirs, and that Sabah was never meant to be a subordinate state but an equal partner with Sarawak and Malaya in the federation of Malaysia. He also appeared to warn of Sabah possibly leaving the federation, saying this would ultimately be up to Sabahans. Zahid had criticised the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment as divisive and counterproductive, arguing that maintaining close ties with the federal government was key to the state's prosperity and development. Zaid backed Zahid's remarks, saying leaders must look at issues as a country and a people. 'Stoking the fear of Sabah leaving the federation when they are unhappy with something or the federal leaders worries nobody. Where can Sabah go? 'Our country will not progress if it does not get rid of its obsession with race, religion, and regionalism,' the former Kota Bharu MP said.
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid says Umno's partnership in Unity Government is about stability, not submission to DAP
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — President Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi today defended Umno's decision to join the Unity Government, hitting back at opposition parties that have criticised the alliance with DAP, a long-time rival of the party. He reminded detractors that these same critics once worked alongside DAP for nearly a decade, accusing them of now using religious rhetoric to undermine the current political collaboration. 'I am aware that our decision to form a Unity Government after the 15th General Election is still a subject of criticism and discussion. 'Some question our sincerity, and there are even those who incite the public with the narrative that Umno is now bowing to DAP. 'In reality, this is not an exclusive conspiracy. This is a state decision. The Unity Government today is formed by 18 political parties, including Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, GPS, GRS, Warisan, and others. It is a cross-border cooperation aimed at ensuring stability,' he said in his speech at the Umno 79th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre here. MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Pakatan, BN to team up for Sabah polls; seat talks to be jointly decided
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) have agreed to cooperate for the Sabah state election. This was stated in a joint statement by PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. According to them, PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reached the agreement during a top leadership meeting yesterday. 'The form of cooperation, including seat distribution and negotiations with any other parties, will be jointly scrutinised by the PH and BN leadership in Sabah. 'All decisions will be finalised by the top leadership of PH and BN at the national level,' the statement added. — Bernama
