19/02/2026

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

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Beyond the Bersatu split PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s declaration that he is the party president’s “number one enemy” may have pushed Bersatu closer to a rupture, but analysts say that political feuds in Malaysia rarely last and could instead spark a broader realignment of Malay politics. o Analysts foresee several scenarios, including Hamzah eyeing return to Umno amid shifting alliances ahead of GE16 Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com general election.” Political Zumba refers to the intersection of dance fitness with political campaigning, community building or cultural controversy.

Tajikistan invites Malaysia to host cultural week KUALA LUMPUR: Tajikistan invites Malaysian cultural stakeholders to organise a cultural week in the country to introduce Malaysia to the Central Asian country. Ambassador of Tajikistan to Malaysia Ardasher Qodiri said among Malaysian cultural products that need to be introduced to Tajikistan are Malaysian batik, the dances and the cuisine. “Now, most Tajikistan people only know about the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. They should know about the culture too,” he told a media briefing here on Monday. Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia with a Tajikistan embassy. The ambassador, who is also accredited to Indonesia and Thailand, emphasised that cultural cooperation should precede and underpin political, economic and other forms of engagement between the two countries. He said when people first get to know each other through culture, traditions, arts, daily life and shared human values, it creates mutual understanding and trust, which later becomes a solid foundation for sustainable political dialogue, economic cooperation and long-term partnership. “Culture brings people closer at a human level. Once there is understanding and respect between societies, cooperation in other fields develops more naturally and effectively.” Ardasher said Malaysia is among the preferred destinations for Tajikistanis to further their studies. Some 400 students from the country study here, he said, and the number is slowly increasing. Meanwhile, Third Secretary of the Tajikistan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Farhod Qiyomuddinov, in his presentation, said there are strong potentials for deeper cooperation between Tajikistan and Malaysia based on complementary strengths and shared interests in stability, development and people-to-people ties. Some Malaysian movies can be translated into Russian, a common language among the Central Asians, he said. He said green energy and sustainability also present an important agenda. Tajikistan’s hydropower potential and Malaysia’s growing green technology capabilities open doors for collaboration in energy efficiency, smart grids and renewable-focused projects, including knowledge exchange on climate resilience. Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, has a population of about 10 million people. Capital cities Kuala Lumpur and Dushanbe have established diplomatic relations since March 11, 1992. – Bernama

A source said the two met last year, adding that while Malaysia’s anti-hopping law would prevent a direct party switch, a realignment ahead of the next general election remains possible. The potential move also aligns with the “Rumah Bangsa” concept Zahid outlined at Umno’s last general assembly. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the contest for the role would be a significant development. “We know that Hamzah is supported by PAS. However, PAS does not have the leadership capability at this point to take on the role of opposition leader. “As we have seen in the context of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmanship, it will be interesting to see whether PAS continues to support Hamzah in remaining as opposition leader. The position of the other two parties in PN – MIPP (Malaysian Indian People’s Party) and Gerakan – will also be crucial in determining the outcome.” Azmi said PN needs a strong figure, adding that Hamzah remains the most viable candidate. “I believe the opposition needs a strong figure. It needs leadership of the kind that Hamzah can provide to serve effectively as the opposition.” Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the party has yet to decide on a new candidate to replace Hamzah. PN deputy secretary-general and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the position of PN chairman will be determined at the coalition’s supreme council meeting scheduled for this Sunday. He said the meeting would focus on approving Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman and appointing a new chairman to lead the coalition. He added that the appointment of an Opposition leader would likely be addressed at a separate meeting.

the Malay opposition bloc. “All gloves are now off for PAS. It can consolidate Malay support under its banner and no longer share it with Bersatu,” he said, cautioning that this could prove fatal to Pakatan Harapan’s fragile standing among Malay voters, the country’s largest voting bloc. He added that the unfolding drama could also open the door to behind-the-scenes negotiations and unexpected alliances. “Some form of political Zumba is likely before and after the next general election,” Oh said, alluding to MPs repositioning themselves across party lines ahead of the next

“In the short run, it indeed signals a split between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah. But Malaysian politics is notoriously short-sighted – just look at how Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin reconciled politically,” said Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun. Oh observed that as Bersatu edges towards political oblivion, PAS could seize the moment to consolidate its dominance within

Hamzah and several aligned MPs were sacked last Friday. The following day, he delivered a fiery press conference, vowing to find a “new house” – whether in an old party or a new one. Speculation is mounting that Hamzah may be eyeing a return to Umno. An English daily reported that he has been considering a comeback for some time and has held discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Analysts predict the Muhyiddin-Hamzah fallout may lead PAS to consolidate its own Malay support and no longer share it with Bersatu. – BERNAMAPIC

85% of TB cases involve locals: Health Minister KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 85% of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in the country involve Malaysians, and only 15% involve foreigners, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the perception linking the spread of TB to the influx of foreigners is not accurate based on the Health Ministry’s data, which shows the total number of cases involving Malaysians is currently higher. “This means the risk of transmission within our community is real and should not be taken lightly,” he posted on Facebook yesterday. He said TB is not a new

living conditions and malnutrition. “The mycobacterium tuberculosis germ is very stubborn, but the good news is that it can be prevented, treated and fully cured if detected early. “Patients must adhere to the antibiotic treatment regimen for at least six months.”– Bernama

phenomenon in the public health landscape, having long existed and remains an endemic disease that requires serious attention from all parties. TB is not merely a clinical issue but is also a disease closely linked to socio economic factors, such as crowded

Consular officers to assist Malaysian detained in Japan KUALA LUMPUR: Consular officers stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, a Malaysian citizen currently detained in Toyama, Japan, according to the Foreign Ministry. also strictly bound by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (PPI) that classifies detention status as personal information that cannot be disclosed to third parties, including diplomatic missions, without the explicit consent of the individual concerned. the investigative authorities in Toyama that, at the material time, the necessary consent to disclose information to the embassy was not granted by Muhammad Faiq. “Consequently, the Japanese

the ministry immediately contacted the next-of-kin to convey the information. The ministry said it has continued to communicate with the family to ensure they are updated on the latest developments received through official channels. The ministry also said it remains fully committed to the welfare of Malaysians abroad and reminds Malaysians travelling or residing overseas to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of their host countries. – Bernama

monitor the situation. It must be noted, however, that the embassy cannot intervene in the judicial proceedings of a sovereign state or demand the release of a detainee,”it said in a statement onTuesday. Wisma Putra also clarified that Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, to which Japan is a signatory, the notification to a foreign embassy of detention of any individual is not automatic but it is a right exercised at the request of the detainee. It said the Japanese authorities are

authorities were legally prohibited from notifying the Malaysian Embassy or releasing details regarding the investigation,” it added. Wisma Putra said upon successfully securing official confirmation of the detention from the Japanese authorities,

The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said this includes facilitating communication and ensuring his welfare, subject to his consent and in accordance with Japanese law. “The ministry, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, continues to closely

Muhammad Faiq was initially reported missing in Japan since Dec 2, 2025. It was subsequently confirmed that he was in the custody of the Toyama Minami Police Station. “The embassy has been informed by