'Kerusi MB Selangor Tergugat?'@Sinar Harian, 28 Julai 2019

'Fenomena 'gempa' #Undi18'@Utusan Malaysia, 22 Julai 2019

'Wujud Perpecahan Dalam PKR'@Utusan Malaysia. 20 Julai 2019

'Analysts: PKR In Deep Crisis Due to Rifts'@The Star, 20 July 2019

'PKR Bagai Retak Menanti Belah'@Sinar Harian, 19 Julai 2019

'Pemimpin PKR Perlu Berhati-Hati Buat Kenyataan'@Berita Harian, 19 Julai 2019

'Umur 18 Tahun Sudah Matang'@Sinar Harian, 18 Julai 2019

'Proses Demokrasi Lebih Besar'@Utusan Malaysia, 18 Julai 2019

'Uphill climb for Waytha and his new party, say analyst'@New Straits Times, 17 July 2019

 

By Suganthi Suparmaniam - July 17, 2019 @ 11:27am

KUALA LUMPUR: It will not be an easy task for P. Waytha Moorthy to attract members to join his newly launched Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP), a political analyst said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said currently, MIC has the advantage with its structure and manpower.

“As such, Waytha needs to reach out in a more structured manner, from branch, division, state and national level. He also has to show that he is better,” he said when contacted.

He noted that MAP is the third faction from Hindraf. The other two are Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran’s Malaysia Makkal Sakti party and P. Uthayakumar’s Human Rights Party.

“We see this as an emergence of another political party but the Indians want to see who can uplift the community economically and socially. They want to see the outcome,” he said when contacted adding that it is too early to judge Waytha.

On MIC chief Tan Sri S.A Vigneswaran’s comment that MIC members are free to join MAP, Sivamurugan said MIC is not looking at the new party as a competitor.

He said while the country was moving towards multi-racial parties, there are still ethnic-based parties.

“For example, the Malays have Umno, PAS, Amanah, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and the multi-racial PKR. The Chinese has MCA, DAP and other ethnic-based parties. Although the MIC is still there, there is no ethnic Indian party for the ruling government,” he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said currently, MIC has the advantage with its structure and manpower. - NSTP File/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

He said although there are multiracial parties in the new government, an ethnic-based one can serve as check and balance.

He also raised the question if the new party will be welcomed in the era of Malaysia Baru.

Vigneswaran when contacted dismissed Waytha and his party.

“Parties like the DAP and PKR are more superior to this new party. Nobody would want to join Waytha Moorthy, he doesn’t have the foundation,” Vigneswaran said.

The MIC, once enjoyed great support from the Indian community but fared miserably in the last general election, where it only won two Parliamentary seats (Tapah and Cameron Highlands) out of the nine it contested and three state seats (Jeram Padang, Tenggaroh and Kahang) out of the 13 contested.

The Cameron Highlands seat win was later nulled due to evidence of bribery.

The MIC also lost all the seats contested in Penang, Kedah, Perak, Melaka and Pahang.

Waytha in a statement promised to protect, promote and advance the interest of the Indians in the country in their political, economic, educational, cultural, religious and social interests.

“As a people’s movement, the party will ensure that it plays a crucial role in the renewed hope and opportunities under the Pakatan Harapan government for the Malaysian Indian community with effective representation."

With the new party, Waytha will resign from his position as the Hindraf chairman.

A new chairman will be elected to continue its role as the watchdog for the Indian community, he said in the statement.=

'Perak MB should be commended for handling of scandals'@Sun Daily, 14 July 2019

Ian McIntyre /

14 Jul 2019 / 17:47 H.             

 

IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has good crisis management skills based on his handling of a series of scandals which have rocked the state since last year, according to a political scientist.

From allegations of inept leadership, which led to speculation that he would be replaced, Ahmad Faizal has been steadfast in handling issues, said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s political scientist Prof Sivamurugan Pandian.
“He is proving his critics wrong but in politics, one needs to be alert at all times as problems surface on a daily basis,” he said.
“There is a dose of wisdom in his handling of the issues especially when he opted to advise the palace on the need to differ the annual swearing-in of state executive councillors following an allegation of rape.”
This has led him to neutralise his rivals’ quest to undermine his leadership, said Sivamurugan.
Ahmad Faizal insistence on allowing investigations on his government is also exemplary and showcases the new age of Malaysian politics where there is a clamouring for transparency and rule of law, he told theSun.
Ahmad Faizal has so far been able to defuse the situation from turning ugly although claims of rape and corruption also need to be viewed from the criminal standpoint, he added.
His remarks come on the heels of two state executive councillors in Perak being accused of rape and corruption, respectively, in the past two weeks.
Sivamurugan said that there should not be any political crises in Perak for now despite claims of wrongdoing, which involved the two state exco members and despite Pakatan Harapan (PH) rules Perak with a slim majority of two seats.
Of the 59 state seats, PH has 30 seats with Barisan Nasional (BN) with 25 and PAS three.
Both state exco members; Paul Yong Choo Kiang from DAP and Abdul Yunus Jamahri from PKR have denied any wrongdoings and both have lodged counter police reports to refute rape or the solicitation for commissions.

'Why did M’sia lower voting age to 18?'@AFP, 17 July 2019

Why did M’sia lower voting age to 18?

To win the youth vote?

Belmont Lay | July 17, 12:52 am

Malaysia has successfully lowered the country’s voting age to 18 years old on July 16, 2019.

M’sia lowers voting age to 18

This historic change has been one year in the making.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 94, championed the amendment.

Why Mahathir is pushing for lowered voting age?

He argued in the lower house of parliament, before MPs voted on the law, that young people in Malaysia were more politically aware today than in the past.
Mahathir told lawmakers: “This move is so that they be given the chance, space and voice to… design the country’s democracy through elections.”

What lowering age means?

The reforms will also allow 18-year-olds to stand for election.
The amendments also introduced automatic voter registration.
Citizens will be eligible to cast their ballots as soon as they turn 18
Previously, they had to apply to get their names on the electoral roll.
Mahathir said as many as 7.8 million people would be added to the electoral roll by the year 2023 through the move.
This will bring Malaysia’s total number of voters to 22.7 million.
Nearly 12.3 million people voted in the 2018 elections, from a total electorate of 14.9 million people.
Malaysia’s population is around 32 million people.
This could translate to youth votes for the incumbent — presuming that youths are more idealistic and would vote for a more progressive outfit.

Is Pakatan Harapan trying to win the youth vote?

Malaysia lowering its voting age makes it consistent with the rest of Southeast Asia, where voting age is 18, with the exception of Singapore.
Singapore’s voting age has been maintained at 21 years old.
The voting age in Indonesia is 17.
This constitution amendment has been seen as a minor victory for Pakatan Harapan, Malaysia’s four-party ruling coalition — the Alliance of Hope.
Only slightly more than a year into its rule, it has faced a series of setbacks, including losing several local elections.

But no guarantees

Political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia told AFP the lower voting age did not necessarily mean that more people might vote for Mahathir’s coalition though.
“Young voters have become partyless. They don’t show their loyalty to any party,” he said.
“Voting patterns reflect that they are influenced by issues.”
He said also a lower age would not guarantee a greater youth vote, and called for political education to start earlier.
 

'Asset declaration proof of PH’s anti-corruption efforts: Analysts'@Sun Daily, 15 July 2019

 

15 Jul 2019 / 14:38 H.

Pix for representational purpose only.

KUALA LUMPUR: The move by the current government to make it compulsory for all parliamentarians to declare their assets shows the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and increasing integrity in corporate governance.

It would also boost the public’s confidence in the efforts by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to combat corruption, a promise it made in its manifesto during the 14th general election.

Local political analysts feel the effort must be made to create a cultural eco-system of integrity and corruption-free so that Malaysia will be on equal footing with other developed nations in upholding integrity.

According to Professor Dr Zaid Ahmad from the Department of Government and Civilisation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), those who are in positions which expose them to issues of integrity, especially politicians, must uphold the trust given by the public.

“It should also be extended to state assemblymen as their functions and roles are the same as members of Parliament, only on a smaller scale.

“However, this is only an effort and there is no guarantee that corruption will be eradicated because it is connected not to just one factor. Rather, it is an eco-system,” he told Bernama.

On July 1, the Dewan Rakyat unanimously passed a motion making it compulsory for all parliamentarians to declare their assets, as well as those of their spouses, children and trustees in a statutory declaration.

The statutory declaration must be submitted to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker within three months from the date the motion was passed and a copy sent to the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The list of members of parliament who have declared their assets will be on the MACC portal and only the details of the asset declaration will be displayed on it for three months from the date the statutory declaration was received by the MACC.

Members of Paraliament who fail to do so will be referred to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee under Standing Order 80 of the Dewan Rakyat for violating the rights and privileges of the house.

If a member of parliament is found making a false declaration, the individual would be subject to Section 3 of Act 783 and Section 199 of the Penal Code and if convicted, could be sentenced under Section 193 of the Penal Code which provides for a maximum of three years in jail and fine.

Commenting on the same issue, geostrategist and former lecturer of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Azmi Hassan said asset declaration by politicians is not a strange thing because it has been practised in developed countries either through legislation or on a voluntary basis.

“This is a noble move by the government because this means constraints have been put into place making it difficult for politicians to acquire wealth illegally. This is because politicians, especially those holding posts, are constantly faced with the risk of corruption.

“But it must be stressed that this move is not something which cannot be manipulated because those who are corrupted will find ways to circumvent the regulation to declare their assets,” he said.

Azmi also advised all parties to be alert about the asset declaration so that it is not abused by those who would use it as a political tool to eradicate their political enemies.

Political analyst and social science lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian said the move by the government was appropriate as it would help leaders from being trapped in the game of perception or efforts against them as politicians.

“This move is important and must be supported as it transcends political interests. It should apply to all levels of leadership, including state assemblymen. There should be steps taken to show the seriousness of the government in implementing it,” he said.

Similar views were also expressed by dean of the College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani who said the government’s move would help eradicate corruption.

“We still do not have laws on political sponsorship. This first step to declare assets is necessary to ensure transparency in governance. If this move is successful, it should be applied to state assemblymen too,” he said

 

'#undi18: Mengangkat inspirasi anak muda dalam sistem demokrasi'@Bernama, 3 Julai 2019

#undi18: Mengangkat inspirasi anak muda dalam sistem demokrasi

Tarikh kemaskini: 03/07/2019

Oleh Hasnah Jusid

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 Julai (Bernama) -- Buat pertama kalinya, usul pindaan Perlembagaan Persekutuan bagi menurunkan had umur layak mengundi daripada 21 tahun kepada 18 tahun akan dibentangkan di Dewan Rakyat, esok.

Usul itu, yang merupakan satu daripada janji dalam manifesto Pakatan Harapan, yang kini menerajui negara, dijangka dibentangkan Menteri Belia dan Sukan Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman setelah ia dipersetujui secara sebulat suara oleh kabinet pada September lepas.

Ketika ini, dalam kalangan negara ASEAN, hanya Malaysia dan Singapura yang masih menetapkan had mengundi pada usia 21 tahun, sedangkan Indonesia misalnya, menetapkan had mengundi pada usia 17 tahun, manakala Argentina, Austria and Brazil pula sudah serendah 16 tahun.

Jadi sudah pasti usaha meminda Perkara 119 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan itu, merupakan suatu langkah besar diambil kerajaan yang mengamalkan sistem demokrasi, berikutan golongan muda dilihat boleh menjadi antara 'king maker' dalam menentukan mandat mentadbir negara setiap kali pilihan raya umum.

Dijangkakan, sekiranya usul itu diluluskan, secara kasarnya ia akan memberi pertambahan kira-kira 20 peratus atau 3.7 juta pengundi baharu di negara ini.

Bagaimanapun, perkara pokok yang menjadi topik perbincangan sudah semestinya mengenai, adakah usia 18 tahun itu sudah dikira sebagai matang dalam membuat keputusan, apatah lagi dalam hal melibatkan hala tuju dan masa depan negara, selain tahap literasi politik dan pengetahuan kenegaraan mereka.

Pengarah Eksekutif Kajian Politik Untuk Perubahan (KPRU) Ooi Heng berpandangan sejajar dengan trend antarabangsa sedunia yang rata-ratanya menetapkan had umur layak mengundi kepada 18 tahun, langkah diambil kerajaan itu sebenarnya amat bersesuaian dan tepat.

"Sekiranya pada usia 18 tahun mereka boleh sertai parti politik, berkahwin, dapatkan lesen memandu, memohon pinjaman dan terikat dengan kontrak, jadi mengapa mereka tidak boleh mengundi," kata beliau.

Ooi berpendapat, dalam dunia globalisasi dan maklumat di hujung jari, usia 18 tahun pada zaman ini, adalah berbeza dengan usia 18 tahun berpuluh tahun lalu yang hanya bergantung untuk dapatkan maklumat dari surat khabar, buku, atau media digital lain.

"Mereka akan belajar jadi matang politik dengan cepat, kebimbangan itu boleh diatasi dengan cara pendidikan kewarganegaraan dan kenegaraan," katanya.

Penganalisis Politik Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian pula menjelaskan langkah itu akan membolehkan golongan muda melihat hak mereka untuk mengundi diiktiraf dari awal, sekali gus boleh mencambah pembabitan mereka dalam politik selain menampilkan keupayaan kepimpinan.

“Selepas ini anak muda perlu mengetahui bagaimana mereka memerihalkan kepentingan pilihan raya umum, peri penting pembabitan dan pembuatan keputusan secara rasional, mereka juga perlu pastikan peranan besar tanggungjawab itu dilaksanakan secara bermoral dan berhemah,” katanya.

Bagi mereka yang mahu usia 21 tahun dikekalkan, mereka sudah pasti mempunyai alasan tersendiri, antara lain menganggap usia 18 tahun sebagai masih mentah dan tidak matang dalam berpolitik.

"Masyarakat Malaysia adalah masyarakat timur yang masih tebal dengan ciri budayanya sendiri, mereka yang berusia 18 tahun rata-rata masih tinggal dengan keluarga, dipengaruhi kuat politik keluarga. Mereka juga perlu lebih fokus kepada pendidikan dan kerjaya masing-masing," kata Pengarah Institut Kajian Politik Malaysia (MAPAN) Universiti Utara Malaysia Dr Mashitah Mohd Udin

Mengupas dari aspek psikologi, usia itu dikategorikan pakar sebenarnya sebagai satu fasa peringkat akhir remaja dan transisi ke alam dewasa.

Pakar Psikologi Prof Dr Mariani Md Nor berkata mereka yang berusia 18 tahun ke atas iaitu di fasa pasca formal, selain boleh membuat keputusan kritikal, sebenarnya boleh berfikir lebih jauh terutama dalam hal membabitkan kesinambungan hidup untuk bangsa, agama dan negara, namun bergantung kepada persekitaran.

Menurut Seksyen 2 Akta Umur Dewasa 1971, umur dewasa bagi rakyat Malaysia adalah 18 tahun.

Dari perspektif syariah, Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri berpendapat bahawa umur 18 tahun amat sesuai untuk dijadikan sebagai had layak untuk mengundi, kerana sudah mencapai usia mukallaf dan akil baligh.

“Dengan suasana masyarakat Malaysia yang cukup terbuka dewasa ini dengan perkembangan maklumat dan teknologi tinggi, maka pemuda yang sudah diberi sejumlah maklumat dan pengetahuan adalah berkelayakan untuk menjadi pemilih dalam plilihan raya,” katanya.

Apapun yang pasti, sekiranya usul itu diluluskan, ia tentunya membuka suatu lembaran baharu terhadap sejarah politik dan sistem demokrasi di negara ini sejak berdekad yang lalu, selain mengangkat permuafakatan semua anggota Dewan Rakyat tanpa mengira parti politik.

-- BERNAMA

'Zahid’s return may roll back all the good Tok Mat has done for Umno, warn analysts'@The Malay Mail, 3 July 2019

 

Published 4 hours ago on 03 July 2019

BY DANIAL DZULKIFLY AND JERRY CHOONG

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The shock announcement that Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has returned as Umno president is unlikely to be a boon to the opposition party that is struggling to get back to its feet, several political analysts have said.

The analysts polled warned that with Zahid back in charge, despite his many criminal charges still playing out in court, Umno’s move towards a more progressive direction under Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, or Tok Mat, may be reversed, and even lead to a worse rift within the party.

Political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Zahid would have a difficult time balancing between spending his time in the courts and trying to introduce new dynamics, if any, to the party.

“It all depends on what Zahid intends to do or introduce to the party. However, this will be difficult seeing that he has to contend with the charges laid against him,” the professor told Malay Mail.

Zahid is currently facing a whopping 87 criminal charges, surpassing former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman as the Barisan Nasional leader with the most charges at the moment.

 

Last week, he was hit with seven counts of receiving bribes totalling S$4.24 million (RM12.91 million) and was additionally charged with receiving bribes of S$10.47 million, RM3.13 million, €15,000 and US$15,000 from a company contracted to operate Malaysia’s overseas visa system and a one-stop centre in China while he was home minister.

“While the charges were against Zahid, with him returning to the office of the president, Umno’s political opponents will likely use this against them,” he added.

Sivamurugan also said that in contrast, Mohamad is seen by some party members as the more suitable person to lead the party after instilling a sense of stability over the past few months.

“This was proven in the last three by-elections in Semenyih, Rantau and Cameron Highlands. However, the predicament now is that Mohamad cannot lead the party as only the acting president,” he said, stating further that party members must give him the proper mandate for him to lead the party as its president.

Furthermore, Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong announced yesterday that the Attorney General’s Chambers has maintained its decision of “no further action” in its investigation against Mohamad over the RM10 million money transfer he made to London.

 

Similarly, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun has noted Mohamad’s contribution towards Umno, also he did no discount that Mohamad may return as acting president should Zahid fail to claw his way out of his legal cases.

“Over the last half a year, Tok Mat has turned out to be quite a competent leader for Umno, as he without much fanfare steadily steered Umno through a period of uncertainty, what with many allegations of corruption and also occasional defection.

“So Tok Mat is likely to have his political star shine again perhaps not so long in the future as Zahid is slapped with more and more charges,” he said.

He also predicted that Zahid’s return could see relatively progressive force within the party such as Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, also seen as Mohamad’s close ally, to eventually leave the party or even create a new political one.

“I think the progressive elements, Khairy and all, are likely to eventually leave Umno and perhaps form a new political grouping, together with the disappointing progressive elements from Pakatan Harapan.

“This may usher in the so-called third force in Malaysian politics,” he said.

Following Zahid’s announcement, Khairy had insisted that Zahid should first seek the Umno supreme council’s opinion before announcing his return. He was among those who urged Zahid to step down after an exodus of Umno members last year.

 

But just yesterday, Umno announced five new names in its supreme council right after Zahid’s return, including some believed to be the Bagan Datoh MP’s loyalist, such as Batu Pahat Umno chief Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

However, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Kartini Aboo Talib said Mohamad is unlikely to just take a back seat, and would be a valuable asset to Zahid should they work in tandem.

“His influence and down-to-earth personality will boost Zahid’s and Umno’s strategy in rallying a campaign to save the party.

“As a senior member and elected president by Umno’s members, Zahid’s return coupled with Tok Mat as his deputy will assist in regaining the confidence the party needs,” she said.

Zahid has been on leave since December last year, and said he was returning to lead the party to commemorate the first anniversary since he was appointed president.

 

'Umno needs to manage Zahid's return carefully'@The New Straits Times, 3 July 2019

 

Beatrice Nita Jay

 

 

 

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs to manage the return of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as party president tactfully.
There are worries that the 87 court charges faced by the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament may prevent him from fully providing the necessary latitude in rebuilding the 72-year old party.
There are also worries that his return could ruin whatever positive development the party has undergone since the 14th General Election (GE14) as well as lead to further split in the Barisan Nasional coalition member.
Universiti Sains Malaysia's Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Zahid should pass the baton as Umno needs a leader to project the right image.
“The party could divide further into factions if this issue is not handled properly.
“The Supreme Council should instead ask Zahid to consider officially passing the baton because acting president doesn’t have full authority or power to act. For the sake of the party (regardless he’s guilty or not), Umno needs a leader who can project the right image for the party for now,” Sivamurugan told the New Straits Times.

He said though Zahid’s return to lead the party was welcomed by his supporters, those outside the party and fence-sitters might have a different view.
“Umno should think of what is the best for the party and not what is the best for personalities involved.”
Sivamurugan said that party deputy president Mohamad Hassan, better known as Tok Mat, had proven himself in leading the party.
This could be seen from the way he handled the last three by-elections, which also includes defending his own Rantau state constituency by carrying it with a bigger majority.
He said that Tok Mat has the “aura” and the ability to "mediate" the party’s trust and confidence and manage crisis or conflicts.
Sivamurugan said Umno now needs a leader who would be able to show the way forward for the party in a “clean” manner, someone upholding integrity.
“He (Zahid) will have to face charges and might spend more time handling his cases. Therefore, he should consider passing the leadership baton in a smooth manner to avoid further internal crisis which Umno cannot face at this point of time, unless the Supreme Council feels that he’s their choice.
“Morale issue is also important for voters and this may cost votes if his cases prolong until next general election.
“Moral legitimacy is at stake and the party leaders must decide what is best for the party to remain relevant,” said Sivamurugan.
Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Zahid should have in place a strategy to ensure his comeback would not lead to losses to Umno.
He said Zahid’s seven month break as the party’s president should have given him adequate time to prove that he was still relevant in leading Umno.
“He should focus on handling the party’s grassroots and also in re-branding Umno as a progressive, changed party, which would eventually be the people’s choice.
“He needs to prove that he is a president who has changed for better,” he said.
However, Azman believes that party members were of the view that Zahid should take a break to focus on the 87 charges he currently faces.
“They (Umno members) are worried that Zahid’s comeback may not allow Umno to rise up again and that his charges may end up being a liability to Umno,” he said.
Azman said though Tok Mat has the credibility to restore the Malay votes back to Umno, the only downside was that the former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar (Tok Mat) was not a parliament member.
“But if he is given the opportunity and more time to gain back the trust and confidence of the party members, Umno could rise again,” he said.
On June 30, Zahid announced his return from garden leave to take charge of Umno after a seven-month hiatus.
Zahid is currently facing 87 charges related to money laundering, bribery and criminal breach of trust.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

 

'Umno in danger of breaking up'@The Edge, 2 July 2019

 

Mohsin Abdullah

 

The Edge Financial Daily

July 02, 2019 10:37 am +08

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is risking a break up as a result of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s decision to return to lead the party after letting his deputy carry out the duties of party president since last December. That is according to some political analysts and observers.

As they see it, the party is already split into camps and Ahmad Zahid’s latest move could cause Umno to fall apart.

But Ahmad Zahid’s supporters say he is merely taking back the presidency which he won. Ahmad Zahid himself, when making the announcement, reminded all and sundry that he was “elected and not appointed by the Umno leadership”.

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His supporters have always maintained that Ahmad Zahid had only passed the powers of the president to Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan who was never acting president.

Political analyst Dr Agus Yusof, a long-time Umno watcher, says that legally what Ahmad Zahid has done is not wrong but “politically and even morally his move is not right”.

Agus believes that the right way would be for Ahmad Zahid to bring the matter up with the party supreme council and seek the council members’ views. Based on their feedback, he should then decide on the best possible way to make a comeback.

And even the venue Ahmad Zahid chose to make his comeback announcement is not right, according to Agus.

“He should not have chosen Bagan Datuk, his home ground, to make such an important announcement. Since he wants to lead a major Malaysian party, the announcement should be made at PWTC (Putra World Trade Centre) — Umno headquarters — while he is flanked by his deputy and supreme council members”.

That, says Agus, “would have been grand and stylish, apart from showing unity in Umno”.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who challenged Ahmad Zahid for the presidency last year, said the right way is to consult the supreme council.

However, former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not agree. He says Ahmad Zahid does not need any agreement from the supreme council and therefore the decision to return as president or not is up to Ahmad Zahid as “according to party constitution he has the right to lead Umno during the period he has been mandated”.

In last year’s party elections Ahmad Zahid defeated Khairy and party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to be president for the 2018-2021 term.

But to Khairy, as far as wanting to return is concerned, “to say the decision is solely Ahmad Zahid’s, I would not agree”.

Ahmad Zahid, as we know, delegated the powers of the president to Mohamad in December last year amid pressure within Umno for him to step down following accusations that he failed to provide direction for the party.

And at that time there was an exodus of Umno lawmakers from the party and there were threats of more defections if he did not budge.

Budge he did but of late Ahmad Zahid has been “teasing” of making a comeback, which supporters of Mohamad do not find amusing. They claim that Umno is still being viewed as a party which has not changed “as it is still supporting leaders facing various charges of abuse of power and corruption”.

Ahmad Zahid is facing 87 charges while Najib faces 42 graft-related charges.

Mohamad has always taken a diplomatic stance on the matter, and so has Ahmad Zahid. But like Mohamad’s supporters, those supporting Ahmad Zahid are equally vocal.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, for instance, has accused Mohamad and vice president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin of being subservient to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Recently he accused Mohamad and Khaled of plotting to oust Ahmad Zahid and Najib via amendments to the party constitution which seek to dismiss Umno members facing criminal charges in court.

He later said the amendments were withdrawn “due to objections and resistance”. But Mohamad, in denying talk of an ouster plot, said the amendments are for the good of Umno.

And moreover the amendments, he says, are not necessary as the Registrar of Societies “has already barred convicts from being office bearers”.

To be blunt about it, Umno members are divided into Team Zahid and Team Mohamad and that is why many like Agus feel that Ahmad Zahid’s comeback announcement on Sunday can lead to Umno splitting up.

And to him the timing could not have been more wrong as “Umno with Mohamad at the helm is showing signs of a revival”.

Political analyst Dr Sivamurugan Pandian agrees that “Umno will be divided as many see that Mohamad as ‘acting president’ has managed to change negative public perception on the party”.

The question now, according to Siva, is whether Ahmad Zahid’s return will “see members leaving the party and quitting or crossing over to the other parties as a sign of protest or if Ahmad Zahid can keep everything intact”.

Mohamad’s response to Ahmad Zahid’s comeback is that: “Alhamdulillah it’s good he has decided to return as there have been lots of gossip. So his return will kill off the gossips aimed at pitting leaders against each other”.

Yet the question is will the majority of Umno members, especially those who pressured Ahmad Zahid to step aside would now accept him as president capable of showing the party direction.

A political observer opines that Ahmad Zahid’s return will strengthen his and Najib’s hold on Umno  — which he says “is a necessary move as they must remain relevant in Umno as they want to be at the forefront of any political deals between Umno and Pakatan Harapan or Umno and PAS”.

But he feels “it is unlikely that Pakatan Harapan, and in particular Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which Dr Mahathir leads, will want to have anything to do with a Ahmad Zahid-led Umno”.

Then there is the recent officially established PAS–Umno pact. The focus will be on whether PAS grassroots will be 100% behind that move now that Umno is back being led by a president tainted by a record number of corruption charges.

Despite recent remarks by PAS leaders that Ahmad Zahid’s court cases will not derail the pact, the political observer feels that PAS members “will ask if such a cooperation will work against their own Islamic image”.

As Siva sees it, Ahmad Zahid should read signals from various platforms including social media after his comeback announcement and “make a decision if he wants to stick to his decision as announced or change to a more drastic decision”.

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Mohsin Abdullah is contributing editor at The Edge. He has covered politics for over four decades.

'Too early to determine effects, say political analysts'@The Star, 3 July 2019

 

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PETALING JAYA: It’s too early to determine the effects of lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 in the country, say political analysts.
While some say that these are uncharted waters, there are those who believe that Pakatan Harapan parties would benefit most from any changes.

But Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia believed that these were still early days to determine who would gain advantage from the lower voting age.
Political parties, he said, would only benefit if they addressed the issues of the targeted groups.

Prof Sivamurugan believed the biggest challenge was raising political literacy among the young future voters.
“They must understand the political system – how we choose an MP or an assemblyman. The government must address the issue of political literacy so that youngsters don’t come out to vote just for the sake of voting,” he said, adding that if the next elections were held in 2023, those currently in schools would have to be targeted.
Merdeka Centre programme director Ibrahim Suffian said the voting pattern of the younger voter was hard to tell as there was no data on it.
“Overall, the demographics are slightly overweighted in favour of Malay voters but how they will vote is dependent on prevailing conditions,” he said.
Dr James Chin, who is the director of the Asia Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, however said the proposal to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 would likely benefit Pakatan parties especially PKR and DAP.
Chin said that the youths viewed Umno as a corrupt old party while PAS was a party that restricted personal behaviour.
“Generally speaking in every constituency, 80% of young people will support Pakatan,” he said, adding that Opposition parties were likely to block any move to lower the voting age.
In the 14th General Election, more than 40% of the eligible voters were aged between 21 and 39, with a majority of them believed to have voted for the then Opposition.
Chin said that if a system was to be supposedly more democratic, the overriding principle was that more people are given the chance to participate in elections.

 

 

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/03/too-early-to-determine-effects-say-political-analysts/#zPqT3vd4wY4bzoFf.99

'Penganalisis lihat UMNO bakal berdepan dilema'@Sinar Harian, 1 Julai 2019

 

WARTAWAN SINAR HARIAN | | 1 Julai 2019

 

 

SHAH ALAM - UMNO bakal berdepan dengan dilema apabila Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mengumumkan untuk meneruskan tugas sebagai Presiden parti itu semula kata penganalisis politik, Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.

Pensyarah Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) itu berpendapat, Ahmad Zahid tidak seharusnya kembali sebaliknya menumpukan kepada kes mahkamah yang sedang dihadapinya.
"Sewajarnya Ahmad Zahid perlu serahkan tugas kepada Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan kerana berdasarkan beberapa Pilihan Raya Kecil telah menyaksikan penerimaan kepada beliau sangat besar," katanya kepada Sinar Harian.

Menurut Sivamurugan, Mohamad telah terbukti berjaya mengembalikan kewibawaan UMNO semula sebagai sebuah parti yang pernah memerintah sebelum ini.
"Tetapi berdasarkan perkembangan semasa ini telah menimbulkan keresahan dalam parti tentang hala tuju dan persoalan mengenai nasib Ahmad Zahid yang sedang berhadapan kes mahkamah.
"Timbul juga persoalan sama ada akan wujud gerakan untuk memastikan Mohamad terus menerajui UMNO," ujar beliau.
Dalam pada itu, Sivamurugan berkata, semua pihak perlu melihat sama ada mereka ingin melihat masa parti atau memilih personaliti untuk memulihkan semula UMNO.
"Bagi saya Ahmad Zahid seharusnya membersihkan diri daripada tuduhan-tuduhan yang dihadapkan kepadanya terlebih dahulu dan tidak mengganggu urusan parti," ujarnya.