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Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Nearly 30 DAP MPs visit Umno HQ, hosted by Zahid
The DAP MPs were at the Umno HQ for a briefing on TVET hosted by deputy prime minister and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Close to 30 DAP MPs visited the Umno headquarters at Menara Dato Onn earlier this week, in what one leader described as a historic first for both parties. Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin said the MPs were there for a briefing on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), hosted by deputy prime minister and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid also chairs the national TVET council. 'It marked the first time that such a large group of DAP MPs visited Umno's headquarters, a sign of maturity and cooperation within the unity government,' Chan said in a Facebook post. 'The Madani government is not perfect. But we are serious in discharging our responsibilities. 'We are working to overcome ideological and party differences for the sake of national progress. Nation-building requires unity, not uniformity, and that's the spirit we're committed to.' The DAP leaders who attended the briefing included the party's secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, adviser Lim Guan Eng, and vice-chairman Chong Chieng Jen. Also present were Umno vice-president Johari Ghani and secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Umno played a key role in the formation of the unity government, joining hands with its former archenemy, DAP, in the aftermath of the 2022 general election. In June 2023, Loke joined Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Menara Dato Onn to attend that year's Umno general assembly, marking the first time that a DAP leader had attended the annual event. Zahid, Asyraf and Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir attended DAP's national convention several months later.


Malay Mail
31-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar Ibrahim between idealism and political reality — Muhamamd Makmun Rasyid
JULY 31 — Since assuming the role of Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has faced consistent scrutiny. While political opponents have unsurprisingly challenged his leadership, some of the more pointed critiques have come from within the reformist base that long supported his political journey. Their frustration is understandable. After more than two decades of anticipation, many had hoped that Anwar's premiership would usher in sweeping reforms with immediate impact. Yet, governance, particularly in the current Malaysian context, is far more complex than electoral slogans or ideological conviction. The political reality that Anwar now navigates is markedly different from that of the 1990s, when his reformist ideals first gained prominence. Today's Malaysia is defined by fragmented electoral mandates, multiparty coalitions, and an electorate that is increasingly polarised along ideological and ethno-religious lines. His unity government was forged not out of ideological alignment but political necessity, and it represents a precarious balance of competing interests. In such a context, pushing through bold reforms without broad consensus is not only risky but potentially destabilising. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks to the media after performing Friday prayers in Putrajaya July 18, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Some have mistaken Anwar's diplomacy and caution for indecision. But his approach is better understood as a form of political realism. Leading a coalition with divergent views requires negotiation, patience, and at times, delay. It is not that he lacks commitment to reform, but rather that he understands reform can only be sustained if it is rooted in political stability. Compromise in this setting should be seen not as capitulation but as strategy. Economic concerns remain at the forefront of public discourse. Anwar's critics argue that his administration has not done enough to address cost-of-living pressures or income inequality. However, these critiques often ignore the structural limitations inherited by his government. Malaysia is still recovering from the economic shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, grappling with global inflation, and managing a sizable national debt. These conditions require a steady fiscal hand rather than populist spending. Instead of short-term handouts, Anwar's government has prioritised targeted subsidies, responsible fiscal management, and the attraction of long-term investment. His focus on economic resilience over populist relief may not satisfy those in search of immediate benefits, but it reflects a long-view approach to governance. Efforts to boost investor confidence, revitalise industrial policy, and position Malaysia as a competitive player in sectors such as clean energy and digital technology show a strategic orientation toward sustainability. This is not a politics of spectacle but one of structural reform. In the realm of governance, Anwar has consistently voiced his commitment to transparency and institutional integrity. His administration has initiated steps to reform procurement practices, enhance oversight mechanisms, and restore public confidence in bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. These moves are incremental rather than revolutionary, but they matter. Reforming institutions is a gradual process, especially in a system where administrative norms and political culture have long been resistant to change. An often-overlooked dimension of Anwar's leadership is his civilisational idealism. This is most clearly articulated in his Malaysia Madani framework, which emphasises a values-based model of governance rooted in compassion, intellectualism, and inclusivity. For Anwar, Islam is not a political instrument but a moral compass for nation-building in a plural society. This vision reflects his long-standing belief that Malaysia can offer a model for coexistence between tradition and modernity, faith and reason, and majority and minority. However, this idealism is not without domestic friction. Some conservative quarters view Malaysia Madani with suspicion, fearing that it undermines traditional Islamic norms or dilutes Malay-Muslim identity. These anxieties are real and politically consequential. They reflect deeper tensions within Malaysian society about the role of religion in public life, and they serve as a reminder that visionary leadership often provokes resistance precisely because it seeks to move society forward. Anwar's idealism also extends beyond Malaysia's borders. At a media briefing in December 2024, he reaffirmed his belief in the need for global civilisational dialogue. His engagement with China's Global Civilisation Initiative, for instance, offers a diplomatic platform to promote peaceful coexistence between cultures and nations. This international orientation echoes themes from his seminal 1996 work, The Asian Renaissance, where he called for a revival of Asian values rooted in justice, dignity, and mutual respect. Yet, as with his domestic agenda, Anwar's civilisational outlook faces daunting challenges. Ongoing global conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, expose the limits of dialogue in a world still shaped by hard power, nationalism, and deep-rooted mistrust. The vision of cross-civilisational understanding remains distant and perhaps utopian in many corners of the world. Nevertheless, Anwar's persistence in championing engagement over isolation demonstrates a political ethos grounded in moral conviction rather than expediency. His message is clear: the path to peace and justice lies not in retreat but in sustained and difficult dialogue. To judge Anwar Ibrahim solely by the pace of his reforms would be to misread the broader narrative of his leadership. His political journey has never been linear, and his current role demands more than mere rhetoric. It requires statecraft. The balancing act he performs each day involves navigating competing domestic interests, managing global relationships, stabilising a fragile economy, and advancing a reform agenda in a resistant system. This is no small task, and it is one that few leaders are equipped to handle with both patience and principle. Malaysia does not need a leader who promises miracles. It needs a leader who understands the constraints of the moment and works within them to build the foundations of long-term progress. Anwar Ibrahim may not deliver instant change, but his leadership is shaped by a belief that democracy, justice, and coexistence are not abstract ideals. They are objectives that must be pursued with persistence, humility, and realism. In an era dominated by populism and political performance, perhaps the true measure of reform is not how loudly it is declared but how steadily it is pursued. Anwar's legacy will ultimately rest not on how much he promises but on how much he builds that endures. * Muhamamd Makmun Rasyid is a founder of the Centre for Indonesian Crisis Strategic Resolution (CICSR) ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.


Free Malaysia Today
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Taxi drivers' group to hold Kekal Anwar rally, PM invited
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has the vision and capability to steer the country towards a more just and prosperous future, said GTSM president Kamarudin Hussain. KUALA LUMPUR : A group representing taxi drivers has announced plans to hold a rally to express support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government at Dataran Merdeka on Sept 27. Dubbed Kekal Anwar, the rally is aimed at highlighting public support for Anwar's leadership and his unity administration's efforts to carry out reforms. Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia president Kamarudin Hussain said they believe Anwar has the vision and capability to steer the country towards a more just and prosperous future. He also said continued political stability was crucial to sustaining economic development and improving public welfare. 'We may only represent a small segment of society, but we believe our voice and our presence will have an impact not only within the country but also in the eyes of the international community,' Kamarudin, a PKR member, said at a press conference here today. GTSM president Kamarudin Hussain (centre) at a press conference with other members of the group, as they shout a slogan in support of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The former Selayang PKR chief issued a formal invitation to Anwar, who is also PKR president, to attend the rally in person. He also invited students, civil society groups and political parties under both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to the rally, urging them to stand together in stating their support for the current government. This follows the PAS Youth-organised Turun Anwar rally which took place at the same location on Saturday, attended by nearly 20,000 people. Multiple opposition leaders had attended the rally, including Perikatan Nasional, Urimai, Muda and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with demonstrators voicing dissatisfaction with the government and calling on Anwar to resign.


Free Malaysia Today
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal leader's insult pushed GRS into unity govt, says Hajiji
GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said many of Sabah's demands were approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whereas previous leaders found difficulty in devolving power to the state. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A federal leader's disdain for the proposed 'Borneo Bloc' political cooperation led Gabungan Rakyat Sabah into supporting Anwar Ibrahim's formation of the unity government after the 2022 general election, GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said today. Speaking at the annual convention of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, he said a former federal leader, whom he did not name, had dismissed the idea of Bornean cooperation. 'I was with Masidi Manjun and Jeffrey Kitingan in a meeting with a big leader over there (in Peninsular Malaysia) at the time. The person said they were the masters. He did not like the Borneo Bloc. He did not want us to share our experiences and stories with our neighbouring state of Sarawak,' he said. 'I was shocked by his words. I thought about them for a long time. What did they mean? What was his intent? As I thought about it, I lost heart (tawar hati) in these people,' he said in a video of his speech published on Facebook by Sabah Media. Hajiji said it was after much thought that he finally decided that GRS would support the unity government being formed by Anwar. Since then, he said Anwar's government 'has listened to our voices, and we have been treated well', and reiterated that GRS remained in support of the prime minister. Hajiji said many of Sabah's demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 were approved by Anwar, as opposed to previous leaders who found difficulty in devolving power to the state. 'So what are we hoping for? If the unity government is good for our state, why shouldn't we support it?' he said. In March, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said the unity government had successfully resolved nine key claims related to MA63, including power to regulate gas supply in Sabah, the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak, and guidelines on land reserved for federal purposes in the two states.


Free Malaysia Today
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Unity govt not perfect but willing to improve, says Anwar
Led by the opposition, nearly 20,000 people gathered at Dataran Merdeka yesterday to call for Anwar Ibrahim to step down as prime minister. PETALING JAYA : The unity government may not be perfect but it is open to improving on any of its weaknesses, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said his government was imperfect but remained open to taking in the views and suggestions given by other parties, Berita Harian reported. 'If there are any weaknesses, we can improve on them. I'm not saying that what we're doing is perfect, but we are always listening (to feedback) and ready to adapt where needed,' he was quoted as saying. Led by the opposition, nearly 20,000 people gathered at Dataran Merdeka yesterday for the Turun Anwar rally to call for Anwar to step down as prime minister. Aside from opposition MPs, the rally was attended by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar had reminded his political rivals to continue discussing and raising their concerns in Parliament and not just on the streets.