KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — All programmes, including entertainment events, must be organised with due regard for values, decorum, religious sensitivities and local societal norms, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the views expressed by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) and the Federal Territories Mufti Department should be taken seriously and respected, as they reflect the concerns of a broad segment of Malaysian society.

“That is why we have called for such programmes to be reassessed in terms of their concept, content and implementation,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said guidelines should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure all events remain in line with the nation’s cultural values, religious principles and identity.

“Our principle is clear: entertainment is not wrong, but it must have limits. Progress can continue, but values must not be compromised.

“Organisers should engage with the relevant authorities to ensure social harmony is preserved. This is Umno’s position,” he said.

Yesterday, JAWI reportedly objected to the Air Rain Rave Music Festival 2026, which is being held in Bukit Bintang from yesterday until tomorrow, citing concerns that it could undermine moral standards and societal values.

JAWI director Hanifuddin Roslan was reported as saying that organisers should review the programme’s concept, taking into account the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society.

Meanwhile, the Federal Territories Mufti Department also reportedly stressed that the festival should be evaluated holistically from the perspectives of Islam, ethics and public interest. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that statements of no confidence issued by three Umno wings against Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun should be regarded as individual opinions.

He emphasised that Barisan Nasional’s (BN) representation in the State Legislative Assembly is determined through party decisions and must be upheld.

“That expression of no confidence is their view. 

“However, we are confident that the presence of BN assembly members in the State Legislative Assembly is a party decision, and it must be respected,” he told reporters after delivering his concluding address at the Umno Education Congress here today.

Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan Umno’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri voiced concern over the relocation of personnel from the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong and the directive to vacate its official residence, describing the move as insensitive given an ongoing customary dispute.

In a joint statement, the three wings said they viewed seriously the instruction to move all occupants from the premises, followed by a further order for the building and official residence to be vacated on April 29, 2026.

“It is clear that this directive was issued while the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong was managing an unresolved dispute involving YTM Datuk Klana Petra Undang Luak Sungei Ujong.

“As such, the actions of the state government are deemed inappropriate, insensitive, and may be perceived as an administrative exercise of power that pre-empted ongoing customary processes,” the statement said. 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Umno returnee Khairy Jamaluddin said more young Malaysians are now showing interest in joining Umno, attributing the trend to the party’s strong historical track record and perceived stability.

He said the party’s long-standing role in government continues to shape how it is viewed by younger voters, alongside a sense of nostalgia linked to its past political dominance.

“When asked what is attracting young people to Umno, it is because the party is seen as one of the most stable political parties in the country today, with a long track record in governance.

“There is also a sense of nostalgia among some younger individuals who grew up during Umno’s period of political dominance,” he told reporters at Umno education congress here today.

Khairy then added that Malaysians aged 18 and above are eligible to join political parties and participate in politics, with many young people viewing Umno as offering stability and experience compared with other political options.

He also stressed that Umno is not solely dependent on veteran figures, but is increasingly making space for younger candidates in both general elections and by-elections.

“Many of our candidates in previous elections were under the age of 50. In Melaka alone, there were several young candidates who won.

“I also observed that in by-elections, Umno has previously fielded young candidates, which shows that the party does provide space for a new generation.

“When we field young candidates, it shows that Umno is not simply an old party. We are giving space to young people,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of contesting in Sungai Buloh again, he said he would leave the matter to party leadership.

RAWANG, May 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to remain calm in addressing the situation in Negeri Sembilan and to prioritise efforts to revive the economy and safeguard the interests of the people.

He said the situation in the state must be handled in accordance with the provisions of the state constitution, while respecting the decree of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to continue in office.

Anwar stressed that the priority now is to restore the national economy rather than to escalate political issues.

“We have given our advice, and I have conveyed this to our friends in Pakatan Harapan, and also to the leadership of Umno.

“If discussions are needed, we can have them, but for now, we must not disrupt efforts to revive the economy and safeguard the interests of the people. That is what matters most,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Iman here today.

On Monday, all 14 Umno and Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan announced they had lost confidence in and withdrawn support from the state government led by Aminuddin. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — All 14 assemblymen from Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Negeri Sembilan have agreed to continue supporting the state Unity Government to ensure political stability, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said the decision was reached following a discussion session held with all the representatives involved today.

“The move taken by all the assemblymen was initially driven by good intentions to ensure that the royal institution and customs in Negeri Sembilan continue to be respected and upheld by all, especially Umno and BN representatives,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this after officiating and witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd and its strategic partners.

He said the party at the national level respects the views of the assemblymen, but all of them have ultimately agreed to continue supporting the Unity Government in Negeri Sembilan to avoid any disruption, in the interest of the people.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid, who is also BN chairman, said that as the country is currently facing global economic challenges, all parties must remain united in supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to ensure political stability.

“What the Prime Minister aspires to achieve is political stability so that we can collectively face what is described as this global crisis, for the benefit of the people as a whole,” he said.

When asked whether the move by the assemblymen was aimed at replacing the Menteri Besar, Ahmad Zahid said any disputes should be resolved through discussions.

“BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have an 18-point agreement. One of its key elements is that if there are any disputes or issues, we must return to the negotiating table to reach a resolution,” he said. — Bernama

MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is facing more challenges lately, particularly after the chaos created in Negeri Sembilan, a small state near Kuala Lumpur, where members of his Malay ally, United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), left the state government led by his coalition.

Following the chaos, former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who was a powerful youth chief in UMNO, the party allied to Anwar in the unity government, has rebuked supporters of the PKR (Anwar’s party) who condemned the political chaos in Negeri Sembilan.

The PKR elements attacked UMNO, saying they are following the path of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) that toppled the Pakatan Harapan government, then headed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in 2020. The PN was then labelled ‘roof digging’ or backdoor government by PKR and Pakatan.

In a series of Instagram stories, Khairy, who is now a former MP, challenged those accusing UMNO of backdoor politics to compare it with Anwar Ibrahim’s move, when he was the opposition leader in 2008.

At that time, PKR and Anwar found it legal and logical to attempt to bring down the Barisan Nasional (BN) government under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Tun Abdullah is the father-in-law of Khairy.

“Many shallow-minded people in PH (Team X and Team B) attack UMNO for being opportunistic and spreading backdoor politics/tebuk atap by exploiting crises to launch a power grab.

“I suggest everyone (especially the younger generation) look up what was planned to happen on September 16, 2008, to know who started tebuk atap politics in Malaysia,” he said.

After he was set free by Abdullah Badawi in 2004, Anwar returned to Parliament via a by-election victory in August 2008.

Later on, Anwar announced that Sept 16 was the deadline for him to form a new federal government. He promised voters he would seize BN’s majority by persuading its MPs to defect to the then Pakatan Rakyat coalition, Malaysiakini reported.

Like in 2021, Anwar had then claimed he had secured sufficient support with over 31 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs backing him to topple Khairy’s father-in-law. But this attempt failed.

Khairy also noted that when Anwar tried to topple the federal government in 2008, the world was already facing one of the worst economic crises, marked by severe financial instability and global liquidity problems.

To conclude his attacks on PKR and Pakatan, Khairy added that Anwar’s party should be brave enough to face a vote in the state assembly in Negeri Sembilan to let the majority decide who will rule the state or to find out if the current PKR Chief Minister still has a majority.

Fourteen UMNO assemblymen decided to pull the plug on the Pakatan-led government in the state, but the ruler of the state has said the Chief Minister, Aminuddin Harun, will remain in post. Anwar has also declared there is no need for fresh polls in the state.

This article (Ex-minister opens old wounds between UMNO and Pakatan in fresh split) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has urged for calm and restraint amid an ongoing political crisis in Negeri Sembilan, as law enforcement work to ensure public order.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said what is currently taking place in Negeri Sembilan relates to customs practiced and the public should allow due process to proceed without interference.

“I am urging all parties to remain calm and refrain from making unnecessary comments.

“As a law enforcement agency, PDRM will always ensure the safety and harmony of the state remains intact,” he said during a press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here.

Mohd Khalid said numerous police reports have been lodged by relevant parties, mostly related to dissatisfaction, but did not provide their breakdown.

“We will conduct the necessary investigations on them,” he said.

The state’s administrative crisis was triggered when all 14 Umno and Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan unanimously declared a loss of confidence and withdrew their support for the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun following a leadership conflict.

However, Aminuddin was given the mandate to continue leading the state administration after receiving the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.