Coincidence? Israel attacks Lebanon as US-Iran peace deal hangs in balance

Coincidence? Israel attacks Lebanon as US-Iran peace deal hangs in balance



Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on June 12, 2026. — AFP pic

Sunday, 14 Jun 2026 9:26 AM MYT


BEIRUT, June 14 — Lebanon reported Israeli strikes in the country’s south on Saturday, as the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for the city of Nabatieh and more than 20 other locations ahead of raids.

The latest strikes came as the US and Iran indicated they were close to reaching a deal on ending the Middle East war that could also include Lebanon, drawn into the conflict when Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of its patron Tehran.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli airstrikes had hit several areas, particularly around the southern city of Nabatieh.

An AFP photojournalist in the Nabatieh area heard blasts around Kfar Remman, which has been repeatedly targeted, and saw a plume of smoke rising from Kfar Tebnit, which was not included in the evacuation warnings.

The Lebanese army later said one of its soldiers had been severely wounded after being hit by an Israeli drone on the road between Kfar Remman and Nabatieh. That had followed an initial attempt to target him as he was moving near a hospital close to the city.

NNA also said an Israeli strike killed a local official in Rihan, the southern region of Jezzine.

An AFP correspondent in Nabatieh said the city was almost deserted, reporting artillery shelling there and in nearby areas overnight and on Saturday.


Evacuation warnings

The Israeli military had issued two warnings to residents of 24 locations – both in and around Nabatieh, and nearer to the coast – to “evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Zahrani River”, around 45 kilometres from the southern border with Israel.

Last month Israel declared all areas south of the river “combat zones”, and has since been heavily striking the area.

Hezbollah, which has kept up attacks on invading Israeli troops, said its fighters launched drone attacks on Israeli military vehicles in the south.

It said it had thwarted an overnight “infiltration” attempt by Israeli forces in the Kfar Tebrnit area near Nabaiteh after ambushing them and engaging in a “firefight with medium weapons”.

The group also reported clashes with Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Majdal Zoun, closer to the border with Israel.

Israel’s military also said it “intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory”.

It later announced that “over the past 24 hours, more than 70 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites were struck”.

Fresh strikes hit two areas in Lebanon’s eastern Baalbek area later Saturday, NNA reported.


‘Fateful test’

Iran insists that Lebanon must be part of any agreement to end the wider Middle East war, and a senior US official said Friday that a draft peace deal “includes Lebanon”.

Neither Israel nor Hezbollah have respected a ceasefire meant to take effect in April, and a conditional truce deal announced this month after Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Washington also failed to halt the fighting.

Hezbollah rejected both the direct talks and the conditional agreement, which requires it to cease attacks but makes no mention of Israel doing so or withdrawing troops from Lebanon.

Lebanon says Israel’s massive campaign of airstrikes and ground invasion have so far killed 3,756 people.

Lebanon’s leaders, meanwhile, have accused Tehran of treating their country as a “bargaining chip”.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said on Saturday Lebanon should make do with any US-Iran deal that included the country.

“We want the Lebanese state to negotiate for itself, and nobody is suggesting forfeiting this role,” Fayyad said.

“However, the state must abandon the policy of being crushed in the face of the Israelis and submission to the Americans.”

The prime minister of Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, insisted Saturday that a deal was closer “than ever before”.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement that Lebanon faced “a fateful test.

“Either its people unite around a sovereign state that monopolises weapons, upholds the law and protects citizens irrespective of their affiliation or position, or it remains hostage to the logic of militias,” he said.

Further Israel-Lebanon talks are scheduled for later this month. — AFP

Gaza post-‘ceasefire’ deaths hit 983 as Israeli attack targets refugee camp

Israeli attack reportedly kills one person in central Gaza’s Bureij camp, as a disabled Palestinian is shot in the West Bank.

By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 13 Jun 202613 Jun 2026

Israeli forces have carried out a deadly attack in a refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Palestinian media reports, as casualties continue to mount in the enclave despite a “ceasefire” declared months ago.

The Israeli drone attack in the Bureij camp on Saturday killed one person and injured two others, reported the Wafa news agency.

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The Palestinian Information Center identified the person killed as Muawiya al-Aydi, a local municipality worker.

Further north, a separate Israeli attack injured a person at a gathering in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighbourhood, according to Wafa.

Despite a ceasefire technically in effect since October, Israel’s military has regularly attacked Gaza, over half of which is under Israeli military control in defiance of the ceasefire’s terms.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least two Palestinians have been killed and 11 injured in Israeli attacks on the enclave in the past 48 hours.

The ministry said 983 people have been killed and 3,122 injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was declared.

Hamas has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the agreement through its continued attacks and by shifting the so-called “Yellow Line” that demarcates Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza.

“Israeli actions reflect its unwillingness to implement the ceasefire agreement and aim to blow up the negotiation track and thwart the efforts being made, while continuing escalation to serve political and electoral considerations,” said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem on Friday.

Disabled Palestinian shot, injured in West Bank

Israeli troops also carried out a series of violent raids in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, part of a pattern of near-daily operations since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to Wafa, Israeli forces deployed stun grenades and tear gas during two separate incidents near Bethlehem, causing numerous injuries: one during a raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp and the other while blocking access to the Solomon’s Pools reservoirs.

A disabled Palestinian man was also shot and injured in the town of Duma, near Hebron.

Wafa said Israeli forces shot the man, while Israeli media cited Israeli police as saying an Israeli settler was responsible. According to Israeli police, the settler felt threatened by the man who was carrying a rock.

Other Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and vandalised property near Bethlehem, including assaulting Palestinian electrical workers and stealing water pipes, said Wafa. Settlers also blockaded a road connecting the Palestinian towns of Arraba and Ya’bad, and set fire to farmland and vehicles in the town of Jit, added the agency.

Earlier, Israeli forces carried out raids in the Palestinian towns of Tuqu, Immatain, Jit and Beita, with clashes breaking out with local residents in Beita, according to Wafa.

After seating spat, Onn Hafiz awaits train ride with Loke

After seating spat, Onn Hafiz awaits train ride with Loke


Johor BN chief says he is willing to join DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook at the launch of the KTM Komuter Selatan service on Tuesday

Johor caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he was only informed of transport minister Loke Siew Fook’s invitation through the media.

PETALING JAYA: A week after saying he would prefer not to be seated at the same table with DAP, Onn Hafiz Ghazi has said he is willing to attend the launch of new commuter train service by transport minister Loke Siew Fook, who is DAP secretary-general, but has yet to receive an official invitation from the ministry.

Onn Hafiz, who is menteri besar of the caretaker state government, said he would clear his schedule to attend the launch and accompany Loke on a train ride on Tuesday.

“I await the official invite and details of the programme. The project has been implemented for the convenience of Johor’s people, and not for the sake of political collaboration,” he said in a Facebook post. “There should be no issue or uncertainty about this. Official government work and political collaboration are two different things.”


Last night, in a speech at a party event, Loke had extended an invitation to Onn Hafiz to join him on a train ride to mark the launch of KTM Komuter Selatan’s service from Kulai to Johor Bahru.

His remarks, at the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery, came two days after Onn Hafiz said he would rather not hold the menteri besar’s post than sit at the same table with DAP.


Onn Hafiz said today he was informed of Loke’s invitation only through the media.

He also said the state government had finally received an invitation for an event planned more than a week ago, and that neither he nor state executive councillors had received invitations to several transport ministry events in Johor, including Loke’s working visit to the RTS Link project site in April.

Onn Hafiz said the Johor state government had not only accepted federal initiatives but also contributed to their success in the state.

He said this included a RM700,000 allocation for train coach beautification work, as well as the provision of shuttle buses with operational costs of around RM86,000.


“This post is not for the state government to claim credit, but to note that it has contributed to the success of federal initiatives. Development projects do not belong to any party, including DAP. They are everyone’s responsibility, and must be implemented professionally for the public’s benefit,” he said.

Loke had previously called Onn Hafiz arrogant for his remarks about DAP, and reminded him that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as deputy prime minister, was part of the federal government as DAP leaders.

Umno and DAP, once bitter rivals, are partners in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government and have cooperated in elections since November 2022.

MCA chief calls for answers from Teo, DAP on J-Kom

MCA chief calls for answers from Teo, DAP on J-Kom


Wee Ka Siong says deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching cannot remain silent over the Facebook post by Hisyamuddin Ghazali

MCA president Wee Ka Siong said deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching must clarify whether disciplinary action would be taken against J-Kom director-general Hisyamuddin Ghazali.

PETALING JAYA: Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching and her party DAP have been urged to explain the alleged racial slur used by community communications department chief Hisyamuddin Ghazali against two government critics.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong said Teo could not remain silent because the department (J-Kom) falls under the communications ministry.

“Is this the communications ministry’s official stance? Is this the new standard of the government’s communications? Is public money now being used to pay government communications officials to attack critics with racially charged labels?” he asked in a Facebook post today.


Wee also called for answers from DAP as Teo is a DAP leader and chairman of Johor DAP.

“If an opposition party had used such remarks, DAP would speak the loudest about 3R (race, religion and royalty), national unity and racial harmony,” he said. “Why is DAP silent now when such remarks are coming from a newly appointed government official?”


Wee called on Teo and the ministry to state whether disciplinary action would be taken against Hisyamuddin, and whether he would be required to issue a public apology or face dismissal.

He also demanded a guarantee that J-Kom would not be used as a publicly funded “partisan propaganda platform”.

“Malaysia does not need a government communications agency that acts like a racist cybertrooper. If the government is serious about 3R matters, its principles must apply to all, including its own officials,” he said.

In a Facebook post that has since been amended, Hisyamuddin had allegedly referred to businessman Albert Tei and social media influencer Eric See-To as “Cina sesat” and “opposition lackeys”, claiming they had continuously attacked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

New J-Kom chief under fire over racial slur against govt critics

New J-Kom chief under fire over racial slur against govt critics


Hisyamuddin Ghazali is alleged to have used the term 'Cina Sesat' against Albert Tei and Eric See-To in a Facebook post that was later amended

Perikatan Nasional information chief Annuar Musa said J-Kom director-general Hisyamuddin Ghazali’s remarks were unnecessarily racially charged.

PETALING JAYA: Hisyamuddin Ghazali, the new head of the community communications department (J-Kom), has come under fire for allegedly using a racial slur against two government critics, businessman Albert Tei and social media influencer Eric See-To in a social media post.

Hisyamuddin was alleged to have described them as “Cina sesat” (misguided Chinese) in a Facebook post that was later amended. He is also alleged to have described Tei and See-To as “opposition lackeys”, claiming they had continuously attacked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Tei came into prominence in recent months as an alleged whistleblower over a Sabah mining deal, while See-To, a former Barisan Nasional communications deputy director, was the person behind the Lim Sian See social media account that backed former prime minister Najib Razak.


Hisyamuddin was criticised by Perikatan Nasional information chief Annuar Musa for making remarks that were unnecessarily racially charged.

“The J-Kom director-general must set a good example as a civil servant. He should not insult others based on their race,” said Annuar, a former communications and multimedia minister.


As J-Kom is a government department responsible for explaining government policies, it should not be “acting emotionally on social media”, he said in a Facebook post. “We do not need extreme hatred, especially in the name of race or ethnicity in this country. Islam rejects racism and tribalism”.

See-To also responded in a Facebook post and tagged DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, asking whether Hisyamuddin’s label also applied to Loke. “This is from your new J-Kom chief. Paid using public funds, rakyat’s money – including from Chinese taxpayers. What do DAP and PKR have to say?” he said.

Hadi acting like PN’s supreme leader, says Muhyiddin’s ex-aide

Hadi acting like PN’s supreme leader, says Muhyiddin’s ex-aide


Marzuki Mohamad claims the PN Supreme Council did not discuss the reappointment of Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader, in effect 'sacking' PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar even before he took up the post

Reporters will have to wait in Rusila, the seat of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (above), to learn about Cabinet decisions if PAS forms the next government, said Marzuki Mohamad. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A former aide to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has accused PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang of behaving like the “supreme leader” of Perikatan Nasional, following the announcement of Hamzah Zainudin’s reappointment as opposition leader yesterday.

Marzuki Mohamad claimed that Hamzah’s reappointment, as well as the decision to allow his new party, Parti Wawasan Negara, to use the Perikatan Nasional logo in the coming state elections, were not discussed in a PN Supreme Council meeting.

He said Hamzah’s appointment as opposition leader contradicted the Supreme Council’s earlier decision on May 16 to appoint PAS vice-president and PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to the post.


“Today, in front of thousands of PAS members celebrating Hamzah, Samsuri was ‘sacked’ as opposition leader even before beginning his duties. This is what the PAS president is like as the ‘supreme leader’.

“If PN forms the government, reporters will no longer have to wait at Putrajaya on Wednesday to find out Cabinet decisions. They will just have to wait at Rusila on Friday,” he said in a Facebook post today.


Hadi announced the Larut MP’s return as opposition leader at the Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan earlier today, just two months after Hamzah relinquished the post.

Hadi said PAS had sought the views of its MPs as well as MPs aligned with Hamzah, including 13 who remain in Bersatu.

He said PAS had also decided to retain Samsuri as the PN chairman. Samsuri took over the PN chairmanship in February after Muhyiddin stepped down from the post.

Hadi’s announcement came after PAS ended its political cooperation with Bersatu on Monday, although both parties remain components of PN.

Marzuki also said that although Hadi is not a PN Supreme Council member, he seemed to wield great influence over the coalition’s decisions.

“The PAS president is not a member of the Supreme Council, but is ‘empowered’ to decide for PN. I believe the PN Supreme Council will endorse his decisions.

“It is impossible that the PN chairman will not include Hamzah’s appointment and Wawasan’s use of the PN logo in the next Supreme Council meeting,” he said, adding that Samsuri’s position as vice-president also appeared to depend on Hadi’s approval.

Malay Unity My Foot – PAS Dumps Bersatu In Preparation For UMNO

Malay Unity My Foot – PAS Dumps Bersatu In Preparation For UMNO


June 12th, 2026 by financetwitter



Before the November 2022 General Election, Bersatu (PPBM or Malaysian United Indigenous Party) and PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or Malaysian Islamic Party) were great buddies. The relationship between Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was so close and intimate that it annoyed UMNO terribly.

But on Monday night (June 8), the political marriage was over when PAS supremo Hadi Awang formally announced the party’s split from Bersatu, bringing to an end a six-year partnership. Effectively, the break-up also ends their six-year alliance within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, where both Bersatu and PAS were the two biggest Malay-centric parties.


While Muhyiddin expressed regret over the “divorce”, Hadi has badmouthed Bersatu – accusing the party of opportunism, internal rot, betrayal such as the ousting of the PAS Menteri Besar in Perlis, and Bersatu’s resistance to admitting new Malay-Muslim parties (such as Berjasa, Pejuang, Iman, Petra and MIC) into PN. But that was just the appetizer.

Hadi also complained about internal power struggle within Bersatu, leading to dismissals, suspensions and defections. Worse, he accused Bersatu of being greedy for seat allocations for the polls by providing false information about its membership size and organisational machinery. As a result, PAS roots and machinery have to do all the dirty work like slaves for Bersatu.

Not only Bersatu had been using PAS resources like a parasite, but it also lied, betrayed, backstabbed, and even resisted plans to admit new Malay-Muslim parties into PN because Muhyiddin was afraid his position as de facto PN leader could be diluted or challenged. In short, Bersatu is weak and small, but acted like the Big Boss giving orders to PAS on what to do and what not to do..


Worse, Hadi was upset that most of the Bersatu MPs who were PAS-friendly were either removed, suspended, or fired – obviously referring to a breakaway Bersatu faction led by former opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin, who happens to be the former Bersatu deputy president whose plan to topple party president Muhyiddin failed and was subsequently sacked.

Ironically, Muhyiddin and Hamzah too were great friends after they formed a backdoor government. Their despicable “Sheraton Move” saw the collapse of the legitimate and democratically voted Pakatan Harapan government in February 2020 when Muhyiddin’s faction in Bersatu left the government. Hamzah himself quit UMNO to join Bersatu in December 2018 after the ruling government Barisan Nasional lost power for the first time.

All hell broke loose after Perikatan Nasional failed to form a government after the November 2022 national polls. It was only after they lost power that Hamzah started a secret coup to overthrow Muhyiddin and criticized his leadership style, which led to Muhyiddin decisively and promptly fired Hamzah, who in turn declared his former boss as his “number one enemy”.

And it was only after former Prime Minister Muhyiddin miscalculated his political move by arrogantly rejecting former King Sultan Abdullah’s royal proposition of a unity government that Hadi started distancing and despising Muhyiddin for driving Perikatan Nasional into the opposition camp. So, the bad blood actually started upon failure to grab power in the 15th General Election in Nov 2022.

While Muhyiddin is indeed a well-known traitor, Hadi is the last person on the planet qualified to condemn him. PAS under Hadi’s leadership has not only become more radical and racist, but also is an “opportunist”party due to its history of shifting alliances and prioritizing power grabs over consistent ideology. There’s a reason why veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah branded PAS a “political prostitute“.

Once an ally of now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat (2008-2015), PAS under the corrupt Mr Hadi took RM90 million bribes from then-PM Najib Razak to break up the “rising star” Pakatan Rakyat coalition. The sensitive issue of hudud was deliberately manipulated by Hadi to provoke DAP, with DAP telling PAS to leave the coalition while at the same time PAS told DAP to quit instead.

After betraying and leaving Pakatan Rakyat, the fake holy man formed a new alliance with long-time rival UMNO to challenge the Pakatan Harapan government in 2019. The national cooperation between UMNO and PAS, glorified as “Muafakat Nasional” under the pretext of Malay-unity, died a natural death when it took merely 1 year for Hadi to betray UMNO in favour of Bersatu in 2020.

After Muhyiddin became the country’s first backdoor Prime Minister in March 2020, PAS immediately backstabbed and betrayed UMNO – secretly working with Bersatu to push for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to be registered as a coalition “months after” the Islamic party signed a political pact with UMNO (UMNO and PAS formed the Muafakat Nasional alliance in September 2019, while PN was officially registered as a coalition in August 2020).

Yes, PAS is the undisputed champion when it comes to a party that is highly irresponsible, unprincipled, hypocritical and opportunistic. It had betrayed almost every political party and alliance. For RM90 million, Hadi betrayed Pakatan Rakyat but blamed DAP for hudud. For power, Hadi then betrayed Barisan Nasional but blamed UMNO for refusing to accept Bersatu into Muafakat Nasional.

Now, Hadi is betraying Bersatu but blames Muhyiddin for internal crisis, betrayal, greed, lies, and whatnot. Every betrayal and treachery committed by the PAS president was justified by pointing fingers at others except himself. He had befriended Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim, Zahid Hamidi, and Muhyiddin Yassin before backstabbing each and every one of them.





In truth, with the exception of former PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz, all the so-called Malay leaders with a drop of UMNO DNA are untrustworthy and traitors, including Mahathir, Muhyiddin, Hadi, Najib, and even Anwar. Yes, politically and historically, PAS is an offshoot or splinter of UMNO – founded in 1951 by a group of conservative Muslim clerics (ulama) who were members of UMNO.

Naturally, they would betray each other over time. And it’s a matter of time before they would shamelessly rub shoulders and become friends or allies again. Malay unity my foot – there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. The unilateral decision by Hadi to sever ties with its coalition partner Bersatu is because both Muhyiddin and Bersatu have no more use for PAS.

Without power, ex-PM Muhyiddin can no longer plunder national coffers to fund PAS’s political agendas. Likewise, Muhyiddin can no longer reward Hamzah and his boys with position, power, and perks. The PAS-Bersatu split does not mean the end of one partnership, but is actually the beginning of a broader realignment in preparation for the next 16th General Election.

Plagued with corruption charges, not only Muhyiddin is toxic, but Bersatu is a damaged product that is dragging PAS from moving forward. PAS currently holds 43 seats in Malaysia’s lower house of parliament – the single biggest party. With “poster boy” Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, PAS is seeking greater strategic autonomy and wants to reposition itself as the main player ahead of upcoming state elections and the next general election.

It’s public knowledge that PAS’s short-term priority is to form a pact with a breakaway Bersatu faction led by former opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin, who is believed to command “two-thirds” loyalty of Bersatu party members. Crucially, unlike Muhyiddin, Hamzah is PAS-friendly, obedient, subservient and ready to ask how high when Hadi asks him to jump.

On Saturday, all eyes will be on the “Reset” convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan – an event widely seen as the launching pad for a new political party led by Hamzah. It’s not a coincidence that Hadi personally kicked Bersatu out before the convention. And it’s not a coincidence that the convention is being held in Kelantan, a true-blue PAS state. It was to clear the path for a new partnership with Hamzah’s movement.

Even though the Islamist party is the biggest party, there is still one huge problem. While popular in the Malay heartlands, PAS has failed to appeal to non-Malay community or address non-Muslim fears of an Islamic theocracy, in part due to its leaders’ radical comments on race and religion. Therefore, on its own, PAS cannot capture the federal government.

PAS desperately requires a bridge to make it more acceptable to the electorate, especially the political powerhouses in the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak. Thus, a pro-PAS puppet Hamzah could be Muhyiddin’s replacement to help project a more moderate and inclusive image, making the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition more palatable to non-Muslim and non-Malay voters.

In the November 2022 national polls, PN won 74 seats (PAS secured 43 seats, whilst Bersatu captured 31 seats) in the 222-seat parliament, establishing itself as the second-largest bloc behind Pakatan Harapan (PH), which won 82 seats. Yet, despite securing majority of the Malay-Muslim votes, PN was still very far away from forming a simple-majority government on its own.

There’s another very important reason why Hadi told Muhyiddin to fly a kite. Kicking Bersatu out of the equation and replace the vacuum with Hamzah’s new party is just the beginning. The game plan – or rather the long shot – is to prepare the Islamist party for an alliance with the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) – either under Muafakat Nasional 2.0 or other platforms.

UMNO has repetitively said Bersatu must be kicked out before any talks of cooperation between PAS and UMNO could even begin – “you are either with us, or against us”. PAS has to choose either Bersatu or UMNO, not both. And Hadi had chosen UMNO for obvious reasons. To hell with Malay-Muslim unity. Power and money are more important.

Despite UMNO president Zahid Hamidi’s denial that recent meetings between UMNO and PAS were meant to revive the former Muafakat Nasional political alliance, there’s no guarantee that both parties would not form the next government together after the 16th General Election. After all, Zahid had screamed “No Anwar, No DAP” before the 15th General Election.

With Hadi readies to surrender the Prime Minister post to UMNO, a carrot that would attract Sabah and Sarawak into the bandwagon, it would be foolish for Zahid to reject such an offer. Make no mistake – UMNO leaders are trained to say one thing and do another behind closed doors. Malaysian forked-tongue politicians have demonstrated a high degree of hypocrisy and untrustworthy, mind you.

The burning question now is who will own the Perikatan Nasional banner. Both PAS and Bersatu have refused to quit the alliance and have claimed ownership to use the brand for the upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, as well as next national elections. Bersatu could return to Pakatan Harapan despite Muhyiddin’s betrayal. Politics – especially Malay politics – is the art of the impossible.

OPINION | PKR After Anwar: Reformasi’s Greatest Challenge or the Beginning of a Political Dynasty?

Malaysia's #1 Content Aggregator


OPINION | PKR After Anwar: Reformasi’s Greatest Challenge or the Beginning of a Political Dynasty?


13 Jun 2026 • 5:00 PM MYT

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

Image Credit: Kpost | Illustration generated by Chatgpt


For more than two decades, the story of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been inseparable from the political journey of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Born out of the Reformasi movement in 1999 following Anwar's dismissal and imprisonment, the party successfully transformed itself from an opposition force into the leading party of Malaysia's ruling coalition.



However, as PKR approaches its third decade, a growing question is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: What happens after Anwar?


The debate has intensified following remarks by former PKR deputy president Dato' Seri Rafizi Ramli, who warned that the party risks fading into irrelevance after the Anwar era due to bureaucratic stagnation and the absence of a convincing succession plan.



His criticism strikes at a longstanding issue within PKR. Since its inception in 1999, the party has had six deputy presidents:


Chandra Muzaffar (1999–2001)


Abdul Rahman Osman (2001–2003)


Syed Husin Ali (2003–2010)


Mohamed Azmin Ali (2010–2020)


Rafizi Ramli (2022–2025)


Nurul Izzah Anwar (2025–present)


What stands out is that none of these deputy presidents, despite occupying the party's second-highest office, ultimately emerged as a clear and undisputed successor to Anwar. Some left the party, some retired from frontline politics, while others failed to consolidate support within PKR's power structure.



This pattern inevitably invites comparisons with Tun Mahathir Mohamad, whose political legacy was often criticised for lacking a stable succession framework despite producing several deputies over his lengthy political career.


The latest leadership transition has also raised questions about nepotism within the party. The elevation of Nurul Izzah, Anwar's daughter, reinforces perceptions that PKR is evolving into a dynastic political party rather than a merit-based movement.


While Nurul Izzah possesses considerable political experience and has long been active in the Reformasi movement, her defeat in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat and her current lack of an official government position have nevertheless fuelled debate over her appointment. As a result, her rise to the deputy presidency inevitably raises questions about whether PKR is cultivating leadership through open competition or family lineage.



Rafizi's warning goes beyond personalities. He argues that PKR's political narrative remains overwhelmingly centred on Anwar. For decades, the party's mission was unmistakable: make Anwar prime minister. That objective has now been achieved.


The challenge today is defining the next chapter.


According to Rafizi, a party that builds its entire future around securing Anwar a second term risks postponing rather than solving the succession question. Even if PKR succeeds electorally, leadership renewal cannot be delayed indefinitely.



His concerns are compounded by what he describes as an increasingly bureaucratic party structure that makes it difficult for younger leaders to rise through the ranks. In an era where political competition increasingly revolves around attracting Gen Z and millennial voters, parties that fail to regenerate leadership may struggle to remain relevant.


PKR leaders have strongly rejected this assessment. Figures such as Loh Ker Chean and Zaihasri Jaafar argue that PKR has consistently produced capable leaders over the years and that the party's strength lies in its Reformasi ideals rather than any single individual.



They point out that many prominent politicians across Malaysia's political landscape were developed within PKR's ecosystem, including Rafizi himself. In their view, movements built upon principles of justice, accountability, and reform can survive leadership transitions as long as those values remain relevant.


Yet history shows that political parties often struggle when founding figures overshadow institutional development. The true test of a mature political party is not merely winning power but demonstrating that leadership can be transferred smoothly without creating uncertainty or internal conflict.



As Anwar approaches the latter stage of his political career, PKR faces perhaps its most important challenge since its formation. The question is no longer whether Anwar can lead PKR. It is whether PKR can prove it is capable of thriving without him.


The answer may determine whether the party remains a dominant force in Malaysian politics for decades to come - or whether it becomes another political movement remembered primarily through the legacy of its founder.


By: Kpost

Iran warns final agreement will not be signed if terms are not met; says deal may be signed remotely

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Iran warns final agreement will not be signed if terms are not met; says deal may be signed remotely

13 Jun 2026 • 6:27 AM MYT

ANI
India's largest TV news agency and newswire service, covering news and controversy

Tehran [Iran], June 13 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (local time) said that nuclear talks with the United States will not proceed unless an interim agreement is implemented, adding that the final deal will not be signed if its provisions are not met.


Speaking to Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Araghchi said that after an initial agreement, the United States would be given 60 days to fulfil its commitments, warning that the situation could revert if obligations are not met.



"If the provisions of the memorandum of understanding are not met, the final agreement will not be signed," IRIB quoted the Iranian Foreign Minister as saying.


Araghchi also said the decision on the text would be taken collectively within Iran's Supreme National Security Council and added that the agreement, if approved, would be signed remotely.


"After signing the initial agreement, we give the US 60 days to fulfil its duties. During this time, we may reach an understanding or extend the ceasefire; it is also possible that after 60 days, we will return to the previous situation. There are supporters and opponents of the text within Iran's SNSC, but a collective decision will be made. For now, we must wait. If approved, the agreement will be signed remotely," he added.



He also cautioned that Iran expects implementation challenges, alleging that US officials may not fully adhere to the deal.

"Breaking promises is in the nature of US statesmen; we must expect major obstacles in implementing the agreement. We aren't dealing with people fully committed to the deal, so Iran will block any loopholes for their non-compliance," he told Iran's state broadcaster.

"We do NOT rely on the Security Council, the United Nations, or trans-regional coalitions to guarantee our security. Our reliance is only on God, our people, and our own armed forces," he told IRIB. (ANI)

Hamzah to return as opposition leader, says Hadi

Hamzah to return as opposition leader, says Hadi


2 hours ago
Anne Muhammad


PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar will remain as Perikatan Nasional chairman

PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar took over as opposition leader after Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin resigned from the post two months ago. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin will return as the opposition leader just two months after relinquishing the post, says PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Speaking at the Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Hadi said PAS had sought the views of its MPs as well as the MPs aligned with Hamzah, including 13 who are still with Bersatu.

“We sought the views of (other) MPs, not just PAS. Therefore, PAS has agreed to appoint Hamzah as the opposition leader.


“PAS has also decided to maintain Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the Perikatan Nasional chairman,” he said.

Samsuri, a PAS vice-president, took over the PN chairmanship in February after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down from the post.


The Terengganu menteri besar succeeded Hamzah as the opposition leader last month.

Hadi’s announcement today comes after PAS ended its political cooperation with Bersatu on Monday. However, both parties remain components of PN.

Following the termination of their alliance, some Bersatu leaders have called for Muhyiddin to be reappointed as the PN chairman.

Hadi also said PAS will announce the entrance of several senior politicians to the party later tonight in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.


He said they comprised senior leaders of other parties, former ministers, former state executive councillors as well as NGO leaders and unionists.


“These will be some shocking decisions. We will initiate a change. A change that will mobilise our machinery towards catalysing change to save our country,” he said.

Hamzah unveils new party, Wawasan

Hamzah unveils new party, Wawasan


3 hours ago
Anne Muhammad


The former Bersatu deputy president says PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang helped name the party

Former opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin said Parti Wawasan Negara will hold its first annual general assembly next week.

PETALING JAYA: Former opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has launched his new party, Parti Wawasan Negara, at the Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, today.


Hamzah, the former Bersatu deputy president, said the name was given by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and that the party will hold its first annual general assembly next week.

It is not immediately clear if the party is newly registered or a rebrand of an existing party.


“I want to announce here that our new party will hold its first AGM next week. This party that I want to announce today, its name was given by (Hadi).

“That party’s name is Parti Wawasan Negara,” he said at the convention, drawing cheers from the crowd of reportedly over 20,000.


Hamzah said Wawasan planned to cooperate with PAS, Gerakan and several other parties, hinting at joining the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional.

This comes four months after the Larut MP was sacked by Bersatu at the height of a leadership tussle with party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

The convention was attended by top PAS leaders, including Hadi and vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is also the PN chairman.

Also present were Gerakan president Dominic Lau, Kelantan menteri besar Nassuruddin Daud and several Bersatu MPs aligned with Hamzah, including Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee and Wanita chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.


Following the launch of his Reset movement in February, Hamzah was heavily linked with a takeover of the relatively unknown Parti Keluarga Malaysia.

He was later linked to a takeover of Berjasa and Parti Cinta Malaysia. Berjasa has applied to join PN.

Kelantan has highest rate of drug abuse cases, followed by Terengganu

Kelantan has highest rate of drug abuse cases, followed by Terengganu


A national anti-drugs agency official says the two east coast states are closely followed by Perlis and Kedah

AADK’s prevention division director Siti Mariam Mursidan presenting a souvenir to the village chief of Kampung Gong Rawai, one of two pilot locations for a drug-free village programme in Terengganu. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The national anti-drugs agency (AADK) has revealed that Kelantan recorded the highest rate of drug abuse cases in the country for 2025, followed by Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah.

AADK’s prevention division director Siti Mariam Mursidan said there were 1,105 drug addicts and abusers per 100,000 population in Kelantan, while Terengganu recorded 997, Perlis (970) and Kedah (965), Bernama reported.

She said the location of these states in the north, bordering Thailand, and on the east coast, may have facilitated the entry of illicit drug supplies into the local market, making it easier for addicts to obtain the prohibited substances.


“Overall, a total of 191,832 arrests involving drug addicts and users of illegal substances were recorded throughout last year.

“Other states that also recorded relatively high rates of drug abuse were Pahang with 795 cases per 100,000 population, Penang (757), Melaka (659) and Perak (579),” she was quoted as saying after the launch of a drug-free village programme in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu today.


Also present were Terengganu deputy police chief Suffian Sulaiman and state AADK director Arzmi Abdullah.

Siti Mariam also announced the selection of two villages – Kampung Gong Rawai in Kuala Terengganu and Kampung Rawai in Marang – as pilot locations for the drug-free village programme.

She said the locations were chosen based on the commitment shown by local leaders and communities in supporting AADK’s preventive measures and related activities.

“The selection of these villages does not mean that they have a high number of drug addicts. Rather, it is based on the cooperation and readiness of the communities and local leaders to support efforts to combat the drug menace,” she said, according to Bernama.

“Terengganu is quite special because two villages have been selected as pilot projects. In other states, only one adopted village has been chosen for the same programme.”

Zahid slams Nga for criticising EC over separate Johor, NS polls

Zahid slams Nga for criticising EC over separate Johor, NS polls


5 hours ago
Nur Alif Hazmi


The Umno president and deputy prime minister says a senior member of the government should not be questioning the Election Commission's authority

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi defended the EC after DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming criticised the commission’s decision not to hold the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections simultaneously. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hit out at Cabinet colleague Nga Kor Ming after the DAP leader criticised the Election Commission for not deciding to hold the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections simultaneously.

Zahid defended the EC, saying its authority to decide on holding the two state elections separately should not be questioned, especially by a government minister.

“No individual should question the EC’s authority, especially a Cabinet minister who is also a senior leader in a party that is part of the government,” the deputy prime minister said at a press conference here today.


Yesterday, the EC announced that the Johor state election will be held on July 11, and the Negeri Sembilan polls on Aug 1.

This was criticised by Muda as well as Nga, the DAP deputy chairman, who said the two state elections should be held concurrently and that the EC chairman “must be held accountable”.


Nga, the housing and local government minister, also erroneously claimed that both state assemblies were dissolved on the same day.

The Johor assembly was dissolved on June 1, and the Negeri Sembilan assembly four days later.

‘We agreed to back Aminuddin till end of term’

Zahid denied that Umno had betrayed Pakatan Harapan in Negeri Sembilan, pointing out that the party eventually ordered its 14 assemblymen to continue backing menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s administration despite initially retracting their support.


The Barisan Nasional chairman said Umno had agreed to back Aminuddin until the end of his term, but it was his right to seek the state assembly’s dissolution and call for fresh polls.

“I don’t think there’s any betrayal,” he said.

Zahid also dismissed criticism from DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong, who labelled Umno as being hypocritical in its approach to its cooperation with PH.

He reminded Woo and other unity government leaders to respect their allies. “Political partners should look after the feelings of their allies. They should watch their tongue,” he said.

Pejuang to contest a few seats in Johor, Negeri Sembilan

Pejuang to contest a few seats in Johor, Negeri Sembilan


Mukhriz Mahathir says his party will be realistic about its capabilities when vying for seats in both state elections

Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir said his party will approach the state elections by cooperating with other parties.

PETALING JAYA: Mukhriz Mahathir’s Pejuang will field candidates in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, though it does not intend to contest for many seats.

Mukhriz, the Pejuang president, said his party will be realistic about its capabilities when vying for seats in both state polls, Berita Harian reported.

“We are interested in contesting in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. At the same time, we are aware of our limitations, so we don’t plan to contest for many seats.


“We will approach the elections by cooperating with other parties. We hope not to clash with our partners, that’s why we’ve commenced negotiations,” the former Kedah menteri besar was quoted as saying.

Mukhriz said talks have started with three political parties so far, including Muda, which last held one state seat – Puteri Wangsa – in Johor.



He said Pejuang had also reached out to several other parties for discussions, but they were not interested.

“So we will have to compromise. We can’t force anyone. Some parties are rejecting talks, but some are considering our offer,” he said.

Pejuang, founded by Mukhriz’s father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has no seats to its name at present.

Last week, Mukhriz met his Muda counterpart, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, for talks on cooperation in the Johor polls.


Pejuang has also been linked to a possible pact with PAS, Berjasa, and the Reset movement led by former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

***

Mukhriz, being a nice bloke, you don't have the killer instinct so necessary for politicians. If you still want to be one, return to UMNO - at least there you'll be someone though unlikely as a potential PM, but in Pejuang you'll be nobody perhaps even a laughing joke, and just be throwing money into an empty dark pit.

DNI Gabbard releases documents about the US funding bio labs in over 30 countries

THANKS MF:

DNI Gabbard releases documents about the US funding bio labs in over 30 countries

by CHARLOTTE HAZARD | The National News DeskFri, June 12, 2026 at 5:05 PM

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii is escorted by police as she move between meetings with senators in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on December 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. Trump's nominees for his incoming administration continue to meet with senators on Capitol Hill, weeks before his inauguration. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)





WASHINGTON (TNND) — Outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday the release of declassified documents regarding the U.S. funding bio labs in over 30 countries.
“Today, I’m releasing never before seen intelligence revealing new evidence of past US government funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries, including Ukraine,” she wrote on the social media platform, X.


She said the release is in accordance with President Donald Trump’s order to end gain-of-function research.


“In support of President Trump‘s Executive Order to end federal funding of dangerous gain of function research around the world, and increase transparency and accountability, ODNI will continue working with partners across the Administration to identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain, and what “research” is being conducted,” the post continued.

In a video attached to her post, Gabbard said that a lot of the bio labs are currently using hazardous pathogens that are included in gain-of-function research with little oversight.


“Despite the obvious potential for catastrophic global impact that research on dangerous pathogens and bio labs can have, politicians, so-called health officials like Dr. Fauci, as well as entities within the Biden administration’s national security team, lied repeatedly to the American people about the existence of US-funded and supported bio labs,” she said.

***

Gabbard is exiting her role in the Trump administration due to her husband having a rare form of cancer.

Harapan leaders frame N Sembilan polls as verdict on BN 'betrayal'

Harapan leaders frame N Sembilan polls as verdict on BN 'betrayal'

Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Published: Jun 13, 2026 8:30 AM
Updated: 11:48 AM



Pakatan Harapan leaders continue to publicly call for Negeri Sembilan voters to "punish" BN in the upcoming state polls.

The resounding declarations of a supposedly tarnished relationship were repeatedly issued during Harapan's election machinery launch last night, just hours after the Election Commission (EC) announced dates for the state polls.

Descending on Karisma Arena in Seremban as early as 6pm yesterday, crowds of multiracial supporters turned up at the hall opposite a primary school.

With parking spaces within walking distance reserved for VIPs, throngs of people from various walks of life braved logistical puzzles to unite against a common enemy.

Addressing the crowd, which Malaysiakini estimated numbered around 1,500, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that he had been against calling for a snap election in the state before its administration completed its term.

He asserted that the political instability caused by Umno players in the state was unfounded as caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and the state government had continuously prioritised the rakyat's welfare.

"I said 'just be patient, there will have to be an election eventually,' but they (BN) did not want to wait (as) they were confident they could bring down the government.

"What timber project did Aminuddin approve? What land did he steal? There aren't any rakyat-centric or governance issues - what sort of friends are these?" Anwar pressed during his speech.

The Harapan chairperson acknowledged that while he is "not perfect" and has had to compromise on certain matters due to the nature of the unity government, he has always tried his best in ensuring the nation's development.

While Anwar's speech, which wrapped up at approximately 11pm, drew applause from the crowd, audience members appeared less keen to instigate rounds of cheers or chants typically heard at events featuring the prime minister.


Plot to topple state govt

Aminuddin similarly expressed disappointment over the sequence of events leading up to the dissolution of the state legislature.

Reiterating that the dissolution was a result of the "betrayal" imposed by the 14 Umno assemblypersons who had initially withdrawn their support for his leadership, Aminuddin stressed that a state election is the only way to ensure the people's mandate is heard.

He and other coalition leaders further referenced a letter, ostensibly from Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to PAS leaders, regarding an alleged plot to topple the state's unity government.

"We have all seen the pages (of the letter), which exposed a great betrayal - I'm sure that the rakyat would not want (such tactics) to continue.

"We are forced to go through this hardship and suffering, when we could have resolved the crisis through unity, but if this is what they have chosen, we will fight," Aminuddin said.


READ MORE: DAP Youth chief insists Umno No 2 involved in N Sembilan plot, cites Muhyiddin letter


The incumbent Sikamat assemblyperson, however, appeared to express concern on the turnout for the event, which included a presentation from one of his aides on Negeri Sembilan's economic performance under his leadership.

Aminuddin Harun


"(The number of people) that we have in the hall now is not enough - I'm sure that many people couldn't make it, and plenty are already on the ground.

"In actuality, our machinery is 10 times more (than the event's attendance)," Aminuddin said, noting that there could be plenty more people watching the launch's livestream on social media channels.


Harapan machinery

Commenting on Harapan's machinery, Aminuddin stressed that any election candidate approved by the coalition and its component parties' leadership should receive supporters' full backing.

"I don't want to hear from any state constituency (that) there are attempts to not support a candidate.

"Whoever the candidate is, I appeal, must be supported - we cannot be traitors like our 'friends' who betrayed us when things were going well," he affirmed.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, whose party has often been the target of BN's derision, asserted that certain voters are "uneasy" with the Madani government's performance due to lopsided priorities.

Anthony Loke


"Some don't like to witness a stable government as they're afraid their position might be affected (and) the chance for them to control the government again will be lost.

"That's why there are all sorts of efforts to wreak havoc on our nation," he said.

Confirming that DAP will be defending its 11 incumbent seats in the state assembly, Loke, who is also the transport minister, said he, too, will enter the election fray.


READ MORE: N Sembilan polls: Loke to defend Chennah, confident Harapan can secure majority


Following the dissolution of the Johor assembly on June 1, the Negeri Sembilan legislature followed suit on June 5.

Polling day for Johor has been set for July 11, while Negeri Sembilan voters will head to the ballot boxes on Aug 1.