'Please stand with my family,' Pastor Koh's wife pens letter to Gobind

'Please stand with my family,' Pastor Koh's wife pens letter to Gobind


Published: Dec 6, 2025 10:16 AM
Updated: 2:09 PM



In another attempt to seek justice for her family, Pastor Raymond Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, reached out to DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo, asking him to stand with her family.

This comes after the Attorney-General’s Chambers filed an appeal against a High Court verdict that ordered the government to pay RM10,000 per day to Koh’s family, starting the day that he was abducted on Feb 13, 2017, until he is found or his whereabouts are identified.

“I turn to you because you are a voice that stands for transparency and human dignity, as your late father was, who we are so beholden to and appreciative of.

“I have read how you speak up not just for cases, but for principles, and I truly believe your voice matters at this moment,” Liew said in a letter addressed to the digital minister on Dec 1.

In the court ruling on Nov 5, judge Su Tiang Joo awarded RM4 million in damages, and also awarded the missing pastor RM1 million in aggravated damages for the prolonged delay in his discovery, as well as another RM1 million for unconstitutional acts taken against him by the defendants.

DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo


He also ordered the police to reopen their investigation into the case and report their progress to the attorney-general every two months.

The court further ordered a separate monetary relief for Liew, the second plaintiff in the suit, which is RM2 million in general and aggravated damages for her mental distress, as well as another RM1 million in exemplary damages.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Revisiting Koh and Amri's enforced disappearances

The judge also ruled in favour of activist Amri Che Mat, who was abducted in 2016.

Su awarded Amri’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin, RM3 million in damages, comprising RM2 million in general damages and RM1 million in exemplary damages.

Activist Amri Che Mat


“I find there was a lack of effort to keep Amri’s family updated (and) wrongful classification of Amri’s disappearance as it should have been classified as abduction instead of a missing person,” the judge said.

The AGC filed an appeal the next day, with Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar stating he believed the High Court had erred.


No support from Madani govt

Liew further pointed out how the AGC immediately filed an appeal against the verdict, even before the full grounds of both judgments were made available.

She also lamented that the agency did not raise any concern about the seriousness of the verdict, which had linked the police’s involvement.

“We are afraid that the process will move back into delay and uncertainty.

“This Madani government has not come out in support of the judgments and has not even followed the findings and recommendations of their own Special Task Force Report.

“Together with my family, we feel that we are standing at a very fragile moment that could move the nation forward, or return us to the same unanswered questions,” said Liew.

Pastor Raymond Koh


She then appealed to Gobind to stand with her family in her quest for justice by issuing public statements and raising the matter in Parliament.

Liew also requested a meeting with Gobind to share information that would better equip the minister to raise the matter among the public, adding she had asked her counsel to make themselves available for it.

“This is a deeply personal and painful matter for my family and me. After so many years, the High Court order gives us hope of closure.

“My family and I humbly ask that you join the voices of those seeking to uphold justice and truth,” she added.

***

Gobind I don't know, but Ramkarpal and sister Sangeet, both are No 1  in my eyes.

Fadhlina vulnerable as Cabinet reshuffle looms

FMT:

Fadhlina vulnerable as Cabinet reshuffle looms

5 hours ago
Elill Easwaran

Analysts say the education minister is the most exposed, as calls grow for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen his team with technocrats to take charge of the economy

Fadhlina Sidek has faced numerous calls to resign in the wake of several troubling school incidents, and may be replaced as education minister by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to an analyst.

PETALING JAYA: Education minister Fadhlina Sidek appears the most vulnerable figure, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim prepares to unveil his new Cabinet lineup, says political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara.

Azmi said ministers from Pakatan Harapan are most at risk, as Anwar has greater discretion over their appointments.

In contrast, he noted, removing ministers from other parties would be difficult since they would want to “maintain their quota”.


“So, I would say that the most vulnerable is Fadhlina,” he told FMT.

“Maybe she’ll be swapped to another ministry. I think that would probably be the best thing for Anwar.”


Fadhlina, the Wanita PKR chief, has faced numerous calls to resign in the wake of several troubling incidents in schools involving murder, rape, and bullying.

She has acknowledged her weaknesses and said she considers the criticism as motivation for her to improve.

Azmi suggested that some ministers might perform better in different roles, arguing that Zambry Abdul Kadir would be better suited to the foreign ministry, while Mohamad Hasan could be reassigned to another portfolio.

He also suggested that Anwar consider bringing in non-partisan professionals to strengthen the government’s economic team, stressing the need for individuals with strong economic credentials.


“More technocrats should be brought in to win the public’s confidence.

“I think the most important thing is the economy, and Amir Hamzah (Azizan) is taking care of that.

“More professional individuals who are not tied to any political party or party agenda should be appointed as senators so that they can be promoted to ministers,” he said.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania expects the reshuffle to be more of a modest recalibration than a sweeping overhaul.


“(It) is not really a reshuffle. It’s about bringing new people in to fill the vacancies. If Anwar drops anyone, I think it will be deputy ministers, as some are already redundant,” he said.

He said promotions would not be based on performance alone since none of the ministers were doing a “particularly good job”.

Chin identified transport minister Loke Siew Fook as the only senior figure relatively free of controversies and said Fadhlina has long been seen as underperforming.

“But then again, education in Malaysia is very politicised. It’s very hard for anyone to make significant changes, especially with the rise of political Islam, so it’s a problematic portfolio,” he said.

He also pointed to the home ministry as a “difficult” portfolio due to various corruption allegations against the police, immigration and other enforcement agencies.

“But you can’t replace the minister as it’s a very strategic ministry that needs to remain in PKR’s hands, and it must be headed by someone Anwar trusts the most, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday that a Cabinet reshuffle, Anwar’s second since assuming office in November 2022, will take place soon.

The Cabinet has four vacant posts – economy; natural resources and environment sustainability; entrepreneur development and cooperatives; and investment, trade and industry.

Finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan has taken over the economy portfolio on an interim basis, while plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani is handling the portfolio of natural resources and environment sustainability.

The two vacancies arose after PKR’s Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stepped down in the middle of the year.

Works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi is overseeing the entrepreneur development and cooperatives portfolio that fell vacant following the resignation of Upko president Ewon Benedick last month.

***

Fadhlina Sidek? I have to admit I am entranced by her pouting lips, wakakaka.

Penang volunteers stay on in Hat Yai to aid Thai flood recovery after rescuing Malaysians

Penang volunteers stay on in Hat Yai to aid Thai flood recovery after rescuing Malaysians



Malaysian volunteers from Penang NGOs, who rescued stranded Malaysians during last month’s floods in Hat Yai, have stayed on to support post-flood recovery efforts alongside Thai authorities. — Picture via Facebook/Persatuan Keselamatan Sukarela Seberang Perai Tengah

Saturday, 06 Dec 2025 9:42 AM MYT


BANGKOK, Dec 6 — When floodwaters swept through Hat Yai in Thailand’s Songkhla province in November, submerging streets and leaving residents stranded, Malaysian volunteers crossed the border not as tourists but as first responders answering a call for help.

They were from several Penang-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that were involved in evacuating Malaysians affected by the floods in Hat Yai and the surrounding districts.

A total of 6,222 Malaysians stranded by severe flooding were rescued.

However, as the situation has since improved and floodwaters have receded, many volunteers have decided to remain in Thailand to assist local authorities in the post-flood recovery effort.


Armed with more than 20 rescue pick-up vehicles, medical kits and dry food supplies, Ng Keok Seng, a volunteer from the Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Safety Association, said he and other volunteers entered Hat Yai on November 23, determined to rescue Malaysians stranded by the disaster.

“Our initial plan was to rescue all Malaysians stranded in Hat Yai, and we even allocated two buses to send them back to Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam,” he told Bernama yesterday when contacted.

Ng, who hails from Bukit Mertajam, said that now the evacuation mission has been completed — with the support of the Thai people — the volunteers want to “return the favour” by helping Thailand in its recovery operations.


“Since early this month, after the floodwaters receded, we stayed on. Some volunteers even cross the border daily just to help the Thai people and authorities with cleaning and rebuilding,” he said.

He added that more than 50 volunteers from eight Penang-based associations have committed to staying on to help distribute food, clothing and daily necessities.

Besides the Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Safety Association, other volunteers are from Berapit Volunteer Firefighter Association, Juru Volunteer Firefighter Association, Blue Sky Rescue Malaysia, CERT Georgetown, Pekan Bukit Mertajam Volunteer Firefighter Association, International Association for Human Values and Kawasan Kampung Cross Street Volunteer Firefighter Association.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, commended the efforts of the Penang volunteers.

He said their contributions are always welcome and appreciated, especially during a time when the Thai people are in need.

“I am happy that Malaysians continue to provide assistance and remain here to help the Thai people. The Thais have always been kind to everyone, and at this moment they truly need support…it is good that our volunteers are staying on to help them,” he added.

He said the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla will continue to assist Malaysians in Thailand in any way necessary.

Hat Yai is one of the most popular short-haul travel destinations for Malaysians, with more than 3.5 million Malaysians visiting southern Thailand last year.

The large number of Malaysian tourists in the area heightened the urgency of the evacuation mission, requiring close coordination between Malaysian missions, Thai authorities and volunteer groups.

According to Thai authorities, severe floods in southern Thailand have claimed more than 145 lives and affected about 3.54 million people. — Bernama

Zelensky’s Ex-Spokeswoman Admits Fearing For Her Life Because Of Yermak

 

Zelensky’s Ex-Spokeswoman Admits Fearing For Her Life Because Of Yermak

 

Vladimir Zelensky’s former spokeswoman-turned-critic, Yuliya Mendel, has said she fears for her life because of Andrey Yermak, the Ukrainian leader’s powerful long-time aide and right-hand man who was recently forced to resign amid a major corruption scandal.

Yermak, who served as head of the Office of the President from 2020, stepped down last week over alleged links to a recently uncovered $100 million money-laundering scheme. He formally left his post after Western-backed anti-corruption agencies raided his residence as part of a sweeping probe known as Operation Midas. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Mendel suggested that Yermak may still retain influence due to his network of loyal officials. He will “do absolutely everything” to keep shaping policy behind the scenes, or to return to power, she told Ukrainian media on Tuesday.

Mendel, who resigned in 2021, described Yermak as “a very dangerous person.” She stated that even criticizing the former chief of staff frightens her and that she prays daily and thanks God “for being alive.” – RT

Our Take: Mendel suggested that Yermak may still retain influence due to his network of loyal officials. He will “do absolutely everything” to keep shaping policy behind the scenes, or to return to power, she told Ukrainian media on Tuesday.

Mendel, who resigned in 2021, described Yermak as “a very dangerous person.” She stated that even criticizing the former chief of staff frightens her and that she prays daily and thanks God “for being alive.”

She claimed that Yermak used smear campaigns, political attacks and his influence over law enforcement to target people who oppose him, branding critics “pro-Russian” or “traitors.” “Сriminal cases are created out of thin air” against those he views as threats, she alleged.

Imagine thinking that Andrei Yermak and the other Jewish-Nazis running the Zelensky regime are the good guys? That’s what the Republican Party says everyday with a straight face.

Why do we continue to tolerate the levels of treason and vicious malice that we continue to see from the Republican Party? How much longer will we perpetuate the lie that winning the next election for the GOP is the most important thing we could ever do with our lives? How much longer will we go along with the charade that the Republican Party is more important than our children, and even America itself? (And, therefore, should never face scrutiny or accountability for the countless crimes it has committed against the American People, such as the 9/11 false flag.)

How much longer will we continue to worship the Republican Party like a golden calf? Why do we prostrate ourselves before this failed institution and grovel at its feet in hopes that it will champion a populist-nationalist message? Why do we treat it like some sort of earthly deity, and the sole possibility to achieve political salvation?

Why do we continue to follow and listen to these losers? This isn’t a rhetorical question — we need to devise an answer. Is it because we have low self-esteem? Is it because deep down we, too, hate America and what it represents as much as the GOP does? Is it because we hate God and Jesus as much as the GOP hates God and Jesus? (And yes, the GOP absolutely hates God and Jesus. Despite controlling the federal government for the majority of the past 50 years, look at how much both God and Jesus have been marginalized by government decree. Our children in public schools are forced to learn about every false idol and phony religion there is, except for Jesus and Christianity.

Are we really such moral cowards that we will hide under the covers quivering in fear of the Republican Party, because we are afraid of what it might do to us? That it already hasn’t yet done?

Are we really that scared of Lyin’ Ted Cruz and Lady Lindsey Graham?

What exactly has MAGA become? An underling of the GOP?

MAGA was created to end the GOP. So what are we waiting for? Why haven’t we started that process? – GhostofBasedPatrickHenry

EU Leaders Fear US ‘Betrayal’ on Ukraine Peace Talks – Media

 

EU Leaders Fear US ‘Betrayal’ on Ukraine Peace Talks – Media

 

EU leaders “harbor profound distrust of” Washington’s attempts to help end the Ukraine conflict, Der Spiegel reported on Thursday, citing a transcript of their recent phone call that it obtained.

On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone call with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky and several other European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The call came just a day before US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“There is a possibility that the US will betray Ukraine on the issue of territory without clarity regarding security guarantees,” Macron reportedly said during the call. The issue of territories remains one of the most sensitive in the negotiations. The original US-drafted peace plan reportedly required Ukraine to cede parts of Donbass it still controls among other things. The EU outright rejected this condition, insisting that Kiev should not give up any territories.

Macron also stated that continued peace talks could pose a “great danger” for Zelensky personally – an assessment shared by Merz, Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also took part in the conversation, according to Der Spiegel. – RT

Our Take: I love this headline. It is music to my ears. That is because I view NATO and the EU as the actual bad guys in the geopolitical soap opera, and actually the USA, as well. (Portions of it, at least.)

That is because the United States has been run by some of the world’s most violent psychopaths of the past century.

Even now, as I type this, large swaths of MAGA are cheering for regime change and NeoCon forever wars, fooled by the MAGA branding that has been applied to reflect the Trump Presidency. But these wars — Venezuela, for example — have been planned by the NeoCons for decades.

If you found yourself cheering, just realize that you are cheering for a George Bush agenda item. If you find yourself cheering for warfare, chances are you have been duped, especially if your newly established opinion happens to align with both Fox News and CNN.

Don’t be fooled by CNN. They are always looking for ways to incriminate President Trump, but they are also platforming former [USAID-backed] Latin American leaders, such as former Colombian president Ivan Duque, who fully supports the US military campaign to overthrow Nicolas Maduro.

The same goes with the Israel-Gaza conflict. You are fooling yourself if you think that CNN and MSNBC actually oppose Israel. Those media outlets help form the contrived dialectic that enable’s the perpetual Israeli aggression that we have seen exercised against the entire Middle East.

So what happens with NATO and Europe? God willing, we will see both NATO and the EU collapse from financial mismanagement along with public rebuke.

Russia isn’t going to conquer the European, which is unfortunate for Europe — they really could use the lifeline. If Europe is lucky, and they play their cards right, they will get the privilege of holding America’s jockstrap, and we will make sure that their civilization doesn’t completely collapse into obscurity. Europe has a very long road of recovery ahead of it, and much of the world — which has suffered from European ambition — would be fine with Europe’s demise.

So, yes, Prime Minster Merz, President Trump is going to betray you and your ilk. Because that is the morally righteous thing to do. – GhostofBasedPatrickHenry

Sabah 2025 results Part 2: Preliminary ethnic voting findings

Sabah 2025 results Part 2: Preliminary ethnic voting findings

Bridget Welsh
Published: Dec 3, 2025 10:20 AM
Updated: 5:36 PM



COMMENT | As the results of the Sabah 2025 polls reverberate across Malaysia, it is useful to analyse voting patterns in terms of turnout and support. This information can help provide a more informed assessment of how Sabahans voted in the election.

This piece offers an analysis of ethnic voting behaviour, drawing from the macro results rather than the polling station data, as the latter is not yet fully available.

The analysis is based on the electoral roll used for the election, as a methodology of ecological inference is used to estimate the voting of different groups. One should interpret the findings below as preliminary indicators, as broad trends.

A needed caveat

Conducting an ethnic voting analysis properly for Sabah is not easy, as groups are more diverse and differ widely across the state.

For example, there are different types of Bajau on the east and west coasts of Sabah. Also, there is considerable diversity within communities such as the Dusun and Murut.

Moreover, analysing by religious differences - which is the (rather) uninformed ethnic classification label imposed by the Election Commission in differentiating Sabahan voters - is limited, given that many ethnic communities practise different faiths.

This study is based on a careful reclassification of voters by specific local ethnic groups.

The classification used below groups voters into five different categories – Chinese, Malay/Bugis/Sungai (MBS), Bajau, Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) and Others.

These groupings were chosen based on previous unique voting patterns and joined together to allow for enough of a sample for this macro analysis.

The share of voters in this grouping is in the chart. Please note that there are considerable differences among many of the “other” communities, such as Bisaya and Kedayan, for example.

This is all by way of highlighting the need for caution in over-interpreting these findings, as my research has pointed to the need to look at local ethnic communities within seats to best understand ethnic voting patterns.

Nevertheless, here we go.


A decisive swing: Chinese Sabahans

The findings show that the most decisive ethnic swing among voters was the Chinese Sabahans, followed by changes among the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) communities.

The Chinese swing is estimated at 40 percent. This is very significant and accounts for Warisan’s wins in many urban seats.

Yet, importantly, Pakatan Harapan retained an estimated 50 percent of support among the Chinese voters, with Warisan close behind, capturing an estimated 45 percent.

The pervasive view that Harapan has lost the support of the majority of Chinese Sabahans is incorrect.

Yet, the erosion is considerable. The findings also point to a significant drop in turnout among Chinese Sabahans as well, at an estimated 15 percent from the 15th general election in 2022.

The other ethnic groupings had no significant turnout changes from GE15, with KDM having a modest estimated 3 percent increase in turnout.

The Chinese turnout drop follows national trends and speaks to significant dissatisfaction with the Anwar Ibrahim government in this community.

It is important to note that the incumbent state government of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) received minimal support from this community, an estimated 2 percent of its vote.

Many do not really appreciate that Chinese voters comprise large shares of urban seats, but most constituencies are multiethnic.

As will be developed below, the losses were also the product of swings against Harapan from other communities as well. Harapan retained the most support of this community despite the sizeable exodus of support.

Underappreciated swing: KDMR voters

A not adequately recognised swing in this election involves the KDMR communities.

While these communities continue to support different parties, namely PBS (in GRS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Upko and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (Parti KDM), there were changes in voting support among these parties and with regard to the other Sabah parties/coalitions.

The most striking finding is that KDMR voters left Harapan, GRS and Warisan by an estimated 22 percent, 14 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

In short, the parties/coalitions aiming to have inclusive outreach across Sabahans failed to attract greater KDMR support, as 45 percent of the support was given to the main KDMR parties.

This points to a drop of overall support among the KDMR for PBS, despite the party winning six seats (a loss of one from 2020). Warisan, Harapan and BN all have very low support among KDMR communities, who make up a third of voters in Sabah.

This move toward KDMR parties by KDMR voters, away from the main coalitions/parties of GRS, Harapan and Warisan, speaks to strong sentiments among these communities about KDMR representation and the limitations of these parties/coalitions to win their support.

Some of this is a longstanding gap in support, with Warisan historically winning limited KDMR support over undocumented person issues. Warisan only captured an estimated 9 percent of KDMR support.

The exodus of Star from GRS and Upko from the Madani cabinet and the resulting Sabah First movement, which was concentrated primarily among KDM in terms of voting patterns, helps explain the swing pattern – an overall estimated 42 percent away from the larger parties/coalitions.

Before these developments occurred, there were concerns among KDMR voters about the Madani government over a perceived prioritisation of Palestinians over the needs of Sabahans among some KDMR voters, most of whom are largely Christian and live in communities in need of basic needs improvements.

Despite differences in who they support, KDMR voters retain considerable political clout, and their voting pattern helps explain why Harapan lost seats in urban areas, Warisan did not win additional seats in the north and interior, and GRS failed to get over the majority line.

Perhaps the most salient finding from the focus groups was that KDMR support for “local parties” was arguably the strongest of all the communities, with the greatest trust placed in parties tied to their communities.


Muslim voter splits

The electoral changes in voting among the Brunei Malays, Bugis, Sungai and Bajau are less clear. They are harder to distinguish as BN and GRS collaborated in earlier polls.

Yet, we do see three macro trends. First is a modest drop in support among Bajau communities of 10 percent compared to support in GE15 for Warisan.

Warisan support varied by seat along the East Coast and in Bajau areas in the West Coast as well. The competitiveness of the 17th state election accounts for part of the drop, but also the “local party” sentiment, while present, was more measured among Muslim voters. Warisan lost an estimated 13 percent of support among MBS voters compared to GE15 in 2022.

Second, Harapan has a Muslim voter deficit. Harapan has not captured high levels of Bajau support in 2022 and this was the case in this election as well – an estimated 1 percent.

Further, Harapan support among MBS communities eroded from an estimated 6 percent to a meagre estimated 3 percent, highlighting gaps in its support among Muslim voters in Sabah.

Third, BN maintained the most support of MBS voters at an estimated 34 percent. Both GRS and Warisan captured a significant share of this community, an estimated 27 percent and 19 percent, respectively. The votes of these communities are split.

Collectively, these findings show that the Muslim vote in Sabah remains divided across parties/coalitions and that the 2025 polls did not have as significant a swing as was evident in other communities.

The “local party” sentiment was fragmented, with BN retaining a core share of the support of many Muslim voters.


Inclusion of a sort: Buttressing a coalition cabinet

The estimated ethnic voting findings also show the limitations of the inclusion of the different parties and coalitions. None of the major coalitions/parties can say they have the electoral support of all the major groupings in Sabah.

GRS has a Chinese deficit, Warisan a KDMR deficit, BN and Harapan multiple deficits in support. Upko, Star and Parti KDM do not win significant support outside of the KDMR communities, although the more micro analysis of seats is likely to show some exceptions in particular races.

These ethnic groupings’ deficits of support highlight the need for inclusion through cabinet appointments and a coalition government.

It is not just about the number of seats of parties, but the need for accommodation is a matter of inclusive representation.

The findings reinforce the need for an inclusive cabinet. Note that Harapan does bring some support from Chinese voters, while Upko boosts the representation ties to KDMR voters.

BN - which has seen considerable erosion of support across communities - brings in ties to the Bugis, Sungai and Brunei Malays, who have been changing their voting patterns in recent elections, especially among younger generations.

With Warisan in opposition, Bajau voters – especially those on the East Coast – do not have strong representation within government.

The ethnic deficits in support for different parties/coalitions are reinforced when one examines patterns of support in different regions of Sabah.

For those interested in the regional variations of support, check out the final episode of “hot seats” in my “Kerusi Panas Sabah” podcast series on the election later this week (link below).

Future analysis will also look at other patterns of voting behaviour - generation, gender and ethnic patterns in more detail when more data is available.

Focus groups persistently suggested that GRS maintained an advantage among women voters, for example, a pattern that will be interesting to assess further.

Varied support for ‘local parties’

For now, the macro ethnic voting patterns reinforce the need for the major parties/coalitions to assess their strengths and limitations in engaging Sabahan voters.

For others looking at Sabah voting from afar, making sweeping statements about parties deserving to be the government due to vote share, and others having a total abandonment of support - the data shows a more complex picture.

Ethnic voting has been evident in Sabah for a long time, but it has its own pattern and is more dispersed across different parties. The latest state polls did see changes/swings in ethnic groupings in their support, but this was primarily among Chinese and KDMR voters.

While overwhelming, “local parties” as opposed to federal parties sentiment varied in intensity and direction of who was electorally endorsed to bring this about.

The ethnic voting analysis shows that even with the “local party” sentiment, there remains a varied pattern in voting among Sabahans from different communities; they vote for who they are most “locally” comfortable with.

BRIDGET WELSH is an honorary research associate of the University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute, a senior research associate at Hu Fu Centre for East Asia Democratic Studies, and a senior associate fellow at The Habibie Centre. Her writings can be found at bridgetwelsh.com.

She is on the ground in Sabah researching the polls, and her written analysis can be found exclusively in Malaysiakini and through her self-funded podcast Kerusi Panas Sabah.

DAP ramps up pressure: 'We'll tell Anwar some feel he has fallen short'

DAP ramps up pressure: 'We'll tell Anwar some feel he has fallen short'


Published: Dec 5, 2025 1:21 PM
Updated: 9:51 PM



DAP, which holds the largest number of federal seats - 40 - in the Madani administration, appears to be stepping up pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Party adviser Lim Guan Eng today shared his speech from Monday night at a Penang event on Facebook, in which he said that some feel Anwar has not done enough.

“We have heard the voices of the people and will take their views seriously. We will convey these concerns to the prime minister and urge the government to fulfil its promises as soon as possible,” he said.

“When the prime minister does the right thing, we must speak fairly; but when he does something wrong or not enough, we also have the responsibility to speak up. This is a fundamental principle of being an elected representative,” he added.

Lim delivered the speech some 48 hours after the Sabah state election, which sent shockwaves through DAP after it was wiped out in all eight seats it contested, raising concerns that a similar outcome could occur in the next national polls.

DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng


The former finance minister hoped that the prime minister would announce “good news at the end of the year” and not disappoint the support and trust that non-Malays have given to Pakatan Harapan.

“Non-Malays must feel that their votes were not cast in vain.

“And the most basic step is to increase allocations for non-Malays, especially for schools and temples, so that our education and various religions can continue to develop better,” he added.

Sabah polls result loud and clear

Following an emergency central executive committee meeting on Dec 1, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke described the Sabah election results as a “strong and unmistakable message from the voters” and said they reflected a serious crisis of confidence for both DAP and Pakatan Harapan.

“Leaders and members involved in the campaign were made aware of the widespread public dissatisfaction throughout the campaign trail.

“After thorough reflection, we will compile all feedback received and work closely with the prime minister to accelerate the reform agenda over the next six months,” he said in a statement.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng


Yesterday, Lim also expressed frustration that Anwar had ignored his repeated calls objecting to the expansion of the sales and service tax and other measures that burden the public.

“The prime minister can choose not to listen to me. However, he cannot afford to refuse to listen to the voices of Sabah voters,” the Bagan MP said, noting that the Sabah election results show voters are upset about extra taxes.

Zara Qairina inquest adjourned as bullying trial begins, coroner warns public against speculation

Zara Qairina inquest adjourned as bullying trial begins, coroner warns public against speculation



Police stand guard outside the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex, where the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir was held. — Bernama pic

Friday, 05 Dec 2025 7:27 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, Dec 5 — The Coroner’s Court today adjourned the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir and cautioned the public against commenting on the 52-day-long proceedings.

The court was adjourned to accommodate a related criminal trial involving five minors accused of bullying Zara Qairina, scheduled for December 8 to 12 and 15 to 19.

Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan issued the caution at the conclusion of today’s session, stating that the inquest will resume on January 21 next year.

“I therefore wish to remind the public not to make any comments or statements regarding the case. If anyone has new or additional evidence, they should approach the conducting officer.


“That is the proper channel. Do not pre-empt the inquest,” he said, emphasising that public commentary and speculation risk prejudicing the integrity of the proceedings, undermining its purpose of serving the interests of justice.

Earlier, the court heard testimony from the former senior assistant of student affairs at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha, Asni Marjan, who is set to retire next month.

The 57th witness testified before the court that he had no knowledge of the text messages allegedly sent by the mother of a student, referred to as Student A, to the school’s chief warden, Azhari Abdul Sagap, on the night of the incident. Student A is facing a bullying charge in connection with Zara Qairina’s death.


The messages, sent between 10.28pm and 10.54pm on July 15, were produced in court by counsel Joan Goh, who represents Student A. The messages reportedly concerned an issue in the dormitory that evening.

In his testimony, Asni stated that to the best of his recollection, the chief warden neither showed him these messages nor informed him of their existence at the relevant time.

Asni said that, to the best of his recollection, he was never shown any such messages by the chief warden and was not informed of them at the material time.

Zara Qairina, 13, died on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she had been admitted a day earlier after being found unconscious near a drain at her school hostel in Papar at 4am.

The Attorney General’s Chambers ordered her remains exhumed for a post-mortem on August 8, before announcing a formal inquest into her death on August 13. — Bernama

Mahathir’s Crusade Against Anwar: Genuine Concern for Sovereignty or a Relentless Quest to Protect His Legacy?

OPINION | Mahathir’s Crusade Against Anwar: Genuine Concern for Sovereignty or a Relentless Quest to Protect His Legacy?

5 Dec 2025 • 2:00 PM MYT


Kpost
Operation Consultant who is a keen observer of politics and current affairs

Photo Credit: MalaysiaNow , SinarDaily


Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has never projected himself as a saint, yet he carries himself as if he towers above everyone else - the smartest, the most seasoned, and perpetually beyond reproach. His political career, spanning more than half a century, is marked by sharp turns, bruising battles, and the kind of wear and tear only a long-serving, twice-returned prime minister could accumulate.


From cementing his dominance in the 1980s and 1990s, to his dramatic comeback in 2018, to the political earthquakes during his second premiership, Mahathir’s leadership has never been short of controversy. But his latest move - lodging a historic police report accusing Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim of economic sabotage and treason - has once again stirred the nation and revived an old question: is Mahathir defending Malaysia, or defending his legacy?


Source:


https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2025/12/02/i-mahathir-bin-mohamad-wish-to-report-sabotage-historic-police-report-filed-against-anwar-over-trump-deal


https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2025/11/28/anwar-should-be-charged-with-treason-says-mahathir-as-anger-mounts-over-trade-deal-with-us


Mahathir’s police report is unprecedented. For the first time, a former prime minister has formally accused a sitting prime minister of undermining the nation’s sovereignty - this time over the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar and Donald Trump on Oct 26, 2025. Mahathir claims the agreement “mortgages” Malaysia to US influence, citing clauses that align Malaysia with unilateral American sanctions and compel disclosure of cross-border data. He argues that the deal compromises Malaysia’s foreign policy independence, halal regulation, Bumiputera economic empowerment, and critical minerals.


To be fair, scrutiny of any international agreement is healthy for democracy. But Mahathir’s aggressive framing - “treason”, “submission to the US”, “loss of independence” - raises eyebrows. After all, this is a man who has brought down more political successors than anyone else in Malaysian history. From Tun Abdullah Badawi to Dato' Seri Najib Razak to his past deputy prime ministers, even to Anwar himself in 1998, Mahathir has never tolerated leaders he believed threatened his influence or overshadowed his legacy.


That is why many Malaysians see his latest attack not as patriotism, but as a familiar pattern. Mahathir has long positioned himself as the ultimate gatekeeper of Malaysia’s political destiny. Now at nearly 100 years old, he still insists on policing the leadership of those who came after him - the very leaders trying to rebuild a country fractured by decades of political turbulence shaped, in part, by his own decisions.


Instead of acknowledging his own missteps - from institutional erosion to racialised politics to economic imbalances - Mahathir appears more eager to lecture, accuse, and delegitimise. Whether motivated by jealousy over his successors’ achievements, fear of his legacy being overshadowed, or a need to stay politically relevant, his actions risk dragging Malaysia backward into old feuds.


The debate over the US trade agreement deserves serious, fact-based examination. But turning it into a personal battlefield only erodes trust and stability.


At this point, perhaps it is Mahathir - not Anwar - who needs to look into the mirror. After decades shaping Malaysia’s direction, the country deserves leaders focused on healing, progressing, and governing - not another round of political sabotage disguised as national concern.

***

The more Mahathir hounds Anwar, the more popular Anwar will become, mainly through sympathies from the public who in general detests the Old Man.

"The MA63 Bombshell!!" - "Will Failure To Honour It Allow PN To Recapture Putrajaya…?!!"

OPINION | "The MA63 Bombshell!!" - "Will Failure To Honour It Allow PN To Recapture Putrajaya…?!!"


5 Dec 2025 • 8:00 AM MYT


JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour

Prominent lawyer and podcaster Zaid Ibrahim had allegedly hinted at Sarawak and Sabah pursuing independence if they were not happy! Credit Image: Sinar Daily (File pix) / Focus Malaysia / Straits Times (File photo).


A recent heated discourse on the subject of MA63 has inadvertently sparked debate on the fate of two pivotal states in the Federation, and how the opposition PN could potentially “regain” power to rule the country!


It seems like ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s recent jibe aimed at Sabah and Sarawak has touched a raw nerve in the two Bornean states where conversations on the MA63 and “secession” are considered sensitive - and even taboo - by certain quarters.


In fact, only last week the youth wing of Sarawak’s powerful Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), in a strongly worded statement, had called on the vocal ex-UMNO MP to openly apologise to the people of Sarawak and Sabah; it was over his recent viral video describing both states as a “burden” to the nation – and suggesting that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) be revoked!


According to the movement, the MA63 is a foundational document of the Malaysian federation and its terms must be honoured, not questioned; it further stressed that calls for Sarawak and Sabah to be granted ‘"independence" or “removed” from Malaysia after 62 years is extreme and may be deemed “seditious”.


MA63 is an internationally recognised agreement and a “constitutional instrument” integral to the formation of Malaysia.


Meanwhile, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Sarawak had also likewise slammed Zaid for his recent podcast comments, describing it as ‘deeply offensive and historically ignorant’, while pointing out that it appeared to expose a profound misunderstanding of the nation’s foundation.

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For context, the former Kota Baru MP who is well-known for speaking his mind, had allegedly argued in a popular podcast that fulfilling Sabah and Sarawak’s rights under the MA63 – including the 40 per cent net revenue return – would place a significant financial strain on Putrajaya.


Zaid had also allegedly hinted that the two states should be allowed to leave - if they were dissatisfied.


Interestingly, Zaid’s candid comments would have also unintentionally sparked a debate on the likely political fallout in the country if for some reason the terms of the agreement is not fulfilled, leading to the unthinkable – which is, the two states actually bidding farewell!


Would PAS and Bersatu be quietly “thanking their lucky stars” if ever the country's two largest states decide to exit…?


Truth be told, PAS in particular has made very little headway in the two East Malaysian states and its leaders are fully aware of the negative perception of the party there due to its religious rhetoric and ideology; unless of course it drops its favoured “moral policing” tendencies and identity politics - and instead broadens its appeal using a more inclusive approach.


But without Sabah and Sarawak in the “political equation”, wouldn't PAS benefit the most in a General Election?


Come to think of it, in terms of parliamentary seats, the main loser may well be the DAP which has a fairly loyal support base especially among the Chinese in Sarawak; likewise, UMNO could also lose out substantially in Sabah.


Moreover, minus the ethnically diverse East Malaysian states, the percentage of Malay-Muslims in the country will naturally increase; wouldn't this then give Malay-centric parties such as PAS, Bersatu and UMNO the upper hand - and the impetus - to form the federal government?


For the record, Sabah currently has 25 parliamentary seats while Sarawak has 31, which adds up to 56 out of the 222 seats for the whole nation: without the two states the total seats in the peninsula will be reduced to 166, from which only a simple majority is needed to form the federal government.

Source: News headline and image (photo by Saiyuti Zainudin) from The Malay Mail dated 13 Sept 2025.


As PAS currently holds 43 seats, it's certainly not beyond the opposition PN coalition to capture Putrajaya with a “simple majority” especially if its main partner Bersatu performs well.


Could that also be the reason why PMX had recently pledged to increase the number of parliamentary seats for the two Bornean states? Was it part of a broader political strategy by him to deploy the two giant states as a buffer against the opposition's “green wave” in GE16?


Coming back to the MA63…


In conclusion, keeping the two East Malaysian states is absolutely necessary in order to preserve the unique multiethnic character and soul of the nation; but more significantly, Putrajaya is legally obliged to honor the MA63, as it is the sacred “matrimonial” contract which binds the two regions together; without which, there won't be a Malaysia - only Malaya! Surely Zaid and others would be fully aware of this.


Notes to Ponder: Perhaps, what some concerned ones in the peninsula will be asking though is: shouldn't they have “demanded” for their full rights under the agreement much earlier?

Yahoo Finance ranks Mahathir at USD 40 billion, second-richest in Southeast Asia

Yahoo Finance ranks Mahathir at USD 40 billion, second-richest in Southeast Asia

5 Dec 2025 • 1:00 PM MYT


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

Image credit: Yahoo Finance


According to the Yahoo Finance list that recently reignited debate across Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad sits at Number 7 on the ranking of the richest world leaders of all time. The article assigns him a staggering estimated net worth of USD $40 billion, placing the former Malaysian prime minister not among corporate tycoons or tech moguls, but among a very different and far more controversial league of global figures.


What makes this list particularly striking is not just Mahathir’s placement, but the company he appears beside — a gallery of rulers whose wealth was often accumulated under regimes marked by authoritarianism, patronage, and immense concentrations of state power.


To understand the scale of the narrative this list creates, it is useful to zoom out and observe the full ladder Mahathir is placed on.

The Titans Above Him: The Top Six

Only six political leaders exceed Mahathir in wealth. They form a group often associated with absolute power, entrenched rule, and opaque financial systems.


Number 1: Muammar Gaddafi (USD $280 billion)


The late Libyan strongman tops the list with an alleged fortune seven times larger than Mahathir’s. His rule controlled vast oil reserves and a network of foreign assets built over four decades. His wealth was so deeply embedded in Libya’s state structures that no one has ever fully mapped it.


Number 2: Vladimir Putin (USD $258 billion)


For years, reports have pointed to Putin’s hidden equity stakes, shell companies, and trusted oligarch proxies — a shadow network of wealth accumulated during Russia’s transition from Soviet industrialism to oligarchic capitalism.


Number 3: Hosni Mubarak (USD $98.2 billion)


Egypt’s ex-president spent three decades consolidating power and enabling his family to dominate sectors ranging from construction to telecommunications.


Number 4: Ali Abdullah Saleh (USD $82.6 billion)


Yemen’s long-ruling president controlled state resources and military patronage systems, allowing his circle to accumulate wealth even as the country remained one of the poorest in the region.


Number 5: Suharto (USD $58 billion)


Indonesia’s former strongman oversaw an era of state-guided development and pervasive crony capitalism, allowing his family's corporate empire to penetrate virtually every major sector.


Number 6: Ferdinand Marcos (USD $53 billion)


The Philippines’ former dictator, infamous for “ill-gotten wealth,” amassed vast international holdings, real estate, and offshore accounts — much of which remains contested today.


Together, these six leaders represent an era where political longevity and personal wealth accumulation were deeply intertwined.

Mahathir at Number 7: The Southeast Asian Continuum

Placed at seventh, Mahathir follows Suharto and Marcos — forming a Southeast Asian trio in the top tier of global political wealth.


Southeast Asia’s post-independence era produced leaders who wielded enormous executive power during periods of rapid modernization. Malaysia’s own state-driven development model, with its megaprojects, privatisation drives, and politically linked conglomerates, mirrored this regional pattern.


Mahathir’s USD $40 billion estimation, though contested in Malaysia, positions him as one of the wealthiest political leaders in Southeast Asian history, surpassed only by Suharto and Marcos, and ahead of modern monarchs, generals, and presidents across the region.

How Do Modern Global Leaders Compare?

What makes Mahathir’s ranking even more dramatic is when one compares him to globally recognisable leaders whose personal wealth is widely discussed.
Donald Trump

Trump, despite being a billionaire businessman before entering politics, is listed at around USD $4 billion — only one-tenth of Mahathir’s estimate. While Trump’s wealth is heavily tied to real estate and branding, he does not come close to the scale attributed to Mahathir.

Kim Jong Un

North Korea’s leader's wealth is often estimated at between USD $5–10 billion, largely through state-controlled assets, luxury imports, and foreign accounts. Even at the highest estimates, his wealth remains only a quarter of the USD $40 billion attributed to Mahathir — a striking comparison given that Kim rules one of the world’s most closed dictatorships.

Fidel Castro

One of the most surprising names on the list is Fidel Castro, estimated at around USD $900 million. As the leader of a communist state that officially rejected private wealth, Castro’s inclusion underscores a paradox: even ideological systems built on egalitarianism, according to Yahoo, can produce leaders with enormous personal fortunes.

A Narrative of Power, Scale, and Era

Mahathir’s placement at Number 7 in Yahoo Finance list, surrounded by names synonymous with immense political authority and immense personal wealth, constructs a specific narrative:


that he is seen not merely as a Malaysian statesman, but as part of a global elite class of leaders whose fortunes reflect entire eras of state-driven economic power.


It frames him alongside rulers from oil empires, military regimes, and dynastic strongholds — and far above modern figures like Trump, Kim Jong Un, or Castro.


Whether the USD $40 billion figure is believable or not is highly debatable — there is no concrete evidence to verify such a fortune. Yet, the very fact that his name appears on the list is enough to serve as political fodder in Malaysia. In a country where public discourse is often dominated by perceptions of corruption, influence, and elite wealth, the Yahoo Finance ranking can be weaponized by opponents or commentators to frame Mahathir’s legacy in a particular light, regardless of the factual accuracy.


By situating him alongside Suharto, Marcos, and global heavyweights, the list reinforces a narrative about political longevity, access to state resources, and the intertwining of personal and national fortunes — themes that continue to resonate in Malaysian politics today.

Military Watch:

Can Germany’s Newly Delivered Israeli Arrow 3 Missile Defence System Stop Russian Strikes?

North America, Western Europe and Oceania , Missile and Space

Military Watch Magazine Editorial Staff

December-4th-2025

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Arrow 3 Launcher and Russian Yars Ballistic Missile Launch

The German Air Force has received its first Arrow 3 missile defence systems from Israel, making it the first foreign country to deploy the anti-ballistic system. Jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing, the Arrow 3 was designed to intermediate range ballistic missiles in space, and has been extensively combat tested against three separate rounds of Iranian missile attacks. The €3.6 billion ($3.9 billion) deal to procure the systems was signed in 2023, as Germany surged arms procurements following the outbreak of full scale war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022. Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy stated that Germany “has expressed interest not only in Arrow 3 but also in the upcoming Arrow 4 air defence system,” adding that he expected “more deals and closer cooperation in the future.” 

Model of Oreshnik Missile on the Desk of Belarusian President Lukashenko

While Germany’s military buildup is aimed primarily at Russia, the viability of the Arrow 3 to intercept Russian intermediate range missile attacks is thought to be limited. Russia initiated the production of its first post-Soviet intermediate range ballistic missile type, the Oreshnik, in the summer of 2025. The missile is estimated to have a 4000 kilometre range, and carries multiple independently re-targetable warheads with hypersonic reentry vehicles. The use of hypersonic glide vehicles, which can manoeuvre and approach targets from unexpected directions, seriously limits the ability of traditional air defence systems like the Arrow 3 to intercept them. Israeli officials have themselves attested to the inadequacy of the country’s current air defences to intercept hypersonic missile attacks, stressing the need for an entirely new approach based around a ‘zone defence’ to respond to this challenge. These limitations have raised questions among analysts regarding the usefulness of the air defence system.