Latest news with #politicaldynasty
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Better a parent-offspring tag team than one comprising ‘yes men'
From Walter Sandosam Pursuant to the latest PKR party elections, insinuations have been made on nepotism and the possible creation of political dynasties. The incumbent deputy president, Rafizi Ramli, had fallen out of favour. Congratulations to Nurul Izzah Anwar, who has proved herself worthy. She has indicated in her speech to the delegates on her stance on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. We don't need data analytics when grassroots support is waning. Some of us are caught up by the term 'nepotism' so much so that we are blinded to ideals being expressed. When views are diametrically opposed, it reveals the presence of intelligent thought. Reform in its true sense, notwithstanding the obvious linkage by blood. While there may be areas of agreement between the top two in the party, on one topic, there is divergence – the extension of the tenure of the top graft-buster. It has been termed 'unwelcome'; a sentiment shared by a number of NGOs and political observers. MACC needs reform and it needs it yesterday beginning at the top. It has been much delayed. Aspirations to be in the top third of anti-corruption international rankings will come to naught given the misgivings being openly expressed by various quarters. The new deputy president has seen that, in direct contrast to the president who speaks of the 'courage' of the chief commissioner to go after the 'big fish', there is something amiss. Let us not live in a delusionary world here. Azam's personal case on shares some years back, his encounter with the chief justice on investigating a judge and, more recently, the apparent feet dragging on the Sabah mining scandal videos and the instance of procedural missteps on investigations on Pamela Ling – 'suspect or witness' categorisation – speak for itself. On 'big fish', as alluded to, in the past, an ex-Selangor menteri besar was charged, some years ago, with corruption for purchasing property 'below market value' from a party that had then dealings with the state. He was convicted of corruption and served time. In 2018, another chief minister was on trial on a similar offence with the same core ingredients. In his wisdom, the deputy public prosecutor asked for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA). This request was couched in words, which still astounds legal minds. It allowed the judge the latitude to grant a DAA as opposed to the requested DNAA. All is above board, but it is pertinent to point out that the said accused, at the time of the trial, was already appointed a federal minister under the post-2018 elections regime. Hence, the MACC has gone after 'big fish' in the past, not to mention the many other cases, especially against some persistently corrupt enforcement agencies. So much for the reform agenda. The first revamp was pursuant to the MACC Act 2009 with the appointment of oversight panels. It was precipitated by allegations of political interference. Sadly, these oversight panels seem to have either lost purpose or taken a hike into the wilds and got lost. It is interesting to note that the defeated PKR deputy president has maintained a stoic silence on the extension of appointment of Azam. This is rather astounding as just prior to the 2022 election date, he had made remarks which could be interpreted that he will 'go looking' for Azam. This was pursuant to MACC's 'visits' to his company Invoke presumably looking for records. These have since been defended as political soundbytes – a convenient term. Will new evidence now mysteriously appear for MACC to reopen investigations as in the case of an investigation into billions stashed away overseas which need to be traced now through Mutual Legal Assistance agreements? On the reform agenda, again, it is taking forever and a day on another issue with a 'promise' now that it can possibly be resolved before the next general election. Empirical studies are superfluous when deciding on a conceptual issue – the separation of the duties of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor. Let's not forget it was part of the reform agenda. Let us not be blinded by terminologies, namely nepotism. It is better to have a parent-offspring tag team than with one of all 'yes men', who have conveniently forgotten the essence of 'reform'. The new deputy president should use her position wisely to promote good governance, lest she lose her credibility – start with the MACC chief commissioner as highlighted by many quarters. Walter Sandosam is a past member of MACC's independent operations review panel and an FMT reader. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
SBS Australia
14-05-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
"Not surprising at all": Davaoeños back Duterte despite Hague Detention
Supporters maintain confidence that the Dutertes will continue their initiatives in Davao City, regardless of the physical absence of their newly elected mayor. The Dutertes dominated the recent local elections in Davao City, securing five positions within the government. Progressive groups, including Bayan Australia and Gabriela Australia, have criticized the continued dominance of the Duterte family in Davao politics saying it seems people are blind to the reality of the political dynasty. SBS Filipino 14/05/2025 09:55 Rodrigo Duterte, 80, clinched the mayoral race despite being detained at the ICC. The former president's victory was met with celebration among his loyal supporters. Bapi, a Davaoeña now residing in Sydney, expressed that she was not surprised by the election outcome, given Davao's long-standing support for the Duterte family. Desiree, a Singaporean who married a Davaoeño and lived in the city for over a decade before migrating to Australia, also shared her admiration for the Duterte family's leadership. She noted that nothing compared to the sense of order she experienced while living in Davao under their administration. However, the continued dominance of the Duterte family in Davao politics has drawn criticism from progressive groups. Bayan Australia spokesperson Raul Diche expressed frustration, claiming that people seem blind to the truth amid the enduring political dynasty. For Ness Gavanzo, Duterte's political resurgence is troubling, especially as the former president remains unaccountable for the thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to his anti-drug campaign. 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Philippines goes to polls amid high-stakes showdown between Marcos-Duterte dynasties
Millions of people in the Philippines are headed to the polls in the mid-term elections seen as a test of a long-running power struggle between president Ferdinand Marcos and impeached vice-president Sara Duterte. Though not running themselves, Mr Marcos Jr and Ms Duterte are aggressively campaigning for rival candidates, turning the vote into a proxy war between the two powerful dynasties. Over 18,000 positions are being contested, including mayors, governors, and members of the House of Representatives. The Senate race holds potentially major consequences for the 2028 presidential election in the nation of 110 million. On Monday, about 68 million Filipinos eligible to vote in the elections will vote at the polling stations with voting closing at 7pm local time. What's at stake? The race for 12 of the 24 Senate most-watched seats is crucial. A Marcos-aligned majority would allow the president to push through his legislative and economic agenda. At stake for Mr Marcos – the namesake and son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos – is his policy agenda, his legacy and influence over his succession in 2028 after he won the 2022 general election by a landslide. For Mr Marcos Jr, popularly known as Bongbong Marcos, the election victory in 2022 marked the stunning comeback of his family's political dynasty almost four decades after it was overthrown. For Ms Duterte, it is personal. The outcome could determine whether she survives an impending impeachment bid. The election is also crucial for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is imprisoned thousands of miles away in The Hague after he was arrested in March for his crimes against humanity over his so-called war on drugs. Mr Duterte is running as mayor of Davao, a position he held for over two decades before becoming president. He is widely expected to win, even it's less clear how he can practically serve as mayor from behind bars. Under Philippine law, candidates facing criminal charges, including those in detention, can run for office unless they have been convicted and have exhausted all appeals. Why the senate race matters The race would determine the political future of Ms Duterte, who could be permanently barred from public office if her impeachment trial, tentatively set for July, goes against her. She would need the support of at least nine senators to block a conviction at the impeachment trial in the 24-member Senate, and preserve any chance of continuing in public office – or mounting a future presidential run. The election has a new significance after the collapse of the once formidable 2022 alliance between Marcos and Duterte dynasties. However, their long-simmering acrimonious feud exploded in February after she was impeached by the House on allegations she misused funds, amassed unexplained wealth and threatened the lives of the president, first lady and the house speaker. She has denied the allegations against her and said last week that her and her family's name 'have been dragged through the mud'. 'Who will really benefit if the Duterte family is gone from this world? Not the Filipinos, not the victims of crime, the unemployed, the poor or even the hungry,' she asked at a rally. Just a month after her impeachment, her father was arrested and taken to the International Criminal Court. She has invoked her father's arrest at the rallies and accused Mr Marcos of selling out sovereignty by giving up a former president to a foreign court. Casting her vote on Monday, she said, "Whatever happens with the impeachment, whether a guilty (verdict) or acquittal, I'm ready for whatever happens'. She is considered a strong contender for the 2028 presidential race. But if convicted by the Senate, she will be removed as vice president and disqualified from holding public office. "The 2025 midterm elections will be crucial, because the results will set the pace for what will happen next, which family or faction will dominate the elections in 2028," said Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. If Ms Duterte is convicted in the impeachment trial, it could signal the end of the Duterte family holding key positions in the country, she said. What are the promises? The Marcos camp has framed the election around defending the Philippines' sovereignty, especially against China 's actions in the South China Sea, while Duterte's camp accuses the president of compromising national dignity by cooperating with the International Criminal Court. Mr Marcos has overseen a dramatic shift in foreign policy with his firm stance against China's assertive actions in the South China Sea central to his campaign. He has strengthened the Philippines' military alliance with the United States and taken a more assertive position against China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea. This marks a clear departure from Rodrigo Duterte's foreign policy, which was characterised by closer ties with Beijing and frequent criticism of Washington in his 2016-2022 presidency. Other key issues are food security and jobs with the Philippines posting a 5.4 per cent growth rate in the first quarter of the year. While that figure outpaces many economies globally, it still fell short of government projections, raising concerns about whether the Marcos administration's economic policies are delivering as promised. In a country of over 7,000 islands that heavily depends on its call centre industry and $38bn in annual remittances from overseas workers, even a modest economic slowdown can have wide-reaching impacts. The shortfall has given the president's critics, including the Duterte camp, an opening to question his economic stewardship and argue that ordinary Filipinos are yet to feel the benefits of that growth.
Bloomberg
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Political Dynasties Hold All the Power in the Philippines
In the Philippines, a handful of entrenched families shape public power, from the presidency down to the barangays, the most local level of government. Voters will once again be confronted with a host of recognizable names on the ballot in Monday's midterm elections. The result is a democracy built on inherited privilege, not merit. The race is being viewed as a dress rehearsal for the 2028 presidential contest — and a proxy war between two of the nation's most powerful clans: The Marcoses and the Dutertes. Along with the Aquinos and the Macapagal-Arroyos, these dynasties have ruled the country since 2001.
SBS Australia
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
SBS Filipino Radio Program, Wednesday 7 May 2025
How do you make time for your child during weekends or holidays in Australia? For SBS Examines, we explore the true impact of refugees on Australia's economy, and how human rights can be balanced with national development. What is a political dynasty, and how does it affect the Philippines? SBS Filipino 07/05/2025 51:50 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
