With friends like Umno, who needs enemies, asks Guan Eng

With friends like Umno, who needs enemies, asks Guan Eng


DAP national adviser asks whether Umno can remain a trusted ally in Penang after its attacks on PH and cooperation with PN

Lim Guan Eng accused Umno of acting as an ‘enemy within’ after Reezal Merican Naina Merican criticised DAP and PKR, despite saying Umno-DAP ties in Penang remain cordial.

GEORGE TOWN: DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng today asked whether DAP’s relationship with Umno in the Penang government could remain cordial, accusing the party of acting as an “enemy within” by attacking DAP and PKR.

Lim said remarks by Kepala Batas Umno chief Reezal Merican Naina Merican about DAP and PKR indulging in identity politics were “unfriendly and harsh” towards supposed allies in the state government.

“Can ties between Umno and DAP in the Penang government remain cordial and tension-free when Umno behaves like an ‘enemy within’ by making such unwarranted attacks?” the Air Putih assemblyman said in a Facebook post.


“With friends like these, one does not need enemies. Particularly when previous bitter foe Perikatan Nasional (PN) has now turned into Umno’s firm friend.

“Will Umno now leverage its current position to use Penang’s government resources to help PN and sideline Pakatan Harapan (PH)?”


The former Penang chief minister said the time had come for the Penang PH leadership to act decisively on behalf of its voters to defend “the honour and dignity” of the state government.

Reezal’s remarks came amid closer cooperation between BN and PN, which rode on an informal electoral alliance in the Negeri Sembilan election to secure a two-thirds majority.

The development raised fresh questions over BN’s relationship with PH, despite both coalitions remaining partners in the federal unity government.

Malaysia condemns Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa, settlement expansion

Malaysia condemns Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa, settlement expansion



People sit in the grounds of the al-Aqsa mosque complex, Islam’s third holiest site in the old city of Jerusalem on August 4, 2026. The Jordan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on August 3, 2026 that Jordan will host a meeting on August 5, of the Arab ministerial committee, which will bring together Arab foreign ministers including the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia to discuss the situation in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, aiming to coordinate a common position against what they describe as escalating and illegal Israeli actions targeting the city’s identity and its religious sanctities. — AFP pic


Summary

• Malaysia condemned Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and criticised the expansion of illegal settlements during a ministerial meeting in Jordan.
• The meeting aimed to address the escalation in Jerusalem and reinforce support for Palestine's rights and for the Hashemite Custodianship of holy sites.
• Measures agreed upon include creating a media platform to document Israeli violations and mobilising international efforts to compel Israel to halt its actions.

First Published: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 9:36 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Malaysia condemned the continued violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the expansion of Israeli illegal settlements during a ministerial meeting of Arab and Islamic countries on Wednesday.

The Ministerial Meeting in Support of Jerusalem and Its Holy Sites was held in Jordan to discuss the escalation in Occupied Jerusalem and to formulate a common position in response.


Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry reemphasised that Jerusalem is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and strongly rejected any attempt to alter its legal, historical, demographic, and religious status.


“Malaysia reaffirmed its support for the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, and reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the ministry also known as Wisma Putra said in a Facebook post on Thursday.


Malaysia was represented at the meeting by Wisma Putra Deputy Secretary-General of Multilateral Affairs, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faisal Muhamad.


Participants discussed steps to be taken to preserve the city’s legal and historical status, safeguard its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and advance coordinated international efforts towards a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Among the measures agreed upon include the setting up of a a media platform to document and expose Israeli violations against holy sites and worshippers, as well as their catastrophic repercussions.


Another measure is to jointly mobilise an effective international response to compel Israel as the occupying power to cease its escalatory and illegitimate practices, measures, and policies, and respect the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites. — Bernama

Locked room in South Jakarta school hid hundreds of guns, drugs and porn videos — and only its ousted foundation chief had the keys

Locked room in South Jakarta school hid hundreds of guns, drugs and porn videos — and only its ousted foundation chief had the keys



Picture for illustration only. South Jakarta police unsealed a mysterious locked school room to find a firearm arsenal, drugs and pornographic videos months after the dismissal of the head of the foundation’s management board. — Unsplash pic


Summary

• In a private school in South Jakarta, nearly 1,000 firearms, airsoft guns, ammunition, suspected narcotics, and pornographic video discs were found in a locked room.
• The discovery was made after the school's foundation, unable to access the room due to key control by a former board head, sought assistance from the South Jakarta Metro Police.
• Lawyer Hermawanto indicated these items were allegedly stored by the dismissed former head for personal misuse.
• An official police investigation into the matter is underway.

First Published: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 11:23 AM MYT


JAKARTA, Aug 7 — Nearly 1,000 firearms and airsoft guns, along with ammunition, suspected narcotics, and pornographic video discs, were discovered in a locked room at a private school in South Jakarta.

Lawyer Hermawanto, who represents the school’s foundation, said the cache was uncovered after the school opened the locked room with assistance from the South Jakarta Metro Police.


“When we opened the room, we found weapons and narcotics inside. Today we are also filing a new police report regarding the narcotics that were discovered,” he said at the South Jakarta Metro Police headquarters on Thursday, according to Antara News Agency.


Hermawanto said the room could only be opened after the foundation sought assistance from the South Jakarta Metro Police because all the keys had remained in the possession of the former head of the foundation’s management board following his dismissal.


He later alleged that the cache had been stored by the former head of the foundation’s management board, who was dismissed on April 18 after allegedly misusing the foundation’s funds for personal gain.


He said the foundation initially found 995 firearms and airsoft guns, ammunition, and weapon accessories in the room on July 10 before discovering additional weapons, suspected marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as about 25 pornographic video discs during another search on Wednesday.

South Jakarta Metro Police confirmed receiving a public report on the discovery and said the case is undergoing investigation. — Bernama

Kluang college student charged with murdering newborn girl

Kluang college student charged with murdering newborn girl



According to the charge, Nurshazwen Mohd Idris, 19, is charged with killing the baby girl she gave birth to at a house at Jalan Setia Mutiara 2/6, Taman Setia Mutiara here at about 10am, July 29. — Pexels pic


Summary

• A 19-year-old college student, Nurshazwen Mohd Idris, was charged with killing her newborn baby in Kluang on July 29.
• She faces charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carrying a death penalty or long imprisonment.
• The case will be mentioned again on October 8, pending various reports, while the accused remains without bail.

First Published: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 11:20 AM MYT


KLUANG, Aug 7 — A college student was accused in the Magistrate’s Court here today on a charge of killing her newborn baby girl at a house here last week.

Nurshazwen Mohd Idris, 19, nodded in understanding after the charge was read out before Magistrate Nurasidah A. Rahman.


No confession was recorded from the woman as the murder case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.


According to the charge, Nurshazwen is charged with killing the baby girl she gave birth to at a house at Jalan Setia Mutiara 2/6, Taman Setia Mutiara here at about 10am, July 29.


She is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years and whipping if not sentenced to death, if convicted.


The court did not grant bail to the accused and set October 8 for mention of the case pending chemical, psychological and post-mortem reports.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nik Noratini Abd Rahman, while the accused was not represented by a lawyer.


Previously, police arrested a couple who were also college students, both aged 19, to assist in the investigation into the murder of a baby girl who was found with several stab wounds in the toilet bowl of a rented house.

The student also gave birth to a baby girl at a hospital after doctors who conducted an examination found that there was another twin baby still in her womb.

Yesterday, the police released the student’s boyfriend to be used as a prosecution witness. — Bernama

State elections: It’s more injury time than half time in the race to thwart communalism

State elections: It’s more injury time than half time in the race to thwart communalism



Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 9:23 AM MYT

By Praba Ganesan


Summary

• The article discusses the prevailing political climate in Malaysia, focusing on the ongoing influence of communalism in recent state elections.
• The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is criticized for failing to reinvent itself and relying heavily on Chinese support, leading to inevitable losses in broader elections.
• The article highlights the strategies of political coalitions like PN-BN that prioritize communalism to consolidate power, contrasting it with the passive strategies of parties like PKR and DAP.
• The columnist reflects on the implications of communalism and the necessity for political adaptation to address broader demographics in Malaysia.

AUGUST 6 — I’ve been walking around disoriented these past days. Mostly in traipses to rid persistent cliches chucked into conversations online and in-person about the Negeri Sembilan election, which ostensibly rolls into Johor before landing flat in last year’s Sabah polls.

Al, a very old friend from a far more innocent time, told me that perhaps I assume too much about what people need.


People by large are perfectly comfortable in the equations they hold even if those suppositions do not pass muster under scrutiny.


Which was a clarion call. I had to break it down to the basics.


It’s not that the “self-declared” progressives lost so comprehensively the past month.


It was the air of inevitability leading to the result. That nothing was going to avert the obvious.

Where do we begin this then, this autopsy?


DAP are staring down the barrel

They have a congress on August 16 but it’s a bit pointless. The make-up of the delegation already presupposes the outcome.

They want to determine Pakatan Harapan’s efficacy to their cause when they have an existential crisis at hand. Talk about deciding how to decorate the home to impress disgruntled neighbours when the house is on fire.



Malaysian voters listen to political leaders during the state election campaign, as debates over identity, representation and communal politics take centre stage. — Bernama pic



BN has, mostly utilising the power of incumbency, throughout 60 years marked DAP via its leadership of Chinese communalism as a threat to the Malay community.

Was it unfair? Grossly. But that’s how the cards were handed out.

The party was blessed with a buffer period, between 2007 through its participation in Bersih through to early stages of the Madani government, say 2024, to reinvent itself.

It falsely assumed, the second time in government was vindication of its strategy. To stubbornly hold on to Chinese support by being Chinese first, and gather a sliver of votes from Malay-based partners, to prevail.

The past 15 years, the successes, were supposed to be political cover as the party Malaysianised. It never did. It is a Chinese-first party, which is why it will lose handsomely in the general election but stay clear of losing its deposit — there’ll always be 12.5 per cent communal votes.

Their separate but equal pillar, they never realised, can boomerang back. Perikatan Nasional minus Bersatu and Barisan Nasional – with the inconsequential MCA and MIC – play the same game. Communalism first.

How DAP wasted the gift of 15 years.

To bring Hew Kuan Yau or Superman Hew to campaign in Negeri Sembilan. Ten years after he voluntarily stepped out of DAP for his divisive communal politics, he continues to campaign for the party. Certainly cherished by the party.

Park and picnic on a railway track, even the late KTM Komuter can kill you.


PN-BN worked a formula out

The rumblings about the Negeri Sembilan exco numbers and choice of mentri besar in less than transparent fashion does not reduce one principle adhered to by all participants — communalism before differences.

This was in the kitchen awhile before it got to the dinner table.

In September 2023, Mahathir Mohamad became PAS’ advisor. He abandoned the Pejuang and Pergerakan Tanah Air coalition, which crashed and burned along with him at the general election in November 2022.

It would be unsurprising to find out his fingerprints are present on the blueprint in play. More so convinced to learn that Pejuang was co-opted into PN together with the expected entry of Hamzah Zainudin’s Parti Wawasan Negara.

Wawasan stayed out of Johor in order to avoid unnecessary rifts, and entered the fray once Bersatu’s fate was sealed in Johor.

Pejuang did not want to underperform and stayed out of Negeri Sembilan. You can bet your last ringgit Pejuang will be in the PN candidate list for Melaka.

The formula is overly plain.

There is enough power to share among those committed to the movement is the core message.

But always, always, sort out DAP and its hangaround Pakatan before dividing the spoils among current partners inside the new grand coalition.

The message’s consistency is aided by the message’s simplicity.

Is it wrong, communalism?

My answer is my life’s work. However, I’m negligible.

Thirty-four million Malaysians, twenty-one million of them voters, get to decide the country’s path.

In these past two state elections, they have delivered clear verdicts.

Democracy proponents cannot decry the people’s democratic choices, however they arrive at their opinions. It is theirs to hold as is the vote to cast.

Yet, people who celebrate majoritarianism ought to be careful. All those in the majority, will belatedly realise their more personal issues or beliefs are constantly in the minority. Nations are groups of minorities misled to believe most people agree with them on most things.

But the larger failing, as a nation, is if communalism dominates who do we blame?

Both sides, definitely. Yet, the demographic realities press the need to change harder on one side. The other side only wins.


Wait out the storm

This appears to be the only strategy from PKR which chairs Pakatan.

Which is indistinguishable from DAP’s “work harder with the same principles” strategy.

Something has to give. Or all of them can prepare for life out of power.

It might shock but a sizeable number of voters edging to PN-BN presently do not subscribe to the conservative slant of the leaders. They nevertheless think most leaders on both sides are far removed from them.

But as I mentioned, one side has a super-clear value proposition, and the other waits.

They are borderline to commit the cardinal sin of elections, to wait for the pendulum to swing back. It may gravitate back as a guillotine to end the misery of the serial losers’ necks.

Ex‑PM Ismail Sabri in IJN, corruption charge postponed to Aug 27

Ex‑PM Ismail Sabri in IJN, corruption charge postponed to Aug 27



Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will not be charged at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today, as he is currently warded at the National Heart Institute (IJN). — Picture by Raymond Manuel


Summary

• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will not face charges at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur due to being hospitalized at the National Heart Institute for a pacemaker procedure.
• Judge Suzana Hussin agreed to postpone the proceedings to August 27, following a request from Sabri's lawyer and without prosecution objection.
• Sabri was expected to face charges under the MACC Act related to an asset declaration investigation where significant amounts of cash, gold, jewelry, and luxury items were seized from his aide.
• The court had earlier ordered the forfeiture of over RM169 million in cash to the Malaysian government, with no challenge from Sabri or any parties.
• By Ida Lim

First Published: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 10:08 AM MYT
Last Modified: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 11:20 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will not be charged at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today, as he is currently warded at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin allowed a request from Ismail Sabri’s lawyer to postpone the reading of charges against him to August 27, in light of his health condition and because the prosecution did not object.


While Ismail Sabri’s case was called up in court this morning, his lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad informed the judge that the politician had been admitted to IJN since yesterday.


Amer said Ismail Sabri was at the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission’s (MACC) headquarters yesterday to record his statement, accompanied by his lawyer Ragunath Kesavan.


“He did experience health issues that have been informed to the relevant MACC officers, they were aware of his condition in the recording of statement, and from there he had to be rushed to IJN,” he said.


Following Ismail Sabri being admitted to IJN yesterday, Amer Hamzah said they have managed to obtain confirmation from the doctor in charge and that a copy of that letter has been given to the prosecution: “Based on that confirmation, our client has health issue, where the latest Holter study has revealed there is possible arrhythmia that requires further investigation.”

“This morning as well on the way to court, we have confirmed with our client to ascertain his condition. And we were informed he’s supposed to undergo a procedure this afternoon,” he said, adding that it is a pacemaker procedure.


Amer said this is a rare situation where it would be appropriate to defer the reading of charges and recording of plea to another date.

As Ismail Sabri would have to be warded after undergoing his procedure this afternoon, Amer Hamzah proposed that the court postpone the reading of charges to August 27: “And hopefully by that time he will be fit and ready to enter a plea in court.”

Amer Hamzah said Ismail Sabri is still under MACC bail and there is no issue of him absconding.

Deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusof Khan then said, “it is only fair on humanitarian grounds” for the prosecution not to object to the application to postpone the case to August 27, since Ismail Sabri would not be able to appear in court due to his health condition and because he is currently under MACC bail.

Amer Hamzah then expressed appreciation to the prosecution for understanding his client’s current situation.

The prosecution was also represented today by deputy public prosecutors Ifa Sirrhu Samsudin and Nurul Qistini Qamarul Abrar, while Ismail Sabri was also represented today by lawyers Datuk Seri Rajan Navaratnam, Ragunath, Joshua Tay, Tan Xu Yin, Aswath Ramakhrisnan and Sanjey G. Sangkar.



Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, lawyer representing Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, speaking to the media at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on August 7, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel



Later, Amer Hamzah told reporters that “it is not practical for the charge to be read out at IJN” due to his client’s health condition and the pacemaker procedure that he has to undergo today.

Amer Hamzah said Ismail Sabri previously also had health issues, noting that his client had a fall and was admitted to Pantai Hospital and was actually scheduled for a check-up with IJN next Monday.

Ragunath told reporters that his client was at the MACC headquarters from 9am to 6pm yesterday.

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri was reported to be expected to face charges today under the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Act in relation to the declaration of assets.

Former Umno vice president Ismail Sabri, 66, is the Bera MP and was Malaysia’s ninth prime minister from August 2021 to October 2022.

The MACC had in February 2025 arrested four of Ismail Sabri’s officers, and also seized about RM170 million in cash and other currencies, 16kg of gold bars valued at RM7 million, jewellery, and luxury watches from his aide’s house.

Ismail Sabri had appeared at the MACC headquarters multiple times between March to May 2025 to give his statement.

On October 1, the Sessions Court had ordered over RM169 million in cash to be forfeited to the Malaysian government, as both Ismail Sabri and his aide did not challenge the forfeiture and no other party challenged the forfeiture.

Large Numbers of Polish Combat Personnel Identified on Ukrainian Frontlines

Eastern Europe and Central Asia , Ground

Military Watch Magazine Editorial Staff

August-6th-2026

---

Polish Army Personnel

Russian Army personnel of the 110th Motorised Rifle Brigade, 51st Combined Arms Army of the Centre battlegroup have identified Polish contractor personnel wearing NATO uniforms during battles for the settlement of Krasnoyarskoye. This follows reports in late July that Polish contractor personnel have been playing increasingly central roles within Ukrainian assault units. Deputy commander of the 1st Battalion of the 1194th Regiment of the Russian Army Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Yusa, at the time observed during a battle for Konstantinovka: "We've detected Poles operating in this area. Our personnel report hearing conversations in Polish.”

Polish Volunteer Corps Personnel in Ukraine - One of Multiple NATO Units Operating on the Ground Against Russian Forces

Russian UAV operator Ilya Gavazin recently informed the Russian state channel TV Zvezda: "Polish mercenaries were identified by their NATO uniforms, patches, and Polish rifles. There were three of them there at the time. They were attacked by our attack drones and they had to flee through the forest.” These personnel reportedly tried to escape from Krasnoyarskoye as soon as Russian forces entered the area, but were intercepted by operators of attack UAVs. Russian forces were confirmed to have taken Krasnoyarskoye on July 30.

Polish Volunteer Corps Personnel in Ukraine - One of Multiple NATO Units Operating on the Ground Against Russian Forces

In December 2023 Polish journalist Zbigniew Parafianowicz revealed that he had been provided details by Polish officials on the country’s special forces operations in Ukraine from early 2022. A Polish officer informed him: “we worked out a formula for our presence in Ukraine … we were simply sent on paid leave. Politicians pretended not to see this.” The Polish Volunteer Corps has used a similar model to provide cover for the mass deployment of Polish personnel, who are technically former personnel when entering the theatre, with their presence having for years been widely reported on multiple frontlines. In February 2026, the lower house of the Polish parliament adopted legislation to provide legal cover to Polish citizens who fought in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War.

Colombian Mercenaries Operating in the Ukrainian Theatre

While significant presences of Polish contractor personnel have been reported on multiple fronts in the war, it reflects broader trends towards foreign contractors being increasingly relied on as part of the war effort. Multiple informed Russian defence sources in late July reported that the number of Colombian nationals serving alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces had risen significantly, making them by far the largest national contingent among Ukraine's foreign combatants. Severe personnel shortages faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been a primary driver of this trend. Russian forces have repeatedly placed a high priority on targeting foreign personnel supporting Ukraine's war effort. One of the most prominent incidents occurred in January 2024, when a missile strike reportedly hit a facility housing predominantly French contractors, resulting in at least 80 casualties, including more than 60 fatalities according to Russian sources.

Nurul Izzah says stepping down as PKR No 2 to pursue further studies

Nurul Izzah says stepping down as PKR No 2 to pursue further studies


Nurul Izzah Anwar says serving the people is not necessarily tied to the realm of politics

Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar thanked the PKR leadership ‘for acknowledging my decision to relinquish the PKR deputy presidency’.

PETALING JAYA: Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar says she decided to relinquish her position as PKR deputy president to further her studies.

In a statement, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter thanked her father and the party leadership “for acknowledging my decision to relinquish the PKR deputy presidency”.

She expressed confidence that Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who has taken over the deputy presidency in the interim, and PKR election director Amirudin Shari are capable of carrying out their duties well.


“Following extensive deliberation, I decided to embark on a new path by pursuing further studies rooted in serving the people, which is not necessarily tied to the realm of politics.


“I will continue to be a PKR member, giving my support in the struggle for a better Malaysia, as championed by the party leadership and its grassroots, led by Anwar.


“To PKR members at all levels and all who have been by my side in this struggle, I would like to express my deepest appreciation.

“Thank you for your unending trust, feedback, prayers and sacrifice,” she said in a statement.

Nurul Izzah also confirmed that she would be attending the PKR congress next week.

Earlier, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil said Nurul Izzah would only take temporary leave from her duties as PKR deputy president after the party’s national congress.


Fahmi said she had requested to step down from the post altogether, but the PKR leadership decided to allow her to take a break instead.

She is set to officiate the Wanita PKR and PKR Youth congress on Aug 14.

Nurul Izzah was elected PKR deputy president in May last year, defeating her predecessor, Rafizi Ramli.

The bitter race and resulting defeat for Rafizi led him to leave PKR with former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and to launch a new party, Bersama.

Former PM Ismail Sabri to be charged tomorrow at KL Sessions Court

Former PM Ismail Sabri to be charged tomorrow at KL Sessions Court



This file picture shows former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arriving for questioning at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Putrajaya on March 13, 2025. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will face charges under the MACC Act at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, in connection to his asset declaration.
• The prosecution relates to substantial seizures made during investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering, which included RM170 million in foreign currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bullion, following the arrest of his senior officers.
• The charges will be heard by Judge Suzana Hussin.

First Published: Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 9:35 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be charged tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.

Based on a court system check, the charge against the Bera Member of Parliament will be read before Judge Suzana Hussin at 9am.


The case against Ismail Sabri is believed to be related to the declaration of assets.

He had previously been summoned on multiple occasions to record his statement regarding his asset declaration to the MACC.


The MACC seized RM170 million in cash in foreign currencies and 16 kilogrammes of pure gold bullion, valued at RM7 million, during investigations into corruption and money laundering.


The seizures were carried out during raids on properties believed to have been used as safe houses, following the February 2025 arrests of four of Ismail Sabri’s senior officers. — Bernama

Hadi led PAS’s long history of undermining its political partners — Phar Kim Beng

 

Hadi led PAS’s long history of undermining its political partners — Phar Kim Beng


Summary

• The article analyzes the flexibility and strategic maneuvering of the Malaysian political party PAS, which has historically entered alliances with various parties, often emerging stronger while its allies may become weakened.
• Despite the associated risks, Barisan Nasional (BN) is considering collaborating with PAS to enhance its electoral competitiveness after recent declines.
• This partnership aims to consolidate the Malay-Muslim vote in three-cornered contests against Pakatan Harapan, although the long-term viability of such alliances remains uncertain due to PAS's strong grassroots network and organizational discipline.

First Published: Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 12:43 PM MYT


AUGUST 6 — Malaysian politics has always been fluid, but few political parties have demonstrated as much adaptability as PAS.

Over the decades, PAS has entered alliances with parties of vastly different ideological orientations, from UMNO to Semangat 46, DAP, PKR and Bersatu.


Yet the common criticism levelled against PAS is that it has often emerged from these partnerships stronger while leaving its allies weaker, divided or politically diminished.


Whether this perception is entirely fair is open to debate. Politics is rarely a one-sided affair. Alliances succeed or fail because of the calculations of all partners involved.


Nevertheless, PAS’s historical trajectory provides enough evidence to explain why many observers approach any new political arrangement involving the party with caution.


Barisan Nasional is fully aware of this history.

Its leaders understand that electoral cooperation with PAS is not without considerable strategic risk.


Yet they appear prepared to accept those risks because they believe the immediate objective is more pressing: restoring BN’s competitiveness after years of electoral decline.

This is the central paradox confronting UMNO and BN today.

In the short term, cooperation with PAS can reduce three-cornered contests and consolidate portions of the Malay-Muslim vote. There are close to 123 Malay majority seats in Malaysia.

Electoral numbers does suggest that such arrangements can improve the chances of defeating Pakatan Harapan in closely contested constituencies.

But electoral arithmetic and long-term political strategy are not necessarily the same.

PAS has historically demonstrated remarkable organisational discipline. It possesses one of the country’s deepest grassroots networks, built through religious schools, welfare programmes, community organisations and a loyal membership base.

Such structures enable PAS not merely to cooperate with allies but also to expand its own influence within any coalition it joins.

History offers several examples.

Its relationship with Semangat 46 in the 1990s eventually ended after the latter dissolved. During the Barisan Alternatif years, ideological differences with DAP became irreconcilable, leading to the coalition’s collapse.

* Phar Kim Beng is a professor of Asean Studies and a director at the Institute of International and Asean Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia.

Pacific islands alarmed by Trump-backed push for deep-sea mining

Pacific islands alarmed by Trump-backed push for deep-sea mining



This file picture shows a general view of Banzai Cliff along the coast in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. — AFP pic


Summary

• Pacific island leaders, such as Governor David Apatang of the Northern Mariana Islands, have expressed alarm over the US's plans to auction parts of the Pacific Ocean for deep-sea mining exploration without prior consultation, sparking concerns about ecological and food security impacts.
• There is significant opposition among local communities and environmental advocates, who fear irreversible harm to marine ecosystems and disruption of fisheries pivotal to their economies.
• Despite little control beyond their maritime boundaries, territories like Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are contemplating bans on mining activities, following legislative actions taken by Guam.
• The industry remains contentious, with divisions between nations advocating for potential economic gains and those calling for protective moratoriums.

First Published: Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 9:00 PM MYT
Last Modified: Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 9:24 PM MYT


SYDNEY, Aug 6 — A Pacific island leader says there were “no consultations” before the US announced swathes of nearby ocean could be auctioned for deep-sea mining exploration, telling AFP the industry faced strong opposition among his people.

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Governor David Apatang said the idea had caused great unease across the tropical island chain of some 40,000 people.


The US alarmed its tropical island territories earlier this year, detailing plans to carve up parts of the Pacific Ocean for mining exploration.


Mining companies see enormous wealth in mineral deposits scattered across the seabed, but the fledgling industry has for years been held back by environmental concerns.


An expanse of US maritime territory near American Samoa in the South Pacific could be auctioned as soon as November, according to official documents.


Separate tracts of ocean surrounding Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific are also under consideration.

“Some concerns include disruption to food security for the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, who rely on the ocean resources for their survival,” Apatang told AFP.


Washington initially proposed to explore a 140,000 square kilometre (50,000 square mile) block about 200 kilometres east of territory capital Saipan.

But Apatang said he was caught by surprise when the US announced in March that a similar-sized block to Saipan’s west could be leased as well.

“There have been no consultations with the people of the Northern Mariana Islands,” he said.

Deep-sea mining companies want to scour the ocean’s abyssal plains for mineral deposits and polymetallic nodules laden with nickel, copper and cobalt.



This file picture taken on June 11, 2025 on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands shows polymetallic nodules, bulbous lumps of rock that are rich in battery metals such as cobalt and nickel which carpet huge tracts of Pacific Ocean seabed. — AFP pic



‘Unleashing’ resources

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2025 aimed at “unleashing” these seabed resources, stressing the demand in everything from renewable energy to military applications.

Critics fear deep-sea mining will cause irreversible damage, smothering marine life in plumes of waste and disrupting oceanic migrations with the thrum of heavy machinery.

The Mariana Islands, Guam and American Samoa all want at least a temporary ban on deep-sea mining in their territorial waters.

But the US territories — which rely on Washington for funding and defence — have little say on what Washington does outside their three mile (five kilometre) maritime boundary.

Guam passed laws this year banning deep-sea mining vessels from calling at its ports, potentially hampering the industry by cutting off a crucial source of fuel and supplies.

Apatang said the Northern Mariana Islands would “consider following suit”.

Plans for deep-sea mining exploration are most advanced for a vast sweep of ocean near American Samoa, a US territory nestled between New Zealand and Hawaii in the South Pacific.

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is proposing to hold an auction in November, selling exploration licences for a 125,000 square kilometre block.

The area borders the vast Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, where endangered species of Hawksbill turtle thrive on vibrant reefs.

Lawmaker Aumua Amata, who represents American Samoa in the US House of Representatives, said she worried deep-sea mining could disrupt fisheries providing the vast bulk of the territory’s export earnings.

“I represent our people and I am confident that a majority of American Samoans are opposed,” she told AFP.

The licences cover preliminary surveys and sampling, with future decisions on commercial exploitation needing further bureau approval.

Money for ‘nothing’

American Samoa-based environmental advocate Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka said it was impossible to put a “price tag” on the ocean.

“It’s not something you think: ‘How much money can you make off it?’.”

Former US diplomat Emily Wood has been working with the Guam governor’s office to better understand the risks of deep-sea mining.

She said leading mining company Impossible Metals had pledged to share one per cent of profits with island communities.

“That’s nothing at all, compared to the potential damage they might cause,” she told AFP.

Impossible Metals did not reply to a request for comment.

The company has previously stated it will not start mining until it is satisfied it is safe.

Pacific island nations are divided on whether deep-sea mining will deliver economic windfalls, or environmental catastrophe.

Nauru and the Cook Islands are among world leaders in seabed mining exploration, while the likes of Samoa, Fiji and Palau have called for a moratorium on the industry.

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management was approached for comment. — AFP

PKR gives Nurul Izzah temporary leave from deputy president duties after congress

PKR gives Nurul Izzah temporary leave from deputy president duties after congress



Nurul Izzah would officiate the PKR Women’s and Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) congresses on Aug 14 before going on leave. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa


Summary

• Former Permatang Pauh MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar, will take temporary leave from her role as PKR deputy president following the party's national congress.
• Initially intending to resign, the Central Leadership Council instead granted her a temporary break starting after the 2026 National Congress.
• PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will assume her duties during this period.
• Nurul Izzah was elected for the 2025–2028 term, having defeated incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
• During her absence, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari will take full responsibility as the party's election director.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Thursday, 06 Aug 2026 7:32 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar will take temporary leave from her duties as PKR deputy president after the party’s national congress next week.

PKR information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil in a statemen this evening said Nurul Izzah had initially expressed her intention to step down from the post, but the party’s Central Leadership Council (MPP) decided instead to grant her a temporary break from the role.


“After hearing the views of Nurul Izzah and the party leadership, the MPP agreed to grant Nurul Izzah temporary leave beginning after the 2026 National Congress until a date to be announced,” Fahmi said.


He added that Nurul Izzah would officiate the PKR Women’s and Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) congresses on Aug 14.


Fahmi also announced that PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would assume the duties of deputy president in the interim.


Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari will remain as PKR vice-president and take on full responsibilities as the party’s election director.

Nurul Izzah was elected PKR deputy president for the 2025 to 2028 term after defeating then-incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in the party election in May last year.


She secured 9,803 votes compared with Rafizi’s 3,866 votes, according to the party election results announced by JPP chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The decision comes after Amirudin was appointed PKR’s election director, with Saifuddin serving alongside him in the role.

British Troops To Be Sacrificed In Ukraine?

 

OutSyed The Box

Thursday, August 6, 2026

British Troops To Be Sacrificed In Ukraine?

They are going nuts over the war in Ukraine. Alexander Mercouris says there are rumours that the British will send troops to fight in Ukraine.  The British did say they are ready to send troops AFTER a ceasefire is declared. 

The UK Ministry of Defence announced in July 2026 that the force is ready to deploy once hostilities end, and that exercises are being conducted to prepare for that eventuality.

Playing safe, like the 14 British Challenger tanks. They stayed away from combat but got destroyed anyway. 

Did you know that the British Army has about 20,000–30,000 deployable troops. 

• 2 armoured/mechanised brigades,
• 1 reconnaissance/strike brigade,
• divisional artillery, engineers, air defence

This is less than ONE THIRD the 90,000 seating capacity of Wembley Stadium. And these folks want to fight the Russians who have a TWO million strong, combat proven Army, having fought for almost FIVE years in Ukraine.

Drone warfare has not helped Ukraine much - simply because you cannot destroy a country the size of Russia which covers 1/8 of the world's surface area and covers EIGHT time zones - by using drones that carry 75 kg of explosives. And only 1% of Ukrainian drones reach their targets. For every drone strike about 99 other drones get shot down. 

A string of Defense Ministers and Army Chiefs have also been fired. 

Defense Ministers fired:

• Sept 2023: Reznikov fired → Umerov hired
• July 2025: Umerov fired → Shmyhal hired
• January 2026: Shmyhal fired → Fedorov hired
• July 2026: Fedorov fired → Khmara acting

 Army Chiefs have also been fired

• Gen Zaluzhnyi fired: 8 February 2024
• → Replaced by Gen Syrskyi
• Syrskyi fired: 21 July 2026
• → Replaced by Brigadier Drapatyi

When Army Chiefs and Defense Ministers are fired in rapid succession it means they dont know what they are doing. 

The war in Ukraine is coming to some conclusion - in Russia's favour and on the battlefield. Kharkiv and Sumy will most likely fall before the year end. The ports of Odessa are completely cut off and there are no ship movements in and out of Odessa. Ukraine is now landlocked. They have no access to the Black Sea.

The Russians are really ramping up their operations in Ukraine. The Russian FAB bombs (gravity bombs with guidance kits attached) are creating havoc on the frontlines. Russia has dropped over 8,000 of these FAB bombs which caused massive destruction on the ground.

Ok here is the hilarious part. The jokes.

Zelenskiyy just concluded his failed 40 day operation to 'force Russia to its knees'. Well Odessa is cut off while Sumy and Kharkiv are about to fall. 

Here is  a joke - the EU now want to force a ceasefire on Russia. Upon their terms. Again the losing side wants to impose a ceasefire on the winning side. That is just not going to happen. The EU is now divided and split on the Ukraine war. About half of them want to make a separate peace with Russia.  

In the meantime TWO MILLION Ukrainians have died - as a result of this British war against Russia and Germany. The real target is Germany. 

Vladimir Putin and Russia will go down in history as master strategists in planning and executing this war to defeat multiple opponents. 

1. The Nazis in Ukraine have been defeated. (By the way the Nazi Azov Battalion has just been disbanded - so they say).

2. NATO has been completely humiliated. NATO weapons have proven to be of substandard quality. Russia completely dominates the skies over Ukraine and the famed Patriot air defense systems have been destroyed by Russian strikes.  

3. The EU has been defeated and they too are now split over Russia, the sanctions and the Ukraine war.

The Russian war strategy has been to destroy warmaking capacity first. Not to take territory.   In other words when Russian troops charge up a hill they do not wish to take the hill. They seek and destroy Ukraine troops and equipment and then withdraw.  This strategy has worked extremely well. NATO, EU and Ukraine's capacity to sustain this war in terms of manpower, weapons and equipment, money and funding have all been seriously curtailed. 

Plus the Russians have indeed captured huge parts of Ukraine - but at a slow and grinding pace. Mr Putin's ultimate target (apart from security guarantees over Ukraine) is the restoration of full and complete economic, trade and social ties with the West. All sanctions must be lifted, all frozen assets must be unfrozen, all air links re-established. Russia has full access to SWIFT (though they do not need it anymore), all arrest warrants issued by the foolish ICC must be abolished. Everything must return to normal. Then Russia will cede some of the vast territory it has captured. 

Ukraine former army chief General Zaluzhny who is now the Ukraine ambassador to the UK has been criticising president Zelenskiyy over the war. Zaluzhny says there is absolutely no need for Ukraine to join NATO - the No 1 sticking point with the Russians. Zaluzhny correctly says that NATO's shelf life has ended. Ten years from now NATO may not exist.

NATO has failed to protect Ukraine in this war. Ukraine has lost over TWO MILLION dead, its airforce has been destroyed and its army has been wiped out. Russia holds about a third (or more) of its territory. Vast areas of Ukraine have been destroyed. Parts of the capital city Kiev are a wasteland. NATO's weapons are simply no match for the Russian weapons. Zaluzhny says it will take 12 years for NATO to catch up with Russia. So why the hell should Ukraine join NATO - asks Zaluzhny. 

There will be a conclusion to all this soon.  Mr Putin has achieved his military objectives. Next he will achieve his political objectives.