Wednesday, December 10, 2025

A case of overzealous security guard crying foul over woman’s “jacket collar exposure being too big”





A case of overzealous security guard crying foul over woman’s “jacket collar exposure being too big”






FRESH from the hemline fiasco at Melaka’s Jasin police station where a young lady was asked to change her attire before being allowed to lodge a police report, comes another dubious attempt to enforce a dress code that smacks of over-zealousness.


This time the incident was at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex in Jalan Duta.

Ramesh Rajaratnam
on Monday

Last Friday, I had a court appointment at the Duta courts.

As usual, all entrants are screened for security purpose, usually by RELA personnel.

When Weiling Ho entered, initially the RELA said her jacket collar exposure was too "besar" and couldn't enter unless she covered up. WL countered that there was nothing "besar" to show. The officer then sought confirmation from a higher officer who said it was fine and allowed. 

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Recounting the incident from last Friday (Dec 5) on his Facebook feed, former executive deputy chairman of Malaysian Merchant Marine Bhd Datuk Ramesh Rajaratnam who had gone to that venue for an appointment pointed out the usual procedure where RELA personnel screened all entrants for security purposes.

However, he noted that communications specialist Weiling Ho was prevented from entering the building.

Ramesh recalled: “When Weiling Ho (WL) entered, initially the RELA (guard) said her jacket collar exposure was too “besar” (big) and couldn’t enter unless she covered up.

“WL countered that there was nothing “besar” to show. The officer then sought confirmation from a higher officer who said it was fine and allowed (her in).”

Feeling the need to interject, Ramesh approached the RELA personnel to admonish her for attempting to force her personal values onto others:

“Noticing the commotion, I walked over to the first RELA officer and queried her initial objection. I told her ‘jangan kau cuba memperislamkan pakaian di mahkamah ini. Siapa kata pendapat kamu adalah betul?’(literally, ‘Don’t try to Islamisise dress code in this court. Who says your opinion is right?’)

“She just sulked and didn’t look at me.”

Little Napoleons on the prowl

The obviously non-plussed poster added: “This is how the little Napoleons get braver by the day because most of us don’t argue back. Someone has to stop this creepy, oops creeping, theocratisation of the system.

“Otherwise, we all will be walking around with dark tents over our body.”

The post has generated 328 likes, 125 comments and 37 shares at time of writing with many commenters echoing the same sentiments expressed by the poster.

Referencing the Jasin police station incident, one commenter highlighted the inconvenience such dress codes place upon members of the public.



Highlighting the ridiculousness of such dress codes, one commenter pointed out that she was denied entry into a court hearing for donning a skirt deemed too short.

She was allowed in after an argument with the security personnel but she was non-plussed that informal attire such as long jeans and T-shirts were allowed but not a formal dress.



The perception was that the holier-than-thou types were trying to force their beliefs unto others with this observer pointing out that Malaysia is very different from countries like Saudi Arabia.



This apparent need to follow Arab-style dressing and customs was also a point of contention for some commenters.

However, one commenter begged to differ by claiming that there is no flaw with the dress code given “it was made to respect each other while doing business”.

“If your house you put a rule no smoking in your house but somebody doesn’t care about it and smoke in your house, would you be happy to let somebody smoke? Please respect the law as it was not imposed because of culture but rather for modesty,” he countered.



At any rate, one lady confessed that she no longer bothers arguing with such security personnel over dress codes as she has to “dress conservatively” anyway since she is in her 60s.



It was also sarcastically suggested that wearers of short-skirts pay less taxes since their civil rights are being affected.



Others though applauded the poster’s stance in telling off the RELA personnel for imposing her worldview onto others.



Some commenters argued this was the best way to keep Little Napoleons in check while another claimed she deliberately dons a saree to government departments to provoke an argument on the subject of dress codes.



Though some may argue that these dress codes have been in place for some time already and it really isn’t that big a deal to adhere to them, the point being highlighted by the case above (as well as the Jasin police station incident), is that it is being taken to extremes.



It is not just a case of inconveniencing tax-paying citizens but also forcing ultra-conservative values onto others which is NOT taken kindly to. – Dec 10, 2025


Ramkarpal rebuts deputy IGP's 'misconceived' defence of Sosma










Ramkarpal rebuts deputy IGP's 'misconceived' defence of Sosma


Published: Dec 10, 2025 3:54 PM
Updated: 6:54 PM


A DAP lawmaker has criticised Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay’s recent backing of the contentious Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Labelling the deputy IGP’s remarks as “misconceived,” the party’s Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said support for the legislation “ignores” the fact that such laws are being used against ordinary citizens, resulting in serious breaches of rights.

“(Ayob) said national security should come first over human rights and that such laws are required to curb acts of terrorism.

“There can be no doubt that national security is a priority, but there are indications that Sosma has been abused against ordinary citizens, which is one of the reasons there have been growing calls for it to be repealed,” the former deputy law minister said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Ayob (above, right) took to Facebook to say that calls to abolish the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) and Sosma should be rejected, asserting that human rights must be balanced with the need to maintain national peace and security.

The ISA was repealed in 2012, and the government introduced Sosma as part of a new security law framework.

“Don’t be so fixated or ‘obsessed’ with ‘human rights’ (to the point that) national security is sidelined. Don’t have regrets only after a large-scale terrorist attack, like those in neighbouring countries or internationally, instead happens (here),” Ayob warned in his post.

“The Special Branch managed to foil attacks because Malaysia had the ISA. There’s no use for regret after an attack has happened and innocent lives are lost,” he added.

Ayob’s post also commemorated the 24th anniversary of the police’s Special Branch against the Jemaah Islamiah group on Dec 9, 2001.

The operation, he detailed, uncovered a militant network linked to Al-Qaeda that had planned attacks in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

‘No more stalling’

Last week, Ramkarpal called for Sosma to be abolished or at least amended to remove “various draconian features” in the law.

His stance was backed by fellow DAP parliamentarian RSN Rayer, who said the government needs “to walk the talk,” referencing Pakatan Harapan’s “overdue” promise to abolish draconian laws.

Reiterating his position on the matter today, Ramkarpal, who is also the chairperson for DAP’s legal bureau, said Harapan cannot stall any longer on its commitment to repeal Sosma or, at the very least, amend disputed sections.

“Statistics during my time as deputy law and institutional reform minister showed that the majority of those charged for Sosma-related offences between 2019 and June 2023 chose to plead guilty due to the long wait for trial dates, since bail is limited in such cases under Section 13 of Sosma.




“Other draconian aspects of Sosma include allowing the police to detain suspects for up to 28 days without obtaining a remand order from the court, thereby preventing judicial oversight of the remand process (Section 4(5)) and the mandatory remand of those acquitted upon an application by the public prosecutor (Section 30),” he added.

On Dec 3, a parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) recommended several amendments to Sosma, following a series of meetings with relevant quarters.

PKR MP William Leong, as the PSSC on Human Rights, Election, and Institutional Reform chairperson, said the eight strategic proposals put forth by the committee in a report are aimed at improving the implementation of the Act.

He cautioned, however, that any amendments to the Act should be considered carefully to avoid affecting the nation’s ability to maintain security and public order.

The Home Ministry, Leong said, should also set a shorter timeline for the implementation of amendments to Sosma to ensure that legal reforms can be executed transparently and in phases.


Govt to retain SST despite GST's advantage - deputy minister










Govt to retain SST despite GST's advantage - deputy minister



Published: Dec 9, 2025 12:29 PM
Updated: 3:29 PM




The government will retain the existing sales and services tax (SST) structure while pursuing improvements to ensure a more efficient and effective tax regime, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said.

She said the move reflects the government’s approach to maintaining a targeted consumption tax, under which essential goods and services commonly used by most Malaysians are generally not taxed.

“SST is a more targeted tax system and has been used in Malaysia for more than 40 years. It is familiar to industry, businesses, and the public.

“Its implementation also provides faster fiscal gains for the government,” she said during question time in the Dewan Negara today.

She was responding to a supplementary question from senator C Sivaraj on whether the government is considering reinstating the goods and services tax (GST) or further enhancing SST to ensure the tax system remains resilient.

Lim said the government has no immediate plans to reintroduce GST as household incomes remain generally low, making the broader-based tax more burdensome for most people.

“The government acknowledges the strengths of GST. However, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has explained, the government does not intend to implement GST at this stage.

“Reintroducing GST would require a longer preparation period, possibly up to two years, to allow companies to update their systems before it can be rolled out,” she said.

Lim said the government had weighed multiple considerations before deciding on the most appropriate tax approach to strengthen Malaysia’s fiscal position.

“The government assessed the overall structure of the current tax system, potential areas for improvement, prevailing economic conditions, fiscal needs, and the overall standard of living,” she added.


Fahmi: Cabinet moots dress code 'exemptions', chief secretary to review










Fahmi: Cabinet moots dress code 'exemptions', chief secretary to review


Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: Dec 10, 2025 3:04 PM
Updated: 6:06 PM




The chief secretary to the government will review a 2020 circular governing attire at public premises based on a cabinet decision today on exemptions to “frontline services”, including at police stations.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the implementation of the circular was reviewed at today’s cabinet meeting, following concerns after a woman was denied entry to a police station due to her clothing.

“Recently, there was an issue where an individual was not allowed to enter to lodge a police report because of their attire.

“So the chief secretary to the government will review the circular and make several improvements,” the communications minister said during a post-cabinet press conference held in Parliament.

According to Fahmi, the cabinet agreed that essential frontline services, especially health and security agencies, should be exempted from the 2020 guideline.

“This includes police stations,” he said, adding that the chief secretary’s office would examine the matter in detail before issuing an updated circular.




Fahmi added that a new statement and updated directive were expected “not too long from now”.

He stressed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim views public access to police services as non-negotiable.

“From the prime minister’s perspective, when it comes to security issues, there should not be any situation that prevents people from lodging a police report,” he said.

It was previously reported that a woman and her daughter were stopped from entering the Jasin district police headquarters in Malacca on Monday because her skirt’s hemline was slightly above her knee.


***


Nonethesless, that policeman should either be sacked or flogged kaukau


Still sore from Sabah bruising, PN to skip by-elections










Still sore from Sabah bruising, PN to skip by-elections


Published: Dec 10, 2025 4:31 PM
Updated: 7:31 PM



Still reeling from its heavy losses in the Sabah state election, Perikatan Nasional has decided to sit out the by-elections for the Lamag state seat and the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, which fell vacant following the death of BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin.

PN deputy chairperson Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the decision was made after a top leadership meeting of the coalition in Kuala Lumpur last night.

“This matter was discussed last night, and we have decided not to field candidates for the by-elections.

“However, PN will continue to monitor the developments and the candidates contesting in them,” he told a press conference in Kuantan, Pahang, today.

PN, which is embroiled in an internal leadership tussle with certain factions calling for its chairperson and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to step aside in favour of opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin, suffered defeats in 41 of the 42 seats it contested in the Sabah polls.

Yesterday, the Election Commission (EC) announced that it will hold a special meeting on Dec 16 to decide on the dates for the Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections.

EC Secretary Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission had received official notification from the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Johari Abdul, and the Sabah state assembly speaker, Kadzim Yahya, regarding the vacancies.


Bung Moktar Radin during polling day for the Sabah state election on Nov 29. The veteran politician died on Dec 5, less than a week after winning Lamag.


Bung, 66, died at a hospital in Sabah on Dec 5, less than a week after being re-elected as the Lamag assemblyperson for his second term.

The veteran politician had narrowly retained the state constituency in a six-cornered contest, winning by a razor-thin majority of just 153 votes.

PAS’ first win in Sabah

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim, who is also PAS deputy president, highlighted the party’s first-ever victory in Sabah, where PN secured its sole seat in the state.


Karambunai rep Aliakbar Gulasan


PAS candidate Aliakbar Gulasan won the Karambunai state seat with a majority of 371 votes in an 11-cornered contest.

Tuan Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the voters for supporting their candidate, saying, “This proves the acceptance of the people of Sabah towards the principles and struggle represented by PAS and PN.”



Some people don’t like me: Azam hints at not staying longer


FMT:

Some people don’t like me: Azam hints at not staying longer


The MACC chief says the previous extensions to his contract had drawn criticism


MACC chief Azam Baki said he is not concerned about who succeeded him, as long as MACC continues to promote integrity, uphold good governance, and impartially enforces anti-corruption laws.


PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki has hinted that he may not remain in the position for much longer, given the three extensions to his contract so far.

Azam noted that the extensions to his contract had previously drawn criticism.

“Insya-Allah, my term of service will end next year. Some people don’t like me anymore. Rafizi Ramli doesn’t like me either. He said not to extend (my contract),” Utusan Malaysia reported him as saying at UiTM’s Puncak Alam campus today.


Azam said he was not concerned about who succeeded him, as long as MACC continued its agenda of promoting integrity, upholding good governance, and impartially enforcing anti-corruption laws.

On Dec 3, Rafizi said Pakatan Harapan must immediately restore public confidence in anti-corruption efforts following its defeat in the Sabah state election, including by not renewing Azam’s appointment as MACC chief.

In a Facebook post, the Pandan MP said public perception of such efforts depended on whether Azam’s contract is extended once more, adding that extending it again would damage PH and PKR’s credibility as being firmly against corruption, given the various controversies around Azam.


Better safe than sorry: Software setbacks put LRT3 timeline under pressure despite physical infrastructure readiness





A likely decision to delay the Shah Alam Light Rail Transit (LRT3) line’s December 31 opening is based on the need to extend final testing and commissioning. - Scoop file pic, December 9, 2025


Better safe than sorry: Software setbacks put LRT3 timeline under pressure despite physical infrastructure readiness



Siemens signalling software delays and slow corrective patch releases force extended 4,000km fault-free trials, pushing back launch despite civil works completion



A. Azim Idris
Updated 10 seconds ago
9 December, 2025
9:59 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – A likely decision to delay the Shah Alam Light Rail Transit (LRT3) line’s December 31 opening is based on the need to extend final testing and commissioning, ensuring the system is fully reliable, safe, and ready for passenger service from day one.

Behind the scenes, progress has been hampered by delays in the delivery and stabilisation of the line’s signalling software, supplied by multinational tech conglomerate Siemens.

An industry source familiar with the matter said the delay stems from “repeated technical problems experienced by several train services in Malaysia in the past”, prompting authorities to impose a more stringent and prolonged stress-testing regime across all LRT3 systems.

“The delay in the launch of the service has also been impacted by long delays in the release of the Signalling software by Siemens, and the very slow turnaround of Signalling software patches by them to fix issues that were discovered during Testing and the Fault Free Runs,” the source said.

“This has resulted in the decision to undertake much longer testing and ‘running in time’ of the software to ensure no additional teething problems and to ensure stability.”

“In light of the problems with other rail lines in the country, a decision was taken to focus on a much longer and a more rigorous stress testing of all systems, safety and the functionality of all the trains, pushing them harder than normal and for a much longer period to weed out any potential problems early, to prevent issues occurring later after the line is opened to the public.”

Software delays affecting commissioning

Sources say the slow release of software packages and corrective patches has affected the pacing of the mandatory 4,000km fault-free test for each of the 22 trainsets, forcing teams to extend trial operations to verify the software’s performance under continuous, real-world conditions.

Despite Siemens’ global reputation in rail signalling, the line’s Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless system requires precise integration between signalling, rolling stock, communication, and electrification systems, raising the bar for testing and documentation.

“The public deserves a system that is not only modern and efficient, but also reliable, safe and fully compliant with global best practices, and therefore must not be rushed into operation solely to meet a targeted date.”

Berita Harian recently reported a source as saying that the delay in launching the service was also influenced by the lengthy period required for Siemens to release the signalling software, as well as the very slow response time in issuing software fixes to resolve issues identified during interference-free testing.

4,000km fault-free requirement proving demanding

Under the testing regime, all trainsets must complete a minimum of 4,000km of fault-free operation in all modes before the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) grants safety certification.

“If any failure occurs in any function, even a minor one, the test will be repeated until the train achieves 4,000km of disruption-free operation to pass,” the source said.

Industry experts note that achieving these metrics is particularly challenging given the GoA4 driverless specification, which requires seamless integration across multiple systems.

Authorities prioritise safety

Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the line’s owner, and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, its operator, support the extended timeline, emphasising that safety and reliability take precedence over meeting the original launch date.

“The LRT3 will only be opened to the public once all technical assessments, safety checks and stress tests are completed without interruption,” the source said, adding that the goal is for the line to become “a source of national pride, a system that demonstrates excellence, safety and long-term reliability.”

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had previously said that the project was in its final testing phase ahead of the December 31 target, stressing that the opening would depend on the outcome of ongoing assessments.

The delay mirrors the Putrajaya MRT line, which was postponed by six months to allow for comprehensive systems testing.

Contractor ready but integration remains critical

Setia Utama LRT3 Sdn Bhd (SULRT3), a subsidiary of Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) and the main contractor, has completed most civil and systems works. SULRT3 took over from MRCB George Kent Sdn Bhd following the exit of George Kent.

Sources indicate that the current bottleneck lies in systems integration, documentation, and meeting fault-free benchmarks necessary for regulatory approval.

The Shah Alam LRT line, spanning Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, is expected to offer an alternative for Klang Valley commuters affected by KTM Komuter service disruptions caused by the Klang Valley Double Track Rehabilitation project.

Testing is expected to reach the second quarter of 2026, according to early industry estimates. Prasarana and SULRT3 will hold a joint media briefing at Stesen Stadium Shah Alam (STN 10) at 10am tomorrow to update the public on the project’s progress. – December 9, 2025

TMJ to FAM officials: Own up and resign if 'heritage' players' documents botched












Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Published: Dec 10, 2025 6:16 PM
Updated: 9:16 PM




Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officials should resign from their posts if they committed wrongdoings linked with the alleged forgery of citizenship documents for seven “heritage” players, said Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

Tunku Ismail also took a jab at FAM, disparaging the national football body’s supposedly lacklustre contributions to the local football development scene.

“If there were oversights by anyone in FAM’s administration, they should resign. Why are they even there (in FAM)? All this time they’ve been there, what have they actually done for football? Tell me.

“Whoever is working there, for example, if an administrator made mistakes, should resign. Even if the CEO overlooked something and caused wrongdoings - resign. Take responsibility,” His Royal Highness said at a session with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC fans in Johor Bahru today.

The JDT owner, however, noted that FAM’s insistence on bringing the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should be understood as a sign of confidence in their case.

“If (the documents in question) were really wrong, do you think we would dare to go all the way to CAS? Even if we lose (the case at the CAS), so what? It doesn’t mean football dies.

“We try again, as much as we can, until we reach our goal - that’s the idea,” Tunku Ismail said.

Fifa sanctions

The International Federation of Association Football’s (Fifa) previously initiated an investigation into FAM and seven Harimau Malaya players - Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.


The seven ‘heritage’ players


On Sept 26, Fifa said the players were guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) related to document falsification.

The global football body’s probes found that FAM had submitted allegedly falsified documents to confirm the eligibility of the players, allowing them to compete in the third round match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers on June 10, where Malaysia won 4-0 against Vietnam.

Consequently, FAM was ordered to pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8 million), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended from all football-related activities for 12 months.

FAM has since suspended its secretary-general, Noor Azman Rahman, and announced an independent probe.

Following the Fifa Appeal Committee’s Nov 3 rejection of an appeal filed by FAM and the players, which claimed a technical error, FAM had on Dec 8 submitted its Statement of Appeal to the CAS.

‘Don’t go to CAS’

Commenting on FAM’s bid to bring the case to the CAS, Tunku Ismail claimed today that a Fifa representative had advised FAM against bringing the matter to the Switzerland-headquartered court.

Without naming the Fifa official who is said to have issued the remark, Tunku Ismail said “someone from Fifa” had contacted FAM honorary president Hamidin Amin, who is also a Fifa Council member, to relay the alleged message.

“They (Fifa) don’t want us to go to the CAS - I don’t know why. It’s not that they didn’t allow us (to appeal the sanctions at CAS), they just said ‘if it’s possible, don’t go to CAS’,” the royal figure said.

“(But), we’re still going to CAS. Win or lose, wallahualam (only God knows).”

Tunku Ismail also reiterated his defence of the seven players involved in the scandal, insisting that questioning the National Registration Department’s (NRD) integrity could lead to a slippery slope where the citizenship of every Malaysian is questioned.



“Say you have two documents - a foreign one saying that your grandfather was born overseas, and another local one saying your grandfather was born here. Which one is correct?

“Why does theirs have to be correct and ours have to be wrong? If our documents are wrong, you all might not be Malaysians - you could be Indonesians. If you can question NRD’s documents, maybe none of you are Malaysians,” he wryly added.

Pointing fingers

He also lashed out at certain quarters who he said appeared intent on “blaming” him for the situation affecting FAM and the national players, highlighting that such unfounded accusations do not tally with his contributions to the football scene.

Tunku Ismail said such finger-pointing aimed at him is often coupled with a lack of focus on more pressing issues, such as concerns about why Malaysian football “is not progressing”.

“Like the crisis of financial mismanagement in clubs, and inadequate grassroots development - why don’t these topics ever come up? Players not getting their salaries also get no media coverage.

“Everyone wants to point fingers, everyone wants to act like they’re right. Even if they blame me, what do they get out of it? I’m still here. I still love football. I don’t understand what their initiative or main agenda is,” he lamented.

Father of two pleads guilty to sexually assaulting four young girls in Seremban





Father of two pleads guilty to sexually assaulting four young girls in Seremban



Muhamad Azizzuan Arsemi, a factory operator, was charged under Sections 14(a) and 15(a)(i) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which carry jail terms of up to 20 years and 10 years respectively, whipping, and/or fines upon conviction. — Reuters pic

Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025 2:01 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — A 32-year-old father of two has pleaded guilty to committing sexual offences against four young girls in separate incidents, the Sessions Court here heard on Wednesday (December 10).

According to The Star, Muhamad Azizzuan Arsemi did not contest the charges, which included three counts of physical sexual assault and one of indecent exposure.

The first charge involved a seven-year-old girl at a children’s playground in Taman Senawang Indah at around 6.40pm on November 21.

The second and third charges related to assaults on two girls aged eight and nine along a roadside in Taman Jasmin Indah at about 6.30pm on December 3.


The fourth charge involved non-physical sexual assault on a 12-year-old girl at a playground in Taman Jasmin Indah at 5.54pm on November 25.

Azizzuan, a factory operator, was charged under Sections 14(a) and 15(a)(i) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which carry jail terms of up to 20 years and 10 years respectively, whipping, and/or fines upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni told the court that bail would not be granted due to the seriousness of the offences, noting the risk of the accused continuing his crimes or harassing the victims.


The accused, unrepresented in court, requested a lower bail, citing remorse and his responsibilities to his children and sick mother.

Judge N. Kanageswari rejected the bail application, describing the offences as serious, and set December 16 for sentencing.


***


Frigging JAKIM not doing its job, should be dismantled. Police, this is what you should be looking out for, not women with short skirts, tahu kah?


Calls to abolish preventive laws should be rejected: Ayob Khan





Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said calls to abolish preventive laws such as the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) should be rejected. - Bernama file pic, December 10, 2025
NEWS


Calls to abolish preventive laws should be rejected: Ayob Khan


The Deputy IG has urged the public to reject proposals to scrap preventive laws like the ISA and Sosma, stressing that national security must be balanced with human rights



T. Vignesh
Updated 7 seconds ago
10 December, 2025
1:01 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR — Calls to abolish preventive laws such as the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) should be rejected, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.

He emphasised that while human rights are important, they must not overshadow the need to maintain national peace and security, according to a media report today.

“Do not become so focused on human rights that national security is sidelined. Do not regret it after large-scale terrorist attacks, as has happened in neighbouring countries and internationally.

“The terrorist attacks that were successfully foiled by the Special Branch happened because Malaysia had the ISA at the time. Regret is of no use after attacks occur and innocent lives are lost,” he wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.

Ayob Khan’s statement coincided with the 24th anniversary of a major Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch operation against the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) group on December 9, 2001.

The operation uncovered a militant network linked to Al-Qaeda that had planned attacks across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. The Special Branch had been monitoring JI activities since the early 2000s, including individuals such as Abu Zulfa and Riduan Hisamudin, also known as Hambali, who were associated with Al-Qaeda.

The thwarted attacks included planned strikes on Singapore’s Woodland Immigration Centre, Bukit Aman police headquarters, entertainment centres in the Klang Valley, and foreign embassies.

Ayob Khan highlighted that preventive laws have proven effective in countering terrorist threats. He noted that several other countries, including Singapore, Brunei, the United States, Indonesia, India, and Australia, also maintain similar legislation.

“Malaysia is fortunate to have Special Branch officers and personnel who serve with full dedication. Their success has earned international recognition,” he added. – December 10, 2025

State rights must not overshadow national unity, says Selangor Sultan

 





State rights must not overshadow national unity, says Selangor Sultan



Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is interviewed by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai in conjunction with the Sultan’s 80th birthday, Kuala Lumpur, December 10, 2025. — Bernama pic

Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025 3:22 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed concern over the practice of certain states amplifying state rights, saying there must be an awareness of the broader national interest.

The Sultan of Selangor said the principles of state sovereignty and local self-governance were fundamental for any state, but “they must not go overboard.”

“It is essential that states exercise their rights with an awareness of the broader national interest.

“The strength of the nation depends not only on the autonomy of its individual states but also on the cohesion and stability of the union as a whole,” His Royal Highness said.


The Ruler, however, declined to name the states when asked by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, during an interview conducted in conjunction with his 80th birthday.

His Royal Highness said his ancestors had formally ceded Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government in nineteen seventy-four, making it Malaysia’s first Federal Territory, “and Selangor had to move its capital to Shah Alam.”

“Then, in nineteen ninety-five, Selangor had to hand over Putrajaya to the Federal Government through an agreement, although it only took effect in two thousand one,” he added.


Sultan Sharafuddin said both the old and current Istana Negara were originally part of Selangor, with the old mansion, known as Istana Selangor, being handed over to the Federal Government upon Malaysia’s independence and converted into the first Istana Negara.

The land on which the current Istana Negara stands, covering nearly 250 acres (over 101 hectares), also originally belonged to Selangor, the Ruler added.

“Yes, we all understand that state pride is important but we must not forget that we all belong to one big Malaysian family. Sacrifices must be made for national interests.

“The interests of Malaysia must always come first. There is no point shouting about state rights and identity if the country suffers in the long run.

“My father sacrificed by giving parts of Selangor, namely Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, to the Federal Government for the development of the nation. So when sentiments of regionalism arise, it is profoundly disheartening,” His Royal Highness said.

His Royal Highness said his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, put a stop to a plan by certain groups who wanted to organise a ‘Malam Anak-Anak Selangor’ when Kuala Lumpur was ceded to the Federal Government.

“Selangor has always been a progressive state because of our openness. It is the home not just of people born in Selangor but also of those from other states who have made Selangor their home.

“As a result, Selangor has benefited from these talented and skilled people who have migrated to the state,” Sultan Sharafuddin said, adding that Selangor has also not imposed “restrictive laws on land ownership for people not born in Selangor or non-Muslims except in Malay reserve land.’’

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — His Royal Highness also said that there was nothing in the State Constitution to forbid anyone not born in Selangor from becoming a Menteri Besar.

When states push their authority to extremes, it will jeopardise collective national interests and security or weaken the shared economic and social framework, the Ruler added.

Sultan Sharafuddin called for a healthy balance that takes into account state rights and local needs, while considering how their decisions could affect neighbouring states and the nation’s long-term well-being.

“Let’s have a sense of shared responsibility with a common purpose that enables the country to thrive,” His Royal Highness said, pointing out that Selangor has been the largest contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the past decade.

Sultan Sharafuddin said Selangor’s GDP growth rate has been consistently above the country’s, “although we don’t produce oil,” and that its two thousand twenty-four GDP per capita income of RM65,907 was above the World Bank’s high-income threshold of US$13,845 (RM56,971). — Bernama


***


DEI FEI-LO, GOT THAT? WAKAKAKA


Put the sprint coach on the first flight home


FMT:

Put the sprint coach on the first flight home




6 hours ago

Frankie D'Cruz


A teen sprinter was told to fake an injury so a slower teammate could take his place. Why is the coach who orchestrated it still at the SEA Games?




Malaysia entered the SEA Games in Bangkok with the usual expectations — discipline, integrity and faith in those guiding our athletes.

Instead, among the national contingent stands a coach accused of the unthinkable: telling an 18-year-old to lie, fabricate an injury and step aside for a slower senior sprinter.

That man is now in the games village, credentialled by Malaysia, surrounded by young athletes who rely on their coaches for trust, guidance and safety.

A figure facing allegations of coercion, document distortion, retaliation and abuse of authority should not be there.

Not for another hour. Not for another race. Not for another team meeting.

He should be on the first flight home.

Because a coach who allegedly tells a teenager to lie — in writing, step by step — is not just a threat to one athlete’s career.

He is a risk to every athlete under his influence, and to the integrity of the sport itself.


And this case, backed by WhatsApp messages, medical records and a formal letter from the family, is not a “miscommunication”.

Not a personality clash. Not a quibble over selection criteria.

It is a clear breach of authority, involving pressure on a minor, manipulation of information, intimidation and interference in selection — conduct Malaysian sport cannot tolerate.

The question is not whether the coach is guilty; that will be determined by due process.


The question is why he remains with the national team in Bangkok while that process unfolds.

Under global SafeSport standards in the UK, US and Australia, any allegation involving pressure on a minor, misuse of medical information, intimidation or behaviour affecting selection triggers immediate suspension pending inquiry.

Not “monitoring”. Not “waiting for the panel to meet”.

Immediate removal from athlete environments to prevent influence, tampering or repeat behaviour.

Malaysia’s decision to leave him in place, overseeing athletes, some minors, all vulnerable, is a failure of safeguarding.

Athletes in a games village are isolated from their families, dependent on coaches for daily decisions, and often afraid to speak.

It is the very environment where pressure can thrive if unchecked.

A coach under investigation for instructing a teenager to lie should not be mentoring or monitoring anyone.

This is not harsh. This is standard. And right now, Malaysia is falling below standard.

A sport with no guardrails

The case of Danish Irfan Tamrin exposes a deeper structural failure long whispered within athletics: coaches have disproportionate control over selection, with weak checks and no independent oversight.

Danish, one of the season’s top four sprinters with 10.61s, had every reason to expect fair SEA Games consideration.

He had results, momentum and consistency. What removed him was not performance — it was pressure.

The WhatsApp messages show the coach dictating a withdrawal letter, telling the teenager exactly what to write and asking him to cite “back pain” despite no diagnosis.

Danish’s response, “Write what, coach?”, should chill anyone familiar with athlete–coach power dynamics.

It is the voice of a boy who feels he has no choice.

When athletes comply not because they trust but because they fear consequences, the system is not a talent pathway; it is a pressure chamber.

The ISN contradiction reveals a wider institutional weakness

One of the most alarming elements is how the medical system was drawn into the saga.

Danish underwent a full assessment at the National Sports Institute (ISN). The result was unequivocal: he was fit to compete.

Fit — directly contradicting the withdrawal letter he had been told to submit.

This raises a fundamental question: what happens when athletes are instructed to “act injured” before seeing ISN?

It undermines the integrity of one of Malaysia’s key high-performance institutions.

Medical appraisals must reflect reality, not the agenda of coaches seeking to sway selection.

Once medical information becomes a tool, the entire sports-science ecosystem stands compromised.

A shadow over meritocracy

That the SEA Games 4x100m spot went to a senior sprinter with slower season times is not the issue — selectors may weigh experience, past form and relay chemistry.

The issue is if that place was safeguarded by forcing a younger, faster athlete to withdraw through deceit.

That crosses the line from discretion into manipulation, a serious breach internationally.

Meritocracy cannot survive if athletes believe places are predetermined by relationships rather than performances.

And when a coach manipulates the process, he does more than rob one athlete; he weakens the country’s best possible team.

Then comes the allegation of blacklisting.

When Danish’s family heard from a third party that the coach allegedly said, “Maybe after this, Danish will be blacklisted,” it confirmed their worst fear: that refusing to comply or speaking up could end their son’s path.

Whether the remark was real, exaggerated or misheard is not the point. The point is that athletes believe blacklisting is possible.

That belief alone is a systemic red flag. When careers depend on silence, wrongdoing multiplies.

What Malaysia must do — now

Malaysia Athletics has said its disciplinary committee will investigate, but that is the wrong starting point.

This requires an independent selection review by a panel with no ties to the national body.

The wider ecosystem must also respond:

  • Suspend the coach immediately. This is not punitive; it is protective.
  • Guarantee Danish immunity from retaliation. Put it in writing — publicly.
  • Clarify ISN’s independence. Medical integrity must not be traded away.
  • Establish a real SafeSport mechanism. Athlete welfare cannot be managed by ad-hoc committees and silence.

If the WhatsApp messages are authenticated and the pressure proven, consequences should follow international precedent:

  • revocation of coaching licence,
  • multi-year ban,
  • prohibition from working with youth athletes,
  • and, if blacklisting threats are verified, a lifetime ban.

This is the standard Malaysia should uphold. It is a referendum on how seriously we take athlete welfare.

A country cannot aspire to be a sporting nation while tolerating behaviour that corrodes trust in its pathways.

Put the coach on the first flight home, and fix the sport so no Malaysian athlete ever feels this fear again.


***


Hannah, jangan tidur OK?


Over half a million evacuated in Cambodia, Thailand during border clashes


FMT:

Over half a million evacuated in Cambodia, Thailand during border clashes


Thailand's defence ministry said it wants to prevent a recurrence of the attacks on civilians suffered in July


Thai evacuees who fled from their homes following clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops rest at an evacuation center. (EPA Images pic)


BANGKOK: More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia since the start of a reignited border conflict, both governments said on Wednesday, surpassing the total number evacuated during similar clashes earlier this year.

“Civilians have had to evacuate in large numbers due to what we assessed as an imminent threat to their safety. More than 400,000 people have been moved to safe shelters” across seven provinces, Thai defence ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri told reporters at a news conference.

“We want to prevent a recurrence of the attacks on civilians we suffered in July 2025.”

In Cambodia, “101,229 people have been evacuated to safe shelters and relatives’ homes in five provinces,” as of Tuesday evening, defence ministry spokesman Maly Socheata told reporters.

The Southeast Asian neighbours dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km frontier, where competing claims to historic temples have spilled over into armed conflict.

This week’s clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens and displaced around 300,000 on both sides of the border before a shaky truce was agreed, following intervention by US President Donald Trump.

Both sides blame each other for instigating the renewed fighting, which on Tuesday expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, according to an AFP tally of official accounts.


Cambodia pull out of SEA Games in Thailand


FMT:

Cambodia pull out of SEA Games in Thailand


Cambodia's exit comes as a border conflict with hosts Thailand escalated and forced a mass exodus of civilians from both sides of the disputed frontier


Cambodia had already pulled out of eight sports at the Thailand-hosted games citing ‘safety’ concerns.



BANGKOK: Cambodia withdrew on Wednesday from the Southeast Asian Games, a Games official said, as a border conflict with hosts Thailand escalated and forced a mass exodus of civilians from both sides of the disputed frontier.

At least 11 soldiers and civilians have been killed on both sides, according to officials, as renewed hostilities derailed a US-brokered truce.

Cambodia had already pulled out of eight sports at the Thailand-hosted games, with its National Olympic Committee chief Vath Chamroeun citing “safety” concerns.


But Akarin Hiranprueck, a SEA Games senior official, said Wednesday that Cambodia would no longer participate at all: “It is confirmed that Cambodia withdrew,” he told AFP.

The SEA Games run until Dec 20 in Bangkok and the nearby coastal province of Chonburi, with thousands of athletes from southeast Asian countries competing in events ranging from football and fencing to skateboarding, sailing and combat sports.

But renewed combat this week between Thailand and Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute has overshadowed the SEA Games.

There was tightened security at Tuesday’s opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok attended by Thai royals and featuring Thai K-pop idol BamBam. A small delegation from Cambodia took part in the athletes’ parade.

This week’s clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens before a shaky truce was agreed, in large part owing to intervention by US President Donald Trump.

Both sides blame each other for sparking the renewed clashes, which on Tuesday expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, according to an AFP tally of official accounts.

More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia since the start of a reignited border conflict, both governments said on Wednesday, surpassing the total number evacuated during similar clashes earlier this year.

The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia centres on a century-old disagreement over borders mapped during France’s colonial rule in the region, with both sides claiming a smattering of boundary temples.