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Key Highlights
No puppet of Washington
Bystanders hit, but Hamzah the target
Brew-ha-ha: Tiong defends Starbucks tie-up
No puppet of Washington
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored that engaging Donald Trump and signing a trade deal with the US does not make Malaysia a “puppet” to the superpower.
Responding to opposition criticism, Anwar defended his engagement with Trump on the Gaza crisis as a necessary step after exhausting discussions with other world leaders.
“Some are saying that (the deal) is akin to us surrendering (and) pawning away (the nation) or a form of new colonisation… But, imagine what it’s like having to face the US president to ask for help in finding a comprehensive solution for Gaza,” Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat.
“I don’t know who else there is. We’ve spoken to (France President) Emmanuel Macron, (Italy Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni, and the German chancellor (Friedrich Merz) - we’ve exhausted all efforts… I’m not asking for any thanks, but don’t dole out condemnation as if we are US stooges (or) puppets,” he added.
On the trade deal, Anwar said he “will not apologise” for signing the agreement, stressing that Malaysia needs robust investment and trade ties with the US to strengthen its economy.
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Bystanders hit, but Hamzah is the target
Bersatu is undergoing a purge that has swept up senior figures and grassroots leaders alike but deputy president Hamzah Zainuddin, who is said to be eyeing the prime minister’s post at the expense of party chief and Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, has been described as the real target.
According to Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was among those suspended, the disciplinary board’s line of questioning during the proceedings centred on Hamzah, who is also the opposition leader.
"They want action to be taken against the opposition leader. That’s why those of us facing disciplinary action are merely collateral. The real target is YB Hamzah Zainudin,” he said.
On Oct 14, Bersatu’s disciplinary board suspended Wan Fayhsal for one term and sacked supreme council member and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, along with four party division chiefs.
The board claimed that the six had violated the party constitution and its code of ethics and conduct, but it is widely believed that the action was linked to an attempt to pressure Muhyiddin into handing over party leadership to Hamzah.
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Brew-ha-ha: Tiong defends Starbucks tie-up
For Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, critics of his ministry’s partnership with Starbucks are merely brewing up bitterness.
He accused detractors of politicising the issue at the expense of tourism efforts, stressing that the ministry has always welcomed collaborations with various companies as part of its promotional activities - particularly for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which also features a halal perfume brand owned by Muslims.
“We’re not only working with Starbucks. I invite MPs to come to my ministry any time (and) I can show you the list (of collaborations).
“We also have collaborations with (a brand selling) Danish butter cookies, but no one mentions that. There’s even a halal perfume brand owned by Muslims, but no one brings that up either,” he said.
Those angered by the government’s choice of brand partner had reminded Tiong of an ongoing boycott against Starbucks over its perceived ties to Israel, amid the conflict in Gaza.
However, the minister indicated there would be no backtracking on the strategic partnership.
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Views that matter
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