Drop Fadhlina as education minister, Wee urges Anwar

FMT:

Drop Fadhlina as education minister, Wee urges Anwar

5 hours ago
Mohamad Fadli

The MCA president believes the majority of Malaysians do not want the Wanita PKR chief to helm the ministry

MCA president Wee Ka Siong said education minister Fadhlina Sidek has proven to be incompetent.

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Wee Ka Siong has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to drop Fadhlina Sidek as education minister in his upcoming Cabinet shakeup.

Wee, a former deputy education minister, claimed that Fadhlina had proven to be incompetent and should not be at the helm of the ministry, which has been receiving the highest budgetary allocations annually.

“This is a view shared by the majority of Malaysians regardless of ethnicity or background.


“We need an (education minister) who is efficient, has long-term vision, and is bold enough to implement reforms in leading this important ministry, which determines the future of the country.

“We hope the prime minister will take the people’s sentiments seriously. The power is in your hands. Please take appropriate action,” he said at MCA’s general assembly here today.

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 previously said she considered the criticism as motivation for her to improve.

Anwar is set to reshuffle his Cabinet, which currently has four vacant posts: economy; natural resources and environment sustainability; entrepreneur development and cooperatives; and investment, trade and industry.

Wee said Fadhlina had failed to resolve several issues since being appointed to the post, including the seven-year delay in building SJKC Kuek Ho Yao in Johor Bahru, partly because of land issues.

The matter was resolved after the Johor government handed over a plot of land to the federal lands commissioner, specifically earmarked for the school.

Wee said he had raised the issue in Parliament eight times, but the education minister always failed to give him a straightforward answer.

***

Whatever, but leave me her hot pouting lips, wakakaka

MCA says ‘good luck’ to BN if allies team up with Pakatan, DAP again in next GE

MCA says ‘good luck’ to BN if allies team up with Pakatan, DAP again in next GE



MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said that if Barisan Nasional’s component parties continue working with DAP and Pakatan Harapan in the next general election, his party will chart its own path. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Sunday, 07 Dec 2025 12:53 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR — MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong today said that if the party’s allies in Barisan Nasional continue working with DAP and Pakatan Harapan in the next general election, it would signal that the “Barisan spirit” has disappeared.

He said MCA would then be prepared to chart its own course.

“In that case, we can only say, ‘Good luck! MCA has its own path’,” he was quoted as saying.

“MCA’s bottom line is crystal clear — we refuse to work with DAP,” he reportedly added.


Wee also said the Unity Government had introduced too many policies that, in his view, hurt the people and weakened Barisan’s standing.

Wee further added that if Umno were to back the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, the move could become the final straw for Barisan, potentially even destabilising Umno itself.

He argued that the Bill “violates human rights” and fails to safeguard the property rights of ordinary citizens, noting that MCA and Barisan had opposed it from the outset.

Big Brother all over

One of my very recent posts has received a cold kiss from the authorities, who labelled it with a sensitive content warning cover, with lots of kerbau about community standards being affected.

I wonder what's so sensitive or what 'community standards' I have affected when it's just about political parties and their alliances, now assessed as unsuitable. The article was taken from FinanceTwitter with proper accreditation.

I think it's Big Brother all over, all too protective about you-know-who - Disgusted with that sort of interference.

Authorities detain 843 undocumented migrants in Selayang Baru raid after community complaints

Authorities detain 843 undocumented migrants in Selayang Baru raid after community complaints



One of the undocumented migrants is seen with hands and legs cuffed among those detained during a joint operation in Selayang Baru, Kuala Lumpur, last night. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 07 Dec 2025 11:10 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — Authorities detained 843 undocumented migrants during an integrated enforcement operation in Selayang Baru last night after they were suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who chairs the State Security Committee, said those arrested comprised 808 men and 35 women aged between 21 and 53, including individuals from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

“This operation was carried out after receiving complaints from the community about the influx of foreign workers, including those operating businesses on the side of the road. Intelligence was conducted before the inspection was carried out,” he told reporters after taking part in the operation.

He said similar exercises had previously been conducted in Seri Muda, the Selangor Wholesale Market and several other locations.


A total of 358 personnel from the Immigration Department, police, armed forces, National Registration Department and local authorities were involved, alongside senior officials including Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar and Selangor Immigration director Khairul Aminus Kamaruddin.

Amirudin said two Malaysians were also arrested for suspected drug abuse.

He said all detainees were believed to have committed offences such as lacking identification documents, overstaying, breaching pass conditions or using unrecognised cards, and were taken to the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation.


“This operation will continue to detect, arrest, prosecute and deport foreigners who violate the law, in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he said, adding a reminder for employers to hire foreign workers only through legal channels. — Bernama

Airstrike kills 18 in Myanmar teashop horror as crowded hangout is blown apart

Airstrike kills 18 in Myanmar teashop horror as crowded hangout is blown apart



Eighteen people were killed in an airstrike on a town in central Myanmar, according to a local official, a rescue worker and two residents who spoke to AFP on Saturday. — AFP pic

Sunday, 07 Dec 2025 10:47 AM MYT


TABAYIN (Myanmar), Dec 7 — Eighteen people were killed in an airstrike on a town in central Myanmar, according to a local official, a rescue worker and two residents who spoke to AFP on Saturday.

Myanmar has been rocked by civil war since the military snatched power in a 2021 coup, and its battles with numerous anti-coup fighters have brought frequent airstrikes that often kill civilians.

Two bombs were dropped on Tabayin township in Sagaing region on Friday evening, with one hitting a busy teashop, according to a local administration official.

He told AFP that 18 people were killed and 20 were wounded in the attacks.


“Deaths were high at the teashop as it was crowded time,” he said. All of the sources who spoke to AFP requested anonymity for their protection.


A rescue worker who arrived on the scene 15 minutes after the strike said seven people were killed on the spot and 11 others died later at hospital.

The teashop—a traditional social hub in Myanmar—and around a dozen houses nearby were “totally destroyed”, he said.


A survivor said he was watching a televised boxing match in the teashop when the bomb hit.

“As soon as I heard aircraft fly over, I got my body to the ground,” he said, adding that the sound from the blast was deafening.

“I saw a big fire over my head... I was lucky, I returned home after that.”

A junta spokesman did not answer a call from an AFP reporter.

Funerals for those killed were held on Saturday, with some victims’ faces covered by towels as they had been rendered unrecognisable, a local resident said.

“I feel very sad because I knew some of them very well,” she said.

A junta airstrike in Sagaing in May killed 22 people, including 20 children, despite a purported ceasefire called after a devastating earthquake hit Myanmar. — AFP

Tourists among dead as Goa nightclub inferno kills 23 in midnight chaos

Tourists among dead as Goa nightclub inferno kills 23 in midnight chaos



A fire at a nightclub in the west Indian state of Goa has killed at least 23 people, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other officials said early Sunday. — Screengrab of video via social media

Sunday, 07 Dec 2025 10:36 AM MYT


MUMBAI, Dec 7 — A fire at a nightclub in the west Indian state of Goa has killed at least 23 people, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other officials said early Sunday.

Several tourists were among the dead in the blaze, which broke out at about midnight at a club in Arpora in North Goa district, according to officials cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.


“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people,” Sawant wrote on X.

“I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry,” he said.


“Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law—any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”


Sawant told journalists at the scene that “three to four” tourists had died, without giving their nationalities.

Three people died from burn injuries, while the others died from suffocation, he said.


“It’s a tragic incident that should never have happened. The business was operating without proper permission, and that negligence led to the fire,” he said.

Video images from PTI showed rescuers carrying injured or deceased people on stretchers down the narrow stone staircase of the Birch nightclub as police, paramedics and onlookers gathered on the street.

Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the shores of the Arabian Sea, lures millions of tourists every year with its nightlife, sandy beaches and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

But fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.

Local media, citing police officials, say the fire was suspected to have been started by a “cylinder blast” but added that further investigation was required.

PTI quoted local legislator Michael Lobo as saying firefighters and police were engaged in rescue efforts through the night.

Lobo added that officials would conduct a fire safety audit at similar venues to prevent such incidents.

In May, at least 17 people died after a fire ripped through a three-storey building in the Indian city of Hyderabad.

A month before that, a fierce blaze broke out in a hotel in Kolkata, killing at least 15 people. Some people clambered out of windows and onto the rooftop to escape.

And last year, at least 24 people died after a fire broke out at a packed amusement park arcade in the western state of Gujarat.

Officials at the time attributed the high number of deaths and injuries at the arcade to a lack of proper safety standards, noting people were trapped as a temporary structure at the facility had collapsed near the entrance. — AFP

Government upgrades servers for next Sara aid round, expands retailer list to over 8,000 shops

Government upgrades servers for next Sara aid round, expands retailer list to over 8,000 shops



Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican says improved servers and 8,000-plus retailers will prevent a repeat of congestion seen during the first rollout of the RM100 Sara aid programme. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Sunday, 07 Dec 2025 10:38 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — The government has reportedly strengthened its server capacity and widened retailer participation ahead of the second round of the one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid.

Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said the improvements were introduced to prevent a repeat of the congestion experienced during the first rollout, according to The Star.

“To improve the rakyat’s experience in the second round, the server capacity has been enhanced to address the issues faced before,” he was quoted as saying.

“The number of participating retailers has also been increased, now with more than 8,000 shops — of which there are more than 2,000 small grocery stores,” he reportedly added.


Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali reportedly said feedback from the public continues to be conveyed to the Finance Ministry, which will decide on any refinements to the programme.

The second RM100 Sara aid payment, announced under Budget 2026, will be available from February next year.

The first phase that began on August 31 was marked by system strain and long queues as millions attempted to redeem the aid simultaneously.


Even with the initial hiccups, officials said over 1.84 million people redeemed RM118.9 million in goods during the first two days of the programme.

Anwar & UMNO Are Toxic – Why DAP’s Salvage Option Is Go Solo

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MCA Youth proposes party exits unity government if key concerns not addressed

The Star:

MCA Youth proposes party exits unity government if key concerns not addressed

By ALLISON LAI

Saturday, 06 Dec 20255:29 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth is proposing for the party to withdraw from the unity government if key concerns involving education, extremism and equal treatment for all communities are not addressed.

The wing's chief Ling Tian Soon said of particular concern were issues such as Chinese primary school funding, treatment of top STPM scorers in university admissions and a perceived rise of extremism.

"If this government still cannot ensure that Chinese primary schools receive their rightful annual allocations; If this government continues to treat high-achieving STPM students unfairly; if this government continues to allow extremism to grow; and if this government cannot safeguard fair and equal treatment for all races under the Federal Constitution – then MCA Youth proposes that the party withdraw from the unity government," he said in his speech at the MCA Youth 26th Central Delegates 3rd General Assembly here on Saturday (Dec 6).

At a press conference later, Ling said that this was MCA Youth's position and a conditional proposal to the party leadership, arising from discussions at the wing's central committee meeting on Friday (Dec 5).

Ling said the wing recognised that the unity government was formed in accordance with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree after the last general election and MCA respects that decision.

"However, as events developed and policies implemented, there are areas that are not satisfactory."

"If this government cannot resolve these problems and if it cannot ensure that all communities are treated fairly under the Federal Constitution, then we will put forward this suggestion to the party," he said.

When asked, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the party would continue to monitor public sentiment and respond in line with its principles and founding spirit.

"MCA's 'party character', as laid out by founding president Tun Tan Cheng Lock, was rooted in having clear principles and a firm moral bottom line.

Dr Mah said the recent Sabah polls shows that voters are deeply unhappy and all political parties had to take that message seriously.

"It is time we look into and carry out an in-depth study to find out exactly what people are unhappy about," he said.

He pointed to education problems, economic pressures, the cost of living and daily hardship as likely reasons, especially in Chinese-majority areas.

"These are some of the aspects that they based their decision on," he said, noting that DAP lost all six seats it previously held and was defeated in all eight seats it contested in Chinese areas in Sabah.

Dr Mah added that political parties had to "live up to and face" these problems instead of ignoring the underlying causes.

Earlier in his speech, Ling said young voters were increasingly focused on which parties and leaders could genuinely improve their lives, rather than on slogans or emotional appeals.

He said there concerns now centred on employment, the economy, housing, education, technology and integrity, and pledged that MCA Youth would continue to speak up on these issues while pressing the government to address long-standing grievances.

Syria’s al-Sharaa accuses Israel of fabricating threats to justify military actions across the region

al Jazeera:

Syria’s al-Sharaa promises peace and unity in face of Israeli aggression

Syrian president accuses Israel of fabricating threats to justify military actions across the region as he commits to holding elections within the next five years

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks as he attends the 23rd edition of the annual Doha Forum, in Doha, Qatar, December 6, 2025 [Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters]

By Usaid Siddiqui
Published On 6 Dec 2025


Doha, Qatar – Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of heightening regional tensions and fabricating external threats to divert attention from the “horrifying massacres” it has committed in Gaza.

Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Saturday during the Newsmaker Interview at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa said Israeli leaders “often exports crises to other countries” as they increasingly invoke security pretexts to expand military action.

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“They justify everything, using their security concerns, and they take October 7 and extrapolate it to everything that is happening around them,” he said.

“Israel has become a country that is in a fight against ghosts.”

Since the the Bashar al-Assad regime fell in December 2024, Israel has carried out frequent air strikes across Syria, killing hundreds of people, while also conducting ground operations in the south.

Last month, Israeli forces killed at least 13 people in the Damascus countryside town of Beit Jinn.

In addition, it has advanced deeper into Syrian territory and established numerous checkpoints, while illegally detaining Syrian citizens and holding them inside Israel.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, right, speaks during the opening day of the Doha Forum [AFP]


Al-Sharaa said his administration had worked to de-escalate tensions with Israel since he assumed office, emphasising that “we sent positive messages regarding regional peace and stability”.

“We’ve said very frankly that Syria will be a country of stability, and we are not concerned with being a country that exports conflict, including to Israel,” he said.

“However, in return, Israel has met us with extreme violence, and Syria has suffered massive violations of our airspace.”

‘Syria attacked by Israel, not the opposite’

Al-Sharaa said Israel must withdraw to where they were before the fall of al-Assad, and preserve the 1974 Disengagement Accord.

The accord established a ceasefire following the October 1973 Yom Kippur war, creating a United Nations-monitored buffer zone on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

“This agreement has held on for over 50 years,” al-Sharaa said, cautioning that efforts to replace it with new arrangements, such as a buffer or demilitarised zone, could push the region “into a serious and dangerous place”.

“Who will protect that zone? Israel often says that they are afraid of coming under attack from southern Syria, so who will be protecting this buffer zone or this demilitarised zone, if the Syrian army or the Syrian forces are going to be there?” he asked.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a deal with Syria was within reach, but that he expected Syrian government forces to create a demilitarised buffer zone extending from the capital, Damascus, to Jabal al-Sheikh in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

“It is Syria that is being attacked by Israel and not the opposite,” he said. “Therefore, who has more right to claim a buffer zone and a pullout?”

Unity in Syria

On the question of unity, al-Sharaa said there was progress and ongoing challenges.

“I believe Syria is living through its best days. We are talking about a country that’s aware, that’s conscious,” he said, while stressing that no country can achieve total “unanimity”.

“This doesn’t occur even in advanced countries that are living through relative stability.”

According to al-Sharaa, people in Syria “simply did not know each other well” due to issues inherited from the al-Assad regime.



Crowds gather in Hama, Syria, to celebrate one year of liberation


“We actually resorted to pardoning a large number of people and a large number of factions so that we can build a sustainable, safe and secure future for the Syrian people,” he added.

Moreover, he rejected the notion the uprising against al-Assad was a “Sunni revolution”.

“All the components of Syrian society were part of the revolution,” he said.

“Even the Alawites had to pay the price of them being used by the former regime. So I do not agree with the definition or with saying that all the Alawites were supporting the regime. Some of them were living in fear.”

Syria witnessed an outbreak of sectarian violence earlier this year, including in the coastal areas in March, where hundreds of people from the Alawite religious minority were killed, with members of the new government’s security forces among the perpetrators.

Fighting also broke out between government forces and their allies with Bedouin tribes in Suwayda in July, in which more than 1,400 people, mainly civilians, were killed.

“We know that there are some crimes that were perpetrated … this is a negative thing,” he said. “I insist … that we do not accept what happened. But I say that Syria is a state of law, and the law rules in Syria, and the law is the only way to preserve everybody’s rights.”

Many rights groups are concerned that women will be particularly at risk under the new government led by the former al-Qaeda operative, as al-Sharaa’s Hayat al-Tahrir group severely restricted women’s freedoms, including public participation and dress code, during their rule over Idlib in northwest Syria.

On what the role of women looks like in Syria today, al-Sharaa said they were “empowered” under his rule.

“Their rights are protected and guaranteed, and we constantly strive to ensure that women are fully participating in our government and our parliament as well,” he added.

“I believe you should not fear for Syrian women, fear for Syrian men,” Sharaa joked.

Elections to be held within five years

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria’s path forward lies in strengthening institutions rather than consolidating individual power, and that he was committed to conducting elections after the ongoing transition period ends.

“Syria is not a tribe. Syria is a country, a country with rich ideas … I do not believe we are ready right now to undertake parliamentary elections,” he said.

Nevertheless, al-Sharaa said parliamentary elections will take place within five years of when the temporary Constitutional Declaration was signed back in March, giving him the mandate to lead Syria through a five-year transition period.

“The principle of people choosing their leaders is a basic principle … it is even part of our religion in Islam,” he stressed.

“Rulers have to gain the satisfaction of the majority of people in order to rule properly, so this is what we believe in, and I think that this is the suitable path for Syria.”

No Su-57, No S-400 / S-500: Why Modi-Putin Summit Buried India’s Two Biggest Arms Deals With Russia?

Saturday, December 6, 2025


No Su-57, No S-400 / S-500: Why Modi-Putin Summit Buried India’s Two Biggest Arms Deals With Russia?

By Vijainder K Thakur
-December 6, 2025


Many analysts and enthusiasts monitoring India’s defense preparedness are likely disappointed that the joint statement released after the 23rd India–Russia Summit in New Delhi on December 4 and 5 did not list any defense-related MoUs or agreements.

The lack of mention contrasts with multiple statements by Russian officials promising cooperation in strategic segments such as defence, civil aviation, and space technology.

Based on the MoUs and agreements signed, the summit largely focused on economic cooperation—trade, energy security, fertilizers, workforce mobility, etc.

One way of interpreting this emphasis on economics and trade is that the summit was focused on laying a more robust, sanctions-proof foundation for intensified cooperation in defence, civil aviation, and space technology.

Currently, because of U.S. sanctions, India cannot trade with Russia in USD. And India does not have enough roubles to buy additional S-400 regiments, 2–3 squadrons of Su-57 stealth fighters, or small modular reactors. So how could India sign contracts for such strategic procurements?

India would prefer to pay in INR, but what would Russia do with INR? At present, India does not provide enough goods and services of interest to Russia.

India needs to first step up exports to Russia to more than match its imports from that country. Only then can it place further strategic orders. So, no S-400 or Su-57 deals for now.


Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that the summit was largely focused on stepping up Indian exports—food products, labour, and high-tech manufactured goods—to Russia.

Strategic-Level Shipbuilding Cooperation

There were, however, two strategic MoUs signed during the summit that have not received as much coverage in India’s corporate media as they deserve.

India and Russia agreed to finalize a Shipbuilding Cooperation Framework covering joint ship design, technology transfer, local manufacturing, and maritime infrastructure.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Russia’s Ministry of Transport also signed an MoU to train Indian seafarers for Arctic navigation.

The agreements aim to enable joint production of ice-class vessels in India and to train Indian sailors to operate and navigate ships in Arctic waters.

Ice-class ships are vessels with reinforced hulls designed to safely navigate areas with floating or broken sea ice, such as those seen during Arctic summers.

They differ from icebreakers, which are specialized vessels—often equipped with powerful propulsion systems, including nuclear power—that can break through solid, winter ice cover. Icebreakers typically have rounded, sloping bows that ride up onto the ice and break it using the vessel’s weight and forward motion.

As a result of these agreements, India would be able to manufacture and export ice-class ships to shipping companies worldwide for operations through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). It would also be able to provide trained crews. Together, this would sharply increase the export of Indian goods and services in a niche sector.


Currently, annual cargo volumes through the NSR fluctuate between 35 and 40 million tonnes. President Putin wants to raise this volume to 200 million tonnes by 2031. There are not enough ice-class ships in the world today to meet that requirement.


India itself will need such ships as its own trade volumes on the NSR rise.

Joint ice-class shipbuilding will not only deepen strategic alignment between India and Russia but also facilitate increased bilateral trade.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025. (Photo by Alexander KAZAKOV / POOL / AFP)
Labour Mobility

Also during the summit, India and Russia signed an agreement defining a framework enabling citizens of one country to engage in temporary work in the other.

Russia has expressed interest in bringing in millions of Indian workers across manufacturing, construction, trade, and services.

In August, the Ambassador of India to Russia, Vinay Kumar, told TASS that Russia has manpower requirements, while India has skilled manpower, and that Indian workers are already being hired under existing Russian regulations, quotas, and company-level arrangements.

He noted that most Indian workers currently in Russia are employed in construction and textiles, but interest in hiring Indians in machinery and electronics is rising.

Expansion of Indian Exports

Indian firms have already increased shipments of equipment, spare parts, and tools to support Russian industrial needs. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Indian generic manufacturers are supplying medicines to Russian pharmacies and hospitals.

Russia is also seeking cooperation with Indian firms to co-produce energy sector equipment for later re-export—including to African markets.

Trade in agricultural products increased by more than 60% in 2024.

A representative of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) told TASS that Indian packaged foods—curries, ready meals, legumes, sweets, and snacks—are already widely sold in Russia, and that tea, coffee, rice, spices, and apparel could replace European brands on Russian shelves.

India has raised concerns over non-tariff barriers, particularly affecting agricultural and marine products. Exports of prawns and shrimp, for instance, could rise significantly beyond the current level of approximately $123 million.

Solid Economic Foundation Leading To Strategic Alignment

Over the past two years, India and Russia have worked to build a stable economic foundation, aiming for trade parity.

The two sides previously aimed to raise annual bilateral trade from approximately $60 billion to $100 billion by 2030. During the summit, the Indian Prime Minister expressed confidence that this milestone would be achieved ahead of schedule.

It appears likely that most of the increase will come from expanded Indian exports, which is precisely what this summit focused on.

When Will the Su-57s, S-400s & SMRs Come?

Russia has offered the Su-57 to India, including technology transfer and local production. India is expected to make a decision after prolonged negotiations.

As previously noted, the IAF is likely interested in the twin-seat Su-57D variant, expected to fly in early 2026. A twin-seat configuration would allow better crew coordination for loyal-wingman UAV operations and enhance training.

The IAF will also want confirmation that the Su-57 can carry the BrahMos-NG internally. Since BrahMos-NG development has only recently begun, India’s urgency is low. Likewise, India is awaiting delivery of the two remaining S-400 regiments ordered in 2018, and these have not yet been fully paid for.

Contracts will be signed only after all associated technical, logistical, and financial discussions are completed.

Conclusion

The reason major defence deals did not feature in the summit joint statement is that they have not yet been finalized. The summit instead focused on building the economic and logistical foundation necessary for a renewed, significantly deeper strategic partnership.

Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.

Deadly border fighting breaks out between Pakistan and Afghanistan

BBC:

Deadly border fighting breaks out between Pakistan and Afghanistan

8 hours ago
Hafizullah MaroofKabul

Getty Images
Fighting broke out close to the Afghan border city of Spin Boldak, which has seen deadly clashes in recent months (pictured October 2025)


Border clashes have erupted again between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban forces, with each sides accusing the other of breaking a fragile ceasefire.

Residents fled the Afghan city of Spin Boldak overnight, which lies along the 1,600-mile (2,600 km) border between the two countries.

A medical worker in the nearby city of Kandahar told BBC Pashto that four bodies had been brought to a local hospital. Four other people were wounded. Three were reportedly wounded in Pakistan.

There has been sporadic fighting between the two countries in recent months, while Afghanistan's Taliban government has also accused Pakistan of carrying out air strikes inside the country.

Both sides have confirmed they exchanged fire overnight but each blamed the other for initiating the four hours of fighting.

Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesperson for Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accused the Taliban of "unprovoked firing".

The statement continued: "An immediate, befitting & intense response has been given by our armed forces. Pakistan remains fully alert & committed to ensuring its territorial integrity & the safety our citizens."

Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesperson said Pakistan had "once again initiated attacks" and said it was "forced to respond".

Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire started at around 22:30 (18:00 GMT) on Friday.

Footage from the area showed a large number of Afghans fleeing on foot and in vehicles.

Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar's information department, said Pakistan's forces had attacked with "light and heavy artillery" and civilian homes had been hit by mortar fire.

The latest clashes came less than two months after both sides agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey.

It ended more than a week of fighting in which dozens were killed - the worst clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban since the group returned to power in 2021 - though tensions have remained high.

The government in Islamabad has long accused Afghanistan's ruling Taliban of giving shelter to armed groups which carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Taliban government denies the accusation and has accused Pakistan of blaming others for their "own security failures".

The Pakistan Taliban have carried out at least 600 attacks on Pakistani forces over the past year, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

Last week delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of negotiations on a wider peace settlement, but did not reach an agreement.

Sources familiar with the talks told BBC News that both sides had agreed to continue with the ceasefire.

al Jazeera:

Israel kills 3 Palestinians in Gaza as deadly violations intensify

By Jillian Kestler-D'Amours and Edna Mohamed

Published On 6 Dec 20256 Dec 2025

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• Israel’s army has killed three Palestinians outside the “yellow line” in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, with several people wounded following heavy artillery shelling in southern Khan Younis.
• Qatar and Egypt, guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, have called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops and deployment of an international military force to fully implement the faltering truce agreement.
• Machinegun fire and attack drones have been heard in the east of Gaza City as Israeli forces cross the “yellow line” ceasefire demarcation and launch attacks.
• Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 70,125 Palestinians and wounded 171,015 since October 2023

At least 7 people killed in Israeli attacks across northern Gaza

At least seven people have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza City and northern areas as Israel continues attacks across the so-called yellow line truce demarcation.

Health officials said Israeli fire killed the Palestinians in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Zeitoun in northern Gaza, including a 70-year-old woman gunned down by an attack drone strike.

Earlier, the Israeli army announced it killed three people who allegedly crossed the poorly marked yellow line.

10m ago

 (16:00 GMT)

Israeli drone chases and kills 70-year-old Palestinian woman and son

By Hani Mahmoud

Reporting from Gaza City

Just in the past 30 minutes, there was a confirmed attack by an Israeli quadcopter that chased a 70-year-old woman and her son, 25, as they walked in an area about 1km (half a mile) away from the “yellow line” – deep in Gaza City.

They were hunted by the drone that fired and killed both of them. They were left there to bleed to death, and nobody from the surrounding area was able to get to them because the quadcopter was still hovering.

This is just one of many violations throughout the day and throughout the past 50 days since the truce came into effect.

Many people in most of these areas do not see the yellow line because it’s not clear. It’s not visible. There are no clear markings or signage to show this is the ceasefire demarcation that is a restricted and dangerous area.

An Israeli quadcopter drone flies near Khan Younis in southern Gaza [File: Said Khatib/AFP]

20m ago

 (15:50 GMT)

Ceasefire death toll hits 367 as bodies arrive at Gaza’s hospitals

Six bodies, including five recovered from the rubble and one new death, as well as 15 wounded Palestinians arrived at Gaza’s hospitals over the past 48 hours.

In a situational update, the Health Ministry said on Telegram that since the ceasefire started with Israel on October 11, at least 367 people have been killed, 953 wounded, and 624 bodies recovered.

Overall, since the war began in October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed 70,354 Palestinians and wounded 171,030.

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Expect the shailoks to be treacherous

Sweat, scandal spas and saunas

Sweat, scandal spas and saunas

Zan Azlee
Published: Dec 6, 2025 1:03 PM
Updated: 4:04 PM



COMMENT | Sometimes, I think Malaysia’s national sport isn’t badminton or arguing about where chicken rice originated from (Malaysia or Singapore!). It’s spicy, unnecessary drama, and the recent raid at a men-only spa in Kuala Lumpur proves it.

Try not to get too excited, but I’m a regular at saunas and steam rooms. Three times a week, after my morning run, I head to the club near my house where I’m a member for some sweat recovery and maybe quiet me time.

Want to know the wildest thing I’ve ever seen in a Malaysian sauna? An elderly uncle stepping out, a towel slipping in slow motion off his waist and onto the ground. It was definitely shocking, but definitely not criminal. Totally harmless, in fact.

So when the spa raid hit the news, I wasn’t exactly shocked but actually a little irritated. Raids like this do happen in Malaysia. To be honest, these raids rarely have anything to do with licences or safety rules.

It doesn’t happen every day, but enough that we know moral policing is lurking somewhere. It happens because someone somewhere thinks morality needs enforcement. Usually, it happens in places with dim lights, soft music, or, heaven forbid, men-only spaces.

Imagine being at a spa, stepping into the steam room, closing your eyes, and just as you feel the heat, the door bursts open and officers burst in. Before you can even adjust your towel, you’re lined up, questioned, and photographed.

Instead of relaxing, you end up as a forwarded WhatsApp video message. And of course, Malaysians are masters of assumption. They hear it’s a men-only spa, and all kinds of perverted ideas and scandalous thoughts come into their heads.

No charges, but…

But after all the news and hoo-haa, most of the men were released because there was nothing to charge them with. No victims. No evidence. No crime. A massive raid that ended up with nothing but a group of innocent people now with their reputations ruined.

The effects, however, are severe. Dragging half-dressed men out of a sauna and turning it into a public spectacle just shows how much privacy is basically being trampled on and not respected. Shaming is already wrong, but when there isn’t any basis, it is just a step too far.

There’s also the fact that enforcement agencies actually have real work to do. They should be out there stopping real crime, such as scams, theft, corruption and violent offences, like when journalists are publicly assaulted.

These are things that actually hurt people, and there’s no shortage of actual problems that involve lawbreaking. Policing morality just isn’t the priority. So let’s not waste our valuable resources investigating these kinds of so-called incidents.

Real people

In the middle of all this are real people. Teachers, office workers, retirees, and civil servants, who probably just wanted some quiet, relaxing time. They had to explain themselves to family and employers who read headlines too literally.

Which is why employers should absolutely not punish staff caught in this. If someone wasn’t charged, wasn’t implicated, wasn’t found guilty, punishing them is unfair, unnecessary, and ridiculous. Innocent should mean innocent. Full stop.

We’re a multicultural and multifaith country where morality isn’t one-size-fits-all, and personal choices shouldn’t be policed by assumption. Most Malaysians just want to live quietly, enjoy privacy, and maybe have a sauna without worrying about surprise visitors in uniform.

As usual, I believe that we can cope with absurdity with humour. We joke about it because it’s our way of surviving and making sense of things. But beneath the laughter is a simple truth that everyone deserves dignity.

So maybe next time, our authorities should take a pause before taking on the mantle of moral police. Check the facts. Respect privacy. Don’t punish people baselessly. Just let Malaysians sweat in peace, towel-slip mishaps included.

The police should focus on crime, not religious morality. Saunas are meant to unclog pores, not complicate lives. And if uncle’s towel slips? Let it slip, and it’s okay to ignore it and pretend like it didn’t happen.



ZAN AZLEE is a writer, documentary filmmaker, journalist and academic. Visit fatbidin.com to view his work.

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In my days in KL (long long ago, wakakaka) I used to go the spa at Hotel Hilton. I would then follow that up with an hour of massage - damn good lah.