New Perlis exco with just five members possible, says MB

The Star:

New Perlis exco with just five members possible, says MB

Tuesday, 30 Dec 20258:58 PM MYT





KANGAR: A new Perlis executive council (exco) can be formed if just four more members are appointed, says Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah.

He said the minimum number required is one-third of the total number of state assemblymen.


"Without the Mentri Besar, it is four and with the Mentri Besar, it becomes five. This means we can proceed with the formation of the exco as soon as possible," he told a press conference at Kompleks Seri Putra here on Tuesday (Dec 30).

There are 15 seats in the Perlis State Assembly.


PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said on Tuesday that the party had decided not to be part of the exco to be formed by Abu Bakar.

He said all existing PAS exco members would resign in solidarity following the resignation of former mentri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Abu Bakar, who is also Perlis Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman, said exco portfolios could be consolidated or abolished to reduce the administrative burden.

Abu Bakar, 57, who is also Kuala Perlis assemblyman from Bersatu, was sworn in before the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail on Sunday. – Bernama

Thai-Cambodia war over a Hindu temple

Murray Hunter


The role of Preah Vihear in the Thai-Cambodia war


Dec 30, 2025






The latest round of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia across the border has gone no way to settle the long dispute over Preah Vihear Temple complex.

The Preah Vihear (or Prasat Preah Vihear) Temple complex has played a pivotal role in the Thai-Cambodia conflict. The ancient Hindu temple is situated on top of 525 metre Pha Mo I Dang cliff on the Dangrek Mountains separating Sisaket Province in Thailand from Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia.

Culturally, Preah Vihear is important to both Cambodia and Thailand. Preah Vihear is a satellite temple radiating from Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. The complex forms much of what appears to be an enclve along the natural border defined by the mountain range. Much of Isan in Thailand was also part of the Angkor Empire (802-1431CE) where many ruins exist in Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Preah Vihear Temple itself runs north-south on top of the Dangrek Mountains and is 800m long. The temple is a UNESCO site. There is a clear roadway to the temple from Thailand, but this was blocked off with barbed wire after the 2011 clashes. Access from Cambodia is restricted to a set of steps going up the cliff-face from the Cambodian side. A road was constructed in 2003 from the Cambodian side, where the Thai Army claims it encroaches upon Thai territory.

From the Thai point of view, the temple is clearly located on the Thai side of the natural border. The Cambodians also holds approximately 154 Ha on top of the mountain, which provides a natural lockout into Thai territory.

History of Disputes

Back in 1904, Siam and the French Colonial authorities ruling Cambodia formed a joint commission to demarcate the border between the two territories, which largely followed the watershed line of the Dangrek Mountain Range. This placed the Preach Vihear Temple on the Thai side of the border. Survey work undertaken in 1907 lead to a map published in 1908 which showed the temple in Cambodian territory.

Following French military withdrawal from Cambodia in 1954, the Thai military occupied the temple area. Cambodia protested Thai occupation of the temple to the International Court of Justice in 1959, asking for a ruling.

The 1908 topographic map was used in the International Court of Justice ruling in 1962 that granted Cambodia sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple, even though t was south of the watershed line. In the ICJ court ruling, issues of cultural heritage and geographical position were not considered. The court based the ruling on Thailand’s acceptance of the 1908 map. Thailand argued that the 1908 map was not an official map of the 1904 border commission agreement and the map clearly violated the principal that the watershed line would be the border delineation.

By a vote of 7 to 5, the ICJ ordered that Thai troops must withdraw their positions and handover the temple to Cambodia.

Thailand initially rejected the ruling, but handed over the temple to Cambodia in January 1963. Prince Sihanouk made a goodwill gesture allowing Thai nationals to visit the temple without visas at the time.

Since 1963, the land surrounding the Preach Vihear temple has been subject to friction between Thai and Cambodian military. This led to clashes in 2008 and 2009. In February 2011 Thai and Cambodian forces engaged in intense artillery exchanges. Each side blamed the other for firing first. Both sides had troops in the land adjacent to the temple and stood firm. Another ICJ ruling on November 11 2013 ordered that land adjacent to the temple on the east and west sides belongs to Cambodia, and Thai forces should leave the area.

The area around the temple had for 13 years been cordoned off with barbed wire. The Cambodians had built structures within the Cambodian area, while the Thai military maintained camps around the perimeter. No one has been allowed to travel between the Thai and Cambodian sides for a number of years. It was suspected some of the entry ways into the Cambodian side had been mined. There has been some small amount of tourism to the site from the Cambodian site, although it is relatively remote (a day trip from Siem Reap). Tourism from the Thai side has been stopped since 2008. Attempts to reopen travel from the Thai side into the Preah Vihear temple have all failed.

The December outbreak of fighting

In early December fighting once again broke out and spread along much of the 800km shared border, involving air strikes, rockets, artillery, and ground troops contesting hilltops (e.g., Hill 350, Hill 500). Civilian areas, infrastructure, and cultural sites were affected, displacing thousands off people. A ceasefire was agreed on December 27–28, 2025.

One of the main battle areas were Preah Vihear temple area, where ground fighting extended to areas like An Ses, Phu Makhuea and Prolean Thmor, the Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Khwai temples, where there was heavy fighting, occuptations and airstrikes on strategic positions, and the Emerald Triangle area. In addition, casino complexes at Poipet were targeted by Thai airstrikes, and rocket and artillery duels occurred around Surin, Buriram, and parts of Ubon Ratchathani Provinces.

Thai and Cambodian military strategies

Thai and Cambodian clashes involved artillery duels, airstrikes, and ground maneuvers, leading to significant damage to the temple vicinity (not completely verified) with a ceasefire on December 27. As Thailand’s military is larger and better-equipped, this resulted in Thai dominance in air operations but Cambodian resilience in ground defense.

Based upon available information, Thailand’s approach emphasized preemptive and disproportionate force to neutralize perceived threats, degrade Cambodian long-term military capabilities, and secure disputed zones.

Some of the key elements included:

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter jets for airstrikes targeting Cambodian military installations near Preah Vihear, such as observation cranes, radio towers, and command posts. These strikes aimed to cripple logistics and command structures, with reports of up to 40 bombs dropped in a single morning session on December 8.

Thailand framed these as retaliatory to Cambodian rocket fire, but the goal was explicit: to “cripple Cambodia’s military capability for years to come.”

Thailand accused Cambodia of using the temple as a military base, including artillery and drone positions, which voided its protected status and legitimized attacks. Thai forces used tanks, 155mm artillery, and mortars for sustained bombardments on Cambodian positions in areas like An Ses, Prolean Thmor, and the temple itself. This included shelling to support infantry advances and destroy supply lines, such as bridges in nearby provinces.

These tactics involved rapid escalation, with mechanized units pushing into disputed areas to occupy hilltops (e.g., Hill 350) and temple complexes, justified as self-defense against alleged Cambodian encroachments.

This narrative supported a “deterrence failure” strategy, where prior diplomatic restraint gave way to overwhelming force to prevent future threats, including strikes on non-border targets like scam centers.

Overall, Thailand’s strategy was offensive and asymmetric, aiming for quick degradation to avoid prolonged attrition, with cultural sites treated as militarized if occupied by Cambodian forces.

The Cambodian strategies and tactics were primarily defensive, focusing on holding key terrain, countering Thai advances, and leveraging international sympathy through accusations of aggression and cultural destruction.

Cambodian forces fortified positions around Preah Vihear, using the temple’s elevated terrain for observation and firing points. They employed BM-21 multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), PHL-03 rockets, and artillery for counter-battery fire against Thai incursions

Reports indicate tanks, drones, and small arms were used to repel ground assaults in areas like Veal Intry and Sambok Khmum, with intense responses to Thai tank infiltrations.

The ceasefire held as of December 30, 2025, but undemarcated borders and mutual accusations suggest fighting could re-emerge if tensions flare. However, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a consolidation of the ceasefire in trilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on December 29, 2025 in a communique issued in Yunnan. It appears that the major issue in maintaining a ceasefire will be border demarcation disputes and any further potential landmine incidents. A Joint Border demarcation meeting will be held in Siem Reap in the first week of January to tackle these issues. Thailand at the time of writing is yet to confirm attendance.

The recent clashes have not achieved any long-term solution about Preah Vihear. Any joint management of the area has been ruled out. There are still disputes about the surrounding land around Preah Vihear and its likely borders will remain marked by barbed wire. Preah Vihear still looks like an enclave in Thai territory, and any political solution seems to be far away due to heightened nationalism on both sides.

PAS to propose new PN chairman after Muhyiddin stepped down, dismisses Pejuang rumours

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has confirmed that the party will propose several names for consideration as the new chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN). - Scoop file pic, December 30, 2025


PAS to propose new PN chairman after Muhyiddin stepped down, dismisses Pejuang rumours


PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man confirms several names will be discussed for the PN leadership, while refuting claims of Pejuang joining the coalition



Sandru Narayanan
Updated 28 seconds ago
30 December, 2025
9:13 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR – PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has confirmed that the party will propose several names for consideration as the new chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), to succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speaking to Scoop, Tuan Ibrahim, who is also the MP for Kubang Kerian, said the matter will be discussed at an upcoming PN supreme council meeting, in accordance with the coalition’s constitution.

He, however, did not reveal the names of the leaders likely to be proposed.

“Nothing has been decided yet. We will discuss this at the supreme council meeting. There may be several names put forward. What is important is that everybody works together to strengthen PN.

“For whatever Muhyiddin has done for the coalition, we are grateful to him for making our coalition strong over the years,” he added when contacted.

Earlier, Bersatu president Muhyiddin officially announced his resignation as PN chairman, effective January 1, 2026, ending more than five years at the helm.

He was joined by several key figures in the coalition in stepping down, including Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali as PN secretary-general and Selangor PN chairman; Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal as Johor PN chairman; Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu as Perak PN chairman; and Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker as Negeri Sembilan PN chairman.

As early as September, PAS had expressed its intention to lead PN, with its youth wing passing a unanimous resolution to replace Bersatu ahead of GE16. Tensions rose after Bersatu nominated Muhyiddin as its preferred leader, causing unease within PAS, the coalition’s largest party.

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim also dismissed a viral statement circulating online, which claimed that Parti Pejuang Tanahair had been invited by PAS to join the PN coalition, and that the party would soon come on board with its founder, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, named as the new PN chairman.

The Pejuang statement was reportedly issued by the party’s secretary-general, Datuk Wira Amiruddin Hamzah.

“The news being circulated online is fake and untrue. We (PAS) did not extend any invitation to Pejuang, and no discussion has taken place between our party and Pejuang,” Tuan Ibrahim added. – December 30, 2025

PAS will lead PN, coalition not dying - Bersatu leader

PAS will lead PN, coalition not dying - Bersatu leader

Shakira Buang
Published: Dec 30, 2025 8:53 PM
Updated: 11:54 PM



PAS will likely lead Perikatan Nasional following the exit of top office holders today, who were from the component party Bersatu.

In dismissing talk that the opposition coalition was on the verge of collapse due to the resignations, a Bersatu source said PN will undergo a change in leadership.

“Who says PN will die? PAS will lead PN,” said a Bersatu leader who declined to be quoted.

PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin and a slew of Bersatu officials had quit their posts in PN’s supreme council today. Bersatu, along with PAS and Gerakan, are part of the coalition.

Muhyiddin, along with PN secretary-general Azmin Ali, had announced their resignations a few days after the Perlis crisis, which saw the downfall of menteri besar Shukri Ramli from PAS.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin


The Islamist party had accused Bersatu of staging Shukri’s removal and the appointment of Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new menteri besar.

To make clear its protest, PAS said its assemblypersons will not accept executive councillor posts in the new state government.

A day before the resignations, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Azamudden had implored his party’s leadership to take over PN from a “weak friend” - a veiled reference to Bersatu.

“A friend who cannot control their subordinates is a weak friend. A friend who topples their friends is a treacherous friend,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

“After what happened in Perlis, PAS is highly qualified to take over the PN leadership. PAS (should) take over PN.”

Coalition’s supreme council to decide

Meanwhile, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, said the final decision on who will fill the vacancies, including the PN chair, will be made by the coalition’s supreme council.

He also refuted suggestions that the Perlis crisis and 

the resignations would ruin PN.

Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz

“PN still exists, why should it die? Bersatu is still a component of PN, and as of now, there is no change in policy,” Tun Faisal said when contacted.

“Questions as to who is the chairperson will be brought to the PN supreme council to be decided.”

Tun Faisal also defended Muhyiddin’s decision to resign, saying the Bersatu president was not after any positions in PN.

He claimed that after the 15th general election, Muhyiddin suggested that PAS take over the top post in the coalition, but the latter declined.

PAS had also declined the post of parliamentary opposition leader, he said.

“That is how (Bersatu deputy president) Hamzah Zainudin’s name was proposed, and this was agreed by (PAS president) Abdul Hadi Awang and other leaders. This shows that Muhyiddin is not after posts and is open (to ideas).”

Muhyiddin’s resignation nothing to do with Perlis, says PAS’s Annuar

FMT:

Muhyiddin’s resignation nothing to do with Perlis, says PAS’s Annuar

Annuar Musa says they met in London yesterday, where the soon-to-be former PN chief repeatedly said he was ready to hand over the chairmanship

PAS central leader Annuar Musa said Muhyiddin Yassin’s successor would have to resolve ‘many issues and problems’ in Perikatan Nasional.

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as Perikatan Nasional chairman has nothing to do with the political crisis that erupted in Perlis among PN assemblymen, claims PAS central leader Annuar Musa.

Annuar, a former Umno secretary-general, said he met Muhyiddin in London yesterday where they talked for nearly three hours about recent political developments involving PN.

The former Ketereh MP said, during the meeting, Muhyiddin repeatedly told him that he was more than ready to relinquish the PN chairmanship “if PAS wanted to lead” the coalition.


“He even hinted that it ‘can come into effect on Jan 1’.

“In my understanding, claims that Muhyiddin is stepping down because of the issue in Perlis are not true. This is because he has repeatedly and consistently stated that if PAS wants (the PN chairmanship), he’s ready to hand it over.

“In fact, Muhyiddin voluntarily stepping aside and paving the way for a change in leadership is a statesman-like step that deserves praise,” he said in a Facebook post.

He added that his meeting with the former prime minister was purely in his personal capacity as a friend, and that he had informed several PAS leaders about it beforehand.

Annuar thanked Muhyiddin for leading PN since its founding in 2020, and said the latter’s successor would have to resolve “many issues and problems” in the coalition.

“The challenge is only beginning,” Annuar added.


Earlier today, Muhyiddin announced that he would be stepping down as PN chairman on Jan 1. This follows the political crisis in Perlis which culminated in Bersatu taking over the Perlis menteri besar’s post from PAS.

Several PAS leaders had accused Bersatu of weakness and betrayal for not taking action against the five assemblymen who withdrew support for the now-former Perlis menteri besar Shukri Ramli, of PAS.

Three PAS assemblymen who also retracted support for Shukri had their party memberships terminated, with their seats declared vacant by the Perlis assembly speaker.

Bersatu’s Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah succeeded Shukri as menteri besar, while PAS said it would stay out of the executive council.

Perlis MB says sacked PAS reps may be considered for exco if they regain seats

Perlis MB says sacked PAS reps may be considered for exco if they regain seats



Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the same opportunity would also be extended to any independent assemblyman who meets the criteria. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 30 Dec 2025 7:30 PM MYT


KANGAR, Dec 30 — Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said he is prepared to consider appointing three former PAS assemblymen to the new state executive council (exco), provided they are able to regain their respective seats.

According to Berita Harian, Abu Bakar said the offer applies to Fakhrul Anwar Ismail, the former Bintong assemblyman, Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) and Saad Seman (Chuping), whose seats were vacated after PAS terminated their party memberships.

He said the same opportunity would also be extended to any independent assemblyman who meets the criteria.

“We do not rule out the possibility of bringing the three PAS assemblymen whose memberships were terminated into the excoline-up if they are able to return as independent assemblymen.


“If no by-elections are held and the three assemblymen are able to retain their seats, then we will decide on forming a good team.

“This means space and opportunity will be given to any independent assemblyman to be part of this line-up,” he was quoted as saying.

The Election Commission (EC) is expected to meet next week to discuss the possibility of by-elections for the three Perlis state seats following the notification of unexpected vacancies submitted by the state assembly Speaker.


EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun was reported as saying the commission had received official notice of the vacancies today.

Commenting on the appointment of the new exco, Abu Bakar said he expects it to be finalised within two weeks, following remarks by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hasan earlier today that the process should be expedited.

PAS has decided that its assemblymen will not take part in the new Perlis state government excoformed under Abu Bakar, with all existing PAS excomembers set to resign in solidarity with former menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, who stepped down from the post.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakar acknowledged that he has little choice but to appoint Bersatu assemblymen to form the core of the new exco.

He said at least four Bersatu assemblymen would be appointed, despite the number being significantly smaller than the previous excoline-up.

“God willing, even though Bersatu only has five assemblymen, this will not be a problem as the minimum number required to form an exco is four.

“Under the Perlis state constitution, we need one-third of the total number of assemblymen to form the exco, and we currently have five, so we can proceed with the new appointments as soon as possible,” he said.

At present, Bersatu holds five seats in the Perlis state assembly, PAS has six, Pakatan Harapan holds one, while three seats have been declared vacant.

***

Pouring petrol over the raging bonfire in Perlis

Anwar jabs at opposition, says no 'sabotage' in Madani govt, unlike elsewhere

Anwar jabs at opposition, says no 'sabotage' in Madani govt, unlike elsewhere

Zarrah Morden
Published: Dec 30, 2025 5:13 PM
Updated: 8:15 PM


Summary

• PM Anwar Ibrahim takes delight in a jab against turmoil in the opposition while expressing his gratitude for the lack of "sabotage and betrayal" in the Madani government.

• He says his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier today included a discussion on the government's strong anti-corruption stance.

• Even people serving in his office have not been spared from action against corruption, Anwar says in a reference to his former aide, Shamsul Iskandar Akin.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took a veiled jab at the opposition's turmoil while expressing his gratitude for the lack of internal "sabotage" within the Madani government.

"I am grateful, and I thank God because the consensus of the Madani unity government is stronger and more genuine.

"There are no efforts towards sabotage and betrayal, unlike what is happening among other friends," he said with a big smile before leaving the podium.

He was speaking at a livestreamed press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya this evening.

Earlier today, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation as the Perikatan Nasional chairperson, effective Jan 1.

The decision came as tensions between PAS and Bersatu appear to be easing, after Bersatu leaders in Perlis initiated a coup, which led to PAS losing hold over the state government.

Bersatu's central leadership has since denied involvement in any efforts to change the Perlis government.

PAS leaders threatened to either quit PN and pursue a fresh alliance with Umno, or to take over the PN leadership themselves, but Muhyiddin's move appears to have lowered the temperature between the coalition partners.

No one spared

During the press conference, Anwar spoke on his visit to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at the Johor Palace, where they discussed the Madani government's tough stance on corruption.

Anwar said his administration had spared neither friend nor foe, pointing out that action had been taken against members of his government, including those in his own office.

Shamsul Iskandar Akin


He was referring to his former political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who has been charged with receiving over RM240,000 in bribes from businessperson Albert Tei in connection with the Sabah mining scandal.

Anwar stressed that his government's main policy is to eliminate corrupt practices and enact principles of good governance.

"However, there are still remnants that are trapped in the old, corrupt cultural framework and patterns," he lamented.

Tei, who was charged alongside Shamsul, earlier told Malaysiakini that he had spent more than RM620,000 on the politician after being assured that the latter could help recoup money allegedly given to politicians in Sabah.

With one WhatsApp message, Muhyiddin foils MN ambitions

With one WhatsApp message, Muhyiddin foils MN ambitions

Zikri Kamarulzaman
Published: Dec 30, 2025 12:16 PM
Updated: 3:16 PM



For a brief window yesterday, all the pieces seemed to be falling into place for a Muafakat Nasional (MN) revival and for PAS and Umno to join forces again.

Umno leaders were still outraged at DAP for celebrating Najib Abdul Razak being kept in prison, with Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh baying for the party to quit the Madani pact and revive MN.

Tensions were boiling over in Perikatan Nasional after a power tussle over the smallest state in the country, Perlis, led to PAS feeling betrayed by Bersatu.

Bersatu ousting PAS from the menteri besar's office led PAS leaders to push for going solo, with some also calling for the party to consider reviving MN.

This morning, however, all that changed.

With one WhatsApp message, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin appeased PAS, gave PN a lifeline, and spited Umno.

"Salam, for everyone's attention, I have decided to resign as PN chairperson effective Jan 1, 2026. An official announcement will follow soon. I thank all in the PN leadership who have given me their support," he said in the message sent to a PN MPs WhatsApp group, according to sources.

PAS leaders who were stoking the flames immediately turned down the temperature in response to Muhyiddin’s announcement.

Yesterday, PAS' Arau MP Shahidan Kassim - who is also the Perlis PN chief - said MN was the solution to the party's problems.

Today, he apologised to Muhyiddin and paid tribute to the latter's leadership, saying it was pivotal to PN's massive gains in the last general election.

"We apologise for any offence," he said.

Likewise, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden also apologised to the outgoing PN chairperson.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden


"I apologise if anything I said caused you unease or to feel slighted. It is not personal at all, except to voice out firmly for the sake of all of us on the same ship," he said.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party will now keep the peace in Perlis, and support the new government led by Bersatu, but will not hold any exco positions.

‘No need for MN’

With Muhyiddin's exit, the door is open for PAS to fulfil its ambition of leading the coalition.

If PAS takes over PN, then it has no need for Umno or MN.

International Islamic University Malaysia political science associate professor Syaza Shukri concurred, saying that the MN talk was likely a strategic move for PAS.

"With Muhyiddin out as PN's chair, PAS can take the helm of PN, and with that, there is no reason for it to join with Umno in MN.

"I think what is more plausible is that PAS will use all this talk about MN as leverage against Bersatu in PN," she told Malaysiakini.

PAS is already the major power source for PN. Of the 74 seats the coalition won in the 2022 general election, PAS won 43 and Bersatu, 31. Seven of the Bersatu seats are in PAS strongholds, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Takiyuddin and PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari have both signalled that PAS intends to lead PN.

Fadhli floated the idea that the new PN chairperson may be another PAS leader and not party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

PAS had previously mooted Terengganu Menteri Besar Samsuri Mokhtar as a potential prime minister candidate, and being PN chief would place him in a position to make a bid for Putrajaya.

‘PAS doesn’t even need to exit PN’

Some Bersatu leaders aligned with Muhyiddin may try to make things difficult for PAS to take over the PN leadership.

However, this would be to their disadvantage.

Syaza said simply that PAS doesn't need Bersatu as much as Bersatu needs PAS.

"PAS doesn’t even need to exit PN. They can just disengage, and that would cause trouble for Bersatu already.

"PAS can play up the narrative that Bersatu is power-hungry while they work for the people," she said.

International Islamic University Malaysia political science associate professor Syaza Shukri


However, she said it is not impossible that PAS and Bersatu come to an agreement that Bersatu places a leader acceptable to PAS at the helm of PN, while PAS dictates the coalition's political direction.

PAS has previously been alleged to back efforts to put Hamzah Zainudin as Bersatu president to replace Muhyiddin. The party leadership has denied such claims.

PSM urges Selangor to disclose finances behind parking privatisation

PSM urges Selangor to disclose finances behind parking privatisation

Published: Dec 30, 2025 6:03 PM

Updated: 9:03 PM



Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has pressed the Selangor government to disclose financial details related to the state administration’s initiative on privatising street parking.

PSM central committee member Gandipan Nantha Gopalan noted that to date, there have been no transparent disclosures of revenue projections, profit estimates, payback periods, or profit margins for the concessionaire involved in the Selangor Intelligent Parking (SIP) scheme.

“Without disclosures of these basic figures, the public has no basis to assess whether the 50 percent revenue share allocated to the private company is reasonable or merely benefits a select few,” Gandipan said in a statement today.

Under the SIP initiative, local councils are compelled to share revenue from parking fees, monthly passes, two-hour zones, and compounds in a 50-40 percent split with a concessionaire.

The remaining 10 percent is intended to go to Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned unit of Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) tasked with overseeing the SIP rollout.

State executive councillor Ng Suee Lim previously said the concessionaire will invest RM200 million for the SIP, with the funds covering, among others, the installation of 1,800 CCTVs in four local councils involved in the first phase of the scheme.

To date, Selmax Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Itmax System Bhd, has secured three concessions to manage the SIP system for the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) remains the only local council under the current phase of the SIP which remains outside the arrangement with Selmax, with The Star yesterday quoting MBPJ councillor Terence Tan Teck Seng as confirming that the council is still reviewing legal and financial particulars of the deal.

Lack of clear explanations

Reiterating concerns on the privatisation of street parking operations, Gandipan today asserted that there is a lack of clear explanations regarding plans for technology and knowledge transfer to local councils.

“If technology is the primary justification for privatisation, will council staff be trained and empowered to eventually take over operations, or are we instead creating long-term dependence on private operators?

“If the issue lies with technology and systems, why did the state government not explore a cooperative model among several local councils to jointly invest in technology, operating systems and training?” he questioned.

He stressed that such an approach would not only retain public ownership but also build long-term capacity without sacrificing revenue to private parties.

Echoing calls for the privatisation scheme to be deferred pending a formal inquiry by the Selangor Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability, and Transparency (Selcat), Gandipan also criticised the state government’s response to reports on links between the royal family and Selmax.

“The state government claims that the appointment of Selmax was made without regard to ownership background, including links to royalty. This claim is difficult for the public to accept.

“Whether the state government knew (of the link) but did not disclose (the matter), or did not know due to weak due diligence, both reflect a serious failure of governance,” he added.

Royal links

On Nov 17, Malaysiakini reported that the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, holds a 16.5 percent beneficial stake in Selmax via two other holding companies: Tanah Perwira Sdn Bhd and Greyscale Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Incorporated in March last year, Tanah Perwira, a minority shareholder of Selmax, is wholly owned by Greyscale Holdings, a three-year-old company in which Tengku Amir Shah owns a majority 55 percent slice.

While no financial information for Selmax was disclosed in the Companies Commission (SSM) documents sighted by Malaysiakini, both Tanah Perwira and Greyscale appeared to be operating at a loss.

In response to the report, graft watchdog C4 Center had criticised the state government’s apparent lack of transparency in the SIP initiative, warning that the involvement of royalty figures must trigger enhanced due diligence and disclosure mechanisms.

PKR lawmaker Lee Chean Chung had also urged the state government to issue an official explanation on the matter, stressing that the clarification is necessary to ensure that no party, including the royal institution, is subjected to “unnecessary assumptions”.

A few days after Malaysiakini’s initial report, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said royal ties do not preclude a private company from doing business or managing services for the state government.

Amirudin also said he has no problems declassifying documents related to the deal, noting, however, that such efforts might be “tricky” as the private company might be against the move.

Israeli strikes on Gaza are relentless as displaced endure flooded camps

al Jazeera:

Israeli strikes on Gaza are relentless as displaced endure flooded camps

Israeli attacks, violating a ceasefire agreement, are reported across Gaza, as Palestinian misery compounded by rains

Workers drain floodwaters in Gaza's al-Mawasi camp on December 29, 2025 [AFP]

By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies
Published On 30 Dec 2025


Israeli forces have carried out strikes across the Gaza Strip as they continue with their near-daily violations of the ceasefire agreement, with Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged enclave continuing apace and displaced Palestinians enduring the destruction of their few remaining possessions in flooding brought about by heavy winter rains.

Israeli air strikes on Tuesday targeted locations north of Rafah and east of Khan Younis, the Maghazi camp in central Gaza and Beit Lahiya in the north of the Strip, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported.

Reporting from Gaza City, Khoudary said artillery shelling had been reported in the territory’s southern and central regions, while there had also been an attack in the Gaza City neighbourhood of Shujayea, striking close to the tent of a displaced family.

She said the latest attacks, in violation of the United States-brokered ceasefire that came into force in October, numbering nearly 1,000 now, were coming at a time of immense hardship for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, as heavy rains and strong winds had ravaged their makeshift camps, destroying the few possessions they had left.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said on Sunday that Israel had committed 969 ceasefire violations since it came into effect on October 10, resulting in the deaths of 418 civilians and injuries to more than 1,100.

“Palestinians are still very traumatised and anxious,” Khoudary said. “The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as the rain continues.”

Displaced Palestinian children shelter inside a flooded tent in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on December 29, 2025 [Eyad Baba/AFP]

Calls to allow supplies in

Aid groups have repeatedly called for Israeli authorities to lift restrictions to allow more supplies, including shelter equipment, into the territory, where displaced families have been trying to stay dry in flimsy, battered tents that offer scant protection from the elements after months of use.

“Families here are helpless while the Israeli authorities continue to restrict all kinds of shelter into the Gaza Strip,” Khoudary said.

Officials have warned that the severe conditions also bring new dangers, with the threat of disease and illness as overwhelmed and damaged sewage systems contaminate floodwaters, as well as the risk that buildings could collapse amid heavy rain and wind.

At least two people have been killed by damaged structures falling amid the severe weather in recent days.

‘We are still suffering’

In a displacement camp east of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, heavy rain in recent days has left tents submerged in muddy water, destroying the few possessions that the families had taken with them from their homes.



Gaza winter crisis: surviving the weather becomes as urgent as surviving the war


Inside the tents, an Al Jazeera team found essential items like pillows, mattresses and bedcovers soaked in muddy water.

“The tent has been flooded,” said Mohammed al-Louh, a resident.

“I took my family out, but I couldn’t even get a blanket, a mattress or a bag of flour. I have no way to sleep with my children or keep them warm.”

Another man, Haitham Arafat, said he had lost his son and daughter as well as his home to Israel’s genocidal war, and was still suffering amid the severe conditions.

“I fled to this place. Does this mean the war is over?” he said.

“No, we are still suffering. We haven’t slept for two days because of the heavy rain.”

Reporting from the camp, Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim al-Khalili said the winter storms had brought a new “chapter of suffering” for Palestinians who had been plunged into a humanitarian crisis by Israel’s war.

“What was meant to be a temporary shelter for them has turned into a flooded trap,” he said.

Resignations snowball in Perikatan as Perak, Negeri Sembilan chiefs step down

Resignations snowball in Perikatan as Perak, Negeri Sembilan chiefs step down



Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmen of Perak and Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (left) and Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker are the latest PN leaders to announce their resignations as of 3.15pm today, with both saying in separate Facebook statements that the move will take effect on January 1, 2026. — File pictures from Facebook/Faizal Azumu; Facebook/Anip Abu Baker

Tuesday, 30 Dec 2025 3:18 PM MYT


IPOH, Dec 30 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmen of Perak and Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker, have become the latest of PN leaders who announced their resignations from their posts as of 3.15pm today.

Both of them, in separate statements on Facebook, also said that their resignations would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Both leaders also said that they took note of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to step down as PN national chairman earlier today and acknowledged that their appointments were made under the chairman’s authority.

“I would like to express my highest appreciation and sincere thanks to the leadership and members of PN Perak’s component parties for the cooperation, support and trust extended to me throughout my tenure,” Faizal, who is Bersatu vice-president, posted.


Meanwhile, Mohamad Hanifah said the decision was made with a strong sense of responsibility and in line with the principle of respecting PN’s organisational structure, hierarchy and governance.

“I would also like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all leaders, party colleagues, grassroots machinery and supporters of Negeri Sembilan PN for the support and trust given to me throughout my tenure,” he said.

Earlier, Muhyiddin announced his resignation as the national PN chairman, effective January 1, 2026.

The move was followed by Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali stepping down as PN secretary-general and Selangor PN chairman, and Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal resigning as Johor PN chief. — Bernama

Non-Muslim Malaysians told to brace for a PAS premier should Opposition front win GE16

Non-Muslim Malaysians told to brace for a PAS premier should Opposition front win GE16






ALL the whispers since last night (Dec 29) about Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepping down as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has been confirmed by the man himself in a media statement posted on his Facebook page.


It is not difficult to fathom the last straw which prompted the former eighth premier to arrive at his decision – the political turmoil with ally PAS which culminated in the appointment of 57-year-old Bersatu Perlis chief Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Perlis Menteri Besar (MB) to replace PAS Sanglang state assemblyman Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Muhyiddin Yassin

5 hours ago

Kenyataan Media Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin | 30 Disember 2025

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Brushing aside political noises that Muhyiddin’s decision could be prompted by grave disappointment with PAS for having confronted the Perlis palace over Abu Bakar’s appointment which is an internal matter, political commentator Prof James Chin is more concerned with the fate of non-Malays/non-Muslims.

“Coming on the heels of the alleged coup d’état (orchestrated by Bersatu’s five state assemblymen), the key question is who is Muhyiddin’s successor,” the inaugural director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania told FocusM.

Moo is out . The Moon is rising...

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“If PAS takes over (the PN chairmanship), it will be a very, very bad news for the non-Malay community because if PN wins GE16 (16th General Election), PAS is going to nominate its own man as PM.”

Nevertheless, the Sarawak-born academician was quick to point out that this could also be a double-edged sword in that “it will be equally difficult for them (PAS) to capture power given non-Malays, especially the Chinese, will definitely not vote for them”.

A caricature of Prof James Chin

“Also, we’ve to wait-and-see who Muhyiddin’s ultimate replacement is … If PAS is smart, they will not go for the chairmanship, hence leaving it to (Opposition leader and Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri) Hamzah Zainudin who has worked well with PAS and has the Islamist party’s support.

Editor’s Note: Meanwhile, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali who is also PN’s secretary-general has also tendered his resignation with effect from Jan 1 on grounds that his appointment is “within the prerogative” of outgoing PN chairman Muhyiddin.

Most Pakatan Harapan (PH) diehards would remember Azmin as being instrumental in the downfall of the PH 1.0 administration vis-à-vis the Sheraton Move.
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

To alleviate a potential power squabble between PAS and Bersatu for the coveted PN chairmanship position, PN Youth has expressed firm belief that all decisions must be discussed and decided in the PN supreme council.

“This is in line with Clause 13 of the PN Constitution,” the coalition’s wing pointed out in a media statement endorsed by national-level Bersatu Youth, Gerakan Youth and MIPP Youth (sans PAS Youth).

Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz

3 hours ago

KENYATAAN MEDIA BERSAMA
PEMUDA PERIKATAN NASIONAL

30 DISEMBER 2025_

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“Any decision or stance in the name of PN is also not the absolute right of any component party unilaterally. Although all component parties can express their views, the stance of PN must be decided by consensus with all component parties.”

Added the statement: “PN Youth urges leadership at all levels to practice wise, prudent politics and maintain the manners and ethics of the coalition to realise a larger agenda for the well-being of the people and the future of Malaysia.” – Dec 30, 2025