18/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 18, 2026

3 PAS sees signs of early GE16

Claims of backdoor entry into universities could erode public trust: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: The allegation that between 30,000 and 60,000 students gained admission to public universities (UA) through a “backdoor” is a serious accusation that could undermine public confidence in the integrity of the country’s higher education system. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the baseless claim not only tarnishes the reputation of public universities but also creates the perception that opportunities meant for qualified students had been taken away for financial gain. He said such a narrative could erode public trust, particularly among parents and students currently undergoing the admission process to higher education institutions. “The admission system for public universities in this country is implemented through a clear, transparent mechanism based on merit and the stipulated eligibility requirements,” he said in a statement yesterday. Zambry said if it were true that tens of thousands of students had entered universities through unauthorised channels, those making the allegation should provide evidence to support the claims. He said such allegations must be substantiated with facts, data and a clear methodology. “Taking this into consideration, several public universities have lodged police reports to enable investigations to be carried out. “This action is not intended to suppress criticism or restrict freedom of speech, but rather to ensure that every allegation can be proven and addressed through the proper legal process.” He also reminded the public that freedom of speech is not a licence to spread unfounded accusations, stressing that academic arguments must be supported by facts, data and credible evidence. Zambry said those making the allegations must take responsibility if they failed to produce solid evidence to support their statements. He added that the Higher Education Ministry remained open to constructive criticism aimed at improving the national education system, but

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Party vice-president cites mounting political speculation and points to October November window after state polls

The 2022 election ultimately resulted in a hung Parliament, leading to the formation of a Unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. On another matter, Mohd Amar, who is also the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly speaker, stressed that the party machinery must remain fully prepared at all levels, warning against last-minute mobilisation amid continued political uncertainty. He also expressed concern over the rise of new political parties targeting young voters ahead of the next general election, saying the trend adds to PAS’ challenges in an increasingly fluid political landscape. He said these parties appear to have identified specific voter segments, particularly younger Malaysians who are not formally aligned with any political bloc. “What they say can easily influence the minds of young voters. This is one of the challenges for PAS. “They seem to have identified areas where they believe they have support. They have assessed the political landscape and chosen their platforms accordingly,” he said. Mohd Amar said political conditions have become harder to predict, particularly with younger voters now making up around 40% of the electorate. He said political parties are no longer able to accurately read their thinking, adding that younger voters are increasingly less influenced by traditional ideological loyalties, with candidate appeal becoming a more decisive factor. He said candidates also play an important role in shaping youth choices, stressing the need for engagement that resonates with younger voters. growing vote share a more meaningful measure of progress. “Increase in vote share shows there’s a growing appetite for a more progressive agenda.” Syaza said current indications suggest such cooperation remains unlikely, with Bersama more focused on establishing its presence regardless of electoral outcomes. “If they can get Bersama to work together, they can be a strong progressive bloc. “But without Bersama, it would be at least five-cornered fights,“ she said. Nomination for Johor polls is set for June 27, with polling on July 11. In Negeri Sembilan, nomination falls on July 18 and polling on August 1.

KOTA BHARU: PAS vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah has suggested that Malaysia could be moving towards an earlier-than expected 16th General Election (GE16), possibly within the October November window this year, although no formal indication has been given by the Federal government. He said the view was based on political “signals” and ongoing election speculation, as well as the sequencing of upcoming state polls that could shape national timing. “There are indications that GE16 may happen this year. We may first

He made the remarks when speaking at the Pengkalan Chepa PAS annual general meeting, which was opened by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. The last general election was also held around a similar period, when then-prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved Parliament days after tabling Budget 2023.

see state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, and possibly Malacca after that. “After Malacca, Parliament could be dissolved. There are many signals and rumours, but the timing remains uncertain. “Some suggest July after the prime minister returns from overseas visits, but the stronger speculation points to October or November,” he said, citing an English daily.

Mohd Amar said party machinery must remain fully prepared at all levels, advising against last-minute mobilisation amid continued political uncertainty. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Muda-PSM tie-up pragmatic but tough road ahead’

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

third force, focusing on political reform, systemic change and generational renewal. “Would the Muda-PSM cooperation bear fruit? I think yes. It’s a good strategy to avoid clashing with each other.” Syaza said the cooperation is likely to resonate most with younger, urban and educated voters rather than the more broadly defined youth demographic, noting that progressive ideals do not necessarily translate across all age groups. “It would probably be, if anything, younger, urban and educated voters.” On what would constitute success, she said winning seats may not be the most realistic benchmark at this stage, with

taken to the Sentul Hindu Crematorium at noon. Mahadevan, regarded as the“Father of Modern Psychiatry” in Malaysia, leaves behind a great legacy in the development of the country’s mental health system throughout his more than six decades of involvement in the field. He was the founder and president of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association and had served as the agenda and the fact that they are relatively small parties,“ she told theSun. On Monday, Muda and PSM announced the formation of a progressive bloc and pledged to coordinate efforts in both state elections, focusing on common policy goals and electoral coordination, including avoiding multi-cornered contests against each other. However, Syaza cautioned that while avoiding clashes between themselves is a sound strategy, the two parties would still face steeper challenges from larger parties, including the newly formed Bersama by ex-PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The Bersama multiracial party has been described as the

PETALING JAYA: The cooperation between Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections is a pragmatic move for two smaller parties seeking to stay relevant in a political landscape dominated by larger coalitions, according to a political analyst. International Islamic University of Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the alliance reflects the reality faced by smaller parties that share similar aspirations and voter bases but lack the resources and machinery of major political blocs. “I think the cooperation makes a lot of sense given their shared

excessive allegations without basis could not be left unchallenged. He said the ministry would continue to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s higher education institutions and maintain public confidence in Malaysia’s higher education system. – Bernama Renowned psychiatrist Dr Mahadevan dies at 96

KUALA LUMPUR: National psychiatry icon Tan Sri Dr M. Mahadevan ( pic ) has died of heart and lung complications. He was 96. His caregiver, Thenagaran said Mahadevan died on Monday at his residence in Ukay Heights, Ampang, surrounded by family members. He said Mahadevan had been receiving treatment at a private medical centre in Ampang for the past month

received international recognition when Harvard University named a travel scholarship programme in his honour. He is most notably recognised for transforming the central mental hospital in Tanjung

government’s

chief

following heart failure and lung infection. “He had been unwell for a long time and was admitted to the intensive care unit. After his condition deteriorated, he requested to be brought home.” Thenagaran said members of the public who wished to pay their respects may do so at the family residence at No. 32, Lorong Lee Hin Neo 1, Ukay Heights. He said the funeral service is today, starting at 9.30am before the body is

psychiatrist in the 1980s. Born on Sept 9, 1929, he received his early education at St John’s Institution, Kuala Lumpur, before completing his medical studies in India, in 1961. He subsequently served

Rambutan which was later renamed Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, in Perak. – Bernama

at University College Dublin, Ireland. His contributions to psychiatry, especially in the field of hypnosis,