PAS Youth accuses PKR man of twisting Sanusi’s words

PAS Youth accuses PKR man of twisting Sanusi’s words


Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden says a police report will be filed as the Kedah MB never told Chinese or Indians to 'go back' to China or India

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said PKR’s Dr N Sathia Prakash should withdraw his allegations and apologise publicly.

PETALING JAYA: PAS Youth has accused PKR’s Dr N Sathia Prakash of twisting Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor’s remarks by claiming the latter told Chinese and Indians to “go back” to China and India.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said a police report would be lodged against Sathia for alleged sedition and purportedly trying to cause racial hostility.

“Having different political views is not a licence to defame others. Do not inflame racial sentiments for political interests,” Afnan said in a statement.


The Alor Setar MP said Sathia had added the word “go back” to Sanusi’s remarks, changing the meaning of the Perikatan Nasional election director’s statement and falsely suggesting he wanted non-Malays expelled because of their race.

Afnan demanded that Sathia withdraw the allegation and apologise publicly.


FMT has reached out to Sathia for comment.

Sanusi stirred controversy after suggesting that different ethnic groups in Malaysia could fall back on ancestral homelands outside the country.

Sathia, who is the Selangor PKR election director, lodged a police report against the PAS leader yesterday.

DAP can renew itself or double down on Chinese base, says Ong

DAP can renew itself or double down on Chinese base, says Ong


Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming says the party faces a major choice if its support continues to fall in GE16

DAP suffered a wipeout in the Sabah polls in November and lost several key seats during the Johor state election last month.

PETALING JAYA: Should DAP’s support continue to fall in the next general election (GE16), the party must either renewal itself to gain wider appeal or double down on its traditional Chinese support base, says a former leader.

Ong Kian Ming.


Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said DAP’s main focus now should be to retain as much non-Malay support as possible, while its past goal to woo more Malays is not as urgent.


“After GE16, I believe DAP has two main options. One option is to continue focusing on their traditional support base (Chinese voters).

“Although their share of the electorate is reducing because of the growing number of Malay voters, some DAP leaders may feel that this is the best way to retain Chinese support,” he said, according to Utusan Malaysia.


Under this approach, he said DAP could try to hold on to Penang and remain strong in Selangor, while accepting a role in the opposition at the federal level.

The other option, Ong said, was for DAP to rethink its long-term direction and renew itself, as part of shedding its image of being a Chinese party.

“Firstly, DAP’s messaging to the Malay community must change. Sensitive issues do not have to be avoided completely, but the way the party speaks about them must improve.

“Secondly, DAP has lost several leaders who were professionals and more policy-focused. They were capable of attracting support from Malaysian professionals, including segments of Malay professionals.


“One challenge for DAP is how to rebuild its image as a party that’s strong on policies, instead of being seen only as a party representing one community,” he said.

As part of this party renewal, Ong called for DAP to give more room to younger leaders who carry different ideas.

DAP will hold a special congress on Aug 16 to decide the party’s direction in the government, particularly whether its ministers and deputy ministers should resign from their posts.

DAP has said its 40 MPs would continue to support Anwar Ibrahim’s government in Parliament even if delegates vote for its leaders to leave their government posts.


The party suffered a wipeout in the Sabah polls in November and lost several key seats during the Johor state election last month.

Ong expected delegates at the DAP special congress to vote to withdraw from positions in the unity government, especially if its trend of disappointing election results continues in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan polls.

If the congress was held before the Negeri Sembilan and Johor elections, delegates probably would have voted to stay put, he added.

Iran army warns Middle East war will ‘expand further’ if US airstrikes resume

Iran army warns Middle East war will ‘expand further’ if US airstrikes resume



This screen grab made on July 26, 2026 from undated handout video footage released by the US Central Command (Centcom) on July 25, 2026 shows what Centcom says are operations enforcing its naval blockade against Iran. — US Central Command handout/AFP pic


Summary

The Iranian army has warned that the Middle East conflict could expand geographically if the United States continues military actions against Iran, especially in coordination with Israel.

This statement comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. 

Military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia pointed to the recent escalation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and outlined Iran's preparedness for a range of potential developments, suggesting that the U.S. is seeking a new strategy amidst an increasingly complex regional situation.

First Published: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 4:17 PM MYT
Last Modified: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 4:34 PM MYT


TEHRAN, July 26 — Iran’s army warned today that the Middle East war would widen if the United States chose to press ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic, ahead of the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.

“I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists’ deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told state television.


He said the war had already expanded to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea, referencing the recent military flare-up between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.

“The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf,” he said.


Akraminia said the situation in the Middle East for the United States is “difficult and unsettled,” predicting that Washington was now looking “for a new strategy.”


“We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely,” he added.

On Friday, Israel said Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. — AFP

Former PM Muhyiddin says it should be PAS exiting Perikatan, not Bersatu

Former PM Muhyiddin says it should be PAS exiting Perikatan, not Bersatu



Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin likened the situation to disagreements within a shared “house”, saying it was illogical to demand that Bersatu vacate the coalition when PAS was the party that initiated the split. — Picture by Firdaus Latif


Summary

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has rejected calls for his party to leave the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, suggesting that PAS should exit due to its decision to cease political cooperation with Bersatu.

Muhyiddin emphasized that Bersatu, as a co-founder of PN, retains the right to remain, while pointing out that PAS's previous actions, such as leaving other coalitions, set a precedent for them to exit. 

Despite tensions, including PAS's lack of support for Bersatu in the recent Johor polls, Muhyiddin remains committed to his leadership role but plans to step down when his term ends next year to allow for fresh leadership.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 1:46 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has pushed back against calls for his party to leave Perikatan Nasional (PN), arguing that PAS — not Bersatu — should be the one to step away from the coalition after choosing to end political cooperation between the two parties.

FMT reported Muhyiddin saying said Bersatu, as a co‑founder of PN, could not be forced out of the coalition and retained every right to remain. “If a party decides to cut ties, it is usually the one that leaves the coalition,” he said, pointing to PAS’s past withdrawal from Pakatan Rakyat and Bersatu’s own exit from Pakatan Harapan.


Muhyiddin likened the situation to disagreements within a shared “house”, saying it was illogical to demand that Bersatu vacate the coalition when PAS was the party that initiated the split. He added that PAS appeared keen to hold on to PN’s value and was instead attempting to push Bersatu out.

PAS ended its cooperation with Bersatu early last month, though both remain PN components. The coalition, now chaired by PAS vice‑president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, has since admitted two new members — Pejuang and Parti Wawasan Negara, led by former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.


Tensions between PAS and Bersatu have been visible on the ground. Although both parties contested under the PN banner in the July 11 Johor polls, PAS chose not to campaign for Bersatu, and the coalition was wiped out in the state. Ahead of the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan election, PAS‑led PN struck a seat‑avoidance pact with Barisan Nasional, allocating 25 seats to BN and 11 to PN. Bersatu rejected the arrangement and opted to run under its own banner in 24 seats, creating eight direct clashes with PN.


Muhyiddin also reiterated that he intends to step down as Bersatu president when his term ends next year, saying the party needs renewal and fresh leadership. Although he previously announced he would not defend the presidency at the 2023 general assembly, he later stayed on after delegates urged him to continue for another term.

Mohamad Hasan says non-Malays have ‘no reason to be unduly worried’ by BN-Perikatan pact in Negeri Sembilan

Mohamad Hasan says non-Malays have ‘no reason to be unduly worried’ by BN-Perikatan pact in Negeri Sembilan



BN deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says non‑Malay voters will not be sidelined if the coalition wins the Negri Sembilan state election despite its pact with Perikatan Nasional. — Bernama pic


Summary

Barisan Nasional (BN) has assured non-Malay voters that they will not be marginalized if the coalition wins the Negeri Sembilan state election, despite its alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

BN deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized that BN remains the dominant force within the partnership, contesting the majority of seats. He reassured minorities by highlighting that some seats had been allocated to MCA and MIC, and noted that non-Muslim candidates are also being fielded by PN. 

Mohamad stated that the cooperation with PN is intended to consolidate Malay support and prevent vote splitting.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 1:10 PM MYT
Last Modified: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 1:36 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has assured non-Malay voters they will not be sidelined if the coalition secures victory in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, despite its cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

According to The Star, BN deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said claims by rivals that minorities would be marginalised were unfounded, stressing that BN remained the dominant force in the partnership.

“Barisan is like the biggest shareholder in a company as we will be contesting 25 seats while PAS will contest five, Wawasan four and two more by other party candidates. The majority shareholder is still Barisan and non-Malays have no reason to be unduly worried,” he told The Star.

He added that seven of BN’s seats had been allocated to MCA and two to MIC, while PN was also fielding non-Muslim candidates.


“There is nothing to be concerned about as our friends have also openly said the menteri besar post will go to Barisan,” he was quoted as saying.


Mohamad argued that cooperation with PN was aimed at consolidating Malay support and avoiding vote splitting.

He noted that voter response to the BN–PN pact had been more positive than BN’s previous collaboration with Pakatan Harapan in 2023.

Nicky Liow not a PKR member, says sec-gen

Nicky Liow not a PKR member, says sec-gen


3 hours ago
Elill Easwaran


Fuziah Salleh says the businessman has never applied to join PKR, in response to questions raised about his appearance at a recent party event

In April 2022, Nicky Liow was charged in the Shah Alam sessions court with 26 counts of money laundering totalling RM36 million. (PDRM pic)

PETALING JAYA: Businessman Nicky Liow is not a PKR member and has never applied to join the party, says its secretary-general, Fuziah Salleh.

Fuziah said she ordered a check of PKR’s membership records after questions arose regarding Liow’s appearance at a PKR event here two days ago.

“I can confirm that Liow Soon Hee, also known as Nicky Liow, is not on the party’s membership list,” she told FMT.


“His name is also not on the list of those who have applied to become members.”

In April 2022, Liow was charged in the Shah Alam sessions court with 26 counts of money laundering totalling RM36 million.


He had been in hiding for a year after police launched a crackdown on his alleged gang over claims it had been involved in “Macau Scam” activities.

While in hiding, Liow was charged in absentia with being a member of an organised crime group. He was later granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).

Fuziah’s statement follows a picture of Liow with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim at a recent party event. Liow was seen wearing a PKR Youth shirt bearing the party’s logo.

Political foes snub Hannah Yeoh over two-skipper BN-PN Titanic waiting to hit iceberg analogy

Political foes snub Hannah Yeoh over two-skipper BN-PN Titanic waiting to hit iceberg analogy

DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh has been ticked off by political rivals for “being a busy body predicting the sinking of other people’s ships” – an apparent reaction to the “phobia and fear when the Malays want to unite”.

This follows the Federal Territories Minister’s swipe at the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) partnership – more specifically that between UMNO and PAS – by expecting such cooperation to be short-lived given it is overshadowed by betrayal and those who are not loyal to the “politics of friendship”.


Campaigning at the Klawang state constituency in Jelebu – a deemed Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Amanah stronghold – as part of the run-up to the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan (N9) state election, Yeoh went on to liken the BN-PN pact to the ship in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic “that is poised to sink at any time”.

“They cheered happily at the commencement of the voyage but eventually the ship sank after hitting a large iceberg that they failed to sight ahead,” she recounted in a Facebook post the disaster which struck on April 14, 1912 at 11.40pm in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Titanic - baca analogi sampai habis, jangan tengok gambar kapal sahaja ya...

Malam tadi saya turun berkempen di Kuala Klawang, Jelebu untuk membantu sahabat saya - Dato' Ir. Haji Bakri Sawir - yang bertanding mempertahankan kerusi Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) di DUN Klawang yang telah dimenanginya pada tahun 2018 dan 2023.

Saya mengangkat tema politik persahabatan dalam ucapan saya. Saya imbas semula segala kekuatan dan kelemahan parti-parti dalam Harapan yang mengikat kami seh...

See more

8.3K

8.8K

546

Each aspires to be Prime Minister and will trample on each other to rise to the top. They don’t want their partners to succeed either.

“The emphasis is on individual success. Such is the parable of the BN-PN collaboration today. They’re like the Titanic waiting to sink becausethere isn’t any political value of friendship.

‘PH’s Titanic to hit iceberg first’

That the Segambut MP boasted by drawing comparison with the ruling Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) “one skipper ship with PKR, Amanah and DAP loyally fighting to defend Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim” must have irked PAS lawmaker Nurul Amin Hamid who countered with his PH Titanic version that insinuates a N9 downfall.

Khas untuk Hannah Yeoh dan DAP

14K

3K

523

“Specially for Hannah Yeoh and DAP,” jibed the first-term Padang Terap MP in his one-liner FB post.

This was when Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid took a pot shot at Yeoh that she need not be afraid given history has proven that when the core/majority races are stable and united, “the country is peaceful and all races – Chinese, Indian and others – can enjoy the prosperity together”.

“The ‘political friendship’ narrative promoted by Hannah Yeoh is actually not intended for the rakyat. It’s nothing more than a ’lifeline’ for the sake of PMX’s position alone,” mocked the prominent lawyer for high-profile figures within the PN circle on his FB page.

Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali

on Thursday

Hannah Yeoh & Titanic.

1.Saya membaca tulisan Hannah Yeoh yang sibuk meramal karamnya kapal orang lain.

2. Menghairankan menteri hari ini.Begitu fobia dan takut apabila orang Melayu mahu bersatu.

...See more

1.2K

102

127

“Individual survival is prioritised while race survival is set aside. Why didn’t Hannah comment like this when PH shook hands with BN to form the unity government after GE15 (15th General Election)? Weren’t both political enemies at that time? Did such friendship become halal for the sake of PMX’s upliftment?

Rafique went on to caution Yeoh to be wary of her own ship “that is facing leakages from administrative failures, escalating prices, rising cost of living and broken promises of reform”.

“Get ready because the anger ‘iceberg’ of the rakyat is awaiting you at the ballot box,” he warned.

Echoing Rafique’s sentiment is MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong who contended that “a ship doesn’t sink because of the storm but when those entrusted with its navigation fail to recognise the dangers ahead or lose sight of the passengers on board”.

“The Titanic that should concern Malaysians is not the BN-PN understanding. It’s the sinking confidence of the rakyat in PH’s ability to govern after years of broken promises and misplaced priorities,” chided the BN Youth communications director.

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐘𝐞𝐨𝐡’𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐇’𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government appears more interested in recycling political fears, speculating about other parties and crafting campaign narratives than addressing the real issues affecting ordinary Malaysians.

DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh recently claimed that the understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election would “sink like the T...

See more

123

72

10

Today, Malaysians are facing rising living costs, retrenchments, heavier tax burdens and growing economic uncertainty. Families and businesses are asking how they’ll cope with higher expenses, not which political theory PH wishes to promote next.

Our engagements with voters across N9 in have revealed a common concern. Despite the state’s strategic location and enormous economic potential, many believe the PH administration has failed to deliver meaningful development or tangible improvements to their daily lives. – July 25, 2026

New cracks in Madani after Zahid urges voters to ‘kasi bungkus’ Loke in Chennah

New cracks in Madani after Zahid urges voters to ‘kasi bungkus’ Loke in Chennah

THE already strained relationship between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) took another hit after BN leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged voters in Chennah to oust DAP leader Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

Zahid, while campaigning in Simpang Durian, urged voters to give victory to BN in the Chennah state seat, saying “pack off that person (kasi bungkus itu orang) (Loke).”


“My reading, I hope I am not wrong. My reading, if we snatch Chennah, it means we snatch Negeri Sembilan under BN. Likewise, if we snatch and retain Linggi under BN. Confirm Negeri Sembilan will be under BN,” said Zahid.

Negeri Sembilan PH chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun is the PH candidate in Linggi.

Meanwhile, responding to Zahid, Loke advised the BN chief not to speak arrogantly when campaigning in the state election.


Speaking to reporters, Loke said voters know his service better. He added that it is up to them to decide whether to ‘pack him off’ (membungkusnya) or otherwise.

“We campaign positively. Whether ‘packed off’ or not, that is up to the people. The voters will make the decision.”

Moreover, Loke noted there is shared responsibility in Chennah since the seat is located within the Jelebu Parliamentary constituency, which is held by Negeri Sembilan BN chairman Jalaluddin Alias.

“Don’t forget that this Chennah state seat is also part of the Jelebu parliament, so there is a shared responsibility.”

The fight between UMNO and DAP has been ongoing since the two parties joined the unity government headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. — July 25, 2026

Sanusi’s ‘Tanah Melayu’ remark reflects PAS’ toxic politics, says DAP MP

Sanusi’s ‘Tanah Melayu’ remark reflects PAS’ toxic politics, says DAP MP

DAP NATIONAL vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan said Perikatan Nasional Election Director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s statement on ‘Tanah Melayu’ is proof of the true face of toxic politics promoted by PAS.

Contrary to Sanusi, he said Malaysia is the only homeland for all citizens regardless of race.


“Malaysians only have Malaysia, our motherland, our homeland. Whatever the skin colour, race, or ethnicity, the Federal Constitution guarantees the rights and interests of all Malaysians,” he wrote on social media today.

Syahredzan added that politics that plays on racial sentiments and divides the people has no place in this country.

“Politics like this must be rejected. This is the true face of PAS. Bringing toxic politics, politics of division, extreme racial politics,” he said.


His comments came after Sanusi’s statement that has inflamed social media and the political class.

While campaigning in the Negeri Sembilan state election, Sanusi claimed that the Chinese community has China, the Indian community has India, while the Malays only have Tanah Melayu (Malay Land).

“The Malays no longer have land [elsewhere]. The Malays only have this Tanah Melayu (Malay Land). Indians have India, Chinese have China, Cambodians have Cambodia, Siamese have Thailand.

“Where are the Malays? The Malays are only here,” Sanusi said during a speech attended by over 300 participants.

Sanusi’s statement also drew condemnation from various parties, including government and opposition political leaders. They said it has the potential to threaten the harmony of a pluralistic society and contradict the spirit of the Federal Constitution. — July 25, 2026

Muhyiddin predicts split between BN-PN over northern states

Muhyiddin predicts split between BN-PN over northern states

BERSATU President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has cast doubt on the durability of cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), predicting that UMNO will eventually challenge PAS’ dominance in northern states.

He argued that PAS’ current friendliness toward UMNO is merely tactical, aimed at avoiding seat clashes during elections.

“(PAS wants) UMNO to take lessons from this election, it does not fight with PAS in the northern states. But remember, I believe UMNO will also break against it (PAS),” said Utusan Malaysia quoted Muhyiddin as saying.

Muhyiddin cautioned voters in Negeri Sembilan not to be deceived by the apparent harmony between BN and PN, describing it as a temporary political arrangement.

Under the pact, BN contests 25 seats while PN takes 11. Bersatu, despite being a PN component, is fielding 24 candidates under its own logo.

Relations between Bersatu and PAS have soured since PAS assumed the PN chairmanship, culminating in the end of their formal cooperation last month. Muhyiddin’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the opposition bloc, raising questions about the long-term viability of BN-PN collaboration.

Last week, the Bersatu leader said the BN-PN collaboration was just ‘play-acting’ meant to deceive Malays and the people in order to gain power.

He said that although BN loudly declares its intention to defeat Pakatan Harapan and is welcomed by PN, in reality both parties remain part of the Federal Government.

According to him, they cannot escape from the collective responsibility of implementing policies that burden the people, including issues of rising fuel prices and the cost of living. — July 25, 2026

Ramasamy’s gut feeling of Anthony Loke’s chances in Chennah: Political ground is shifting/shaking

Ramasamy’s gut feeling of Anthony Loke’s chances in Chennah: Political ground is shifting/shaking

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy
13 hours ago

THERE have been social media articles and commentaries predicting a handsome victory for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siee Fook in Chennah state sear contest during the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan (N9) state election.

The arguments in support of Loke winning the Chennah state constituency are based on the following five considerations.

Firstly, the incumbency factor might favour Loke. Loke contested and won the last state polls in the July 2023 six state elections.

Secondly, there is the fact that Loke is very respectful of the state royalty and its adat (Malay customs) laws. He has consistently warned party members to respect the royal institution.

Anthony Loke Siew Fook
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝟎𝟏 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 | 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐀𝐏 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚

• Menteri Pengangkutan (2018 – 2020, 2022 – kini)...

See more

1.1K

700

34

Thirdly, it is argued that the Transport Minister has brought much development to Chennah. He is regarded as a politician who talks less but does more.

Fourthly, the demographics of the constituency with 46% Malays, Chinese (44%), Indians (2.5%) and other ethnic groups (7%) might be favourably disposed towards Loke.

Fifth and finally, it is argued that as the principal DAP leader of and a federal minister, Loke has the advantage on his side.

Editor’s Note; Loke will face a straight fight to defend the Chennah state seat which he has held since 2013 in the 16th NS state polls.

The Seremban MP will be challenged by state MCA Youth chief Siow Kong Choon who is contesting on a Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket.

DAP grassroots aggrieved

However, those supporting Loke – DAP loyalists or the bigger PH coalition – fail to recognise that political circumstances are not static but dynamic.

Conditions favourable to Loke or DAP might have existed three years ago but certainly not now.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook (second from right) during his ‘march’ alongside PH supporters to the nomination centre for his Chennah seat defence on July 18, 2026 (Image credit: Bernama)


The level of satisfaction among non-Malays, particularly the Chinese, is no longer as favourable towards DAP.

The traditional DAP supporters are aggrieved that the party has failed them in fully addressing the issue of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

DAP has also failed the Chinese community by not taking up the pig farming issue in the state of Selangor.

While other states can have modern and scientifically managed pig farms, why not Selangor?

PH promised far-reaching reforms in the larger interest of good governance but failed to implement them.

DAP leaders failed to raise the very issues on which they campaigned during the last election.

Over the last few days which I spent in N9, my gut feeling is that the political environment of support for PH and DAP does not appear to be there.

Chinese transport companies have been affected by the strict enforcement of traffic laws. Drivers, most of whom are Indians, have been unfairly disadvantaged by the strict enforcement of these laws.

While the government has a role to play in reducing accidents, the anger among transport company owners and drivers is palpable.

That anger appears to be directed at the PH government.

Many non-Malays I spoke to at restaurants expressed dissatisfaction with DAP and the PH coalition.

Yes, Loke can win the Chennah constituency provided non-Malay, particularly Chinese, support remains intact.

Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Chinese support for DAP can no longer be taken for granted. Instead of coming out to cast their ballot papers, they might subtly boycott the N9 state polls by staying at home instead.

Malay support is also unlikely to shift towards DAP or PH while BN with the support of PAS might consolidate much of the Malay vote.

Thus, there is a possibility that Loke might not even win his favourite constituency.

Ultimately, the issue is not whether Loke is a responsible politician or whether he respects the state’s adat laws.

The real question is whether voters are convinced that he can effectively represent them in the aftermath of the election.

Let us not forget the 8-0 beating DAP took in the Sabah state election and the setback it suffered in Johor.

N9 might well reflect a similar degree of voter unhappiness with DAP and the PH coalition. – July 25, 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.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

Main image credit: Eric See-To – Lim Sian See/Facebook

Tehran summons Ukraine diplomats over Caspian Sea attack

 

Iran war live: Tehran summons Ukraine diplomats over Caspian Sea attack

By Alex Milan Durie and Zsombor Peter

Published On 26 Jul 202626 Jul 2026

Save

Share

• Iran summons Ukraine’s diplomats after Kyiv bombs an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, killing at least one sailor and wounding another.
• Ukraine says it was targeting Russian vessels carrying Iran-linked military cargo, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is assisting Iran in its military campaign in the Middle East.
• Yemen’s Houthis launch missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, in retaliation for Saudi-led coalition strikes on Hodeidah port and Kamaran Island.
• Israeli forces have killed at least six Palestinians and wounded seven others in Gaza, as Israeli military raids and settler attacks spread across the occupied West Bank, including in Hebron, Nablus and Tulkarem.

• 15m ago

  (00:30 GMT)

  Israel’s Smotrich announces plan to expand illegal settlement near Nablus

  Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says Israel plans to build 763 new units in the illegal Eli settlement south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, near the scene of a deadly shooting on Friday.

  According to the Anadolu news agency, Smotrich – a leading candidate in upcoming elections – told Israel’s Chanel 14 that the government intends to continue building settlement farms and communities.

  Anadolu said the 763 units he announced plans for would triple the size of the illegal Eli settlement in the coming years.

  On Friday, four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed near the village of Tal, southwest of Nablus, after Israeli settlers attacked the area, according Palestinian authorities.

  Earlier this month, Smotrich said Israel’s security cabinet approved a budget of 1.3 billion shekels ($434m) for establishing 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. He said the government had approved 104 new settlements and 160 agricultural outposts in the occupied West Bank since taking office in late 2022.

  The settlements are illegal under international law.
• 30m ago

  (00:15 GMT)

  Iran condemns Ukrainian attack in Caspian Sea, summons diplomats

  This is the first time we’ve witnessed such an incident, but there’s little hesitation in the strongest messages of condemnation coming from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting real concern about the potential for such attacks to be repeated.

  The ministry first announced that it had summoned a top Ukrainian diplomat and condemned the attack as a violation of the UN Charter.

  In a separate statement, the ministry said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with the EU’s foreign policy chief, in which he called on the international community and the UN Security Council to respond to and condemn the attack.

  In yet another statement, the ministry went beyond condemnation, warning of what it described as a hostile approach by Ukraine toward Iran.

  This is critically important as Iran is already dealing with a US naval blockade that’s putting significant pressure on the country’s maritime trade.
• 35m ago

  (00:10 GMT)

  WATCH: War on Iran, Phase II – Day 14

  After 13 consecutive nights of US attacks on Iran, Friday night marked the first of no direct US bombing of Iran. But tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, and the status of talks remains ambiguous.