Kedah pushes legal challenge after Court of Appeal rules against gambling licence freeze

Kedah pushes legal challenge after Court of Appeal rules against gambling licence freeze



Kedah wants to impose a blanket ban on lottery and betting businesses, but the Court of Appeal has said the state government cannot do so solely on policy objections to gambling. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 8:31 PM MYT


ALOR SETAR, June 7 — Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is not giving up the state’s decision to stop issuing and renewing number-betting outlet licences, despite losing the case at the Court of Appeal.

He said the state will pursue the legal battle all the way to the Federal Court, The Star reported today.

“We are not giving up and will bring this case to the highest court. We have already started the process to go to the Federal Court,” he was quoted as saying.

Sanusi said the state had anticipated the outcome, although the full written judgment was only recently released.


On June 2, the Court of Appeal released its written grounds for a December ruling that Kedah could not impose a blanket ban on lottery and betting businesses solely on policy objections to gambling.

The majority decision held that state powers were confined to matters under the Federal Constitution’s Ninth Schedule and the Local Government Act.

The court said licensing decisions must be tied to premises conditions such as safety, sanitation and public nuisance, not general opposition to gambling activities.


It also noted that some operators had been operating at the same premises for decades.

The Federal Court is scheduled to hear Kedah’s application for leave to appeal on August 12.

Kedah’s dispute began after Sanusi announced in November 2021 that the state would stop issuing and renewing gambling outlet licences.

The decision was challenged by gambling and lottery operators, leading to a 2024 High Court ruling that the ban was unlawful, which was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in December 2025.

Malay man charged with placing idols at mosque in Selangor

From the FB page of:

Zahir Khan

 ·

Heinous act like this can cause unwanted incident, !! There must be a hidden plan ,, this kind of thing has happened in Bangladesh !!! And many lives lost And property destroyed !! Please be punished as severely as possible !!

Look at his face, he's so dirty & still can smile ... SMILE IN THE AFTERLIFE

This thing should not be let go

***


He's NOT even respectful of Allah swt - dahsyat lah!

‘Your president sits next to me every week’: Anthony Loke says after Onn Hafiz’s ‘won't sit at same table’ jab

‘Your president sits next to me every week’: Anthony Loke says after Onn Hafiz’s ‘won't sit at same table’ jab



(From left) DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke who is also transport minister, with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also deputy prime minister I, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at an undated Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya. — Picture from Facebook/Anthony Loke Siew Fook

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 7:52 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke fired back at Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi after the latter declared he would rather resign than cooperate with DAP in forming the next Johor state government.

The exchange erupted after Onn Hafiz declared during the launch of the party’s election machinery in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri earlier today that “I would rather not hold the position of Menteri Besar than have to sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, Bangsa Johor”.

“You don’t want to sit at the same table with DAP…… Great! Keep up your arrogance,” Loke responded on Facebook, in a post that has since gone viral.

“But your president sits next to the DAP secretary-general every week, right… just so you know… thank you!” he added, in a pointed reminder that at the federal level, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sits alongside DAP leaders in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet.


The war of words underscores the widening gap between federal and state political realities in Johor.

While DAP and Umno are coalition partners in the unity government, Onn Hafiz has made clear that the arrangement does not extend to Johor.

Onn Hafiz insisted his stance was not driven by racial sentiment, as some have alleged, but rooted in Johor’s unique multiracial identity under the Bangsa Johor concept.


He also claimed BN Johor has never sat at the same table with DAP, though he acknowledged that a previous menteri besar from Bersatu had done so.

The Johor legislative assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for a state election that must be held within 60 days.

This round, BN is seeking a stronger mandate than its 2022 state election performance and has pledged to contest all 56 seats.

Onn Hafiz, who is caretaker menteri besar, has pledged to continue the Bantuan Kasih Johor assistance scheme if BN retains power.

At the time of dissolution, the division in the legislative assembly had BN holding 40 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan (12), Perikatan Nasional (three), and Muda (one).

‘Sit at the same table with DAP’? Onn Hafiz says he’d rather give up Johor MB post

‘Sit at the same table with DAP’? Onn Hafiz says he’d rather give up Johor MB post



Caretaker Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has declared he would not remain in office if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to form a state government with DAP. — Bernama pic
il
Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 7:30 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA, June 7 — Caretaker Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has declared he would not remain in office if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to form a state government with DAP.

Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported that the statement was made during the launch of BN’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri, where he rejected suggestions that support for BN would translate into backing for DAP, describing the claim as “slander”.

“I would rather not hold the position of menteri besar or sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, the Bangsa Johor spirit,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that when the state government is reformed with the consent of the Sultan of Johor and the Regent of Johor, and BN is given the mandate to lead again, it would not at any time form a government with DAP.

According to the report, Onn Hafiz, who also chairs Johor BN, said he had been directed by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to seek feedback from divisions before the coalition’s election plan was finalised.

Ramasamy’s growing discontent with PAS: Opposition disunity could hand PH another victory

Ramasamy’s growing discontent with PAS: Opposition disunity could hand PH another victory

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy
04/06/2026

HOW is the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition with PAS in command going to oppose and defeat the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition, especially when UMNO remains part of the larger ruling alliance?


In the case of Johor, it is already clear that UMNO intends to go solo. Whether such a practice will be repeated in other states remains to be seen.


The foremost question in the minds of the electorate is whether PAS and Bersatu are going to remain the anchors of the larger opposition coalition.

As it is, things are not looking very good for the political ties between PAS and Bersatu.

The resignation of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from PN’s chairmanship has led to the slow but sure souring of relations between the two parties.

The ouster of Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and his associates from the party – and their supposed entry into PAS – has further complicated the relationship.

Muhyiddin’s brainchild, the loose coalition known as Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) might not be well-received by PAS.

Perhaps it gave the impression that Muhyiddin was creating a power base outside PN. Not all IPR component parties are PN members. Only Gerakan and MIPP (Malaysian Indian People Party) are PN members while others have applied but are still awaiting

Some political parties such as Urimai (United Rights of Malaysian Party) and Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) are not component parties of PN.

Twelve opposition parties have agreed to form a loose coalition to champion issues which they claim the Madani government has failed to resolve, including its reform pledges.

The coalition comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Pejuang, Muda, Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), Putra, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Berjasa, PSM, Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP), and the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman).

The coalition also includes Urimai, which has not yet succe...

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‘Urimai comfortable with Bersatu’

Recently, there were attempts to describe these two parties as Trojan horses with the potential to undermine PN or PAS if admitted.

In any case, these two parties have not applied to join PN and are comfortable remaining within IPR.

Recently, some PAS leaders commented that IPR might not be incorporated into the PN coalition. In other words, IPR members would have to stand on their own in facing elections.

Since I can only speak on behalf of Urimai, it is perfectly alright if Urimai is not admitted into PN. Urimai is quite comfortable facing elections either collectively through IPR or in association with Bersatu.

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy

last Sunday

PAS should not behave as though it has a monopoly over the opposition

P. Ramasamy
Chairman Urimai
May 31, 2026

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Urimai is not hard up to join PN. Surprisingly, PN and PAS speak of creating an opposition bloc to confront the ruling coalition yet they have failed to create and sustain opposition solidarity.

Bersatu has not decided whether it will go alone in the coming elections with IPR by its side.

If PAS proves recalcitrant by choosing only certain parties within the broader opposition framework while excluding others, then the Bersatu leadership needs to re-think whether it wants to remain tied to PAS within PN or seek the support of IPR in opening another opposition front against the ruling Madani government.

Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy


Bersatu has the potential to create another opposition coalition. It might be able to attract support from both non-Malays and Malays, especially in states such as Penang, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, to name a few.

PAS’ strongholds remain the Malay-majority SG4 states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu.

The tragic reality is that the lack of unity among opposition parties might become a major setback in efforts to remove the PH-led coalition government.

If this happens, PAS cannot turn around and blame other political parties that sought to build a broader and more inclusive opposition bloc to challenge the Madani government. – June 4, 2026



Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

Pentagon raises threat of Israeli spying to ‘critical’

Pentagon raises threat of Israeli spying to ‘critical’



The Pentagon has reportedly raised Israel to its highest counterintelligence threat tier amid concerns over alleged spying on senior US officials involved in Middle East policy. — AFP

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 3:41 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The Pentagon has reportedly raised its counterintelligence threat level for Israel to its highest tier amid concerns over alleged spying on senior US officials.

AFP, citing NBC News, reported that the Pentagon’s Defence Intelligence Agency assessed Israel’s “ability to conduct human espionage and technical collection” as being at a “critical level”.


NBC News, citing US officials, said the move followed concerns that Israel had tried to obtain information on the Trump administration’s internal discussions and decision-making on conflicts in the Middle East.


The New York Times also reported alleged Israeli efforts to eavesdrop on senior officials, including President Donald Trump’s top negotiator Steve Witkoff and the Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge Colby.

AFP said the reports came after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering the war.


The reports also come amid apparent strain between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Reuters reported earlier this week that Trump confirmed he had called Netanyahu “crazy” during a heated phone call over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, which Trump said had complicated US diplomatic efforts.


According to AFP, Axios and ABC News had earlier reported that Trump unleashed a profanity-laced tirade at Netanyahu over Israel’s threats to bomb Beirut, amid fears such a move would undermine talks with Tehran. — Reuters

Loke rules out PH-BN tie-up in Negeri Sembilan

Loke rules out PH-BN tie-up in Negeri Sembilan


3 hours ago
Elill Easwaran


The DAP secretary-general says cooperation is out of the question after the coalition withdrew support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and moved to contest all seats in Johor

Despite the collision course in Negeri Sembilan, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the relationship between PH and BN at the federal level remained intact. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has made it clear that Pakatan Harapan would not work with Barisan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan.

He said such cooperation in Negeri Sembilan was a non-starter given the circumstances that triggered the dissolution of the state assembly.

“The whole idea of dissolving the (state assembly) was because Umno had withdrawn its support.


“How can we now say we will cooperate with them just to avoid any defeat?” he told a press conference after attending federal territories DAP’s launch of a special documentary on the chapter’s journey.

Loke also said Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) decision to contest all 36 Negeri Sembilan seats is a direct response to BN.


“Umno wants to fight everything in Johor. PH also wants to fight everything in Negeri Sembilan. So, tit for tat,” he said.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said his coalition remained open to continuing cooperation with PH to maintain the unity government in Negeri Sembilan although formal talks on electoral cooperation had yet to take place.

The Negeri Sembilan state assembly was dissolved on Friday, two months after 14 Umno assemblymen said they had lost confidence in menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and had withdrawn support for his administration.

A week later, the Umno bloc said it would remain in the state government but maintained its withdrawal of support for Aminuddin.


Despite the collision course in Negeri Sembilan, Loke said the relationship between PH and BN at the federal level remained intact.

“As far as we are concerned, at this point it is still a working relationship. We are still running the government together.

“Of course, we do not want to jeopardise the situation at the federal level. The Cabinet still functions as normal,” he said.

Loke hits back at Rafizi over dissolution claim


Loke also directed his criticism at former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, dismissing claims that DAP had applied pressure on the Negeri Sembilan government to dissolve the assembly.


Rafizi had claimed on his podcast that the dissolution was driven by DAP’s push for simultaneous elections with Johor, despite earlier signals from Aminuddin and state PH leaders that they were prepared to continue governing as a minority administration.

Loke said he had spoken directly with Aminuddin immediately after the Johor dissolution and was told the menteri besar was ready to move for a dissolution.

“So, what do you mean by DAP (applying pressure for a dissolution)?

“I think Rafizi has a new syndrome … he also has the syndrome where everyone wants to blame DAP.

“He is the same as everyone else after leaving PH. They only want to blame DAP. I expected (much) more from Rafizi,” he said.

From ‘critical stage’ to miracle: The full 14-day survival story of Jaslinda Saludin

From ‘critical stage’ to miracle: The full 14-day survival story of Jaslinda Saludin 



A rescue worker uses a winching technique to lower equipment from an MI-17 helicopter during a search and rescue operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin near Tapah on June 1, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 12:04 PM MYT


IPOH, June 7 — Woman hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing for 14 days after she went on a hike at Gunung Batu Putih, near Tapah was found safe near Kampung Lubuk Geharu, Pos Musoh today by Orang Asli villager Nazri a/l Bah Eng at about 5 pm.

The following is a chronology of events from the day she went missing, May 23, until she was found today, June 6.


May 23

Jaslinda, with 13 other people and two forestry mountain guides start their Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2 am on the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.


At 10 pm, male hiker Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, who suffered breathing problems and vomited, stops to rest at Kem Batu Kor with Jaslinda and a guide, while the others head to the mountain peak.

May 24

Jaslinda, who is believed to have also stopped to rest because of pain to her legs, carries on alone towards the mountain peak, with the guide stating that the last time he saw her was at about 7.30 am.


At 11.32 am, the Perak Fire and Rescue Department informs that they received an emergency call about two injured victims at Gunung Batu Putih, Tapah.

At 4 pm, the mountain guide states that he along with the male hiker were still at Kem Batu Kor, adding that he did not know Jaslinda’s current location and assumed that she had carried on towards the peak.



An MI-17 helicopter prepares to transport a rescue team to the Kem Kantoi search zone from the fire and rescue department forward control center at the Third Battalion General Operations Force camp in Bidor on June 1, 2026. — Bernama pic



May 25

The Perak Fire and Rescue Department launches an operation to bring down Mohd Hanafi with the assistance of an Agusta 139 aircraft from the Bertam Air Base to the Bidor General Operations Force (GOF) 3rd Battalion Camp, and he safely arrives at 3 pm.

A search and rescue operation carries on looking for Jaslinda with a team of 12 Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team (STORM) members dispatched to the peak of Gunung Batu Putih.

Searchers also discover footprints along an area that was not the main hiking trail, which they suspect belong to Jaslinda.


May 26

The search continues with improved communications from SAPURA in the form of Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) at the incident control post at Surau At-Taqwa, Sultan Idris II Power Plant, Kuala Woh.

New leads are found, including the discovery of Jaslinda’s water bottle, supplements, footprints, and candy wrappers along the trail towards Gunung Rayu.


May 27

An eight-man operations team is dispatched to Bukit Berapit 2 at 9.15 am using an AW139 aircraft.

Operations continue to Kem Sukaneka, a five-hour trek, but searchers do not find any sign of Jaslinda, and spends the night at the search location at the peak of the hill.



Orang Asli volunteers check the start of a climbing trail in Kampung Ampang Woh ahead of a search mission for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin on June 2, 2026. — Bernama pic



May 28

The search, which entered the critical stage after 72 hours, is intensified with an additional 38 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, the GOF, the Forestry Department and forestry mountain guides in the areas of Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu.

The search area is expanded and focused along Sungai Ayer Busok, as rescuers believe Jaslinda would be trying to look for water.


May 29

The Perak Fire and Rescue Department launches a drone to search for Jaslinda at slopes, banks and hard to access locations.

News surfaces about a message scrawled on the ground stating “HAFIZ AMBIK GAMBAR AKAK DH SAMPAI” indicated that Jaslinda had safely arrived at the peak of Gunung Batu Putih but it cannot be ascertained when the message was left.

A forestry mountain guide who acted as a sweeper for the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition discovered the message when they arrived at the peak at 10.45 am on May 24.


May 30

A wildlife camera trap captured footage of Jaslinda, confirming that she had headed towards Kem Sukaneka.

She was recorded crossing Camera 1 at 11.22 am, May 24, but she was not recorded heading back by the camera, while Camera 2 did not record any footage of the missing hiker on May 24 and 25.



Tapah district police chief Superintendent Abdul Malik Hasim speaks during a search and rescue coordination meeting for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin in Tapah on June 3, 2026. — Bernama pic



May 31

The SAR team considers gathering additional personnel, while checks with a Forestry Department observation camera at Bukit Berapit 2 did not reveal any sign of the missing hiker.

Rescuers move to the location of observation cameras at Gunung Rayu to retrieve another memory card for analysis.


June 1

Eight GOF 3rd Battalion personnel from Bidor are flown to the search site for safety reasons after wildlife droppings were discovered in the area.

Searches are focused at Kem Kantoi till Gunung Rayu and are expected to use the services of Orang Asli villagers from Kampung Orang Asli Ampang Woh from tomorrow.


June 2

A team of 22 volunteers of the Semai tribe from Kampung Woh prepare to assist the search.



Family members greet Jaslinda Saludin at Hospital Tapah after she was found safe following an incident while hiking Mount Batu Putih, on June 6, 2026. — Bernama pic



June 3

The search for Jaslinda is to be scaled down tomorrow, and be placed under the supervision of the Fire and Rescue Department.

The control post for the search at Surau At-Taqwa, Sultan Idris II Power Plant, Kuala Woh is closed.


June 4

An integrated control post at the Tapah Fire and Rescue Station is opened and those interested to join the search are required to apply before being screened.

The search is now focused based on new leads.


June 5

The Perak Forestry Department bans dayhikes and compressed hikes in risky hiking areas effective immediately.


June 6

Missing hiker Jaslinda is found safe near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh at about 5 pm. — Bernama

What’s really in Selangor’s guidelines for non-Muslim places of worship? Exco sets record straight

What’s really in Selangor’s guidelines for non-Muslim places of worship? Exco sets record straight



Lawmakers attend a sitting of the Selangor state assembly in Shah Alam on Nov 10, 2023. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 10:09 AM MYT


SHAH ALAM, June 7 — The Selangor state government has clarified several misconceptions surrounding the proposed review and optimisation of the Selangor State Manual on Guidelines and Standards for Community Facilities Planning relating to non-Islamic places of worship.

State Human Resources and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman V. Pappraidu said one of the inaccurate claims is that non-Islamic places of worship will no longer be allowed direct access from major roads, following the introduction of new guidelines requiring a service road.

He said the provision of service roads is intended to facilitate safer vehicle access and parking without disrupting traffic flow on major roads.

“The requirement for service roads is based solely on traffic management and public safety considerations. Religious premises located along major roads often attract large crowds during festivals and special occasions, which may result in traffic congestion and safety risks,” he said in a statement yesterday.


Papparaidu also dismissed allegations that shrines at construction sites would have to be demolished and explained that the proposed guideline specifically refers to temporary shrines erected for worship during the building period.

“Once the permanent temple or place of worship is completed, these temporary structures are expected to be relocated accordingly. The policy does not involve the arbitrary demolition of religious shrines,” he said.

Regarding the building height and land area limitations, he said the state government remains open to reviewing and optimising the existing standards of 0.10 to 0.20 hectares and building heights of 72 feet (21.9 metres).


Papparaidu, who is also the Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Taoist Affairs (Limas) co-chairman, said the state government remains committed to upholding freedom of religion and safeguarding the interests of all religious communities, as well as ensuring planning policies that promote safety, harmony, and sustainable development.

“We urge the public not to be misled by inaccurate information and to refer only to official statements and verified sources regarding this matter. Constructive engagement and dialogue will continue to guide the state government’s efforts in refining these guidelines for the benefit of all Selangorians,” he said.

Papparaidu also said the decision to review and improve the guidelines was approved by the State Executive Council to ensure that planning regulations remain practical, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Selangor’s diverse communities.

In the same statement, he said that Selangor has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting non-Muslim religious communities, with 481 plots of land approved and issued since 2008 for non-Muslim places of worship.

“Under the current administration alone, 57 plots have been approved, while another 40 applications are currently being processed. By the end of the year, the total is expected to surpass 500 approved sites,” he said. — Bernama

‘I can safely say 17 seats’ — Anthony Loke confirms DAP’s Johor allocation

‘I can safely say 17 seats’ — Anthony Loke confirms DAP’s Johor allocation



DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke speaks during the launch of the Johor Pakatan Harapan election machinery for the 16th Johor State Election at Kim’s Park Business Centre in Batu Pahat on June 6, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 2:17 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — DAP is set to expand its footprint in the upcoming Johor state election, fielding candidates in 17 seats, an increase from the 14 it contested in the 2022 polls.

Party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed the figure today, noting that the party’s strategy involves a three-pronged approach: defending its 10 incumbent seats, reclaiming the four it lost in the previous cycle, and venturing into three additional constituencies.

“I can safely say that DAP will be contesting 17 seats in the coming state election in Johor,” Loke was quoted as saying in a Free Malaysia Today report.

The expansion comes as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition successfully concluded its seat-sharing negotiations, shifting its focus toward election machinery and ground preparations.


While Loke noted that one final seat was subject to minor adjustments between PKR and Amanah, he expressed confidence that the arrangement would be fully settled within 48 hours.

In the 2022 state election, DAP emerged as the coalition’s strongest performer in Johor, successfully defending 10 seats.

However, it suffered narrow defeats in four traditional strongholds of Bekok, Yong Peng, Paloh, and Pekan Nanas, which were captured by MCA.


Currently, DAP holds the lion’s share of the opposition’s presence in the Johor state assembly, with coalition partners PKR and Amanah holding only one seat each.

The move to contest three new seats suggests a strategic attempt by PH to make inroads into areas previously considered Barisan Nasional (BN) or Perikatan Nasional (PN) territory.

Perikatan on the brink? PAS to decide fate of Bersatu alliance in Monday meeting

Perikatan on the brink? PAS to decide fate of Bersatu alliance in Monday meeting



PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang speaks during a press conference after delivering a dhuha lecture at Masjid Rusila in Marang on May 22, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 3:36 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The future of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition hangs in the balance as PAS will convene a high-stakes central working committee (CWC) meeting tomorrow night to determine its ongoing relationship with Bersatu.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang confirmed the meeting today, when speaking to reporters following the launch of a book on the Iran-Israel war at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, Free Malaysia Today reported.

“It will be tomorrow, God willing, Monday. We will have a meeting at night,” Hadi said, addressing mounting speculation over when the party leadership would formally decide the trajectory of the PAS-Bersatu partnership.

The alliance between the two PN pillars has been tenuous since Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin was forced to resign as the chairman of the coalition last year.


The rift widened after Hadi publicly signalled that PAS would reassess its cooperation with Bersatu, delivering a pointed warning that the party’s “patience has its limits.”

At the core of the dispute are several high-friction issues that have eroded trust between the two parties.

Chief among these is Bersatu’s move to unseat the Perlis menteri besar, as well as allegations of Bersatu interfering in state-level appointments in the PAS strongholds of Kedah and Kelantan.

Adding to the tension is a strategic disagreement over the coalition's growth; Hadi alleged that Bersatu has consistently opposed the admission of new Malay-Muslim parties into the PN fold whereas the Islamist party has continued its outreach towards such groups.

***

Skema Pak Lebai - Keluarkan Bersatu, terima RESET, wakakaka

Pakatan completes Johor seat negotiations, shifts focus to election machinery preparation

Pakatan completes Johor seat negotiations, shifts focus to election machinery preparation



Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail speaks during the launch of the Johor Pakatan Harapan election machinery for the 16th Johor State Election at Kim’s Park Business Centre in Batu Pahat on June 6, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Jun 2026 11:43 AM MYT


BATU PAHAT, June 7 — Seat negotiations among component parties within Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the 16th Johor State Election have been finalised, says PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the process was successfully concluded yesterday following negotiations involving the leaders of Amanah, PKR and DAP.

“I would like to say that just a short while ago, this afternoon, we completed negotiations for all seats among the PH parties.

Thank you, Abang Mat Sabu (Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu), thank you Anthony Loke (DAP secretary-general),” he said while speaking at the launch of the PH election machinery for the Johor State Election, which was also attended by the Prime Minister and PH chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also a PKR vice-president, said several final details regarding the seat distribution would be handed over to the Johor PH leadership headed by Aminolhuda Hassan.

He said that with the seat negotiations completed, PH’s focus would now shift to election machinery preparations, including on-the-ground work, logistics coordination and delivering the right messages to voters to ensure PH’s victory in Johor.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution also criticised certain parties that continued to use identity and racial politics to gain political support.

“Threatening tactics that claim certain races will lose power or that religion is under threat are ‘politics of fear’ deliberately created to divide society.

“My friends, the Malays, Chinese and Indians are our pride. We did not ask to be born as Malay, Chinese or Indian, no. That is part of nature.

“That is why PH’s approach is not us versus them. Our political approach is we are all together,” he said.

Previously, PH announced that it would contest all 56 state assembly seats in Johor in the upcoming state election.

In the last state election, PH won 12 seats, Barisan Nasional (40), Perikatan Nasional (three) and MUDA one seat. — Bernama