Wednesday, July 15, 2026
DAP quits Malacca govt, asks Akmal about his pledge
DAP quits Malacca govt, asks Akmal about his pledge
Yiswaree Palansamy & Ayesha Sheik Mazrul
Published: Jul 14, 2026 4:03 PM
Updated: Jul 15, 2026 1:28 AM
DAP’s four Malacca assemblypersons have announced their resignations from the state government, honouring their pledge to step down if the state constitution was amended to allow for appointed assembly members.
Earlier, the Malacca State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the legislature by a show of hands, with 23 assembly members voting in favour and five against.
“Given that we have rejected the motion tabled by the government, we cannot reject it and remain in the government at the same time. That is not fair.
“As basic backbenchers, they should support the policies or motions in the state assembly. More so, this is an important motion as it concerns the state constitution,” Malacca DAP chief and Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong told a press conference.
The party will resign from all government positions it holds, including one state exco, two deputy excos, one deputy speaker, as well as all village heads and local councillors appointed under the state administration.
Published: Jul 14, 2026 4:03 PM
Updated: Jul 15, 2026 1:28 AM
DAP’s four Malacca assemblypersons have announced their resignations from the state government, honouring their pledge to step down if the state constitution was amended to allow for appointed assembly members.
Earlier, the Malacca State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the legislature by a show of hands, with 23 assembly members voting in favour and five against.
“Given that we have rejected the motion tabled by the government, we cannot reject it and remain in the government at the same time. That is not fair.
“As basic backbenchers, they should support the policies or motions in the state assembly. More so, this is an important motion as it concerns the state constitution,” Malacca DAP chief and Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong told a press conference.
The party will resign from all government positions it holds, including one state exco, two deputy excos, one deputy speaker, as well as all village heads and local councillors appointed under the state administration.
Those stepping down include state exco Allex Seah, deputy excos Low Chee Leong and Leng Chau Yen, as well as deputy speaker Kerk Chee Yee.
Khoo said that the move had been discussed with Malacca Pakatan Harapan chief and Amanah’s Bukit Katil assemblyperson Adly Zahari, whom he said had also agreed with the move. He added that DAP’s headquarters is also aware.
Among those who supported the amendment in the state assembly was the state’s opposition leader and Bemban assemblyperson, Bersatu’s Yadzil Yaakub.
Only three state assemblypersons took part in the debate: Yadzil, Umno’s Rim assemblyperson Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, and MCA’s Kelebang assemblyperson Lim Bang Hong.
From left: DAP lawmakers Leng Chau Yen, Allex Seah, Khoo Poay Tiong, Kerk Chee Yee and Low Chee Leong
Despite his attempts to interject and voice his objections to the amendment, Kerk, DAP’s Ayer Keroh assemblyperson, was rebuffed.
What about Akmal?
When asked if the mass resignation had been approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Harapan chairperson, Khoo said: “Let us handle matters relating to the state government. The prime minister has other things to manage.”
He also sidestepped questions on how DAP’s move today will impact the Malacca state election.
Khoo also took a swipe at Merlimau Umno assemblyperson Dr Akmal Saleh, asking when the Umno Youth chief would fulfil his long-ago promise to quit the state government.
Dr Akmal Saleh
“So, my last statement: when is Akmal going to resign?” he asked.
Rauf: DAP’s exit no effect on state govt
In a separate press conference, Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh assured that the state administration will not be affected by DAP’s exit.
Utusan Malaysia reported him as saying that BN did not have to rely on any parties to form the state government after the 2021 Malacca state election.
He said BN had obtained a sufficient mandate to govern the state on its own, and that the cooperation established with parties in the unity government was merely a manifestation of the spirit of understanding practised at the federal level.
Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh
“Actually, in the formation of the Malacca government after the last election, we did not form the government with any other party to support the formation of the administration.
“I took the approach of ensuring that the spirit of understanding that exists in Putrajaya was also translated in Malacca, without forming a government together with any party. Their position is more about complementing that spirit of unity,” he reportedly said.
Rauf also said it is DAP’s absolute right to relinquish its state government positions, and he has no intention of preventing.
“Whatever decision is made by our DAP friends, including if they state that they do not agree with this proposal and wish to withdraw from the government, I cannot prevent their party’s decision.
“Their presence in this government is like a marriage without a kadi, and a divorce without a talaq,” he said in jest.
“Actually, in the formation of the Malacca government after the last election, we did not form the government with any other party to support the formation of the administration.
“I took the approach of ensuring that the spirit of understanding that exists in Putrajaya was also translated in Malacca, without forming a government together with any party. Their position is more about complementing that spirit of unity,” he reportedly said.
Rauf also said it is DAP’s absolute right to relinquish its state government positions, and he has no intention of preventing.
“Whatever decision is made by our DAP friends, including if they state that they do not agree with this proposal and wish to withdraw from the government, I cannot prevent their party’s decision.
“Their presence in this government is like a marriage without a kadi, and a divorce without a talaq,” he said in jest.
Don’t drag royals into Negeri Sembilan polls, Anwar tells parties
Don’t drag royals into Negeri Sembilan polls, Anwar tells parties
Yesterday
Elill Easwaran
The PH chairman says issues involving Negeri Sembilan’s royal institution must not be politicised during the state election campaign
Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing royal dispute has no place in electoral politics. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has warned all political parties against dragging Negeri Sembilan’s royal institution into the campaign for the Aug 1 state election.
Speaking at the unveiling of PH’s candidates tonight, Anwar said the ongoing royal dispute has no place in electoral politics and the existing constitutional system in Negeri Sembilan must be respected.
“I have never rejected the legal provisions governing Negeri Sembilan, including the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the four undangs and the Tunku Besar of Tampin. I do not want there to be any confusion over this.”
The PKR president added PH had agreed that neither the Yang di-Pertuan Besar nor the five nobles should be drawn into the election campaign.
“I want to advise my friends from other parties to not use this issue because it is not relevant to the election.
“It is not because I am worried or afraid, but because it is our duty to defend the monarchy and the Federal Constitution. Once we turn it into political controversy, there will be no end to it.
“I also want to remind everyone that there are laws governing such matters. Do not violate the principles of the constitution,” said Anwar.
The royal crisis in Negeri Sembilan was sparked on April 19 by former Sungei Ujong undang Mubarak Dohak and the three other undangs claiming that Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had been removed as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s state government rejected the declaration, saying Mubarak himself had been removed from his post earlier.
The crisis turned political after all 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin, citing his handling of the royal dispute.
The Negeri Sembilan assembly was dissolved on June 5, paving the way for the 16th state election to be held.
Nominations for the state polls will take place this Saturday, while polling day is set for Aug 1. Federal allies BN and PH are expected to clash in all 36 seats.
Speaking at the unveiling of PH’s candidates tonight, Anwar said the ongoing royal dispute has no place in electoral politics and the existing constitutional system in Negeri Sembilan must be respected.
“I have never rejected the legal provisions governing Negeri Sembilan, including the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the four undangs and the Tunku Besar of Tampin. I do not want there to be any confusion over this.”
The PKR president added PH had agreed that neither the Yang di-Pertuan Besar nor the five nobles should be drawn into the election campaign.
“I want to advise my friends from other parties to not use this issue because it is not relevant to the election.
“It is not because I am worried or afraid, but because it is our duty to defend the monarchy and the Federal Constitution. Once we turn it into political controversy, there will be no end to it.
“I also want to remind everyone that there are laws governing such matters. Do not violate the principles of the constitution,” said Anwar.
The royal crisis in Negeri Sembilan was sparked on April 19 by former Sungei Ujong undang Mubarak Dohak and the three other undangs claiming that Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had been removed as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s state government rejected the declaration, saying Mubarak himself had been removed from his post earlier.
The crisis turned political after all 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin, citing his handling of the royal dispute.
The Negeri Sembilan assembly was dissolved on June 5, paving the way for the 16th state election to be held.
Nominations for the state polls will take place this Saturday, while polling day is set for Aug 1. Federal allies BN and PH are expected to clash in all 36 seats.
PH to field Aminuddin in Umno stronghold of Linggi
PH to field Aminuddin in Umno stronghold of Linggi
Yesterday
Elill Easwaran
This is despite the PKR vice-president and Negeri Sembilan menteri besar having represented Sikamat for four consecutive terms since 2008
PKR vice-president Aminuddin Harun has been the Sikamat assemblyman since 2008. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan has unveiled its candidates for the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan state election, with the coalition set to field PKR vice-president Aminuddin Harun in the Umno stronghold of Linggi.
This is despite the menteri besar having represented Sikamat for four consecutive terms since 2008.
Nonetheless, Linggi falls within the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency, which Aminuddin has been representing in Parliament since 2022.
PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim also announced that PKR’s former Kapar MP G Manivannan will contest the Jeram Padang seat, which has a significant Indian electorate.
CawanganPerundangan
Manivannan, a former political secretary to Anwar, will look to make his electoral comeback in the state election, having lost the race for the Kuala Langat parliamentary seat during the 2022 general election.
Anwar also announced that DAP secretary-general and transport minister Loke Siew Fook will be seeking a fourth term as Chennah assemblyman.
PH is contesting all 36 seats up for grabs in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state assembly election.
Here is the full list of PH candidates:
N1. Chennah – Loke Siew Fook
N2. Pertang – Umry Abdul Khois
N3. Sungai Lui – Zainal Fikri Abd Kadir
N4. Klawang – Bakri Sawir
N5. Serting – Yaacob Mahmood
N6. Palong – Zahin Zinal Abidin
N7. Jeram Padang – G Manivannan
N8. Bahau – Teo Kok Seong
N9. Lenggeng – Zarinna Abu Zarin
N10. Nilai – J Arul Kumar
N11. Lobak – Chew Seh Yong
N12. Temiang – Ho Weng Wah
N13. Sikamat – Nor Azman Mohamad
N14. Ampangan – Nazri Kassim
N15. Juasseh – Aidil Abdullah
N16. Seri Menanti – Kamarul Arifin Wafa
N17. Senaling – Hanis Alimin
N18. Pilah – Noorzunita Begum Ibrahim
N19. Johol – Zailan Munawar
N20. Labu – Ahmad Faez Abdul Razak
N21. Bukit Kepayang – Nicole Tan
N22. Rahang – Siau Meow Kong
N23. Mambau – Lee Kai Yet
N24. Seremban Jaya – S Mugunthan
N25. Paroi – Ahmad Shahir Shah
N26. Chembong – Danish Nazran Murad
N27. Rantau – Dr Azizul Hakim Mahdi
N28. Kota – Allif Ibrahim
N29. Chuah – Yew Boon Lye
N30. Lukut – Choo Ken Hwa
N31. Bagan Pinang – Nasir Raman
N32. Linggi – Aminuddin Harun
N33. Sri Tanjung – Dr G Rajasekaran
N34. Gemas – Siti Aishah Seman @ Othman
N35. Gemencheh – Abd Latif A Tambi
N36. Repah – S Veerapan
This is despite the menteri besar having represented Sikamat for four consecutive terms since 2008.
Nonetheless, Linggi falls within the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency, which Aminuddin has been representing in Parliament since 2022.
PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim also announced that PKR’s former Kapar MP G Manivannan will contest the Jeram Padang seat, which has a significant Indian electorate.
CawanganPerundangan
Manivannan, a former political secretary to Anwar, will look to make his electoral comeback in the state election, having lost the race for the Kuala Langat parliamentary seat during the 2022 general election.
Anwar also announced that DAP secretary-general and transport minister Loke Siew Fook will be seeking a fourth term as Chennah assemblyman.
PH is contesting all 36 seats up for grabs in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state assembly election.
Here is the full list of PH candidates:
N1. Chennah – Loke Siew Fook
N2. Pertang – Umry Abdul Khois
N3. Sungai Lui – Zainal Fikri Abd Kadir
N4. Klawang – Bakri Sawir
N5. Serting – Yaacob Mahmood
N6. Palong – Zahin Zinal Abidin
N7. Jeram Padang – G Manivannan
N8. Bahau – Teo Kok Seong
N9. Lenggeng – Zarinna Abu Zarin
N10. Nilai – J Arul Kumar
N11. Lobak – Chew Seh Yong
N12. Temiang – Ho Weng Wah
N13. Sikamat – Nor Azman Mohamad
N14. Ampangan – Nazri Kassim
N15. Juasseh – Aidil Abdullah
N16. Seri Menanti – Kamarul Arifin Wafa
N17. Senaling – Hanis Alimin
N18. Pilah – Noorzunita Begum Ibrahim
N19. Johol – Zailan Munawar
N20. Labu – Ahmad Faez Abdul Razak
N21. Bukit Kepayang – Nicole Tan
N22. Rahang – Siau Meow Kong
N23. Mambau – Lee Kai Yet
N24. Seremban Jaya – S Mugunthan
N25. Paroi – Ahmad Shahir Shah
N26. Chembong – Danish Nazran Murad
N27. Rantau – Dr Azizul Hakim Mahdi
N28. Kota – Allif Ibrahim
N29. Chuah – Yew Boon Lye
N30. Lukut – Choo Ken Hwa
N31. Bagan Pinang – Nasir Raman
N32. Linggi – Aminuddin Harun
N33. Sri Tanjung – Dr G Rajasekaran
N34. Gemas – Siti Aishah Seman @ Othman
N35. Gemencheh – Abd Latif A Tambi
N36. Repah – S Veerapan
‘Are you registered?’ Inquest officer in Zara Qairina case questions expert witness’ child psychology specialist status
‘Are you registered?’ Inquest officer in Zara Qairina case questions expert witness’ child psychology specialist status
Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, died on July 17, 2025 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. — Daily Express pic
First Published: Tuesday, 14 Jul 2026 5:23 PM MYT
KOTA KINABALU, July 14 — The Coroner’s Court here was told that the 76th witness in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir is not registered as a child clinical psychology specialist under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016.
Dr. Noor Aishah Rosli, 51, is registered only with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and relied on her academic and clinical qualifications in child clinical psychology to prepare Zara Qairina’s psychological autopsy report.
Inquest Conducting Officer Nahra Dollah said there was no evidence to date proving that the witness is registered as a child clinical psychology specialist, but only as a registered counsellor.
She also stressed that any individual using the title of child clinical psychology specialist must be registered under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016, and said this was an important issue in the inquest proceedings.
Giving evidence for the second day, Noor Aishah acknowledged before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan that she was not registered under the Act, but instead practises under her registration with the Board of Counsellors and holds a clinical psychology practice licence from the United States.
She further informed the court that under the Board of Counsellors, members are allowed to practise, and their statements and assessments concerning children and adolescents are accepted for use in court.
Nahra: “To date, we have no evidence that you are a registered child clinical psychology specialist. Can you confirm that you are not a child psychology specialist registered under this Act?”
Noor Aishah: “I am not registered under that Act, but I practise under my registration with the Board of Counsellors.”
Nahra, however, explained that it is an offence to use the title of child clinical psychologist without being registered under the Act.
Lawyer Shahlan Jufri, representing Zara Qairina’s mother, then objected to Nahra’s questions to Noor Aishah, arguing that the witness was not in a position to answer matters relating to the law.
Zara Qairina died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, 2025, one day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel at about 4am. — Bernama
Trump pivots from 20 percent Strait of Hormuz fee amid Iran war escalation
Trump pivots from 20 percent Strait of Hormuz fee amid Iran war escalation
Trump backs away from fee, says regional countries will instead invest in US in return for transit protection
US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, the United States [Saul Loeb/AFP]
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published On 14 Jul 2026
United States President Donald Trump has backed away from his claim that Washington would levy a 20 percent transit fee for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The reversal on Tuesday came just a day after Trump announced the 20 percent fee as fighting between the US and Iran continued to escalate.
At the time, Trump did not release any further details of the fee, only saying on Truth Social that it would be a “reimbursement” for “any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World”. The administration did not say how it would ensure safe passage through the international waterway, which the US does not control.
In the latest statement, Trump said that instead, the fee would be replaced with “Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making with the United States”.
He said the decision came after “highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership”.
Strait of Hormuz tensions are pushing oil prices higher
Trump further vowed the investments from Gulf countries would be “massive”, without providing further information. Several countries in the region had already announced multibillion-dollar pledges to invest in the US prior to the US and Israel launching their war with Iran on February 28.
While Trump had previously suggested the US could take “control” of the Strait of Hormuz and charge tolls, Monday’s announcement had been the closest sign yet that the rhetoric could be turned into policy.
The Trump administration had previously rejected the notion of Iran charging any fees for transiting ships, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that doing so in an international waterway would undermine international law.
Trump appeared to return to that position on Tuesday, telling reporters he does not “like the concept of a fee”.
The US president spoke on Tuesday, hours before a US military blockade of Iran was set to restart. That blockade had been lifted as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both sides in mid June.
US military releases video of its latest strikes on Iran
The preliminary deal, which also saw an end to fighting between both sides and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, has been thrown into peril amid the latest bout of attacks.
Iranian media have reported recent attacks in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Mahshahr, and Abadan, with explosions reported on Tuesday on Qeshm and Kish islands.
Kuwait, meanwhile, said its armed forces were engaging with a number of aerial targets. Iran has vowed to continue attacks on US assets in the region, with other attacks reported on Bahrain, Jordan and on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Published On 14 Jul 2026
United States President Donald Trump has backed away from his claim that Washington would levy a 20 percent transit fee for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The reversal on Tuesday came just a day after Trump announced the 20 percent fee as fighting between the US and Iran continued to escalate.
At the time, Trump did not release any further details of the fee, only saying on Truth Social that it would be a “reimbursement” for “any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World”. The administration did not say how it would ensure safe passage through the international waterway, which the US does not control.
In the latest statement, Trump said that instead, the fee would be replaced with “Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making with the United States”.
He said the decision came after “highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership”.
Strait of Hormuz tensions are pushing oil prices higher
Trump further vowed the investments from Gulf countries would be “massive”, without providing further information. Several countries in the region had already announced multibillion-dollar pledges to invest in the US prior to the US and Israel launching their war with Iran on February 28.
While Trump had previously suggested the US could take “control” of the Strait of Hormuz and charge tolls, Monday’s announcement had been the closest sign yet that the rhetoric could be turned into policy.
The Trump administration had previously rejected the notion of Iran charging any fees for transiting ships, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that doing so in an international waterway would undermine international law.
Trump appeared to return to that position on Tuesday, telling reporters he does not “like the concept of a fee”.
The US president spoke on Tuesday, hours before a US military blockade of Iran was set to restart. That blockade had been lifted as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both sides in mid June.
US military releases video of its latest strikes on Iran
The preliminary deal, which also saw an end to fighting between both sides and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, has been thrown into peril amid the latest bout of attacks.
Iranian media have reported recent attacks in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Mahshahr, and Abadan, with explosions reported on Tuesday on Qeshm and Kish islands.
Kuwait, meanwhile, said its armed forces were engaging with a number of aerial targets. Iran has vowed to continue attacks on US assets in the region, with other attacks reported on Bahrain, Jordan and on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Senate Democrats block defence bill over Iran war, Israel provisions
Senate Democrats block defence bill over Iran war, Israel provisions
The Senate voted 50-46 to block debate on the annual defence bill over war funding and defence cooperation with Israel.
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