14/06/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JUNE 14, 2026

‘Anwar open to GE16 in tandem with state polls’

and NGO leaders, joining the party. “This (will be) a decision that surprises many.” Abdul Hadi said the move would strengthen efforts to mobilise party machinery towards what he described as a mission to “save the country”. He also expressed confidence that the party’s political momentum would continue to grow. “We will not surrender. Insya-Allah , we will capture Putrajaya.” The gathering has attracted attention as one of the largest public appearances involving leaders and members who were previously subjected to disciplinary action by Bersatu following internal party disputes. Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz said the inaugural Reset Convention recorded an unexpectedly large turnout, with attendance reaching nearly 20,000, about double the initial estimate of 10,000. Among those present were Samsuri, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau. Plan to expand legal satellite offices KOTA TINGGI: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said plans to seek an allocation under Budget 2027 to expand the establishment of Legal Aid Department satellite offices to rural areas nationwide. She said the move was important to ensure that the public, particularly those in remote and rural areas, have easier access to legal aid services and are aware of their rights to legal protection and assistance. “When we talk about legal aid, we must provide protection to the public so that they know they have the right to obtain legal assistance. “That is why I will apply for an allocation in next year’s budget. If we could establish more satellite offices in districts located far from state offices, it will make it easier for the public to access legal aid services,” she told reporters after officiating at the Legal Aid Department Satellite Office at the Pengerang Court in Bandar Penawar yesterday. Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP, said the service would be further strengthened through the use of the department’s mobile vans under the Justice on Wheels programme, which could reach villages and remote areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak. She added that the approach was in line with the government’s aspiration to bring legal aid services directly to the public rather than waiting for them to visit the department’s offices. “For me, there is no point amending the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill if people do not know where to seek protection and assistance. “I have also instructed the director general (of the department) to ensure that the services are provided in all areas, including constituencies represented by the Opposition. We will send letters to every MP so that they could choose suitable dates according to their respective states.” Earlier in her speech, Azalina said the opening of the satellite office marked a strategic step by the Madani government in strengthening access to justice through legal aid services that are closer, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of the public. – Bernama

shifting circumstances. “Every party has to move with the times and respond to what voters need now. A party that refuses to evolve risks being left behind, turning into what I’d call a ‘Stone Age’ party. “PAS, too, must keep progressing. Our core principles and mission won’t change, but our strategy has to be adjusted if we want to win voters. Every party is working with the same set of opportunities.”

Move could cut costs, lighten load of EC: Kedah MB

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Perlis, governed by Barisan Nasional at the time, took the opposite approach and dissolved its assembly so its state election could run concurrently with the federal vote. When asked about the prospect of PAS forming new political alliances before GE16, Sanusi said political survival depends on adapting to

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has announced a new political party, Parti Wawasan Negara, which is scheduled to hold its first annual general meeting (AGM) next week. He said the party’s name was proposed by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. “ Alhamdulillah , we are a newly born party, and as a new party, we need guidance and support to determine our direction.” He added that the party intends to forge close cooperation with PAS, Gerakan and other like-minded political parties. “ Insya-Allah , we will build greater understanding and a more comprehensive and convincing political cooperation,” he said at the Reset Convention yesterday at the Kota Harmoni Expo site in Tanah Merah, Kelantan. He also said the party is committed to helping build a strong political platform that prioritises the future and wellbeing of Malaysians. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is open to the idea of holding the next general election in tandem with state elections in the four Perikatan Nasional-administered states, saying the approach would help cut expenses and avoid duplicating efforts. According to several media reports, Sanusi said he had discussed the matter directly with Anwar, voicing his hope that Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis could go to the polls on the same day as the 16th general election (GE16). Speaking to reporters after launching Kedah PAS election machinery in Kota Sarang Semut, Yan, on Friday, Sanusi explained his reasoning. “My hope is for the state elections in the four states to coincide with the parliamentary election. This way, we avoid repeating work that would otherwise take extra time if done separately. A combined polling day would cut costs and lighten the load for the Election Commission (EC).” “I’ve discussed holding the elections together with the prime minister, and he was receptive to it. When I asked about timing, he said that could still be worked out.” Sanusi also said a joint election date would benefit political parties by allowing them to consolidate their campaign machinery and resources across both state and federal contests. Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu kept their state assemblies intact during the 2022 general election (GE15), instead holding their own state polls separately in August 2023.

SELF-CARE SESSION ... Visitors exploring the latest skincare advancements and aesthetic treatments at the International Beauty Expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Hamzah officially announces Parti Wawasan Negara

building a stronger future for the country and future generations, adding that Malaysians were increasingly looking for solutions rather than political rhetoric. “The Reset agenda is a people’s agenda. It seeks to establish a new national consensus and strengthen unity. Without unity, political stability will remain difficult to achieve.” In another development, Abdul Hadi announced that PAS has agreed to retain Hamzah as opposition leader and Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman. Abdul Hadi said the decision was made after taking into account the views of lawmakers. “We have heard the voices of MPs and taken their views into consideration. “PAS agrees to continue with Hamzah as the Opposition leader and to retain Dr Samsuri as chairman of Perikatan Nasional,” he said when officiating at the convention. He also revealed that an announcement would be made on several prominent political figures in Negeri Sembilan, including a former minister, exco members

“ Insya-Allah , we will help build a solid foundation for the future agenda of the public throughout the country.” The announcement comes amid growing speculation over Hamzah’s political plans following his sacking from Bersatu. He described the Reset movement as a national reform initiative aimed at restoring political stability, strengthening integrity and uniting Malaysians across political and racial divides. “Many people have been asking what Reset actually is. “Reset is a movement for reform, restoration and renewal. It is about rebuilding the nation based on values, principles and integrity.” He added that the movement welcomes Malaysians from all backgrounds to work together towards restoring the country’s stability, prosperity and standing. “Reset invites all Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation, race or state, to come together to ensure Malaysia becomes a stable, prosperous and respected nation once again.” He said the initiative was focused on