Saturday, May 30, 2026
OPINION | "Another Nail In The Coffin For Pakatan Harapan And Selangor…?!!"
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OPINION | "Another Nail In The Coffin For Pakatan Harapan And Selangor…?!!"
30 May 2026 • 1:30 PM MYT
Credit Image: Sinar Harian / Sinar Daily (Photo credit: Ng Size Han)
There is a well-known saying: "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad."
Is that exactly what we are witnessing in Selangor right now?
In the wake of the disastrous pig farming controversy, has the PH-led Selangor state government now resorted to playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette?
The latest flare-up erupted after Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung raised serious concerns over guidelines administered by PLANMalaysia Selangor—the state’s town and country planning department.
According to the said guidelines, which were quietly approved at a State Exco meeting in November last year, non-Islamic places of worship are barred from being located in commercial zones, and the conversion of existing commercial buildings for religious use is strictly prohibited.
In plain words: Non-Muslim places of worship are now banned from occupying commercial shoplots!
The official justification given for this sweeping rule is that these establishments cause traffic and parking congestion.
But logically, shouldn't it also apply across the board to all places of worship, regardless of faith?
Where is the fairness?
Is this yet another self-inflicted, potentially fatal wound?
The reality is many of these shoplots are occupied by churches whose services are held on Sunday mornings. This is a time when most surrounding shops and offices are closed—with the exception of restaurants, grocers, and shopping centres.
Don't these business premises contribute far more heavily to daily traffic and acute parking shortages? Based on the same flawed logic would it be fair to ban them from commercial lots and force them elsewhere just to ease congestion?
Ironically, Sunday mornings in the Klang Valley are also arguably the most peaceful time of the week, with fewer cars on the road and abundant parking.
Again, where is the logic?
Following the public uproar, the State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, who also co-chairs the Special Committee for Non-Islamic Affairs (LIMAS) Ng Sze Han, quickly clarified that the Selangor government has not yet enforced or implemented these guidelines. He went on to state that a comprehensive review will be conducted in consultation with religious associations, with a meeting scheduled for early next month.
Oh, ya kah!
But why is the DAP, the de facto protector of minority rights in the state, only offering this reassurance now—after the public had been given a rude shock?
In fact, why was such a controversial policy approved by the State Exco in the first place? Who signed off on it? Weren't the DAP and PKR Exco members sitting in that very meeting?
Significantly, why weren't interfaith leaders and key stakeholders consulted prior to the approval—rather than six months later?
A damage control exercise? Or maybe even, just an afterthought!
Then came another bombshell…
There is a well-known saying: "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad."
Is that exactly what we are witnessing in Selangor right now?
In the wake of the disastrous pig farming controversy, has the PH-led Selangor state government now resorted to playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette?
The latest flare-up erupted after Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung raised serious concerns over guidelines administered by PLANMalaysia Selangor—the state’s town and country planning department.
According to the said guidelines, which were quietly approved at a State Exco meeting in November last year, non-Islamic places of worship are barred from being located in commercial zones, and the conversion of existing commercial buildings for religious use is strictly prohibited.
In plain words: Non-Muslim places of worship are now banned from occupying commercial shoplots!
The official justification given for this sweeping rule is that these establishments cause traffic and parking congestion.
But logically, shouldn't it also apply across the board to all places of worship, regardless of faith?
Where is the fairness?
Is this yet another self-inflicted, potentially fatal wound?
The reality is many of these shoplots are occupied by churches whose services are held on Sunday mornings. This is a time when most surrounding shops and offices are closed—with the exception of restaurants, grocers, and shopping centres.
Don't these business premises contribute far more heavily to daily traffic and acute parking shortages? Based on the same flawed logic would it be fair to ban them from commercial lots and force them elsewhere just to ease congestion?
Ironically, Sunday mornings in the Klang Valley are also arguably the most peaceful time of the week, with fewer cars on the road and abundant parking.
Again, where is the logic?
Following the public uproar, the State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, who also co-chairs the Special Committee for Non-Islamic Affairs (LIMAS) Ng Sze Han, quickly clarified that the Selangor government has not yet enforced or implemented these guidelines. He went on to state that a comprehensive review will be conducted in consultation with religious associations, with a meeting scheduled for early next month.
Oh, ya kah!
But why is the DAP, the de facto protector of minority rights in the state, only offering this reassurance now—after the public had been given a rude shock?
In fact, why was such a controversial policy approved by the State Exco in the first place? Who signed off on it? Weren't the DAP and PKR Exco members sitting in that very meeting?
Significantly, why weren't interfaith leaders and key stakeholders consulted prior to the approval—rather than six months later?
A damage control exercise? Or maybe even, just an afterthought!
Then came another bombshell…
Screenshot of news headline and image from FMT
A spokesperson from the Menteri Besar’s office reportedly defended the guidelines, claiming they were based on complaints received by local councils from residents living near commercial areas.
But does that even sound reasonable?
Isn't it strange that these residents only seem to complain about traffic problems occurring on quiet Sundays, while remaining silent on busy Saturdays, Fridays and other peak weekdays?
Still, according to the spokesman for all future new developments, land will be specially gazetted for non-Muslim places of worship.
Wow, really!
But wait a minute—for which religious group?
Have they forgotten that while there is only one major religion, there is more than one non-Islamic faith in this country?
Perhaps, all the ruckus created by the “anti-illegal temple” group earlier must have clouded their judgement.
So, with housing estates out of bounds, shophouses restricted, and industrial areas likely next, where are future churches and religious associations supposed to go?
Will they have to move to another state?
It's a fact that Friday prayers also bring massive traffic congestion and parking challenges, but does anyone complain? Of course not. This is Malaysia, where everyone willingly accepts the temporary inconvenience out of mutual respect.
Crucially, where is the “religious sensitivity” by the authorities?
Perhaps, they too need to read and recite the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution more regularly.
Or is it that after 18 years in power, they have simply become tone-deaf?
Maybe, they have been spooked by the ghosts of a buoyant PAS and a fired-up UMNO breathing down their necks. Add to that Rafizi Ramli’s newly minted Parti Bersama Malaysia, which poses a clear and present danger to their incumbency.
Yet, instead of fortifying their base, they seem to shortchange the very loyal voters who put them in power.
Just last month, there was another uproar when the Menteri Besar claimed the state was facing difficulties sourcing affordable land to build a public hospital in the densely populated Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya areas. Yet, don't high-rise condos, luxury residential estates, and mega-malls continue to sprout up on virtually every corner there?
Is the writing already on the wall—and soon, the epitaph?
Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to profess and practice their religion peacefully. Why, then, are these fundamental rights being chipped away by the state's discriminatory zoning policies?
The warning signs were already flashing ominously after the last state elections. So how did PH—particularly PKR and DAP—lose the plot completely?
As it stands, it looks like Selangor could very well fall to the opposition PN, or even a BN-PN coalition by default. But the ultimate tragedy is the profound sense of betrayal felt by thousands of faithful PH supporters, who are left to ask: Does it really matter anymore who runs the state—after all, aren't they all the same?
But does that even sound reasonable?
Isn't it strange that these residents only seem to complain about traffic problems occurring on quiet Sundays, while remaining silent on busy Saturdays, Fridays and other peak weekdays?
Still, according to the spokesman for all future new developments, land will be specially gazetted for non-Muslim places of worship.
Wow, really!
But wait a minute—for which religious group?
Have they forgotten that while there is only one major religion, there is more than one non-Islamic faith in this country?
Perhaps, all the ruckus created by the “anti-illegal temple” group earlier must have clouded their judgement.
So, with housing estates out of bounds, shophouses restricted, and industrial areas likely next, where are future churches and religious associations supposed to go?
Will they have to move to another state?
It's a fact that Friday prayers also bring massive traffic congestion and parking challenges, but does anyone complain? Of course not. This is Malaysia, where everyone willingly accepts the temporary inconvenience out of mutual respect.
Crucially, where is the “religious sensitivity” by the authorities?
Perhaps, they too need to read and recite the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution more regularly.
Or is it that after 18 years in power, they have simply become tone-deaf?
Maybe, they have been spooked by the ghosts of a buoyant PAS and a fired-up UMNO breathing down their necks. Add to that Rafizi Ramli’s newly minted Parti Bersama Malaysia, which poses a clear and present danger to their incumbency.
Yet, instead of fortifying their base, they seem to shortchange the very loyal voters who put them in power.
Just last month, there was another uproar when the Menteri Besar claimed the state was facing difficulties sourcing affordable land to build a public hospital in the densely populated Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya areas. Yet, don't high-rise condos, luxury residential estates, and mega-malls continue to sprout up on virtually every corner there?
Is the writing already on the wall—and soon, the epitaph?
Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to profess and practice their religion peacefully. Why, then, are these fundamental rights being chipped away by the state's discriminatory zoning policies?
The warning signs were already flashing ominously after the last state elections. So how did PH—particularly PKR and DAP—lose the plot completely?
As it stands, it looks like Selangor could very well fall to the opposition PN, or even a BN-PN coalition by default. But the ultimate tragedy is the profound sense of betrayal felt by thousands of faithful PH supporters, who are left to ask: Does it really matter anymore who runs the state—after all, aren't they all the same?
Amanah and Ronnie Liu in spat now over pig farming and political misfortunes
Amanah and Ronnie Liu in spat now over pig farming and political misfortunes
SELANGOR Amanah has strongly rejected former Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew’s claim that the party will “disappear” in the next election, calling it baseless and politically motivated.
Communications director Abbaes Salimi Azmi said linking Amanah’s future to pig farming issues was misleading, noting the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had already ordered all pig farming activities halted due to pollution and health concerns, including African swine fever risks.
“Liu should understand this issue has received the attention of His Royal Highness the Selangor Sultan,” he said in a statement on Saturday (May 30).
Therefore, he said, the Selangor Sultan’s decree is appropriate to the current situation and must be obeyed by all parties without being politicised.
“Amanah Selangor also considers Liu’s statement unethical, as he is said not to understand the concept of the Rukun Negara as well as the state and federal administrative system,” he said.
Simultaneously, the party described the accusations against Selangor Agriculture and Infrastructure Exco Datuk Ir Izham Hashim as excessive and baseless.
“Amanah Selangor also demands Ronnie Liu withdraw the statement and make an open apology. If not, we will not hesitate to take legal action,” he stressed.
In a Facebook post, Liu said Amanah is expected to be wiped out in Selangor over the pig farming controversy.
“Amanah may disappear in Selangor in the coming election because of him (Izham),” Liu said in a Facebook post.
Izham, who holds the Agriculture, Infrastructure and Public Amenities portfolio and serves as Selangor Amanah chairman, has been directly blamed for the issue by Liu.
“The proposal to shut down local pig farming came from him. The suggestion to relocate pig farms to Bukit Tagar also originated from him. Even the directive to move the pigs came from him,” Liu claimed. — May 30, 2026
“No one is above the law” in Perlis MB cow shooting case, says Rayer
“No one is above the law” in Perlis MB cow shooting case, says Rayer
JELUTONG MP RSN Rayer has questioned the actions of Perlis Menteri Besar (MB) Abu Bakar Hamzah after a viral video showed him shooting a sacrificial cow during an Aidiladha event.
In a post on Facebook, he said no one is above the law while challenging the explanation given by the MB. Abu Bakar said the animal posed a public safety threat.
However, Rayer notes that the video appeared to show the cow standing still and away from people.
“The viral video clearly shows the cow standing in an open area. No one is seen near the cow. The cow is also standing still and was not seen charging into anyone or charging into a crowd.
“So why did Abu Bakar shoot the cow then? Abu Bakar definitely did not shoot the cow in the leg because the cow is also seen lying motionless after Abu Bakar fires the shot,” he asked.
He also said even if the MB had a proper licence to carry around or own a shotgun, he asked whether laws governing the display and discharge of firearms in public places may have been breached.
Rayer also questioned the lack of police action, stressing that no individual is above the law.
“How come he anticipated a cow breaking loose and going berserk. What if someone were accidentally shot and killed?” he also asked.
Last but not least, he asked, why did the police not arrest Abu Bakar yet?
“It’s laughable for the police to say that since no police report has been lodged, no action can be taken. Why just because he is a MB? No one is above the law PDRM!” — May 30, 2026
Fear of vote-splitting: Torn between stale Madani and new Bersama
Andrew Sia
Published: May 30, 2026 4:00 PM
Updated: 8:32 PM
COMMENT | “Hey, you cannot vote for Bersama la, it will split votes for Pakatan Harapan and allow PAS to win.” This is the most common point I hear, especially from non-Malays.
But what if those votes are already gone? Then, there’s no “banana split” left to eat anyway, right?
I wish Harapan would instead have the confidence to say, “Choose our cuisine because it’s more delicious”, rather than the lame sales pitch of, “Ya, we know our dishes are rather stale, but you must still eat them, otherwise the Big Bad Wolf will eat you up.”
Such scare tactics are not very appetising. It’s similar to what Umno used to imply before: you’d better vote for us, or else there could be ”trouble”.
Targeting disillusioned supporters
I stood in the rain and trudged through muddy fields to attend Harapan rallies. The crowds there were excited by the hope of real change.
Now, many are angry at broken reformasi promises and won’t vote. Some even declared they will vote for PAS, just to spite Harapan.
Published: May 30, 2026 4:00 PM
Updated: 8:32 PM
COMMENT | “Hey, you cannot vote for Bersama la, it will split votes for Pakatan Harapan and allow PAS to win.” This is the most common point I hear, especially from non-Malays.
But what if those votes are already gone? Then, there’s no “banana split” left to eat anyway, right?
I wish Harapan would instead have the confidence to say, “Choose our cuisine because it’s more delicious”, rather than the lame sales pitch of, “Ya, we know our dishes are rather stale, but you must still eat them, otherwise the Big Bad Wolf will eat you up.”
Such scare tactics are not very appetising. It’s similar to what Umno used to imply before: you’d better vote for us, or else there could be ”trouble”.
Targeting disillusioned supporters
I stood in the rain and trudged through muddy fields to attend Harapan rallies. The crowds there were excited by the hope of real change.
Now, many are angry at broken reformasi promises and won’t vote. Some even declared they will vote for PAS, just to spite Harapan.
Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim addressing supporters
What does the data tell us? Well, let’s take it from the horse’s mouth.
On May 5, 2026, PKR’s own leaked internal survey revealed only seven safe seats out of 66 nationwide.
The irony is, four of those seven seats are held by Rafizi Ramli or his allies. Even party president Anwar Ibrahim’s own Tambun seat is now hanging by a thread.
On May 8, 2026, Singapore’s Straits Times reported that DAP’s internal survey showed Harapan may suffer massive losses in Penang, winning just 23 of 40 state seats in a “worst-case scenario”.
In short, even before Rafizi’s new party, many votes have already evaporated into thin air – rather than being “split”.
Can Bersama capture that vapour of despair and condense it into liquid political assets?
What does the data tell us? Well, let’s take it from the horse’s mouth.
On May 5, 2026, PKR’s own leaked internal survey revealed only seven safe seats out of 66 nationwide.
The irony is, four of those seven seats are held by Rafizi Ramli or his allies. Even party president Anwar Ibrahim’s own Tambun seat is now hanging by a thread.
On May 8, 2026, Singapore’s Straits Times reported that DAP’s internal survey showed Harapan may suffer massive losses in Penang, winning just 23 of 40 state seats in a “worst-case scenario”.
In short, even before Rafizi’s new party, many votes have already evaporated into thin air – rather than being “split”.
Can Bersama capture that vapour of despair and condense it into liquid political assets?
Former ministers Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (left) and Rafizi Ramli at the launch of their new political venture, Parti Bersama Malaysia
That is their goal – to win support from disillusioned voters.
Rafizi claims a whopping 65 percent of Indians and 60 percent of Chinese are disillusioned with all three main political coalitions – Harapan, BN, and Perikatan Nasional.
Among Malay voters, support was split into four groups, with Harapan, BN, and PN each having 21-25 percent support, while 32 percent were “seeking an alternative”.
That's a huge market ripe for capturing.
That is their goal – to win support from disillusioned voters.
Rafizi claims a whopping 65 percent of Indians and 60 percent of Chinese are disillusioned with all three main political coalitions – Harapan, BN, and Perikatan Nasional.
Among Malay voters, support was split into four groups, with Harapan, BN, and PN each having 21-25 percent support, while 32 percent were “seeking an alternative”.
That's a huge market ripe for capturing.
Harapan’s record in Selangor
As DAP’s “make or break” July congress looms, they may weigh whether it’s worth going down with the sinking Anwar boat.
I am rather sad that DAP, which has done a decent job in Penang (despite being developer-friendly), may be dragged down by the albatross called Parti Koyak Reformasi.
But I am rather ambivalent about DAP’s record in Selangor. My last column was on the three “own goals” scored by the Harapan state government.
They were:
the excuse that “no land” was available for a public hospital in Petaling Jaya,
the new restrictions on non-Muslim houses of worship,
the cheap sale of forested land in Puchong.
Obviously, most blame goes to PKR Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, who is in charge of land matters. But why didn’t DAP speak out more?
After a massive uproar, the land was suddenly “found” to build the hospital in just five days. This proves that public pressure works!
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari
There was massive online outrage. As for politicians, it was left to “outsiders” like Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung (Rafizi’s group) and Charles Santiago (whom DAP kicked out of the Klang seat) to speak up.
To be fair, DAP’s Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran has been pushing for the PJ Hospital for years.
Yet, he was strangely silent when Amirudin gave his pathetic “no land” excuse.
Elephants fighting, kancil enters
Bersama has decent odds, especially when other parties are battling each other. For starters, Umno has betrayed Harapan in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
On May 17, Johor Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan sounded the battle cry to “bury” Umno in the upcoming state election.
Meanwhile, the Malay parties are fighting each other like a WWE wrestling match gone out of control.
Umno and PAS got “married” in Muafakat Nasional and then divorced amid accusations of “infidelity” involving Bersatu.
After Bersatu chief Muhyiddin Yasin expelled his deputy Hamzah Zainudin, now PAS wants to do a “smack down” on Bersatu, to borrow WWE lingo.
This was after the so-called “betrayals” in Perlis and Negeri Sembilan.
There was massive online outrage. As for politicians, it was left to “outsiders” like Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung (Rafizi’s group) and Charles Santiago (whom DAP kicked out of the Klang seat) to speak up.
To be fair, DAP’s Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran has been pushing for the PJ Hospital for years.
Yet, he was strangely silent when Amirudin gave his pathetic “no land” excuse.
Elephants fighting, kancil enters
Bersama has decent odds, especially when other parties are battling each other. For starters, Umno has betrayed Harapan in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
On May 17, Johor Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan sounded the battle cry to “bury” Umno in the upcoming state election.
Meanwhile, the Malay parties are fighting each other like a WWE wrestling match gone out of control.
Umno and PAS got “married” in Muafakat Nasional and then divorced amid accusations of “infidelity” involving Bersatu.
After Bersatu chief Muhyiddin Yasin expelled his deputy Hamzah Zainudin, now PAS wants to do a “smack down” on Bersatu, to borrow WWE lingo.
This was after the so-called “betrayals” in Perlis and Negeri Sembilan.
(L-R) Former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang
As the elephants are busy in combat, the small “kancil party” of Bersama can sneak in some wins.
Bersama doesn’t even need to win a majority. If it can win 15-25 of the 111 mixed-race seats from Kedah to Johor, it can be a powerful pressure group.
This is because our fragmented politics means there probably won’t be a clear winner at the next general election.
Even just nine PKR MPs of Rafizi’s team were enough to pressure Anwar to U-turn on the controversial appointment of Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh as the new chief justice of Malaya.
They called for a royal commission of inquiry to avoid a repeat of the infamous “correct, correct, correct” VK Lingam scandal.
Similarly, eight Rafizi-aligned PKR MPs, plus civil society protests, helped stop the reign of tainted MACC chief Azam Baki.
Thus, a small group of say 20 Bersama MPs can achieve a lot, perhaps by cooperating with other parties after elections – but with strict conditions.
“Issues of racism, minority hatred, repeal of repressive laws... these have to be spelt out extremely clearly,” said Rafizi of any possible future alliances, as these items were not listed in the Harapan-BN agreement to form the Madani government.
In other words, instead of Umno pulling Harapan by the nose, Bersama will instead be insisting on real reforms.
Yet many voters are still hostage to PAS-phobia. They may miss more delicious meals, as they cling to their lukewarm, tasteless dishes.
Let’s draw inspiration from the renowned American anthropologist Margaret Mead, who said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
As the elephants are busy in combat, the small “kancil party” of Bersama can sneak in some wins.
Bersama doesn’t even need to win a majority. If it can win 15-25 of the 111 mixed-race seats from Kedah to Johor, it can be a powerful pressure group.
This is because our fragmented politics means there probably won’t be a clear winner at the next general election.
Even just nine PKR MPs of Rafizi’s team were enough to pressure Anwar to U-turn on the controversial appointment of Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh as the new chief justice of Malaya.
They called for a royal commission of inquiry to avoid a repeat of the infamous “correct, correct, correct” VK Lingam scandal.
Similarly, eight Rafizi-aligned PKR MPs, plus civil society protests, helped stop the reign of tainted MACC chief Azam Baki.
Thus, a small group of say 20 Bersama MPs can achieve a lot, perhaps by cooperating with other parties after elections – but with strict conditions.
“Issues of racism, minority hatred, repeal of repressive laws... these have to be spelt out extremely clearly,” said Rafizi of any possible future alliances, as these items were not listed in the Harapan-BN agreement to form the Madani government.
In other words, instead of Umno pulling Harapan by the nose, Bersama will instead be insisting on real reforms.
Yet many voters are still hostage to PAS-phobia. They may miss more delicious meals, as they cling to their lukewarm, tasteless dishes.
Let’s draw inspiration from the renowned American anthropologist Margaret Mead, who said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
ANDREW SIA is a veteran journalist who likes teh tarik khau kurang manis. You are welcome to give him ideas to brew at tehtarik@gmail.com
Experts warn Bersama's ideas alone won't deliver electoral success
Experts warn Bersama's ideas alone won't deliver electoral success
Zarrah Morden
Published: May 30, 2026 8:00 PM
Updated: 10:00 PM
A political analyst has cautioned that Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) needs more than good candidates and policy expertise to win elections.
Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) P Sivamurugan told Malaysiakini that the party's ideas may be attractive, but it might be hard to put into practice.
"Ground machinery, local networks, voter mobilisation, funding, and grassroots presence remain critical," he said.
Similarly, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political science associate professor Syaza Shukri asserted that politics is not only about formulating policies.
"Yes, you need smart people to lead and govern, but firstly, these people need to win elections and winning elections is another game altogether.
"Can they speak the language of the people?" she asked.
Published: May 30, 2026 8:00 PM
Updated: 10:00 PM
A political analyst has cautioned that Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) needs more than good candidates and policy expertise to win elections.
Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) P Sivamurugan told Malaysiakini that the party's ideas may be attractive, but it might be hard to put into practice.
"Ground machinery, local networks, voter mobilisation, funding, and grassroots presence remain critical," he said.
Similarly, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political science associate professor Syaza Shukri asserted that politics is not only about formulating policies.
"Yes, you need smart people to lead and govern, but firstly, these people need to win elections and winning elections is another game altogether.
"Can they speak the language of the people?" she asked.
P Sivamurugan
However, Sivamurugan acknowledged the possibility that the party may attract votes in urban and semi-urban seats.
The comments came after Bersama leader Rafizi Ramli said election candidates would be selected based on merit, including factors such as age, education, professional experience, policy comprehension, problem-solving ability, and community service.
During the latest episode of his "Yang Berhenti Menteri" podcast, the former economy minister also highlighted Bersama’s flat digital organisational structure, arguing that it would eliminate traditional political warlords.
Limiting organisational strength
Commenting on this, Sivamurugan said that such a framework might also limit organisational strength.
"Rafizi appears to be positioning Bersama as a technocratic, policy-driven platform rather than a traditional political party.
"The emphasis on merit-based candidates, a flat structure, and non-cooperation with existing parties reflects his view that many voters, particularly urban and younger voters, are frustrated with patronage politics, factionalism, and identity-based narratives," he added.
However, Sivamurugan acknowledged the possibility that the party may attract votes in urban and semi-urban seats.
The comments came after Bersama leader Rafizi Ramli said election candidates would be selected based on merit, including factors such as age, education, professional experience, policy comprehension, problem-solving ability, and community service.
During the latest episode of his "Yang Berhenti Menteri" podcast, the former economy minister also highlighted Bersama’s flat digital organisational structure, arguing that it would eliminate traditional political warlords.
Limiting organisational strength
Commenting on this, Sivamurugan said that such a framework might also limit organisational strength.
"Rafizi appears to be positioning Bersama as a technocratic, policy-driven platform rather than a traditional political party.
"The emphasis on merit-based candidates, a flat structure, and non-cooperation with existing parties reflects his view that many voters, particularly urban and younger voters, are frustrated with patronage politics, factionalism, and identity-based narratives," he added.
While acknowledging Rafizi’s belief that a “silent majority” of voters is drawn to solutions for economic and governance issues, Sivamurugan said Bersama’s immediate influence would likely be felt more in shaping political discourse than winning seats.
"Its long-term prospects will depend on whether it can build grassroots credibility beyond Rafizi’s personal appeal and demonstrate that its model works in real electoral contests.
"For now, it is an interesting political experiment, but not yet on the same footing as the three major coalitions," he said.
"Its long-term prospects will depend on whether it can build grassroots credibility beyond Rafizi’s personal appeal and demonstrate that its model works in real electoral contests.
"For now, it is an interesting political experiment, but not yet on the same footing as the three major coalitions," he said.
Syaza Shukri
In contrast, Syaza was more optimistic about the party’s electoral prospects, describing Bersama as a "legitimate challenger" for votes traditionally aligned with Pakatan Harapan.
"I don’t see them really challenging BN and Perikatan Nasional because their bases are different," she said.
At the same time, she cautioned that Bersama’s refusal to cooperate with other political parties could slow its development towards becoming an independent political force.
Leading Bersama
On May 17, Rafizi and former minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that they would vacate their parliamentary seats and quit PKR to lead Bersama.
Several PKR leaders submitted their resignations soon after, while the party’s Pandan Youth division was allegedly dissolved after 19 committee members stepped down.
"I don’t see them really challenging BN and Perikatan Nasional because their bases are different," she said.
At the same time, she cautioned that Bersama’s refusal to cooperate with other political parties could slow its development towards becoming an independent political force.
Leading Bersama
On May 17, Rafizi and former minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that they would vacate their parliamentary seats and quit PKR to lead Bersama.
Several PKR leaders submitted their resignations soon after, while the party’s Pandan Youth division was allegedly dissolved after 19 committee members stepped down.
Rafizi Ramli (right) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at the launch of Bersama
On his podcast last night, Rafizi said that around 21,000 people have joined Bersama in the two weeks since its launch.
Of that number, roughly 29 percent - or around 6,000 people - are formerly from PKR.
On his podcast last night, Rafizi said that around 21,000 people have joined Bersama in the two weeks since its launch.
Of that number, roughly 29 percent - or around 6,000 people - are formerly from PKR.
Wildlife camera footage confirms missing hiker Jaslinda was heading to Sukaneka Camp; search narrows
Wildlife camera footage confirms missing hiker Jaslinda was heading to Sukaneka Camp; search narrows
Perak Bomba Assistant Operations Director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad (left) listens to an explanation from NGO Pelindung representative Liang Neo Song Wee (right) regarding camera trap footage linked to missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, at the Forward Command Post in Bidor on May 30, 2026. — Bernama pic
Saturday, 30 May 2026 7:54 PM MYT
IPOH, May 30 — Missing female hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, has been confirmed to be heading towards the Sukaneka Camp at Gunung Batu Putih, near Tapah, based on important clues from wildlife surveillance camera footage obtained today.
The Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Datuk Sayani Saidon said the latest clue was obtained after the memory card chips from two surveillance cameras at the mountain peak were retrieved at 10.15 am today.
“There is a recording showing the victim (Jaslinda) crossing Camera 1 at 11.22 am on May 24, 2026. There is also footage of eight members of JBPM’s STORM (Special Tactical Operation And Rescue Team Of Malaysia) and one MGP (forestry mountain guide) crossing Camera 1 at 5.15 pm on May 25, 2026, while there is no footage of the victim turning back and crossing Camera 1.
“For Camera 2, there are no recordings of the victim or the rescue team passing by Camera 2 heading towards Gunung Batu Bujang on May 24 and 25. In this regard, it is confirmed that the victim did not take this route,” she said in a statement today.
She said that the discovery on Camera 1 supports the argument that the victim did indeed move along the route to the Sukaneka Camp, as evidenced by the discovery of shoe prints and a water bottle since the beginning of the search.
Sayani said there are two more road junctions after Camera 1, namely the route to Kem Sukaneka and the route to the ‘water point’.
“The path to the water point has been blocked with wooden planks to indicate that it is not a designated route. The Camera 1 footage can support the argument that the victim indeed followed the path to the Sukaneka Camp,” she said.
Perak Bomba Drone Unit officer Mohamad Safwan Abd Halim sustained leg and knee injuries while taking part in the search for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, in Bidor on March 30, 2026. — Bernama pic
Meanwhile, Sayani reported that the Perak JBPM Drone Unit officer Mohamad Safwan Abd Hali sustained injuries to his thigh, knee, and ankle after conducting a search that began yesterday, covering the area from Kem Kantoi to the waterway leading to Sungai Ayer Busok and along the river for one kilometre.
She said that Mohamad Safwan, along with three other rescuers who stopped the search at Puncak 2085 after conducting a search around Simpang Ite, were extracted using the ‘winching’ technique by the AW139 aircraft.
“A total of 42 other rescue members, including the team that moved from Pos Musoh, are still at the location and conducting search operations,” she said.
In addition, a Bernama survey at the JBPM Gunung Batu Putih Forward Control Post (PKH) search and rescue operation (SAR) at the 3rd Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) in Bidor today found that the rescue team spent about an hour reviewing and discussing the footage.
Sayani said that so far, coordinated and planned actions have been initiated together with various parties and agencies in the SAR.
Previously, Jaslinda was reported to have started the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2 am on May 23, along with 13 other individuals and two MGPs, via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.
Jaslinda and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health issues and stopped, however, Jaslinda was reported to have continued her journey to the mountain peak and was last seen by MGP on May 24 (7.30 am). — Bernama
Four more men freed from flooded Laos cave in hazardous rescue mission
Four more men freed from flooded Laos cave in hazardous rescue mission
Two still missing as divers make their way deeper into cave through muddy water and sharp rocks to find them
Four more miners who were trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been freed by divers, but two people are still missing as rescuers continue to crawl through narrow, deluged tunnels and sharp rocks to find them.
The first of the party of seven men was rescued on Friday in a perilous rescue mission which has required teams to drain water from the cave and navigate collapse hazards.
The four men who were extracted on Saturday were found crouched and huddled together on a rocky ledge inside a chamber about 300 metres (980ft) from the cave entrance on Wednesday, but rescuers were unable to immediately evacuate them.
The search for the remaining two missing people is continuing, with international diving teams – including some who worked on the dramatic rescue of a young Thai football team – crawling and twisting through muddy water in narrow passageways and poor visibility in an attempt to locate them.
It is thought the men entered the cave last week to look for valuable minerals such as gold ore before being trapped by flash flooding caused by heavy rain, which carried in sand and gravel, blocking a crucial exit.
Rescuers supplied the party of five they found on Wednesday with water, soft food and foil blankets to keep them warm while they remained inside the cave.
The first man to be rescued was captured on camera emerging from the cave on Friday, covered in mud and walking unsteadily. As rescuers cheered and helped him to move away from the cave entrance, he cried out in pain and one rescuer could be heard warning others to be careful because his hands were injured.
“The first one is out. Safe and sound!!!” wrote Manat Artmongkron, a rescue technician for Saithan Saphanboon Foundation, a Thai rescue group, in a jubilant Facebook post.
On Saturday, a second man was filmed slowly climbing out of a narrow entrance to the cave. He stood shakily and smiled as his rescuers wrapped him in a foil blanket.
Lao and Thai rescue groups posted photos on social media of the men lying on stretchers, wearing oxygen masks and being wrapped in foil blankets after the successful rescue operation.
Thai rescuer Kengkaj Bongkawong, of the Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin,said rescuers faced “issues with the temperature, narrow areas, control of movement, and managing the panic of the survivor” while they were diving.
He said teams are required to dive through a 25 metre-long narrow tunnel: “Diving in the narrow passage that has no space to make a U-turn, this is really dangerous so we need to evaluate the safety measures, principles, routes and expertise in the cave area.”
Josh Richards, an Australian cave diver who joined the team on Friday, said rescuers are trying to pump out as much water as possible because of the cave’s “particularly unstable” clay and mud walls. This affects the consistency and visibility of the water, he said: “You’re essentially diving in coffee. You’re not going to be seeing anything through it.”
Bongkawong said his team were planning to explore an area deeper inside the cave, about 20 to 25 meters beyond where the survivors were found. However, he warned that the section was heavily flooded.
DAP lawmaker slams immigration system outage as ‘negligence’
The MyIMMs system breakdown on May 28 forced immigration officers at all of Malaysia’s 114 border checkpoints to process travellers manually, causing long queues that travellers say lasted five hours. - Pic from Border Crossing Traffic - Tuas Second Link and Woodlands Causeway/ Facebook, May 30, 2026
DAP lawmaker slams immigration system outage as ‘negligence’
Lim Lip Eng questions billion-ringgit spending on procurements and contracts, notes latest incident on Thursday is second outage in a little over a month
Scoop Reporters
Updated 6 minutes ago
30 May, 2026
9:31 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR — Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has slammed the Home Ministry’s Immigration Department for negligence over a massive systems disruption that affected 114 of its checkpoints nationwide, resulting in a mass stranding of travellers at the country’s borders.
Lim said the MyIMMs system failure on Thursday was unacceptable because it was the second incident in weeks, after a breakdown on April 23.
“Once is a warning. Twice in weeks is negligence!
After years of billion-ringgit procurement, termination, re-procurement and cost revision, apologies are no longer enough,” he said in a statement today.
The DAP lawmaker said the Immigration director-general’s remarks that the current MyIMMs is 30 years old and problems “are bound to happen”, is unacceptable as it showed the government had “known for years” that the system would eventually be obsolete.
“NIISe was launched in 2021 to replace it and was then expected to be fully operational by 2024. Yet in 2026, Malaysia is still relying on an ageing system that can paralyse border operations for hours,” Lim said, referring to AI-powered National Integrated Immigration System that is to replace the MyIMMs.
“Malaysia cannot run 21st-century borders with a 30-year-old system and 30-year-old excuses,” Lim said.
The Home Ministry in a statement yesterday apologised for the hours-long glitch on Thursday morning, which it assured was not the result of a cyberattack .
It said an “internal technical” problem caused the outage for three hours and 45 minutes. However, travellers were reported complaining that the malfunction lasted for five hours, from 4.30am to 9.30am.
With the entire system offline, immigration officers had to clear travellers manually at its 114 border checkpoints that comprise 56 sea entry points, 30 via land and 28 by air.
The Home Ministry in its apology statement said the upgrading to NIISE was currently ongoing in stages, with full implementation scheduled for 2028. – May 30, 2026
DAP lawmaker slams immigration system outage as ‘negligence’
Lim Lip Eng questions billion-ringgit spending on procurements and contracts, notes latest incident on Thursday is second outage in a little over a month
Scoop Reporters
Updated 6 minutes ago
30 May, 2026
9:31 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR — Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has slammed the Home Ministry’s Immigration Department for negligence over a massive systems disruption that affected 114 of its checkpoints nationwide, resulting in a mass stranding of travellers at the country’s borders.
Lim said the MyIMMs system failure on Thursday was unacceptable because it was the second incident in weeks, after a breakdown on April 23.
“Once is a warning. Twice in weeks is negligence!
After years of billion-ringgit procurement, termination, re-procurement and cost revision, apologies are no longer enough,” he said in a statement today.
The DAP lawmaker said the Immigration director-general’s remarks that the current MyIMMs is 30 years old and problems “are bound to happen”, is unacceptable as it showed the government had “known for years” that the system would eventually be obsolete.
“NIISe was launched in 2021 to replace it and was then expected to be fully operational by 2024. Yet in 2026, Malaysia is still relying on an ageing system that can paralyse border operations for hours,” Lim said, referring to AI-powered National Integrated Immigration System that is to replace the MyIMMs.
“Malaysia cannot run 21st-century borders with a 30-year-old system and 30-year-old excuses,” Lim said.
The Home Ministry in a statement yesterday apologised for the hours-long glitch on Thursday morning, which it assured was not the result of a cyberattack .
It said an “internal technical” problem caused the outage for three hours and 45 minutes. However, travellers were reported complaining that the malfunction lasted for five hours, from 4.30am to 9.30am.
With the entire system offline, immigration officers had to clear travellers manually at its 114 border checkpoints that comprise 56 sea entry points, 30 via land and 28 by air.
The Home Ministry in its apology statement said the upgrading to NIISE was currently ongoing in stages, with full implementation scheduled for 2028. – May 30, 2026
Cops seize shotgun used by Perlis MB in cow shooting incident
Cops seize shotgun used by Perlis MB in cow shooting incident
Kangar police say Abu Bakar Hamzah holds a valid firearms licence
A viral video showing Perlis menteri besar Abu Bakar Hamzah shooting a cow has drawn criticism from netizens who questioned the necessity of using a firearm.
PETALING JAYA: Police seized a shotgun and nine rounds of buckshot ammunition believed to have been used by Perlis menteri besar Abu Bakar Hamzah in a shooting incident involving an aggressive cow in Kuala Perlis.
Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Yusop said Abu Bakar’s statement was recorded following a report lodged over a 38-second video of the incident circulating online.
Checks by the district police headquarters’ licensing division confirmed that Abu Bakar held a valid firearms licence for the shotgun.
“The action was taken because a cow had become aggressive and threatened programme workers and members of the public attending the Kuala Perlis Perdana Korban programme,” Yusharifuddin said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 for discharging a firearm in a public place, an offence that carries up to one year’s jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
Yusharifuddin urged the public not to speculate or issue statements that could provoke any party while the investigation is going on.
Yesterday, Abu Bakar defended his action, saying he only shot the cow intended for sacrifice during an Aidiladha ceremony on Wednesday after it had broken loose and gone berserk.
The incident drew public attention after a video went viral, leading netizens to question the necessity of using a firearm.
Some also questioned whether this action aligned with the religious procedure for slaughtering cows for Aidiladha in Perlis.
Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Yusop said Abu Bakar’s statement was recorded following a report lodged over a 38-second video of the incident circulating online.
Checks by the district police headquarters’ licensing division confirmed that Abu Bakar held a valid firearms licence for the shotgun.
“The action was taken because a cow had become aggressive and threatened programme workers and members of the public attending the Kuala Perlis Perdana Korban programme,” Yusharifuddin said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 for discharging a firearm in a public place, an offence that carries up to one year’s jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
Yusharifuddin urged the public not to speculate or issue statements that could provoke any party while the investigation is going on.
Yesterday, Abu Bakar defended his action, saying he only shot the cow intended for sacrifice during an Aidiladha ceremony on Wednesday after it had broken loose and gone berserk.
The incident drew public attention after a video went viral, leading netizens to question the necessity of using a firearm.
Some also questioned whether this action aligned with the religious procedure for slaughtering cows for Aidiladha in Perlis.
***
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‘Where is China’ ask delegates at Asian defence forum, as minister, high-ranking officials absent
‘Where is China’ ask delegates at Asian defence forum, as minister, high-ranking officials absent
For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has given the free-wheeling Singapore security meeting a miss, skipping opportunities to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as well as counterparts from Australia, France, Britain, Japan and other nations. — Reuters pic
Saturday, 30 May 2026 2:44 PM MYT
SINGAPORE, May 30 — The big question hanging over this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence forum, is: “Where is China?”
For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has given the free-wheeling Singapore security meeting a miss, skipping opportunities to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as well as counterparts from Australia, France, Britain, Japan and other nations.
In his place, Beijing sent a low-profile delegation of People’s Liberation Army “experts and scholars” - a step down from the usual high-powered presence.
A highlight of the dialogue’s annual programme has been a robust speech by China’s defence minister or senior official laying out Beijing’s defence doctrine and outlook on global tensions. But the speech helmed by China has been dropped from this year’s programme, like in 2025.
Even Hegseth took note.
“I wish my counterpart was here at this conference, but I look forward to other options when we can cross paths and communicate, talk about things where often actions at sea or actions in the air are perceived differently,” he said during his own keynote speech on Saturday.
Australia’s Richard Marles called it a lost opportunity for countries to have frank, face-to-face talks on flashpoints.
Dong Jun however, did meet Hegseth during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China earlier this month.
Zhou Bo, a retired PLA senior colonel and a member of China’s delegation to the meeting, downplayed his absence.
“This is not the first time the defence minister is not attending,” he said. “And academic delegations have come before. But it is true that the level of the delegation is relatively low this time.”
Some analysts point to a more calculated choice: avoiding questions like Taiwan tensions and the effect of military corruption purges on China’s combat readiness.
“My feeling is that they are trying to avoid tough questions,” said Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.
“The question that comes up with the (Chinese) delegation, since it is so researcher heavy, is their representativeness and authoritativeness.”
Hegseth’s comments on China this year restrained
Diplomats said Beijing may also have wanted to avoid a repeat of last year’s dialogue, when Hegseth described China as a threat in the Indo-Pacific and urged Asian allies to boost defence spending.
Beijing responded at the time by accusing the United States of vilifying China.
This year, Hegseth struck a more measured tone, although he cautioned that “no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question”.
He added that US-China relations were better than they had been in many years.
China began sending a usually high-powered delegation to the 23-year-old event in 2007. It dispatched its defence minister in 2011 and again in 2019, and continued the practice from 2022 to 2024. The Shangri-La Dialogue was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bilahari Kausikan, a veteran Singapore diplomat, said the Shangri-La Dialogue was always primarily about anchoring the US in Southeast Asia and ensuring its defense chief comes to Singapore and Southeast Asia at least once a year.
“Whether China is represented by its defence minister is a secondary factor. It would be nice but not essential to have the Chinese defence minister here.” — Reuters
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