Indonesia's planned missile deployment along the Strait of Melaka will shift regional power dynamics

Murray Hunter
Jun 11, 2026


Indonesia's planned missile deployment along the Strait of Melaka will shift regional power dynamics

Malaysia is about to be militarily encircled by Indonesia






In a development that has raised eyebrows across Southeast Asia, reports indicate that Indonesia is preparing to deploy advanced Indian-made BrahMos supersonic missiles along its side of the Strait of Malacca. According to a June 8, 2026, report by MalaysiaNow, citing anonymous Jakarta sources, the plan was discussed during a high-level inter-agency meeting on May 20. The move aligns with broader efforts by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to bolster Indonesia’s maritime defense capabilities in one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.

The BrahMos, a joint India-Russia supersonic cruise missile system, is renowned for its speed of up to Mach 3, a range of approximately 300 km, and its ability to carry significant payloads. If deployed at strategic points along the Sumatran coastline facing the Strait, these missiles could provide Indonesia with potent anti-ship and land-attack capabilities, enabling rapid response to potential threats in the narrow waterway. The timing coincides with anticipated formalization during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia in July 2026. Indonesia would join the Philippines and Vietnam as Southeast Asian operators of the system.

This latest development is part of a larger pattern of Indonesian military modernization over the past several years. Under successive administrations, and accelerating under Prabowo, Jakarta has pursued an ambitious procurement drive to upgrade its armed forces (TNI). Indonesia has acquired advanced fighter jets from multiple suppliers, including French Rafales, American F-15EX variants, Turkish KAAN fighters, and ongoing involvement in the South Korean KF-21 program. Naval capabilities have also expanded with new frigates from the UK (Arrowhead 140 design), Italy, and Turkey, alongside submarines and other assets. Defense budgets have seen nominal increases, with plans discussed to raise spending toward 1.5% of GDP, reflecting a push for greater self-reliance and deterrence amid regional tensions.

Additional procurements include Turkish KHAN ballistic missiles, making Indonesia the first in Southeast Asia with such systems, and interest in various drones and maritime technologies. This “retail approach” to acquisitions—from diverse suppliers like France, the US, Turkey, India, and others—aims to fill capability gaps quickly but has drawn criticism for potential logistical and interoperability challenges. Nevertheless, it signals Jakarta’s determination to transform its military from a primarily defensive force into one with greater power projection, particularly in its vast archipelagic waters.

The Strait of Malacca, a 900-km waterway separating Sumatra from Peninsular Malaysia, is a vital artery for global trade. It carries a massive portion of East Asia’s energy imports and commercial shipping between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Indonesia’s push to assert greater influence here draws parallels to Iran’s role in the Strait of Hormuz. In April 2026, Prabowo reportedly emphasized Indonesia’s strategic position, noting that significant shares of regional trade and energy pass through its waters. Subsequent comments by officials about potential levies on shipping, though later walked back, unsettled neighbors like Malaysia and Singapore, who have long cooperated with Indonesia on joint patrols against piracy and other threats.

Some analysts suggest that deploying BrahMos missiles would markedly shift the balance of power in the Strait toward Indonesia. Currently, the waterway operates under principles of international navigation with collaborative security arrangements among littoral states. Supersonic missiles on the southern shore could introduce new deterrence dynamics, allowing Indonesia to monitor and potentially influence passage more assertively. This might enhance Jakarta’s leverage in maritime governance and economic negotiations but could also heighten tensions, complicate freedom of navigation, and prompt responses from Malaysia, Singapore, or external powers like the US and China, who have interests in secure sea lanes.

The US-Indonesia Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, signed in April 2026, adds another layer. It expands potential US access to Indonesian airspace and capabilities, possibly for surveillance over the Strait, even as Indonesia diversifies partners including India.

Critics warn that militarizing the Strait risks disrupting cooperative mechanisms, increasing uncertainties for energy supplies and global trade, and sparking an arms race dynamic in Southeast Asia. Proponents in Jakarta view it as necessary modernization in an era of great-power competition, where control over chokepoints translates into strategic relevance.


Kalimantan Military Build-up

Indonesia’s military build-up is not just restricted to the Strait of Melaka. Indonesia has also been strengthening its military footprint in Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo that shares a long land border with Malaysia’s states of Sabah and Sarawak.

In recent years, Jakarta has expanded army border posts, increased troop presence, and modernized capabilities in the region, including the reported stationing of Turkish-made KHAN ballistic missiles in East Kalimantan near disputed maritime areas like Ambalat. The relocation of Indonesia’s new capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan is further driving infrastructure development that supports greater logistical and military sustainment across the island.

Combined with the planned deployment of advanced supersonic missiles along its Sumatran coastline facing the Strait of Malacca, these developments position Indonesia with significant strategic leverage on both the western maritime approaches and the eastern land border of Peninsular and East Malaysia. Analysts note that this dual posture effectively creates a pincer-like strategic encirclement around Malaysia, enhancing Indonesia’s ability to project power and influence in key chokepoints and border areas, potentially altering longstanding regional power balances in Southeast Asia.

As the region watches developments ahead of Modi’s visit, Indonesia’s actions underscore its evolving role as a more assertive maritime player. While enhancing its own security, the missile deployments could reshape longstanding assumptions about stability in the Malacca Strait, with implications extending far beyond Southeast Asia. The coming months will reveal whether this contributes to a more secure or a more contested maritime domain.

The Manchurian electorate in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, how big?

The Manchurian electorate in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, how big?



Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 9:41 AM MYT

By Praba Ganesan


JUNE 11 — Fascinating does not entirely encapsulate the insane stratagems underway in Johor and Negeri Sembilan’s elections.

Granted they are extensions of national anxieties accelerated by these assembly polls.

The Election Commission (EC) meets tomorrow, June 12, to decide polling day, most likely around the World Cup final on July 20.

An overarching theme to the elections is identity politics and its grip on our national politics.


The July vote counts will put to bed the notion, or not, that race gets an outsized say still in 2026 Malaysia.


A litmus test of how far the country has come, and whether the spirit of 2022 reemerges.

It’s loud out there. The key developments involve the Perikatan Nasional's (PN) existential crisis, Barisan Nasional’s (BN) return to basics via induced amnesia and Pakatan Harapan’s hold to its tradition driven by DAP.


Dancing around all this is Anwar Ibrahim, waiting without cutting ties with anyone.

The grand unity plan

The Islamist PAS turned the heat up to maximum this week by announcing an end to co-operation with Bersatu.

Yet, this decision does not mean its exit from PN. Read between the lines, PAS feels it took the relationship as far as possible and it’s time Muhyiddin Yassin’s troops vacated the PN residences.

Funnily, Bersatu feels the same way. A classic separation with paperweights cum partner cum offspring Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) hoping beyond hope they do not get sent to orphanages.

PAS wants the new girlfriend Reset Malaysia to move in.

And also, extends invites to every Malay-first organisation. It rounded up Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Berjasa Malaysia (Berjasa) and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman). Ibrahim Ali gets a lifeboat from his old PAS pals.

PAS reactivated Annuar Musa, former Umno secretary-general and now central committee member, to resuscitate Muafakat Nasional immediately.

Ask Umno to submit to the greater good, the ultimate unity vehicle. Annuar says it does not matter what it is called as long as all Malay leaders come together, right now. I'd call it Trantor.

Muafakat gets the firm support from Umno Youth Chief Akmal Saleh but not party president Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid is not amiss to sense PAS wants to overwhelm Umno’s current Rumah Bangsa with its even bigger ambition.



The author argues that the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections are being driven by a contest over identity politics, with parties trying to outdo each other as more important issues are sidelined. — Picture by Firdaus Latif



PAS wants it all. Because lightweights Gerakan and MIPP are asked to stay despite them allowed zero input to the PAS manoeuvres.

They are so light, they have to stay, less risk floating away to Neptune, or even as far as Trantor.

Do not misunderstand, the “others” parties are welcome but the goal is to be the unapologetic grand Malay-first coalition. Umno is welcome but this train is departing from the platform, either way.

This is PAS’ riposte to Bersatu, it builds a better supergroup than PN in 2022. Except despite the inroads in that general election for both PAS and Bersatu in the Semenanjung back then, the former did not win any parliamentary seats in Johor or Negeri Sembilan.

PAS style does not click as much in the south but ambition they believe can take them across the finishing line.

PAS has a single strategy, that Malaysians have got even more polarised, especially the lower age-groups and they will heed the clarion call. That enough Malays will vote for the grand coalition.

This is more PAS than PN, and the evidence is not only in the decision to use the party logo for Johor.

It is more evident in how muted PN chairman Samsuri Mokhtar is, ceding authority to his party leaders Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.


Umno gets mirrored

Up to June, when Onn Hafiz set a course for elections, Umno was on the up.

Its 80th anniversary, and the homecoming of who’s who in Malay politics. Even MCA and MIC were out partying in the streets, ready to collect seat victories on the shoulder of big brother.

They felt the only downside was the association with Pakatan inside the Madani government, and therefore the need to put distance between Umno and DAP.

That’s what they thought till PAS went into overdrive this week.

Now, they are in a race to rack up their Malay credentials as PAS and Reset Malaysia play up their romance for the sake of Malays under threat.

It has to politely shy away from PAS’ “true” Malay movement even if Akmal foolishly wills it.

Expect the op-eds on how Pejuang, Iman and Putra saddling up beside PAS is insignificant.

After all, as Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA), all three parties lost all deposits at the 2022 General Election.

Yet, younger voters are a bother.

At the last state polls, with 55 per cent turnout, BN snatched 40 of the 56 seats, or 71 per cent.

Eight months later at the general election when 73 per cent or an increase of over one million voters, BN only secured nine of the 26 seats (35 per cent). When more showed up, ostensibly more younger voters, BN suffered.


The Manchurian Test

In the 1962 thriller The Manchurian Candidate, a political candidate was brainwashed with a trigger word planted through hypnosis.

That the candidate cannot help himself, the idea is too embedded in the person that once activated he can only do what he is programmed to do.

Malaysia may have a degree of the Manchurian Candidate, in our case the voters, not the election candidates.

That Malay voters — by virtue of living through lives dominated by PAS clerics and Umno right-wingers — cannot refuse the allure of the dream united Malay movement. That once triggered, everything else pales in significance.

For the sake of balance, let’s consider Johor’s challenges.

Facilitate the Johor- Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) undertaking. While GDP growth exceeds the national average, electricity supply is not amped up to match the investment.

This is central to the jobs creation venture to raise the state median monthly wage above the national median which is a couple of hundred above RM3,000. With better and higher paying jobs, the ability to own homes in an inflated market.

While the Johor Economic Transformation Plan intends to raise the game at the other towns — Mersing, Segamat, Kluang and Batu Pahat for instance — it is still about the state capital region gobbling up growth.

The RTS Link, the game-changer ,kicks off in 2027 but question marks ensue about the Johor end processing 40,000 passengers daily.

If smooth travels from the Singapore end are met by bottlenecks on the Johor side, all may come to naught.

That’s just a short list, and insanely, none are campaign issues.

Both Umno-BN and PAS-Muafakat are convinced that the votes centre around who is more Malay dedicated and the Manchurian effect triggers as election day looms.

Which means, if like in 2022, the online vitriol hits fever pitch to drown out all other considerations.

Scare voters about the spectre of not-Malay enough winners, and therefore government.

There is a toll here. The sanity of the people. The Manchurian effect is about psychological trauma, in this case of entire peoples'.

That people are constantly made to be afraid of dangers they cannot see and the need to suspend reason and to become completely tribal.

These politicians forget that these people they milk for votes have to live between elections too.

Living daily with the fear of the loss of Malay power leaves a regular person troubled. And fuels social ills. Not that the politicians care, they have elections to win.

‘Perikatan does not belong to any single party’: Ahmad Samsuri says PAS a founding member too

‘Perikatan does not belong to any single party’: Ahmad Samsuri says PAS a founding member too



Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar today said PN’s status and direction cannot be decided unilaterally, amid renewed questions over its future after PAS ended political cooperation with Bersatu. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 1:30 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar today stressed that PAS is also a founding member of the opposition coalition, saying PN does not belong exclusively to any single party amid lingering questions over the bloc’s future.

In a statement, the Terengganu menteri besar said PN was established through the consensus of its founding parties and must continue to operate according to its constitution and official decision-making channels.

“I wish to emphasise that PN does not belong exclusively to any single party. PN is a constitutional political coalition established on the basis of consensus among its founding parties.

“PAS is also one of PN’s founding parties, and I myself was among the official signatories to the coalition’s establishment,” he said.

Samsuri’s remarks come two days after Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said his party would remain in PN despite PAS ending political cooperation with his party, insisting that Bersatu was a founding member of the coalition.

Without naming any party, Samsuri said interpretations regarding PN’s status, position and direction could not be made unilaterally.

“Any interpretation regarding the status, position or direction of PN cannot be made unilaterally. Such matters must be referred to PN’s constitution and decided through the coalition’s official channels,” he said.


He added that his priority was to ensure PN continued to be managed in an orderly, principled and responsible manner in the interest of the people and the country.

The latest statement appears to be the clearest response yet from the PAS leader since Muhyiddin declared that Bersatu would remain within PN despite PAS’ decision to sever political ties with its ally.

The relationship between PAS and Bersatu has deteriorated in recent months following a series of disputes within the opposition coalition, including tensions stemming from political developments in Perlis and a wider leadership struggle within Bersatu.

Samsuri assumed the coalition chairmanship earlier this year after Muhyiddin stepped down from the post, marking the first time PAS took the coalition’s top leadership role since PN’s formation.

Agong revokes Isa Samad’s ‘Tan Sri’ title

Agong revokes Isa Samad’s ‘Tan Sri’ title

Agong revokes Isa Samad’s ‘Tan Sri’ title


The Prime Minister’s Department says the title was revoked as the former politician is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of an offence

Former Felda chairman Isa Samad was convicted by the High Court of nine corruption charges involving RM3.09 million in 2021.

PETALING JAYA: The “Tan Sri” title conferred on former Felda chairman Isa Samad, who is serving a jail sentence for corruption, has been revoked by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Department said Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the withdrawal of Isa’s Panglima Setia Mahkota award, which carries the “Tan Sri” title, effective June 8.

“This is due to the fact that Isa is currently serving a prison sentence at Sungai Buloh prison after being convicted of an offence,” said the statement.


The Prime Minister’s Department also said the decision was in accordance with the statutes for the withdrawal of honours from recipients who have been convicted of criminal offences.

It said the move was in line with Sultan Ibrahim’s 2024 warning that he would withdraw federal awards, medals, and honours from any recipient who commits a crime or is convicted by the courts.


Isa, a former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, was convicted by the High Court in 2021 of nine corruption charges involving RM3.09 million. He was sentenced to six years in jail and fined RM15.5 million.

Two years ago, a Court of Appeal bench allowed Isa’s appeal, quashing the conviction and sentence.

However, the Federal Court restored both conviction and sentence on Feb 10, ordering that Isa begin his jail term immediately.

The Federal Court has fixed June 26 to hear Isa’s application seeking leave to review its decision.

Iran says 18 US military targets struck in Kuwait, Bahrain

Iran says 18 US military targets struck in Kuwait, Bahrain


The IRGC claimed suicide drones were also launched at the US Fifth Fleet following American attacks on southern Iran

The Iranian military stated its forces were prepared to confront the enemy ‘until the last breath’ and would not retreat until it was punished. (EPA Images pic)

ISTANBUL: Iran said early Thursday that 18 major US military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain had come under attack amid rapidly escalating regional tensions, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the targets included the Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber bases in Kuwait, along with the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain.

Separately, Iran’s military said it had targeted Patriot systems and communications facilities belonging to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.


It also said suicide drones had been launched toward the US Fifth Fleet in response to what it described as American attacks on southern Iran.

The military added that Iranian forces are prepared to confront the enemy “until the last breath” and will not retreat until it is punished.


The developments came amid escalating tensions following US strikes on southern Iran and Iran’s subsequent attacks targeting US military assets across the region.

No PH-BN cooperation planned after state polls, says Amanah leader

No PH-BN cooperation planned after state polls, says Amanah leader


Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil says PH’s current focus is on strengthening its position in preparation for any political developments that may arise after the elections

Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil said the party is confident it will be allocated winnable seats in the state elections. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has no plans to cooperate with Barisan Nasional (BN) after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, according to Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil.

Faiz said PH’s current focus was on strengthening its position in preparation for any political developments that might arise after the elections, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“As of now, there are no plans for cooperation with BN after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections,” he was quoted as saying.


He also said Amanah was confident it would be allocated winnable seats in the state elections, and that talks on PH seat distributions were proceeding smoothly.

Last week, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition was set for the Negeri Sembilan election and remained open to continuing its cooperation with PH to retain the unity government in the state.


However, Zahid said it was too early to hold formal discussions on electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.

In Johor, menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi of Umno said he would rather give up his position than be part of a state government that includes DAP. His remarks drew criticism from political commentator Tajuddin Rasdi, who accused Onn Hafiz of displaying a “racist personality”.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook also mocked Onn Hafiz’s position, pointing out that BN and DAP leaders currently sit together in the federal Cabinet under the unity government.

Onn Hafiz rejected claims that his position was rooted in arrogance or racism, insisting that it was based on principle and respect for the mandate given to BN by voters.

He said BN’s cooperation with PH at the federal level arose from the political situation after the 15th general election, where no coalition secured a simple majority.

He said the situation was different in Johor as BN was given a clear mandate during the last state polls.

Tebrau PKR grassroots want party to contest Tiram

Tebrau PKR grassroots want party to contest Tiram


Division chief M Prakash says members believe the constituency has been developed through years of sustained efforts by PKR and its machinery

Tebrau PKR recently held a meeting with its members and grassroots supporters. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Tebrau PKR says grassroots members want the party to contest the Tiram state seat in Johor, a position that has been conveyed to the division leadership.

In a statement, division chief M Prakash said the matter was discussed at a recent meeting with members and grassroots supporters.

“The message from grassroots members was clear: they want PKR to continue contesting the Tiram state seat, strengthen the party machinery, and ensure that members’ voices are always taken into account in decisions involving the party’s future,” he said.


Prakash also said division members believed the constituency was developed through years of sustained efforts by PKR members and its machinery, and that the party enjoyed strong support there.

Tiram is one of the state constituencies within the PKR-held Tebrau parliamentary constituency. The other state constituency is Puteri Wangsa, which was won by Muda.


In the 2022 state election, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Azizul Bachok won the Tiram seat with a majority of 5,281 votes over six other candidates, including Pakatan Harapan’s S Gopalakrishnan of PKR.

In the 2018 state polls, Gopalakrishnan won Tiram with a 8,098 vote majority against BN candidate Maulizan Bujang and Azman Atmin of Gagasan Sejahtera, which also included PAS.

Maulizan held the Tiram seat for three consecutive terms before 2018.

Tiram is also the seat that Johor DAP allegedly offered to Marina Ibrahim, the incumbent Skudai assemblyman, according to a letter that circulated on social media.


The offer was made during a discussion between Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching and Marina on May 17, according to the letter which was addressed to Teo from Marina.

The letter surfaced following Marina’s announcement that she would not defend her seat in the Johor polls and would step away from politics after serving as an elected representative for more than four years.

On Saturday, PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said seat negotiations among component parties had been finalised for the Johor polls.

‘Why should I campaign for you again?’: At first meeting since MP resignation, Setiawangsa residents look to Nik Nazmi for answers

‘Why should I campaign for you again?’: At first meeting since MP resignation, Setiawangsa residents look to Nik Nazmi for answers



Former Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad speaks during a dialogue session with residents in Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, June 10, 2026. — Picture by Muhammad Yusry

Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 9:26 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — In Setiawangsa last night, a resident stood up at a dialogue session to complain about abandoned cars in Seksyen 6, Wangsa Maju. Another wanted roads resurfaced. Others asked about a proposed development near Bukit Dinding.

For nearly an hour, the discussion sounded much like any meeting between voters and their elected representative.

There was only one difference.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is no longer the MP for Setiawangsa.

Yet at his first dialogue with residents since resigning the seat last month, many in the audience still turned to him as though he remained the person responsible for solving their local problems.

The former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister listened patiently as residents raised the kind of complaints familiar to any constituency service centre, from abandoned vehicles left to rust along neighbourhood roads to patchy road surfaces and concerns over development near Bukit Dinding.

One resident, Razif from Seksyen 6, sought Nik Nazmi’s help over abandoned vehicles that he said had become an eyesore.


“Some of these vehicles have been there for so long that trees are growing out of them. There is a lorry, a Perodua Kancil and even a Mercedes among them,” he said.

Nik Nazmi responded much as he might have before stepping down, explaining the legal complications surrounding abandoned vehicles and promising that his office would follow up with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on the issues raised.

“To the people of Setiawangsa, my office in Sri Rampai remains open in the same location. We continue to handle issues involving DBKL, the Social Welfare Department, Baitulmal and other agencies. We still go down to the ground and engage with the community. The only difference is that I no longer hold the official status of an MP,” he said.

The scene captured the unusual position Nik Nazmi now finds himself in: no longer a lawmaker, no longer in government, but still trying to speak to the voters who had sent him to Parliament.

Three weeks ago, Nik Nazmi became one of two elected representatives — alongside Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli — to voluntarily vacate a parliamentary seat.

His resignation followed several eventful months.

In May last year, he failed to retain the PKR vice-president post, having already lost the Setiawangsa division chief position in the party elections a month earlier.

Shortly afterwards, he resigned from the Cabinet, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his defeat.

Almost a year later, Nik Nazmi left PKR altogether alongside former economy minister Rafizi. Both subsequently resigned their parliamentary seats, arguing that voters should be allowed to decide whether they still deserved a mandate after leaving the party under whose banner they had been elected.

The two have since joined Parti Bersama Malaysia, a political party positioning itself as an alternative to both the ruling coalition and the opposition bloc.

But last night’s session was less about party strategy than the immediate question now facing Nik Nazmi in Setiawangsa: whether voters who once saw him as their MP would still accept him as their representative without the title.

Some residents used the session to express disappointment over his decision to resign.

Tengku Syahrizal, a Setiawangsa resident, compared holding a parliamentary seat to raising a child.

“Holding the position of MP is like holding your own child. You shouldn’t let it go, but you did,” he told Nik Nazmi.

Another resident, Rozita, urged him not to repeat the move if he were re-elected in future.

“If you contest, win and become MP again, don’t resign. Unless the people themselves remove you.

“I am frustrated and disappointed that you resigned as the Setiawangsa MP. If you stand again and win, please do not resign,” she said.

Syahrizal told the former Selangor executive councillor that he had seen visible improvements in Setiawangsa during Nik Nazmi’s tenure and wanted to know what would convince him to campaign for the former MP again at the next election.

“I hope you will continue serving as our representative here, but what are the prospects? What would persuade me to campaign for you once more?” he asked.

In response, Nik Nazmi said his pitch to voters was straightforward.

“My proposition is simple: I want to pursue genuine reform and meaningful change at the national level. Am I idealistic? I don’t know. But since my youth, I have taken this path because of my ideals. If my goal had been wealth, power or luxury, I would never have chosen it.

“That is how I justify this decision to myself and how I sleep at night. It was not an easy decision, but I pray that it was the right one,” he said.

Not everyone in the room disagreed with the resignation.

One resident, who said he had lived in Setiawangsa for more than three decades, told the gathering that he supported Nik Nazmi’s decision, arguing that the former PKR leader had acted according to principle.

The resident said voters should focus less on party labels and more on whether an individual could carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Still, much of the evening returned to the same question, asked in different ways: why leave the seat, and why should voters follow him again?

Nik Nazmi told residents that relinquishing the seat was not easy after two terms as Setiawangsa MP and two terms previously as a Selangor assemblyman.

But he said remaining in office after taking a fundamentally different position from the party under whose ticket he had been elected would have been difficult to justify.

“Had I remained in government, there would have been many constraints. It would have been like remaining married to someone you no longer trust. That would not have been fair, especially while continuing to draw a salary.

“So I chose to step away and present my own vision for the future and my agenda for the next phase.

“Ultimately, I leave it to the people of Setiawangsa to decide whether what I am fighting for remains relevant,” he said.

The former minister also used the session to explain the frustrations that eventually pushed him out of government.

While coalition politics inevitably involved compromise, he said some reforms had stalled not because of resistance from coalition partners but because of reluctance within his own political camp.

Among the issues he cited were judicial reform, institutional accountability and the separation of the attorney general’s and public prosecutor’s roles.

The discussion occasionally drifted beyond neighbourhood concerns.

Residents asked about his new political party, the country’s political direction and even the timing of the next general election.

When one attendee asked whether he knew when Malaysians would next head to the general polls, the room erupted in laughter.

“That one, I need to call Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Nik Nazmi replied in jest.

It was one of several moments that lightened an otherwise pointed exchange between a former MP and residents still deciding whether to see him that way.

The dialogue session was the first of two town hall meetings Nik Nazmi is holding with Setiawangsa residents, with the second scheduled for next Wednesday in Sri Rampai.

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed, warns all passing ships will be targeted

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed, warns all passing ships will be targeted



Iranian media reported explosions across the country’s south near the Strait of Hormuz, the same area where US forces had already bombarded air defence, radar and other sites on Tuesday. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 8:54 AM MYT


TEHRAN, June 11 — Iran’s military command said today it will target any ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after it struck two vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, as talks to end the war faltered.

The United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran yesterday, with President Donald Trump vowing to “hit them hard” after accusing Tehran’s negotiators of “playing us for suckers”.

The Khatam al-Anbiya command said todayday, “any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted” adding that the strait is now “completely closed to all types of vessel”, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy, quoted by state television IRIB and the Mehr agency, said that “two ships attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz were hit”.


“Following repeated violations of the ceasefire by the American enemy, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice,” it said.

“We warn that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy.”


Iranian media reported explosions across the country’s south near the Strait of Hormuz, the same area where US forces had already bombarded air defence, radar and other sites on Tuesday. — AFP

Narrow wins, royal row will disadvantage Umno in Negeri Sembilan

Narrow wins, royal row will disadvantage Umno in Negeri Sembilan


3 hours ago
Minderjeet Kaur


Analysts expect PH to retain seats won comfortably in 2023, but say Umno may struggle to defend its constituencies due to their slim victory margins

Eight of Barisan Nasional’s 14 state assembly seats in Negeri Sembilan were secured with sub-700 vote majorities due to stiff competition from Perikatan Nasional. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Umno faces an uphill battle in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan election, with analysts pointing to its many slim majority wins in 2023, and shifting Malay sentiment following a recent royal dispute in the state.

Syaza Shukri.

Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Umno appeared more exposed than its unity government partner, Pakatan Harapan, due to stiff competition faced from Perikatan Nasional previously.

“Umno is the one in trouble. Their majorities are small because they had to compete with PN for Malay votes,” she told FMT.


In contrast, Syaza said PH was better positioned to defend most of the seats it won at the state election three years ago. “Most of the seats that PH won in 2023 were secured with big majorities, especially by DAP.”


The Negeri Sembilan assembly was dissolved last Friday after Umno assemblymen withdrew support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun over his handling of a royal dispute involving four chieftains seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di‑Pertuan Besar.


On June 9, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Barisan Nasional will contest the Negeri Sembilan polls on its own, after PH announced its intention to vie for all 36 state assembly seats.

In the 2023 polls, PH and BN contested as allies, winning 17 and 14 seats, respectively. PN won five, with three secured by PAS and two by Bersatu.

However, eight of BN’s seats were secured with sub-700 vote majorities: Jeram Padang (693), Lenggeng (685), Senaling (662), Palong (564), Sungai Lui (535), Seri Menanti (370), Kota (135) and Juasseh (78).

In contrast, only two of PH’s 17 seats were the subject of narrow wins: Klawang (577) and Ampangan (329).


Syaza said BN’s seats, most of which are Malay-majority constituencies, are vulnerable even to modest swings in support, while Umno may be at a disadvantage due to the part it played in the royal row.

“The people, from my understanding and observations, are not happy with the crisis and blame has been put on Umno. So voters would want to punish Umno,” she said.


Royal fiasco generated sympathy

Mazlan Ali


Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said the royal dispute had generated sympathy for Tuanku Muhriz among Negeri Sembilan folk while creating negative perceptions of Umno among some voters.


“As a result, there could be political repercussions for Umno because there is a perception among the public that the party was not friendly towards the Yang di-Pertuan Besar,” he said.

However, Hisomuddin Bakar of Ilham Centre said the outcome of the state polls will ultimately depend on voter turnout and where they are concentrated.

Hisomuddin Bakar.


He said PH’s strength lies in urban, Chinese-majority and mixed constituencies, while Umno remains competitive in many Malay-majority seats backed by its longstanding grassroots networks.

Of the state’s 36 seats, 24 have Malay-majority electorates, making them key battlegrounds in the election, he added.

“Although BN and PH each have their own areas of strength, the real deciding factor in this state election lies in the 24 Malay-majority seats that will be contested in three-cornered fights.

“The ability of both coalitions to manage their campaign strategies, mobilise supporters to turn out and win over fence-sitters will be the key factors determining the final outcome,” he added.

Sivamurugan Pandian


Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Sivamurugan Pandian said PH remains the frontrunner to win the state polls thanks to the advantages of incumbency.

He said PKR and DAP’s established networks in Negeri Sembilan, coupled with Aminuddin’s leadership, placed the coalition in a relatively strong position.

Still, Sivamurugan cautioned that cost of living concerns and tensions between PH and BN supporters could influence voter behaviour.

“PH remains favourable, but not without risks,” he said.

Tread carefully with returning Noh Omar, Umno told

Tread carefully with returning Noh Omar, Umno told


2 hours ago
Nicholas Chung


Analysts say the ex-Selangor Umno chief can be a loose cannon at times and embodies the warlord-style politics that Umno must move away from

Noh Omar was sacked from Umno in January 2023 and joined Bersatu the following year. He announced his departure in February, following a mass sacking of party leaders.

PETALING JAYA: Umno has been advised to tread carefully in welcoming back former Selangor chief Noh Omar, who left the party less than two years ago for Bersatu.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid said Noh’s return may be motivated by a desire to contest under Umno’s banner in the next general election (GE16).

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid.


He questioned the Tanjong Karang MP’s stated reason of having been persuaded by Umno’s anti-DAP stance in Johor, calling it “foolish”.


“He comes from Selangor, where the partnership between Barisan Nasional-Umno and Pakatan Harapan-DAP is still on.

“And Johor Umno’s recent anti-DAP stand could easily be conceived as a pre-state election gimmick to secure hardline Malay nationalistic voters, without discounting the possibility of changes after the election,” he told FMT.


Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Umno could easily justify its ongoing partnership with PH as necessary for pragmatic purposes and political survival.

Syaza Shukri.


She also questioned Noh’s sincerity in championing Umno’s cause, saying he essentially left a sinking ship in Bersatu, having done the same after Umno’s worst ever electoral performance at the 15th general election (GE15) in 2022.

While he brings grassroots support and decades of political experience, Syaza said Umno must be wary of the warlord-style politics that Noh embodies, from which the party needs to move away.

“These warlords and traditional machinery may not be enough for Umno’s electoral success. We have moved to social media where national issues and narratives have become more important for voters.”


Fauzi warned that Noh may be a loose cannon of sorts, having previously made controversial remarks, such as that stealing was only wrong if one was caught.


He said Noh was also fiercely critical of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi post-GE15, for which he was not fielded, and had called for Zahid to step down.

Fauzi warned against Umno using Noh in its election plans, even if only for campaigning, saying it could backfire on the party.

“Umno should watch out. Should the unexpected come out from Noh’s mouth during election campaigning, it may well damage Umno’s chances at the polls in a multiracial state like Selangor.”


Noh was sacked from Umno in January 2023 following a violation of party discipline during GE15. In July 2024, he confirmed that he had joined Bersatu, and was appointed to its Supreme Council in early 2025.

He resigned from the Bersatu leadership position in February following the sacking of 17 party leaders, including Hamzah Zainudin, expressing disappointment with the party’s decision.

However, unlike other current and former party leaders aligned with Hamzah, Noh chose not to be a part of the former Bersatu deputy president’s Reset movement, launched one day after his sacking.

On June 7, Noh revealed he had quit Bersatu and rejoined Umno under a special initiative designed to welcome back former members.

Syaza said Noh’s return could be interpreted as acknowledgment that Zahid made the correct strategic call by keeping Umno in power and working with DAP.

She said she does not expect Noh to pressure Zahid into pulling the plug on Umno’s support for the unity government, especially with the prospect of a snap GE16 looming.

“Why risk uncertainties when Umno is comfortably in federal power now?” she said.

 

Iran war: Tehran retaliates after US launches attacks across Iran

By Lyndal Rowlands and Zaid Sabah

Published On 11 Jun 202611 Jun 2026

• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps says retaliatory strikes have been launched against US forces in the region, specifically mentioning bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Iranian news reports.
• The United States military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier launched attacks “against multiple targets in Iran”, calling the strikes “self-defense” and in response to “Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression”.
• Iranian media reports the sound of explosions in several locations, including the port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and the southern towns of Sirik and Minab. Air defences were also activated in western Tehran, according to reports.
• Iran’s Mehr news agency reports that Iran’s military has ordered the complete closure of the Hormuz Strait to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial vessels.
• US President Donald Trump warned earlier that his military was preparing to strike Iran again, claiming: “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them; now they will have to pay the price”.
• Israeli attacks on Lebanon continued on Wednesday with multiple reports of casualties in strikes on the south of the country and in the Bekaa Valley region, as the death toll since March from Israel’s bombardments reached 3,696.

• 13m ago

  (01:00 GMT)

  Trump tells US media outlets Tomahawk missiles hit targets close to Tehran

  Fox News is reporting that Trump said if Tehran doesn’t sign an agreement put forward by US negotiators, the US will again bomb “tomorrow night”, reportedly using an expletive.

  Trump also told the US news channel that “49 Tomahawk missiles were used to hit targets inside of Iran, some of them as close as 40 miles [64km] from the Iranian capital of Tehran”.

  “The president said the US fighter jets are also operating over the skies of Iran, taking out radar systems and air defence systems in the southwestern part of the country, close to the Persian Gulf,” Fox reported.

  According to the report, Trump also said that top Iranian officials called him and asked the US to stop bombing.
• 28m ago

  (00:45 GMT)

  

  Air raid sirens sound in Bahrain

  Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has told people to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.

  We will bring you more updates as information emerges.
• 28m ago

  (00:45 GMT)

  Iran denies Trump phone call claim, Tehran warns of ‘crushing retaliation’

  

  By Mohamed Vall

  Reporting from Tehran, Iran

  This is what the Iranian media have been reporting over the last couple of hours.

  The claim by the American president of having direct discussions or phone calls with senior Iranian officials is categorically false.

  There has been no such communication between the two sides, and what is going on here right now in Iran is only in self-defence and preparations for a crushing retaliation against what the Americans have done over the last few hours.

  We have the Joint military Headquarters saying the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will deliver crushing and decisive responses to any aggression and mischief by the aggressive and terrorist American army in the region.

  There is an official statement from the IRGC about the total closure of the Strait of Hormuz,

  So, there is no mention here of talks, negotiations or phone calls between the Americans and the Iranians.

  There is only a mention of Iranians preparing for a crushing retaliation after those attacks tonight.

  We understand that several cities, several areas and locations have been hit in this wave of strikes, including Kish, Minab, Bandar Abbas and some areas in central Isfahan.

Onn Hafiz Insults DAP – Rather Quit Than Sit At Same Table

Onn Hafiz Insults DAP – Rather Quit Than Sit At Same Table


June 8th, 2026 by financetwitter



Claiming he was not arrogant or racist, Onn Hafiz has urged Johor voters to give Barisan Nasional (BN) a strong mandate in the upcoming state election to ensure DAP would not be part of the state government. Delivering a fiery address in his latest jab at the Democratic Action Party (DAP), the caretaker Johor Chief Minister said he would rather be without a position than sit at the same table with DAP.

“This is not arrogance. This is not about race. This is about principles, mandates and responsibilities to the people of Johor. This is Johor UMNO. This is Johor BN. This is Bangsa Johor,” – exclaimed Onn Hafiz till foaming at the mouth. Depending on who you ask, his statement could be seen as stunningly arrogant and racist, or incredibly brilliant and strategic.


Netflix Offers Sneak Peek at 2027 Live-Action 'Scooby-Doo' Series Spotlighting Beloved Canine Detective



In response, lame Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim – without mentioning Onn Hafiz – said it would be arrogant to deny any race or political party a role in government, especially after they had contested and won support through the democratic process. But why is the most powerful man so afraid that he dares not openly name and shame the Johor Chief Minister?

If the United States has TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out), it appears Malaysia too has its own version – NACO (Nuar Always Chickens Out). But at least Mr. Donald Trump fights first before chickens out when he is about to lose. Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, on the other hand, chickens out before he even starts fighting – a humiliation to not only his party PKR, but also Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook – forced to retaliate after Onn’s unexpected attack – could only dismiss Onn Hafiz’s stance, reminding him that his own UMNO president (Zahid Hamidi) and DAP leaders collaborate at the same table during weekly federal Cabinet meetings. Zahid must be struggling very hard not to fall off his chair laughing at Loke’s naivety.


Did weakling Loke realize that Onn would not be so daring, racist and arrogant without the green light from Zahid? Did Mr Loke also realize that Mr Zahid would similarly reject DAP the same way Onn does in the next 16th General Election, which could happen any time? Has Loke suddenly been infected with selective amnesia when Zahid furiously screamed “No Anwar, No DAP” not many moons ago?

In the same breath, did both Anwar and Loke also realize that Zahid had obviously given his blessing to Johor UMNO to “go solo”, contest all 56 seats in the next Johor state election, and leave no space for cooperation or negotiation with Premier Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition – Pakatan Harapan? That’s why despite Anwar’s begging, he failed to convince Zahid to avoid a clash between BN and PH in Johor.

The Johor CEO’s remarks may smell horribly arrogant and racist, but it is also a necessary tactical and strategic political move to rally Malays to vote for UMNO by making DAP a punching bag – again. Either Anthony Loke is retarded or fabulously stupid to think UMNO has suddenly become DAP’s BFF after the Malay conservative party had been demonizing its traditional enemy for over 60 years.

After all, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), especially its Johor chapter, has always considered Pakatan Harapan its bitter enemy, even though UMNO president Zahid and PKR president Anwar sit next to each other in the Cabinet, whilst Loke and Zahid share silly jokes together. Just because BN and PH are part of the unity government at federal level does not mean UMNO treats PH as a friend in Johor.

From the beginning, it was PM-obsessed Anwar and power-hungry Loke who tried to appease, mollify, and assuage UMNO warlords out of fear of losing power at the federal level to the extent of turning a blind eye over UMNO’s bullying. This has emboldened and encouraged notorious racists and mobsters like UMNO Youth Chief Akmal Saleh to terrorize, bully, and threaten ethnic Chinese and Indians.



Now, it’s merely Onn Hafiz’s turn to insult DAP, knowing very well that neither the indecisive PM nor the coward DAP chief have the balls to escalate the hostility between BN and PH. In fact, the disgraced PM Anwar orders Pakatan Harapan leaders to “not burn bridges” as doing so may provoke UMNO to withdraw support for the Madani government.

DAP under the weak leadership of Loke should be grateful that Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who is the nephew of UMNO veteran Hishammuddin Hussein, did not threaten the Chinese community by unsheathing, kissing, and brandishing a “keris” (a traditional Malay dagger) the same way his uncle did. Such provocation would make Anthony Loke, who’s trying to be more Malay than UMNO-Malay, extremely panic and runs around like a headless chicken.

Worse, Onn Hafiz is just a “third-tier” UMNO leader. He was not UMNO’s poster boy, but rather the preferred choice of the Johor Palace for the position of Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) following the March 2022 state elections. His appointment was a surprise development as UMNO-led BN had campaigned with former incumbent Hasni Mohammad as their designated candidate for the top post.

His lack of political credentials is one of the reasons why he, the great-grandson of UMNO founder Onn Jaafar and the grandson of Malaysia’s third Prime Minister Hussein Onn, has taken a page from UMNO playbook with a “declaration of war” on DAP-Chinese to project himself as a “Malay champion”. It was a deliberate move to force“first-tier” PKR and DAP leaders to bend down and respond to his attacks.

Exactly what type of message Pakatan Harapan is sending when the Prime Minister and the Transport Minister fail to demonstrate courage in reprimanding a “third-tier” arrogant UMNO leader? Clearly, it leads to a stronger belief that both PKR and DAP are toothless tigers that could be pushed around, insulted, mocked, ridiculed, belittled, and disrespected even by a junior UMNO leader.




After DAP was insulted as an inferior second-class party that has no right to share the same table as UMNO, blind lemmings went berserk. Hilariously, these propagandists, bloggers, cyber troopers, YouTubers, and TikTokers are the same bunch of morons who had previously praised UMNO and Onn Hafiz Ghazi in the Mahkota by-election back in October 2024.

Yes, we previously published why the Chinese voters should boycott Mahkota by-election because a vote for BN is a vote for Akmal. However, some blind pro-Anwar and pro-DAP supporters who believed UMNO had turned a new leaf had chosen to not only campaign for UMNO, but also argued that it was sufficient to boycott only Akmal in Melaka. The idiots fantasized that UMNO-Malays would transfer their votes for PH.

Worse, under the pretext that Bangsa Johor are ideologically different and “intellectually superior”, some Chinese social media influencers even praised Onn Hafiz leadership for championing the multi-party unity coalition machinery for the Mahkota campaign – even though the Chief Minister has historically downplayed federal DAP partnerships within the state’s official administration.

Laughably, even till today, silly DAP is still trying very hard to convince the leopard that never changes its spots to be grateful and appreciate DAP’s hard work that allowed UMNO candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah won the Mahkota seat with a landslide majority of 20,648 votes, capturing roughly 79% of the total valid ballots against opposition Perikatan Nasional candidate.

Had DAP mobilized its machinery to boycott UMNO in the Mahkota by-election, using the notorious Akmal as an excuse to teach UMNO a lesson, perhaps the Johor Chief Minister would think twice about insulting the Democratic Action Party today. Therefore, it’s not a heavy statement to say DAP under Loke leadership deserves to be mocked and ridiculed by UMNO.



Anthony Loke and his lieutenants are still in denial – badly wanted to believe that UMNO today is no longer the same UMNO that used to be racist, extremist, corrupted, arrogant, hypocrite, double-speak, treachery, untrustworthy, and whatnot. Until Onn’s latest outburst, DAP had believed he was of different breed and a non-racist, humble, and progressive UMNO-Malay leader.

It appears DAP has found a new favourite pastime – “Kao Beh Kao Boo” – wailing, complaining, and bitching over spilt milk. It still hasn’t a clue that while Anwar Ibrahim risks losing both the conservatives he courts and the reformists who brought him to power, Anthony Loke faces growing disillusionment among its core Chinese electorate due to his weak leadership and cowardice.