Wider meaning: Ordinary citizens have no say in party polls but we surely follow them with great interest as the outcome does have a broader implication for our lives. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

WHEN elections come around, it’s only natural that the media focus on the heat and emotions generated from the campaigns.

The campaigning for the PKR polls that is entering its final lap is no exception. After all, it is the personality clashes and factionalism, real or imagined, that “sell” the news stories.

The storylines always seem to be about who is aligned with whom, and who is gaining ground. However, this focus misses the big picture.

Party elections should not just be reduced to self-serving squabbles among feuding candidates.

Reporters are also often guilty of asking leading questions, like whether the contests would lead to a split in the party.

Surely they can’t expect their interviewees to say “Yes, it would lead to a disastrous divide”. They just have to play coy.

The core purpose of democratic elections is to offer meaningful choices. That is the essence of it.

Elections are fundamentally about choices, not splits, it’s that simple.

If the contenders do not handle the competition well, and reduce it to mud-slinging bickering, then it merely reflects on the immaturity or selfishness of the contender.

Incumbents, in any position, should expect to be challenged. Surely they do not believe they can stay on in their seats forever?

As with all elections, there will be winners and losers.

Elections should be a time when the electors are able to weigh competing visions, evaluate policies, and decide which leaders are best equipped to address the challenges they face.

When the narrative focuses disproportionately on who’s fighting whom, it drowns out the debates that actually matter, such as how leaders can elevate the party and set future directions, especially in attracting women and youth voters, and improving governance.

The real questions are: What are their values and visions of leadership? As one candidate rightly put it – are party leaders, those holding government posts, accessible now?

Even members of the media have asked the same questions when their calls go unanswered, in stark contrast to the days when they were wooed by these “wannabe leaders”.

Party voters should scrutinise and evaluate if their candidates, especially if they are holding government posts, are actually performing competently.

The ordinary citizens have no say in party polls but we surely follow them with great interest as the outcome does have a broader implication for our lives.

The outcome of the PKR polls will not just shape the party’s future but potentially the national political landscape.

This party election will likely put in motion the succession plan of “who after Anwar Ibrahim”.

When contenders do not know how to conduct themselves appropriately in what is essentially an internal affair, it will breed public cynicism and alienate the general public, reinforcing the perception that politics is little more than an egotistical dispute.

In doing so, it undermines trust in democratic institutions and discourages informed participation.

The media has a responsibility not just to report but to inform, so reporters need to frame the right questions, which means shifting the spotlight to the real issues at stake.

What are the candidates proposing and how will their proposals impact the party, and by extension, the country?

Are reformists principles still burning and who is re-igniting the fire if they aren’t?

What are the difficulties and obstacles faced by PKR in wanting to carry out electoral promises, now that it is in government?

How should PKR better position itself within the larger unity government, and would the partners break away from this arranged coalition in the next general election?

These may be uncomfortable questions but PKR has to deal with them, even if it is internally.

Once the PKR elections are over, the newly elected leaders will have to set their attention on the general election, which is less than two years away.

Many Malaysians often forget that the PKR is a young, multiracial party that has created history by leading the Federal Government. It has not been an easy path when race and religion still dominate national politics.

Like everything else in life, there are never any perfect choices.

But elections are about choices – whether they are party or national polls. And we decide what we get. initial projection of 5% growth for Malaysia this year no thanks to global trade tensions.

There’s also a possibility that the government will increase spending to counter headwinds from US-imposed levies, Christian De Guzman, senior vice-president at Moody’s, said, according to Bloomberg.

“If the global economic outlook were to turn very significantly and the government would perhaps take measures to offset some of that weakening in the global economy, they could perhaps delay or postpone the petrol subsidy re-targeting,” he said.

He was referring to the government’s plans to end blanket subsidies for the country’s most popular gasoline by mid-year.

“The risks to fiscal consolidation are there,” he said in the interview on Monday.

Malaysia has since 2004 enjoyed an A3 rating at Moody’s – the highest among peers in developing South-East Asia.

The report said that while our credit score has withstood the fallout from the 2008 global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, the blow from US tariffs clouds the country’s prospects.

Moody, in fact, changed its outlook for Thailand to negative just last week, citing potential impact from higher levies.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, meanwhile, mastered the geopolitical narrative effectively to win handsomely in the 2025 elections.

I am not sure if our voters would want to hear the implications of tariffs for Malaysia as an issue at ceramah gatherings. Race and religion are likely to continue to be the selling point.

What is certain is that the majority of PAS leaders are not competent enough to talk about the economy, let alone negotiate in Washington DC.

In Singapore, government leaders are often cautious and measured in their speeches, preferring to assure and comfort their people. However, during the recent campaigning, Wong framed these developments not as distant economic shifts, but as immediate national concerns.

In simple language he frightened the voters sufficiently to send the message that they have to vote for PAP as an experienced and steady party in government, and that it was not the time to be politically adventurous.

Wong went on the offensive by tying renewed US tariffs directly to Singapore’s domestic wellbeing – highlighting potential disruptions to supply chains, cost of living pressures, and long-term economic competitiveness.

More critically, he used these threats to draw a stark contrast between his administration’s seasoned leadership and what he portrayed as the untested alternatives offered by the opposition.

The key points were on Singapore’s position in an increasingly unstable world, keeping jobs, a lower economic growth, and inflation – but also how to keep Singapore economically relevant and diplomatically balanced.

The election outcome underscored the strategy’s success: the PAP increased its vote share to 65.6% – up from 61% in 2020 – and secured 87 of 97 seats. Opposition gains remained modest, with the Workers’ Party continuing to hold a small but stable minority.

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has spoken widely on the tariff issues and even convened a special Dewan Rakyat meeting to address our lawmakers on financial support for small and medium enterprises.

Investment, Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz must be commended for his regular video-clips on the tariff issues with simple, easy to understand narratives without the economic jargon.

On point: Anwar and Zafrul after the special Dewan Rakyat meeting to address Trump’s tariffs. They have been working hard to communicate with the public on the issue. — Bernama

LET’S face it – the world economy will never be the same again – and that includes Malaysia as well – following the implementation of the reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration even if they are reduced or eliminated.

Malaysia will face strong economic headwinds and while the ordinary Malaysian may still not feel it, they will eventually.

So it is better that our leaders prepare our citizens for the implications of the long-term shifts that are already challenging global trade dynamics and geopolitical trust.

Unfortunately, most of our Malaysian politicians are still engrossed in playing up inconsequential issues to win attention.

Some are still squabbling over whether they are more Malay or Malaysian while the world economy is crumbling.

The World Bank has projected our 2025 GDP growth rate to be reduced to 3.9%, lower than Bank Negara’s current projection of 4.5% to 5.5%.

Last week, Moody’s Investors Service said the tariff shocks posed a major threat to Malaysia’s sovereign credit ratings.

The ratings firm sees downside risks to its initial projection of 5% growth for Malaysia this year no thanks to global trade tensions.

There’s also a possibility that the government will increase spending to counter headwinds from US-imposed levies, Christian De Guzman, senior vice-president at Moody’s, said, according to Bloomberg.

“If the global economic outlook were to turn very significantly and the government would perhaps take measures to offset some of that weakening in the global economy, they could perhaps delay or postpone the petrol subsidy re-targeting,” he said.

He was referring to the government’s plans to end blanket subsidies for the country’s most popular gasoline by mid-year.

“The risks to fiscal consolidation are there,” he said in the interview on Monday.

Malaysia has since 2004 enjoyed an A3 rating at Moody’s – the highest among peers in developing South-East Asia.

The report said that while our credit score has withstood the fallout from the 2008 global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, the blow from US tariffs clouds the country’s prospects.

Moody, in fact, changed its outlook for Thailand to negative just last week, citing potential impact from higher levies.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, meanwhile, mastered the geopolitical narrative effectively to win handsomely in the 2025 elections.

I am not sure if our voters would want to hear the implications of tariffs for Malaysia as an issue at ceramah gatherings. Race and religion are likely to continue to be the selling point.

What is certain is that the majority of PAS leaders are not competent enough to talk about the economy, let alone negotiate in Washington DC.

In Singapore, government leaders are often cautious and measured in their speeches, preferring to assure and comfort their people. However, during the recent campaigning, Wong framed these developments not as distant economic shifts, but as immediate national concerns.

In simple language he frightened the voters sufficiently to send the message that they have to vote for PAP as an experienced and steady party in government, and that it was not the time to be politically adventurous.

Wong went on the offensive by tying renewed US tariffs directly to Singapore’s domestic wellbeing – highlighting potential disruptions to supply chains, cost of living pressures, and long-term economic competitiveness.

More critically, he used these threats to draw a stark contrast between his administration’s seasoned leadership and what he portrayed as the untested alternatives offered by the opposition.

The key points were on Singapore’s position in an increasingly unstable world, keeping jobs, a lower economic growth, and inflation – but also how to keep Singapore economically relevant and diplomatically balanced.

The election outcome underscored the strategy’s success: the PAP increased its vote share to 65.6% – up from 61% in 2020 – and secured 87 of 97 seats. Opposition gains remained modest, with the Workers’ Party continuing to hold a small but stable minority.

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has spoken widely on the tariff issues and even convened a special Dewan Rakyat meeting to address our lawmakers on financial support for small and medium enterprises.

Investment, Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz must be commended for his regular video-clips on the tariff issues with simple, easy to understand narratives without the economic jargon.

Kudos to the police and MACC for acting against these corrupt VVIPs. — The Star

EVERY time a titled person, usually a Datuk or Datuk Seri, is arrested and is investigated by the authorities, many of us in the media would get calls from people who want to find out who has been snared.

It is a standard practice, both by the media and enforcement agencies, not to name the person implicated at the investigations stage.

It’s only when these people are finally charged in the courts that their identities may be revealed along with the details of the charges.

There is really nothing in the law to stop the media, the police or Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission from naming people under investigation or who have been remanded.

But it is fairly common for suspects to be arrested and later released with no charges being pressed against them despite the raids that hit the headlines.

These could be due to lack of sufficient evidence or because the prosecutors do not wish to proceed. Suspects also sometimes become prosecution witnesses against a bigger target.

But there are exceptions if the cases involve high profile personalities and the cases are of public interest.

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob is one example. He has been openly named as a suspect in the case where over RM170mil in assets were seized from several “safe houses”.

However, with social media, the names of suspects in various cases have gone viral with unsubstantiated information and allegations, and from unknown sources.

People who post such allegations do not have to face legal implications unlike the established media.

There is another unprecedented case. In my over 40 years as a journalist, I have never come across so many Tan Sris being arrested at one time over one case.

Last week, a third Tan Sri was nabbed over his alleged involvement in the Mobility Beyond Imagination (MBI) investment scam.

The 53-year-old man was detained at about 2am on May 1 in Penang after he returned from abroad.

His name had been circulating for weeks among the media and some reporters had prematurely reported his arrest.

The well-known developer has been reported by the press to be a proxy for a syndicate as well as a business partner of some of the suspects. It is claimed he received profits from the investment scam for money laundering purposes.

Previously it was reported that another Tan Sri, said to be a Kedahan, and a Datuk Seri were arrested under Ops Northern Star, which has now seen the seizure of RM3.5bil in assets linked to the MBI investment scheme, including a hotel and durian plantations.

A Rolls Royce belonging to the Tan Sri, known to be close to political personalities in the Kedah state government, is said to have been seized, and 299 bank accounts with RM123,614,594 frozen.

Titled lawyers from Penang have also been nabbed by the police over the case.

In March, another Tan Sri, a chairman of a public listed company, was arrested for alleged involvement in a RM10mil scam – it was claimed the money would be handed over to the police to resolve money laundering cases.

The prominent Chinese community figure has since stepped down from his posts in the oil and gas company. This case is, however, not related to the MBI scam.

In all fairness, none of these Tan Sris, who were given these high titles for their purported contributions to the country and community, have been charged yet.

Last year, the late Tun Daim Zainuddin was charged with failing to declare his assets but the former Finance Minister was freed of the charge after his demise.

Former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is also facing abuse of power and money laundering charges.

We have lost count of lesser ones – those with Datuk and Datuk Seri titles – who have been jailed.

The most famous one, of course, is our former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who has been convicted and is now serving his jail sentence.

He remains a Datuk Seri because not all the state Rulers have revoked his title. In 2022, Selangor and Penang revoked the titles awarded to Najib.

His wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who was awarded the Datin Paduka Seri title by the Selangor Ruler in 2005, also had her title taken back after being convicted by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in 2022 on three charges of soliciting and accepting bribes.

Malaysians are no longer surprised by the increasing number of titled Malaysians facing arrests and convictions, mostly involving criminal offences ranging from corruption and money laundering to abuse of power and fraud.

These developments are causing public concern and raising questions over the integrity of the honorific system, the accountability of the elite, and the broader implications for governance and public trust in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s honorific titles are bestowed by federal and state rulers as recognition for service, contributions to the country, or achievements in various fields.

Titles like Datuk, Datuk Seri, and Tan Sri confer a degree of prestige and societal standing.

However, in recent years, there has been a proliferation of such titles, sometimes granted in questionable circumstances or seemingly with little regard for merit or public service.

Their service, achievement, and leadership have become tainted or even meaningless in the face of moral and legal decay.

Let’s face it. The huge number of titled Malaysians have taken the shine off these awards.

Some states like Selangor, Johor, Perak, and Sarawak have always limited their number of awards.

Selangor even stipulates a minimum age for recipients and a maximum number of awards.

Rightly or wrongly, some states seem to be too generous in their awards, giving rise to various allegations, unproven of course, but which have nevertheless eroded public confidence in the system’s integrity.

It suggests that the mechanism for vetting honourees may be flawed, and that wealth, political connections, or influence can overshadow character and ethical behaviour.

There is a need to examine the award process, a clear and standard revocation method, serious enforcement by the police, and integrity at all levels.

There is also an increasing number of brazen Malaysians who pass themselves off as title holders when they are not, as the Malaysian Datuk-Dato Council would be able to testify.

Kudos to the police and MACC for acting against these corrupt VVIPs. Prestige and honour should not be undermined by scandal.

The last thing we want is to see our prison wardens having to address their inmates as YB, when they have already lost the right.

IT is common practice for our leaders and some Rulers to issue statements marking the festivals celebrated by Malaysians, including religious ones, as a mark of respect and commitment to our diversity.

But last week, something out of the usual happened. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim posted a Good Friday and Easter message.

In my 40-year experience in the media, very seldom has a prime minister issued such an announcement, although it has been a common practice of Sarawakian and Sabahan leaders.

Easter is considered more important than Christmas in Christian theology because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of the faith.

Christmas is beloved for its themes of peace and joy, but there is nothing in the Bible that says Jesus was born on Dec 25. On the other hand, Easter is the climax of the story and the most important date.

Anwar’s message is not just another statement but a deep commitment to diversity and compassion at a time when religious and racial elements have raised their ugly heads with toxic narratives, especially on social media.

His message was an apt reminder that the leadership embraces inclusivity and unity, and that while Christians are a minority in Malaysia, we are not forgotten. The Christians do form a huge group in Sabah and Sarawak.

In his Easter greetings to our Christian community, he urged citizens to nurture “a spirit of love and mutual respect” and to celebrate Malaysia’s diversity as a source of strength, stating: “May the harmony we enjoy continue to flourish, and may our diverse society remain a source of strength and unity.”

In a particularly poignant gesture, he also expressed his condolences to the Holy See and all Catholics over the passing of Pope Francis.

Anwar’s message, through his heartfelt condolences, has also not gone unnoticed as it showcased his unwavering commit-ment to interfaith harmony and national unity.

Malaysia is a nation rich in cultural and religious diversity, and the Prime Minister’s message sends a powerful signal – one that affirms the role of every community in the fabric of the nation.

By reaching out to the Christian community during one of their holiest times and addressing the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church with dignity and compassion, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s foundational values of mutual respect and coexistence.

Anwar, in his tribute to Francis, described him as a “steadfast advocate for peace, and his efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures earned the respect of many, including in the Muslim world.

“He spoke with moral clarity on the immense suffering in Gaza, reminding the world that we must show the same compassion to all victims of violence, whatever they may be.’’

The reaction to the PM’s missive has been positive.

Media personality Daphne Iking wrote: “As a Muslim convert who was once a Catholic, I found your message deeply moving YAB Dato’ Seri. Thank you for your thoughtful and inclusive words.

“They meant a lot – not just to me personally, but to many who came from different faith journeys. It’s a reminder of the compassion and unity we should continue to nurture in our beloved Malaysia.’’

Then there is anastasiasoniasio who posted: “Beautiful tribute. Thank you PMX. May God bless our country Malaysia”, while awangfa30 wrote: “Beautifully written and sincerely written, Dato’ Seri”, with virgelaugustine adding “this was very beautifully written and thank you for highlighting the impact he had on you and the rest of the community too’’.

We must never take for granted such festive messages, and even during sad occasions, as such actions go beyond symbolic gestures.

They build trust, foster understanding, and nurture a collective national identity grounded in empathy and shared humanity.

They are a reminder of the strength found in Malaysian unity. Do not let the loud sound of a small group of myopic, polarising politicians and keyboard cowards – they are certainly not warriors – depress us.

They will surely become more intimidating in the months ahead as the general election needs to be held in 2027.

Not many of us would dare to stand up publicly against these racial and religious tyrants but rest assured that the majority of us will know what to do when we cast our votes. Most of us will want to keep Malaysia tolerant and peaceful.

Anwar’s recent statements serve as both a tribute to a revered spiritual leader, even though a Christian, and a reaffirmation of his own vision: a Malaysia – and a world – where mutual respect and compassion light the path forward.

Malaysia needs leaders who build bridges, not burn them.

FIRST, US Vice-President JD Vance found himself being rebuked – for his disrespectful comments about “Chinese peasants”.

In a recent interview, when speaking about the effects of the Trump Administration’s tariffs, he said the US “borrows money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.’’

As expected, it earned a quick rebuttal from the Chinese Foreign Ministry while the Chinese social media set Vance on fire for his remarks.

Then came Conservative talk show personality, Bill O’Reilly, who arrogantly suggested that President Xi Jinping had wasted his time with his South-East Asian tour, which included Malaysia.

In a typical display of haughtiness and ignorance, O’Reilly claimed Xi was “wasting his time in South-East Asia because the Malays have no money.”

We do not know if the 75-year-old newsman used the term “Malays” to refer to Malaysians in general, or to pin-point the Malay-majority population of Malaysia, or even the broader ethnic group found across South-East Asia.

But it is safe to assume that he had in mind the population of Malaysia. It also indicated his lack of knowledge of Malaysia’s diversity.

Like many Americans, he has probably never set foot in Malaysia and South-East Asia. His perception of Asians is probably based on Hollywood movies where the white man is always sweating away in noisy, crowded Asian market places, where, for some reason, everyone is using chopsticks.

It doesn’t matter which Asian city it is, it is always chopsticks.

To his feeble mind, we are just Third World people living in slums who can’t even afford our next meal.

Well, is that a surprise? No. It has been reported that although the majority of Americans have travelled abroad at least once, a significant percentage (27%) have never left their country.

The report said the degree of international travel experience varies widely among Americans, with only 11% having visited 10 or more foreign countries.

So, it is very likely that the average American would not know what Asean is. They may know about Singapore or Thailand, but Malaysia could well be Mars for many.

O’Reilly’s remarks not only reflect a gross misunderstanding of South-East Asian geopolitics but also insults millions of Malaysians and their South-East Asian neighbours who have built vibrant, culturally rich, and economically growing nations.

To reduce their global significance to mere economic labels is not only simplistic but also racially charged.

I am proud of Malaysia. So are most of us. We take the trouble to explain the location of our small country to foreigners when we are abroad.

The reality is that Malaysia is a middle-income country with a diversified economy that spans electronics, petroleum, palm oil, tourism, and increasingly, digital services.

Malaysia is certainly not a “shit-hole country”, as Donald Trump infamously referred to African countries, Haiti and El Salvador in an interview in 2018.

Malaysia’s economy grew by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 5.4% growth recorded in the previous quarter.

Overall, Malaysia’s economy grew at 5.1% (2023:3.6%) in 2024, with a value of RM1.93 trillion at current prices and RM1.65 trillion at constant prices.

Gross national income per capita increased by 3.6% to RM54,894 from a marginal decrease of 0.2% (RM52,991) in 2023.

Kuala Lumpur and Penang are home to a thriving tech scene and a growing number of start-ups, not to mention some of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world.

The Straits of Malacca remains one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet, making it geopolitically indispensable.

Our streets are safe. No one gets shot in schools. The metro stations are clean, bright and the trains run on time. No graffiti covers the walls of the stations.

Our streets are not filled with homeless people and the zombie druggies found in many American cities.

That’s Malaysia for you.

To call Malays “poor” is not just misleading; it shows a lack of understanding of socio-economic dynamics and how wealth and development are measured.

While challenges like rural poverty remain, as they do in the US, Malaysia has made remarkable progress in human development, infrastructure, and education.

For O’Reilly to suggest that Xi is merely “waiting” in South-East Asia implies that the region is a passive playground for global powers.

Asean is made up of 10 member states – with Timor Leste coming in next – playing a critical but neutral role in regional security, economic integration, and multilateral diplomacy.

Malaysia is clear about the US and China. Both are important trading partners. We will give an equally grand welcome to Trump if he comes to KL.

In fact, Asean leaders are ready to travel to Washington DC to meet Trump to engage with him. But China is our neighbour. It’s just a four-hour flight from KL to Beijing, and from Kota Kinabalu to Hainan, it’s less than two hours. That’s how close we are to each other.

Regular visitors would know how far China has advanced and how it has lifted its people out of poverty.

The US, meanwhile, continues to lag behind in many sectors because it continues to think it is superior.

China’s engagement in Asean is a strategic economic and diplomatic initiative aimed at expanding influence, often through soft power, trade, and infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

O’Reilly’s condescending view of South-East Asians is both analytically weak and morally offensive.

As one report said: “O’Reilly’s remarks are laced with cultural superiority. Such commentary doesn’t just diminish the credibility of the speaker – it also poisons public discourse with half-truths and prejudice.”

O’Reilly really should get off his moral high horse, especially since he is someone who has faced – and settled – multi-million-dollar sexual harassment suits with at least six women. It reportedly totalled US$45mil (RM198.3mil).

The hilarity of it all was highlighted by one “Rep Jack Kimble”, who had the world in stitches when he tweeted that “we aren’t the only beef supplier in the world, but China isn’t the only huge country either.

“If they’re going to pivot from us, we should do the same and start selling more of our beef to India.’’

He then went on to follow up with: “Okay, I may have misspoken. It seems exporting beef to India is going to be tough with certain Hindu beliefs.

“However, instead of selling our cattle that way, what if we ransomed them off? How much would India pay if we’d let it go?”

This “Republican Congressman” is fictional and the account is fake but his remarks cleverly parodied the attitude of people like O’Reilly, who is not just ignorant but also obnoxious.

And we all remember Pete Hegseth, the Defence Secretary, who was stumped when asked about Asean during his confirmation hearing in Senate in January. He could not name a single member country of Asean.

That kind of ignorance would be downright comical, if it weren’t so serious.