GKUM

Ramasamy: New alliance to oppose Tun M’s Malay unity umbrella lacks legitimacy, leadership

A NEW alliance called the Malaysian Community Welfare Movement (GKUM) has been formed to oppose the umbrella concept of Malay unity advanced by twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

GKUM under the leadership of socio-political activist Amidi Abdul Mannan seeks to oppose Dr Mahathir’s umbrella concept by arguing that it was the latter who divided the Malays while focusing its attention on what the Madani government has done to address Malay grievances.

In short, GKUM wants to drive home the point that the umbrella concept of uniting the Malays is a political endeavour on the part of Dr Mahathir and the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition to drive a wedge between the present government and the Malays.

One would expect a pro-government alliance to oppose the Malay unity umbrella concept to be led by a well-known national personality with the backing of powerful political parties.

Unfortunately, GKUM seems to be headed by a relatively unknown individual and NGOs without Malay or non-Malay support.

Dr Mahathir might be blamed for disuniting the Malays during his terms as the prime minister (PM) but the fact remains that he has more traction in the Malay community alongside PN political parties.

PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is no match for Dr Mahathir or PN leaders when it comes to getting Malay support.

Invoking the concept of national unity might be a nebulous thing without the support of ethnic groups in the country.

One might disagree with Dr Mahathir about the real intentions behind the formation of the Malay unity umbrella but the fact that it has traction with the Malays cannot be discounted.

Furthermore, if the PN opposition floats the idea of national consensus incorporating the Chinese and Indians, then such a broad concern might find traction among the non-Malays in the country.

The present PH-led coalition might have parliamentary majority with the inclusion of coalition parties from Sabah and Sarawak but its support among the Malays is low with signs of further erosion.

Unclear direction

Rather than parroting the propaganda of the government, GKUM should instead ascertain the real grievances of the Malays, Chinese and Indians as far as Peninsula Malaysia is concerned.

The recent by-elections in the country illustrate that the non-Malays, Chinese and Indian are frustrated with the Madani government.

Low voter turnout seems to indicate the disillusionment of non-Malays with the Madani government. Anwar’s political rhetoric seems not to have convinced that he is the best leader of the country.

Amidi and his groups of supporters might have other intentions in forming the pro-government alliance other than opposing the Malay unity umbrella framework advocated by Mahathir.

At the moment it is difficult to predict the real intentions of GKUM other than the fact it wants to curry favour with the Madani government because the new alliance lacks the leadership, the legitimacy and political clout to re-engineer and render the Malay unity concept null and void. – FocusM, June 19, 2025

 

Former DAP stalwart and Penang 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.

Glove

China glove makers turn up the heat on Malaysian rivals

WITH China players increasingly deploying overseas capacity to penetrate the US market more effectively, the competitive landscape is turning more aggressive, especially after 2025.

“In our view, a price war is highly likely shaping up an over-supplied gloves market,” said Maybank Investment Bank (MIB) in a recent report.

Separately, MIB believes upcoming results could be weak mainly due to weakening USD currency vs MYR. MIB reiterates their negative stance on the Malaysia glove sector.

Latest industry sources suggest that competition in the glove sector is set to intensify further, with new capacity from a major China glove maker, expected to come online by the end of 2025.

MIB understands that the China glove maker has started marketing to US customers, offering upcoming capacity from its overseas plants in Vietnam and Indonesia at average selling prices of USD16–17/k pcs, versus Malaysia glove makers’ current average selling price of USD18–19/k pcs, with deliveries starting from Nov 2025 onwards.

Additionally, the company’s Indonesia plant is likely to be operational by end-2025 or early 2026, which is earlier than MIB’s initial expectation of the second half of 2026.

While this may be part of the China glove maker’s marketing strategy, pricing could still adjust based on demand, tariffs and counter-moves by Malaysia glove makers.

“The latest news nonetheless reaffirms our negative stance on the sector,” said MIB.

Competition is clearly intensifying, with more capacity from China, targeting non-US markets, and its overseas plants, focusing on the US market.

Although the actual supply timeline from these overseas plants remain uncertain, any meaningful ramp-up will likely exert pressure on pricing and margins.

A price war appears increasingly likely, in MIB’s view. That said, a key upside risk to our call would be a shift in US trade policy particularly if the Trump administration finalises higher tariffs on gloves from Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand while maintaining lower tariffs for Malaysia.

Such a move would restore Malaysia’s cost competitiveness in the US market and partially offset the structural headwinds facing the sector. — FocusM,  June 13, 2025

DATA

Govt under fire from opposition, allies over telco data handover demand

THE Malaysian government is facing mounting criticism over an alleged directive requiring all telecommunications companies (telcos) to hand over comprehensive mobile user data, including call records, internet usage, and GPS location history.

MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has voiced serious concern over the move, warning that it poses a significant threat to citizens’ privacy and could lead to the misuse of personal information.

He rejected the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) claim that the data had been “de-identified,” arguing that metadata, such as GPS coordinates, call logs, and IP addresses,  could still be easily traced back to individuals, especially when cross-referenced with other digital sources.

He believed MCMC is trying to downplay the issue by saying, :Don’t worry, the data has been de-identified and contains no personal details that can identify individuals.”

“But I want to ask, de-identified, really? Don’t try to fool us. If you’re collecting data on who we call, when we call, how long we talk, our IP address, and our GPS coordinates, the exact latitude and longitude, time and day, anyone with access to this data can easily match it back to our identities. Especially now, with e-wallets, CCTV, Touch ’n Go, and banking records, it’s incredibly easy to pinpoint someone’s identity,” he said in a video posted to Facebook on Saturday.

From the opposition, Pejuang raised similar concerns. Pejuang information chief, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, criticised the move as unjustified and questioned the true motive behind collecting such intrusive data.

“What exactly does MCMC intend to do with this data? Their excuse is to promote local tourism? But what is the real motive?” he said.

“Not only is this a privacy issue, but there is also the risk of this data being misused or leaked to other parties,” Rafique added.

“MCMC should stop trying to cover up a huge scandal with a tiny sieve,” he said via Facebook on Sunday.

Both Pejuang and MCA, despite being on opposing sides of the political spectrum, are united in calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government on this issue.

Their joint concern marks a rare moment of bipartisan unity in defending Malaysians’ right to privacy and democratic safeguards. — FocusM June 8, 2025

Zafrul

Opposing views in PKR widening among youth leaders over Zafrul jumping ship

THE potential move of Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz from UMNO to PKR has stirred both support and concern within Malaysia’s political landscape.

Adam Adli Abdul Halim, PKR central leadership council member and Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, cautioned that Zafrul’s transition could strain ties with UMNO, a key coalition partner, pointing out the need for an amicable resolution to preserve government unity.

“I cannot deny that this is creating some friction. So, let’s tread very carefully.” says Adam Adli.

He noted that no formal application from Zafrul has been received, urging careful handling of the situation.

Conversely, PKR Youth Chief Kamil Munim endorsed Zafrul’s potential entry, highlighting discussions spanning over a year and praising his expertise as an asset to PKR’s progressive vision.

Munim believes Zafrul’s inclusion would broaden PKR’s appeal and reinforce its commitment to integrity and inclusivity.

Zafrul, having resigned from UMNO after consulting its leaders, awaits PKR’s decision, which will consider inputs from grassroots and allies.

“I believe that Tengku Zafrul joining PKR, which is understood to have been in discussion for more than a year, would allow us to attract support from various quarters as we build a more progressive, just and inclusive nation,” said Kamil Munim.

Meanwhile, Adam urged for an amicable resolution to maintain strong government alliances, noting that PKR’s secretary-general stated no formal application had been received from Zafrul.

Zafrul’s resignation from UMNO and move to PKR has sparked concerns about strained ties with UMNO, with PKR’s leadership promising to consider allies’ and grassroots’ input. — FocusM June 1, 2025

Takiyuddin: Perikatan not poaching Rafizi, Nik Nazmi or Zafrul

The Star, 1 June 2025 PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional is not inviting Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz or Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to join the Opposition, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

"We have never invited them, nor have we held any discussions with them to join Perikatan. If they feel that they want to join us to support our struggle, then that is up to them.

"We have no intention to poach anyone," the Perikatan chief whip said at a press conference in Kota Baru on Sunday (June 1).

Takiyuddin, who is also PAS secretary-general, said Perikatan was open to cooperating with the trio in Parliament.

Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stepped down from their posts as Economy Minister and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister respectively after a poor showing at the PKR polls.

Takiyuddin also criticised Tengku Zafrul's decision to leave Umno for PKR, saying the move was unprincipled.

"When someone constantly changes their stance, it is difficult for us to understand their direction," he said.

"I do not know if this move is related to his position in the government or other factors but the people can assess for themselves," he said.

On Friday (May 30), Tengku Zafrul announced quitting Umno and all party posts and would to join PKR.

Tengku Zafrul quit as Selangor Umno treasurer in April last year, and speculation had been rife that he would eventually join PKR.

PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said there is no special pathway for party membership and anyone who wants to join, including Tengku Zafrul, must adhere to standard procedures.

Retirement

Is 65 the new 40?: Rethinking retirement in Malaysia, strategy for success or disaster

RECENTLY, Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said raised the proposal to revise Malaysia’s retirement age to 65. She believes that many older Malaysians are still active and capable of contributing meaningfully to the labour market.

But is this the right response to Malaysia’s ageing population? Will it strengthen our economy or create new challenges? We must consider this carefully.

The demographic shift is clear: globally, the number of older people is growing faster than the number of births. Malaysia is no exception. This trend has a direct impact on our productive population.

According to the United Nations, a country is considered an ageing nation when 7% of its population is aged 60 and above. Malaysia reached this stage in 2020 as an ageing nation (negara menua).

By 2030, we are expected to become an “aged nation” (negara tua), with 15% of our population aged 60 and above.

The causes are clear evidence that healthcare and technology have helped people live longer, while fertility rates have steadily declined. But with these gains come significant policy implications.

Where does Malaysia stand?

Globally, the average retirement age was around 65 in 2020, and many countries are already pushing beyond this.

For instance, Australia has set its retirement age at 67, Canada and Brazil at 65, and Singapore is gradually increasing its re-employment age from 65 to 70.

In contrast, Malaysia last revised its mandatory retirement age to 60 years old. While CUEPACS (Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services) has proposed an increase to 62 for civil servants, the government currently sees no urgency to implement it.

However, this perception may not reflect the actual reality on the ground. The number of healthy, capable older adults is increasing, and many of them remain active and eager to contribute.

They are not merely passive recipients of care but valuable contributors to the nation’s economy. In supporting the statement, a powerful example is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who continues to lead the country at the age of 78.

While on the other side of the world, Warren Buffett, at 93, remains the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, after decades of steering one of the world’s largest investment firms.

These examples clearly show that turning 60 does not mean the end of one’s ability to contribute, as being older doesn’t mean being outdated. It means having more to offer with experience, wisdom, and resilience.

Are Malaysians ready to stop working?

Let’s be real, can most Malaysians afford to retire at 60?  According to Khazanah Research Institute and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) data, only 36% of EPF members meet the basic savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55.

This amount would only allow for moderate monthly expenses for around 15 years. But what happens after that? Malaysia’s life expectancy stands at 78.2 years for men and 80.9 years for women.

That means, on average, Malaysians need savings that can last 18 to 20 years after retirement. Without sufficient retirement savings, many older adults face financial insecurity. Stretching the retirement age, with the right support in place, can help ease this pressure and allow older people to remain financially independent.

Government support alone isn’t enough

Under Budget 2025, the Madani government allocated RM1 bil for older adults. This includes RM910 mil for the older person’s allowance, RM10.8 mil for older-person activity centres/Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE), and RM23.5 mil for Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) and day care.

These are important initiatives, but they are still not enough to meet the growing needs of our ageing population.

Should the responsibility of supporting older Malaysians rest solely on the government’s shoulders? That thinking would be unrealistic and unsustainable. The conversation must go beyond welfare. We must rethink ageing, not just as a social issue, but as an economic and workforce issue as well.

A balanced and voluntary approach

Raising the retirement age isn’t about forcing everyone to work longer. It’s about giving those who can and want to remain active, financially independent, and socially engaged. It should be based on individual capacity and willingness.

A flexible and voluntary approach that assesses health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and ability to adapt to technology can ensure that those who are able and willing can continue contributing.

Working longer is not a punishment. For many, it is the key to a secure retirement and continued social engagement. We must begin viewing older adults not as dependents, but as a valuable asset to the nation. – May 22, 2025

 

Dr Siti Munirah Mohd Faizal Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Social Administration and Justice, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.

PM9

MACC to question Ismail Sabri’s ex-son-in-law Jovian Mandagie in corruption probe

Malay Mail, KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will summon Datuk Jovian Mandagie, the former son-in-law of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, to assist in its investigation into a corruption case involving the former prime minister.

Buletin TV3 said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the entrepreneur, who has since returned to Indonesia, will be questioned by investigators.

“We have been informed that we will need to meet him there. We cannot compel him to return at this stage as he is now an Indonesian citizen and is residing there.

“So we’ll need his cooperation. I expect this will take place within the next week or two.

“I’ve already instructed the investigating officer and the director to expedite the process,” he reportedly said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today.

Azam added that Jovian was among the names listed in the asset declaration submitted by the Bera MP on February 10.

Jovian was previously married to Ismail Sabri’s daughter, Nina, with whom he has a daughter. They divorced in August 2023.

He also said Ismail Sabri will not be called in again for questioning, and the investigation is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

The investigation papers will be finalised before being submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers if elements warranting prosecution are found.

“If there is sufficient evidence for prosecution, we will recommend that charges be brought against him.

“As of now, if the case file is complete and prosecutable elements are present, I will provide further updates,” he was quoted as saying.

The former prime minister is being investigated for alleged corruption and money laundering involving the expenditure and use of funds for the promotion of the “Keluarga Malaysia” campaign during his tenure from August 2021 to November 2022.

The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

On March 3, Azam revealed that Ismail Sabri was a suspect in the case, following the discovery of about RM170 million in various currencies and 16kg of gold bars at a property used as a “safe house” during an MACC raid.

PUTIN

Court jester in Moscow: Anwar's Kremlin comedy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long styled himself as a man of letters - a bridge between East and West, a champion of civilisational discourse. In the 1990s he wrote The Asian Renaissance, portraying himself as a thinker of great cultural depth.

But that carefully cultivated facade came crashing down yet again during a recent joint press conference at the Kremlin, where Anwar sat beside Russian President Vladimir Putin on an official visit. 

Putin recounted how, during an earlier private tour of the Grand St Andrew's Hall, he had shown Anwar three thrones - one each for the Tsar and Tsarina, and a mysterious third left unlabelled.

Putin then asked Anwar who he thought the third throne was for, to which the latter answered, without missing a beat, "For the second wife."

Laughter erupted as Putin told the story and disclosed that the throne was actually meant for the Tsar’s mother, while Anwar was seen covering his face in embarrassment during the media conference. 

Anwar ought to be embarrassed. The self-proclaimed expert in world cultures and civilizations seems to be unaware that Russia is an Orthodox Christian-majority country where polygamy is illegal and historically frowned upon.

So, Putin seized the opportunity to assert dominance by making public Anwar's cultural ignorance to the media. It wasn’t just a joke. It was a display of who truly held the upper hand in that room. 

Putin used the occasion to publicly mock Anwar’s cultural faux pas by exposing the folly of Malaysia’s prime minister.

As always, back home, the Madani spin machinery is in overdrive. The press is working overtime to portray the embarrassing diplomatic blunder as merely a "light moment". 

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil unashamedly claimed that Anwar was the first Malaysian PM in two decades to receive full ceremonial honours in Russia - an assertion quickly mocked by netizens who questioned why a timeline of two decades was used, as if trying to erase the true history where similar receptions have been given to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, among others.

There’s a pattern here. This is a government that obsesses over optics but fumbles the substance. A leader who reminds the world of his intellectual pedigree but finds himself making offhand jokes about polygamy in a country where the practice is prohibited legally and stigmatised.

To top it off, Putin threw Anwar under the bus by revealing what was said in private, and letting the world laugh at our prime minister’s expense.

One would expect more gravitas from a self-declared Renaissance man. After all, the Renaissance was about reason, reflection, and dignity, not cultural faux pas. 

For someone who has spent decades positioning himself as a global statesman, Anwar has been reduced to a court jester in Moscow.

In the end, behind the fanfare and diplomatic platitudes lies a sobering reality: Malaysia walked into Moscow seeking respect but walked out with the prime minister turned into a punchline of a press conference.

So, who has the last laugh? Certainly not us.

In trying to impress the Kremlin, Anwar has made our country a global laughingstock.

May 16, 2025 - Wan Saiful Wan Jan is the Tasek Gelugor MP and head of the opposition's communication portfolio.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow. 

Putin not on Kremlin list of officials attending Ukraine peace talks in Turkey

BBC News - Russian President Vladimir Putin is not among the names listed by the Kremlin as being due to attend peace talks on the war in Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday, despite calls from Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for him to attend.

Russia's delegation will instead be headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, according to the Kremlin statement.

Zelensky had previously said he would attend the talks and meet Putin in person if the Russian president agreed, and said he would do everything he could to ensure the face-to-face meeting took place.

US President Donald Trump will also not be attending, according to media reports, despite previously hinting he would if Putin were there.

Zelensky will be in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He said he would attend direct talks in Istanbul with Russia, but only if Putin also attended.

"I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take. So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing," he said in his nightly video address on Wednesday.

Putin and Zelensky have not met in person since December 2019. Russia and Ukraine last held direct negotiations in March 2022 in Istanbul, shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

Fighting has raged in Ukraine since then. Russian forces have slowly expanded the amount of territory they control over the past year, mostly in the east of Ukraine.

On Sunday Putin called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey's largest city "without pre-conditions". Zelensky then announced he would go in person and expected the Russian president to travel as well.

Putin's suggestion of direct talks in Istanbul followed Western powers' call for a 30-day ceasefire, after European leaders met in Kyiv on Saturday.

After Trump called for Ukraine to accept the offer on Sunday, Zelensky said he would travel there himself.

"There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally," Zelensky wrote in a social media post.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had floated the possibility of joining the meeting himself if Putin did.

The US president, who is currently in Qatar, told reporters he did not know if his Russian counterpart would attend "if I'm not there".

"I know he would like me to be there, and that's a possibility. If we could end the war, I'd be thinking about that," Trump said.

The US is expected to send a high-level delegation to the talks.

The country's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, where he will meet Nato foreign ministers on Thursday.

Ahead of that meeting, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he met Rubio on Wednesday evening. Sybiha said he had reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to US peace efforts, and called on Russia to "reciprocate Ukraine's constructive steps".

Rubio plans to travel onwards to Istanbul on Friday, where the State Department says he will attend talks with European counterparts to discuss the war in Ukraine.

Arriving at his hotel in Antalya on Wednesday, Rubio did not answer when the BBC asked him if Putin would be coming to Turkey.

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has sought to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

He ended a years-long Western boycott of Russia's leader by speaking to Putin over the phone in February, and his envoy Steve Witkoff has met Vladimir Putin for talks in Moscow.

Trump has previously said Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal".

On Sunday, when Putin proposed the direct talks, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: "A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!"