The opening notes of Circle of Life have long been synonymous with Disney’s The Lion King, but hearing them performed live by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) was an entirely different experience.

Recently, my son Aidel and I were invited by Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng, Chairperson of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Selangor Chapter and Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hotels Malaysia, to attend The Lion King Live in Concert at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall.

What followed was an evening that reminded us of the extraordinary power of music, storytelling and shared experiences.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came even before the first note was played.

As NSO Resident Conductor Eric Lee took to the stage, he surprised the audience by raising a plush Simba toy before taking his bow. The gesture sparked immediate laughter and applause throughout the hall.

I glanced at Aidel and saw him smiling.

It was such a simple, playful moment, yet it perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. Despite the grandeur of the venue, the size of the orchestra and the prestige of a Disney production, the concert never lost the sense of childlike wonder that lies at the heart of The Lion King.

The Lion King Through New Eyes

As the film began and the orchestra launched into the familiar score, The Lion King suddenly took on an entirely new dimension.

The music was no longer simply part of a soundtrack playing through cinema speakers. It was alive.

Every note, every swell of emotion and every dramatic moment unfolded in real time as dozens of musicians performed in perfect synchronisation with the film on screen.

For nearly two hours, the orchestra became an invisible character in the story itself.

Every triumphant scene felt grander. Every emotional moment felt deeper. Songs that I had heard countless times before seemed richer and more powerful when performed live.

Yet what touched me most was watching Aidel.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, Aidel is himself a neurodiverse performer and writer who has spent years developing his talents through music and the creative arts. Throughout the evening, I found myself observing not only the stage and screen, but also my son.

There was a quiet intensity in the way he watched the musicians. At times his eyes followed the conductor. At others, he seemed completely absorbed by the orchestra’s performance.

As a mother, it was a deeply moving sight.

I have seen Aidel perform on stage before and witnessed the confidence that music gives him. Yet this was different. Here was a young man who loves music experiencing an orchestra at the highest level, bringing a story he already knew and loved to life before his eyes.

It was a powerful reminder of how the arts can inspire, uplift and connect people regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

Bringing Communities Together

The evening was made even more meaningful knowing that more than 100 refugee children and orphans from Rumah Charis were also attending through a special initiative jointly organised by MAH Selangor Chapter, the Kiwanis Club of Bukit Kiara and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia.

For many of these children, it was their first opportunity to experience a world-class theatrical production and live orchestral performance.

As Datin Jasmine aptly remarked during the event:

“Giving back to our community is at the very core of what we do. Seeing the sheer excitement, hearing their laughter, and watching their faces light up with pure wonder reminds us exactly why we champion these initiatives. We want to show these children that they belong in these spaces, and we hope this inspires them to dream boldly despite their circumstances.”

Looking around the hall, it was difficult not to see the truth in her words.

The children laughed together, gasped together and applauded together. For a few precious hours, labels, circumstances and hardships seemed to disappear.

What remained was the universal language of storytelling and music.

As I listened to Datin Jasmine speak about creating opportunities for children to dream beyond their circumstances, I could not help reflecting on my own journey with her.

Many years ago, Datin Jasmine was the General Manager of Sheraton Subang, now Dorsett Grand Subang, while I served as the hotel’s Director of Marketing Communications. Among our colleagues then was Mazuin Murtadza, a Sales Manager who, like me, would later become the mother of a son on the autism spectrum.

When I asked Datin Jasmine whether Mazuin and her three offsprings could also attend the concert, she immediately extended the invitation. It was a small gesture, perhaps, but one that reflected the spirit of inclusion that defined the evening.

The Lion King and the Circle of Life

Life eventually took us on different professional paths, and we lost touch over the years. It was only recently, at a Tourism Malaysia-Dorsett Hospitality International event, that Datin Jasmine and I reconnected.

Sitting in the audience that evening with Aidel beside me, I found myself reflecting on the irony of it all. The opening song of The Lion King is, after all, Circle of Life.

Here we were, years later, reunited not through the hospitality industry that first brought us together, but through an initiative dedicated to bringing joy, inspiration and inclusion to children from different walks of life.

In many ways, it felt like our own circle had come full circle.

As the final credits rolled and the orchestra received a well-deserved standing ovation, Aidel and I left with more than memories of an outstanding performance.

We left reminded that the arts have the power to bring people together, open minds and create moments of belonging.

And thanks to the vision of organisations willing to invest in such experiences, more children—including those who might otherwise never have the opportunity—are able to discover that magic for themselves.

For one unforgettable evening, Pride Rock came alive. So too did the hopes, dreams and imagination of every child fortunate enough to be there. – NMH

The post The Lion King Came Alive With the National Symphony Orchestra first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR – Apabila nama seseorang dijadikan bahan tuduhan dan spekulasi di media sosial, kesannya bukan sahaja dirasai oleh individu tersebut, malah turut menimpa ahli keluarga, sahabat dan orang-orang yang rapat dengannya. Itulah yang sedang dihadapi oleh Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor apabila sebuah video tular mengaitkan beliau dan ahli keluarganya dengan pemilikan hartanah mewah bernilai USD13 juta (RM61.3 juta).

Dakwaan yang tersebar pantas di platform media sosial itu mendorong beliau tampil membuat penjelasan serta mengambil tindakan undang-undang bagi mempertahankan nama baiknya.

Melalui kenyataan media yang dikeluarkan, Rosmah menafikan sekeras-kerasnya semua tuduhan tersebut dan menegaskan bahawa beliau tidak pernah terlibat dalam sebarang urusan pembelian hartanah seperti yang didakwa. Malah, beliau turut menafikan dakwaan penggunaan syarikat proksi atau “shell company” yang dikaitkan dalam video berkenaan.

Bagi Rosmah, perkara ini bukan sekadar isu politik atau persepsi awam. Ia melibatkan maruah diri, nama keluarga dan hak setiap individu untuk tidak dihukum melalui media sosial tanpa bukti yang sah.

Apabila Fitnah Menjadi Senjata

Dalam dunia digital hari ini, fitnah boleh tersebar lebih pantas daripada kebenaran. Satu video, satu hantaran atau satu tuduhan boleh dikongsi ribuan kali dalam masa yang singkat tanpa semakan atau pengesahan.

Apa yang lebih membimbangkan, ramai yang terus mempercayainya hanya kerana ia tular.

Keadaan ini bukan sahaja berlaku kepada Rosmah, malah telah menimpa ramai individu lain yang menjadi sasaran serangan media sosial. Bezanya, apabila seseorang itu merupakan tokoh awam, kesannya menjadi jauh lebih besar kerana setiap dakwaan akan mendapat perhatian meluas.

Justeru, tindakan Rosmah membuat laporan polis dilihat sebagai langkah yang wajar dan bertanggungjawab. Jika benar terdapat unsur fitnah dan penyebaran maklumat palsu, maka biarlah pihak berkuasa menjalankan siasatan dan menentukan kebenarannya.

Bukan Kali Pertama Mempertahankan Nama Baik

Mereka yang mengikuti perkembangan politik negara pasti mengetahui bahawa ini bukan kali pertama Rosmah mempertahankan dirinya melalui saluran undang-undang.

Sebelum ini beliau pernah mengambil tindakan saman fitnah terhadap individu yang didakwa mengeluarkan kenyataan yang mencemarkan reputasinya, termasuk melibatkan seorang pelawak yang membuat lawak melampau yang berunsur fitnah terhadap beliau.

Bagi sesetengah pihak, tindakan sedemikian dianggap keras. Namun dari sudut yang lain, ia adalah hak setiap individu yang merasakan dirinya difitnah atau dizalimi.

Dalam sebuah negara yang menjunjung kedaulatan undang-undang, mahkamah adalah tempat terbaik untuk menentukan siapa yang benar dan siapa yang salah, bukannya media sosial.

Pengajaran Yang Mungkin Datang Terlambat

Ramai penyokong Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor berpendapat bahawa tindakan undang-undang terhadap penyebar fitnah sepatutnya dilakukan dengan lebih awal dan lebih tegas.

Mereka percaya bahawa sepanjang tempoh sebelum kejatuhan kerajaan Barisan Nasional pada tahun 2018, pelbagai tuduhan, persepsi dan naratif negatif telah disebarkan secara besar-besaran sehingga membentuk pandangan rakyat terhadap kepimpinan negara ketika itu.

Benar atau tidak pandangan tersebut, ia tetap menjadi satu pengajaran penting dalam politik moden — bahawa persepsi yang diulang berkali-kali akhirnya boleh diterima sebagai kebenaran oleh sebahagian masyarakat.

Mungkin atas sebab itulah Rosmah kini memilih untuk tidak lagi berdiam diri apabila berdepan dakwaan yang dianggap tidak benar.

Di Sebalik Politik, Mereka Juga Manusia

Sering kali masyarakat melihat tokoh politik hanya melalui lensa politik semata-mata. Namun di sebalik gelaran, jawatan dan kontroversi, mereka juga manusia biasa yang mempunyai keluarga, anak-anak dan cucu-cucu yang turut merasai kesan setiap tuduhan yang dilemparkan.

Tidak kira apa pun pandangan seseorang terhadap Rosmah Mansor, setiap individu berhak mendapatkan keadilan dan peluang untuk mempertahankan diri.

Tiada siapa yang sepatutnya dihukum hanya berdasarkan dakwaan yang belum dibuktikan. Dan tiada siapa juga yang harus kehilangan hak untuk menjelaskan keadaan sebenar hanya kerana sentimen awam sudah terlebih dahulu menghukum.

Rosmah Terus Tabah Menghadapi Ujian

Bagi para penyokong, mereka melihat ketabahan Najib dan Rosmah sepanjang menghadapi pelbagai cabaran sebagai sesuatu yang wajar dihormati.

Walaupun berdepan pelbagai tekanan dan ujian selama bertahun-tahun, pasangan tersebut tetap meneruskan kehidupan dengan penuh kesabaran serta menggunakan saluran undang-undang bagi mempertahankan hak mereka.

Ramai yang terus mendoakan agar kedua-duanya diberikan kekuatan, ketenangan dan keadilan dalam menghadapi segala cabaran yang mendatang.

Dalam masa yang sama, penyokong Barisan Nasional turut berharap agar parti itu kembali mendapat kepercayaan rakyat menjelang Pilihan Raya Negeri Johor dan Negeri Sembilan akan datang.

Namun lebih daripada soal politik, isu ini sebenarnya mengingatkan kita tentang satu perkara yang lebih besar — bahawa fitnah boleh memusnahkan kehidupan seseorang, dan kebenaran perlu sentiasa diberi ruang untuk didengar.

Kerana pada akhirnya, maruah seseorang tidak seharusnya ditentukan oleh apa yang tular di media sosial, tetapi oleh fakta, bukti dan keadilan yang ditegakkan melalui proses yang sah. – NMH

The post Rosmah Bangkit Melawan Fitnah: Maruah, Keluarga dan Hak Mendapatkan Keadilan first appeared on NMH.

On 12 July 2026, the world will mark ten years since the arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) delivered its award in the case initiated by the Philippines against China. Since then, the ruling has frequently been described as a landmark victory for international law and a decisive rejection of China’s claims in the South China Sea. Supporters of the award often portray it as a settled legal matter whose conclusions should be accepted without reservation.

However, a decade later, significant legal questions remain unresolved.

For Malaysia, these questions are not merely academic. As a claimant state with its own maritime interests, sovereign rights and security concerns in the South China Sea, Malaysia should assess the award through the lens of its own national interests rather than through narratives promoted by other claimant states or external powers.

South China Sea – Jurisdiction

One of the most debated issues concerns jurisdiction.

International arbitration is generally founded upon the principle of state consent. While UNCLOS provides compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms in certain circumstances, it also contains important limitations and exceptions. China rejected the arbitration from the outset and argued that the matters raised by the Philippines fell outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

Although the tribunal concluded otherwise, legal scholars continue to debate whether disputes touching upon territorial sovereignty and historic rights can be effectively separated from questions concerning maritime entitlements.

This remains a significant issue because UNCLOS was never intended to function as a mechanism for resolving disputes over territorial sovereignty.

The tribunal repeatedly emphasised that it was not adjudicating sovereignty claims. Nevertheless, critics argue that some of its findings inevitably carried implications for broader territorial disputes by determining the status and maritime entitlements of contested features.

Whether this amounted to an indirect encroachment into matters beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction remains a legitimate legal question.

Principle of Consent

A second issue concerns the principle of consent itself.

The international legal system is built upon respect for sovereign equality among states. While compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms have their place, they must also be balanced against the principle that states cannot ordinarily be compelled to submit sovereignty-related disputes to adjudication without their agreement.

The fact that China neither accepted nor participated in the proceedings continues to raise questions among many observers regarding the extent to which the award can be regarded as politically and legally persuasive beyond those who already support it.

This debate is unlikely to disappear simply because ten years have passed.

Procedural Legitimacy

Another issue concerns procedural legitimacy.

The arbitration proceeded in the absence of one of the principal parties. While international tribunals may continue proceedings where one side declines to participate, the reality remains that many of the legal arguments that might have been advanced by China were never tested through a fully adversarial process.

For supporters of the award, this does not diminish its validity. For critics, however, it remains a factor that affects perceptions of fairness and legitimacy.

The existence of these differing interpretations demonstrates why the award continues to generate debate among international lawyers and policymakers.

Malaysia should also consider the wider implications of adopting another country’s narrative wholesale.

The Philippines has every right to advance arguments that it believes serve its national interests. However, Malaysian interests are not necessarily identical to Philippine interests.

Malaysia possesses its own maritime claims, exclusive economic zones, offshore resources and security considerations. Any legal position adopted by Malaysia should therefore be assessed according to its implications for Malaysia rather than its usefulness to another claimant state.

This is particularly important in a region where legal arguments often intersect with questions of geopolitics, strategic competition and national sovereignty.

South China Sea – Malaysia’s Balanced Approach

Malaysia has consistently pursued a balanced approach towards the South China Sea. We support international law, peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against attempts by any party to frame complex disputes in ways that may not fully reflect Malaysian interests.

The approaching 10th anniversary of the arbitral award presents an opportunity for reflection rather than celebration.

International law is strongest when legal arguments can withstand scrutiny and debate. Revisiting the legal questions surrounding the South China Sea arbitration should not be seen as an attack on international law. Rather, it is an affirmation of the principle that important legal decisions deserve continued examination, especially when they carry significant implications for regional peace, sovereignty and security.

Ten years on, Malaysians should not feel compelled to accept a single narrative about the South China Sea. We should instead approach the issue with the independence, caution and critical thinking that any sovereign nation owes to its own national interests. – NMH

In Part 2, we ask a fundamental question: who should define Malaysia’s position on the South China Sea—foreign capitals or Malaysians themselves? In seeking the answer, we revisit the historical legacy of the “Malayan Sea” and its relevance to contemporary debates over sovereignty, security and national interest.

The post South China Sea Arbitration: 10 Years On, Why Malaysians Should Revisit The Legal Questions first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR — Ketika industri pelancongan global terus berdepan cabaran akibat ketidaktentuan geopolitik dan perubahan corak perjalanan antarabangsa, Tourism Malaysia dan Dorsett Hotels Malaysia berganding bahu memperkukuh pelancongan domestik menerusi kempen “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja”.

Kerjasama strategik itu dilancarkan sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 (TMM2026) dengan matlamat menggalakkan lebih ramai rakyat Malaysia meneroka destinasi dalam negara sambil menikmati pengalaman percutian yang mesra keluarga dan mampu milik.

Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, Muhammad Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, berkata pelancongan domestik kekal menjadi tunjang utama industri pelancongan negara, khususnya ketika pasaran antarabangsa berdepan pelbagai cabaran.

Menurut beliau, pengalaman lalu membuktikan pelancong tempatan memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu industri pelancongan dan perhotelan negara kekal berdaya tahan ketika berdepan krisis.

“Selepas pandemik Covid-19, pelancongan domestik menjadi antara faktor utama yang membantu pemulihan industri. Sebab itu kita terus memberi penekanan kepada usaha menggalakkan rakyat Malaysia melancong dalam negara,” katanya.

Tourism Malaysia Teruskan TMM2026 Hingga Ke 2027

Beliau turut memaklumkan bahawa pelbagai inisiatif di bawah TMM2026 akan diteruskan sehingga 2027 bagi memastikan momentum pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan negara dapat dikekalkan.

Antara tarikan utama kempen itu adalah di mana kumpulan Dorsett Hotels di Malaysia memperkenalkan bilik penginapan bertemakan Wira dan Manja, maskot rasmi VM2026 yang berinspirasikan beruang matahari.

Dihiasi mural hutan hujan tropika, karakter hidupan liar Malaysia, ruang permainan kanak-kanak, khemah mini dan pelbagai elemen interaktif, bilik tersebut direka bagi menawarkan pengalaman percutian yang lebih menyeronokkan kepada keluarga.

Naib Pengerusi Dorsett Malaysia, Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng berkata inisiatif itu bukan sahaja bertujuan menarik lebih ramai pelancong domestik, malah memupuk penghargaan terhadap khazanah alam semula jadi negara.

Kenangan Bermakna

“Melalui kempen ini, kami berharap lebih ramai keluarga dapat mencipta kenangan bermakna sambil meneroka keindahan destinasi tempatan,” katanya.

Kempen tersebut melibatkan rangkaian 13 hotel Dorsett di seluruh negara dan menawarkan pelbagai keistimewaan termasuk diskaun sehingga 30 peratus, baucar makanan dan minuman bernilai RM50 serta konsep penginapan fleksibel selama 26 jam tertakluk kepada kekosongan.

Tourism Malaysia percaya inisiatif seperti “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” mampu merangsang pergerakan pelancongan domestik, sekali gus menyokong pertumbuhan hotel, restoran, pengusaha pelancongan dan perniagaan berkaitan di seluruh negara. – NMH

The post Tourism Malaysia, Dorsett Perkukuh Pelancongan Domestik Pada Ketidaktentuan Global first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 June — Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia have launched a nationwide domestic tourism campaign featuring immersive Wira and Manja-themed family rooms, as the agency intensifies efforts to strengthen local travel amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting international tourism.

The “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” campaign, launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), marks a strategic collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia aimed at encouraging Malaysians to rediscover destinations closer to home while supporting the country’s tourism industry.

Speaking at the launch, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Muhammad Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim described domestic tourism as the backbone of Malaysia’s tourism sector, particularly during periods of global instability.

He acknowledged that recent tourism indicators have become less encouraging amid developments in the Middle East and other international markets, making domestic travel an increasingly important buffer for the industry.

Domestic Tourism

“Domestic tourism has always helped sustain the sector during times of crisis. After the Covid-19 pandemic, local travellers played a significant role in supporting hotels and tourism businesses nationwide,” he said.

Amirul added that Tourism Malaysia is recalibrating some of its promotional strategies in response to ongoing uncertainties affecting the Middle East market, while placing greater emphasis on domestic travel and key regional markets such as China, India and Southeast Asia.

He also revealed that initiatives under Visit Malaysia 2026 will continue into 2027 to ensure sustained momentum for the national tourism campaign.

A key highlight of the collaboration is the introduction of specially designed Wira and Manja-themed rooms across Dorsett’s participating hotels nationwide.

Immersive Experience

Inspired by Malaysia’s tropical rainforests and wildlife, the rooms transform conventional hotel stays into an interactive family experience. During a media preview, guests were treated to a room featuring floor-to-ceiling rainforest murals, jungle-inspired furnishings, themed bedding, plush mascots, children’s play corners and educational elements centred on Malaysia’s biodiversity.

The concept draws heavily on the conservation message behind Wira and Manja, the official sun bear mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026.

By incorporating wildlife themes into the guest experience, Tourism Malaysia hopes to strengthen awareness of environmental conservation while making travel more engaging for younger visitors.

Dorsett Malaysia Vice Chairman Datin Jasmine Heng Abdullah said the hotel group was honoured to partner with Tourism Malaysia on an initiative that celebrates local exploration and family togetherness.

“Through ‘Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja’, we hope to inspire Malaysians to create lasting memories while discovering destinations across the country,” she said.

The campaign covers Dorsett’s network of 13 hotels nationwide, including properties in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Putrajaya, Johor Bahru and Labuan.

Participating hotels will offer special promotional packages featuring discounts of up to 30 per cent off standard room rates, RM50 dining vouchers, family-friendly activities and a unique 26-hour stay concept that allows guests greater flexibility in their check-in and check-out times, subject to availability.

During the media briefing, Dorsett representatives said the flagship Sun Bear-themed family room package is currently priced from approximately RM480 nett for a two-day, one-night stay, complete with connecting family rooms, breakfast and themed experiences designed specifically for families with young children.

Effort by Tourism Malaysia to Sustain Tourism Growth

The partnership also forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader efforts to sustain strong tourism growth in the midst of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors in 2025, representing an 11.2 per cent increase compared with 2024. The first quarter of 2026 recorded 10.6 million visitor arrivals, a 5.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.

Tourism Malaysia believes campaigns such as “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” will help maintain momentum by encouraging Malaysians to explore the country’s attractions while supporting local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and tourism-related businesses.

With its combination of affordable family packages, immersive themed accommodation and conservation-focused storytelling, the campaign aims to position domestic travel not merely as an alternative to overseas holidays, but as a compelling experience in its own right. – NMH

The post Tourism Malaysia, Dorsett Join Forces Amid Global Tourism Uncertainty first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR – Dari Pontian ke Michigan, daripada bilik darjah ke menara korporat, dan daripada kanak-kanak berbakat kepada pemimpin masa depan, perjalanan mereka mungkin berbeza, namun ramai daripada lebih 70 alumni PERMATA PINTAR yang berhimpun semula baru-baru ini percaya bahawa program itu telah mengubah haluan hidup mereka. Kisah-kisah yang dikongsikan membuktikan bahawa apabila bakat dikenal pasti lebih awal dan diberi peluang untuk berkembang, impian yang suatu ketika dahulu kelihatan mustahil mampu menjadi kenyataan.

Pertemuan tersebut, yang diadakan di kediaman isteri bekas Perdana Menteri, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor yang merupakan pelopor program tersebut, menghimpunkan alumni daripada pelbagai generasi dan latar belakang yang datang untuk bertemu semula serta berkongsi perkembangan kehidupan masing-masing selepas meninggalkan program itu.

Sepanjang majlis berlangsung, alumni berkongsi pengalaman mengenai biasiswa yang diperoleh, universiti yang mereka hadiri serta kerjaya yang berjaya dibina. Ada yang kini berkhidmat di syarikat korporat terkemuka, manakala ada yang melanjutkan pengajian ke institusi pendidikan bertaraf dunia.

Kisah Alumni PERMATA PINTAR

Antara yang berkongsi kisah kejayaan ialah Tey Kai Yang, alumni PERMATA PINTAR bagi sesi 2014 hingga 2018.

Anak kelahiran Pontian, Johor itu berjaya melanjutkan pengajian dalam bidang Sains Komputer di University of Michigan sebelum memulakan kerjayanya bersama Maybank.

Menurut beliau, sebelum menyertai PERMATA PINTAR, peluang untuk belajar di luar negara hanyalah satu impian yang kelihatan sukar dicapai.

Bagaimanapun, pendedahan dan pengalaman yang diperoleh melalui program tersebut membuka ruang yang tidak pernah dibayangkannya sebelum itu.

“Saya menjadi diri saya hari ini kerana PERMATA PINTAR. Program ini mengubah hidup saya dan membuka peluang yang tidak pernah saya bayangkan sebelum ini,” katanya.

Turut hadir ialah Anis Insyirah Abdul Razak yang kini bertugas dalam bidang insurans dan pengurusan risiko korporat di IOI Corporation Berhad.

Nobelist Mindset

Bekas penerima biasiswa Yayasan Tenaga Nasional (YTN) itu merupakan antara pelajar yang mendapat manfaat daripada pelbagai peluang pendedahan antarabangsa yang disediakan melalui PERMATA PINTAR. Ketika di bangku sekolah, beliau pernah dihantar menyertai program Nobelist Mindset di Royal Society, London, atas inisiatif Datin Seri Rosmah.

Selepas menamatkan pengajian di Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) sebagai pelajar laluan pantas dalam kohortnya, Anis kini bertugas dalam bidang insurans dan pengurusan risiko korporat di IOI Corporation Berhad.

Menurut beliau, program tersebut membantu meningkatkan kemahiran kepimpinan, kecerdasan emosi serta kemahiran sosial yang banyak menyumbang kepada kejayaannya pada hari ini.

Anis turut menyuarakan harapan agar pembangunan bakat pelajar pintar dan berbakat terus diberikan perhatian kerana PERMATA PINTAR merupakan satu-satunya pusat pendidikan khusus untuk golongan tersebut di negara ini.

Beberapa alumni turut merakamkan penghargaan kepada individu yang menjadi penggerak utama program tersebut pada peringkat awal, khususnya mantan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak dan isteri beliau, Rosmah.

Menurut mereka, ketika PERMATA PINTAR berada pada kemuncaknya, program itu mendapat sokongan institusi yang kukuh serta berjaya menjalinkan pelbagai kerjasama, tajaan dan sokongan daripada rakan tempatan mahupun antarabangsa. Keadaan itu membuka pelbagai peluang yang mungkin sukar diperoleh oleh pelajar berbakat sekiranya tidak wujud platform seperti PERMATA PINTAR.

Kontroversi

Sebahagian alumni juga mengakui bahawa program tersebut ada kalanya terheret dalam polemik dan kontroversi politik, menyebabkan perhatian umum lebih tertumpu kepada pelbagai dakwaan dan perdebatan berbanding pencapaian pendidikan yang berjaya dilahirkan.

Bagi mereka, kejayaan yang dicapai oleh alumni PERMATA PINTAR hari ini menjadi bukti nyata keberkesanan program tersebut serta mengingatkan bahawa legasinya jauh melangkaui batas politik.

Turut mencuri perhatian pada majlis itu ialah Izz Imil yang lebih dikenali sebagai “Young Sheldon Malaysia”.

Pencapaiannya sememangnya luar biasa. Beliau memasuki PERMATA Pintar untuk 6 bulan pada usia enam tahun, menamatkan O-Level pada usia lapan tahun, A-Level pada usia 11 tahun dan diterima masuk ke Universiti Malaya ketika berusia hanya 12 tahun. Kini, pada usia 14 tahun, beliau sedang mengikuti Tahun Kedua pengajian universiti.

Bercakap ringkas pada majlis tersebut, Izz berkata beliau berharap dapat menyumbang kepada bidang pendidikan pada masa hadapan serta membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan kanak-kanak pintar dan berbakat.

Keperluan Golongan Pintar

Menurut ibu bapanya pula, perjalanan yang dilalui keluarga mereka bukanlah sentiasa mudah. Mereka berharap lebih ramai pihak dapat memahami keperluan golongan pintar dan berbakat, termasuk mereka yang sering tidak dikenal pasti lebih awal atau tidak menerima sokongan yang bersesuaian.

Bagi ramai alumni yang hadir, kisah Izz bukan sekadar mengenai kecerdasan luar biasa, tetapi juga tentang pentingnya menyediakan ruang dan peluang agar bakat seperti itu dapat berkembang sepenuhnya.

Dalam dunia yang semakin kompetitif, negara memerlukan lebih ramai anak muda yang mampu berfikir di luar kebiasaan, memimpin dengan berkesan dan bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa.

Bagi alumni yang berhimpun pada petang itu, itulah legasi sebenar PERMATA PINTAR.

Bukan sekadar melahirkan pelajar pintar.

Tetapi membuka jalan kepada masa depan yang lebih luas. – NMH

The post Alumni PERMATA PINTAR: Perjalanan Luar Biasa Melangkaui Bilik Darjah first appeared on NMH.

Commentary And Analysis . . . Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, in law, probably cannot advise the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB), Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan state assembly amidst public standoff with the 4 Undang. The Undang removed the YDPB and also called for the MB’s exit.

The imminent election in Negeri Sembilan will not end the civilisational crisis in the state. The impasse was jurisprudential.

Other issues arise.

The FPtPS (First Past the Post System), inherited from Britain, fell on undemocratic soil in Singapore and Malaysia. It cannot confer consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

The EC (Election Commission) can and should hold runoff where no candidate collects at least 51 per cent of the votes counted on D-Day, assuming that at least 51 per cent of the electorate turned up in seats.

Adat Perpatih was law under Article 160 by institutional codification, but subject as per Article 4.

Negeri Sembilan

The crisis in Negeri Sembilan was probably the permanent feature of legal pluralism in Malaysia. It calls for coexistence of systems, reflecting the dharma (duty) of balancing identity, democracy, and the rule of law.

Civilisational Crisis

Again, the resolution, if any, requires runoff reform + modus vivendi (way of co-existence) between Adat and Constitution. Still, that would not end the Civilisational Crisis.

Cause of Action

There should be Originating Summons (OS), the facts not being in dispute, for Declaration by the High Court that FPtPS without runoff violates the spirit of Article 4 on the principle viz. consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

The High Court can grant Order of Mandamus which compels the EC on holding runoff within two weeks in constituencies where winner had less than 51 per cent of the votes counted on D-Day, assuming that at least 51 per cent of the electorate turned up in seats.

There should be Declaration that Adat Perpatih, as recorded by the Lembaga Adat, was written law under Article 160.

There should be Judicial Review if the YDPB was removed without hearing, and Undang was suspended. These are breaches of natural justice and Article 4.

There’s Cause of Action against the Menteri Besar being removed by Undang without amendment of the State Constitution.

We know from Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg theory on writing that only one-eighth of meaning was visible.

The visible text was “polls” and “runoff”.

The invisible seven-eighths was the crisis of legitimacy in the form of lawful authority and supreme power expressed as sovereignty.

The visible issue: the FPtPS.

The hidden issue: consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

Johor 2022, in digressing a little from Negeri Sembilan, shows that BN (Barisan Nasional) won 40 seats with less than 51 per cent of votes counted in 17 seats, assuming that at least 51 per cent of the electorate turned up in seats. That’s fait accompli (accomplished fate) by plurality. There was no majority.

The Civilisational Crisis was now twofold: Adat Perpatih vs Constitution in Negeri Sembilan, and no mandate under the FPtPS.

The imminent election in Negeri Sembilan cannot cut this Gordian knot. It’s unsolvable problem as they operate on the same undemocratic soil.

The Chronology of Events follow:

Pre-1895: Adat Perpatih governs luak, the riverine territory, and succession in Negeri Sembilan.

Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) was elected by 4 Undang, the hereditary chiefs.

There was De facto (in practice) law before codification.

1895-1957: British introduce FPtPS (First Past the Post System) for elections. System designed for two-party Britain, but transplanted in multicultural multi-lingual multi-ethnic Singapore and Malaya. There’s mismatch under weltanschauung (world view).

1957: Federal Constitution enacted.

Article 4 declares supremacy.

Article 119 provides elections by FPtPS. There’s no provision for runoff.

Hence, the consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty was assumed, but not measured.

1959: Negeri Sembilan State Constitution recognises YDPB elected by 4 Undang,but silent on removal.

In law, there’s lacuna (gap). It’s not loophole.

1965: National Land Code Section 10 preserves Adat Perpatih for land, based on customary practices or Adat, in Negeri Sembilan. An example of modus vivendi (way of coexistence).

2005: Kerajaan Malaysia v Sagong Tasi affirms Adat rights survive unless expressly extinguished. There’s Principle on continuity.

12 March 2022: Johor State Election. BN (Barisan Nasional) wins 40/56 seats. In 17 seats, winner had less than 51 per cent of votes counted, assuming at least 51 per cent turnout in seats.

There was no consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty. However, the EC (Election Commission) does not hold runoff.

2018-2026: Negeri Sembilan dispute: 4 Undang claim power on removing YDPB, one Undang was suspended, and demand removal of Menteri Besar (MB).

The state government cites Article 16 on the MB.

Again, Polls if called, cannot resolve the Adat Perpatih vs Constitution question in Negeri Sembilan which was plagued by Civilisational Crisis.

In 2026, two crises converge in Negeri Sembilan:

1) the FPtPS, (First Past the Post System) produces, governments without consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

2) Adat Perpatih claims institutional codification under Article 160.

The EC has discretion, based on statute and/or good faith on runoffs, but never uses it.

Negeri Sembilan

There are issues in Conflict Between Parties in Dispute in Negeri Sembilan:

Party A: Advocates of Electoral Reforms and Adat Perpatih.

Adat Perpatih

Whether Adat Perpatih was “written law” under Article 160 without Assembly enactment.

Whether FPtPS violates demos (the people) and dharma (duty) in ensuring the consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

Whether EC has discretion on holding runoff under Election Offences Act 1954 for curing mandate problem.

Whether 40 seats in Johor 2022, for example, reflect the general will or mere plurality.

Party B: State Government / EC / BN

Whether Article 4 makes Constitution and FPtPS supreme, precluding runoff unless amended.

Whether Article 160 Adat Perpatih claims breach of Article 71 and State Constitution Article 2.

Whether Menteri Besar can only be removed by vote of no-confidence, not by Undang demand.

Whether runoff was beyond powers of the EC without legislative amendment.

There’s Contradiction and Resolution.

Contradiction: Article 119 mandates FPtPS, but the spirit of the age demands consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

Article 160 recognises Adat Perpatih but Article 4 makes Constitution supreme.

Resolution: Harmonious construction can read Constitution and give effect for both viz. including Adat Perpatih.

FPtPS, if constitutional, isn’t sacred.

The EC discretion can be read as including runoff as administrative remedy for legitimacy crisis.

Adat Perpatih is law if written, but subject as per Article 4 on procedural fairness. Neither side was wrong; they speak different logic.

Analysis on Issues, Rules and Application.

Issue

Whether Negeri Sembilan polls and Johor 2022 results can confer legitimacy and sovereignty when FPtPS produces undemocratic mandates, whether EC can hold runoff without amendment, whether Adat Perpatih was law under Article 160, and whether this resolves the Civilisational Crisis between customary practices and Constitution.

Rules

Article 4 Federal Constitution: Constitution was supreme. Any law inconsistent was void by the extent of inconsistency with superior law.

Article 119 Federal Constitution: Elections by ballot. FPtPS was method, not entrenched.

Parliament can amend law on elections.

Article 160 Federal Constitution: “Law” includes Adat if written and recognised. The maxim on stand by decided cases requires broad interpretation.

Article 71 Federal Constitution: State Constitution (SC) must provide for Ruler. Negeri Sembilan SC Article 2 ties YDPB with 4 Undang.

Election Offences Act 1954: EC has power on regulating election conduct. Discretion exists but untested for runoff.

Several Common Law Principles apply:

Hear the other side.

Where there are rights, there are remedies.

Express mention excludes others.

There’s reason for binding decisions.

Application

For example, there was no legitimacy in Johor 2022: 40 seats won with less than 51 per cent of votes in 17 seats means the government has no consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

Johor isn’t isolated case.

The same phenomenon can be witnessed in Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, among others.

This was just façade viz. outward appearance of democracy. There’s no substance.

In short, FPtPS on undemocratic soil produces rule by few. Polls do not cure this.

EC Runoff Discretion: Article 119 does not prohibit runoff. The EC discretion under Election Offences Act can include runoff within two weeks where no candidate gets at least 51 per cent of votes counted, assuming that at least 51 per cent of the electorate turned up in seats on D-Day.

This is essential condition for consent of the governed for legitimacy and sovereignty.

There’s no amendment needed if framed as administrative rule.

Adat as Law: Lembaga Adat records Undang, Constitution, waris lists, and Tanah Adat registers for satisfying Article 160 “written” test as per Adang Kungan 1997 1 MLJ 418.

Adat was law of it’s own kind.

The Removal of YDPB: Lawful if 4 Undang follow Adat procedure + allowed hearing for the other side.

Suspended Undang must be heard or decision would be rendered void.

Removal of Menteri Besar: No jurisdiction.

Again, Article 16 in the State Constitution governs. Express mention excludes others.

Undang demand for MB’s removal was form of political pressure.

Article 4 Check: Any Adat Perpatih rule violating Article 5 liberty or Article 8 equality can be blue-penciled viz. severed by Federal Court.

This preserves Adat Perpatih while protecting rights. — NMH

The post Negeri Sembilan Polls Will Not End Civilisational Crisis On Adat And Law first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR – From Pontian to Michigan, from gifted children to corporate professionals, and from classroom prodigies to future leaders, the journeys may have been different, but many of the more than 70 PERMATA PINTAR alumni who recently reunited shared a common belief: the programme opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed.

Their stories provided a powerful reminder of the lasting impact an initiative like PERMATA PINTAR can have when gifted young minds are given the opportunity to thrive.

From scholarship recipients and overseas graduates to corporate professionals and university prodigies, the stories shared during the gathering painted a picture of lives transformed through opportunity, mentorship and education.

The attendees represented only a fraction of the estimated 300 alumni who had expressed interest in attending, reflecting the enduring bonds forged through the various Permata programmes.

Immediate Recognition

During the gathering, alumni spoke about scholarships secured, universities attended and careers built since leaving the programme. Some are now working in leading corporations, while others have pursued studies at prestigious universities abroad. Several attendees noted that identifying themselves as Permata alumni often sparked immediate recognition among educators, employers and scholarship providers.

Among them was Tey Kai Yang, a Permata Pintar alumnus from the 2014-2018 cohort.

Originally from Pontian, Johor, Kai Yang went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Michigan before beginning his career with Maybank.

Reflecting on his journey, he said studying overseas once seemed like an impossible dream.

“I always wanted to study abroad, but before Permata Pintar, opportunities like that felt out of reach. The programme not only showed me those opportunities existed, but also helped prepare me to pursue them,” he said.

According to Kai Yang, Permata provided exposure that extended far beyond the conventional classroom experience.

PERMATA PINTAR Changed His Life

“I am who I am today because of Permata Pintar. It changed my life and gave me opportunities I never imagined I would have,” he added.

Another success story is Anis Insyirah Abdul Razak, who now works in Corporate Group Insurance and Risk Management at IOI Corporation Berhad.

A former Yayasan Tenaga Nasional scholar, Anis completed her degree in International Business at Universiti Tenaga Nasional before participating in an academic exchange programme in Texas, United States.

While acknowledging the programme’s academic strengths, she believes Permata’s greatest contribution lies elsewhere.

Holistic Approach

“Permata Pintar shaped me holistically. It wasn’t just about academics. It developed leadership, emotional intelligence, social skills and many other aspects of who I am today,” she said.

She believes she may still have succeeded academically without the programme, but would not have developed into the same person.

“Without Permata, perhaps I would not understand social cues as well, perhaps I would not be able to lead a team effectively. It helped shape me into a more complete individual,” she said.

Anis also expressed concern over what she perceives as a gradual reduction in opportunities available to gifted students over the years.

“This is the only dedicated centre for gifted students in Malaysia. Not many people fully understand its vision and potential. That is why it is important that programmes like this continue to receive support,” she said.

Several alumni also expressed appreciation to the individuals who championed the programme during its formative years, particularly former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Institutional Backing

They noted that during the programme’s peak, Permata benefited from strong institutional backing and was able to secure collaborations, sponsorships and support from both local and international partners, creating opportunities that many felt would otherwise have been beyond their reach.

Some alumni acknowledged that the programme had, at times, become entangled in political controversies, resulting in public attention being focused on allegations and debates rather than its educational outcomes.

Impact

For them, the achievements of Permata alumni today stand as a testament to the programme’s impact and serve as a reminder that its legacy extends far beyond politics.

Perhaps the most recognisable alumnus present was Izz Imil, widely known as “Malaysia’s Young Sheldon”.

His achievements have attracted national attention. At six years old, he entered the PERMATA Pintar programme for 6 months. Subsequently, he was home-schooled. By eight, he had completed his O-Levels. At 11, he completed his A-Levels, and at just 12 years old, he was admitted into Universiti Malaya. Today, at fourteen, he is already in his second year of university studies.

Speaking briefly at the gathering, Izz said he hoped to contribute to the field of education in the future and help raise awareness about the needs of gifted children. His parents, meanwhile, noted that the family’s journey had not always been easy, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support for gifted learners, many of whom remain unidentified or receive assistance only much later in life.

For many of the alumni gathered that afternoon, Izz’s story represented not only exceptional talent, but also the importance of creating pathways for gifted children to realise their potential.

Their journeys may have taken them to different destinations, but many shared a common belief: talent alone is never enough.

It must first be recognised, nurtured and given room to grow.

For the alumni gathered that day, that is the true legacy of Permata.

Not simply producing high achievers, but opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed. – NMH

The post PERMATA PINTAR Alumni: Extraordinary Journeys Beyond the Classroom first appeared on NMH.

Commentary And Analysis . . . In Part 2, we will look at Post-5 June Steps, which can be taken as well, after the four Undang declare in the form of Final Say. In Part 1, we saw that the Negeri Sembilan 5 June Meet, by itself, cannot resolve Civilisational Crisis.

The key legal safeguard post-5 June Meet would be ensuring the minutes and resolution are recorded, so any future challenge can test compliance with Article 12 procedure.

Transparency becomes the bridge between Adat authority and constitutional accountability ex facie (on the face of it).

The High Court must be informed on the 5 June Meet.

Two Documents must be Filed.

The draft Notice To Court Of Changed Circumstances follow:

Order 32 Rule 1 Rules of Court 2012 – Notification of Material Change.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SEREMBAN
ORIGINATING SUMMONS NO.: JR-_-05-2026

BETWEEN
Secretary DKU …APPLICANT
AND
DATO’ KLANA PETO’JA’UN & 3 ORS …RESPONDENTS

NOTICE TO COURT OF CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES

TAKE NOTICE that the Applicant hereby informs this Honourable Court that, following the meeting of the Four Undang convened on 5 June 2026 pursuant to Negeri Sembilan Constitution Article 12 and Adat Perpatih, the matters which formed the basis of the present application have been resolved res gestae (thing done).

The suspended Undang has been reinstated, a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar has been installed, and the Menteri Besar has resigned, thereby restoring constitutional continuity under Federal Constitution Article 71 + 8th Schedule ab initio (from the beginning).

In light of these developments, the dispute was now moot (no live issue) and any prayer for injunction to restrain the 5 June 2026 meeting is academic simpliciter (simplicity).

The Applicant files the Affidavit dated _ June 2026 to place these facts on record ex facie (on the face of it) for the purpose of preserving the status quo ante (state existing before) of constitutional governance and will abide by any direction this Honourable Court deems fit ex debito justitiae (as matter of justice).

Dated this _ day of June 2026

Counsel for Applicant
Messrs [Firm Name]

Ref: [File Ref][Address][Tel]

The following short “Post-5 June Affidavit template” records the resolution for the court file in case the legality of the transition was later questioned:

AFFIDAVIT TO RECORD RESOLUTION OF 5 JUNE 2026

For Court Record / Future Reference – Judicial Review JR-_-05-2026
Rules of Court 2012 Order 41 – Affidavit of Fact

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SEREMBAN

ORIGINATING SUMMONS NO.: JR-_-05-2026

BETWEEN

Secretary, Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, Negeri Sembilan
…APPLICANT

AND

DATO’ KLANA PETO’JA’UN
DATO’ LEMBAJA’ TUNGGA’
DATO’ SEDIA RAJA
DATO’ JELOKO’
…RESPONDENTS

AFFIDAVIT TO RECORD FACTS POST 5 JUNE 2026

I, XX bin XX NRIC No: _, of [full address], Secretary of Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, Negeri Sembilan, do solemnly and sincerely affirm and say as follows:

INTRODUCTION De Jure (by law)

1.1 I make this Affidavit to place on record the facts and resolutions arising from the meeting of the Four Undang convened on 5 June 2026.

1.2 The facts stated are within my personal knowledge or based on official records produced to me, which I verily believe to be true prima facie (at first face).

FACTS OF 5 JUNE 2026 MEETING Res Gestae (things done)

2.1 On 5 June 2026, the Four Undang convened a meeting in accordance with Negeri Sembilan Constitution Article 12 and Adat Perpatih.

2.2 At the meeting, the following resolutions were passed simpliciter (simply).

a. The suspended Undang was reinstated to his office, thereby curing any prior lacuna (gap) in the electoral college.

b. The competing replacement Undang made way voluntarily.

c. The incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Besar stepped down from office.

d. A new Yang di-Pertuan Besar was installed by the Four Undang in accordance with Article 12(1).

e. The Menteri Besar tendered resignation consequent upon the change of YDPB.

PURPOSE OF THIS AFFIDAVIT

3.1 This Affidavit is filed to record the res gestae (thing done) of 5 June 2026 as ratio decidendi (reason for decision) for restoration of constitutional continuity under Federal Constitution Article 71 + 8th Schedule.

3.2 The meeting ended the period of abeyance in the Ruler’s office and restored the status quo ante of (state existing before) constitutional governance ab initio (from the beginning).

3.3 By recording these facts, this Affidavit preserves evidence ex facie (on the face of it) should any future question arise on compliance with Article 12 procedure and natural justice audi alteram partem (hear the other side). — NMH

Related External Link . . .

Negeri Sembilan chieftains suspend council secretary as constitutional crisis deepens

The post Negeri Sembilan, Based On Post-5 June Steps, Resolves Civilisational Crisis first appeared on NMH.

Johor voters have seen this movie before. DAP wins big, then confuses a mandate with ownership.

In 2022 they swept 10 seats in Johor on the back of anti Barisan Nasional (BN) sentiment.

Fast forward to 2025, and the script has flipped. After Sabah showed DAP losing every seat they contested, the same arrogance that cost them there is now on display in Johor.

The difference is simple: DAP brings perspective, Onn Hafiz brings performance.

DAP’s Perspective Problem And Failure Of Delivery

DAP in Johor still acts like it is 2018. The messaging is national, the tone is top down, and the ground work is missing.

Seats like Skudai were won with 27k majorities because voters wanted change, not because they signed up for permanent DAP rule.

Four years later, that same seat faces traffic congestion at Taman Universiti, flood mitigation delays in Kempas, and business licence bottlenecks that kill small traders.

The answer from DAP? More press statements, less site visits.

That is arrogance, assuming the 2022 majority is transferable without delivery. Sabah proved it is not.

When a party mistakes presence on social media for presence in the constituency, voters notice.

Constituency service centres that were promised to be open daily are staffed part time.

Resident complaints on drainage, street lighting and illegal dumping get redirected to the local council with no follow up.

Townhall sessions are rare, and when they happen they feel like ceramah, not problem solving.

That is the arrogance of incumbency: we won, so you will wait.

Dapsy’s Arrogance On Full Display

If DAP Johor is detached, Dapsy Johor is worse. Dapsy leaders in the state talk like they own the future of Johor, but their track record is thin.

Instead of fixing potholes or helping traders, Dapsy lecture voters on national ideology and party doctrine.

Dapsy leaders’ Social media posts attack political opponents, but rarely show ground programmes that solve local problems.

The arrogance is in the tone. Dapsy Johor speaks down to voters, dismisses criticism as “cybertrooper” or “political”, and assumes young voters will fall in line because of party brand.

Sabah should have been a warning. Young voters rejected Dapsy candidates there because they saw no work on the ground, only noise online.

Johor Dapsy is repeating the same mistake. Brand is not a substitute for boots on the ground. Arrogance is not a strategy.

How DAP Treated Marina Ibrahim In Skudai

The clearest example is Marina Ibrahim, incumbent ADUN for Skudai since 2018.

Marina won with a huge mandate and has been one of DAP’s most vocal Johor reps on local issues, pushing for accountability and service for residents and businesses.

Yet within DAP Johor she received cold treatment compared to other ADUNs.

Less allocation for constituency work, less platform at state events, and internal pressure to move out of Skudai.

In a letter dated 30 May 2026 to DAP Johor Chairman, Marina revealed she rejected an offer made by DAP Women Chief Teo Nie Ching during a discussion on 17 May 2026 with Andrew Chen Kah Eng, Johor DAP Secretary.

The offer was for Marina to contest Tiram instead of Skudai, with a GLC chairmanship promised if she failed to win.

Marina declined the offer and announced she was quitting politics.

The letter went viral after she shared it in the DAP Johor WhatsApp group.

NST reported on 31 May 2026 that Marina declined to confirm the letter’s authenticity publicly.

This exposes DAP’s hypocrisy. Before GE14, DAP attacked political appointments to GLCs.

After taking power, GLC posts were dangled as a consolation prize to shift a vocal local rep out of her base.

The message to every Johorean: serve the people loudly and DAP will offer you an exit package.

Loyalty to the party line matters more than service to constituents.

Onn Hafiz’s Performance Track And Delivery

Compare that to MB Johor Onn Hafiz. Whether you agree with every policy or not, the man is visible.

Onn shows up for roadworks, flood projects, and local business forums.

The Machap representative speaks Johor’s language: development, investment, jobs.

Under Onn’s watch, Johor has pushed the Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS SEZ) with Singapore and expanded Iskandar Malaysia investments.

Approvals for factories and logistics hubs have been accelerated, with the state government cutting red tape so projects move from announcement to construction faster.

The JS SEZ is being positioned as a game changer for skilled jobs and cross border commerce.

That is ribbon cutting and site visits, not rhetoric.

On the ground, Onn’s administration has focused on delivery voters feel daily.

Flood mitigation projects in Tebrau, Skudai and Pasir Gudang have been fast tracked after years of delay, with drainage upgrades and pump stations prioritised before the monsoon season.

Road upgrades and junction improvements in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru are aimed at cutting traffic congestion that has frustrated commuters for years.

Through “Jom Niaga Johor” and dedicated business facilitation units, SMEs are getting faster approval for licences and permits, something traders say was stuck under the previous administration.

At the same time, more technical and TVET training is being aligned to JS SEZ jobs so Johoreans get first access to employment, not just foreign workers.

Onn has also made “turun padang” his signature style, turning up unannounced at markets, schools and project sites to check progress himself.

Johor Voters See Onn, Not Just His Poster

There is also stronger coordination with Singapore on water, energy and customs to make JS SEZ functional, not just another announcement.

The message from Onn is consistent: fix what is broken, approve what creates jobs, and show up where people live.

It is not just Johor. BN led state governments in Pahang and Malacca run the same playbook: infrastructure delivery, clear timelines, less political drama.

In Pahang, the ECRL alignment through Bentong, Temerloh and Kuantan is framed as a logistics boost, with the state attracting warehousing near stations.

In Malacca, tourism recovery and port expansion in Tanjung Bruas are backed by direct engagement with SMEs and traders.

Even on bread and butter issues, BN states hammer delivery. Flood mitigation, road upgrades in semi urban areas, faster processing for small business licences.

Fix the roads, approve the projects, turn up for constituents. That’s BN’s style.

Voters may be frustrated with the federal government, but they can still see the difference between an ADUN who appears at ground events and one who tweets.

The Johor Choice

If DAP loses Skudai, it will not be BN magic. It will be DAP arrogance meeting Onn’s ground game.

DAP thought perspective and slogans were enough; BN put boots on the ground and delivered projects voters can see.

Dapsy’s arrogance, DAP’s failure to serve after winning big, and the Marina case that exposed GLC hypocrisy are the story here.

Johor’s upcoming polls will be a referendum on performance versus perspective.

Right now, only BN is scoring points where it matters, at the grassroots, with spades in the ground and projects on the table. – NMH

The writer is Vice-President of Parti Cinta Malaysia and a commentator on governance and public policy. The views expressed are his own.

Also read:

PRN Johor 2026: Ujian Pertama BN Tanpa Faktor Najib

DAP Silence Exposes the Truth: UMNO was Always the Bogeyman

PKR Tears Itself Apart While In Power: The Real ‘Reformasi’?

Johor Polls: Can BN Win Big Without The Najib Factor?

The post Johor Polls: Performance Versus Perspective first appeared on NMH.