Treasury Sanctions Oil Firms, Blocks Tankers in Oil Belt Crackdown

Treasury Sanctions Oil Firms, Blocks Tankers in Oil Belt Crackdown

 

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four companies – Corniola Limited, Krape Myrtle Co LTD, Winky International Limited, and Aries Global Investment LTD – for operating in Venezuela’s oil sector for helping Venezuela evade sanctions.

Four oil tankers were designated as blocked property in connection with these sanctions. OFAC designated the companies under Executive Order 13850: “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela.” (November 2, 2018)

Transactions by US persons involving these blocked or designated persons are generally prohibited, and violations could lead to civil or criminal penalties.

Just one day earlier, on December 30, 2025, OFAC updated its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List to include 10 individuals and entities based in Venezuela and Iran for their involvement in Iran-Venezuela weapons trade and related military-industrial activity.

GhostofBasedPatrickHenry: There is now a coordinated [trans-national] effort to connect Venezuela and Iran, geopolitically, and at the center of the psyop is none other than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Here is Netanyahu telling NewsMax on New Year’s Eve, “Iran is in cahoots with the Maduro regime. They are exporting terrorism to America.”

ADAM @AdameMedia BREAKING: ISRAEL BEHIND VENEZUELA FLASE FLAG WAR Netanyahu is the “source” of the LIES about Iran and Hezbollah: “Iran is in cahoots with Venezuela, sending Hezbollah to the United States” Israel is on record stating they want Venezuela. 1:14 PM · Dec 31, 2025 · 122K Views 181 Replies · 1.32K Reposts · 4.67K Likes

Then the very next day, our Treasury Department issues sanctions against Iranian and Venezuelan tech and defense firms, alleging that they are part of this missile program that everybody has suddenly gotten all hot and bothered over.

It couldn’t be more obvious that this is all gaslighting to start a war with Iran, using Venezuela as the proverbial bridge to get us there.

I don’t care how many Trump surrogates bang on the table insisting that Venezuela is evil and needs to be militarily defeated. This is all a massive psyop to start World War Three. (Thankfully, in my opinion, President Trump and President Maduro have been working together since 2017 and are effectively exposing these demons.)

Here is a New Year’s interview with Maduro, who was asked why he is out and about amid five months of nonstop threats against his life by US government officials; why isn’t he hiding in a bunker?

His answer? Jesus Christ.

COMBATE | @upholdreality "You're not hiding in a bunker. How do you cope with 5 months of US military threats?" MADURO: "I have an infallible bunker: God Almighty. I entrust myself to Him every day. I represent a historical project; 500 years of struggle. If God is with us, who can stand against us?" 2:31 AM · Jan 2, 2026 · 27.5K Views 10 Replies · 180 Reposts · 1.2K Likes

For those who don’t watch the video, which is in Spanish with English subtitles: Maduro then goes on to say that he intends to make Venezuela great again, just like President Trump wants to make America great again, and that both countries can do it through peaceful vocation and not war.

This guy sounds a lot more reasonable and level-headed than Bibi Netanyahu and the psychopaths in the Israeli government.

P.S. The Ayatollah of Iran also issued a Christmas Day proclamation stating that Jesus was sent to save humanity, calling on all to follow in His footsteps.

Are we sure we have been told the truth about Iran?

***

Ashe in America: There is a lot of action over in Treasury regarding Venezuela and Iran and weapons and oil and tankers and sanctions. Those nerds were working through the holiday – and, after checking their sanctions list twice, they updated it.

Treasury added Iranian entities and removed four women and two men from the list. The removed persons were from Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Israel.

“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the U.S. financial system.”

That’s tough talk against Iran’s Military Industrial Complex.

Can we match that energy with America’s?

Sewage in drinking water blamed for at least 10 deaths in India’s ‘cleanest city’

Guardian:

Sewage in drinking water blamed for at least 10 deaths in India’s ‘cleanest city’


Hundreds hospitalised in Indore after public toilet built above water pipeline appears to have let sewage into supply


Penelope MacRae in Delhi

Fri 2 Jan 2026 23.14 AEDT



Sewage-contaminated drinking water is being blamed for killing at least 10 people, including a baby boy, and sending more than 270 others to hospital in Indore, ranked India’s “cleanest city” for the last eight years.

Residents of a congested, lower-income neighbourhood in Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s commercial capital, had been warning authorities for months about foul-smelling tap water. Their complaints went unheeded, despite the city’s much-lauded ranking for waste segregation and other cleanliness measures.


“I have received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area,” said Indore’s mayor, Pushyamitra Bhargava. Sewage was mixing “in the main line leading from the water tank”, he added.


Local media reported that the death toll had climbed to 15, but there was no official confirmation. At least 32 patients remain in intensive care units. Beyond those hospitalised, the state’s chief minister, Mohan Yadav, said health teams conducting door-to-door visits identified 2,456 “suspected patients”, who were given first aid “on the spot”.

Authorities say a public toilet constructed above a drinking water pipeline appears to have allowed sewage to seep into the supply. The toilet was built without a septic tank.

Residents began streaming into hospitals earlier this week, complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea and high fever.

Water tests “confirmed the presence of abnormal bacteria generally found in sewer water comprising human waste”, a medical official said.

Residents said their complaints about the water had run into a bureaucratic maze of red tape.

“Prima facie, this case falls under gross dereliction of duty,” said an Indore municipal councillor, Kamal Waghela. Several municipal officials have been suspended pending an investigation.

The five-month-old infant who died had been bottle-fed using tap water, his father, Sunil Sahu, told reporters. “No one told us the water was contaminated. We filtered it. The same water was flowing throughout the neighbourhood. There was no warning,” he said.

An editorial in the Hindu called for “better enforcement of water guidelines and other environmental laws at all levels”. The newspaper noted that toxic air pollution, which blankets many cities, was already “wreaking havoc on citizens’ health” and said what happened in Madhya Pradesh should serve as “a wake-up call for India’s water management”.

The opposition Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, accused the Bharatiya Janata party-led state government of negligence, saying “clean water isn’t a favour – it’s a right to life”.

The government said new rules would be framed to prevent similar incidents. “No stone will be left unturned to make sure it does not happen again,” Yadav said.

The Indore crisis comes amid broader concerns over water safety nationwide. The Times of India reported that only 8% of public water-testing laboratories run by the Delhi government were accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, which certifies facilities meeting international quality-control standards. Nationwide, 59% of public labs are now accredited.

Experts warn that as India’s urban population grows rapidly, lapses in water testing heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.

George Clooney fires back at Trump after US president mocks his French citizenship

Guardian:

George Clooney fires back at Trump after US president mocks his French citizenship

Trump called the actor and his wife, Amal, ‘two of the worst political prognosticators of all time’ after they were awarded French passports

Sian Cain and agencies

Fri 2 Jan 2026 11.51 AEDT


George Clooney has lashed out at US president Donald Trump for criticising France’s decision to grant the Hollywood actor and his family French citizenship.

The 64-year-old Oscar winner, his wife, Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children became French citizens earlier this month after living on a property in southern France for years.



George Clooney says his children have a ‘much better life’ being raised in France than LA

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Clooney has hailed French privacy laws that have kept his family largely protected from international media intrusion, as well as the opportunity to raise his children outside Hollywood.

Trump, whose administration has backed anti-immigration parties in Europe, wrote on Truth Social that France was welcome to the Ocean’s Eleven star, who is a long-term Democrat supporter, fundraiser and a vocal critic of the president.

“Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration,” Trump wrote.

“Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies,” the president added. “He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics.”

Referring to the US midterm elections on 3 November, Clooney told the Hollywood Reporter in response: “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.”

George Clooney and Amal Clooney pose for a photo before a screening of the film, The Boys in the Boat, in London in 2023. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP


The news that Clooney and his family are becoming French comes before language requirements for citizenship being toughened for everyone else under new immigration rules from 1 January.

A junior member of French president Emmanuel Macron’s government had also criticised the decision to award passports despite Clooney speaking poor French.

“Personally, I understand the feeling of some French people of a double standard,” Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior interior minister, told the France Info radio station. “We need to be careful about the message we’re sending.”

Her boss, interior minister Laurent Nunez, and the foreign ministry defended the decision.

The civil code states that “French nationality may be conferred by naturalisation, upon the proposal of the minister of foreign affairs, to any French-speaking foreigner who applies for it and who contributes through their distinguished service to France’s influence and the prosperity of its international economic relations.”

Under the new immigration rules, applicants will need a certificate showing they have a level of French that could get them into a French university. They will also have to pass a civic knowledge test.

But Clooney has conceded that his French remains poor. “I love the French culture, your language, even if I’m still bad at it after 400 days of courses,” the actor told RTL radio – in English – in December.

His wife, an international human rights lawyer and dual UK-Lebanese national, speaks fluent French.

Clooney bought the Domaine du Canadel, a former wine estate, near the Provence town of Brignoles, in 2021. He said it is where his family is “happiest”.

Nunez, the interior minister, said he was “very happy” with the actor and his family becoming French, saying the country was lucky to have them.

The French foreign ministry said the passport allocation for the Clooneys “meets the conditions set by law” for naturalisation, having “followed a rigorous procedure including security investigations, regulatory naturalisation interviews at the prefecture, and the payment of tax stamps.”


George Clooney says replacing Joe Biden with Kamala Harris ‘was a mistake’

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The Clooneys “contribute through their distinguished service to France’s international influence and cultural prestige” through the actor’s role in the film industry, the ministry added, which would “only contribute to maintaining and promoting France’s position in this essential economic sector”.

Amal Clooney is “a renowned lawyer” who “regularly collaborates with academic institutions and international organisations based in France,” the ministry added.

Approximately 48,800 people acquired French nationality by decree in 2024, according to interior ministry figures.

Clooney is not alone in wanting a French passport: Hollywood director Jim Jarmusch announced on Friday that he was also applying, telling French radio that he wanted “a place to where I can escape the United States”.😂😂😂

Mamdani 1st Muslim Mayor for New York

Guardian:

Mamdani pledges ‘new era’ for New York and vows to govern ‘audaciously’

New mayor gives speech at inauguration and rescinds all orders signed by Eric Adams after corruption indictment

Edward Helmore in New York

Fri 2 Jan 2026 23.40 AEDT

Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reinvent” New York City in a speech on his first day as mayor, promising “a new era” for America’s largest city and an ambitious start to his term of office.

The 34-year-old political star and democratic socialist, who a year ago was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of south Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. He is also the first to be sworn in using the Qur’an.

Mamdani said a “moment like this comes rarely and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the levers of change”.


Zohran Mamdani is now mayor of New York City. Here’s what he campaigned on

Read more

He said that in writing his remarks, he was advised to lower expectations. “I will do no such thing,” Mamdani said. “The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”

Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being called radical,” he said to loud cheers from the gathered crowd.


He ended by saying: “The work has only just begun.”

Hours after the ceremony, Mamdani revoked all executive orders issued by Eric Adams after 26 September 2024, when the former mayor was indicted on federal corruption charges, later dropped by the Trump administration.

The overturned orders include a directive last month that prohibited mayoral appointees and staff “from boycotting and disinvesting from Israel and protecting New Yorkers’ rights to free exercise of religion without harassment at houses of worship”.

Mamdani’s office said the order was issued to ensure “a fresh start for the incoming administration and reissue executive orders that the administration feels are central to delivering continued service, excellence, and value-driven leadership”.

Mamdani later said he planned to reissue certain orders​, including the Office to Combat Antisemitism​ that Adams created in May last year.

It was the second of a two-part ceremony after Mamdani was sworn in at midnight on Thursday in a disused subway station, where he was flanked by the New York attorney general, Letitia James, and his wife, Rama Duwaji, a 28-year-old animator and illustrator.


On the steps of city hall on a bitterly cold January day, Mamdani was introduced by the Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a democratic socialist ally who is edging toward a run for the White House in 2028.

“We have chosen courage over fear. We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few,” Ocasio-Cortez said in her remarks. “We have chosen to make a new future for all of us, we have chosen a mayor who is relentlessly dedicated to make life not just possible but aspirational for working people … we have chosen that over the distractions of bigotry and the barbarism of extreme inequality.”

Mamdani was then formally sworn in by the Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, another political ally who in many ways laid the groundwork for Mamdani’s affordability agenda with his run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

Sanders swears in Mamdani as Duwaji holds the Qur’an outside city hall. Photograph: Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images

That effort, widely seen to have been undermined by allies of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton within the party’s national political organization, has now borne fruit, and with it the underlying political message of affordability and economic rights.

Sanders said Mamdani was taking power “at a time when we are seeing too much hatred, too much divisiveness and too much injustice”. He called for “government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few”.

Sanders added that Mamdani had taken on the Democratic and Republican establishments, “the president of the United States, and some enormously wealthy oligarchs. And you defeated them in the biggest political upset in modern American history.”


Mamdani now begins one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country’s closest-watched politicians, whose platform promises free childcare, free buses, a rent freeze for about 1m households, and a pilot of city-run grocery stores.

But the estimated $10bn cost of providing those services may be hard to find. Mamdani has vowed to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and increase corporate taxes. But as a vassal city of the state government in Albany, he will need the legislative support of Governor Kathy Hochul, who is running for re-election next year.

He’ll also have to deal with Donald Trump, who has labelled the new mayor a “communist” and threatened to withhold federal funding from the city. But a friendly meeting between the outer-borough New Yorkers last month, where they bonded over building more housing in the city, surprised many expecting a political firework show.

“I want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job,” Trump said.

People attend a block party to mark the inauguration of Mamdani in New York City. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters


Mamdani also faces skepticism from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his criticisms of Israel’s government and failure to emphatically distance himself from the phrase “from the river to the sea”, though Mamdani has said he will no longer use it.

The extent of those sensitivities became apparent during Mamdani’s transition when his director of appointments, Cat da Costa, stepped down after tweets came to light in which she had described Jewish people as “money hungry” and called a train in Far Rockaway the “Jew train”.

Mamdani’s transition team called the error “an unacceptable oversight in the vetting process [that] does not meet the mayor-elect’s standards for this transition or the incoming administration”.


Mamdani has also sought to smooth over the tensions by persuading the city’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, to remain in her position, avoiding the appearance of losing a Jewish police chief as well a measure of continuity.

New York mayors are typically judged on their ability to provide basic services – trash collection, curbing the city’s infestation of rats, fixing potholes and getting the subways to run smoothly.

Before ending his term as mayor on Wednesday, Adams touted his administration’s anti-crime efforts, which he credited for historically low numbers of homicides and shootings. There were 301 homicides in the city in 2025, 79 less than in 2024.

Adams said the New York police department had taken 25,000 illegal guns off city streets over the past four years and drive-by shootings had declined by 55%.

Mamdani and Duwaji will now give up their one-bedroom, rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, to take up residence in the stately mayoral residence of Gracie Mansion, built in 1799, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Last month, Adams warned Mamdani that the mansion is haunted. “It’s a friendly ghost, as long as you’re doing right by the city,” he said. “If you don’t become right by the city, he turns into a poltergeist.”

***

Possible in USA, but unlikely ever in Malaysia

Guan Eng calls for gradual increase in personal income tax relief

Guan Eng calls for gradual increase in personal income tax relief

Published: Jan 2, 2026 11:25 AM
Updated: 7:07 PM



Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng has called on the government to gradually increase Malaysia’s personal income tax relief, arguing that the current level no longer reflects the rising living costs that have occurred after years of inflation.

Lim said the personal income tax relief has remained at RM9,000 for the past 15 years without any adjustment for inflation.

Based on inflation rates over that period, he noted that the relief should now stand at around RM12,300.

“With inflation continuing to rise, many people believe it is time for personal income tax relief to be reviewed, and I agree,” Lim posted on Facebook after handing over an allocation to a temple committee in Butterworth today.

However, the DAP adviser cautioned that increasing the relief by RM3,000 in one move would place an excessive burden on the country’s tax revenue.

As an alternative, Lim proposed a phased approach. Under his suggestion, the government would increase the tax relief by RM1,000 each year starting from 2026. This would bring the relief to RM12,000 by 2028.

“This approach would meet the needs of the people while at the same time reducing pressure on government finances. It is a reasonable demand,” he said.

Lim added that such an adjustment could also help restore public confidence in Pakatan Harapan and the unity government.

He referred to remarks by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who had said that economic issues were a key factor behind declining voter confidence, citing the Sabah state election as an example.

Lim also revealed that he had recently written to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with 10 proposals aimed at restoring public trust through economic reforms.

READ MORE:

In letter to PM, Guan Eng outlines 10 points to regain public confidence

***

Guanee, now such proposals are much better than criticising your own party bloke like Chow Kon Yeow👍😂😂😂

Chegubard claims Anwar, Khaled aware of alleged armed forces cartels

Chegubard claims Anwar, Khaled aware of alleged armed forces cartels

Zarrah Morden
Published: Jan 2, 2026 5:49 PM
Updated: 8:55 PM


Summary

• Port Dickson Bersatu chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin claims documents he sighted show Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Khaled Nordin were aware of alleged cartels within the armed forces.

• He challenges National Defence Education Centre president Sabri Zali to sue him on the grounds that the documents were falsified after the latter announced legal action.

Port Dickson Bersatu division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin claimed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Khaled Nordin are aware of cartels within the armed forces.

Badrul, better known as Chegubard, said he had sighted documents that clearly outline Anwar and Khaled’s knowledge of the issue.

“The documents (I sighted) have notes that it (the issue) has reached the knowledge of the prime minister and the defence minister as well. Only they can answer (about this),” he told a press conference outside the Putrajaya district police headquarters this evening.

He was there to lodge a police report on his findings and to submit the documents in his possession.

Badrul had earlier alleged that a forensic review of documents he received anonymously showed monthly transactions amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit credited to the accounts of a senior army officer and his family members.

Badrul’s complaints led to Army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan’s appointment as the next armed forces chief to be put on hold, despite the appointment having been decided at an Armed Forces Council meeting and receiving royal assent.

Last week, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that a senior army officer is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The anti-corruption agency also seized six bank accounts believed to be owned by a senior armed forces officer and his family. An anonymous MACC source also told Bernama about a search at the armed forces’ office at the Defence Ministry and the suspect’s official residence.

Cartel ‘ecosystem’

Commenting further, Badrul claimed that there is an “ecosystem” of cartels within the armed forces.

“For example, the logistics department prepares tenders for their people, the human resources department prepares promotions and places their people in key positions.

“The defence planning department determines tender specifications in line with the equipment of the selected companies.

“This is already there,” he alleged.

Badrul also challenged National Defence Education Centre (NDEC) president Sabri Zali, whom the Bersatu leader had implicated, to sue him on specific grounds, such as the publication of falsified documents and images.

He said Sabri was the focus of an exposé he conducted between May and August 2024, claiming that this prevented the latter from becoming a navy commander.

Sabri Zali


Earlier today, Sabri said he will take legal action against Badrul, adding that he would do the same against anyone who publishes or reposts defamatory statements about him.

“A police report has indeed been filed, and several more follow-up reports will be filed by Sabri because we found that this matter did not start a few weeks ago, but rather since August last year, as early as 2024,” said Firdaus Jumaludin, Sabri’s legal adviser.

‘How can the military retain such officers?’

Badrul then expressed his shock during a press conference at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters earlier today upon learning that Sabri had become the NDEC president.

“Indeed, there is evidence that has been revealed, that has been made public - how can the armed forces retain officers like this?

“And not as a gatekeeper, he has a position as a chairperson who trains other military officers,” he added.

He said he was at the police headquarters to submit a statement in response to a report lodged by an official from the armed forces for publishing confidential documents.

Separately, Khaled said that the Defence Ministry will not accept any corruption or abuse of power among its officers.

“All complaints will be taken seriously, but accusations without evidence only harm the credibility and reputation of the Malaysian Armed Forces,” he told Bernama today.

He urged firm action to protect the armed forces’ reputation and stop the exploitation of unfounded allegations for popularity.

‘You will end up like this chicken’: Molotov cocktail, dead chickens used to intimidate Indonesian govt critics, rights groups warn

‘You will end up like this chicken’: Molotov cocktail, dead chickens used to intimidate Indonesian govt critics, rights groups warn



Ramond Donny Adam, a social media personality and member of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, said he was sent a dead chicken in a plastic box and a printout of his face with a red mark across his neck. — Unsplash pic

Friday, 02 Jan 2026 6:54 PM MYT

• Rights groups warn of threats to freedom of speech in Indonesia
• Molotov cocktail sent to critic Ramond Donny Adam’s home
• Greenpeace links intimidation to criticism of government policies

JAKARTA, Jan 2 — A Molotov cocktail was thrown at the home of an Indonesian government critic, while others have received intimidating messages, rights campaigners said today, warning of growing threats to freedom of speech in the South-east Asian country.

The campaigners had recently been critical of the government response to severe flooding in northern Sumatra province in November that killed more than 1,000 people.

The acts of intimidation “constitute an attack on democratic values and the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution”, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday by 91 human rights groups, including the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network and the Human Rights Working Group.

Neither the Jakarta police nor the Indonesian presidential office responded immediately to requests for comment. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly said that criticism is allowed but it must be constructive.


Molotov cocktail fails to explode


Ramond Donny Adam, a social media personality and member of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, told Reuters today a Molotov cocktail was sent to his home early on December 31.

Adam, better known as DJ Donny, said the bomb failed to explode, but the attack came two days after he was sent a dead chicken in a plastic box and a printout of his face with a red mark across his neck, along with another note saying, “You will end up like this chicken... Do not mess around”.


“I have reported these two incidents to the police and the government must reveal who’s behind this,” said Donny, who has a million followers on Instagram and often posts messages criticising the government.

It was unclear who was behind the incident.

Greenpeace Indonesia country director Leonard Simanjuntak said a dead chicken was found in front of the house of a Greenpeace campaigner on December 30, with a message tied to its leg saying, “Watch your words if you want to protect your family, your mouth is your sword.”

Simanjuntak suspected the intimidation was linked to Greenpeace’s criticism of government policies surrounding the Sumatra floods and landslides.

Greenpeace criticised the government’s forestry management, including the issuance of mining and palm oil plantation permits that some critics said had caused widespread deforestation and worsened the floods.

On her Instagram account, influencer Sherly Annavita said her car was spray painted and rotten eggs were thrown into her home. ⁠Annavita, who has more than two million followers, had recently written posts criticising Jakarta’s slow response to the Sumatra floods. — Reuters

Three Perlis PAS reps sue Speaker over seat vacancy, say he acted beyond powers

Three Perlis PAS reps sue Speaker over seat vacancy, say he acted beyond powers



(L-R): Chuping Adun Saad Seman, Bintong Adun Fakhrul Anwar Ismail and Guar Sanji Adun Mohd Ridzuan Hashim. — Bernama pic

Friday, 02 Jan 2026 5:16 PM MYT


KANGAR, Jan 2 — Three Perlis PAS state assemblymen have filed an originating summons challenging the decision to declare their seats vacant after their party memberships were terminated.

The assemblymen — Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Saad Seman (Chuping) — said the declaration was made outside the scope of the Speaker’s lawful authority, according to a report in Berita Harian.

“In this matter, we respect the Speaker’s views but are of the opinion that the decision to declare the seats vacant was ‘erroneous and beyond due process’,” they reportedly said.

The legal challenge follows the termination of their PAS memberships on December 24, after which Perlis State Legislative Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan announced the following day that their seats had fallen vacant.


The assemblymen reportedly said the legal action was taken to safeguard voters’ interests, warning that the absence of elected representatives for almost two years before the next state election would affect the constituencies concerned.

The suit reportedly names the Speaker as the first defendant and the Perlis State Legislative Assembly as the second defendant, and was filed through lawyer Mohd Jamil Yaacob of Messrs Srihana Mohamad & Partners.

Meanwhile, Rus’sele reportedly said the assemblymen were entitled to file the lawsuit and that he was merely carrying out his duties as Speaker.


“That is their right, and even if they win there is no issue because I am only carrying out my duties as Speaker,” he was quoted as saying.

He reportedly said that his office has yet to receive any notice or writ of summons in relation to the matter.

The seats of the three assemblymen were declared vacant after PAS terminated their party memberships on December 24 for allegedly withdrawing support for then Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

The move came amid a wider political crisis in the state that culminated with Mohd Shukri’s resignation and the appointment of a new menteri besar, Abu Bakar Hamzah.

Anwar shrugs off Muafakat revival talk, says it’s not a problem for unity govt

Anwar shrugs off Muafakat revival talk, says it’s not a problem for unity govt



Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ways goodbye to congregants after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Jumhuriah, Petaling Jaya today. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 02 Jan 2026 3:53 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA, Dec 2 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said discussions on the possible revival of Muafakat Nasional (MN) have not reached a serious stage, adding that he has not received further information on the matter.

He said any decision on MN rests with the parties involved and does not fall within the purview of the unity government.

“What is important now is that the unity government remains intact, and all parties have committed to focusing on economic growth and the well-being of the people until the next general election,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Jumhuriah Mosque here today.

Anwar said party splits or separations were not an issue for the unity government.

“Matters of individual ambitions or internal divisions within parties are not my concern. Any conflicts that arise are the responsibility of the parties involved, and the government will not intervene,” he added.

On Monday, PAS central election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor encouraged Umno members and supporters to revisit MN ahead of the 16th general election, citing its role in maintaining grassroots stability.

Sanusi, who is also the Kedah menteri besar, said PAS is open to support from Umno members who share its political vision, even if they remain within Umno’s party structure.

Over 50 people fall into river as suspension bridge collapses during wedding in Kelantan; PM Anwar authorises immediate release of funding for rectification work

Over 50 people fall into river as suspension bridge collapses during wedding in Kelantan



A suspension bridge used by wedding guests in Lata Rek collapsed yesterday, reportedly causing more than 50 people to fall into the Chatel Damai River. — Pictures via Facebook/Info Kemalangan & Bencana Malaysia

Friday, 02 Jan 2026 2:05 PM MYT


KUALA KRAI, Jan 2 — A wedding celebration in Lata Rek here turned chaotic yesterday when a suspension bridge used by guests collapsed, reportedly causing more than 50 people to fall into the Chatel Damai River.

Mukim Lata Rek village head Mohd Zaki Saari said the incident occurred at about 2pm when guests from the groom’s side, who were leaving the ceremony, met guests from the bride’s side who were arriving on the bridge, according to Berita Harian.

“More than 50 guests converged on the suspension bridge before it collapsed,” Mohd Zaki was quoted as saying.

Mohd Zaki said a man suffered a broken leg after falling onto river rocks, while a child sustained a head injury and required several stitches.


He added that three other victims suffered minor injuries and breathing difficulties, but no fatalities were reported.

The suspension bridge, which only allows pedestrian and motorcycle access, is a key route for residents living in five nearby houses and has been repaired several times in the past.

Mohd Zaki reportedly said Manek Urai state assemblyman Mohd Fauzi Abdullah visited the site yesterday afternoon, adding that inspections found the bridge’s support cables embedded in concrete were worn out and would be replaced.

He said repair works would be carried out urgently.

***

PM Anwar authorises immediate release of funding for rectification work of collapsed suspension bridge in Kuala Krai



The collapse of the bridge will be a loss for villages in the surrounding area. — Picture via social media

Friday, 02 Jan 2026 6:47 PM MYT


KUALA KRAI, Jan 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the immediate replacement of a collapsed suspension bridge in Lata Rek, Kuala Krai, after the incident left several people injured and cut off daily access for nearby villagers.

The bridge, which gave way yesterday, had been used by residents of Kampung Pasir Jering, Dusun Ban, Dusun Bunut and Kampung Batu Pagar.

More than 50 people were affected, including a newlywed couple and their families who were crossing the bridge when it collapsed.

In a statement, the Prime Minister expressed sympathy for those injured and said the government viewed the incident seriously.

He instructed that funds be allocated without delay to rebuild the bridge to ensure the safety and convenience of residents.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department will lead the replacement works, in cooperation with relevant agencies, to ensure swift and effective action.

Senior Malaysian naval officer denies allegations, labels claims “misleading and defamatory”

theVibes.com:

Senior Malaysian naval officer denies allegations, labels claims “misleading and defamatory”

Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali has categorically rejected all accusations made against him, insisting that the claims are false, misleading, and constitute serious defamation

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 02 Jan 2026 1:03PM

Sabri affirms his full confidence in the rule of law and the integrity of Malaysia’s armed forces - January 2, 2026



VICE-Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali has unequivocally denied all allegations levelled against him, describing them as false, misleading, and seriously defamatory.


Speaking through his legal representative, Muhammad Firdaus Jumaluddin, Sabri stated that the accusations were without basis and implicated not only himself but also the National Defence University (PUSPAHANAS), the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) as a whole.

“To date, Datuk Sabri has never been found guilty of any wrongdoing, nor has he been convicted of corruption, abuse of power, or any form of misconduct by any competent authority,” Muhammad Firdaus said during a press conference at PUSPAHANAS on Friday.

He added that claims of possessing so-called “documents”, including those alleged to be classified or sourced from enforcement agencies, were not recognised by Sabri in terms of authenticity, validity, or provenance.

“Any documents obtained unlawfully, cited out of context, selectively chosen, or open to manipulation cannot be treated as evidence of misconduct or support for any alleged wrongdoing,” Muhammad Firdaus emphasised.

Vice Admiral Sabri has reserved all legal rights, including the option to pursue civil action against any individual or party who publishes or republishes defamatory statements.

Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his confidence in the nation’s legal system and the integrity of its legitimate institutions and expressed his readiness to cooperate with authorities through proper channels if required.

“All questions regarding this matter will be addressed formally, officially, and in accordance with the law. Datuk Sabri will not respond to anonymous allegations, speculation, or sensational narratives,” he stated.

He further warned that the dissemination of unverified claims could damage individual reputations, undermine public confidence, and result in serious injustices.

Accordingly, he urged all parties to allow due legal processes to take their course and to cease spreading unsubstantiated or malicious allegations. - January 2, 2026

PMX’s cult of personality cuts both ways as opponents mock carefully cultivated “hardworking” image

PMX’s cult of personality cuts both ways as opponents mock carefully cultivated “hardworking” image






A CULT of personality is the result of an effort to create an idealised and heroic image of an admirable leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.


This would seem to be the perception among some netizens with regard to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s posting on Facebook, accompanied by an image of a tireless civil servant busy slaving away on New Year’s Eve (sans wages as well if anyone should forget).



“The last day of 2025 is being used to coordinate preparations for the new year to ensure that national planning is carried out in an organised manner, centered on good governance and the well-being of the rakyat,” proclaimed PMX in a post that has garnered 16K likes, 17K comments and 323 shares at the time of writing.



There were plenty of cheerleaders (or is it sycophants?) who took the opportunity to further embellish the legendary Reformasi icon.





Some Madani backers couldn’t hide their glee regaling in the opposition’s current turmoil. “We should be grateful for a wise and benevolent PMX administering the country,” one commenter breathlessly observed.



There was also immense outpouring of love – and prayers for his longevity – from adoring fans who were in no doubt the 78-year-old Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman was absolutely the best man to lead the country.



However, not everyone was as enamoured by the PKR president’s public relations (PR) exercise. A case in point is political commenter Nabeel Naqie (posting as Nabeel Naqie Six on Facebook) who sarcastically remarked how lucky Malaysians are to have such a dedicated leader who was clocking in the hours despite it being the last day of 2025.

“Where else in this galaxy can we find leaders of nation such as this?” he enquired incredulously.

One commenter pointed out that he, too, worked on Dec 31 but no one saw fit to shout about it on social media.



Another lady opined that her spouse also worked on New Year’s Eve but did admit that he did receive a salary, unlike the heroic wage-free statesman (it must nevertheless be noted that PMX would be eligible to a whole slew of civil servant allowances that would greatly help with cost-of-living expenses).



It was quite rightly pointed out by one commenter that previous prime ministers also worked on Dec 31 but none thought to make it headline news.



One commenter hilariously surmised that the image was the consequence of procrastinating – “wait until the last minute to get the job done!”



How one views this piece of public image building is entirely dependent on one’s political leanings. But suffice to say, shouting about nothing much at all does tend to invite ridicule.

Unlike say, North Korea, where unashamed fawning is a way of life, Malaysia is a democratic entity with a relatively free and open social media where such PR stunts are dissected and citizens are free to comment (within reason).

As such, perhaps, PMX may want to steer clear of social media posts that invite ridicule, trolling and criticism of a leader that is too busy “syiok sendiri”. – Jan 2, 2026