27/07/2026

MONDAY | JULY 27, 2026

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PM: Implement initiatives for Felda settlers without delay

No one above law, says Ahmad Zahid TAMPIN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that no one is above the law if his name is implicated in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH). Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the RCI fndings must be made known transparently, and if there are elements of wrongdoing, appropriate action can be taken according to due legal process. “The findings from the RCI investigation and study must be made known transparently. If there is any abuse of power, irregularity, criminal breach of trust or other malpractices, there are processes to lodge police reports and conduct investigations in terms of commercial crimes and other legal aspects, which can be carried out subsequently,“ he said yesterday at the Armed Forces Southern Zone Family Day Carnival at Kem Syed Sirajuddin in Gemas, Johor. On whether the release of the report would affect BN’s campaign in the Negeri Sembilan state election, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said he did not think so. “The people are very wise in making their assessments. In their minds and hearts, they know which candidate and which coalition they will vote for,” he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier expressed confidence that the Cabinet would agree to a proposal to make the RCI report public after it was tabled for Cabinet consideration, Bernama reported. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, explained that the previous delay in releasing the report was because the government did not want confidence in TH to be affected. He said the situation is now different as the institution has been strengthened and received international recognition. ‘Sarawakians want leaders who promote inclusiveness’ SIBU: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the people of Sarawak are increasingly rejecting racial politics, wanting a government that is capable of bringing development and improving their standard of living. He said politics based on race and religion are no longer appropriate in the new era driven by digital technology, adding that leadership based on knowledge, ability and justice for all people regardless of background is necessary. He was speaking at the PBB Central Zone Special Convention yesterday. Abang Johari said the success of that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in driving the state’s development proved that the inclusive policies practised by PBB benefitted all people regardless of race or political affiliation. He said the appointment of Sarawakians from various races to lead Petroleum Sarawak Berhad and various government agencies proves that the state administration prioritises qualifications and merit in appointments. “If a Malay becomes a leader, he must be fair to all. If an Iban becomes a leader, he must also be fair to all. “That is our principle,“ said Abang Johari who is also Sarawak premier and GPS chairman. He said throughout the six years of GPS administration, various infrastructure projects including the construction of bridges, roads, electricity and water supply have been implemented in Sarawak, especially in rural areas. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The seven initiatives announced earlier to help Felda settlers must be implemented without further delay, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said he has requested progress reports on all initiatives, including Felda and new generation housing, to be provided every month so that their implementation is not delayed. “Sometimes I don’t blame the people,” he said, adding that people get tired waiting a long time after an implementation is announced. o Progress reports on all seven plans announced earlier, including Felda and new generation housing, to be provided every month He added that politicians should instead promote unity and understand the diversity of the people in this country. “His statement reflects a fairly widespread attitude within PAS. Previously, we have seen statements on the immigrant issue from the PAS president himself. “This is not good politics which promotes unity, understands differences and strives to unite the people,” he said at the Wayang Pacak programme at Taman Saujana Rompin on Saturday. Fahmi, who is also Communications minister, said the country has been independent for a long time and National Month has also been launched. “Therefore, all parties should focus on efforts to unite the people instead of issuing statements that discriminate or divide the community. “I hope Datuk Seri Sanusi takes a lesson and changes his attitude.” Sanusi was reported to have said that Malaysia is the only Tanah Melayu for the Malays while other races have their own countries of origin such as India and China. Sanusi, who is also the central PAS election director, was reported to have said this during the Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional Premier Talk programme held in conjunction with the Negeri Sembilan state election in Jempol on July 24. Fahmi also touched on the statement made by Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki yesterday, which linked DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as a candidate for menteri besar if caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun loses in the state polls. He said according to the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, the position of menteri besar has been exclusively for Malays since it was enacted, and urged Asyraf Wajdi to apologise for the statement. “I hope he apologises to all the people of Negeri Sembilan for the mistake he has made.” Regarding Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin’s prediction that PH in Johor would only receive around 10% support from Malay voters, Fahmi

financial assistance to state governments for projects to build more than one house unit on a residential lot owned by Felda settlers, including for the electricity and water installation process. “If there is a problem I will contact the state government, and if there are one or two state governments with financial problems, I will consider it. The Finance Ministry will study where we can help.” Anwar said he had asked the Felda chairman to inform menteris besar, chief ministers and premier regarding the policy paper which would become a policy decision within a month so that all Felda housing areas are allowed to build second homes. On the amendment to the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 (Act 530) which is expected to be tabled in Parliament before the end of this year, Anwar said the approval of the Act could resolve pending legal issues. “The initial draft is available and will be presented to the Board of Directors, and once approved I will expedite it for approval by the Cabinet and tabling in Parliament.”

“In the issue of second homes, at least some of them have been completed,” he said, while opening the Santai Perantau Programme in conjunction with Felda’s 70th Anniversary on Saturday, which was also attended by Felda chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir. On July 7, Anwar had announced seven initiatives in conjunction with Felda Settlers’ Day and the 70th Anniversary celebration, including strengthening digital literacy for settlers involving an allocation of RM15.85 million to 317 eligible Felda schemes, Bernama reported. In addition, RM10 million has been allocated to renovate 370 primary and secondary schools in Felda areas while an additional RM3 million has been set aside for the Felda Maya Squad health team. The government also plans to amend the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 (Act 530) to allow the construction of more than one house unit on a residential lot owned by Felda settlers. Anwar, who is also the Finance minister, said the federal government is ready to consider

Racial politics divisive, not good for nation: Fahmi JEMPOL: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s statement that raises racial issues is an approach that should not be practised, said Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said all parties should focus on efforts to unite the people instead of issuing statements that discriminate or divide the community. – BERNAMAPIC

end of the year, Fahmi said the matter was never discussed in the Cabinet, and described it as just a personal opinion. Fahmi said the main focus of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the current Cabinet is to stabilise the country’s economy and recover from the effects of geopolitical conflicts in West Asia rather than engaging in prolonged politics or holding early elections. – Bernama

said the political situation and voter dynamics in Negeri Sembilan are far different from that in Johor. He expressed confidence in Aminuddin’s administration which has proven to be excellent in looking after the welfare of all sections of the people regardless of race. On Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s statement suggesting that the 16th General Election may be held by the