15/09/2026

TUESDAY | SEPT 15, 2026

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Ű BY HARITH KAMAL

Seat allocations biggest test for Umno, PAS: Analyst

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was raised during discussions with his Indian counterpart. Anwar said the matter remained under consideration, but emphasised that Malaysia would handle it cautiously, taking into account the rule of law and the importance of bilateral relations. “In private discussions of course these engagements continue. We thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations,” he told NDTV on Sunday. “But we put as a priority, of course, the importance of building trust and the relationship between our countries.” On extradition demands, Anwar said Malaysia had an understanding with India on the matter, although it had not been resolved. “We have some understanding of it, not necessarily resolved, but we did have some understanding of getting it to be considered. “But then we do it very cautiously, respect the rule of law and the importance of these bilateral relations.” Zakir, an Indian-born Islamic missionary and Malaysian permanent resident, is wanted in India over allegations including money laundering and promoting terrorism, which he denies. The issue became particularly sensitive after Zakir made controversial remarks about Malaysian Indians and Chinese, prompting more than 100 police reports against him. He was subsequently barred from making public speeches, although the government later clarified that the restriction imposed in 2019 had been lifted. In 2024, Anwar indicated that Malaysia could consider India’s extradition request if sufficient evidence was provided, while the PETALING JAYA: Umno and PAS may agree on the need for Malay Muslim unity, but their proposed “grand collaboration” faces its biggest test when both parties sit down to negotiate seat allocations for the coming elections. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the biggest lesson from the collapse of Muafakat Nasional, the previous Umno-PAS collaboration, was that shared ideology and the Malay-Muslim sentiment were no substitutes for hard negotiations over power. “The real problems emerged when questions of power, seat allocation, PAS’s relationship with Bersatu and the question of which party should be at the core of the leadership entered the negotiations.” He said with Umno now pushing the idea of a “grand collaboration” and tafahum siyasi (political understanding), those unresolved issues could once again determine whether the cooperation succeeds or collapses. He added that the proposed testing of PAS’ sincerity in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah would therefore be crucial, as these are states where PAS holds strong political dominance.

o ‘Shared ideology cannot substitute negotiations over power’

Malaysia political analyst and Iseas Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said Umno and PAS had already demonstrated that they could cooperate electorally, but said this did not automatically mean they could function effectively together in government. She added that the next challenge was to expand their cooperation beyond states where the two parties had already found common ground. She also said Malacca had shown how difficult negotiations could become when both parties had competing interests, while the northern states were likely to pose an even tougher challenge. “But if they could successfully negotiate especially in seats, this grand coalition is the future of Malaysian politics which is Malay Muslim-centric.”

Awang Azman said a new framework must also avoid the competing loyalties that complicated Muafakat Nasional, particularly PAS’ relationship with both Umno and Perikatan Nasional. He added that PAS should first be tested on the ground before any major agreement is reached, including whether grassroots machinery could work together and whether both sides are prepared to honour any understanding reached. He said the recent 2026 Umno General Assembly did not produce a final decision for Umno to enter GE16 together with PAS, but it established the groundwork for negotiations. International Islamic University

when it is itself in a dominant position?” He added that Umno also had stronger grounds to take such a position following its improved performance in recent state elections. “Umno is not coming to the table as a party seeking protection from PAS; it is coming with its own machinery, structure, governing experience and political confidence.” He also said if Umno and PAS genuinely want to move forward, they need to establish clear principles before GE16 on seat allocation, the treatment of incumbent seats, the resolution of disputes and how winnability would be weighed against traditional party claims. PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is prepared to reject a second decommissioned United States Coast Guard cutter if it is deemed unseaworthy or too costly to refurbish, as the government weighs whether the vessel is worth taking on. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a technical inspection would be carried out before any decision was made, with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general instructed to lead specialists and engineers in assessing the vessel. “They can make an offer, but we must be satisfied that the vessel is seaworthy. “After inspecting it, our team must submit a recommendation on whether the government should accept the offer. “If its seaworthiness is poor and the costs we have to bear are too high, it will become a burden and we will not agree,” he said after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. The proposed transfer would be the second from the US Coast Guard after Malaysia received the former USCGC Steadfast , now known as KM Bendahara , last year. The cutter is currently operating in Sabah. Saifuddin said Malaysia and the US had shared the cost of improving the first vessel, with the combined expenditure substantially lower than the cost of purchasing a new asset. The US announced in October last year that Malaysia had been selected to receive a second decommissioned cutter, together with US$7 million in foreign military financing. He added that MMEA needed more vessels to patrol Malaysia’s extensive waters and counter threats including arms, drug and human smuggling, the movement of undocumented migrants and incursions by foreign fishing vessels. “How do we obtain the assets? Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN

Home Ministry said the matter remained subject to legal and judicial processes. In February 2025, the government confirmed that the 2019 restriction on Zakir’s public speaking had been lifted. Zakir previously said he was prepared to return to India if its Supreme Court gave a written assurance that he would not be detained or imprisoned until convicted. The latest development comes as Anwar seeks to strengthen Malaysia India ties through greater economic cooperation, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. That broader engagement was evident during Anwar’s maiden visit to Keralam, where he met Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan in Calicut yesterday. The two discussed efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and facilitate greater trade and investment between Malaysia and Keralam, with digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and other high-value sectors identified as key areas for greater collaboration. They also explored opportunities to expand tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges, while Anwar invited Satheesan to visit Malaysia as part of efforts to further enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting was part of Anwar’s programme during the second and final leg of his working visit to India, which included engagements with Keralam’s business community and other key stakeholders. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. The prime minister had earlier attended the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “If PAS is willing to give Umno reasonable space based on winnability, machinery and demographics, then the concept of tafahum siyasi would have real substance.” He also said that would put PAS in an uneasy position. Awang Azman said the party may be willing to cooperate with Umno where vote-splitting threatens both sides, but it would also have to consider whether it is prepared to make concessions in its strongest territories. He said that is where the language of sincerity becomes measurable. “The measure of sincerity is seats. Is PAS willing to share political space

Zakir Naik extradition raised during India talks: Anwar

Malaysia to evaluate US Coast Guard vessel

Saifuddin said MMEA needed more vessels to patrol Malaysia’s extensive waters and counter threats including arms, drug and human smuggling, the movement of undocumented migrants and incursions by foreign fishing vessels. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Malaysia around March next year, before the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027. The second ship is targeted for delivery by the end of next year. “Less than two years after the agreement was signed, the first ship is nearly ready. “We are confident the Home Ministry made the right decision. The construction period is short, the price is reasonable and its progress is ahead of schedule.” Saifuddin said the vessels would strengthen MMEA’s operational capabilities and boost personnel morale.

One way is to buy them, but that depends on our means because it comes under development expenditure. “The other is to receive them from countries with which we cooperate.” He added that such cooperation could involve asset contributions, training, joint operations or intelligence sharing. Separately, Saifuddin said he would travel to Istanbul at the end of this month to inspect two multi purpose mission ships being built for MMEA by Turkiye’s Desan Shipyard. He added that construction was progressing ahead of schedule, with the first vessel expected to arrive in