Tuesday, December 09, 2025

The stakes are high as Anwar faces make-or-break Cabinet decisions




The stakes are high as Anwar faces make-or-break Cabinet decisions


Over the next two years, Malaysia will move through four major polls - the Melaka, Johor and Sarawak state elections, culminating in the 17th General Election. A weak Cabinet now could cost the Prime Minister dearly later.



LIKE SERIOUSLY
By TASNIM LOKMAN

02 Dec 2025 03:54pm








AS Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim prepares to unveil a long-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle, this may be the last and most consequential lineup before the country enters a punishing election cycle - one that could determine whether Anwar secures a second term or sees his premiership comes to an end.. Illustration by Nurain Sofia



AS Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim prepares to unveil a long-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle, this may be the last and most consequential lineup before the country enters a punishing election cycle - one that could determine whether Anwar secures a second term or sees his premiership comes to an end.

Fresh from the Sabah State Polls, the challenges are clear. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah maintained its dominance, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) faced a harsh reality: only one seat out of 22 contested was won, with PKR taking the solitary victory. For Anwar, who wears both the hats of PKR president and PH chairman, the results serve as a stark reminder that political survival will depend on strong leadership, strategic appointments and the ability to inspire confidence among voters.

Over the next two years, Malaysia will move through four major polls - the Melaka, Johor and Sarawak state elections, culminating in the 17th General Election (GE17). A weak Cabinet now could cost Anwar dearly later.

Political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said Anwar must treat this reshuffle as a strategic reset to restore public confidence, especially at a time when Malaysians have been increasingly frustrated with the rising cost of living and questioning the government’s direction.

“This reshuffle must strengthen the perception that the government is functioning effectively particularly on economic management, cost of living and governance.

“Bringing in technocratic expertise is important," she said.

The International Islamic University lecturer emphasised that political legitimacy was a key ingredient Anwar cannot ignore.

“For me, it is important for him to appoint individuals with an electoral mandate. Ministers who are MPs carry more political legitimacy," she said, adding that appointing new senators, especially high-profile, names simply for the sake of filling seats could backfire among voters seeking leaders who understand the ground.


Related Articles:

New role for Tengku Zafrul to be announced on Dec 3, says Anwar


But while the public may want more elected representatives in Cabinet, the reality was far more complicated.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said Anwar was constrained by a limited pool of suitable candidates within the unity government’s ranks.

"The problem is he doesn’t have many competent and presentable choices within the ranks of MPs who currently support him or are viewed favourably by him,” he said.

This, he said, leaves Anwar with an uncomfortable alternative: tapping into the corporate and professional sectors to appoint technocrats as senators - a move that may bolster administrative performance, but risks weakening the message that elected representatives were capable of serving the people.

“It doesn’t give the sense that ‘your representative can serve you’, especially going into election season,” Oh cautioned.

He added that several current ministers have already drawn criticism for being “not presentable” and that the Prime Minister must avoid repeating such mistakes at a time when the government has been trying to win hearts and minds.

Apart from public perception and competence, Anwar must also maintain political equilibrium within the diverse unity government.

With Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s exit, Barisan Nasional is left with only one ministerial portfolio - a potentially sensitive situation. Any reshuffle that upsets the coalition’s equilibrium risks internal dissatisfaction.

Syaza said in a government built on compromise, every portfolio carries symbolic weight thus why Anwar must therefore juggle public expectations, technocratic needs and coalition sensitivities - all while projecting stability ahead of a string of elections.

Given the shortage of suitable candidates, Oh suggested that Anwar might consider consolidating certain ministries altogether.

"Right now, some ministers are already holding additional portfolios due to the vacancies. Merging ministries could reduce political pressure while maintaining continuity," he said.

With Malaysians struggling with economic pressure and public dissatisfaction simmering, this reshuffle may be Anwar’s last chance to demonstrate that his administration can deliver.

A strong Cabinet could help stabilise his leadership going into GE17.

A weak or uninspired one may deepen the narrative that Anwar has yet to make good on his promises.

Like seriously, what Anwar unveils in the coming days may very well shape his political fate.


“MCA’s presidency succession plan, imploding leadership crisis more threatening than leaving BN”





“MCA’s presidency succession plan, imploding leadership crisis more threatening than leaving BN”


By Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker
1 hour ago






I HAVE just been asked by ASTRO to comment on UMNO supreme council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi stating that the so-called Barisan Nasional (BN) big brother will continue to working with DAP in the next general election.


The Johor state assembly speaker went on to remark that MCA can leave BN if it so wishes to which I dismissed as premature and should first be discussed within the BN framework.


However, what is more impending and immediate is MCA continuing relevance as the largest political party representing the Chinese in name and in constitution.



In this context, the more immediate question that the party needs to look at is MCA’s leadership succession plan post the presidency of Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Is there a succession plan or even an election plan in place?


MCA has always been wrecked and destroyed by leadership crisis.

Tun Ling Liong Sik used to say the “fish starts to rot from the head”. From the years of Datuk Dr Neo Yee Pan–Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Swan crisis to Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek-Liong Sik and the Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat-Tan Sri Chua Soi Lek party leadership crisis, MCA has suffered irreparable damage in its repute and standing amongst the community.

Lacking transparency

Those episodes have always paralysed the party and paved the road to MCA’s electoral collapse when the people are tired of our infighting. These critical lessons must not be ignored if we have the welfare and interest of the party at heart.

With the tenure of party head honcho Wee being less than two years left, the leadership succession and transition planning is no longer an option – it is now a compelling duty.

We can no longer wear shades as the future for MCA is already dark.





The MCA president’s chair is very powerful and influential. The more than 2,000 central delegates are also very powerful and empowered to remove or retain the president by the constitutional process.

Their support has always been sought after by all leaders in every leadership crisis. We cannot ignore them during an AGM especially for an issue that is as compelling and immediate as the change of guards and essential need for leadership continuity.

The lingering question is why are we not being transparent? Why are we putting on political shades and making the constitutionally provided smooth leadership transition from the president to his deputy a political intrigue?

The delegates are already talking of the next president and are already positioning themselves. Some have already aligned themselves.

Destruction from within

I have witnessed MCA being destroyed and wrecked back in the 1980’s when I was invited to attend the “Save MCA” forum in Genting Highlands and the many other political forums at the MPPJ civic hall, etc.

I do not fathom another power struggle from within the party because the out-going president will choose the new president “to be elected” instead of following the natural constitutionally provided ascension whereby the deputy assumed the presidency if it is being vacated.


MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong


To talk about open contests without anchoring the party stability is to invite another internal crisis and another open warfare. This is not in the interest of the party and is highly irresponsible and uncalled for.

The constitution has already expressly provided for the orderly succession through the deputy president if the president’s chair is vacated.

MCA and its leaders should be positioned to fight for its survival by a succession plan instead of being pitted to fight itself again by an “orchestrated election” or fast tracked to derail or deprive someone of an opportunity to lead the party.

We do not want to see the party being divided into camps via “the President’s Men” and “the Non-President’s Men” or Team A versus Team B as before. – Dec 9, 2025



Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker was a former MCA vice-president and ex-youth and sports deputy minister.

Japanese PM denounced in Malaysia for visiting cemetery to commemorate WWII Japanese soldiers and ignoring war atrocity



Japanese PM denounced in Malaysia for visiting cemetery to commemorate WWII Japanese soldiers and ignoring war atrocity


By Global Times
Published: Nov 22, 2025 01:25 PM




Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits the Kuala Lumpur Japanese Cemetery to offer flowers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26, 2025, drawing widespread criticism for neglecting the acts of aggression and atrocities committed by the Japanese military during World War II in Malaysia. Photo: VCGDuring her visit to Malaysia in late October this year to attend the ASEAN Summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the Japanese Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur where Japanese soldiers in World War II were buried, and laid flowers at the Memorial Monument, which is to commemorate the Japanese soldiers. However, she made no mention of the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during its invasion of Malaysia, which sparked strong criticism in Malaysia, according to recent reports by media in Malaysia.


Takaichi visited the Japanese Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 as part of her first international trip since taking office, during the ASEAN Summit, Malay Mail reported.

Takaichi, after visiting, wrote in Japanese on social media platform X that she was able to "commemorate our ancestors who lost their lives in Malaysia," and felt "deeply moved" by the experience.

In the post and from her remarks, Takaichi neglected the acts of aggression and atrocities committed by the Japanese military during World War II in Malaysia, and it led to strong condemnation from Malaysia, despite that Japan's Foreign Ministry claimed that Takaichi's visit to the Japanese Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur was not a specific tribute to soldiers of the former Imperial Japanese Army.

The report said social media users were quick to question Takaichi's actions, calling them ironic, as many soldiers and civilians were killed resisting Japan's invasion of Malaya in 1941.

The report quoted a user by the name "Lucas The Black Walla", saying that honoring Japanese soldiers without acknowledging the atrocities they committed in Malaya was profoundly offensive.

Another user, who went by the name "Malaysian IGOT7", also wrote: "Have you as a country, ever publicly apologized for the invasion and occupation of Malaya, while inflicting sufferings and trauma to the people which some still carry to this very day(?)"

Takaichi's actions have also sparked strong opposition from Malaysian scholars. They criticized the Japanese prime minister for choosing to pay tribute to the perpetrators in the face of history, undoubtedly hurting the sentiments of war victims and their descendants, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Such words and deeds that deviate from historical facts are highly inappropriate, Xinhua reported, citing Malaysian scholars.

Danny Wong Tze Ken, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Malaya, said that Takaichi holds an extremely conservative historical revisionist stance regarding the atrocities committed by the Japanese military in Asia during WWII, even overturning the historical recognition previously upheld by multiple Japanese leaders. "This is entirely unacceptable," he said.

Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at Taylor's University in Malaysia, said that "we see historical revisionism and attempts to deny historical truths as extremely dangerous." Roknifard added that it is deeply regrettable that Japan's political leadership is attempting to repackage and distort the history of WWII, Xinhua reported.

During Japan's invasion and occupation of Malaya from 1941 to 1945, the Japanese Army carried out numerous acts of brutality against civilians, per the Star.

Among them were executions, rape and forced labor, especially targeting communities suspected of aiding anti-Japanese movements, according to the report.


***


Chinese Malaysians can never forgive those evil Japs for their uncivilised inhuman brutalities committed during WWII




Protection of bribe takers the real scandal










Protection of bribe takers the real scandal


Published: Dec 9, 2025 8:06 AM
Updated: 11:06 AM




YOURSAY | ‘This isn’t about glorifying anyone, it’s about a system shielding the powerful.’

Anwar perturbed by trend of 'glorifying' bribe givers




Cogito Ergo Sum: Who is “glorifying” bribe givers? Please let us know so that we can identify them and shame them. If you are referring to businessperson Albert Tei, he has admitted to giving bribes and has the evidence to prove it.

He has admitted to being a bribe-giver. But why are we ignoring the bribe takers and protecting them? Their actions cause far greater damage than the giver.

Going after the person who dared to make a report against the bribe taker is not right, even in a warped world.

GP2025: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, you should instead address the rampant corruption in the civil service, where payments are demanded to push various levels of approval for projects and infrastructure developments.

Bribe givers in this case have no choice but to comply to get the work done.

You are referring to an isolated case where both the giver and taker are at fault. However, the giver has provided evidence of major involvement in the mining scandal, yet it appears to be treated lightly.

This should be your focus: to push for an investigation and ensure appropriate action is taken. Making statements like this is not in the best interest of your leadership.

Knucklehead: Anwar talks about “glorifying bribe givers”, but the real scandal is the protection of bribe receivers.

MACC, under chief commissioner Azam Baki, has perfected the art of sleeping through accountability. Instead of chasing the politicians who pocketed the money, they twist the narrative to demonise the one exposing the rot.

This isn’t about glorifying anyone; it’s about a system shielding the powerful while punishing the whistleblower.

YellowFalcon7173: The prime minister has failed to appreciate the following:

1. Anyone who wants to do business in this country is "forced" to bribe their way. This is the culture, especially when it involves government or state contracts.

2. These people must give so much just to earn a living.

We applaud Tei not for what he has done, but for his bravery in exposing alleged corruption in East Malaysia, including from your own political secretary right under your nose. Many choose not to speak up for fear of repercussions.

So, the prime minister needs to understand that before claiming that people who give bribes are glorified. His statement is pure nonsense.

Apanama is Back: Yes, the receiver should be glorified with mercy and compassion, with house arrest in a special case.

Eight receivers were elected again in one state election. With these people, you will be the prime minister. I assume you mean the receiver should be glorified, since their support is crucial to you.

Well done on your high-integrity speech.

The giver will give, but the receiver can refuse. Why does the receiver take it and later “buat bodoh” (act innocent)?

A Little Bit Crazy: The prime minister has a very strange logic. We don’t glorify Tei, but we don’t agree with MACC’s selective arrests, such as sending in a squad to arrest him. It looked like MACC was trying to scare bribe givers so they would be afraid to go public.

If the same squad members were sent to arrest Sabah assemblypersons and your political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, then we would understand MACC’s stance.

Please stay in Malaysia and handle internal affairs first. Many of your ministers are out of touch, too, always implementing policies that bring no benefit to the public.

CH Y: If you look at the factual sequence, Tei is a person who is equally complicit in the bribery case.

He allegedly bribed many different politicians in Sabah to corner prospecting mineral licences instead of having a competitive business plan accepted as the best in the state. Secretly taping them for blackmail?

Then, allegedly after not making headway in Sabah, he turned to Putrajaya to corrupt further middle-rung political operatives. All the while, he had no solid business plan to back up his requests.

Tei, you reap what you sow. He will turn around and accuse anyone to get publicity when his 300 pages of proof consist of inconclusive WhatsApp messages, throwing donations like a blind fool to curry favour.

You want to give, knowing a politician’s word verbally is not worth anything but an election pledge. It is your folly, Tei.

TM My Foot: “Not only that, but we now also have a trend, a trend to deify and glorify bribe givers. I think it is very disturbing. Because this will not be able to lift our state and country.”

When were you ever interested in lifting Malaysia out of its corruptive ways? The state has been very selective when it comes to charging those aligned with it, while being heavy-handed when it comes to others.

This is called discrimination. We see it in every state institution while the government is pretending to lament why this, and why that.

The state doesn’t need enemies because it will ruin itself eventually at the expense of every Malaysian.

While some are still sleeping and led by their nose rings, some are aware that in the long run, Malaysia is doomed, and will turn into another Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh or even Afghanistan.

All the signs are there.


China’s Li says tariff consequences increasingly evident


FMT:

China’s Li says tariff consequences increasingly evident


Without mentioning Donald Trump in his speech, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the mutually destructive effects of tariffs became increasingly evident in 2025


Chinese Premier Li Qiang participates in a meeting with global economic leaders in Beijing. (EPA Images pic)



BEIJING: China’s Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday the “mutually destructive consequences of tariffs have become increasingly evident” over 2025, in remarks at a “1+10 Dialogue” including the heads of the IMF, World Trade Organization and World Bank.

Without naming US President Donald Trump, China’s second-highest-ranking official told the meeting in Beijing that greater effort was needed to reform global economic governance due to the trade barriers.

China’s trade surplus topped US$1 trillion for the first time in November, trade data showed on Monday, which economists say is linked to Trump’s tariffs diverting shipments from the world’s second-largest economy to other markets, putting pressure on manufacturing sectors in those economies.


“Since the beginning of the year, the threat of tariffs has loomed over the global economy,” Li told the meeting, which also includes senior officials from the OECD and International Labour Organization.

Li also said artificial intelligence is becoming central to trade, highlighting models such as China’s DeepSeek as drivers of the global transformation of traditional industries and as catalysts for growth in new sectors, including smart robots and wearable devices.

Adhere to dress code when lodging police reports, says Melaka top cop


FMT:

Adhere to dress code when lodging police reports, says Melaka top cop


Dzulkhairi Mukhtar says exceptions to the dress code are allowed in emergencies or cases requiring immediate police action


Melaka police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the dress code is part of wider government guidelines to enhance customer service at public sector counters. (Bernama pic)



PETALING JAYA: Police in Melaka have reminded the public to adhere to official dress code guidelines when visiting any complaint counters.

State police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the guidelines were outlined in a circular issued by the chief secretary, aimed at improving customer relations across public sector agencies.

“However, exceptions will be made for emergencies or situations requiring immediate police intervention,” he said in a statement today.


Dzulkhairi’s remarks follow reports that a woman was denied entry to a Jasin police headquarters yesterday as her attire was deemed unsuitable for government premises. She was allegedly wearing a skirt slightly above the knee.

He said the incident occurred at around 5pm, when two women arrived to lodge a report on a road accident.



“The officer at the entrance asked one of the women to return home to change into clothing that complied with the official dress code, as neither woman had sustained injuries in the accident.

“Investigations found that by 5.40pm, the woman had returned to the police headquarters with her mother, dressed more modestly, and she was allowed to enter and lodge the police report,” Dzulkhairi said.


***


Frigg-up priority - despicable public servants


Sabah DAP denies asking Hajiji for GLC positions


FMT:

Sabah DAP denies asking Hajiji for GLC positions


Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe says the purported letter does not bear his signature or official stamp


DAP lost all eight seats it contested at the Sabah state election on Nov 29. (File pic)



PETALING JAYA: Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe has denied claims that he wrote to Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor proposing that party leaders be appointed to positions at GLCs in Sabah.

A letter purportedly sent to Hajiji from Phoong’s office, suggesting the appointment of chairman, deputy chairman, or board members for GLCs in Sabah, earlier went viral on social media.

In a statement today, Phoong said the purported letter did not bear his signature or official stamp.


“During a meeting last Sunday, Sabah DAP once again reaffirmed that it does not want to join the state government.

“As I have stated before, Sabah DAP will return to the people, serving them step by step to restore public trust.”


Last week, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the party had received “a strong and unmistakable message” from voters after being wiped out in the Nov 29 polls, losing all eight seats it contested.

The six seats previously held by the party – Likas, Kapayan, Elopura, Luyang, Tanjong Papat and Sri Tanjong – were won by Warisan.

Loke also said Sabah DAP had informed the party’s central executive committee of its decision not to take up positions in the state government, including appointed assembly seats.

Playing with his MAGA gun, Trump shot America in the foot, wakakaka





Trump announces US$12b aid package to support US farmers hit by trade and tariff fallout



(L-R) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent, Cordt Holub of NuTech Seed, US President Donald Trump, Meryl Kennedy, CEO of 4Sisters Rice, and US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attend a roundtable on aid for farmers in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 8, 2025.— AFP pic

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 10:32 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, Dec 9 — US President Donald Trump announced a US$12 billion aid package for American farmers yesterday, targeting a key support base that has been hit by the fallout from his trade and tariff policies.

The Republican said he was taking “very vital action to protect and defend American farmers,” during a roundtable with agricultural producers at the White House.

Trump has faced mounting pressure to help farmers, whose support helped win him a second term in office but who have been battered by the impact of his sweeping tariffs.

Since Trump’s return in January, many US farmers have been hit by factors including retaliatory measures from trading partners and tariffs on imported goods used in farming.


“We love our farmers, and as you know the farmers like me,” Trump said during the roundtable.

Trump said the $12 billion in aid for farmers would be funded by a “relatively small portion” of the revenue from tariffs.

Most of the bailout involves one-off payments to crop farmers.


Washington’s trade row this year with superpower rival Beijing saw soybean exports plunge and Chinese buyers holding off new orders from the US autumn harvest.

Amid the lower demand, soybean prices fell as well, hitting the sector hard, although a recent trade truce sought to ensure renewed Chinese purchases of agriculture goods ranging from soybeans to sorghum.

Trump said he believed Chinese President Xi Jinping would do “even more than he promised to do” on soybeans, following their recent meeting at a summit in South Korea.

Affordability problem

The US president repeatedly blamed former president Joe Biden for the problems faced by American farmers.

But the situation has echoes of Trump’s first presidency, when retaliatory tariffs caused over $27 billion in US agriculture export losses from 2018 to 2019.

The government, in turn, provided $23 billion to assist farmers hit by trade disputes at the time.

Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the government was releasing an initial $11 billion for crops and would hold back another $1 billion for where it was needed most.

Trump has also recently vowed to support US cattle farmers as beef prices surged in part due to a tighter supply of herds.

Costs had risen for various reasons including drought and lower imports from Mexico due to a pest in herds there, adding to cost-of-living pressures that American households are facing.

Trump’s farm aid announcement came amid mounting dissatisfaction with his economic policies, particularly over tariffs and the cost of living.

The 79-year-old will hit the road in coming months to push his economic agenda, starting with a speech in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

Trump appeared to soften his message a little on Monday, acknowledging an affordability “problem” after repeatedly dismissing it in recent weeks as a “hoax” and a “con job” by rival Democrats.

“The Democrats caused the affordability problem and we’re fixing it,” he said. — AFP

Trump warns of Europe’s ‘very bad’ trajectory following new security strategy





Trump warns of Europe’s ‘very bad’ trajectory following new security strategy



Trump hit out at a “nasty” US$140 million fine by the European Union against tech tycoon Elon Musk’s X social network—while admitting he didn’t know much about it—before widening his attack. — Reuters pic

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 10:12 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, Dec 9 — US President Donald Trump warned yesterday that Europe was heading in “very bad directions,” in a fresh broadside just days after his new security strategy slammed the continent over mass migration.

Trump hit out at a “nasty” US$140 million fine by the European Union against tech tycoon Elon Musk’s X social network—while admitting he didn’t know much about it—before widening his attack.


“Look, Europe has to be very careful. (They’re) doing a lot of things. We want to keep Europe Europe,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

“Europe is going in some bad directions. It’s very bad, very bad for the people. We don’t want Europe to change so much. They’re going in some very bad directions.”


The Republican’s comments follow criticism in the new US national security strategy released last week of Europe as being over-regulated and facing “civilizational erasure” from migration.



In extraordinary language aimed at close allies, the strategy said Trump’s administration would be “cultivating resistance to Europe’s current trajectory within European nations.”

Trump and the Europeans are also increasingly at odds over US plans to end the war in Ukraine, with fears in Europe that Washington aims to force Kyiv into surrendering land to Russia.


The Kremlin welcomed the changes to Trump’s strategy, saying on Saturday it was “largely consistent” with Russia’s vision.

Trump’s position towards Europe echoes that of Musk, the president’s former ally, who has repeatedly aired inflammatory claims about migration in the EU.

Musk said after X was fined for breaking the EU’s digital rules that the bloc should be “abolished.” Brussels dismissed his statements as “completely crazy.”

When asked about the fine, Trump said that “I don’t think it’s right” before clarifying that “Elon has not called me to ask for help on that one” and saying he would get more details later. — AFP

UMNO veep says MCA remains in BN, affirms ‘strong’ ties between parties



theVibes.com:

UMNO veep says MCA remains in BN, affirms ‘strong’ ties between parties



Johari Abdul Ghani stresses coalition unity despite MCA’s warning over future electoral cooperation

Updated 18 hours ago · Published on 08 Dec 2025 4:22PM


Each political party has its own internal considerations, and any decision on its direction must arise from its own organisational deliberations - December 8, 2025



UMNO Vice-President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has affirmed that MCA remains a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN), insisting that relations between the two long-standing partners are intact and cordial.


Johari, who also serves as Minister of Plantation and Commodities, said each political party has its own internal considerations, and any decision on its direction must arise from its own organisational deliberations.

“As of today, I see that MCA is still with BN. We must accept the reality that it is difficult for any country to have a political party that holds absolute power. Therefore, what we must do is adapt,” he told reporters after officiating the 100th Anniversary of Rubber Research celebrations.

“However, the relationship between BN and MCA is very close — more than 50 years,” he added.

His remarks come after MCA stated it would reassess its strategic position within BN should UMNO enter into a formal, exclusive partnership with DAP for the 16th General Election (PRU16).

Johari’s comments underscore UMNO’s intention to maintain coalition stability ahead of the next national polls, even as intra-coalition tensions surface over potential electoral alliances. - December 8, 2025


***


Puad said F.O to MCA but Johari whispered Kamcheng still strong. What does Zahidi say?


DAP should get out of the trap of appeasement politics











M Manoharan
Published: Dec 8, 2025 12:20 PM
Updated: 3:20 PM




LETTER | For some time now, we have been informing the party about the erosion of Indian support for DAP/Pakatan Harapan.

It is not that the party does not know why Indian support has eroded significantly. The party kept quiet, remaining in a state of denial. It took the loss of eight state seats in Sabah to suddenly realise that we are in trouble even with Chinese support.

We were told that the party is working within Harapan’s internal machinery to resolve issues. Whatever is being done is not working; that is the plain truth.

Looking at Indian support, how do we regain lost ground when we continuously disregard issues like Kampung Papan and Batu Caves Indian settlement housing issues in Selangor?

Indian leaders in DAP, especially the elected representatives, need to meet up immediately (and please unite for this cause) and come up with a list of must-do things in the next three months.

If the elected representatives can’t do this, then I call upon the party leadership to set up a high-level committee comprising some Indian leaders to put up a to-do list and submit it to the secretary-general/central executive committee.

The party should also come up with a similar strategy for the lost Chinese ground.

I am telling the party, in fact, warning the party, that we cannot be complacent anymore and keep giving excuses (though I concede that some of the reasons/excuses may have grounds).

All my Chinese clients were DAP supporters, but now they do not support us anymore.

This is a small example, but I think this is true across the board in the country. Please act and act now before it is too late.

Besides that, it is no longer tenable for the party to agree with the prime minister to continuously woo Malay votes when they are not coming. So let us not lose the bird in the hand for the bird in the bush.

Appeasement politics should stop now.

We worked so hard to be where we are now, but let us not take for granted the support of the Chinese and Indians, for it will only take one day to lose all, as happened in Sabah.

Let us re-strategise and give our full support to the party leadership to steer through the present storm.


M MANOHARAN is the Pahang DAP deputy chief.


JB to roll out free self-driving bus next year, says mayor




JB to roll out free self-driving bus next year, says mayor



Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the council is currently in the procurement stage and hopes the bus will start operating in the first quarter of next year, in time for Visit Johor 2026. — Picture from Facebook/Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 9:46 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Visitors and locals in Johor Bahru will soon be able to travel around the city on a free self-driving bus, offering easy access to key points of interest.

According to The Star, the autonomous bus is part of three smart city projects planned by the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), funded under a RM2.78 million allocation from the Digital Ministry.

Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the council is currently in the procurement stage and hopes the bus will start operating in the first quarter of next year, in time for Visit Johor 2026.

MBJB will collaborate with Tourism Johor and the Johor Public Transport Corporation to map out the most suitable routes for the 20-seater bus, which is expected to cost around RM800,000.

“The bus will likely serve the city centre, but the exact route has not been finalised. We want to make sure it is convenient for both residents and tourists to visit the city’s attractions,” Mohd Haffiz said.

He confirmed the vehicle will rely on sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology to navigate safely.

The council is also adding mobile, solar-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) units and drones to its operations.

“The CCTV units will assist with monitoring, particularly for illegal dumping, while the AI-equipped drones will help track flood-prone areas, illegal factories, polluted rivers and traffic congestion,” he said.


Limited seats forcing MCA to push BN against DAP, says analyst


FMT:

Limited seats forcing MCA to push BN against DAP, says analyst


5 hours ago
Anne Muhammad

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri says MCA is in a tight spot after the informal agreement between PH and BN to maintain seat allocations from the last election


An analyst said the strategy of issuing threats carries major risks for MCA because the party and DAP share the same voter segments. (Facebook pic)



PETALING JAYA: MCA’s efforts to keep Barisan Nasional (BN) from cooperating with DAP stem not from principle but from a desire to secure its political survival, an analyst says.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said MCA had only two parliamentary seats, placing it in a precarious position following the internal agreement between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to maintain seats for the party that won them in the last election.

“If BN continues to work with DAP, it means MCA will have no room to contest elsewhere,” Zaharuddin, of Global Asia Consulting, said.


He pointed to Upko’s experience before the Sabah state election, saying it would have missed out on its desired seats if it had remained aligned with PH.


“MIC and MCA are using the same approach, threatening BN because they want seats. They want to contest many seats, (winning) more votes and, hence, more influence,” he added.

He was commenting on a resolution which MCA passed at its annual general assembly on Sunday, rejecting any form of cooperation with DAP in the 16th general election (GE16).

The delegates also agreed that MCA would set its own course if any BN component party continued working with DAP in GE16 despite MCA’s stand.

In response, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said MCA should decide its position within BN now, as Umno remained committed to continuing its cooperation with PH, including DAP, in the next general election.

Zaharuddin said the strategy of issuing threats carried major risks for MCA as it shared the same segment of voters as DAP.

“MCA’s move is like a ‘kamikaze’. If it fails, it could disappear from Malaysian politics because at the moment, the concept of race-based parties seems to be losing appeal,” he said.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said MCA lacked the political clout to exert real pressure on any party.

“If MCA wants to remain firm, it’s good to show the party’s stance. However, politically, this is challenging because Malaysia’s current landscape demands flexibility,” she said.

She added that such flexibility could make MCA appear indecisive.

Syaza also said current developments suggested that Malaysia was moving towards a political model in which parties contest independently and form alliances only with winning parties after elections, similar to the practice in many European countries.


Condemnation as Israel raids UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem, removes UN flag


al Jazeera:

Condemnation as Israel raids UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem, removes UN flag


The agency’s commissioner-general condemns raid as a direct violation of international law


Israeli police officers stand outside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem [Ammar Awad/Reuters]



By Caolán Magee
Published On 8 Dec 2025



Israeli forces have raided the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, seizing items and replacing the UN flag with Israel’s flag.

In a statement on X, the agency’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, said Israeli police, accompanied by municipal officials, forcibly entered its compound in Sheikh Jarrah early on Monday morning.

“Police motorcycles, as well as trucks and forklifts, were brought in and all communications were cut. Furniture, IT equipment and other property was seized,” he said. “The UN flag was pulled down and replaced with an Israeli flag.”

UNRWA has not used the building since the beginning of the year after Israeli authorities ordered the agency to vacate all of its premises and halt operations inside Israel.

Lazzarini said this follows “months of harassment that included arson attacks in 2024, hateful demonstrations and intimidation, supported by a large-scale disinformation campaign, as well as anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in breach of its international obligations”.

Israel barred UNRWA from operating on its soil after claiming some employees had participated in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. UNRWA denied the allegations, while in October the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Israel’s allegations against UNRWA were unsubstantiated.

Still, Israel’s claims prompted the United States, historically UNRWA’s largest donor, to suspend funding.

UNRWA was forced to repatriate its international staff from Gaza and the occupied West Bank, severely limiting aid distribution at a time when Palestinians are facing extreme shortages of food and shelter amid Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.


***


Just an international hoodlum and murderer

Time’s running out: Pay fines by Dec 31 or lose Budi95 subsidy under new rules, warns JPJ





Time’s running out: Pay fines by Dec 31 or lose Budi95 subsidy under new rules, warns JPJ



JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said motorists had settled only 362,230 summonses worth RM47.85 million between November 1 and last Monday — about seven per cent of the total. — Picture by Choo Choy May .

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 9:39 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Millions of motorists are running out of time to clear long-overdue traffic summonses, with authorities warning that those who ignore the year-end deadline risk blacklisting, court action and even losing their Budi95 subsidy.

According to The Star, there are 4.95 million unpaid Road Transport Department (JPJ) summonses worth RM1.48 billion, while nearly RM6.6 billion in police summonses remain unsettled.

Motorists who fail to pay up face more than being barred from renewing their driving licence or road tax.

The petrol subsidy is tied to a valid driving licence, meaning those who continue to ignore their fines could also forfeit their Budi95 entitlement.


To encourage settlement, JPJ and the police have been offering discounts of between 50 and 70 per cent since November.

The amnesty period ends on December 31.

A new “pay fast, pay less” structure will take effect on January 1, 2026, introducing higher penalties for delayed payments.


JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said motorists had settled only 362,230 summonses worth RM47.85 million between November 1 and last Monday — about seven per cent of the total.

He said that roughly 4.95 million summonses issued since 2010 remained unpaid.

He urged motorists to clear their fines before the deadline, warning that those who fail to do so would face blacklisting and court proceedings that would stop them from renewing their road tax and driving licence until payment is made.

Aedy said traffic laws exist to ensure safe and responsible driving.

“A sense of shared responsibility on the roads should be fostered to ensure the safety of all road users. Settling outstanding summonses reinforces adherence to established traffic laws. We must comply with traffic laws in efforts to build the ideal road safety culture,” he said.

He added that motorists could settle their fines through the MyJPJ app, JPJ kiosks or by visiting JPJ offices.

Federal police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Yusri Hassan Basri said motorists had responded strongly to the grace period since early last month.

He said those who still refused to settle their fines by year-end would be blacklisted and barred from renewing their road tax.

“Yes, the response has been very encouraging, with a large number of motorists showing up daily to pay up,” he said, advising those with compoundable summonses to take advantage of the discount before it ends on December 31.

He said that the police would await further instructions from the Transport Ministry on the next steps for motorists who miss the deadline.

Last month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that traffic compounds issued by JPJ and the police would be standardised from January 1 under a structure based on “the less you delay, the less you pay”, replacing ongoing discount campaigns.

Under the new system, fines paid within 15 days receive a 50 per cent rebate, while payments within 30 days qualify for a 33 per cent reduction.

No discounts apply after 30 days, and motorists who fail to pay within 60 days will be blacklisted and face court action.

The current discount scheme has triggered a surge in payments, with the generous 50 to 70 per cent reductions making this one of the busiest campaigns in recent years.

High Court orders RM1.1m payout to family of businessman who died in 2018 while in police custody





High Court orders RM1.1m payout to family of businessman who died in 2018 while in police custody



Judge Noor Hayati Mat awarded widow V. Shanti, the wife of S. Thanabalan, and her father P. Vathian RM500,000 in general damages for negligence, RM200,000 in aggravated damages including pain and suffering, RM30,000 for loss of life, RM414,000 in dependency claims, and RM10,000 in special damages to cover funeral expenses. — Reuters pic

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 9:18 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — The Shah Alam High Court yesterday ordered the police and the government to pay RM1.1 million in compensation to the family of a businessman who died in police custody in 2018.

Judge Noor Hayati Mat awarded widow V. Shanti, the wife of S. Thanabalan, and her father P. Vathian RM500,000 in general damages for negligence, RM200,000 in aggravated damages including pain and suffering, RM30,000 for loss of life, RM414,000 in dependency claims, and RM10,000 in special damages to cover funeral expenses, Bernama reported.

The court also ordered the government to pay interest at five per cent per annum from the date Thanabalan was found dead on April 17, 2018, until the compensation is fully settled.

Judge Noor Hayati further awarded RM7,000 in costs to the plaintiffs. The decision was delivered via Zoom.


Lawyer M. Visvanathan, who represented the family, confirmed the ruling when contacted.

On March 12, 2024, the Federal Court dismissed the police and the government’s application for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision, which found both parties negligent over Thanabalan’s death in police custody.

On October 30, 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Shanti and Vathian, finding the Inspector-General of Police and the government negligent for failing to send Thanabalan to hospital promptly.


The Court of Appeal then remitted the case to the Shah Alam High Court for an assessment of damages payable to the family.

Thanabalan had been detained on March 29, 2018, under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for alleged involvement in organised crime.

At about 8.30pm on April 17, 2018, he collapsed in the lock-up at the Shah Alam District Police Headquarters and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Shanti, 45, and Vathian, 75, filed the suit in 2021 against 11 police officers, the Inspector-General of Police and the government, citing negligence and misfeasance in public office.

Shanti also filed the suit on behalf of her two children and her late husband’s estate.

Vathian is a joint administrator of the estate.

They sought damages including for loss of life, aggravated damages, exemplary damages, general damages, and funeral expenses.

On April 4, 2022, the Shah Alam High Court dismissed the suit, but the Court of Appeal later overturned the decision and found the police and the government negligent in Thanabalan’s death, prompting the police and the government to seek leave to appeal to the Federal Court.

Trump threatens new 5pc tariff on Mexico over alleged water treaty breach





Trump threatens new 5pc tariff on Mexico over alleged water treaty breach



US President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable event in the Cabinet Room of the White House. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 8:56 AM MYT




WASHINGTON, Dec 9 — US President Donald Trump yesterday threatened to impose an additional five percent tariff on Mexico, alleging it is violating a water-sharing treaty.

“I have authorized documentation to impose a 5 per cent Tariff on Mexico if this water isn’t released, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, saying crops and livestock were being badly affected in Texas.

Trump accused Mexico of violating a 1944 treaty under which the United States shares water from the Colorado River in exchange for flows from the Rio Grande, which forms part of the border between the two countries.


Trump said Mexico owed 800,000 acre-feet of water to the United States under the terms of the treaty, demanding it “release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after.”



“The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt,” Trump added.

The move to boost water supplies for Texas farmers came the same day the 79-year-old president announced a $12 billion aid package for the US agriculture industry, rocked by fallout from his trade and tariff policies.😂😂😂👍👍👍


Trump in April had previously threatened Mexico with economic repercussions regarding the water dispute, prompting Mexico at the time to immediately send water and “continue fulfilling its commitments under the 1944 treaty.”

Mexican goods currently face a 25 per cent tariff unless they fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a free trade deal struck during Trump’s first term and which Washington is aiming to renegotiate in 2026.

Trump met with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum last week on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss the future of the trade deal.

The talks marked the first in-person meeting between Trump and Sheinbaum. — AFP


***


Return Texas, CALIFORNIA, aRIZONA ETC TO mEXICO LAH

Lorry crashes into slow-moving bus on highway outside Jasin, both drivers land in hospital, passengers unharmed





Lorry crashes into slow-moving bus on highway outside Jasin, both drivers land in hospital, passengers unharmed



An express bus was rear-ended by a lorry on North-South Expressway near Jasin, Melaka on December 8, 2025 that injured both drivers; the 10 bus passengers escaped injuries. — Pictures from Facebook/Info Kemalangan & Bencana Malaysia

Tuesday, 09 Dec 2025 10:11 AM MYT


JASIN, Dec 9 — An express bus driver and a lorry driver were injured, while 10 passengers escaped unhurt in a collision involving the two vehicles at KM183.2 of the North-South Expressway northbound here yesterday.

Jasin district police chief Supt Lee Robert said they received information on the accident at about 1.45 pm. The lorry, carrying a load of bran, was travelling from Bukit Gambir, Johor, towards Alor Gajah, Melaka, and the express bus with 10 passengers was heading from Larkin, Johor, towards Seremban.

“Initial investigations found that the lorry, driven by a 69-year-old man, was travelling straight in the left lane. He did not notice the express bus, driven by a 44-year-old man in the same lane, moving slowly and rammed into the rear of the bus.

“The lorry driver sustained head and hand injuries, while the bus driver suffered leg pain. Both were taken to Melaka Hospital for treatment,” he said in a statement.

He said all 10 express bus passengers were unharmed and continued their journey on another bus.

The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Members of the public who witnessed the accident or have information are urged to contact investigating officer Insp Marwan Shafiq Mohd Latfi (011-11127533) or the traffic counter at the Jasin District Police Headquarters at 06-5292222 (ext. 260). — Bernama


***


Lorry driver was probably snoozing


Monday, December 08, 2025

Perlis Mufti Claims Muslim MPs are Involved in Cult Spreading Deviant Christian Teachings in Malaysia


World of Buzz:

Perlis Mufti Claims Muslim MPs are Involved in Cult Spreading Deviant Christian Teachings in Malaysia



Published 10 hours ago
December 8, 2025
By Renushara


Source: Dr MAZA Channel | Facebook



Perlis Mufti, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, also known as Dr MAZA, is claiming that high-powered Malaysians are in cahoots with an alleged cult from Korea that has been using Jesus’s name to spread their wayward teachings.


Taking to his Facebook page, he shared that the movement, which he claimed is not by Christianity, has been active in Malaysia.



Source: Dr MAZA Channel





Source: Dr MAZA Channel



“The movement is oriented toward deviant teachings”

He wrote, “2 days ago, in the Perlis State Fatwa Committee Meeting, a briefing was given on the cult movement that uses the name of Jesus, with various strange and deviant claims. The main Christian movement also does not recognise them. It originated from Korea.”



“This movement is active in Malaysia in the name of peace and harmony, but is oriented toward its deviant teachings.”


The alleged involvement of Muslim Members of Parliament (MPs)

Dr MAZA went on to claim that there are Muslim Malaysian MPs and other high-powered people who are involved with the alleged cult.




Source: Dr MAZA Channel





Source: Dr MAZA Channel



With his post, he hopes to seek justification from the MPs and others on their involvement with the alleged cult. However, he didn’t mention any names.

“What raises questions is that many Muslim MPs and important people in Parliament in our country also seem to be active in participating in and helping this movement,”

“Their photos have also been widely circulated with this movement for many years and in various places in the country. Maybe they have an answer that can justify their involvement. Regardless, this can raise questions for many parties,” he added.


Thailand launches airstrikes as border clashes reignite


Reuters:


Thailand launches airstrikes as border clashes reignite

What's happening?