Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has congratulated Onn Hafiz Ghazi on becoming Johor's new Menteri Besar, expressing confidence in his leadership following Barisan Nasional's commanding two-thirds majority in state elections.
Barisan Nasional has consolidated its grip on Johor, capturing 48 of 56 state assembly seats for a commanding two-thirds majority. The result represents a significant eight-seat gain compared to the 2022 election, relegating Pakatan Harapan to just eight seats.
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has clarified that the state assembly's dissolution involved obtaining royal consent through proper constitutional channels, rejecting suggestions of political interference by the palace in the decision-making process.
Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has rejected assertions by Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi that palace authorities directed the dissolution of Johor's state assembly.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has convened the 149th meeting of state leaders to prioritise economic strengthening amid global tensions stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts.
The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation has formally joined Gabungan Rakyat Sabah as its sixth component party, strengthening the ruling coalition's grip on Sabah governance under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
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Onn Hafiz has cautioned that serving as a party's main campaign figure during elections does not guarantee appointment to high office, signalling broader reflection on merit and selection criteria in state leadership.
Johor's current Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has stressed that becoming a prominent public figure offers no guarantee of ascending to the state's highest executive position. He underlines that the Sultan's blessing remains the decisive factor.
PAS is convening a meeting in Kota Baru to address the status of a Bersatu executive councillor position in the Kelantan government after the two parties ended their cooperative arrangement.