CSA: Unpopular but necessary

 

YOURSAY | 'An electoral pact would require a separate agreement.'

How does Madani-Bersatu CSA benefit Anwar?

Govt signs CSA with Bersatu MPs, 7 other lawmakers

Bersatu to clash with Harapan in Malacca despite CSA, four-way contest in Ayer Keroh

GreenCheetah1658: The confidence and supply agreement (CSA) with Bersatu is unpopular but a necessary move.

This is not about holding on to power at all costs to "sakau" (steal), but to ensure two things.

The first is that the government doesn't fall into the hands of the kleptocrats.

The second is that the reforms promised can go through in time before the next general election.

This includes limiting the tenure of the prime minister and the separation of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor.

If this marriage of inconvenience is to ensure political stability until the end of the parliamentary term, so be it.

I would rather have that than have BN-PAS wrest control of power in the middle of the term and undo all the reforms and anti-corruption efforts that are being done by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government.

Vote4changejohor: It is good to have the CSA to ensure the stability of the current government and hence, continue to deliver the fruits of the government's economic and development policies until the end of the five-year parliamentary term in 2027.

Just imagine how disruptive the change in prime ministers and the cabinet has been on our socio-economic development, with three different prime ministers and cabinet ministers in government from 2020 to 2022.

During those years, our national planning, business/infrastructure and economic growth and development just went sour.

Bobcat2020: It is clear now what the main objective of the CSA is.

It is to make sure the law reform of limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms and separating the attorney-general and the public prosecutor goes through without a hitch.

This shows how difficult it is to pass law reforms, and that the government is forced to do this with opposition parties.

Actually, it shows a lot of maturity in navigating the complex political scenario.

The CSA doesn't even mean that Bersatu will back Pakatan Harapan in the Malacca state election. It is contesting against it. Bravo Madani.

Justice for All 2026_2029: It is highly likely that this CSA serves as a foundation for future political collaboration and partnership that may include contesting the 16th general election under a common banner.

Since BN is leaving the pack in the run-up to the coming general election, Anwar is seeding this foundation via the CSA as Harapan, especially PKR, needs an alternative political alliance to boost its chances.

Bijoy Kurien: Why “despite CSA”? A CSA is not an electoral pact. That distinction should be explained clearly to readers.

“Confidence” means agreed support on votes concerning whether the government can remain in office.

“Supply” means support for budgets and spending needed to keep the government functioning.

The exact commitments depend on the agreement signed.

It does not automatically mean sharing seats, joining the same coalition or promising never to contest against each other.

An electoral pact would require a separate agreement.

Bersatu can therefore support the federal government on the matters covered by the CSA and still challenge Harapan in a state election. There is no inherent contradiction.

Readers deserve to understand what was agreed, what was not, and whether anyone has actually broken a commitment.

The word “despite” creates an expectation that a CSA itself never promised.

Coward: CSA is not an automatic no-contest pledge. The very name tells you that.

No need for confidence or supply if you are in the same camp.

It is assumed and demanded in that case. If any, signing a CSA confirms you both will contest for the same seat.

Truth is, the number of clashes is very low. Is there some form of "understanding" here?

Angry Bird 2026: Why the sudden urgency to sign the CSA? Who really benefits – the people or the politicians?

Malaysians deserve a clear explanation from Anwar!

Is this agreement genuinely intended to strengthen national stability, economic growth and public welfare, or merely to consolidate political power and secure parliamentary support?

Where are the tangible benefits for ordinary Malaysians? Will it reduce the cost of living, create jobs, attract investment and improve healthcare and education?

More importantly, what safeguards will prevent public funds and political allocations from becoming another opportunity for "sakau", abuse of power and political patronage?

Our beloved Malaysia needs peace, harmony and mutual respect among all races, cultures and religions — not endless political manoeuvring while the rakyat struggle!

V S: All these election stunts by political parties are just to grab power in the state. Most are there for the wrong reasons.

I hope a repeat of the Negeri Sembilan fiasco by Harapan, Umno and PAS will not occur again.

Voters must be wise when they cast their vote. Vote only for those who truly deserve it, irrespective of party affiliation.

GP2025: I just have to add. This CSA and all who signed it do not make them look good. It’s not a clever move.

The optics show extreme desperation and an even worse lack of ability to govern by democratic means.

Anwar doesn’t have majority support.

If he needs to buy that support through a CSA when there is no threat to the nation, not only does it show no support for him, but it shows the brazen impunity with which he is resorting to undemocratic means to finish a full term.

What is worse is that the MPs are letting him. These are not the leaders the people can trust.

They will bend the rules to stay in power even when they have outlived the people’s welcome.

If the people treasure our parliamentary democracy, we must not let them and tell our MPs so.

Bluemountains: With the CSA in place, it is high time the unity government reviews BN's role in the government.

It has been proven in the last two state elections that Umno/BN can pose a threat to the survival of the government after the 16th general election.

Since Umno/BN is behaving more like an enemy than a friend, it would be wise for the government to cut off ties now before they cause more damage from within. - Mkini

Harapan drops 'poster boy' tactic in Malacca after Johor, N Sembilan defeats

 

INTERVIEW | Pakatan Harapan is dropping its "poster boy" strategy for the Malacca state election, with state chairperson Adly Zahari saying the coalition needs to rethink its campaign approach after defeats in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Rather than rallying behind a single prominent leader, Adly said Harapan would focus on the strengths of individual candidates, grassroots mobilisation, and countering identity politics, which he believes overshadowed the coalition's track record in previous elections.

"We have not discussed having a poster boy because, looking at what happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, our main focus in Malacca is to ensure that every candidate contesting a state seat makes every effort to win.

"There is no point having a poster boy if our poster boy does not win," the Amanah vice-president told Malaysiakini in an interview in Parliament on Thursday.

Adly, who is defending his Bukit Katil seat, said Harapan would field a mix of experienced leaders and newcomers, including candidates from Gen Z.

"It is better for us to focus on ensuring that everyone brings their own strengths to the table. We have candidates ranging from Gen Z to those with extensive experience," he said.

Harapan initially announced candidates for 21 of Malacca's 28 state seats on Oct 24 before unveiling three more, bringing its total to 24.

Among them is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's political secretary, Azman Abidin, who will contest Paya Rumput against PAS candidate Rafie Ahmad, in a seat where BN is also contesting.

Adly said the inclusion of younger candidates reflected Harapan's response to calls for political change.

"People often talk about young people and the need for political change. So we are giving young people a chance," said the former Malacca chief minister.

Identity politics a key battleground

Adly warned that Harapan would again face attempts to portray Malay and Islamic interests as being under threat, a narrative he believes contributed to the coalition's defeats in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Citing Negeri Sembilan, he said the state government's performance had been overshadowed by identity politics, despite surveys purportedly showing nearly 80 percent approval for then menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

Former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun

"Because those sentiments, or what we call identity politics, dominated politics based on values, performance, and actual achievements, Harapan ultimately failed to retain the Negeri Sembilan government," he said.

However, Adly said Harapan could turn the issue against BN and PN in Malacca by pointing to the political instability that followed its loss of power in Negeri Sembilan.

"We can see that Harapan is no longer leading Negeri Sembilan, yet the current government has failed to establish political stability.

"So are we still going to be blamed? Is DAP going to be blamed again? These are among the issues we are raising," said the Amanah vice-chairperson.

Turnout could decide outcome

Adly also acknowledged that Harapan's prospects would depend on its ability to bring traditional supporters back to the ballot box.

He said low turnout among the coalition's core supporters had hurt its performance in the 2021 Malacca state election, with turnout in some areas falling to between 40 and 45 percent.

"Harapan was certainly affected in the 2021 state election because we know that many of our core supporters did not come out to vote.

"So we hope the current political climate will help improve voter turnout," he said.

Adly said the election would also test the ability of rival coalitions to mobilise their respective support bases.

"The different parties will compete to ensure their respective supporters come out to vote, and Harapan is placing considerable emphasis on these factors," he added.

Banking on 22-month record

Despite the challenges, Adly expressed confidence that voters would recognise Harapan's achievements during its 22 months in power in Malacca following the 2018 general election.

The Alor Gajah MP cited more than 55 initiatives undertaken during his administration, including public housing programmes, efforts to resolve abandoned projects, and major infrastructure developments.

Among the achievements he highlighted was the resolution of a long-standing maritime boundary dispute between Malacca and Negeri Sembilan off Kuala Linggi, which paved the way for the Kuala Linggi International Port project.

"It was during Harapan's administration that we resolved the maritime boundary issue.

"In fact, maritime boundary disputes are among the most difficult issues to resolve in our country. No state in Malaysia has managed to resolve such a dispute, except for Kuala Linggi between Malacca and Negeri Sembilan.

"We managed to settle it within 22 months," he said.

Adly also highlighted his administration's decision to revive the Sungai Jenih Dam project, which he said was necessary to support development in Masjid Tanah and future port operations.

"When Harapan took over the state government, approval for the Sungai Jenih Dam project had actually been terminated.

"But we revived it and approved the project because we knew the Masjid Tanah area needed a dam, given its continued development," he said.

He added that water infrastructure was important not only for household consumption but also for economic activity, including port operations.

"Water is not just a basic necessity but also an important economic resource, because ports sell substantial amounts of water to merchant vessels at much higher prices," he said. - Mkini

Zahid iring Rauf pertahan Tanjung Bidara

 Ketua menteri Melaka itu akan pertahan kerusi dimenanginya dengan majoriti 364 undi pada PRN Melaka lalu.

Presiden Umno Zahid Hamidi mengiringi Ketua Menteri Melaka Ab Rauf Yusoh ke pusat penamaan calon DUN Tanjung Bidara di Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Hj Ab Karim Kompleks Japerun Tanjung Bidara, pagi ini.

AYER KEROH:

Presiden Umno Zahid Hamidi antara pimpinan Barisan Nasional (BN) mengiringi Ketua Menteri Melaka Ab Rauf Yusoh ke pusat penamaan calon DUN Tanjung Bidara di Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Hj Ab Karim Kompleks Japerun Tanjung Bidara, pagi ini.

Rauf akan mempertahankan kerusi itu pada PRN Melaka ke-16, 14 Nov.

Beliau turut diiringi Ketua BN Selangor Megat Zulkarnain Omardin dan timbalannya, Johan Abd Aziz.

Penyokong BN mula berkumpul di bilik gerakan parti di Tanjung Bidara seawal 8 pagi sebelum berarak ke pusat penamaan calon.

Suasana di sekitar pusat penamaan calon meriah dengan kehadiran penyokong Pakatan Harapan (PH), yang berkumpul mengiringi calonnya, Yunazri Mustamiri.

Yunazri turut diiringi beberapa pemimpin PKR, termasuk Naib Presiden Chang Lih Kang dan Timbalan Ketua PKR Sarawak, Chiew Choon Man.

Penyokong PH turut melaungkan ‘reformasi’ ketika berarak, manakala penyokong BN melaungkan ‘gelombang biru’.

Rauf menjadi calon pertama memasuki pusat penamaan calon pada 9 pagi, diikuti Yunazri pada 9.06 pagi.

Pada PRN Melaka lalu, Rauf menang kerusi Tanjung Bidara dengan majoriti 364 undi. - FMT

Tular lelaki patah kaki dilanggar, kes disiasat cuba membunuh

 Polis berkata kejadian disyaki berpunca perselisihan faham akibat wang.

Tular sejak semalam video seorang lelaki yang patah kaki dilanggar sebuah kereta. (Gambar Facebook)

PETALING JAYA:

Kejadian tular sebuah kereta melanggar seorang lelaki yang patah kaki dipercayai berlaku disebabkan isu pinjaman, kata polis.

Ketua Polis Iskandar Puteri Ramlan Radin Taha, berkata perselisihan faham antara dua pihak saling mengenali itu menjurus pergaduhan fizikal dengan kes disiasat di bawah Seksyen 307 Kanun Keseksaan kerana cuba membunuh.

Katanya, tiga individu terdiri seorang lelaki dan dua wanita berusia 34 hingga 53 tahun ditahan selepas laporan dibuat semalam dalam kejadian di hadapan sebuah pasar raya di Taman Pulai Utama, Skudai.

“Seorang lelaki berusia 35 tahun mengalami patah kaki kanan susulan insiden melibatkan sebuah kereta yang dipandu seorang individu terlibat.

“Mangsa telah menerima rawatan di Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, dan dilaporkan dalam keadaan stabil,” katanya dalam kenyataan.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya juga sedang mengesan beberapa individu lain yang dipercayai turut terlibat.

Saringan air kencing terhadap tiga suspek berkenaan mendapati negatif dadah dengan mereka tidak mempunyai rekod jenayah lampau.

Ramlan berkata, kes turut disiasat mengikut Seksyen 147 Kanun Keseksaan kerana merusuh. - FMT

PN, PH leaders exchange pleasantries at Bukit Katil nomination centre

 The leaders shook hands and patted one another on the back when they crossed paths at the nomination centre.

PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan (left), Arau MP Shahidan Kassim (centre) and PH’s Bukit Katil candidate Adly Zahari on their way to the Bukit Katil nomination centre in Melaka this morning.

MELAKA:

Leaders from rival coalitions Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) exchanged pleasantries today at the Bukit Katil nomination centre ahead of the Nov 14 Melaka state election.

Among those seen interacting were PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, as well as PH’s Bukit Katil candidate Adly Zahari and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu.

The leaders shook hands and patted one another on the back when they crossed paths at the nomination centre.

The encounter took place as candidates and party leaders gathered to submit their nomination papers for the state polls.

Earlier, PH supporters were also heard chanting “Reformasi” as they marched towards the nomination centre, while PN supporters chanted “Hidup Islam” during their march.

Nominations are scheduled to close at 10am, after which the list of candidates contesting the 28 state seats will be finalised.

The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day, with early voting taking place on Nov 10.

A total of 28 seats are being contested in the 16th Melaka state election, with 687,697 voters eligible to cast their ballots.

The Melaka assembly was dissolved on Sept 23, three months before it was due to be automatically dissolved. - FMT

Woman paralysed in 1997 incident involving senior cop’s wife awarded RM350K

 High Court records settlement by way of a consent judgment without any admission of liability.

The Johor Bahru High Court has annulled a consent judgment entered in 2007 requiring a senior cop and his wife to pay the woman RM500 monthly towards her medical costs. (Wikimedia Commons pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A former hairstylist who became paralysed following a shooting incident involving a senior police officer’s wife 29 years ago was awarded RM350,000 in a consent judgment recorded at the Johor Bahru High Court yesterday.

Judicial Commissioner Budiman Lutfi Mohamed also annulled a consent judgment entered in 2007 in a previous suit involving the plaintiff and the couple.

“This settlement has been reached without any admission of liability by any of the parties in the matter.

“The (2007) agreement via the then consent judgment is hereby cancelled with immediate effect and without liberty for the parties to file afresh,” he said on Wednesday.

The law firm that brokered the 2007 settlement, named as a third party in the suit, agreed to pay RM10,000 in legal costs to the 58-year-old plaintiff.

The plaintiff’s counsel, M Manoharan, said the 2007 consent judgment required the couple to pay his client RM500 a month. He said a total of RM114,000 was paid under the arrangement.

In court documents sighted by FMT, the plaintiff claimed she became paralysed from the waist down after a gunshot was discharged during an altercation at an apartment in Johor Bahru on Dec 28, 1997.

In 2019, the plaintiff sought an increase in monthly payments from the couple, saying the amount was insufficient due to rising medical costs, but her request was rejected.

She filed the present suit seeking RM2.8 million in damages two years later.

The Johor Bahru High Court initially struck out the suit.

However, the Court of Appeal reinstated it in 2024 and ordered that the case proceed to trial.

FMT is withholding the identities of all parties.

The plaintiff was represented by M Manoharan and M Hariharan, while G Ravi and Aida Hassan appeared for the defendants. S Gunasegaran represented the law firm. - FMT