UN report details systemic torture and sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees

Pearls and Irritations

Brad Reed

UN report details systemic torture and sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees


May 20, 2026


A United Nations special rapporteur has documented extensive allegations of torture, sexual violence and abuse against Palestinian detainees held in Israeli custody since October 2023.

A United Nations expert on Tuesday delivered a report offering evidence of systemic torture, brutality, and sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli captivity.

Alice Jill Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture, said she had gathered substantial evidence of torture and sexual violence committed by Israeli authorities against Arab citizens of Israel as well as Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the West Bank.

After Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, Israel not only launched a military assault on Gaza but also introduced emergency detention measures that Edwards argued “exposed Palestinian detainees to torture, potentially unlawful deaths, incommunicado detention, and degrading conditions.”

Among other things, Edwards’ report documents nine allegations of “rape, attempted rape, and threats of rape”; eleven allegations of “beatings, grabbing, electrocution, or mauling by dogs” of male detainees’ genitals; 23 allegations of “beatings with weapons or other objects, kicking, and punching”; five allegations of electrocution by electric batons or other devices; and four allegations of forced kneeling for periods lasting up to a full day.

The report also notes that 94 Palestinians died in custody from October 2023 through August 2025, although it acknowledges that “a lack of transparency into the cause of these deaths makes it unclear which deaths are attributed to natural causes or unlawful conduct.”

However, the report cites a review of 10 postmortem examinations of detainees who died in Israeli custody which found signs of physical abuse in five cases, and signs of bruising “consistent with beatings and use of restraints” in two cases.

“Findings also included multiple rib fractures, haemorrhages on the skin and near internal organs, and lacerations of intra-abdominal organs,” the report adds. “One case documented intracranial haemorrhage resulting from a head injury apparently sustained during arrest.”

Edwards said that the sheer volume of torture and abuse allegations documented in the report cannot be written off as the work of rogue actors.

“It is my view that the number and cruelty of allegations compiled portray gross disregard by Israel of its duty to treat all detainees humanely and without discrimination,” she said, “and this has encouraged, tolerated, and condoned torture and ill-treatment, at times with support at ministerial and functional levels.”

The descriptions of torture in Edwards’ report echo recent reporting by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who wrote that his interviews with Palestinian detainees revealed “a pattern of widespread Israeli sexual violence against men, woman, and even children – by soldiers, settlers, interrogators in the Shin Bet internal security agency and, above all, prison guards.”

Lebanon says 21 killed, including children, in Israeli air strikes

Lebanon says 21 killed, including children, in Israeli air strikes

3 hours ago
Chris Graham and
David Gritten

Reuters
Smoke was seen in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, following Israeli strikes


Israeli air strikes killed at least 21 people in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to the country's health ministry and media.

Twelve of them, including three children and three women, were killed in a single attack that hit a house in the town of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, the state-run National News Agency reported.

The Israeli military has not commented, but previously said it was targeting the Iran-backed, Shia Islamist armed group Hezbollah. One Israeli soldier was killed on Tuesday as Hezbollah attacked forces occupying parts of southern Lebanon.

It comes less than a week after the US said Lebanon and Israel had agreed to extend a ceasefire by 45 days, with talks set to resume next month.

Lebanon was drawn into the war between Iran, Israel and the US on 2 March, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an air campaign across Lebanon and a ground invasion.

Both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire since the US-brokered ceasefire came into force almost five weeks ago.

Israeli air strikes continue, day and night, especially in the south of the country.

Israel says it is targeting the armed group Hezbollah, but civilians have often been killed, including women and children.

Hezbollah has fired rockets and drones into communities in northern Israel and against Israeli troops occupying a strip of land in southern Lebanon that in some places extends 10km (6 miles) from the border.

The Lebanese health ministry said on Tuesday night that 10 people were killed and three others were wounded, including a child, in the strike on Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, in Tyre district.

On Wednesday morning, the National News Agency reported that two more bodies had been recovered from the rubble of the home that was destroyed. It said the dead were 11 members of one family and a Syrian national, without naming them.

The health ministry said a further nine people were killed and 29 injured in Israeli air strikes on Nabatieh and Tyre districts.

Two women were among four people who were killed in a strike in the town of Nabatieh, it added, while another strike in the nearby village of Kfar Sir killed five people.

The BBC has contacted the Israeli military for comment.

It announced earlier on Tuesday that Israeli forces had struck more than 25 Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including weapons storage facilities and command centres, in several areas of southern Lebanon over the previous 24 hours.

It also said a deputy company commander was killed by Hezbollah fire while clearing buildings in a southern Lebanese village.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters "clashed... with a force of the Israeli enemy army that tried to advance towards the vicinity of the town square of Haddatha", in Bint Jbeil district, and that an Israeli tank was destroyed, the Agence France-Presse news agency reported.

Hezbollah also said it carried out other attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon as well as Iron Dome air defence platforms near the border in northern Israel, according to AFP.

At least 3,094 people have been killed in Lebanon since the start of the war, according to the health ministry, whose figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israeli authorities say 21 soldiers and four civilians have been killed over the same period.

‘Anything is possible’: Negeri Sembilan MB does not rule out state election this year

‘Anything is possible’: Negeri Sembilan MB does not rule out state election this year



Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the possibility of holding a state election this year remains open. — Bernama pic

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 6:07 PM MYT


SEREMBAN, May 20 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has not ruled out the possibility of the state election being held this year, although the matter is still under consideration.

The Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said the possibility of holding the election simultaneously with neighbouring states Melaka and Johor would also be looked into.

“The possibility is there (for a state election). In politics, anything is possible. Maybe this year or next year, Insya-Allah.

“We will see when our neighbouring states (Melaka and Johor) hold their elections, and perhaps we can hold them simultaneously. That will be considered,” he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Negeri here today.


On the upcoming state legislative assembly sitting, Aminuddin said the state government was currently studying suitable dates as the current assembly term only ends on October 24.

“The state government is looking at a suitable date to convene the sitting... there are about six months left, and at the latest by October 24. If no sitting is held by then, the assembly will dissolve automatically,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked whether Negeri Sembilan PH would contest solo without Barisan Nasional (BN), he stressed that the decision rested with the central leadership.


He said that although there were strong views within the state PH for the coalition to go solo, the current political landscape could change according to circumstances, and cooperation between parties could still be revived in the future.

In the 15th state election held on August 12, 2023, BN won 14 seats, PH secured 17 seats, while Perikatan Nasional won five seats.

In another development, Aminuddin said he is currently assuming the duties of the state executive councillor for Rural Development, Plantations and Commodities; Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living; as well as Education following the vacancy of the BN-held exco positions.

The Youth and Sports portfolio is being overseen by Nicole Tan, while the Heritage and Technology portfolio is being handled by Datuk Noor Zunita Begum Mohd Ibrahim and the Innovation and Digital portfolio by J. Arul Kumar.

Last month, 14 BN assemblymen stated that they had withdrawn their support and had lost confidence in Aminuddin, resulting in four state executive councillor positions held by the coalition becoming vacant. — Bernama

No by-elections for Pandan and Setiawangsa, says EC

No by-elections for Pandan and Setiawangsa, says EC


Election Commission chairman Ramlan Harun says Speaker Johari Abdul had stated that there was no need to fill the seats

Former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (left) resigned as the MPs for Pandan and Setiawangsa, respectively, before quitting PKR.

PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission will not hold by-elections for the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats, following the resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as MPs.

EC chairman Ramlan Harun said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul had informed the commission that there was no need to fill the seats.

“Therefore, there will be no by-elections for the Pandan and Setiawangsa seats,” he said in a brief statement this evening.


Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned as MPs for Pandan and Setiawangsa, respectively, before quitting PKR, and have since taken over Parti Bersama Malaysia.

By-elections are not a must since Parliament automatically dissolves in less than two years.


However, the Dewan Rakyat speaker may request that the EC hold the by-elections if he writes in to inform the commission that the ruling party’s majority in the house is affected by the vacancies.

Cops probe Pua over FB post on constitutional monarchy

Cops probe Pua over FB post on constitutional monarchy, Rukun Negara


The former Damansara MP is being investigated for statements conducive to public mischief and improper use of network facilities or services

Bukit Aman CID chief M Kumar said all the relevant parties will be summoned to assist in the investigation. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former Damansara MP Tony Pua is being investigated following 28 police reports lodged about his Facebook post which touched on the constitutional monarchy system and the Rukun Negara.

Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director M Kumar said Pua is being investigated for statements conducive to public mischief under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and improper use of network facilities or services under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Asked whether Pua would be called in for questioning, Kumar said all the relevant parties would be summoned to assist in the investigation, reported Berita Harian.


“Of course, we will call all parties involved to assist in the investigation,” he said.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Pua, of DAP, said the powers of the monarch were limited to defined aspects such as Malay customs, Islam, and constitutional roles like the appointment of menteris besar, and approval for the dissolution of state assemblies.


He said Malaysians did not “live in a system whereby the monarch can issue binding decrees which legislate all aspects of our lives”.

His comments came after Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah called on DAP assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and former DAP leader Ronnie Liu to deepen their understanding of the Rukun Negara and show greater respect for the royal institution.

The sultan’s remarks were made amid controversy over Wong and Liu’s response to his call for a complete ban on pig farming in Selangor.

Wong faced criticism for proposing a modern, closed-system approach to pig farming in the state, while Liu suggested that dissatisfied pig farmers consider seeking a judicial review.

Survey shows Malaysians becoming more intolerant of differences amid rising ‘insular trust’ trend

Survey shows Malaysians becoming more intolerant of differences amid rising ‘insular trust’ trend



Despite improving overall trust in institutions such as businesses and the government, the report suggests a worrying trend: Malaysians are increasingly retreating into familiar information environments and are less willing to trust those with different values, political views or cultural backgrounds. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 4:29 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — More Malaysians are becoming less tolerant of people with differing opinions and values, according to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, which points to a deepening “insular trust” mindset and widening social polarisation.

Despite improving overall trust in institutions such as businesses and the government, the report suggests a worrying trend: Malaysians are increasingly retreating into familiar information environments and are less willing to trust those with different values, political views or cultural backgrounds.

On average, 65 per cent of Malaysians now exhibit an insular trust mindset, while only 37 per cent regularly seek information from sources with differing political viewpoints, the survey found.


The polarisation has also reached global highs. A staggering 87 per cent of Malaysian respondents said distrust towards people with differences has become so severe that individuals actively try to make things worse for one another — the highest level recorded across all surveyed markets.

More than 70 per cent of Malaysians also believe foreign actors are deliberately spreading disinformation through local media to inflame domestic divisions, a concern second only to the United Arab Emirates.


The office divide

The report said this insularity has moved beyond a social issue and is now becoming an economic challenge.

Up to 48 per cent of Malaysians admitted they would put less effort into helping a colleague or manager whose political beliefs differ from their own, while 38 per cent said they would prefer to switch departments entirely rather than work under a manager with different values.

Edelman warned that, if left unchecked, this trend could affect workplace collaboration, productivity and talent mobility. Mazuin Zin, CEO and senior adviser for Edelman Southeast Asia, said Malaysia risks undermining its trust advantages if divisions deepen.

“Bridging them is not just a social imperative; it is the precondition for the next phase of our growth,” Mazuin said in a statement, noting that trust is increasingly confined within familiar echo chambers.


The expectation gap for leaders

Employees across the Asia-Pacific region are looking to businesses to help bridge the divide, with 77 per cent saying employers have an obligation to build trust between different groups.

However, only 54 per cent believe their employers are doing so effectively, leaving a 23-point performance gap.

The gaps are even wider for government and media (37 points each), and NGOs (31 points).

When navigating divisive social issues, 38 per cent of Malaysians believe businesses are most effective when they encourage cooperation without taking sides.

This is higher than the 32 per cent who prefer companies to take a values-based stance, while 11 per cent believe businesses should remain completely silent.

The annual online survey is in its 26th year. For the 2026 edition, it polled 33,938 respondents from 28 countries, or roughly 1,200 per country. The Trust Index is the average level of trust in business, government, media and NGOs.

The firm said the insularity segmentation was created by grouping respondents into three categories based on their willingness to trust someone different from themselves.

Respondents were assessed on differences in values, approaches to solving societal problems, trusted facts and sources, and culture or background.

They were then asked to rate their willingness to trust someone across these dimensions on a standard scale.

OPINION | Anwar Is Losing Control — Snap Elections Are Coming

Malaysia's #1 Content Aggregator


OPINION | Anwar Is Losing Control — Snap Elections Are Coming


20 May 2026 • 7:00 AM MYT

TheRealNehruism
An award-winning Newswav creator, Bebas News columnist & ex-FMT columnist

 

Image credit: Globalstats11 X



Early April, Anwar Ibrahim said that he won't be holding general elections in the next one or two months.


To that, I said that the very fact that he had to say that he won't be holding elections soon is a sign that elections will be held soon.



Just 3 or 4 days ago, the government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said that Anwar has given no indication that he wishes to call for elections soon.


To that, I said that it is not in Anwar's hands when elections will be called - Anwar doesn't have a two-thirds majority or even a simple majority in Parliament - he depends on external parties like Barisan Nasional and the Sabah and Sarawak parties to get him the minimum 50 percent of confidence in Parliament that he needs to rule the country. All of the parties that he depends on - BN, the Sarawak parties and the Sabah parties - for various reasons, are currently deeply unhappy with his administration



Worse, even his party and coalition, PKR and Pakatan Harapan, are ready to pull support for him.


As a matter of fact, pulling support from their party is exactly what two PKR MPs, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Rafizi Ramli, have done today when they informed us today that they are joining a new party.


On July 12, DAP also looks certain to retract support from Anwar's administration as well. DAP is getting hammered left and right by its own supporters for its role in supporting Anwar's administration, which many of them find insulting and degrading to their person. Despite being the biggest component of PH, DAP has been given less important positions in the unity government than parties like UMNO, which not only has supported the unity government less than DAP, but has even been openly antagonistic towards it.



Yesterday, BN Johor declared that it is going to contest all the seats in the coming Johor state election, as though it sees absolutely no worth or value in its partnership with PH, and is looking forward to severing its ties with PH at the earliest possible time.


Just last month, Umno's 14 ADUNs in Negeri Sembilan even moved to collapse the PH-led government in Negeri Sembilan, where DAP holds 11 seats in the state assembly.


Pig farming has also received a blanket ban in the whole of Selangor.


Non-Malays and supporters of PH can't even have one day of fun in Kuala Lumpur by holding such events as the Rain Rave Water Music Festival without being labelled as holding a "pesta maksiat" or acting like "animals", while Anwar just watches and does nothing.



When DAP asked for UEC certification to be recognised last December, not only did Anwar slam the door in their face, in January, while unveiling the National Education Blueprint, he also embarrassed DAP further by making it compulsory for Malay and History to be taught in Chinese schools.


A couple of days ago, as a compromise, Anwar's administration allowed UEC graduates to apply for four insignificant bachelor degree courses in public universities - Chinese Language Studies, Chinese Language and Linguistics, Chinese Studies, and Chinese Language with Education - but even these crumbs were delivered to DAP with so much abuse and criticism that it must feel insulting for them to go through so much for so little.



Considering how DAP has been treated in the unity government, despite its contributions, sacrifice and forbearance, I doubt that the DAP delegates are going to vote for DAP to continue supporting the unity government in July - to do so would cause them to lose all self-respect.


So if not only external allies are not supporting him, but his own supporters are not supporting him, then who exactly is Anwar the leader of?


A word like "leader" can either just be a word, or it can have meaning.


To be just a word, a "leader" just needs to have a title - like Prime Minister, President of PKR, or head of PH.



But to have meaning, people actually have to follow a leader lah.


If no one is following you, but you still insist that you will be the PM, or party president, or head of your coalition, you will look like a fool who is confused, bewildered and has no self-respect.


You will look so pathetic that if you say do this or don't do that, even a kid won't listen to to you.


Anwar probably realizes this, because today, after Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced that they would be joining a new party and made official the schism and division in PKR, Anwar announced that snap elections might be called in the future.



“At the moment the relationship at the federal level is cordial.


“But if they decide to go against the agreements, then the elections will not only just be in Johor and other states,” he said, in his keynote address at the Pakatan Convention in Johor Bahru today.


Although Anwar said "might", I don't think snap elections "might" be called in the near future - I think it WILL be called in the near future.


Anwar is just saying "might" to make it seem like he is still in charge and thus still has the capacity to decide when the general election is to be called, but I don't think his appearance of being in charge is going to last for long.



Before his appearance of still being in charge dissipates - and I think he just has a few of months before it dissipates - he better call for elections before the elections call him, and make him look absolutely impotent, weak and without weight in the process.

Trump and the Pope

Trump and the Pope go out on a boat. The wind blows the Pope's hat off. The Pope steps put of the boat, walks across the water, picks up his hat and walks back to the boat.

The MAGA press headlines “The Pope Can't Swim”.

What About the Non-Bumiputera Agenda?

 

Dennis Ignatius

 

~ Provoking discussion, dissent & debate on politics, diplomacy, human rights & civil society.

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What About the Non-Bumiputera Agenda?

20WednesdayMay 2026

Posted by Dennis Ignatius in Multiculturalism, Politics

≈ Leave a comment

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Federal Constitution;, Malaysian Malaysia, non-Bumiputera agenda, Zahid Hamidi

[1] At a recent roundtable discussion, UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reiterated the importance of the “Bumiputera agenda,” insisting that it was rooted in the Federal Constitution and should therefore not be viewed as extremist. There was no need, he said, to be apologetic about championing the Muslim-Bumiputera cause so long as it respected the Constitution and the rights of other communities.

[2] He also justified the continued need for affirmative action policies by arguing that deep “structural inequalities” in the economy continue to place Bumiputeras at a disadvantage and that these imbalances must therefore be corrected.

[3] It is astonishing that after more than half a century of mostly UMNO-led governments — nine prime ministers, 54 national budgets, 12 Malaysia Plans, hundreds of agencies, committees and studies, and trillions of ringgit spent in the name of Bumiputera upliftment — we are still being told that the Bumiputera community remains economically disadvantaged. At what point do we admit that the policy is no longer solving the problem but sustaining a vast system of political patronage and elite enrichment disguised as social justice?

[4] But that aside, it is time for serious attention to also be given to the non-Bumiputera agenda. There needs to be a frank and honest discussion — one our elected representatives have long lacked the courage to address openly — about the rights and legitimate interests of the non-Bumiputera community within the broader national agenda.

[5] After all, the Federal Constitution does not merely enshrine Malay rights and privileges. It also safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of the country’s other ethnic and religious communities. Those rights are no less constitutional or deserving of protection.

[6] For far too long, non-Bumiputeras have been defensive and apologetic whenever these issues are raised. We have been conditioned to believe that speaking openly and honestly about our legitimate concerns is somehow communal, divisive or seditious. But as Zahid himself pointed out, there is nothing wrong with doing so provided it is done within the framework of the Federal Constitution and with due respect for the rights of other communities.

[7] Non-Bumiputeras play a vital role in the nation’s economy –– Dr Mahathir Mohamad acknowledged in 2023 that much of Malaysia’s wealth was generated by the Chinese community. Yet despite contributing disproportionately to national wealth and government revenues, non-Bumiputera communities continue to see their interests addressed only marginally, with little in the way of meaningful allocations or sustained policy commitments.

[8] In so many other areas too — including education, public sector employment, and religious and cultural rights — non-Bumiputera interests are frequently sidelined or ignored. And increasingly, the values and sensitivities of the majority community are imposed on everyone else, leaving little room for genuine pluralism. Some Malay-Muslim leaders have even suggested that minority communities must, in effect, “masuk Islam” in order to be fully accepted as equal citizens. Such attitudes reflect a deeper institutional repudiation of the pluralism and inclusivity enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

[9] For decades, many non-Bumiputeras placed their faith in parties that spoke of moderation, diversity, meritocracy and institutional reform. They were promised Bangsa Malaysia, respect for diversity and even Ketuanan Rakyat in place of Ketuanan Melayu. Looking back now, however, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that much of it was rhetoric rather than genuine political commitment.

[10] This also raises a another fundamental question: who now truly speaks for the non-Bumiputera community? The DAP once championed the ideal of a “Malaysian Malaysia” — a nation where all citizens would be treated with equal dignity and opportunity regardless of race or religion. Yet when finally given a real opportunity to advance that agenda from within government, the party didn’t deliver on its promises.

[11] The changing political landscape, with new permutations competing for relevance and support, may yet create space for a more serious conversation about the non-Bumiputera agenda within the framework of the Federal Constitution. The fluid situation now offers an opportunity to press parties and political leaders on questions of equality and constitutional rights. Every party speaks of moderation and multiracialism when courting non-Malay support; the time has come to demand more than rhetoric.

[12] If non-Bumiputeras are serious about protecting their constitutional rights and freedoms, they must adopt a more realistic and transactional political approach. Support for any coalition, party or candidate should no longer be automatic or premised upon our fears.  Political support must instead be contingent on clear and explicit commitments to uphold the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Malaysians under the Federal Constitution. It’s time they stopped taking us for granted and treating us as peripheral to the national agenda.

[Dennis Ignatius |Kuala Lumpur | Wednesday, 20 May 2026]

Ronnie Liu patuh nasihat Sultan, ziarah Monumen Rukun Negara

Bekas Exco Selangor, Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, tampil menzahirkan kepatuhan terhadap nasihat Sultan Selangor dengan menziarahi Monumen Rukun Negara di Dataran Selangor pagi ini. - Gambar oleh Jimmy Tan, 20 Mei, 2026



Ronnie Liu patuh nasihat Sultan, ziarah Monumen Rukun Negara



Bekas Exco Selangor berterima kasih atas peringatan tepat pada masanya daripada Sultan Sharafuddin, berharap lebih ramai termasuk wakil rakyat turut hadir ke Dataran Selangor untuk menghayati lima prinsip Rukun Negara



Terence Fernandez
Dikemaskini 3 saat lalu
20 Mei, 2026
1:27 PM MYT


SHAH ALAM – Bekas Exco Selangor, Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, tampil menzahirkan kepatuhan terhadap nasihat Sultan Selangor dengan menziarahi Monumen Rukun Negara di Dataran Selangor pagi ini.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah sebelum ini menegaskan keperluan wakil rakyat dan masyarakat untuk hadir sekurang-kurangnya dua kali sebulan bagi merenung kembali asas ideologi negara.

Malah, baginda secara khusus menasihatkan Liu dan Adun Seri Kembangan, Wong Siew Ki, supaya hadir setiap minggu sebagai tanda hormat kepada institusi diraja serta menghayati nilai kesopanan dan moral.

Monumen Rukun Negara yang dibiayai sendiri oleh Sultan Sharafuddin dan dilengkapi bangku pelawat di Dataran Selangor, bersebelahan tiang bendera negeri, menjadi simbol peringatan kepada rakyat tentang asas perpaduan pasca tragedi 13 Mei 1969.

Liu yang sebelum ini lantang mengkritik isu larangan penternakan babi di Selangor, mengakui peringatan Tuanku bukan sekadar ajakan fizikal untuk hadir ke monumen, tetapi mesej mendalam agar pemimpin kembali kepada asas kenegaraan — menghormati Perlembagaan, menjunjung undang-undang, memelihara institusi Raja-Raja Melayu dan menghargai sesama rakyat.

“Saya melihat kunjungan ini bukan sahaja sebagai mematuhi nasihat Tuanku, tetapi juga sebagai penyegar jiwa seorang rakyat Malaysia. Rukun Negara adalah asas negara kita, dan kita mesti berpegang teguh kepada prinsipnya,” katanya kepada Scoop.

Beliau turut menyeru Exco dan Adun lain agar mencontohi langkah tersebut, sambil menzahirkan penghargaan kepada Sultan Selangor atas hadiah berharga berupa Monumen Rukun Negara.

“Kita sering lupa, dan saya bersyukur Tuanku mengingatkan kembali bagaimana Rukun Negara membimbing serta menyatukan kita. Daulat Tuanku!” ujar Liu. – 20 Mei, 2026

***

Yang berikut adalah kau, Encik Pua, jangan berdegil - wakakaka

😂😂😂

Israeli air strikes Lebanon during 45-Day Ceasefire

 

Lebanon says 19 killed in Israeli air strikes

45-Day Ceasefire?

Shailok treachery again

DAP rep acknowledges Selangor ruler’s call to uphold Rukun Negara

DAP rep acknowledges Selangor ruler’s call to uphold Rukun Negara


Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki says she humbly upholds Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree for elected representatives to better understand the principles

DAP assemblyman Wong Siew Ki said the principles of the Rukun Negara serve as her ‘guide, inspiration, and foundation’ in carrying out the trust placed in her and serving the people. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: DAP’s Wong Siew Ki today responded to the decree issued by Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, about a day after the ruler called on her, as well as ex-DAP leader Ronnie Liu, to better understand the Rukun Negara and respect the royal institution.

In a Facebook post, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman said she “humbly upholds” Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree.

“As a representative, the principles of the Rukun Negara always serve as my guide, inspiration, and foundation in carrying out the trust placed in me and serving the people.


“I deeply respect and always adhere to these principles in all my actions, prioritising the interests of the people of Selangor and Malaysia,” she said.

Yesterday, the Selangor Royal Office said in a Facebook post that Sultan Sharafuddin had paid a visit to Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam to view the Rukun Negara monument in front of the Selangor state flagpole.

The sultan called on all of the state’s elected representatives, particularly Wong and Liu, to visit Dataran Selangor twice a month to read and understand the meaning of the principles inscribed on the monument.

Controversy previously erupted over Wong and Liu’s response to the sultan’s call for a complete end to pig farming in the state.

Wong attracted brickbats with her proposal for a modern, closed-system pig farming industry in Selangor, while Liu urged dissatisfied pig farmers to consider applying for a judicial review.

MORE TO COME

***

Respect, allegiance and 'face' have been dedicated to Tuanku - most likely all may be forgiven

Umno sec-gen slams ‘arrogant, rude’ Pua over comments on monarchy

Umno sec-gen slams ‘arrogant, rude’ Pua over comments on monarchy

Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says the ex-MP disrespected the royal institution

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said ‘ridiculing’ the sultan’s decree does not constitute freedom of speech.

PETALING JAYA: Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki today hit out at DAP’s Tony Pua over the former MP’s comments on the monarchy and its decrees.

In a Facebook post, Asyraf said Pua portrayed himself as being well-versed in the Federal Constitution but still disrespected the royal institution.

“Ridiculing the sultan’s decree isn’t freedom of speech. It’s just rude,” he said, accusing Pua of arrogance.


The former Damansara MP wrote yesterday that the powers of the monarch were strictly limited to defined aspects such as Malay customs, Islam and constitutional roles such as the appointment of menteris besar, and approval for the dissolution of state assemblies.

Pua said Malaysians did not “live in a system whereby the monarch can issue binding decrees which legislate all aspects of our lives”.


His comments followed a call by Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for DAP assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and former DAP leader Ronnie Liu to better understand the Rukun Negara and respect the royal institution.

The sultan also reminded elected representatives of their responsibility to uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara and preserve decorum in public life.

The statement came amid controversy surrounding Wong and Liu’s response to the sultan’s call for a complete end to pig farming in the state.

Wong attracted brickbats with her proposal for a modern, closed pig farming system in Selangor, while Liu urged dissatisfied pig farmers to consider filing a judicial review.

Liu, a former Selangor executive councillor, was a DAP member for 41 years, serving as a member of its central executive committee for several terms.

In a separate statement, Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham said Pua was deliberately attempting to create polemics that could threaten harmony.

“I am confident that DAP will continue to belittle the royal institution,” he added.

***

I'm afraid Asyraf has been correct, that "Pua portrayed himself as being well-versed in the Federal Constitution but still" stated words to the effect of "disrespect[ing] the royal institution."

Technically-legally Pua might be correct but in Malaysia everyone has to tiptoe through the tulips when commenting on the Royals' proclamations, statements or fatwa's. Alas, there is a certain protocol which have to be, nay, MUST BE observed - unless of course you are Mahathir, wakakaka. Yes, give Tuanku 'water-face' lah.

Not happy? Not Mahathir? Frig off from this country lah, wakakaka.

How Rafizi-led ‘Bersama’ could disrupt Malaysia’s political calculus

How Rafizi-led ‘Bersama’ could disrupt Malaysia’s political calculus



Analysts don't see 'Bersama' as making much inroads besides perhaps splintering votes for Pakatan Harapan. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysian politics again faces a major realignment following the dramatic takeover of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) by former federal ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The duo vacated their respective parliamentary seats effective Monday, having exited the ruling PKR following nearly a year of tension after both were defeated at last May’s party polls.

Both former PKR leaders alleged the elections were marred by irregularities.

While Bersama positions itself as an independent, policy-driven alternative, analysts said its entry introduces a volatile variable at the upcoming elections.


Three analysts explain how Bersama could alter Malaysia’s political board:

It could split the urban liberal-centrist votes

The immediate consequence of Bersama going solo could be the fragmentation of the country’s liberal and centrist voter base, said Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, director of Vriens & Partners, a government affairs and public policy consultancy.


Urban, multi-ethnic, and centrist constituencies are typically bedrock seats of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition but since Bersama is effectively a PKR splinter party, it would likely target these exact demographics, possibly triggering a classic vote-splitting scenario.

“I think the biggest disruption caused by Bersama would be vote splitting among urban centrist voters. If they split this base, would it be possible they could hand victory to the conservative opposition in marginal seats? I think this could be a possibility,” Shazwan said.

To mitigate this, analysts suggest Bersama will likely be selective and micro-target specific urban profiles. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had already said they would defend the Pandan and Setiawangsa seats, so it’s more than likely other party candidates would vie for seats with similar profiles, such as Subang.

“What we know now is Bersama is definitely contesting in Pandan and Setiawangsa, and possibly Subang. So they will likely aim for seats with a similar profile,” said Adib Zalkapli, managing director of Viewfinder, a global affairs consultancy.

Bersama unlikely to be vanguard of a strong ‘third force’, for now

The emergence of yet another party championing centrist politics have spurred hope for a third force capable of uprooting the two-party system. But Ibrahim Suffian, who heads Merdeka Centre, a respected pollster, said this is unlikely.

“If you look at Malaysian political history never has a so-called third force succeeded unless they align with a larger, more established coalition,” he said, noting that voting trends over the last few decades have consistently shown little public confidence in small break-off outfits.

Even PKR itself, which is technically an Umno splinter party, had to collaborate with more established parties like PAS and DAP to stand a chance. Even then it won just five seats initially,” the analyst added.

Ibrahim said the case of Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (Muda) corroborates the trend, despite being led by the popular former minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

There is potential to be a ‘kingmaker’

Given current trends, no single coalition or party is projected to win an outright parliamentary majority in the next General Election. Political pundits generally predict the next government will almost certainly have to be cobbled together through post-election negotiations once again.

And in a hung parliament, a five to ten seat bloc would theoretically turn Bersama into a crucial swing vote required to break any deadlock, although Rafizi’s launch speech strongly implied that Bersama intends to maintain strict independence and is positioning itself to sit strictly on the crossbenches.

Still, this independence could give Bersama some leverage to dictate policy concessions in exchange for confidence and supply.

“They could have some leverage if the matter involves a deadlock (in Parliament) and a deciding swing vote is required. But the biggest kingmakers in any coalition moving forward for now would be Sabah and Sarawak,” said Shazwan.

***

At a time when 'Progressives' are facing pressure from the ultra-Right, Rafizi has to satisfy his personal ego and split the 'Progressives' camp 😡😡😡

UAE says drone targeting its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq

UAE says drone targeting its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq



The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates remained safe after a drone strike caused a fire outside its inner perimeter, authorities said. — AFP pic

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 10:28 AM MYT

• UAE says six drones launched in from Iraq in 48 hours
• Defence ministry says all but one were intercepted
• UN envoy highlights attacks ‘by one state ‌and its proxies’

May 20 — The United Arab Emirates said yesterday that six drones had been launched against it from Iraq in the past 48 hours, including one that caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Gulf state on Sunday.

The UAE’s defence ministry said in a statement that it had intercepted all but one of the drones. It said three in total had been targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which is the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power station.


The drone that penetrated the UAE’s defences hit an electric generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant, the ministry said.

After that drone strike, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the plant remained safe and that no radioactive material had been released due to the attack.


Emirati officials have said the UAE has the full right to respond to such “terrorist attacks”.


Iraq is home to powerful Iranian-backed militia groups which have claimed attacks against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” during the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Later at the United Nations in New York, the UAE ambassador to the world body, Mohamed Abushahab, told a Security Council meeting called to discuss the attack on the Barakah plant that it was not an isolated incident.


He did not identify a perpetrator, but said it occurred “in a wider regional context, in which persistent cross-border attacks by one state and its proxies have pushed the region toward heightened escalation and dangerous confrontation.”

Russia and China, which have long been supportive of Iran, criticised the attack at the Security Council, with China’s envoy expressing “great concern” and Russia’s UN ambassador saying that strikes on peaceful nuclear facilities in any country were “categorically unacceptable.”

The head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, Raphael Grossi, told the meeting the attack threatened the nuclear safety of the UAE and caused great concern throughout the Gulf.

“In case of an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,” he said.

“A hit that disabled the lines supplying electrical power to the plant could increase the likelihood of its reactors’ cores melting, which could result in a high release of radioactivity.”

While hostilities during the Iran conflict have scaled down since a ceasefire came into effect in April, drones have been launched from Iraq towards Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had intercepted three drones coming from Iraqi airspace and that it would take any necessary measures in response to efforts to violate its sovereignty and security.

Iraq said its air defences had not detected any drones being launched from its airspace. — Reuters

***

Shailoks have a (unauthorised) covert base in Iraq

Indonesia minister denies letter he signed with Pete Hegseth gives air access to US military

Indonesia minister denies letter he signed with Pete Hegseth gives air access to US military



Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subiyanto, and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tonny Harjono, perform a blessing ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on May 18, 2026. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:27 PM MYT


JAKARTA, May 19 — Indonesia’s defence minister said on Tuesday that he had signed ‌a letter of intent last month with ​US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on granting US military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace, but ‌said no commitment was made.


The letter of intent signed in ​Washington mentioned respecting each country’s territorial integrity, the need for a mechanism if Indonesia agreed to airspace access, and respect for local laws, Defence Minister ​Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told a parliamentary hearing.


“We made not a single commitment with the US on airspace. We uphold the constitution and our national interests,” Sjafrie said.

The issue of overflight access created controversy in Indonesia last month. The ‌foreign ministry warned the defence ministry that the proposal ⁠to give the US military ‘blanket’ permission ⁠to fly over Indonesian territory could ⁠risk entangling Jakarta in potential South ⁠China Sea ⁠conflicts, Reuters reported.


Sjafrie said Hegseth had made the request for the overflight access last year during an Association of Southeast ⁠Asian Nations meeting. Hegseth had cited emergency reasons when he asked for the access, Sjafrie said without providing further details.


A request for comment was sent to the Pentagon. There was no immediate reply, and when the request was sent from ⁠Jakarta it was early morning Washington time and outside business hours.

After Hegseth and Sjafrie met in Washington last ⁠month, the Pentagon said the two countries had established a major ⁠defence cooperation partnership ⁠and listed a number of ways in which they would build ​defence ties.


Sjafrie said the partnership ​includes the modernisation of Indonesia’s military, ‌but “it does not mention any military equipment”. ​He said the US ​would help train Indonesian soldiers. — Reuters

Malaysian government should close down Mossad cells operating in Malaysia after Israeli abduction of activists in flotilla travelling to Gaza

Murray Hunter
May 19, 2026


Malaysian government should close down Mossad cells operating in Malaysia after Israeli abduction of activists in flotilla travelling to Gaza






Twenty-four Malaysians in the Global Sumud flotilla 2.0 have been abducted by Israeli security forces in international waters off the Gaza coastline late on Monday night. They have been taken to Israel and are in captivity by the Israeli security forces.

Its now time for the Malaysian intelligence forces and Special Branch to close up and get rid of Mossad intelligence cells operating inside Malaysia.

There is a long record of Israeli Mossad operations in Kuala Lumpur. On April 21, 2018, Palestinian academic and Hamas-linked electrical engineer Fadi al-Batsh was shot dead in a drive-by motorcycle attack while heading to morning prayers in a Kuala Lumpur neighborhood. He was hit by about 10 bullets. His family, Hamas, and Malaysian officials accused Mossad of carrying it out. Malaysian authorities described the attackers as possibly linked to a foreign intelligence service.

Reports indicated al-Batsh was allegedly involved in acquiring technology and expertise for Hamas’s military wing the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Israel has not officially confirmed involvement, as is standard for such operations.

In late September 2022, the Malaysian media reported a botched operation where suspected Mossad-linked local operatives tried to kidnap two Palestinian men (described as computer experts with alleged Hamas ties) in Kuala Lumpur. One man was abducted, beaten, and interrogated, reportedly via video link with Mossad handler about Hamas technical capabilities before police rescued him.

Malaysian police arrested several local suspects, where reports mentioned up to 11 in a cell, who were allegedly recruited and trained by Mossad. The cell was accused of spying on sites like airports and government facilities, plus tracking Palestinians.

Malaysian police arrested an Israeli man identified as Shalom Avitan in a Kuala Lumpur hotel with multiple handguns and ammunition. Authorities suspected possible Mossad links or a covert operation, though he claimed it was related to a personal/family or underworld dispute. Police expressed skepticism about his story.

The prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and officials have publicly stated that Malaysia is a target for Mossad and other foreign intelligence services due to its strong pro-Palestinian stance. This is especially the case, sine the GAZA genocide began.

It is believed that Mossad has a presence in Singapore, although this is denied. Thus, Singapore could easily act as a ‘step-off centre’ for operations in Malaysia.

Its time for Malaysian authorities to work hard and eradicate any Mossad presence in Malaysia as retribution for Israeli authorities taking 24 Malaysian hostages from the Global Sumud flotilla 2.0. Just watching Mossad’s presence is not enough. It’s time for action.

The Malaysian government at cabinet level gave the Israeli owned company Zim Lines permission to dock in Malaysia back in 2002. Zim was operating from Port Klang until December 2023, when the public became aware of it. The government is also using Israeli equipment and software packages for security and ease dropping purposes in the security services.

Its time for Malaysia to cut all links with Israeli intelligence and security products immediately. No Malaysian banks should be permitted to correspond with Bank Hapoalim or Bank Leumi. Using Israeli products in the nation’s security apparatus is a national security threat.

Shooters And Motives Revealed In San Diego Mosque Shooting That Killed Three

Shooters And Motives Revealed In San Diego Mosque Shooting That Killed Three

by Tyler Durden
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 10:15 PM


The two young alleged gunmen who descended upon a San Diego Islamic facility on Monday -- killing three men and themselves -- have been identified, along with early indications of their motives. Police sources have told multiple outlets that 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez -- driven by hate -- scrawled racist themes on their weapons and carried a gas can emblazoned with a Nazi SS sticker. One of them left a suicide note emphasizing "racial pride."

While school-wrestler Cain Clark's appearance has left some wondering, there's been no reporting of any non-standard gender identity

The attack was carried out on the Islamic Center of San Diego, which is roughly eight miles north of downtown and is home to the county's largest mosque, and Bright Horizon Academy, a K-12 Islamic school. While the shooting began around 11:40 am, one of the shooter's mothers contacted police at 9:42 am. She told them her son was missing, that he was suicidal, and that her firearms and her car were gone. She also reported that he was with a companion, both of them dressed in camouflage clothing. Police tried to track them down using license plate readers, at one point responding to a possible matching plate near a shopping mall. Other officers were dispatched to a high school that one of the alleged shooters attended.

Police say that, after leaving the Islamic center, the alleged young murderers fired shots at a landscaper two blocks away, with one of the rounds grazing his helmet. He wasn't wounded. Soon after, the two were found dead inside a white BMW another block away from the Islamic center, having apparently died of self-inflicted gunshots. Inside the vehicle, investigators found some type of anti-Islamic writing. In addition, the BMW contained a gasoline can that had a Nazi SS sticker on it, and police say unspecified "hate speech" was written on their firearms. They haven't described the weapons yet.

The body of one of the shooters lies to the left of the BMW, and a gas can adorned with a Nazi SS symbol sits nearby.


Clark wrestled for Madison High School, which is only a mile from the Islamic center, but never attended there in person, instead enrolling in the San Diego Unified School District's iHigh Virtual Academy. He was set to graduate this month. Outside their home, Clark's grandparents told CNN that he had been "a good kid," with the incident leaving them shocked. "We're trying to process this," they said, adding that they were "very sorry for what happened." No biographical details about Velasquez have emerged yet; nor have any photos of him been shared by reliable sources.

Police have thus far refused to share specifics about the hate speech associated with the slogans on the weapons, the writing in the car and the suicide note. "There was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved," Wah said at a press conference, suggesting that more information may be revealed later. "There was generalized hate rhetoric and speech," but no specific threat to "any facility or any place."

Police haven't identified the shooters' weapons, but maybe our ZeroHedge commenters can crowd-source a partial answer from this image (Anadolu via Getty Images)


One of three dead men was security guard Amin Abdullah, who's being credited with curtailing the carnage. "I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic," San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters. "Undoubtedly, he saved lives today." He was a father of eight children. An online fundraiser rapidly raised more than $1.2 million and counting.

Security guard Amin Abdullah was killed, but police credited him with minimizing the casualties (via LaunchGood)

"My community is mourning," said Taha Hassane, the director an imam of the Islamic center. "The religious intolerance and the hate that unfortunately exists in our nation is unprecedented."