Evil continues in GAZA

 

Israel kills at least 12 Palestinians in Gaza amid ‘ceasefire’

Hamas says the Israeli escalation represents the failure of the international community to uphold the truce in Gaza.

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Women mourn during the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on April 23 [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]

By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 24 Apr 202624 Apr 2026

Israeli forces have killed 12 Palestinians in attacks throughout Gaza, medical sources in the enclave tell Al Jazeera, as Israel continues its daily violations of the ceasefire struck last year.

An Israeli attack on a police vehicle on Friday killed at least eight people, including three civilian bystanders, in Khan Younis. A separate attack in Gaza City also killed two police officers.

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• list 2 of 3Reality check: Israeli ambitions confront US dictates in Iran and Lebanon
• list 3 of 3Israel continues attacks on Lebanon despite extension of ceasefire

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Two other people were killed in the bombing of a house in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza.

Gaza’s Ministry of Interior called on the international community on Friday to intervene and end the Israeli targeting of local police forces working to restore security in civilian areas.

It said the attack in Khan Younis came after security forces intervened to break up a fight in the area.

“The continued silence of international organisations … regarding the targeting of civilian police officers constitutes complicity with the Israeli occupation, encouraging it to commit further crimes against a civilian institution protected under international law,” the ministry said.

“We emphasise that the police force provides services to citizens in the Gaza Strip across various aspects of daily life. There is absolutely no justification for targeting it or killing its personnel.”

Israel has been systemically killing police officers in Gaza, as it allies itself with criminal gangs in the occupied territory.

During its genocidal war on Gaza, which started in October 2023, the Israeli military regularly targeted officers securing aid convoys, which led to intensified looting. That, in turn, deepened the hunger crisis that Israel imposed on the territory.

Cops investigating fireworks during ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ rally, unexploded ones found at otherwise ‘safe’ rally that drew 300 protesters

Cops investigating fireworks during ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ rally, unexploded ones found at otherwise ‘safe’ rally that drew 300 protesters



Fireworks was seen lit during Tangkap Azam Baki Rally here at Jalan Raja. Kuala Lumpur, April 25, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 7:09 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — The police are investigating an incident where fireworks were set off during the Tangkap Azam Baki rally here, confirming that a bag of unlit fireworks was found at the scene.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sazalee Adam said the rally was carried out “peacefully and safely”, with about 300 protesters present this afternoon.


“Just that at the start there was a slight disturbance due to the setting off of fireworks, but there was no injuries or disaster caused to the rally.”

“But the police will carry out investigations under Sections 6 and 8 of the Explosives Act. And we will try to detect and find evidence to trace who was behind the lighting of the fireworks,” he told reporters in a brief press conference near Dataran Merdeka.




The crowd reacts fireworks are set off by unknown persons during Tangkap Azam Baki Rally here at Jalan Raja Kuala Lumpur, April 25, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin


Asked about the claim that the fireworks was lit by those who wanted to sabotage the rally, Sazalee said police cannot determine this and will have to investigate.

He said the police will call in those linked to the rally, as well as independent witnesses of the fireworks incident.


He urged witnesses who saw the fireworks incident to step forward to help the police complete its investigations.

Sazalee said police found a bag of fireworks which had not been lit yet near the scene of the incident, adding that the fireworks was the type normally set off for festive celebrations.

He said rally organisers did not make any application or notify the police about the rally.

The police chief added that protesters marched from Sogo to Jalan Tun Perak, which is near Dataran Merdeka and said the rally ended around 5.35pm.

Sazalee said there were around 200 police personnel from the Kuala Lumpur contingent and the police’s Dang Wangi district headquarters today.

Asked if there were any reports of property damage, he said there were no police reports so far from traders and the public.



The crowd, with police looking on, at the Tangkap Azam Baki rally here at Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, April 25, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Reality check: Israeli ambitions confront US dictates in Iran and Lebanon

Reality check: Israeli ambitions confront US dictates in Iran and Lebanon

Ceasefires with Iran and Lebanon appear imposed by the US rather than negotiated by Israel, much to latter’s unease

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29, 2025 [Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]

By Simon Speakman Cordall
Published On 24 Apr 2026


Israel finds itself engaged in two semi-frozen conflicts in Lebanon and Iran. But the outcome of these battles will likely be determined not by Israel’s own political leaders, but by the United States and President Donald Trump, Israeli analysts have told Al Jazeera.

With US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner headed to Pakistan for another round of talks with Iran, Israel is not included. And Trump announced on Thursday a three-week extension to the ceasefire in Lebanon. Israel has, of course, repeatedly violated that ceasefire – but analysts highlight that Trump continues to have more influence over events than his partners in Israel.

That is despite Israel’s leaders – and in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – repeatedly calling Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah existential threats. Netanyahu had for years called for the kind of war he eventually unleashed on Iran with the US at the end of February.

But the conclusion of that war now appears out of his control. And that, according to observers, is of growing concern to the Israeli public, who were promised by Netanyahu an “end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran”, and the ultimate “disarmament” of Hezbollah.

“Netanyahu’s attempt to steer Washington on both Iran and Lebanon was both hubristic and opportunistic, but it should also not be that surprising that Netanyahu would attempt this,” former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy said, comparing that backing to the unquestioning support the US had offered the Israeli government during its genocidal war on Gaza.

“Partly this is Netanyahu beginning to believe his own hype in terms of not only what Israel can achieve vis-a-vis Washington, but also what Israel and the US combined can achieve in terms of reshaping the region, which hasn’t happened,” Levy, who is now a prominent critic of Israel, said. “But it’s also Netanyahu seeing an opportunity with this administration, which is so hollowed out in terms of inter-agency process that he can push the US to do things that Israel … couldn’t get it to do before.”



US president Donald Trump: Lebanon-Israel ceasefire has been extended by three weeks


Israelis still want war

With both Hezbollah and Iran damaged but still standing, Trump’s announcement of twin ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon has exposed the principal cheerleader of both conflicts, Netanyahu, to domestic political jeopardy.

Just days before Trump’s Lebanon ceasefire announcement, a poll by the Israel Democracy Institute showed overwhelming support among Jewish Israeli respondents for continuing the conflict even if that led to friction with the US.

The ceasefire with Iran has also proven unpopular within Israel, with two-thirds of Israelis polled by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem opposing the pause in operations.

“I think that, on the one hand, Israelis, Israeli Jews in particular, tend to put both of them [Iran and Lebanon] into the broader basket of ‘all enemies are against us,’” Dahlia Scheindlin, an American Israeli political consultant, pollster, and journalist told Al Jazeera, “We live in a region with a sea of enemies trying to destroy Israel in every possible way. So it becomes part of a wider self-image that Israelis have.”

Public confidence that the Israeli government was able to call the shots was low, she said, with uncertainty over a future determined by an erratic US president.

“America is the far stronger partner,” Scheindlin said. “So there is an understanding that Washington ultimately shapes the course of events. Israel has influence and a voice, but not the final say. That sense is becoming an increasingly common theme at this point.”

A woman walks next to an anti-Israeli mural on a street, amid a ceasefire between the US and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 20, 2026 [Majid Asgaripour/WANA]
Netanyahu’s critics


After Trump initially announced the ceasefire in Lebanon, former Israeli chief of staff and chair of the centrist Yashar party Gadi Eisenkot said it was a continuation of ceasefires being “imposed” on Israel over the past two and a half years.

While critics would note that the US has done little to restrain Israel and often actively supported its attacks, Eisenkot was more focused on what he called Netanyahu’s inability “to convert military achievements into diplomatic gains”.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid was equally critical, writing on social media: “Not for the first time, all the promises of this government are crashing against the ground of reality.”

“As things stand at present, the [Iranian] regime is still standing, the uranium remains in the country, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] is in a stronger position than before, and Trump wants out,” Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York, said of the predicament facing Netanyahu. “That marks a strategic defeat for Israel, whatever military achievements it may have made.

“I really don’t know if Trump cares what happens to Netanyahu,” Pinkas added, noting that, after reporting suggesting Netanyahu had manipulated Trump into the war, a visible rupture between the two might even be politically helpful for the US president. “He [Trump] wants a deal with Iran and, if Israel is the loser in that, I think Trump can live with it.”

Siti Kasim, Zaid join Ramkarpal to give 3-0 verdict DAP state rep not ‘derhaka’ to Selangor ruler

Siti Kasim, Zaid join Ramkarpal to give 3-0 verdict DAP state rep not ‘derhaka’ to Selangor ruler

SERI Kembangan state assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki who has come under heavy fire by the rightist fraternity has not been disloyal a.k.a. derhaka to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah by championing a modern and innovative pig rearing industry in Selangor.


Such is the stance of human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim and former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim who contended that the DAP state representative was only raising a matter of public interest coupled with the fact that “a decree is not the law” as Malaysia practices constitutional monarchy.
Malacca Security Analysis

The duo who are likely to face backlash from their rightist brethren effectively join fellow legal eagle and DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh who, too, fell that the call for Wong to leave the state or be suspended from the state assembly for up to 12 months “will create a dangerous precedent in silencing elected representatives”.

“No doubt, the Sultan of Selangor did call for an end to pig farming in the state, citing its environmental impact and Selangor’s demographic make-up which is respected,” argued the former deputy minister of law and institutional reform and Bukit Gelugor MP in a media statement.

“Wong’s proposal, however, doesn’t, in any way, disrespect this but instead, offers constructive alternative solutions to the issue which should not be dismissed outright for the reasons stated above.”

Editor’s Note: Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar who wanted Wong to be suspended from the Selangor state assembly for being ‘derhaka’ has yesterday (April 24) submitted a memorandum of objection against the latter in front of the Seri Kembangan Community Service Centre.

Mohamed Sukri Omar

on Friday

Serahan Memorandum Bantahan terhadap ADN Seri Kembangan di hadapan Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat ADN Seri Kembangan.

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Respect has limit

Concurring with Ramkarpal, Siti Kasim chastised the rightist fraternity for “immediately spinning the issue into one of derhaka to the Sultan” when an elected representative spoke about the management of an industry that does exist.

“This is not about pigs. This is about silencing voices they don’t like. This is not a matter of principle. This is political manipulation,” fumed the Orang Asli advocate in a Facebook post.

Siti Kasim

on Friday

ISU PENTERNAKAN BABI DI SELANGOR

Sekarang semua benda jadi “derhaka”.
Bila tak mampu jawab hujah, jerit “derhaka”.

...See more

 — with Siti Kasim.

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“Pig farming exists as an industry. It involves economics, public health and management. Issues like this need clear policies – not emotions. But some parties are more comfortable playing with religious and emotional sentiments than discussing real solutions.”

Delving further, Siti Kasim drew a line to how respect should be accorded to Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree in February for Selangor to resort to pork import to meet local demand, hence rejecting outright the proposed large-scale centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.

Siti Kasim


Respect the Sultan – yes. But respect does not mean that all discussions must be closed. If even speaking in the House (Selangor State Assembly) is considered wrong, what is the point of having a wakil rakyat?

Discuss policies. Not sentiments. If everything is labelled derhaka, in the end there is nothing to discuss.

Today we’ve this issue. Tomorrow could be whatever they (rightists) disagree with. The country cannot move forward with the politics of fear. Enough of this drama.


Elsewhere, Zaid asserted that “a decree is not the law but merely the language of the Istana (palace) when they give their advice”.

“We aren’t a country governed by Kings of yesteryear. We are a constitutional monarchy,” reminded the opposition-slant UMNO member.

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim

on Thursday

Assemblyman Wong from Selangor rose to speak on pig farming. Suddenly, mayhem erupted, and one assemblyman from PN tried to refer him to the Privileges Committee

What did Wong do wrong? According to Dr Afifudfin, another assemblyman its treason to talk about pig farming since the Sultan had already issued a decree on the subject

My goodness, what has happened to our politicians? A decree is not the law. That’s the language of the Istana when they give their advice. We are no...

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“Any assemblymember can raise any issue of public interest and they must not be stopped from performing their duties. As pig farming involves a livelihood, you can’t just close it down without exploring all options.” – April 25, 2026

Rafizi claims DAP 'subcontracted' youth wing to ensure party attendance at Azam rally

Rafizi claims DAP 'subcontracted' youth wing to ensure party attendance at Azam rally

Zarrah Morden
Published: Apr 25, 2026 5:00 PM
Updated: 7:36 PM


Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli speculated that DAP leadership may have "subcontracted" its youth wing to ensure that the party is represented at the rally against MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.

Rafizi explained that the political reality is that DAP leaders such as Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo will find it challenging to make public statements on the matter.

This is in light of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's public support of Azam, whom the former has praised for his purported bravery against corruption.

"It is difficult for senior leaders like Loke or Gobind to speak out because they are members of the cabinet and the Pakatan Harapan presidential council; they would be questioned as to why they haven't raised the matter directly with Anwar.

"Therefore, it would be easier to subcontract this to DAP Youth so that at least DAP is there (at the rally), and the same goes for MCA.

"This means that they (DAP and MCA) have accepted - regardless of whether the rally is lacklustre or not and how many people attend it - that this is not a small issue, especially to Chinese voters," the former PKR deputy president said on the latest episode of his "Yang Berhenti Menteri" podcast last night.

Rafizi noted that this is the first rally that has united the two traditional rivals, underscoring his belief that both parties acknowledge the severity of the issue.

In a statement today, Gobind urged newly appointed MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman to scrutinise the "corporate mafia" scandal as well as Azam's shareholding.

The Damansara MP said Halim must outline his vision for the commission and present a clear roadmap of the specific reforms he intends to implement to safeguard the MACC’s independence and prevent future abuses of power.

Gobind said this is important to restore public confidence in the anti-graft agency, which has found itself shrouded in power abuse and misconduct allegations.

In December, after a crushing defeat in the Sabah election, Loke vowed that DAP would reassess its role in the government if Anwar failed to deliver meaningful reforms within six months.


On Thursday, the youth wings of DAP and MCA confirmed their attendance at the Tangkap Azam Baki” rally scheduled for this evening in Kuala Lumpur, but neither could resist taking jabs at each other.

DAP condemned MCA for its "blatant hypocrisy" while MCA Youth urged Harapan to honour its reform pledges.

No support from political bloc

Commenting further, Rafizi said that this is the first major rally to not receive support from any political bloc.

He claimed that PKR has been the most aggressive in attacking the rally, interpreting this as a sign that the party views it as "something dangerous".

He further highlighted Harapan's inaction over Azam, adding that those within the coalition who praise him now are the same people who had "cursed" him prior to forming the government.

Due to this, coupled with the silence from BN and the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, Rafizi said that the rally is already an achievement for forcing the issue into the public eye.

Last week, electoral watchdog Bersih said it is anticipating a larger crowd for the rally compared to previous gatherings as Azam has gained increasing public attention over recent controversies, including his share ownership and alleged misconduct linked to a “corporate mafia”.


Rafizi sympathises with Nurul Izzah

Rafizi also spoke about Nurul Izzah Anwar, expressing sympathy for his successor as the current PKR deputy president.

It began with her announcement that she was running for the post that Rafizi had held at the time - a decision the latter said had angered many party members.

The issue was compounded by her having to balance the dual duties of being the deputy president to the prime minister, her father, while managing the party's internal affairs, Rafizi said.

Then she was entrusted with leading the party's strategy for the Sabah election, a role that she had never taken on before, he added.

Nurul Izzah Anwar


Nurul Izzah was one of two directors for the state election in November, which saw PKR lose all but one of the 13 seats it contested.

Rafizi opined that the disastrous results must have been demoralising for her, as she also had to field vicious comments from Malaysians online about the party's performance.

At the same time, Rafizi said other corruption-related issues involving individuals linked to PKR had begun to surface, citing Anwar’s former aide Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak as an example.

On top of that, Rafizi said Nurul Izzah cannot afford to undermine her father's leadership of the party by speaking up on controversial issues, such as Azam.

"She has cornered herself and the party has allowed it to happen, causing Nurul Izzah, who is a big asset to the party, to now struggle in this difficult situation," he lamented.

He warned that the issue could spread beyond internal friction to affect public perception of the party, leading voters to believe that PKR could no longer be a viable option in the next election.

The Tangkap Azam Baki secretariat had launched the rally to push for a comprehensive investigation into Azam’s share ownership and alleged misconduct linked to a “corporate mafia”, claiming that Anwar and the government have yet to provide a full explanation.

In February, Bloomberg and Malaysiakini reported that Azam possessed shares in excess of public service rules.

Subsequently, Bloomberg published another report alleging that senior MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to stage corporate takeover of rivals, with Azam’s alleged awareness and support - claims which Azam has since denied.

Loke lambasts Kelantan lawmakers for ‘irresponsible’ Mat Motor convoy through Kota Bharu airport, orders roadblocks

Loke lambasts Kelantan lawmakers for ‘irresponsible’ Mat Motor convoy through Kota Bharu airport, orders roadblocks



A poster for the “Mat Motor” convoy in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. — Anthony Loke/Facebook pic

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 2:40 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has condemned several Kelantan assemblymen for organising a “Mat Motor” convoy to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, labelling the act as "highly irresponsible" and a potential threat to public safety and airport operations.

The minister said he has directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to set up roadblocks in cooperation with traffic police to inspect all motorcycles entering the airport area this evening.

In a statement today, Loke questioned the decision to hold a large motorcycle convoy in a strategic and security-sensitive zone like an airport, which must be kept clear to ensure smooth passenger travel.

“Should any congestion occur that causes passengers to miss their flights, will the organisers be responsible for compensating their flight tickets?” he asked pointedly.


Loke also questioned whether the organisers had obtained the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities for the convoy.


To ensure public safety and the smooth operation of the airport, he has ordered enforcement action to be taken without exception.

“I have directed JPJ to cooperate with the traffic police to set up roadblocks this evening and to inspect all motorcycles entering the Airport area this evening without exception, including any member of the State Legislative Assembly riding a motorcycle,” he said.


A poster for the event states that it will begin at 5pm today, going from Kota Lama to the Aeon Mall, going through the airport and city in between.

Police cripple RM1.8m diesel smuggling syndicate in Shah Alam, Sungai Buloh

Police cripple RM1.8m diesel smuggling syndicate in Shah Alam, Sungai Buloh



Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken a firm stance on diesel-related issues, including subsidy leakage, smuggling and misuse of subsidised fuel. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 2:28 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Police have dismantled a subsidised diesel smuggling syndicate with the arrest of eight individuals in Ops Taring Bravo 1 at three factories in Shah Alam and Sungai Buloh, yesterday.

Wildlife Crime Bureau/Intelligence and Special Investigation (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said 124,950 litres of subsidised diesel worth RM645,632 were seized during the 3.50 pm raid.

He said the eight individuals arrested comprised six locals and two foreigners, aged between 27 and 56, who played various roles, namely security guard, factory supervisor, manager, storekeeper, workers, as well as tanker lorry attendant and driver.

“The syndicate carried out subsidised diesel diversion activities in a sophisticated and organised manner by manipulating the supply chain to reap substantial profits.


“More concerning is that the syndicate also operated aggressively by reselling the diesel into the industrial market at significantly higher prices,” he said in a statement today.


Mohd Zaki said the syndicate, active since early this year, collected subsidised diesel in stages around Selangor before smuggling it out in bulk for sale at RM4 per litre in 5,000-litre quantities to third parties acting as collection and storage centres.

He added that the diesel was then resold and distributed daily in volumes of 5,000 to 6,000 litres at between RM4.80 and RM5.00 per litre to several industrial and construction companies in the Klang Valley.


“The operation, which also involved the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), led to the seizure of two tanker lorries, 10 intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), six pump machines with hoses and 12 skid tanks, bringing the total value of seizures to RM1,827,712,” he said.

Mohd Zaki said all seized items, suspects and confiscated subsidised diesel have been handed over to the Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) for further investigation under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

He said the two foreign nationals arrested were handed over to the Sungai Buloh Police headquarters for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. — Bernama

Guan Eng backs Selangor DAP rep over pig farming row, accuses PAS of ‘double standards’

Guan Eng backs Selangor DAP rep over pig farming row, accuses PAS of ‘double standards’



DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng attends the 18th DAP National Congress at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam on March 16, 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 12:14 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — DAP advisor Lim Guan Eng has responded to critics of Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, accusing PAS of applying “double standards” for labelling her “treasonous” over her suggestion to review state pig farming policies.

In a statement today, the Bagan MP argued that Wong was exercising her right as an elected representative in the Selangor state assembly, and had not lied or misled the legislature.

He contrasted Wong’s actions with those of a former PAS minister who was reprimanded by the Yang diPertuan Agong in 2021 for misleading Parliament over the revocation of Emergency Ordinances.

Lim questioned why PAS had not taken action against its own minister but was now targeting Wong, before suggesting that her age and gender could be the reasons.

“If PAS is consistent and responsible, they should have taken action against the PAS minister who was reprimanded by the King,” Lim said.

He also expressed regret that Umno had joined PAS in criticising Wong.

The criticism against Wong is based on the Sultan of Selangor’s express disagreement with pig farming activities in the state.

Today, Lim added that Wong has the full support of DAP and the public for carrying out her duties as an elected representative, saying she was right not to back down despite facing threats and protests.

On July 26, 2021, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, then the law minister, had announced in Parliament that six EOs from the Covid pandemic had been revoked effective July 21, following a Cabinet meeting.

Three days later, the Agong at the time expressed that he was "deeply saddened" by the announcement, saying it was "not accurate" and had confused Parliament as he had not yet given royal assent to the revocation.

Transport minister confirms MTEN to study lowering road tax for non-subsidised diesel owners

Transport minister confirms MTEN to study lowering road tax for non-subsidised diesel owners



Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook speaks to reporters during the 80th Road Transport Day celebration at the Penang State Stadium in Batu Kawan on April 25, 2026. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 2:48 PM MYT


BATU KAWAN, April 25 — The Ministry of Transport has officially submitted a proposal to the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to study a reduction in road tax for diesel vehicles, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed today.

The move follows an instruction from the prime minister and is part of the government's effort to explore a more comprehensive approach to ease the financial burden on diesel vehicle owners who are not covered by existing subsidy schemes, Bernama reported.

Speaking at the 80th-anniversary celebration of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) here, Loke explained that while diesel prices are now set on a floating basis to curb smuggling, the government is looking for other ways to assist those affected.

“To assist diesel vehicle owners who do not receive any assistance or subsidies, we will look at how to help them in terms of reducing road tax,” he said.


Loke noted that the government already has targeted subsidy programmes in place, such as the individual BUDI Diesel scheme which provides up to RM400 per month, and the fleet card system for commercial vehicles like buses and lorries.


The proposed road tax reduction is aimed at those who fall outside these categories.

He added that further studies are underway to assess the implications of the proposal, including the appropriate rate of reduction and its impact on government revenue. An announcement is expected in the near future.


Earlier at the same event, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he had asked the Ministry of Transport to identify a suitable mechanism for the reduction, acknowledging the impact of the diesel price increase on certain users.

The anniversary celebration also saw the launch of a new version of the MyJPJ smart application and the appointment of national songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin as a Road Safety Icon.

RM2.3m for the car, RM0 for road tax: Lamborghini Revuelto ends up in Perlis JPJ impound

RM2.3m for the car, RM0 for road tax: Lamborghini Revuelto ends up in Perlis JPJ impound



A Lamborghini Revuelto is pictured outside the Perlis Road Transport Department (JPJ) yard. — Perlis JPJ pic

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 8:43 AM MYT


ARAU, April 25 — The Perlis Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized a Lamborghini Revuelto, estimated to be worth RM2.3 million, after discovering its road tax had expired and it had no insurance coverage.

The Revuelto is a mid‑engine plug‑in‑hybrid supercar that pairs a 6.5‑litre naturally aspirated V12 with three electric motors to deliver around 1,001–1,015 horsepower, a 0–100 km/h time of about 2.5 seconds and a top speed over 350 km/h.

Its annual road tax is approximately RM17,873 per year in Peninsular Malaysia.

The luxury vehicle was stopped during a routine operation along the Kuala Perlis-Changlun road recently.


In a statement yesterday, the Perlis JPJ said the seizure was carried out under the Road Transport Act 1987.


The department said that the failure of luxury vehicle owners to pay their motor vehicle licence (MVL), or commonly called the road tax, results in significant revenue leakage for the government due to the high value of these licences.

This seizure is not an isolated incident. From January to date, Perlis JPJ has already seized a total of six luxury vehicles for similar offences.


The department issued a stern reminder to all vehicle owners that driving without valid road tax and insurance is a serious offence that endangers other road users.

“JPJ Perlis wishes to remind the public that failure to renew road tax and insurance is a serious offence that not only violates legal provisions but may also endanger the safety of other road users,” the statement read.

Authorities urged the public to comply with all regulations and not wait for enforcement action to be taken.

Members of the public who wish to lodge traffic complaints can do so through official JPJ channels, including the e-Aduan feature on the MyJPJ app.

Spain is ‘reliable’ Nato member, PM says after reported US ouster threat

Spain is ‘reliable’ Nato member, PM says after reported US ouster threat



Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gestures upon his arrival ahead of an informal meeting of the European Council, in Ayia Napa April 23, 2026. — AFP pic

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 10:27 AM MYT


NICOSIA (Cyprus), April 25 — Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday stressed Spain was a “reliable member” of Nato, after a report the United States was considering trying to suspend it over its refusal to support military operations against Iran.


The Reuters news agency cited an anonymous US official as telling it that the Pentagon had outlined the suspension option in an email looking at ways to punish Nato allies that steered clear of the US-Israeli war against Iran.


The same email also suggested the United States could review its position on the Falkland Islands in retaliation for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s lack of support in the war.

“Spain is a reliable member within Nato” which is fulfilling all its obligations, Sanchez told reporters in English during a visit to Cyprus for an EU summit.


“As a result, I am absolutely not worried,” he said.


The Socialist leader added in Spanish: “We don’t work on the basis of emails, we work off official documents and the position that the United States government has set out in this case.”

There is no provision in the Nato treaty allowing for the suspension or expulsion of a member of the world’s most powerful military alliance.


Responding to a question about the Reuters report, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said the Defence Department “will ensure that the president has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part,” but did not provide further details.

‘Nato must remain united’

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly railed against Nato allies for refusing to join the war that engulfed the Middle East, saying he viewed it as a betrayal.

Some of them — France, Spain and Italy — did not allow US military aircraft deployed for the war to overfly their territories or to use bases.

A US State Department spokesman told AFP yesterday that Washington remained neutral on the issue of contested sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, the South Atlantic archipelago disputed between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

“Our position on The Islands remains one of neutrality. We acknowledge that there are conflicting claims of sovereignty between Argentina and the UK,” the spokesman said, adding that the US recognizes “de facto United Kingdom administration” of the islands without taking sides on sovereignty claims.

Trump had also tried, in vain, to get European Nato members to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway for Gulf energy exports, which Iran has effectively closed with military threats and attacks.

Washington’s expectation that Nato members’ facilities and territories should be available to the United States without question has added to strains within the alliance.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters in Cyprus that “Nato must remain united. I believe it is a source of strength.”

Sanchez said his government’s stance was “absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the bounds of international law”.

Sanchez has repeatedly found himself in Trump’s crosshairs since the Republican president returned to office in January 2025.

Last year, he refused to agree to ramp up Nato defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP as demanded by Trump, who then suggested expelling Spain from the alliance.

Sanchez condemned the US military intervention in Venezuela on January 3 that captured the South American country’s strongman socialist president Nicolas Maduro and is a virulent critic of Washington’s ally Israel.

Nato is to hold its next summit in Turkey on July 7-8. — AFP

New MACC Boss

What we know about new MACC chief Abdul Halim Aman

April 25, 2026 @ 1:09pm

Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge with nearly two decades of judicial experience and a long career in the legal service, has been appointed as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner. - File pic



KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge with nearly two decades of judicial experience and a long career in the legal service, has been appointed the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner.

His appointment, announced on Friday, takes effect on May 13 following the end of Tan Sri Azam Baki's contract.


Born on March 10, 1957, in Kampung Alai, Malacca, Halim obtained his LLB (Hons) from the Universiti Malaya in 1982 and later completed his LLM at the University of Hull, United Kingdom in 1996.


According to the Malaysia Judiciary Yearbook 2023, he began his career in the Judicial and Legal Service in 1982, serving in various capacities over 22 years, including Federal Counsel at the Attorney General's Chambers, magistrate posts in Kluang and Muar, senior assistant registrar at the Malacca High Court, and Sessions Court judge in multiple locations including Tawau, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur, George Town and Ampang.

He also served as Senior Federal Counsel with the Inland Revenue Board and the Attorney General's Chambers, as well as Pahang State Legal Adviser, deputy public prosecutor, and Head of the Research Division at the Office of the Chief Justice.


In 2005, he was appointed Judicial Commissioner at the Temerloh High Court before being transferred to Kuantan in 2006.


He was elevated to High Court Judge in 2007.

He later served at the Penang High Court (2009) and Johor Baru High Court (2010) before his long tenure at the Shah Alam High Court from 2013 until his mandatory retirement in March 2023.


During his time in Shah Alam, he presided over several high-profile criminal cases that drew public attention.

Among them was the 2015 murder trial involving a TV9 administrator, where he acquitted the accused after ruling that the prosecution's investigation and forensic evidence were inadequate, stressing the importance of proper investigative procedures.

In 2019, he sentenced three people to death in the Klang "body-less" murder case, describing the crime as "vicious, brutal and inhumane."

That same year, he rejected an appeal by preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin in a sedition case involving comments on the Sultan of Selangor, and enhanced the sentence to one year in prison, citing loyalty to the Rukun Negara principle of allegiance to the Ruler.

In 2021, he sentenced a babysitter's husband to death for the murder of an 11-month-old infant, describing the act as "heartless and inhumane."