I’m not eyeing PAS presidency, says Tuan Ibrahim

FMT:

 

I’m not eyeing PAS

presidency, says Tuan

Ibrahim

Amin Ishak and Faiz Zainudin

-20 Feb 2025, 10:51 AM

The PAS deputy president insists that Abdul Hadi Awang should remain at the helm.

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PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Abdul Hadi Awang is still ‘mentally sharp’ and able to manage the party.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man says he will not run for president when polls are held later this year, insisting that Abdul Hadi Awang will remain at the helm of the Islamic party.

Speaking to FMT, the Kubang Kerian MP dismissed claims that he was eyeing the presidency, saying he had never lobbied for nomination to any post in the party.

“We don’t see a need for it (the president’s post to be contested),” he said when asked if he would rebuff any attempt to nominate him for the top spot.

A source previously told FMT that PAS was likely to hold a contest for the party’s top two posts for the first time in a decade at its upcoming elections.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a contest for the presidency and deputy presidency would be allowed if Hadi, who has been the PAS president since 2002, decided not to defend his post.

The source said that some in the party were urging the Marang MP to step down due to his health.

Tuan Ibrahim said there was no need to replace Hadi, who steered the party to its best electoral performance in the 15th general election, winning 43 parliamentary seats.

“Detractors are attacking him because of his achievements, not his weaknesses. If he was weak, PAS wouldn’t be where it is now.”

He added that such achievements should be appreciated instead of viewed as a threat.

“(Hadi’s achievements) should be viewed as an opportunity (to strengthen the party). Personally, for me, Hadi should remain as president.”

Tuan Ibrahim also dismissed calls for Hadi to step down due to health issues, saying the former Terengganu menteri besar was still “mentally sharp” and could manage the party if he had the backing of its leaders and members.

“It’s not like we are going to take part in a skirmish that would require (physical) strength,” he said.

He drew comparisons with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying the two-time prime minister was nearly 100 years old but his ideas were still relevant.

He said having good ideas and being able to strategise was important in politics.

Tuan Ibrahim also said he had yet to decide whether to defend his position as deputy president as he wanted to see who else was running for other leadership posts.

Leprosy outbreak in Negeri Sembilan: Here’s everything you need to know about the disease

Leprosy outbreak in Negeri Sembilan: Here’s everything you need to know about the disease



Patients who suspect they might have leprosy come to this clinic in Sungai Buloh, Selangor for an initial examination before being referred to a hospital. — File picture by Hari Anggara

Thursday, 20 Feb 2025 10:43 AM MYT

• Leprosy has caused one death in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan as of February 2025.
• Leprosy is not highly contagious and requires prolonged, close contact with an infected person to spread.
• It doesn’t spread through casual contact like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting within proximity.
• Prevention currently is only the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine in the market.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Negeri Sembilan is currently experiencing an outbreak of leprosy with nine reported cases so far and one death of an 18-year-old girl three days ago, after a week-long fever.

The reported cases were in the villages of Kampung Orang Asli Chergun and Guntur in Kuala Pilah and those infected are currently receiving treatment.

As of now, the state authorities have quarantined these two villages as a precaution to contain the spread of the disease, although Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has said the cases are isolated and not widespread.

Malaysia was one of the pioneers in the global fight against the disease in the 1980s and even achieved the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) elimination target to less than 1 case per 10,000 people in 1991.

But any disease outbreak is worrisome, so here’s what you need to know.

What is leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease or kusta in Malay, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.

The disease is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to mankind with earliest evidence dating back to 4,000 years ago in India.

It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces, and eyes, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe long-term complications.

Despite the historical stigma surrounding the disease, leprosy is now understood to be a disease that is both treatable and preventable, with early diagnosis being key to preventing disability.

How prevalent is it in Malaysia?

The disease is considerably contained and is not prevalent in Malaysia, but cases have surfaced across the country in recent years.

In 2023, Malaysia reported 256 cases of leprosy, a 40 per cent increase from 2022.

Last year, available data showed 66 confirmed cases in Malaysia as of May 2024.

What are the signs?

The signs and symptoms of leprosy can vary, but they often include skin lesions that are lighter than normal skin colour, with only partial feeling or numbness.

Common symptoms include:

• Discoloured skin patches
• Thick or dry skin
• Painless swelling or lumps on the face
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Vision problems that may lead to blindness

Some of the symptoms of leprosy. — Picture from UPM website



Leprosy can often go unnoticed in its early stages because its signs can be slow to develop.

How is leprosy transmitted?

Leprosy is transmitted mainly through droplets from the nose and mouth of untreated, infectious individuals.

It is important to note that leprosy is not highly contagious and requires prolonged, close contact with an infected person to spread.

The disease doesn’t spread through casual contact like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting within proximity.

Leprosy, however, has a long incubation period ranging from five to 20 years — making it difficult to detect and isolate newly infected cases immediately.

What are the treatment options?

Leprosy is treatable through a combination of antibiotics known as multi-drug therapy, which the World Health Organisation provides for free globally.

The treatment often lasts from six months to a year, depending on the form and severity of the disease.

Thanks to available treatment options, interventions not only stop the spread of the disease but also prevent further nerve damage.

Does it result in death?

Leprosy itself is not directly fatal, but complications arising from untreated cases such as significant nerve damage, secondary infections, or disability can severely diminish the quality of life and in some cases be fatal.

Deaths associated with leprosy are often due to these secondary consequences rather than the infection itself.

How can leprosy be prevented?

Early detection and treatment of the infection is effective in stopping the disease from progressing and spreading.

So far there is only the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine in the market used for leprosy, although its effectiveness in preventing the disease is variable and subject to ongoing research.

Faction in DAP wants to oust Guan Eng as leader, says party insider

FMT:

 

Faction in DAP wants to

oust Guan Eng as leader,

says party insider

Predeep Nambiar

-20 Feb 2025, 07:30 AM

But S Neelamekan calls for DAP to retain Lim Guan Eng as national chairman, saying he is the DAP’s only check-and-balance to the government.

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Lim Guan Eng is either a leader who has overstayed his welcome or one who speaks up on crucial issues, depending on who you talk to.

PETALING JAYA: 

A “concerted push” is taking place to oust Lim Guan Eng from his leadership position in DAP, a party insider said, but this was not the workings of a so-called “deep state”.

On Monday, party veteran S Neelamekan claimed outside forces were looking to dislodge Lim from his position while another source said a more “moderate” leader was being sought in a bid to attract Malay voters.

However, the party insider claims the sentiment against Lim, a former two-term Penang chief minister, has been building for years, with members particularly frustrated by his open rebuke of incumbent Chow Kon Yeow.

“There is no deep state and no attempt to overthrow the old guard.

“But there is a genuine movement to remove him,” said the party insider from Penang, who asked not to be named.

DAP party elections are set to be held on March 16.

The insider also said party members have expressed concern over the Lim family’s continued grip on the party, with sister Hui Ying currently Penang DAP’s secretary.

They warn that the party’s core values are at risk.

“Leaders must be chosen based on merit,” said the insider.

Lim is also viewed as a “growing liability”, the insider added, with party veterans concerned that the two ongoing corruption cases he is facing “may hurt DAP’s public image”.

The insider said veteran members accept that Lim and his father Kit Siang have both sacrificed much for the party’s cause.

“Yes, Guan Eng and Kit Siang went to jail (defending the party’s ideals), but that doesn’t mean you can overstay your welcome.

“You (Lim) have had two terms as chief minister, many years as MP, and Kit has already been recognised with Tan Sri and Dato’ Seri titles,” said the insider.

The insider said Lim’s detractors do not want him to serve another term as party chairman, as that would place him in a powerful five-man committee that approves election candidates.

FMT has reached out to Lim for comment.

However, Lunas DAP branch chief Neelamekan questioned the timing of the accusations.

“Why wasn’t this said at the last convention?” he said.

“In the DAP, the only person speaking out is Guan Eng. He is a stumbling block for the top government leaders to do as they wish. The only check-and-balance is Guan Eng. Who else talks in DAP?”

“The ‘nepotism’ claim is just an excuse by this group,” said Neelamekan.

He also claimed the court cases brought against Lim were politically motivated.

“Even his lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo, has said there was clear evidence of a frameup to fix up Guan Eng by suppressing and fabricating evidence,” he said.

Neelamekan called for party members to retain Lim as chairman.

“He is not a simple leader we can let go (of). Give him another term,” he said.