26/06/2026

FRIDAY | JUNE 26, 2026

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Minister: Naypyidaw visit not recognition of Myanmar govt o ‘Malaysia and Asean position on implementation of Five-Point Consensus not affected by engagement with counterpart’

Parti Wawasan Negara to sit out upcoming polls PETALING JAYA: Parti Wawasan Negara, formerly known as Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), will sit out the Johor state election, choosing instead to throw its weight behind Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidates deemed capable of winning and administering the state. Its president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the decision was driven by the need to preserve opposition unity and prevent multi-cornered contests from splitting voter support. “I want to see unity among all parties involved. Do not be divided. If we do not want to split, we must first listen to the voice of the people,“ he told a media conference yesterday. “Johor is important. It is a large state. For the sake of the people here, those chosen must be capable of continuing efforts for the future of Johor and its people and hopefully, become one of the pillars of Malaysia’s future economic growth,“ said Hamzah, a former home minister and ex-Bersatu deputy chief. The party, however, is expected to contest the Negeri Sembilan state election, scheduled for Aug 1. On internal party matters, Hamzah confirmed that an application to formally rename the party from PCM to Parti Wawasan Negara is currently under review by the Registrar of Societies. He said the name change was unanimously approved by members in accordance with the party constitution and expressed confidence it would be cleared. “If the name is found to be similar to that of another party, then it will not be approved. However, I believe the name is appropriate and not already in use.” He also clarified that Parti Wawasan Negara was not a newly formed entity but a party established in June 2009 that had since changed leadership. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com motivated by personal interests. His resignation followed claims of irregularities in the selection of Barisan Nasional candidates for the state election. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claimed Mohd Puad’s departure was linked to dissatisfaction over his son’s failure to secure a nomination for a seat, rather than any alleged palace interference. Asyraf said Mohd Puad had previously sent him a lengthy message indicating that he would leave the party and publicly criticise its leadership if his son was not considered as a candidate for Rengit. “It is true that his son is young and has great potential to be a future leader. However, the party must consider many factors when selecting candidates.”

before we make any changes.” Mohamad also raised the need for extending the ceasefire in Myanmar ,which is due to end in late July. “I asked that the ceasefire be continued so that we can move into the second phase.” He said Malaysia also raised matters such as political stability, inclusive dialogue, the release of political prisoners, the Rohingya refugee situation and cooperation to address online financial crimes. “Myanmar welcomed the suggestion for Malaysia to continue engaging with other stakeholders in Myanmar. I see that Myanmar, this time, is more open to the proposals put forward compared with our previous interactions.”

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

change must be approved by Asean leaders. He was replying to William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang), who asked what steps would be taken if Myanmar continued to ignore the 5PC. “Now, Asean leaders want the foreign ministers to think of ways for us, together with Myanmar, to manage the 5PC. “If there is a need to adjust it, then we adjust it a little. But everything must be approved by the heads of government of Asean countries

position remained unchanged and that he had deliberately avoided meeting Myanmar Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe at his official office. “I did not meet him at his office even though preparations had been made to receive me there. “I did not accept it. I met him only at a hotel, had tea with him and discussed the matters that Malaysia and Asean want to see changed in Myanmar.” Earlier, Mohamad said Asean may consider adjustments to the 5PC to break the deadlock but any

PETALING JAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia has not recognised Myanmar’s post-election administration despite engaging with its foreign minister in Naypyidaw during a recent visit. “I want to make it clear that the visit was not a recognition of the new Myanmar government after the election, and it does not in any way affect Malaysia’s and Asean’s position on the implementation of the the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).” The 5PC remains the regional bloc’s main framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis. “Engagement with Myanmar, even if done informally, is important to ensure that Asean does not lose its leading role in helping Myanmar while preventing external powers’ involvement.” Mohamad was responding to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN Indera Mahkota), who said Malaysia should explain the visit as civil society groups could view it as normalising ties with Myanmar authorities. Myanmar held phased polls from Dec 28, 2025 to Jan 25, 2026 amid civil war and without major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party later won overwhelmingly. The polls were widely condemned internationally as a “sham”. Saifuddin said Malaysia’s position on Myanmar had been well regarded but the visit could raise questions as Mohamad had met a minister appointed after what he described as a “sham election”. Mohamad rejected the suggestion, saying Malaysia’s PETALING JAYA: Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has strongly rejected claims by former Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi that the Johor palace had “ordered” the dissolution of the state legislative assembly, calling the allegation irresponsible and a potential threat to public order. Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor BN chairman, said the dissolution was carried out only after obtaining the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in accordance with Article 23, Part Two of the Laws of the Constitution of Johor. He said a menteri besar does not have the power to dissolve the state assembly at his own discretion as Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ... Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming visiting the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Flats in Johor Bahru yesterday as part of the ministry’s Program Sentuhan Kasih. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Palace did not order dissolution of Johor assembly’

Umno, a platform that I love and respect for the Malays and Malaysians.” Johor police have confirmed that 153 police reportes have been lodged nationwide over the matter at press time. State police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the reports were lodged by various parties, including a former state executive councillor and the menteri besar ’s political secretary. “Investigations are being conducted under several legal provisions, namely Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.” Mohd Puad, the incumbent Rengit assemblyman, dismissed suggestions that his decision was

allegation was a serious matter that could involve 3R sensitivities. He urged all parties to respect the royal institution, uphold the Constitution and refrain from dragging the palace into political disputes. The response came hours after Mohd Puad announced his resignation from Umno with immediate effect. In a post on his Facebook page, Mohd Puad, the former Johor state assembly speaker, said the decision was made voluntarily. “I announce my departure from Umno with immediate effect. Therefore, Umno need not go through the trouble of expelling me. “It will also make it easier for me to hold differing views without being accused of stabbing the party in the back. I am now free to criticise

the follow constitutional provisions and the dissolution only takes effect upon royal consent. “I sought an audience and presented the matter. After receiving consent, I announced the dissolution of the state legislative assembly to the people. Obtaining royal consent is a constitutional process and in no way implies instructions or political interference,“ he said in a statement yesterday. Onn Hafiz cautioned that attempts to misrepresent the constitutional process could create a false impression that the royal institution had interfered in Johor Umno’s political affairs. While acknowledging Mohd Puad’s right to leave the party and hold views contrary to that of the leadership, Onn Hafiz said the process must