PAPAR: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has been urged to focus on campaigning and highlighting his track record and the party’s vision ahead of the PKR 2025 elections, which conclude in a few days.
Former PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, a close friend of Rafizi, said personal concerns, like potential travel bans, should not distract from the campaign.
He was responding to Rafizi’s remarks suggesting he might again be barred from entering Sarawak if he loses his government and party positions. Rafizi made the comment during a reformist event in Kuching, recalling previous restrictions before becoming a minister.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, said Sarawak remains a key strategic partner in ensuring national political stability and stressed the need to avoid speculation before any actual developments.
Separately, Saifuddin announced the launch of three new General Operations Force (PGA) battalions: 21 in Keningau, 22 in Kunak, and 23 in Sri Aman, bringing the total to 23 nationwide with 12,000 personnel. He said this reflects the government's commitment to national security.
A total of RM103 million has been allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan to upgrade infrastructure and facilities for the new battalions, with RM45 million and RM43.5 million spent on maintenance and equipment in 2023 and 2024 respectively.