22/02/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday FEB 22, 2026

Sacked Bersatu leader to unveil new political vehicle

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Sacked Bersatu leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is expected to unveil his new political vehicle only after assessing sentiments at today’s Perikatan Nasional special meeting, said former Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan. Wan Saiful, who was also expelled from Bersatu, said Hamzah’s camp had already signalled plans to unveil a “new home” soon. “As mentioned by Datuk Seri Hamzah on Feb 14, we will announce our new home in the near future,” he told theSun via WhatsApp. “Yes, it will definitely be a political party. For me, whether we take over an existing party or register a new one is not important. Either way, it will be shaped according to the mould of the new home that we want to build.” The Tasek Gelugor MP explained that the announcement has been deliberately delayed while the group focuses on internal restructuring, including dissolving Bersatu division committees aligned with them.

Announcement deliberately delayed while group focuses on restructuring, that includes dissolving aligned division committees: Ex-supreme council member

Badrul, who has not been expelled from Bersatu, attended Hamzah’s “reset” event last weekend at the Rumah Kelab Persatuan Alumni Universiti Malaya, signalling his continued alignment with the former deputy president. Hamzah, who is opposition leader, was sacked from Bersatu last week. Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said in a notice issued on Feb 13 that the matter had been decided during a board meeting on Feb 12. He said the board had decided that Hamzah would be stripped of his membership rights in the party under Clause 22.5, effective from the date the letter was issued, Feb 13. “(The dismissal is) due to the actions of Datuk Seri violating Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu constitution,” he added.

Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia among the names mentioned. There has also been speculation that Hamzah and his allies, including 16 MPs who won their seats under Bersatu, could join PAS, although this appears unlikely. Bersatu Port Dickson division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, hinted at options for Hamzah’s new political home but refused to disclose details until everything is finalised. “At this stage, we have to understand the situation under the current regime, where we are an oppressed opposition. Of course, we cannot reveal anything until we have completed the constitutional amendments and finalised everything. We will only make an announcement once all those matters are settled.”

their committees.” The Nasional special meeting today is expected to address leadership matters, particularly the appointment of a new coalition chairman. Two senior PAS leaders confirmed this – deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and assistant secretary-general Syahir Sulaiman, who is political secretary to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. Rumours have circulated that Hamzah and his supporters could take over an existing party, with Parti Berjasa and Parti Perikatan

“We are not announcing the new home yet because our focus now is on dissolving Bersatu division committees and exiting Bersatu in preparation for joining the new home.” Wan Saiful claimed that nearly 40 Bersatu divisions had already dissolved their committees and left the party. “I call on all those who wish to be with us to resign from Bersatu and announce their exit as soon as possible. Nearly 40 divisions have done so, and many more are waiting for the right moment to hold division meetings to approve the dissolution of

Online Safety Act to be used to fight scams

‘Child security in cyber world shared responsibility’ KUALA LUMPUR: The responsibility of ensuring online safety for children must be shared by governments, technology

companies, schools and parents, said Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. In addressing proposals to ban social media access for individuals below the age of 16, he said when these pillars work together, young people could benefit from the digital world without being overwhelmed by its risks. “A blanket ban may not necessarily be the most effective or sustainable solution. Social media, when used responsibly, can also serve as an important tool for communication, creativity, learning and social connections, especially in an increasingly digital world. “Denying access entirely may inadvertently limit digital literacy development and drive usage underground, making monitoring and guidance even more difficult,” he said in a statement. Lee added that there is no doubt the online environment today presents real risks to minors. He also said exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, misinformation and excessive screen time could negatively affect mental health, social development and academic performance. “Governments have a duty to strengthen safeguards and ensure that digital platforms are accountable for user safety, particularly for children.” Lee said a more balanced approach would be to implement robust protective frameworks rather than outright prohibition, including strict age-appropriate design codes and stronger verification systems by platforms. He also called for mandatory

activities including scams and the dissemination of content that is harmful to the mental development of children. He reminded the public not to be easily fooled by the promises of small capital and big returns made by fraud syndicates or blindly believe any investment offer on social media platforms. On the event held yesterday, Fahmi welcomed the initiative of the organisers in setting up about 20 stalls showcasing cultural and artistic products from Malaysia and Indonesia. He said the Communications Ministry has provided full focus on the creative industry, including music, animation and films that have already been exported to the Indonesian market, such as Upin and Ipin and Papa Zola . “I believe that with the support we can provide, including through agencies such as Finas, MyCreative Ventures and many more, we can bring more of Malaysia’s creative industry products to the Southeast Asian level and then to the rest of the world.” – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry has reiterated its commitment to combatting online fraud tactics that are increasingly prevalent on social media platforms through the Online Safety Act (Onsa), which came into effect on Jan 1. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said a regulatory sandbox approach or regulatory testing ground is currently being conducted to examine the regulatory mechanisms for social media platforms, including age limits, to ensure they fully understand the Act. “Onsa applies to platforms, and if they continue to allow AI deepfake, investment scams and online gambling, then a hefty fine of between RM1 million and RM10 million can be imposed. “We will give them some time to ensure they understand all their duties and responsibilities.” He was speaking after officiating at the Arts and Culture Unity event at KL Gateway Mall yesterday. Fahmi said apart from ensuring a safe digital ecosystem, the implementation is important to curb criminal

Lee said denying social media access entirely may inadvertently limit digital literacy development and drive usage underground, making monitoring and guidance even more difficult. – AI PIC BY SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

simply be to restrict access but also to cultivate a generation of digitally responsible, resilient and informed young citizens. “Policies must therefore be guided not only by urgency but also by evidence, inclusiveness and long-term societal impact,” he added. – Bernama

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digital features, comprehensive digital literacy education in schools, clearer legal accountability for platforms that fail to protect minors and public awareness campaigns to educate parents and guardians. “Ultimately, the goal should not supervision