PMX mocked for re-affirming “I’m still PM of the day” regardless of Johor state polls’ outcome

PMX mocked for re-affirming “I’m still PM of the day” regardless of Johor state polls’ outcome

PAKATAN Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim found himself stepping on the tail of staunch Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters when be rebutted their aggressive campaign with the notion that his premiership position will not be affected by outcome of the July 11 Johor state election.


“If (PH) wins the Johor state polls, I’m the PM, even if it loses, I’m still the PM. I say this not to be arrogant but as a reminder of the need to speak carefully,” he spoke at the Kita Genk Madani X Anak Muda Bukit Batu programme in Taman Tropika, Kulai yesterday (July 4) afternoon.


I’m not here to stir up a quarrel but to tell you not to worry about projects such as highways, Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, Elevated Automated Transit Line (E-ART) which are under federal jurisdiction for we shall implement them.

“But in Johor, low-cost houses for the rakyat or stalls for them to do business is under the state government’s jurisdiction, not the federal.

The PKR president further reminded Johorians, especially the young, not to be influenced by the incitement of racial hatred as if a change of the Johor state government will put the fate and future of the Malays in jeopardy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (seated) in the company of some Kulai senior folks with Bukit Batu PH-PKR candidate Arthur Chiong Sen Sern

“There are those who claimed that the Malays will be wiped out if there’s a change in (state) government. I’ve been PM for more than three years, so have the Malays been wiped out?” he jibed.


‘Road to XPM-ship’

However, PMX found himself mocked by detractors who ironically comprised so-called UMNO ally at the federal level but enemy at state level who worse still, enjoy the backing of PAS diehards in what is deemed as a secret UMNO-PAS pact.

The ground feel of “a desperado is speaking in the final chapter of his reign” filled the comment section of the MalaysiaGazette Facebook video of PMX’s speech which has amassed 714K views, 21K likes and 8.7K comments at the time of writing.


“Speech from a genius who has forgotten that there is another sky above the sky,” philosophised a commenter with another wondered if he (PMX) felt that “he’s already falling”.

Few commenters reminded PMX not to be big-headed given his position was “courtesy of charity (thanks to the formation of the unity government as opposed to winning the national polls)” while one summed up the entire self-assessment as “Road to XPM”.

“Such are the words of a PM? ” chided one commenter with another taking a swipe at Madani backers for believing in what came out of PMX’s mouth.


Some commenters belittled PMX as if he felt himself inferior to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi till he has to publicly re-affirm his stature while others remind him “not to eksyen (slang for being boastful)” given he “is still the PM even when oil prices having spiralled”.

The bottom-line as one social media-savvy commenter put it, “the laughing emoji says it all

Earlier, PMX snubbed the Johor government’s decision to dissolve its state assembly early by contending that an early election was no guarantee of a bigger victory for BN.

“They think that by calling the election early, they will win more seats. Not necessarily,” he asserted. “The earlier they hold it, the more they may lose.”

Recall that the Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 5 which is about 15 months before its term was due to expire.

For the upcoming state polls, PH is fielding candidates in all 56 state seats, comprising 20 candidates from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP.

Overall, the Johor state election sees a total of 172 candidates contesting with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7.

SEMENT

The Johor-SEZ is turning into another conflict between BN and PH

The Johor-SEZ is turning into another conflict between BN and PH

JOHOR Chief Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi criticised the Federal Government for repeatedly delaying the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan.


Originally slated for late 2025 and rescheduled to March 30, 2026, the plan faces further postponements, which Onn Hafiz argues hampers investor certainty and economic momentum.


In a statement released on Thursday (July 2), Onn Hafiz said that the JS-SEZ master plan was originally scheduled to be launched at the end of 2025, but this was later rescheduled for March 30, 2026.

“It has now been postponed once again,” he wrote.

“The master plan does not need to wait until the Leaders’ Retreat at the end of this year to be launched, as it does not require the approval of the Singapore government.


“In fact, the relevant agencies from Singapore, Malaysia, and Johor have already provided their input and feedback,” Onn Hafiz added.


Onn Hafiz also stressed that the matter “should not be delayed any further”.

“It concerns providing certainty for investors, as well as setting out the direction for key sectors, investment zones, incentives, infrastructure, talent development, and coordination among agencies,” he added.

Economic Minister Akmal Nasir countered that the delays have not hurt investor numbers, which remain strong.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned Onn Hafiz for turning the JS-SEZ into state election campaign material, calling the move “unwise”, “incorrect,” and “ungrateful”.

Anwar emphasised that the project is a heavily funded federal initiative and that final agreements are to be signed between the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, not at the menteri besar level.

“The matter of signing it is between the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Prime Minister of Singapore. It has not (reached the level of) the menteri besar yet.

“So there is no need to make it an issue, as until now the project is ongoing with high expenditure and also receives assistance from the Central Government.

“Not only is he ungrateful, he (used the issue) during the campaign to criticise; this is incorrect and not smart,” he said when met after Friday prayers at the As-Sodiqin Mosque, Taman Kobena on Friday (July 3). — July 4, 2026

‘Very dangerous’ super typhoon nears US Pacific islands

‘Very dangerous’ super typhoon nears US Pacific islands



This satellite image handout from the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) in partnership with the Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch (RAMMB/NOAA) and the Colorado State University (CSU) taken on July 5, 2026 at 01:20 UTC shows the super typhoon Bavi as it develops and nears Guam and the Northern Mariana islands in the western Pacific Ocean. —NOAA handout via AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 05 Jul 2026 5:03 PM MYT


NEW YORK, July 5 — People in Guam and the Northern Marianas moved to emergency evacuation centers and made last-minute preparations today, hours before a “super typhoon” was projected to bulldoze through the US Pacific territories.


Super Typhoon Bavi was forecast to roar westwards over the area at around 10am tomorrow (6pm Malaysian time) with winds of 260 kilometres per hour — equivalent to a category 5 hurricane — and gusts of up to 315 kph.


The National Weather Service (NWS) called the typhoon “very dangerous”, warning of “tropical storm force” winds from Sunday afternoon or evening and “catastrophic” damage near the system’s center later.

“Significant flooding from torrential rains, and coastal inundation are expected,” the NWS said, with projected waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters) — the height of a 10-storey building — creating “extremely dangerous” conditions at sea.

There were few cars on the roads in Guam on Sunday as heavy rain and strong winds lashed the island.


Pinky Cubacub, 55, said as she boarded up the windows of her eatery that she had lined up early on Saturday to buy $500 worth of plywood at a lumber store.

“I cannot afford to lose so many days. It hurts,” she told AFP. “Because I just started, whatever we’re making right now is just for rent, utilities, and my people, and supplies. I don’t even pay myself yet.”


Call center employee Arabella Paulino, 48, said: “My girls were saying to me it’s scary. But it will be okay.”

“My house is concrete, so the worst that can happen is a window could blow in,” she told AFP.

Japanese tourist Miku Sakurai, 25, was supposed to fly back to Tokyo with her friends on Sunday but their flight was cancelled because of the weather.

“We will stay in the hotel when the storm comes. I am scared,” the office worker told AFP.

Around a dozen surfers, however, were making the most of the windy conditions at one beach in Guam’s Talofofo Bay.

“There’s quite a lot of debris in the water but it’s a lot of fun,” said one of them.

‘Praying’

The Northern Marianas in the western Pacific has a population of around 40,000, and nearby Guam — a separate US territory, although both are part of the Marianas archipelago — about 170,000.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit the region in mid-April, knocked out power for tens of thousands of inhabitants, uprooted trees, overturned cars and ripped metal roofs off buildings.

In 2023 another massive typhoon, Mawar, the biggest in decades, caused devastation too.

This morning, Bavi was forecast to pass nearest to Rota, a small island roughly halfway between Guam and Saipan, the Northern Marianas’ main island and home to around 1,500 people.

“By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, neighbors and community. We pray for the safety of our people,” Rota mayor Aubry Hocog said.

Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were on the ground in Guam and its distribution center was stocked with 1.1 million liters of water, 1.2 million meals, 6,700 cots and 90 generators.

The NWS said the “window to evacuate or seek shelter is closing”, and Guam opened five evacuation centers in schools with total capacity of 1,900, primarily for those in vulnerable homes.

Authorities had “learned a lot of lessons that came from Mawar” and were better prepared when Sinlaku hit, said local official Damon Michael Borja, noting areas such as electricity and water supply “and just overall the health and safety of our people.”

From “almost three months to get power and water back on for all the places during Mawar, Sinlaku took almost… three weeks,” Borja told AFP at Guam’s Homeland Security headquarters.

El Nino

The world’s oceans experienced their hottest June on record and could set fresh highs in the months ahead, the European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service said on Wednesday.

Warmer oceans help tropical storms to intensify and add more moisture, which can fall as heavy rain.

The World Meteorological Organization warned on Friday that El Nino, which typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts nine to 12 months, has already begun in the tropical Pacific and is likely to be strong.

The natural climate phenomenon warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. — AFP

From shopping carts to prayer mats: Minister wants Friday prayers expanded to malls nationwide

From shopping carts to prayer mats: Minister wants Friday prayers expanded to malls nationwide



Islamic Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan says after malls, the government hopes to expand prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas, to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 05 Jul 2026 4:52 PM MYT


BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 5 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has welcomed states across the country to hold Friday prayers at shopping malls, following the positive response to the initiative at several locations in the Federal Territories.

Zulkifli said the initiative was first introduced in the Federal Territories through a collaboration between the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), as it falls under the jurisdiction of the two agencies.

“So far, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC, while discussions are underway to expand the initiative to several other locations.

“As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join us. Insya-Allah, I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response,” he told reporters after officiating the national-level Multaqa Madani Ulama Umara and the launch of the Madani Mushaf at Masjid Timah in Permatang Pauh here today.


Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 registered Friday surau, and more than 18,000 surau nationwide, served by a total of 11,000 imams who receive monthly allowances.

Zulkifli said he also received enquiries from the management of several shopping malls interested in establishing a Friday surau after seeing the encouraging response to the initiative.

He said malls that introduced such facilities had become more vibrant and attracted higher visitor numbers.


He added that several states had also expressed interest in the initiative, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings, although discussions were still at an early stage.

“That is why more shopping mall managements are approaching us to explore the possibility of implementing the initiative at their premises. Beyond shopping malls, we also plan to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas, to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the Rakan Muda Rakan Masjid programme would be expanded nationwide to encourage greater youth participation in enlivening mosques through a range of religious, community and recreational activities.

He said the programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is being rolled out in stages across the country, including in Penang. The initiative aims to bring young people closer to mosques through activities that match their interests, such as sports, recreational pursuits and social programmes.

“In the Federal Territories, we have brought together mosque youth committees from more than 75 mosques, which are now actively organising various programmes for the community. The government will also continue to strengthen the role of mosques nationwide as part of its efforts to enhance the administration of Islamic affairs,” he said. — Bernama

PRN JOHOR: Bagaimana pula dengan nasib rakyat Johor?

 

OutSyed The Box

Saturday, July 4, 2026

PRN JOHOR: Bagaimana pula dengan nasib rakyat Johor?

 

11 Julai, pengundi Johor akan sekali lagi keluar mengundi dalam Pilihan Raya Negeri. Sedikit maklum balas menunjukkan UMNO/BN dijangka menang besar di Johor. Ada yang mengatakan UMNO/BN boleh menang lebih daripada 40 kerusi (daripada 56 kerusi yang dipertandingkan). Ada juga yang kata UMNO mungkin dapat kurang daripada 40 kerusi, tapi akan tetap membentuk kerajaan negeri.

Beberapa faktor menjadi penentu. Jentera UMNO diketuai oleh Hishammuddin Hussein Onn, anak jati Johor yang mempunyai keturunan dan latar belakang Johor yang masih laku (di kalangan pengundi Melayu). Satu lagi aset UMNO ialah Menteri Besar Johor, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, yang juga mendapat penerimaan yang baik daripada orang Johor.

Terdapat juga seorang lagi tokoh gergasi yang dikhabarkan mahu melihat UMNO menang. Saya tidak akan menyatakan siapa tokoh gergasi itu. Yang lebih penting, saya dengar "Wak" telah diminta jangan terlalu menonjol dalam kempen. Biar senyap dan profil rendah dan jangan terlalu tunjuk muka depan orang. Orang Johor bukan suka sangat pada Wak. Satu Malaysia pun tak suka dia.  

Perkembangan lain juga sedang berlaku. Jika UMNO menang besar di Johor, dan mereka dijangka akan menang, maka imej Hishammuddin Onn dalam parti UMNO akan kembali pulih. UMNO  benar-benar memerlukan kepimpinan baharu, dan Hishammuddin dijangka boleh berada dalam kedudukan yang baik untuk mengambil alih jawatan Presiden parti. So brother Hisham make sure you win big.

Tetapi bagaimana pula dengan rakyat Johor? Apakah nasib mereka? Orang Johor perlu tanya satu soalan yang paling asas — apakah nasib saya bertambah baik dalam tempoh empat tahun yang lalu?

Pilihan raya datang dan pergi, tetapi adakah kehidupan rakyat Johor benar-benar berubah? Atau pi mai pi mai tang tu juga? Harga rumah di Johor telah meningkat dengan ketara. Pembeli Melayu biasa tidak lagi mampu membeli rumah teres dua tingkat yang kini dijual jauh melebihi RM500,000 di sekitar Johor Bahru. Pangsapuri juga sering kali berada di luar kemampuan isi rumah Melayu biasa. Tanpa bekerja di seberang Causeway di Singapura, rakyat Johor tempatan kini tidak mampu lagi membeli-belah di Orchard Road. Nilai Dolar Singapura kini mencecah RM3.15.

Jadi ini hanya satu lagi pusingan pilihan raya. Pada 11 Julai, tuan-tuan pengundi Johor diminta bangun pagi, gosok gigi, minum kopi dan sila pergi buang undi. Tetapi adakah PRN ini benar-benar membawa makna kepada para pengundi Johor? Adakah ia benar-benar membawa perubahan yang positif dalam kehidupan mereka? Adakah akan bertambah peluang pekerjaan yang mencukupi untuk mereka? Adakah anak-anak mereka akan dapat pekerjaan yang baik di Johor? Atau adakah mereka terpaksa berhijrah ke Lembah Klang dengan harapan mendapat peluang hidup yang lebih baik? Atau menyeberangi Causeway untuk bekerja 'manual worker' di Singapura?

Bukan sahaja rakyat Johor, tapi semua pengundi Malaysia, khususnya pengundi Melayu, perlu merenungkan persoalan ini. Apakah sebenarnya yang dibawa oleh pilihan raya? Adakah kehidupan anda benar-benar menjadi lebih baik? Anda yang bukan termasuk dalam kalangan orang kaya dan terkenal?  Atau pi mai pi mai tang tu juga?

Puad slams Umno leader for suggesting that he join DAP

Puad slams Umno leader for suggesting that he join DAP


An Umno Supreme Council member had mocked Puad Zarkashi, who quit the party recently, for supporting PH candidates in the Johor polls

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi at a campaign event at Felda Ulu Tebrau to support PH candidate Maszlee Malik on Friday night. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has hit back at a remark suggesting that he should join DAP following his involvement in campaigning for Pakatan Harapan for the Johor state election.

Puad was one of the speakers at a campaign event at Felda Ulu Tebrau last night in support of PH candidate Maszlee Malik, where PH chairman and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the main speaker.

Following this, Umno Supreme Council member Razlan Rafii, who is also party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s political secretary, mocked Puad and suggested that he join DAP.

Puad said such remarks reflect the narrow mindset of some Umno leaders who still rely on outdated narratives.

“They are still practising small-minded politics. Do Umno leaders think that Umno will gain Malay support by associating anyone with DAP?” he said on Facebook.


“Umno is increasingly out of touch with Gen Z and Gen Alpha voters. That is why I say Umno, which is already 80 years old, should be led by the fourth generation of Umno leaders, not recycled leaders. But Umno leaders are very stubborn.

“PH and Barisan Nasional are part of the same federal government, which I support. So, there is nothing wrong with me appearing on a PH stage.”

The former Rengit assemblyman has been openly critical of Umno since he resigned from the party on June 25, including claiming that it lacks autonomy in decision-making.

He also questioned BN’s selection of candidates for the Johor state election, including its decision to field former Bersatu assemblyman Alwiyah Talib in the Endau seat.

Puad has expressed support for PH candidate Yazid Bakri for the Rengit seat, which is being defended by BN’s Zaidi Japar.

Anwar says federal govt saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1b annual debt

Anwar says federal govt saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1b annual debt



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government is now saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1 billion annual debt, as a direct result of past 

First Published: Sunday, 05 Jul 2026 9:57 AM MYT
Last Modified: Sunday, 05 Jul 2026 10:02 AM MYT


JOHOR BAHRU, July 5 — The federal government is now saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1 billion annual debt, as a direct result of past administrative failures, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said his administration has no choice but to shoulder the financial burden to protect the welfare and survival of Felda settlers.

Speaking as Finance Minister, he noted that Felda was once exceptionally well-managed but went into decline after a leadership change, dealing a heavy blow to both the institution and its settlers.

“Every year, we have to service nearly RM1 billion in debt. What did the settlers do wrong? During Raja Alias’s time (Tun Raja Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali), it was managed well. Then others came and ruined it,” he said.


He was speaking at the Johor Youth Open Dialogue programme at Dewan Felda Ulu Tebrau last night.

Also present was Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Puteri Wangsa, Dr Maszlee Malik.

Meanwhile, Anwar voiced strong confidence in Johor’s future, driven by strategic initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), now underway.


He said Johor’s geographical position and vast potential position it as a growth catalyst, not just for the domestic market, but regionally too.

The Prime Minister reiterated his belief that the southern state could become an economic powerhouse akin to Shenzhen in China.

However, he stressed that amid major federal projects like the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, the welfare of ordinary citizens remains a priority.

He stressed that physical development and billions in investment ringgit would be meaningless if rural and fringe communities remain trapped in poverty.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said change must come at the state level to ensure the poor are never sidelined.

“Our responsibility is clear: Johor must change. The state is advanced and full of potential, but we need to be more compassionate towards those struggling,” he said.

The dialogue is part of Anwar’s campaign blitz for the 16th Johor State Election, covering seven locations across the state yesterday.

A total of 172 candidates are vying for 56 state seats in the election, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. PH is contesting all 56 state seats, with 20 from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama

Contrast of fortune between two new-gen DAP ex-lawmakers – Tony Pua and Ong Kian Ming

Contrast of fortune between two new-gen DAP ex-lawmakers – Tony Pua and Ong Kian Ming

THE past week has been so ttelling and must as well be a yardstick to gauge the popularity of two former DAP new generation lawmakers, both of whom are currently ‘operating’ behind the curtains – Tony Pua and Ong Kian Ming. Both did not contest in the November 2022 15th General Election (GE15).

Lion-hearted Pua who was the two-term Petaling Jaya Utara and one-term Damansara MP was in the limelight for the right reason so to speak as he alongside DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng courteously stated their ground over the LRT3 Shah Alam project delay after being admonished by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

In fact, this is the second time that Pua who was Guan Eng’s aide when he was the finance minister found himself at odds with the Selangor Palace, the first was when he came to the defence of DAP Seri Kembangan state assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki and ex-party stalwart Ronnie Liu in the pig farming controversy.

Ironically, being labelled “biadap” (disrespectful) and “pengkhianat” (traitor) by the rightist fraternity seem have music to the ear effect on DAP’s grassroots who hailed the University of Oxford’s Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree holder for his heroics.

Editor’s Note: Moreover, Pua, 53, also attracted some 140 police reports for his 3R (race, religion, royalty) “constitutional monarch bears limited power” incitement.


Truth hurts

On the other extreme, Ong who was a two-term former lawmaker (one-term each Serdang and Bangi) found himself in an antagonistic position among DAP loyalists for predicting a dooms day scenario as in a crushing defeat for the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition come the July 11 Johor state election.

“It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Barisan Nasional (BN) will maintain control of the state assembly,” projected the research-inclined political scientist and adjunct professor at Taylor’s University in a recent media statement.

“The only question is how many seats with the BN win and what implications will this have on the Negeri Sembilan polls which will take place on Aug 1 and how may the results in both state elections affect the stability of the federal government and the calling of the GE16.”

Editor’s Note: In his pro-BN scenario which has more than 50% chance of happening, Ong expects BN to win 53 out of 56 state seats with PH taking the remaining three seats.

In the pro-PN scenario which is not likely (and even less likely after the “divorce” between PAS and Bersatu), PN is expected to win 25 state seats with BN (21) with PH (10).

Even in the pro-PH scenario, Ong expects BN to still win with a comfortable majority of 39 seats with PH taking 14 and PN (three). As such, BN is most likely form the state government with PN, hence leaving PH in the opposition.


Inevitably, brickbats were hurled at Ong, 50, for his pessimistic PH fortune on the Malaysiakini Facebook page with one commenter sarcastically mocked, “KJ (will offer him minister post. He will join UMNO soon”.

JOHOR POLLS | A study by former DAP lawmaker Ong Kian Ming predicts a bleak outcome for Pakatan Harapan in the Johor state election, projecting that the coalition could face an almost complete wipeout at the hands of BN.

In a statement, the former Bangi MP said he did an early projection of three likely scenarios for the state polls, all of which conclude that BN will maintain control of the state albeit with different degrees of success.

However, Ong pointed out it is most likely that BN will bag almost every state assembly seat as Harapan faces a huge trust deficit among Chinese and Indian voters.

843

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Veteran journalist and former The Sun executive editor Lee Boon Siew reckoned that while “OKM’s prediction is based on observations and recent political wheeling and dealing”, the Chinese electorate could spring a surprise.

“Anybody can make such predictions. But I know that the Chinese are a realistic lot. They will know who to vote to maintain their political power,” he opined.

Some DAP loyalists urged Ong to leave DAP given “people who gracefully accept defeat are known as a good loser”.

One commenter even cautioned against a potential royal pardon for disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak should BN win big in the Johor state polls.

Well, maybe having faith in the spiritual path is the answer to all uncertainties given “Man proposes. God disposes”.

“Continue to pray for God’s bountiful blessings upon all DAP candidates to secure their victory against all odds n that Chinese and Indian voters will give their support to DAP candidates as DAP ministers are doing their best to better lives of rakyat,” preached one commenter.

“Moreover, they’re clean, capable and just in discharging their duties. Pray that voters come out in full force to support DAP – not BN – as DAP is definitely a better choice.” – July 5, 2026

***

OKM is a politico-social scientist and furnishes forecasts based on researched data, not emotional party affiliations - it's typical of Rocket diehards, but grossly emotional and unfair to tell OKM to leave the party, especially as we know OKM is a good humble bloke.

OTOH, the other bloke is arrogant, stubbornly proud and thinks he knows it all, thus offending HRH not just once but twice - yes, he might have been right but sometimes, especially in Malaysia, it doesn't do well to earn for the party an anti-royalty stigma.

Zahid says he forgave KJ for past criticism

Zahid says he forgave KJ for past criticism

UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi commented on his reunion with former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin or KJ, saying the latter was ‘nervous’ to share the stage with him for past mistakes he made.

He commented on KJ’s criticism of him after being subjected to disciplinary action, which resulted in KJ’s expulsion from the party, three years ago.

“KJ is nervous to speak and share the stage with me tonight; he is nervous because he knows he once made a mistake.

“But leaders with a big soul will never leave the party. I also admit that maybe I have made mistakes,” he said while speaking at the Himpunan Anak Tiram programme in Kota Masai here last night (July 3).

However, Zahid stated he has fully forgiven KJ for all past criticisms, adding that while they might not be outwardly affectionate, their hearts are reunited for the sake of the UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) struggle.

“Even though people do not see me kissing on the mouth with KJ, our hearts are united again because of the UMNO struggle, the BN struggle.

“It is not easy to accept what has KJ not said about me, but I completely forgive whatever mistakes that were ever committed by him,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said he was in an awkward position when it came to the federal government and the elections in Johor.

He said he is being stuck like a “sandwich”, flanked by Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his right and DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook on his left.

He reminded PH leaders that they should be grateful to BN. He pointed out that PH’s 82 parliamentary seats were insufficient to govern, and they only managed to form the federal government because BN backed them with its 30 seats. — July 4, 2026

Rohingya community caught living in bungalows; are they truly oppressed?

Rohingya community caught living in bungalows; are they truly oppressed?

By CS Ming

WHILE home ownership remains out of reach for the average Malaysian, it appears the Rohingya migrants are having it good and comfortable here, at least in Kedah.

This statement is best represented by a recent video which surfaced on the X social media platform. Footage in the video showed a stretch of bungalows which a male narrator claimed were populated by a Rohingya community.

From the size of the landed properties, it appears the migrant community there should be living prosperously too. Apparently the location was at Bukit Pinang, a town in Alor Setar.

Netizens who watched the video have much to say about the topic too as can be seen in the comment section.

For example, @yfill1 compared them to a cancerous growth, further cautioning that the migrants who were born here will behave even worse.

A very angry @sparkfinders2 even tagged all the authorities including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to help solve the migrant problem.

Then there was @SShaiffu stating that nothing will happen to them as they are protected by the government of Malaysia.

Imagine Malaysians living in small units in high rise apartments, and these supposedly migrants get to live in such spacious areas.

But from the video, it can be seen that the materials used to build the bungalows are not very high quality. The place looks quite dirty and rundown too.

Also, bungalows shouldn’t be too expensive in laidback, backwater places like Bukit Pinang.

Whether the claims made in the viral video are accurate is ultimately a matter for the authorities to establish, not social media. If the settlement is legal, the public deserves a clear explanation.

After all, what frustrates many Malaysians is not simply the sight of landed homes, but the perception that rules are applied differently depending on who you are.

Until those questions are answered, speculation will continue to fill the vacuum. And in today’s social media age, rumours tend to travel much faster than official statements.—July 3, 2026

Main image: @bckupacc99 (X)

Puad Zarkashi shows up at PH program, greeted with a hug from Anwar

Puad Zarkashi shows up at PH program, greeted with a hug from Anwar


Mohd Puad's arrival at the program was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister, who shook hands before the two hugged as soon as Anwar arrived at about 9.40 pm

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 05 Jul 2026 7:45AM

Mohd Puad announced his exit from UMNO with immediate effect on June 25. - July 5, 2026



FORMER UMNO Supreme Working Council (MKT) member, Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, stole the stage when he showed up at the Youth Open Dialogue program attended by Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Felda Ulu Tebrau, last night.

Mohd Puad's arrival at the program was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister, who shook hands before the two hugged as soon as Anwar arrived at about 9.40 pm.

Mohd Puad said his presence was to fulfil a friend's invitation and to express support for PH's candidate for the Puteri Wangsa State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Dr Maszlee Malik.

Earlier, the former Rengit State Assemblyman (ADUN) announced his support for PH candidate Mohamad Yazid Bakri, who is contesting for the Rengit State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat through a poster uploaded on his Facebook page.

Mohd Puad announced his exit from UMNO with immediate effect on June 25.

Party Secretary-General, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, then claimed that Mohd Puad had threatened to leave the party and publicly criticise it if his son was not nominated for the Rengit seat. – July 5, 2026

10,000 PN 'ghost' voters will be kingmakers in JB's Malay-majority seat

10,000 PN 'ghost' voters will be kingmakers in JB's Malay-majority seat

Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: Jul 5, 2026 7:00 AM
Updated: 10:39 AM



JOHOR POLLS | At a local breakfast spot in Bandar Baru Uda, an urban enclave under the Larkin seat in Johor Bahru, amid sips of iced tea and warm coffee, a hot topic stirred excitement: who would get the Perikatan Nasional voters this election?

Up until the week before nomination day, Larkin appeared to be cut roughly into thirds.

According to the 15th general election voting data, more than a third voted Pakatan Harapan, almost a third voted for BN, and slightly less than a third voted for Bersatu/PN.

But with PN sitting out the race this time, their entire slice of the pie is suddenly up for grabs - and the remaining contenders are starved for it.

Crucially, Bersatu’s absence could mean Malay voters are less split, which will benefit BN and disadvantage Harapan in a seat where 64 percent of the electorate are Malay.

With almost 10,000 PN supporters believed to be permanently residing in the constituency, these voters are crucial to the race.

But despite their numbers, after days of searching, Malaysiakini only met a smattering of voters who indicated they voted for PN in the last election.

In fact, a local Umno councillor who spoke to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity described the past Bersatu voters as “ghosts”, who would only make their presence known on polling day.

However, there are clues as to where their votes might be headed, at least among those who were Bersatu members.


Muhyiddin, Hamzah factors

Conversations with current and former Bersatu contacts indicate that the local party division appears to have collapsed in the split between Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin loyalists and those aligned to his former deputy Hamzah Zainudin.

The local Bersatu chief, Zulkifli Bujang - who came in second place for the Larkin race in the last state polls - has quit the party and is leading the Johor chapter of Hamzah’s Reset movement.

The collapse is likely the reason why Bersatu did not put a candidate in Larkin this time around despite its strong performance at the ballot box in both 2022 elections.

It also suggests that the bulk of Bersatu members in Larkin are aligned with Hamzah’s new outfit Parti Wawasan Negara and its patron PAS - and that they will follow the Islamist party’s directive to vote for BN in seats where PN is not contesting.

This theory is supported by observations at the Larkin flats, which in past elections reflected the voter split in the constituency.

Residents met by Malaysiakini overwhelmingly voiced support for BN incumbent Hairi Shah, citing various forms of state assistance under the BN-led administration.


READ MORE: Behind the narrative: Why 25 Johor BN seats are actually at risk


Met at her sundry shop on the ground floor of Larkin Flat, Ratna Bakhtiar, 52, said, “My hope is that the current situation is the best we have, we are taken care of by Hairi. Hopefully that will not change.”

However, she was quick to add, “Here you can see all the ‘blue’ but sometimes, suddenly, a voter may turn ‘red’.”

Businessperson Ratna Bakhtiar


Noting that there could be disappointment over Bersatu’s absence from the candidates’ list, she said, “People will vote for who they see, but you can’t know for sure how they truly feel.”

“We here have learnt a lesson from the previous state government before 2022. Now, Larkin Flat is more developed.

“Some people mock the MB as a ‘budak’ (child) but for us, no matter what, he came down to the ground here and asked what we needed.

“He made sure to monitor the progress and that all the promises of development are kept,” said Ratna.


Popular Hairi

It is a sentiment that is expected to be repeated in Larkin’s other Malay-majority polling districts, including Uda Malinja - where the cafe in Bandar Baru Uda is located. This is the district where PN won the most votes during the 2022 polls.

Even among those determined to see BN fall like Mustafa Awang, there’s an acknowledgement that Hairi is no slouch.

Voter Mustafa Awang

“The Malays in (Uda Malinja) will likely side with BN, because Hairi is always around, unlike (Harapan candidate) Suhaizan Kaiat who is new here,” the 70-year-old said when met at the cafe, while another friend who declined to be named nodded silently.

Mustafa’s other friend - Abdul Rahman Hashim - echoed similar sentiments.

“Some voters may be satisfied with Hairi, especially those who have received a lot of assistance.

“For them, Bersatu is no longer a viable option, so they might as well vote for the current government,” he said.

Despite this, Mustafa believes that not all Bersatu supporters are ready to vote for BN.

READ MORE: PAS-BN electoral play in 23 seats faces Bersatu wildcard

“I think the swing is more likely to benefit Harapan because many people in Bersatu have fallen out with Umno,” he said.

Muhyiddin supporter Yazli Hussin, meanwhile, said PN’s infighting and PAS’ directive to vote BN in certain seats like Larkin have left him at a loss.

Larkin residents Yazli Hussin with his wife

“Previously, Bersatu itself, under ‘Abah’ (Muhyiddin), had started to look like it was on the right track.

“But people began questioning the party again because of all the infighting.

“That left us wondering who we should support,” the father of 11 said while he was having breakfast with his wife.

However, there actually is a clear way forward for Muhyiddin's loyalists.


Bersama’s entry

When contacted, Johor Bersatu secretary Samsudin Ismail said that where there is no PN, the instruction is to vote "other than BN and Harapan".

And in Larkin, that leaves only Parti Bersama Malaysia aspirant Norsinah Abu.

Bersama is looking to make an impact at the ballot box on July 11, and appears determined not to rely solely on disgruntled non-Malay Harapan supporters.

But support from Malays for the kancil party is expected to be limited, with Rahman saying that they’ll likely find the most success with the youth.

“Kancil relies heavily on the internet for its campaign, so it might be able to attract some support,” he said, referring to Bersama by its blue mousedeer logo.

Back at the breakfast table where the conversation began, even voters who shared similar concerns disagreed on where the state should be headed.

In a constituency where the former Bersatu vote has become the biggest unknown, those differing choices could prove decisive when Larkin voters head to the polls next Saturday.

ALSO READ: How straight fights virtually guarantee 7 BN wins, 3 for Harapan

Rafizi admits difficult to predict Chinese voters' support

Rafizi admits difficult to predict Chinese voters' support

B Nantha Kumar
Published: Jul 4, 2026 8:00 PM
Updated: 10:00 PM



JOHOR POLLS | With the Johor state election campaign entering its second half, the question of where non-Malay support - especially the Chinese community - will go remains a puzzle to contesting parties.

For Parti Bersama Malaysia co-leader Rafizi Ramli, feedback from the ground as of the seventh day of campaigning suggested that Chinese voters were still taking a wait-and-see approach.

"In all my years of managing elections, this is among the most difficult to predict, especially when it comes to Chinese voters.

"Even tonight, if you look, not many Chinese people attended. The majority of those who turned up were mostly Malays and Indians.

"Except for a small number of hardcore supporters, Chinese voters generally are still keeping their choices secret.

"So, it is quite difficult to read which way the Chinese votes will go," he told Malaysiakini after a "Jelajah Kancil" ceramah in Mahkota, Kluang yesterday.

The Mahkota seat is witnessing a three-cornered fight between incumbent Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah from BN, Pakatan Harapan's Dr Ahmad Zuhan Zain, and Bersama candidate Abd Hamid Ali.


Major dilemma

Commenting further, Rafizi did not rule out the possibility that Chinese voters are facing a major dilemma after having given solid support to only one political bloc for a long time.

"Either they are still divided, or they have quietly made up their minds to choose another side but prefer not to show it.

"However, logically speaking, we can say Chinese voters are still in a dilemma, and they are still assessing.

"They have voted predominantly for DAP, and indirectly for Harapan for the past 20 years. This is the first time they are presented with an alternative.

"So, I am not downplaying the dilemma that Chinese voters have to go through," the former minister added.

More than 200 people attended the ceramah, most of whom were members of the public.

When asked about Bersama's odds in the Johor state election, Rafizi said the party's main objective is not to form the government, but rather to ensure all their candidates can retain their deposits and secure at least 15 percent of the popular vote.

He compared the party to PAS, which only obtained around 10 to 12 percent of the votes despite having been established in Johor for over 60 years.

"Anything beyond that target is a bonus," he said.

In this state election, Bersama is fielding candidates in 15 state seats compared to PAS, which is only fielding 11 candidates.

In the 2022 state election, PAS only won the Maharani state seat with a majority of 1,037 votes in a six-way contest.

‘Malays remember 1MDB’

In another development, Rafizi said the campaign by several Umno leaders to link a BN victory in Johor with efforts to free former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak would only benefit the opposition.

He was commenting on a statement by Najib's son, Nazifuddin, who said a landslide victory for BN would signal that the people support his father's release.

Nazifuddin Najib


Rafizi said a large section of Malay voters have not forgotten Najib's role in the 1MDB scandal.

"I do not think a large section of the Malays have forgotten about 1MDB, corruption, and the reason why Umno was rejected twice in 2018 and 2022.

"In fact, 2022 was the worst result for Umno, and both (general election losses in 2018 and 2022) were linked to Najib.

"I hope they (Umno) keep saying so, because that helps shift the votes of fence-sitting Malays who previously rejected Umno," he quipped.

About 2,727,926 registered voters will go to the polls in Johor on July 11.

Out of that total, 2,703,175 are ordinary voters while 24,751 comprise police and military personnel, as well as their spouses.

After backing Amanah candidate, Puad endorses PKR’s Maszlee

After backing Amanah candidate, Puad endorses PKR’s Maszlee


2 hours ago
Minderjeet Kaur


The former Umno leader, however, expects brickbats for backing the Puteri Wangsa candidate

Puad Zarkashi said he has every right to campaign for PKR as he has resigned from Umno.

JOHOR BAHRU: Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has publicly endorsed Pakatan Harapan’s Puteri Wangsa candidate, Maszlee Malik, for the Johor state election, saying the ex-education minister is qualified to be an assemblyman.

“We need people like him in the state assembly. We need assemblymen with brains,” he told reporters at a dialogue with youths at Felda Ulu Tiram last night.

Puad, however, expects to be criticised for backing another PH candidate, but said he had every right to campaign for Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition.


“I know I will be criticised, but they (detractors) have to understand that I have left Umno. They cannot be angry with me. It is my right to be here,” he said.

Yesterday, Puad, who previously served as the Rengit assemblyman and Johor state assembly speaker, endorsed PH’s candidate Yazid Bakri of Amanah for the Rengit seat in the July 11 polls.


Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin has since suggested that Puad’s decision to back Yazid could have come about “because he is disappointed”, alluding to the claim that Puad resigned from Umno on June 25 because his son was not chosen as a candidate.

Asked whether he would campaign for other PH candidates, Puad said he had no immediate plans and would focus on Rengit instead.

He also dismissed speculation that he would join PKR or any other party, saying he did not wish to be tied to another political outfit.

“I have a special mission that I need to focus on,” he said, without elaborating.


The former Batu Pahat MP also endorsed PH’s plans to make the southern state the “Shenzhen of Southeast Asia”, adding that he was confident that Anwar, who is the prime minister, could deliver on the promise.

On a separate matter, Puad said authorities returned his mobile phone on Friday. He declined to reveal if he had his statement taken.

Police have launched an investigation into him, including for sedition and defamation, over a statement he made on social media.