Political highlights of 2023: A recap of key events

AS we bid farewell to 2023, let's revisit the significant political events that shaped the landscape of the country throughout the year.

JANUARY 7

BN Sabah Withdraws from the Sabah State Government

In a pivotal move, Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah terminated their collaboration in forming the Sabah state government.

The decision, announced by BN Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, marked a crucial shift since the State Election in September 2020.

JANUARY 10

3 State Assemblymen Sworn In

The political stage witnessed a change as three Sabah State Assemblymen, namely Datuk Christina Liew (Api-api), Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang), and James Ratib (Sugut), took the oath of office as new members of the Sabah State Government.

JANUARY 16

Umno Terengganu Files Petition

Umno Terengganu took a bold step by filing a petition to annul the General Election 15 (GE15) results for Kuala Terengganu, Marang, and Kemaman parliamentary constituencies.

Allegations of bribery during the election were raised against Pas, prompting this legal action.

JANUARY 31

Hishammuddin Receives Umno Suspension Letter

Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein disclosed receiving an official letter suspending him from Umno for six years.

The letter, dated January 30, 2022, bore the signature of Umno Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

FEBRUARY 1

PN MPs Hold a Two-Day Retreat

A total of 74 MPs from Perikatan Nasional (PN) convened for a two-day retreat in the capital city, underlining the coalition's commitment to act as an effective opposition force.

FEBRUARY 12

Azmin Announces a Temporary Break

In a surprising announcement, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali declared a temporary hiatus from the political arena to strategise anew.

FEBRUARY 22

Wan Saiful Steps Down as Bersatu Information Chief

Amidst a court case, Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan resigned from the position of Information Chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), adding a new layer of complexity to the party dynamics.

FEBRUARY 28

Six Division Chiefs in Johor Win Uncontested

Johor saw six Umno division chief candidates winning uncontested in the party's divisional elections, including notable figures such as Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Umno Johor Chairman Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

FEBRUARY 28

Tok Mat Retains Position Uncontested

Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan secured his position as Umno Rembau Division Chief uncontested in the party's elections for the 2023–2026 session.

MARCH 2

Three Umno Youth Chief Nominations Rejected

The Umno Election Committee, chaired by Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul, revealed that three candidates vying for the Umno Youth Chief position were rejected due to non-compliance with the party constitution's qualifications.

MARCH 3

Not Allowed to Lecture in Mosques

A significant development unfolded in Terengganu as all political leaders and activists were prohibited from using mosques and suraus for politically-oriented activities.

The ban, authorised by the Terengganu Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council (Maidam), received approval from the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

MARCH 4

RoS Approves Umno President's Position Motion, Deputy Not Contested

Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the Registrar of Societies (RoS) acceptance of the additional motion from the Umno General Assembly 2022 not to contest the positions of Umno President and Deputy President.

MARCH 7

Home Ministry Approves Umno Motion

The Home Ministry granted an exception to Umno, allowing compliance with Section 13(1)(c)(iv) of Act 832.

This decision concerned the approval of the additional motion from the Umno General Assembly (PAU) not to contest the positions of President and Deputy President.

MARCH 18

Khir Toyo Receives Umno Disciplinary Warning

The Umno Disciplinary Board warned former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo after finding him guilty of making insults and accusations against Sungai Besar Umno Division Chief, Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos.

APRIL 5

BN-PH Melaka Government Exco Sworn In

In a unique collaboration, all Umno and Pakatan Harapan (Umno-PH) Melaka government Exco members, including DAP, took the oath of office before Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

APRIL 12

Jamal Appears Before Umno Disciplinary Board

Sungai Besar Umno Division Chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunus faced the Umno Disciplinary Board over allegations of corruption to secure votes in the Umno 2023 elections.

AUGUST 12

State Election: BN-PH, PN Each Rule Has Three States

The State Elections in six states saw the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition controlling Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) held power in three states, reflecting the dynamic political landscape.

These highlights provide a snapshot of the political rollercoaster that unfolded throughout 2023, setting the stage for what's to come in the future.

27 SEPTEMBER

Sanusi Rejects Nomination for Pas Vice President Position

Kedah's Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed his rejection of the nomination to contest for the Pas Vice President position at the Annual Pas Assembly scheduled for October 20, 2023.

3 OCTOBER

MCA Urges Anwar to Resign as Finance Minister

Mike Chong, the spokesperson for MCA, urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign from his position as Finance Minister to focus on the nation's administration entirely.

7 OCTOBER

BN Defends Pelangai Seat

Barisan Nasional (BN) successfully defended the Pelangai State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri) seat in a by-election.

Datuk Amizar Abu Adam secured victory with 7,324 votes, defeating Perikatan Nasional (PN) and an Independent candidate.

7 OCTOBER

Warisan Youth Chief Leaves Party

Warisan Youth Chief Mohd Ismail Ayob resigned from his position and departed from the party.

8 OCTOBER

Isham Accepts Zahid's Challenge

Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Isham Jalil expressed readiness to accept the challenge of party President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for an open debate.

He laid the condition that the debate must take place on neutral ground.

20 OCTOBER

Tun M Attends Pas Annual Assembly for the First Time

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made a notable appearance at the 69th Annual Pas Assembly at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Shah Alam.

During the opening ceremony, he attended as a distinguished guest, sharing the stage with Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

9 NOVEMBER

Syed Saddiq Found Guilty

The Kuala Lumpur High Court found Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman guilty of four charges related to criminal breach of trust, misuse of funds, and money laundering involving the Armada Youth Unit's funds.

Syed Saddiq immediately stepped down as the Muda President.

24 NOVEMBER

Muhyiddin Announces Non-Defence of Position

During the 6th Annual General Assembly of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Shah Alam, party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced his decision not to defend his position in the upcoming party elections.

However, he reversed this decision a day later and agreed to retain his position.

27 NOVEMBER

Ramasamy Establishes Urimai Party

Former Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, P Ramasamy, founded a new party known as Parti Bersepakat Hak Rakyat Malaysia or Urimai.

2 DECEMBER

Ahmad Samsuri Secures Victory

Pas candidate Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar successfully maintained the status quo by winning the Kemaman Parliamentary by-election with a significantly increased majority of over 10,000 votes.

The Terengganu Menteri Besar won with a majority of 37,220 votes against the previous candidate, Che Alias Hamid.

2 DECEMBER

Head of Pejuanita Muda Resigns

A leader in the youth wing of Parti Pejuang Tanahair (Pejuang), Dr Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi, announced her resignation as the Head of Pejuanita Muda and as a member of the party's Central Executive Council (MEP).

4 DECEMBER

Zahid Denies Resignation, Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied rumors of his resignation, attributing it to certain quarters and connecting it to his health status.

He disclosed that he was diagnosed with cancer.

6 DECEMBER

UMNO Expels Isham Jalil

Umno Supreme Council expels one of its members, Isham Jalil, from the party.