07/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 7, 2026

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o Conflicts spilling over into personal and leadership disputes undermine confidence in ability to govern: Analyst Schisms in PKR causing concern

“These factions naturally have differing political outlooks, which lead to ongoing internal competition. “Complicating matters is the absence of a clear succession plan. With Anwar serving as long-term president, aspirants for higher positions continue to clash.” Oh also noted Anwar’s reluctance to appoint a strong deputy, leaving a vacuum following the sidelining of figures such as Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Rafizi. “While healthy debate is essential, PKR often experiences power struggles rather than constructive discussion.” The roots of factionalism trace back to the 2018 party election, when Anwar was elected president uncontested after his release from prison, replacing his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Tensions over the deputy president post between Rafizi and Azmin, which Azmin won amid claims of sabotage, marked the start of enduring factional divides. Tensions flared again at the Johor PKR convention on Sunday, when vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan criticised Rafizi, accusing him of attacking the party and questioning his performance as former Economy minister. Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim stood up in defence, saying it was unfair to target Rafizi in his absence. “You should defend the party. This party is our house. If you want to save the party, then you should not attack the party,” said Ramanan, drawing applause from delegates. Afterwards, Hassan told reporters that conventions should not be used to air personal grievances. “Debates should go through proper channels. Personal disputes should not disrupt the event.” He reminded members of Rafizi’s role in helping PKR win parliamentary seats in Johor and urging newcomers to respect party traditions and leadership.

King, queen celebrate seventh grandchild KUALA LUMPUR: Their Majesties the King and Queen of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah have welcomed their seventh grandchild following the birth of a daughter to Johor Regent His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Her Royal Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor on Sunday. In a Facebook post accompanied by an official announcement from the Johor Royal Council, it was confirmed that Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda has safely delivered the couple’s fifth child. Both mother and child are reported to be in good health. The royal announcement was made by Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli. The Johor Council of Royal Court expressed prayers for continued health, joy and blessings upon the entire Johor royal family. Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda and Tunku Mahkota Ismail were married at Istana Bukit Serene on Oct 24, 2014. The royal couple now have two sons and three daughters. – Bernama Govt to boost refugee management PUTRAJAYA: The government will continue to strengthen its management of refugees and asylum seekers through enhanced inter-agency coordination to ensure national security remains safeguarded, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Chairing a meeting for the Security Cluster Working Committee on the Management of Refugees and Asylum Seekers yesterday, he said Malaysia’s approach to the issue is being reviewed as it becomes increasingly complex and requires continuous attention. “The meeting focused on efforts to reinforce coordination among agencies while ensuring national security is preserved, alongside implementing a more structured and effective management of the matter.” He said the Refugee Registration Document Programme, which commenced on Jan 1, marked a key step towards a more systematic management that enables the government to gather clearer and more comprehensive data, in order to carry out regulatory processes in a more structured and effective manner. “These improvement efforts will continue to be strengthened over time so that the management of this issue becomes clearer, more controlled and beneficial to all parties.” – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

inevitably reflect on PKR, and vice versa.” She also pointed to escalating tensions involving former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. “The situation with Rafizi appears to be a gradual shift towards a new party under his leadership. “If this trajectory continues into the next general election, it raises questions about PKR’s legitimacy and risks the party being viewed as dynastic.” Highlighting the broader political context, she said Malaysian voters are increasingly punishing parties that appear fragmented. “We have seen this in Sabah and with the decline of Barisan Nasional. If PKR cannot manage internal conflicts carefully, it risks alienating supporters. “That said, a core group still sees PKR and the Pakatan Harapan coalition as the ‘lesser of evils,’ so outcomes remain uncertain.” Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun described PKR as “a conglomerate of factions with differing ideologies and ambitions”. He said the party comprises long-standing loyalists, NGO-linked members, ethnic interest groups and opportunists who joined as PKR rose to prominence.

PETALING JAYA: Deepening factionalism within PKR is raising alarm among political analysts, who say internal divisions could erode voter trust and tarnish the party’s image as a credible governing force. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said PKR has long been faction-driven, particularly among its core supporters. “For PKR supporters, differences are common. The party has always operated within a framework of factionalism. “But it is one thing to disagree on policy, it is another when conflicts spill over into personal and leadership disputes, which ultimately undermines confidence in PKR’s ability to govern.” She said unresolved tensions from PKR’s 2025 internal elections continue to haunt the Pakatan Harapan component party. “This creates pressure points not only within the party, but also for PKR as part of the government, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at its helm. “The party’s personality-driven nature means that Anwar’s perceived shortcomings

Oh noted Anwar’s (right) reluctance to appoint a strong deputy, leaving a vacuum following the sidelining of figures such as Rafizi (left). – BERNAMAPIC

Sabah respects court-ordered delay of special grant review KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has expressed respect for the Court of Appeal’s decision allowing the federal government to stay the High Court order on reviewing Sabah’s special grant for the lost years, pending the appeal. He reiterated the state government’s opposition to the stay while emphasising respect for the court’s decision. “This is an ongoing process and the state government will continue to discuss the matter and seek a solution.”

“The 90-day period expired on Jan 14. The applicant has commenced the review and held four meetings with the Sabah government. “The 180-day period will end on April 15. The review involves a comprehensive evaluation of financial positions and net revenue over 47 years, requiring verification of voluminous documents and historical records.” He highlighted that the High Court order could conflict with Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, which allows recourse to an independent assessor in case of disagreement. “To enforce compliance now would deprive the applicant of an opportunity to present its case on appeal. The payments ordered are of such magnitude that execution before the appeal would create a fait accompli, ” he said, noting that the federal government has taken steps to expedite the appeal. – Bernama

granted the stay pending the appeal. “We are satisfied that special circumstances have been established. The applicant (federal government) would suffer prejudice if a stay is refused and the appeal may be rendered nugatory. Accordingly, we allow the application and grant a stay of execution in terms of the applicant’s motion. We make no order as to costs as the applicant did not seek any,” said Zaini. The High Court ruled in October 2025 that the federal government acted unlawfully by failing to fulfil Sabah’s right to 40% of federal revenue from 1974 to 2021, ordering both governments to review the entitlement within 90 days and reach a final agreement within 180 days. Zaini said the federal government’s concern was the strict timelines.

Hajiji added that the federal government did not appeal the October 2025 Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling recognising Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of net federal revenue, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to honour. Tentative dates for the hearing of the appeal are Oct 27 to 30, with an e-review on April 13 to confirm the final date. Yesterday, the Court of Appeal’s three-member bench, chaired by Judge Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan with Datuk Ismail Brahim and Muniandy Kannyappan,

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the stay preserves the status quo and does not set aside the High Court’s order. “While the High Court order to hold a review is for the lost years (1974–2021), it should not prevent a review for the current years, given that the federal government does not dispute the 40% formula and the need to hold a review. “Notwithstanding the court proceedings, it is hoped that negotiations would proceed in good faith towards reaching an agreement with the federal government.”