Perikatan MPs' status to be decided after coalition explains deregistration, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The status of Perikatan Nasional MPs in the Dewan Rakyat will be decided after the coalition explains the cancellation of its registration to Parliament, says Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

The issue was raised by Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan during Kuala Krau MP Kamal Ashaari’s debate on the Supply Bill 2027 on Wednesday (Oct 21).

Mohd Sany questioned why Kamal was still identified as a Perikatan representative in the House after the Registrar of Societies (RoS) cancelled the coalition’s registration on Tuesday.

Johari said no ruling had been made on the status or seating position of Perikatan MPs pending an explanation from Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

“There is no ruling yet on the status and position of Perikatan MPs.

“I have written to the Perikan chairman. Once I receive an explanation from him, I will inform the House,” he said.

Sany had asked Johari for a ruling while Kamal was speaking.

“While Kuala Krau is debating, he is still listed as Kuala Krau – Perikatan, even though the RoS issued a clear order yesterday cancelling PN’s registration,” he said.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer supported the call for the Perikatan label to be removed.

Rayer said the MPs should instead be identified according to their respective parties, such as PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia or Parti Wawasan Negara.

“At the very least, write PAS, Wawasan or Bersatu. Perikatan has been deregistered or its registration cancelled. It should no longer be Perikatan,” he said.

The RoS was reported to have cancelled Perikatan’s registration after finding that the coalition’s explanation failed to address the grounds stated in an earlier notice.

The decision was made under Section 13(1)(c)(iv) of the Societies Act 1966 after the RoS reviewed documents and representations submitted by Peritakan on Oct 12.

Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has said the coalition will challenge the RoS decision and file an appeal with the Home Minister. - Star

Citizenship policies must be fair, consistent with no preferential treatment, says G25

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must demonstrate that its citizenship policies are administered with integrity, fairness and consistency, says G25 Malaysia.

It said Malaysia must show that no applicant receives preferential treatment simply because their case serves a more visible or immediate national interest.

“Citizenship is not merely an administrative convenience or a means to achieve immediate national success. It carries fundamental rights, responsibilities and a sense of belonging.

“The credibility of our institutions depends not only on the rules we establish, but on whether the public can trust that those rules are applied fairly to all and that those who have done wrong are held accountable for their crimes,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 21).

G25 Malaysia is a Malay-Muslim group of former civil servants and individuals with deep experience across diverse fields, united by a shared vision for a more just, cohesive, and progressive Malaysia.

The group also expressed deep concern with the Home Ministry over the administration of Malaysian citizenship exposed by the controversy involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven foreign footballers.

It urged the government to provide a full and transparent account of the roles played by FAM and the relevant government authorities in the processing and verification of the implicated players’ documents, including how the discrepancies arose and what safeguards failed.

“It should also clarify the legal basis and criteria for any exemptions granted and ensure that the findings lead to appropriate corrective action and accountability through the proper criminal process for all those involved.

“G25 recognises the importance of developing Malaysian football and strengthening the national team.

“However, sporting ambition cannot take precedence over the integrity of citizenship procedures, the rule of law, and public confidence in our institutions,” it said, stressing that citizenship should not be treated as a convenient instrument for achieving short-term objectives.

The controversy emerged in September last year, when football governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) found that falsified documents had been submitted to establish the eligibility of seven foreign-born footballers to represent Malaysia.

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s investigation earlier this year also identified irregularities in the processing of the players’ citizenship approvals.

G25 Malaysia also called for the expedited implementation of citizenship amendments for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, address outstanding applications fairly and establish clear, consistent and transparent criteria for citizenship applicants.

“Despite the passing of constitutional amendments in 2024 to address this inequality, implementation has continued to be delayed,” it said.

It added that it is difficult to reconcile these prolonged delays with the apparent urgency and flexibility shown in facilitating citizenship for the seven footballers.

“For mothers and children who have endured years of uncertainty, this contrast is deeply disheartening.

“It creates a troubling perception of double standards that citizenship can be facilitated swiftly when it serves an immediate national objective, while families seeking recognition of their legitimate ties to Malaysia are left waiting.

“Even if the legal routes and circumstances differ, the government must explain why such a stark contrast in treatment has arisen,” said G25 Malaysia.

It also said the same question applies to foreign lecturers, scientists and researchers who have served Malaysian universities and institutions for years, contributing to education, scientific advancement and national development.

“Their contributions may not bring immediate international recognition, but they are vital to Malaysia’s long-term interests.

“A transparent and credible policy that recognises sustained contributions to the country is needed, rather than allowing applications to remain in uncertainty without clear explanations,” said G25 Malaysia. - Star

Final-year college student falls to death in Port Dickson

 Police say the victim, 21, was undergoing practical training at a hotel in Lukut.

Port Dickson police chief Ahmad Afiq Adnan said an autopsy ruled that the cause of death was injuries to the head and abdomen resulting from a fall from a height.

PETALING JAYA:

A final-year college student was found dead in Lukut, Negeri Sembilan, today, believed to have fallen from a height.

Port Dickson police chief Ahmad Afiq Adnan said the 21-year-old student was undergoing practical training at a hotel in Lukut, and was found dead behind an eatery at 6.05am.

“An autopsy ruled that the cause of death was injuries to the head and abdomen resulting from a fall from a height. Checks found no criminal elements,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Afiq said the student was renting a room on the third floor of a building near where the body was found. Police found no signs of a break-in, and the victim’s personal belongings were intact.

The case has been classified as sudden death.

Those struggling with problems may seek help from trained volunteers at Befrienders. All conversations are confidential. Befrienders Kuala Lumpur can be reached at 03-7627 2929 any time of the day or through email at sam@befrienders.org.my. - FMT

Cops await AGC’s decision over probe on Ismail being ‘coerced’ to sign proclamation

 The investigation paper was submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers on Sept 29.

In September, Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim claimed he signed the proclamation seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar ‘unwillingly and under coercion’. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The investigation paper on Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim’s claim that he was coerced into signing a proclamation seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar is with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said police took the statements of four people to assist in the probe, and that the investigation paper was submitted to the AGC on Sept 29.

“The police are waiting for the AGC’s decision and further instructions concerning the investigation paper.

“Any action and further investigation by the police is subject to the AGC’s instructions. The police will take necessary action according to the relevant legal provisions,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Saifuddin was responding to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) who asked for the latest status of the investigation into the police report filed by Ismail on Sept 8.

On Sept 5, the four disputed undangs, or chieftains, claimed that Ismail had signed the proclamation seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz, although the menteri besar sidestepped the allegation and declared full loyalty to the ruler.

Three days later, the undangs produced the purported proclamation signed by Ismail at a press conference.

Ismail then claimed he signed the document “unwillingly and under coercion”, and maintained that the proclamation was invalid.

He also lodged a police report to allow the matter to be investigated.

However, he later endorsed a state executive council statement announcing Tuanku Muhriz’s purported removal as the ruler. - FMT

BN contesting 21 seats in Melaka, ‘PAS and friends’ 7

 BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirms alliance with PAS and its allies for the Nov 14 state polls.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed a pact with PAS and allies for the Melaka state election.

PETALING JAYA:

Barisan Nasional has confirmed that it will contest 21 of the 28 seats up for grabs in the Nov 14 Melaka state election, with PAS and its allies to vie for the remaining seven.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno president, confirmed that BN will form an alliance with PAS and its partners from the deregistered Perikatan Nasional for the Melaka polls, Berita Harian reported.

This includes Wawasan, which is led by opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.

This comes after weeks of speculation that BN and PN would agree on a pact for the election, and just days after PN was deregistered by the Registrar of Societies.

In the 2021 Melaka polls, BN won 21 seats while Pakatan Harapan secured five and PN two. - FMT

MORE TO COME

13,000 doctors’ posts vacant, including 1,660 specialist positions

 Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says 3,510 doctors resigned between 2024 and 2026, with more than half leaving for the private sector.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said 4,500 contract doctors were offered permanent appointments this year to address staffing shortages. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A total of 13,072 doctor positions in the health ministry remained vacant as of June 30, comprising 1,660 specialist posts and 11,412 non-specialist positions, said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Dzulkefly said 3,510 medical officers resigned between 2024 and 2026, comprising 1,252 permanent and 2,258 contract doctors.

Of those who resigned, 51.4% left for the private sector, while 36.8% cited personal reasons, and 4.5% joined statutory bodies.

Another 2.9% left to work or settle overseas, 2.6% resigned for health reasons, 1.5% pursued further studies, and 0.3% opened their own clinics.

He also said eight medical specialists had resigned or migrated overseas.

Dzulkefly said this in a written parliamentary reply to a question from V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) on doctors resigning or migrating overseas, vacancies, specialist shortages, waiting times for housemanship placements, and the effectiveness of measures to retain doctors.

He said the ministry had appointed 14,064 permanent and 9,847 contract medical officers during the same period.

To address staffing shortages, he said, 4,500 contract doctors had been offered permanent appointments this year.

Dzulkefly said a task force established by the public services department in April was looking into staffing issues, while the ministry had been given greater authority to manage and distribute approved positions to speed up recruitment.

Waiting time at hospitals

Dzulkefly said six government hospitals had met a target of treating at least 70% of non-emergency patients within two hours, compared with the average waiting time of four to six hours previously.

In a written reply to Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Ind-Tanjong Karang), he said Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh recorded the highest rate with 98.61% of green zone patients treated within two hours.

This was followed by Ampang Hospital (88.78%), Selayang Hospital (74.1%), Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru (73.2%), Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang (72.2%) and Kuala Lumpur Hospital (71.8%).

He also highlighted a 9% reduction in patient attendance at six major hospitals following the extension of operating hours at selected government health clinics.

The clinics operate until 9pm on weekdays and from 8am to 1pm on weekends and public holidays.

The extended hours had helped divert patients with minor ailments from hospital emergency departments, he said.

Dzulkefly also said all eight initiatives under the special task force on agency reform to reduce hospital overcrowding had been fully implemented as of June.

Other measures include outsourcing treatment to private general practitioners, expanding digital screening for non-emergency patients before they visit clinics to 545 health clinics, and improving patient flow at government hospitals. - FMT