Selangor Umno Youth hosts 'celebration' for DAP MP

Selangor Umno Youth hosts 'celebration' for DAP MP

Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: Dec 23, 2025 5:10 PM
Updated: 8:10 PM



A delegation of Selangor Umno Youth leaders and about 100 supporters held a year-end “celebration” outside Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin’s service centre today to mock her remarks against former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The group, led by Selangor Umno Youth chief Imran Thamrin, targeted Yeo’s comments describing Najib’s bid for house arrest hitting a legal brick wall as a cause for celebration.

Imran said the DAP publicity chief should instead “celebrate” the final guilty verdict for rape against former Tronoh assemblyperson Paul Yong.

“This is a reminder for her to stop meddling in the affairs of another party and instead focus on her own (DAP),” Imran said.

As part of the symbolic “celebration”, the group raised a banner highlighting Yong’s conviction, which culminated in an Oct 1 verdict dismissing his final appeal in a rape case involving his maid in 2019.

Also displayed were caricatures of Yeo’s face printed with the misspelt word “Biadap” (insolent), while a man dressed in a black-and-white prisoner’s outfit and a Joker mask was said to represent Yong.

The group later set up tables and distributed free nasi lemak packets, an idea for a “celebration” which Imran said was initially planned to mark Najib’s anticipated release yesterday.

After the tables were set up, several staff from Yeo’s service centre brought down snacks and bottled water to share.

Apart from Umno members and supporters, several uniformed and plain-clothes police officers were also spotted at the scene, believed to be in anticipation of a more heated gathering.

24 hours for Yeo to apologise

Earlier, in a memorandum of protest received by one of Yeo’s officers, Selangor Umno Youth collectively demanded an open apology to Najib, his family, and all Umno members and supporters.

“We, the Selangor Umno Youth, wish to place on record our strong objection to YB’s statements and social media posts that are cynical, discourteous, and damaging to political harmony, particularly in relation to legal issues involving Najib.

“As an MP and a leader within the government, such actions are irresponsible, violate leadership ethics, and provoke unhealthy political tensions,” the memorandum said.

Puchong Umno Youth chief Khairul Azmil Bashir Mohamed (left) submitting a memorandum to one of Yeo Bee Yin’s officers


Giving Yeo 24 hours to apologise and take down her original post, Puchong Umno Youth chief Khairul Azmil Bashir Mohamed said failure to do so would see his wing cut off ties with its Puchong DAP counterpart.

Various leaders from Umno, as well as PKR and DAP, have rebuked Yeo over her remarks, which also fuelled calls for BN to withdraw support for the unity government.

Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal decree granting Najib house arrest was invalid.

Reveal police probe into Beng Hock's death if nothing to hide, govt told

Reveal police probe into Beng Hock's death if nothing to hide, govt told


Published: Dec 23, 2025 5:17 PM
Updated: 8:21 PM



Lawyers representing the family of former DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock have urged the government to make public the police investigation papers into his death.

Teoh’s family also expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“The family is deeply disappointed with the prime minister for his complete silence over the no further action (NFA) decision in the last seven months, in spite of his repeated calls for justice and fairness in speeches and books,” read a joint statement by the family and their lawyers.

The family’s legal team comprises former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan, DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh, and Lim Wei Jiet.

“The Teoh family’s lawyers team call on the government to immediately make the police investigation papers public if there is nothing to hide from public scrutiny.

“The government must be fully transparent in investigating the death. The family deserves to know why the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) rejected the police investigation papers eight times, as disclosed by the judge in the judicial review in November 2024,” read the statement.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Teoh’s sister, Lee Lan, will travel to Geneva next March to present her late brother’s case to the UN Human Rights Council.

Found dead after MACC questioning

In 2009, Teoh, who was then Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah’s aide, was found dead after overnight questioning at the Selangor MACC, then headquartered at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam.

A 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry ruled that he was driven to suicide due to aggressive interrogation. However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that his death was caused or accelerated by unlawful acts, including those committed by MACC officers.

On Nov 21 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the police to complete the investigation into Beng Hock’s death within six months. In May, the AGC ultimately classified the case as no further action.

The following month, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, accompanied by several party leaders, bowed in “solemn respect and sorrow” before the Teoh family.

Loke also appealed to the grieving family to consider accepting the government’s “goodwill contribution” over the former political aide’s tragic death.

DAP and Pakatan Harapan had previously used Beng Hock’s death as a political issue, promising to deliver justice should they form the government.

***

The AGC's NFA has been a clear indication of the authority's resolve to keep the 'truth' under concealment, FOREVER. Too many 'member kita' 'dah involved. Maybe even the principal culprit has been promoted.

Optimistic Najib packed belongings, son reveals

Optimistic Najib packed belongings, son reveals


Published: Dec 23, 2025 3:59 PM
Updated: 7:34 PM



Former premier Najib Abdul Razak had packed some of his belongings in his prison cell, hoping the Kuala Lumpur High Court would rule in his favour and allow him to return home, his son Nizar revealed.

“When I met my father, I saw that he was initially cheerful in the morning, and he had packed some of his belongings.

“We were disappointed (with the verdict) because we have long fought for this house arrest, since early last year, when I personally received a copy of the royal addendum from His Highness, the Pahang sultan himself. The document really exists. The decree really exists,” Nizar (above) added.

Yesterday, judge Alice Loke dismissed Najib’s judicial review, stating that the addendum order did not comply with the procedures in Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, which clearly outlines the decision-making process for the exercise of pardon powers.

“The exercise of the prerogative of mercy under Article 42 must be made by adhering to the procedures stipulated,” she emphasised.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak


In a video posted on social media, Nizar further said the most frustrating aspect was that the existence of the addendum was never disclosed until the judicial review was filed.

He stressed that the struggle to free his father, imprisoned since 2020, would continue.

“No matter what, we will continue to strive; it will not end here,” Nizar said.

READ MORE: High Court grounds of judgment in Najib's rejected house arrest bid

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had denied having knowledge of the decree.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed in January that the addendum had been sent directly to then attorney-general Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, who subsequently forwarded it to the successor of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, for deliberation.

Nazifuddin warns DAP

Meanwhile, Nizar’s brother, Nazifuddin, targeted those who viewed the court verdict as a cause for celebration, warning DAP that history could repeat itself, as it had in the Sabah polls.

Nazifuddin Najib


“To those who chose to be happy and celebrate yesterday’s decision - enjoy your biggest political victory: toppling an old government that has built this country to its current level.

“Besides celebrating the conviction of a Malay politician, what else has been done for the people - whether Malay, Chinese, or Indian?

“I believe the people can judge for themselves. Just look at what happened in Sabah. Time will tell,” he said in a statement.

‘We have to have it’: Trump renews push for Greenland as Denmark protests

al Jazeera:

‘We have to have it’: Trump renews push for Greenland as Denmark protests

US president cites national security as rationale for his efforts to take control of the self-governing Arctic island

In appointing Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, Trump said that the governor of the US state of Louisiana understands 'how essential' the Arctic island is to US national security [File: Brendan Smialowski/AFP]


By News Agencies
Published On 23 Dec 2025



United States President Donald Trump has stepped up his campaign to take Greenland, declaring the Danish territory essential to Washington’s national security and appointing a special envoy he said would “lead the charge”.

Trump’s comments on Monday came as the leaders of Denmark and Greenland protested against remarks by the new envoy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who said he would make the Arctic territory “a part of the US”.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump reiterated his position that Greenland is vital to US defence interests.

“We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals,” the US president said. “If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place… We have to have it.”

The remarks followed Trump’s Sunday announcement of Landry’s appointment, in which he praised the governor for understanding “how essential Greenland is to our national security”.

Landry subsequently posted on X that it was “an honour to serve… in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US”, adding that the role would not affect his gubernatorial duties.

Landry’s statement drew a sharp rebuke from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who issued a joint statement asserting that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders”.

“You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security,” they said. “The US shall not take over Greenland.”



Denmark summons US diplomat over Greenland ‘influence’ attempts


Nielson wrote separately on Facebook that the US moves “may sound big, but it does not change anything for us”. “We decide our own future,” he said.

Frederiksen added in an Instagram post, “It is a difficult situation that our allies for a lifetime are putting us in.”

Earlier on Monday, Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would summon US envoy Kenneth Howery to express his country’s deep anger over Landry’s appointment. Rasmussen also called the governor’s comments on annexing Greenland “totally unacceptable”.

The Trump administration also put further pressure on Copenhagen on Monday, when it suspended leases for five large offshore wind projects being built off the East Coast of the US, including two being developed by Denmark’s state-controlled Orsted.

The European Union, meanwhile, swiftly rallied behind Denmark.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa declared “full solidarity” with Copenhagen and emphasised that “territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law”.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly declared that the US “needs” the resource-rich island and declined to rule out the use of military force to secure it. The self-governing territory, which lies between Europe and North America, hosts a key US ballistic missile defence system and has substantial mineral deposits, which could reduce US reliance on Chinese exports.

According to an opinion poll conducted in January, the vast majority of Greenland’s 57,000 people want to become independent from Denmark, but they do not wish to become part of the US.

***

S-Whole Clown wants Greenland, Canada, Venezuela, and also Gaza, purportedly as a playground riviera but more to please its Lord and Master Israel.

Instead Clown should 'return' Texas to Mexico, California to Spain, Louisiana to France, Alaska to Russia, Hawaii to the natives and last but not least the entire American mainland to the First Americans.

Tok Mat makes veiled jab at DAP after MP’s remark on house arrest verdict

FMT:

Tok Mat makes veiled jab at DAP after MP’s remark on house arrest verdict

Umno deputy president says he is 'waiting to celebrate once the court officiates the Penang tunnel.'

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan was believed to be referring to the undersea tunnel corruption trial of DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng.

PETALING JAYA: Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan made a veiled jab at DAP today after one of its MPs celebrated Najib Razak’s failed bid to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

In a Facebook post, Mohamad wrote: “I am waiting to celebrate once the court ‘officiates’ the Penang tunnel in mid-2026.”

Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, did not name anyone in particular but was believed to be referring to the undersea tunnel corruption trial of DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng.


Lim, a former Penang chief minister, was charged with using his position at the time to ask Zarul Ahmad Zulkifli for a 10% cut of the profits from the undersea tunnel project and accepting RM3.3 million in kickbacks from the businessman.

He was also accused of two counts of dishonestly misappropriating RM208.7 million worth of state land.

Lim later fired back at Mohamad in a Facebook posting, asking how the tunnel could be inaugurated in mid-2026 when not a single sen had been paid.

“Only Mat Jenin can get a free tunnel,” he said, referring to a fictional character portrayed in Malay folklore as a daydreamer or someone with unrealistic ideas.

Najib’s judicial review application to compel the government to execute a supplementary royal decree to place him under house arrest for the remainder of his six-year sentence was dismissed yesterday by the High Court.

Following the court’s decision, DAP’s Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin wrote “another reason to celebrate this year end”.


Her comment drew the ire of Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who described her as being “very rude and inhumane” and suggested that it might be time for the party to review its cooperation with those who were unappreciative of its contributions.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged all quarters to approach the matter with patience and prudence, saying it was inappropriate to escalate tensions or worsen the situation during what he described as a delicate period.

Cambodia wants Kuala Lumpur as neutral ground for border talks with Thailand, cites ‘safety concerns’

Cambodia wants Kuala  Lumpur as neutral ground for border talks with Thailand, cites ‘safety concerns’



The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) logo stands in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 47th Asean Summit on October 24, 2025. — Firdaus Latif pic

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 12:59 PM MYT


PHNOM PENH, Dec 23 — Cambodia’s defence ministry has asked Thailand to hold bilateral talks in the neutral venue of Kuala Lumpur, according to a letter seen by AFP on Tuesday, with the countries set to negotiate truce terms after two weeks of deadly border clashes.

Renewed fighting this month, which shattered a previous truce, has killed at least 23 people in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia, and displaced more than 900,000 on both sides, officials said.


Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Monday announced a parley with Cambodia after a meeting in the Malaysian capital with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), of which Cambodia is also a member.

Sihasak told reporters the discussion would be held Wednesday in Thailand’s Chanthaburi within the framework of an existing bilateral border committee.


But in a letter dated Monday to his Thai counterpart Nattaphon Narkphanit, Cambodia’s defence minister Tea Seiha requested the meeting be held in Kuala Lumpur.


“For a security reason due to the ongoing fighting along the border, this meeting should be held in a safe and neutral venue,” Tea Seiha wrote in the letter, which AFP obtained on Tuesday and confirmed with the ministry.

Malaysia, the chair of the Asean regional bloc, had agreed to host the talks in its capital, he added.


Cambodia said Thailand launched air strikes on its territory on Monday, shortly after Bangkok announced the two nations had agreed to hold the talks.

Cambodian defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata told reporters that combat along the border was ongoing Tuesday morning.

The ministry said in a statement that Thai forces shelled the Cambodian border city of Poipet. — AFP

On the reaction to Najib’s Addendum — Ong Kian Ming

On the reaction to Najib’s Addendum — Ong Kian Ming


Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 1:36 PM MYT


DECEMBER 23 — In two days, Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas. The main reason for this celebration is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and how he was sent to the world to sacrifice himself to a just God, in the place of sinners like you and me.

It is with this spirit that I reflect on the reaction towards the judgement on the validity of the Royal Addendum requesting for “house arrest” for the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for the remainder of his prison sentence for the SRC case, which was reduced from 12 years to 6 years, by the Pardons Board, upon the advice of the Yang DiPertuan Agong (YDPA), on February 2, 2024.

Firstly, I think that many lawyers and legal scholars would agree with the grounds of judgement[1] by the learned judge, Alice Loke Yee Ching, of the High Court of Kuala Lumpur, that because the Addendum Order was not deliberated nor decided at the Pardons Board Meeting, hence it was not compliant with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and thus, it is not a valid order, meaning that former Prime Minister Najib’s appeal to serve out his sentence under “house arrest” was dismissed.

Secondly, I understand that many of those who remember and are still aggrieved by the amount of public funds that were stolen as part of the 1MDB scandal are pleased that Najib still has to suffer in the Kajang prison rather than in the comfort of his home in Kenny Hills / Taman Duta.


I am also aggrieved that Najib is still taking the position that he was somehow “duped” by Jho Low, the instigator behind 1MDB, rather than to come clean with regards to how he was complicit in this scandal.


Thirdly, there is no reason to “celebrate” or “rub salt into the wound” over this judgement. Najib has already served more than three years of his jail sentence, which started on the 23rd of August 2022.

His health has been a concern that has been repeatedly raised by members of his family. Najib is the only former Prime Minister of Malaysia who has served any time in prison (Anwar Ibrahim served his jail sentences before he became Prime Minister). It is not easy for any 72-year-old to serve time in prison, more so if he is a former Prime Minister and a member of the Malaysian aristocracy.


I would feel burdened and sad if I were any of Najib’s children or grandchildren, thinking about how their father and grandfather was sitting alone in the Kajang prison while most other people are enjoying their year end break and celebrating the holidays with their family and friends.

Fourthly, our country is already divided enough over racial and religious politicking, including after the recent cabinet reshuffle. There is no need to add further “fuel to the fire” by making remarks and issuing statements that are likely to inflame such sentiments among various communities.

Such statements not only appear “tone deaf” but ignores the feelings of many in the Malay community, whom may not necessarily support Najib’s actions over 1MDB, but nonetheless do not want to see a former Prime Minister humiliated and definitely do not want to see political leaders of a party which most of them already do not like, “celebrating” the court’s decision publicly on social media.

Fifthly, such “celebratory” actions not only weaken the ability of the Madani government to function effectively for the remainder of its term over the next two years but also threatens the likelihood of an electoral agreement between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional before and after the next general election.

Who knows, this may be one of the actions which may lead the BN to seek closer cooperation with PN in the run-up to the next election, to the detriment of PH and its supporters.

Sixthly and finally, I think it is time, perhaps in the new year in 2026, for us to start a serious conversation about the possibility of a full pardon for Najib.

When I made my first appearance on the Keluar Sekejap podcast on the 2nd of May 2023, I said that giving a full pardon to Najib would constitute a “red line” for the DAP.



Supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak are seen gathering outside Kuala Lumpur Court Complex. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin



More than two years on, especially after the Dismissal Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) for Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, on the 4th of September 2023, I am less sure of that “red line”.

In fact, my own thoughts on this have been influenced by the “Grand Amnesty” proposal first made by Khairy Jamaluddin, on the 20th of August 2023, in a Keluar Sekejap episode.

This would include not just a full pardon for Najib, perhaps after the conclusion of the ongoing 1MDB case, but also dropping the ongoing cases against Lim Guan Eng and Muhyiddin Yassin, and the ongoing government appeal in Syed Saddiq’s case as well as the attempts to go after the assets of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin.

This would make room for what KJ terms a “political reset” so that we can stop the process of going after our political rivals using the instruments of the state once one side is in power.

In my naïve and idealistic thinking, I am hoping that this may be part of the process for greater political maturity that is much needed for this country.

In the spirit of Christmas, may we forgive, but not necessarily forget, in the hope of the larger goal of reconciliation, so that we may slowly but surely make Malaysia a better country for us and those who will come after us.

***

A great article (proposal) by a great politician, my matey Ong Kian Ming, a decent man, a decent politician.

Najib’s house arrest case: Agong as ‘constitutional monarch’ means ruler’s powers must follow Constitution, court says

Najib’s house arrest case: Agong as ‘constitutional monarch’ means ruler’s powers must follow Constitution, court says



Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex on December 22, 2025. Picture by Yusof Isa

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 2:30 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a “constitutional monarch”, which means the ruler’s must exercise his powers — even when it involves clemency or granting mercy such as pardoning convicted persons — according to the Federal Constitution, the High Court has said.

This was why former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday failed in his court bid to serve his jail term at home, as the High Court found the former Agong’s house arrest order on Najib did not follow the procedures in the Federal Constitution.

In her 41-page written judgment released today, High Court judge Alice Loke Yee Ching made it clear that the Agong has to exercise his powers of mercy within the limits in the Federal Constitution.

“To reiterate, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a constitutional monarch, and he exercises powers and functions in accordance to the provision of the Constitution.

“The exercise of the prerogative power of mercy is no exception. It must be exercised within the legal framework providing for safeguards and limits in the Constitution,” the judge said in her conclusion.

Pardons Board has to give advice to Agong before the ruler decides

The former Agong had during a January 29, 2024 Pardons Board meeting decided to pardon Najib by reducing his jail term and fine, but later made an additional order dated January 29, 2024 to let Najib serve the rest of his reduced jail time at home.

While the 16th Agong’s house arrest order on Najib has been confirmed by the attorney general to exist, the High Court said it is not valid and cannot be enforced or carried out.

This is because the former Agong’s additional order for Najib’s house arrest was not discussed or decided at a Pardons Board meeting, which means it did not comply with the Federal Constitution’s Article 42.

Based on Article 42, the High Court said the Agong can only make a decision on pardons, after going through a decision-making process that involves a Pardons Board meeting and the Pardons Board giving advice to the ruler.

“The Pardons Board as a constitutional body, has an important function of advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before a decision is made,” the High Court judge said.

The judge added that all the requirements in Article 42 mean that the Agong cannot make such decisions on his own or “independently” of the Pardons Board.

The judge had listed out many provisions under Article 42 in her judgment, including Article 42(4)(b) which provides that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is to exercise his power — to grant pardons, reprieves and respites — on the Pardons Board’s advice.



The Palace of Justice (Istana Kehakiman) in Putrajaya pictured on July 9, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel


High Court decision follows previous court decisions

The High Court’s decision yesterday was also supported by and based on past decisions by the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

The High Court cited excerpts from the Federal Court’s August 13, 2025 decision which allowed Najib to pursue his court bid for house arrest at the High Court, with Justice Loke emphasising certain points made by the highest court in Malaysia:

The Agong’s exercise of his powers of clemency (to grant mercy) is not absolute, and has to be carried out according to the constitutional limits in Article 42 (especially regarding advice and the procedure stated in Article 42);

Article 42(8) has a procedural and constitutional requirement for the Pardons Board’s meetings to be held in Agong’s presence and for the Agong to preside over such meetings;

Any failure to strictly follow Article 42’s procedural safeguards and substantive requirements will render the entire clemency process open to challenge in court, whether by constitutional challenge or judicial review.

The High Court said the Federal Court had made it clear that the existence of the house arrest order does not make it valid, and that whether it is valid depends on whether it follows the strict requirements of the Federal Constitution.

The High Court judge also quoted extensively from the Court of Appeal’s 2009 judgment in case, which had said the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a “constitutional monarch” is defined in the Federal Constitution, and which noted that the rulers’ discretionary or prerogative power has to be exercised judiciously.

The High Court judge summarised the Court of Appeal as saying that the concept of a constitutional monarch “was to preserve the sovereignty of the Rulers within a constitutional framework, balancing their powers and privileged within defined constitutional limitations and restrictions”.

The Court of Appeal was also summarised as noting that the Federal Constitution recognises that rulers have discretionary prerogatives to decide on pardon, and as saying that rulers have to use such powers within limits.

“However, these powers are not unlimited and there are safeguards and limits to be observed, according to the Constitution which provides for the powers. Ultimately, these powers must be exercised judiciously and for the public good,” the High Court judge said in summary of the Court of Appeal’s 2009 decision.

The High Court also cited Article 42 and the same Court of Appeal judgment, when disagreeing that the Agong could make decisions — including on Najib’s house arrest — outside of the Pardons Board meeting.



A general view of Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur, March 19, 2021. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa


Quick look at constitutional monarchy

While there are countries that have an absolute monarchy where a ruler has absolute power, Malaysia like many countries have a constitutional monarchy system.

A quick look by Malay Mail at the glossary on Malaysia’s Parliament’s website shows “constitutional monarchy” being explained as: “A system of government in which a country is ruled by a King according to provisions in the Constitution. Malaysia practises Parliamentary Democracy under the Constitutional Monarchy government.”

The Federal Constitution is known as the supreme law or the highest law in Malaysia.

Najib’s lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah yesterday claimed that the High Court ruling purportedly dilutes the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant mercy or pardon, as the court’s decision had said the Agong needed to exercise this power within the Pardons Board’s meetings.

Shafee has said that Najib will be appealing against the High Court’s decision yesterday.

***

Well written ruling - Safee will find it hard to appeal against it.

Nilai police hunt 60-year-old local suspect after Desa Palma vehicle blast

Nilai police hunt 60-year-old local suspect after Desa Palma vehicle blast



Authorities successfully detonated all explosive materials found inside the vehicle with the assistance of the Bomb Disposal Unit in the early hours today. — Picture from Facebook/Bernama TV

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 11:13 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Police are hunting a 60-year-old local man following a vehicle explosion in Desa Palma, Nilai, earlier this morning that left authorities uncovering three suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said preliminary investigations found that the suspect acted alone, without the involvement of any other individual or group, according to BuletinTV3.

Authorities successfully detonated all explosive materials found inside the vehicle with the assistance of the Bomb Disposal Unit in the early hours today.

Datuk Alzafny added that the suspect is believed to have fled the scene.

He also has a criminal record under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.

“We have identified a premise believed to be the suspect’s residence and a raid has been carried out at his address.

“During the inspection, several more explosive materials using the same methods or systems were found inside his home,” he said.

He emphasised that the case is isolated and does not involve any terrorist activity or extremist groups.

The motive for the incident is still under investigation.

“The community, especially in Nilai, need not feel anxious or afraid to go about their daily activities as the police have confirmed that the perpetrator acted alone,” he added.

Residents of Desa Palma were alarmed yesterday morning by a loud explosion from a vehicle.

Police found numerous nails scattered on the road, and several nearby vehicles were damaged by debris from the blast.

Sentence stands: High Court rejects Zayn Rayyan’s mother Ismanira’s bid to defer five-year prison term

Sentence stands: High Court rejects Zayn Rayyan’s mother Ismanira’s bid to defer five-year prison term



Ismanira Abdul Manaf, the mother of deceased autistic six-year old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, is pictured at the Petaling Jaya Session Court on July 21,2025. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 10:50 AM MYT


SHAH ALAM, Dec 23 — The mother of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, failed in her appeal to defer the five-year prison sentence she is serving, the High Court here ruled today.

The court dismissed the application after finding no special circumstances or elements that would justify granting the stay, Utusan Malaysia reported today.

Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin said the decision was made after the court reviewed written submissions and heard oral arguments from both the applicant and the prosecution.

“The court rejects the application and finds that there are no special circumstances or elements allowing the court to approve the postponement,” he said.

Ismanira, presently serving her prison term at Kajang Prison, appeared composed in the courtroom while her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, and her in-laws watched from the public gallery.

Ismanira was represented by lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris, and Lavanesh Haresh, while the prosecution, as respondent, was led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Mohd. Izham Ali and Ahmad Iqbal Azman.

On October 31, Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh sentenced Ismanira to five years’ imprisonment at Kajang Prison.

The court also issued a two-year good behaviour bond with a RM3,000 surety to be provided by a Malaysian citizen, along with an order for 120 hours of community service to be completed within six months after her release.

Ismanira, 30, was found guilty of neglecting Zayn Rayyan after the defence failed to raise reasonable doubt at the end of the trial.

Under the amended charge, Ismanira, who had custody of Zayn Rayyan, was accused of neglecting the child in a manner that could cause physical injury.

The offences were alleged to have occurred around Block R, Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai, extending to the nearby river near Apartmen Idaman, between 12pm on December 5, 2023, and 9.55pm on December 6, 2023.

Anwar urges respect for judiciary after High Court rules on royal addendum

Anwar urges respect for judiciary after High Court rules on royal addendum



In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that the Madani government remains committed to the rule of law and separation of powers. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 9:50 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on all parties to respect the judiciary following the High Court’s decision yesterday that rejected former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

In a Facebook post, Anwar reiterated that the Madani government remains committed to the rule of law and separation of powers.

He emphasised that the judiciary must remain independent and free from external influence, and that he respects the judges’ ruling on this principle.

“Based on the principle of legal sovereignty, all parties should respect the decision made by the judges, including the legal avenues available for filing appeals, as provided under the law and in accordance with the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

Anwar also called for patience and prudence, noting that while some may not sympathise with Najib and his family, it is important to avoid escalating tensions or creating a charged atmosphere in this sensitive matter.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday ruled that an addendum order by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which Najib’s lawyers argued would allow him to complete his reduced six-year sentence at home, was constitutionally invalid.

The judge noted that the addendum was not deliberated or decided by the Pardons Board as required under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, meaning the government has “no power and no duty” to enforce it.

Najib’s legal team has said it will appeal.

Mindef to await outcome of probe into senior military officer’s alleged corruption, says minister

Mindef to await outcome of probe into senior military officer’s alleged corruption, says minister



Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Mindef fully respects the ongoing and future legal processes, in line with the ministry’s commitment to legal compliance and the principles of justice. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 9:28 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will await the results of the official investigation into allegations of money laundering involving a senior officer of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) before taking the next action.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Mindef fully respects the ongoing and future legal processes, in line with the ministry’s commitment to legal compliance and the principles of justice.

“Mindef will await the results of the official investigation before issuing any further statements or taking subsequent action, in accordance with the provisions of the prevailing law,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He urged the public not to speculate, accuse, or judge until the investigation is completed, and the official findings are announced by the relevant authorities.

Earlier, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had asked Badrul Hisham Shaharin or better known as Chegubard to come forward and make an official report regarding his allegation about a senior MAF officer being involved in corruption.

Badrul Hisham, who filed a police report at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here yesterday, claimed that a review of forensic documents he received anonymously showed monthly deposits of tens of thousands of ringgit into accounts linked to a senior military officer and his family members. — Bernama

Could internal pressures push Umno to team up with Perikatan? Analysts say unlikely

Could internal pressures push Umno to team up with Perikatan? Analysts say unlikely



Umno suffered heavy losses in the 2023 state elections, winning only 19 seats while losing 89, raising questions about its electoral strategy going forward. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Despite growing unease within Barisan Nasional (BN) over its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and renewed grassroots pressure from component party MIC, political analysts say Umno is unlikely to form an electoral pact with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the next general election.

However, International Islamic University Malaysia political science assistant professor Syaza Shukri said the most likely scenario heading into the next election would resemble the 2022 general election, where coalitions contest separately but leave room for post-election negotiations.

“For the next GE, I think it will be a repeat of 2022 in a way. BN has said it will contest on its own but coordinate to avoid multi-cornered fights,” she told Malay Mail.

Syaza said only a post-election outcome in which PN emerges as the largest bloc, overtaking PH, could realistically push Umno towards PN.


“If after everything, PN comes out on top, defeating PH to be the biggest bloc, I wouldn’t be surprised if Umno chooses to be in coalition with PN. It would be ‘easier’, no DAP, and the focus would be on the Malay majority,” she said.

Numbers don’t favour Umno

Syaza cautioned that such a coalition would likely be dominated not by Umno or Bersatu, but by PAS.


“If Umno and Bersatu work together, I feel it doesn’t really matter — both would still be second and third best behind PAS. PAS would be the biggest party and have a lot more say and sway,” she said, adding that PAS would likely allow Umno and Bersatu to front the government while exerting influence behind the scenes.

A similar arrangement briefly emerged after the 2020 Sheraton Move, when Umno and PN governed together under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and later Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, before splitting ahead of GE15 in 2022.

The numbers in the Dewan Rakyat currently also highlight the challenge: Umno has 26 seats, while PAS and Bersatu hold 43 and 24 seats respectively.

Uncomfortable, but workable with PH

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun was more sceptical, saying the failure of BN and PN to work together in the last election underscored the difficulty of any future alliance.

“If such an alliance is workable, it would have materialised in the last GE,” he said, noting that both coalitions instead chose to compete head-on.

“The fundamental incompatibility lies in their essentially same cohort of chased-after voters,” Oh explained, pointing out that Umno, Bersatu and PAS are all competing for overlapping segments of the Malay electorate.

“Seat allocation would be extremely difficult. Umno is chasing religious Malays whom PAS already dominates, while Bersatu targets nationalistic Malays and tries to chip away at Umno’s moderate, business-focused base,” he added.

Oh also said Umno’s current working relationship with PH, including DAP, while uneasy, remains functional.

“Umno is at least enjoying a somewhat cordial working relationship with PH, both PKR and DAP,” he said, adding that he did not see BN moving towards PN and that, at most, BN would go it alone.



Syaza said only a post-election outcome in which PN emerges as the largest bloc, overtaking PH, could realistically push Umno towards PN. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Bersatu as an existential threat, not an ally

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan echoed that view, describing a BN–PN alignment as “unlikely” under present conditions.

“BN feels more comfortable working loosely with Pakatan Harapan,” he said, pointing to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent statements that BN would contest using its own logo, without ruling out cooperation with other coalitions.

Azmi said resistance within Umno towards Bersatu remains strong, given the latter’s origins as a breakaway party formed to challenge Umno’s dominance.

“From the view of Umno members, Bersatu was established to destroy Umno,” he said, adding that while Umno may accept defectors from Bersatu, formal cooperation poses risks.

“The biggest risk for Umno is that Bersatu could overwhelm it. Bersatu’s strategy from day one was to attract dissatisfied Umno members and replace Umno as the main Malay party,” he said.

Azmi argued that Umno and BN still held certain advantages over their PN rivals, particularly in their ability to attract non-Malay voters — a limitation faced by both PAS and Bersatu.

“PAS has reached its maximum attraction among Malay voters. Bersatu too wants to expand beyond Malays. In this sense, Umno still has the upper hand,” he said.

Recent developments have added to speculation over BN’s future direction. MIC has openly discussed leaving BN and recently drew attention after its representative attended a Bersatu annual general meeting.

Umno’s relationship with DAP has also remained strained, with recurring disputes over issues such as the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

At the same time, Umno suffered heavy losses in the 2023 state elections, winning only 19 seats while losing 89, raising questions about its electoral strategy going forward.

Still, analysts agree that dissatisfaction alone is unlikely to push Umno into PN’s arms.

“BN would love to go back to the days where it governed alone, but that is no longer realistic,” Syaza said.

“At the end of the day, it’s a political calculation about getting to Putrajaya, whether with PH or PN. But for now, I don’t see Umno choosing PN unless circumstances force its hand,” she added.

Open source, open doors: How Chinese AI is quietly gaining ground in the US despite bitter rivalry

Open source, open doors: How Chinese AI is quietly gaining ground in the US despite bitter rivalry



Chinese open-source AI models are winning over a growing number of programmers and companies in the United States. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 7:00 AM MYT


NEW YORK, Dec 23 — Even as the United States is embarked on a bitter rivalry with China over the deployment of artificial intelligence, Chinese technology is quietly making inroads into the US market.

Despite considerable geopolitical tensions, Chinese open-source AI models are winning over a growing number of programmers and companies in the United States.

These are different from the closed generative AI models that have become household names — ChatGPT-maker OpenAI or Google’s Gemini — whose inner workings are fiercely protected.

In contrast, “open” models offered by many Chinese rivals, from Alibaba to DeepSeek, allow programmers to customise parts of the software to suit their needs.


Globally, use of Chinese-developed open models has surged from just 1.2 per cent in late 2024 to nearly 30 per cent in August, according to a report published this month by the developers’ platform OpenRouter and US venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.


China’s open-source models “are cheap — in some cases free — and they work well,” Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China told AFP.

One American entrepreneur, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their business saves US$400,000 annually by using Alibaba’s Qwen AI models instead of the proprietary models.


“If you need cutting-edge capabilities, you go back to OpenAI, Anthropic or Google, but most applications don’t need that,” said the entrepreneur.

US chip titan Nvidia, AI firm Perplexity and California’s Stanford University are also using Qwen models in some of their work.

DeepSeek shock

The January launch of DeepSeek’s high-performance, low-cost and open source “R1” large language model (LLM) defied the perception that the best AI tech had to be from US juggernauts like OpenAI, Anthropic or Google.

It was also a reckoning for the United States — locked in a battle for dominance in AI tech with China — on how far its archrival had come.



DeepSeek’s R1 launch in January challenged the idea that AI supremacy belongs to US juggernauts. — AFP pic



AI models from China’s MiniMax and Z.ai are also popular overseas, and the country has entered the race to build AI agents — programmes that use chatbots to complete online tasks like buying tickets or adding events to a calendar.

Agent friendly — and open-source — models, like the latest version of the Kimi K2 model from the startup Moonshot AI, released in November, are widely considered the next frontier in the generative AI revolution.

The US government is aware of open-source’s potential.

In July, the Trump administration released an “AI Action Plan” that said America needed “leading open models founded on American values”.

These could become global standards, it said.

But so far US companies are taking the opposite track.

Meta, which had led the country’s open-source efforts with its Llama models, is now concentrating on closed-source AI instead.

However, this summer, OpenAI — under pressure to revive the spirit of its origin as a nonprofit — released two “open-weight” models (slightly less malleable than “open-source”).

‘Build trust’

Among major Western companies, only France’s Mistral is sticking with open-source, but it ranks far behind DeepSeek and Qwen in usage rankings.

Western open-source offerings are “just not as interesting,” said the US entrepreneur who uses Alibaba’s Qwen.

The Chinese government has encouraged open-source AI technology, despite questions over its profitability.

Mark Barton, chief technology officer at OMNIUX, said he was considering using Qwen but some of his clients could be uncomfortable with the idea of interacting with Chinese-made AI, even for specific tasks.

Given the current US administration’s stance on Chinese tech companies, risks remain, he told AFP.

“We wouldn’t want to go all-in with one specific model provider, especially one that’s maybe not aligned with Western ideas,” said Barton.

“If Alibaba were to get sanctioned or usage was effectively blacklisted, we don’t want to get caught in that trap.”

But Paul Triolo, a partner at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, said there were no “salient issues” surrounding data security.

“Companies can choose to use the models and build on them...without any connection to China,” he explained.

A recent Stanford study published posited that “the very nature of open-model releases enables better scrutiny” of the tech.

Gao Fei, chief technology officer at Chinese AI wellness platform BOK Health, agrees.

“The transparency and sharing nature of open source are themselves the best ways to build trust,” he said. — AFP

Is Trump’s Venezuela blockade really about drugs — or is it about oil and regime change?

Is Trump’s Venezuela blockade really about drugs — or is it about oil and regime change?



A combination of photos shows US President Donald Trump (left) speaking in Washington, DC on December 10, 2025 and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (right) speaking in Caracas on November 14, 2025 as the US increases pressure on Venezuela’s oil industry. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 10:34 AM MYT


CARACAS, Dec 23 — As US forces deployed in the Caribbean have zoned in on tankers transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil, questions have deepened about the real motivation for Donald Trump’s pressure campaign on Caracas.

Is the military show of force really about drug trafficking, as Washington claims? Does it seek regime change, as Caracas fears? Could it be about oil, of which Venezuela has more proven reserves than any other country in the world?

“I don’t know if the interest is only in Venezuela’s oil,” Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has offered to mediate in the escalating quarrel, said last week.

The US president himself has accused Venezuela of taking “all of our oil” and said: “we want it back.”


What we know:


Oil ties

Companies from the United States, now the world’s leading oil producer, have pumped Venezuelan crude from the first discoveries there in the 1920s.


Many US refineries were designed, and are still geared, specifically for processing the kind of heavy crude Venezuela has in spades.

Until 2005, Venezuela was one of the main providers of oil to the United States, with some monthly totals reaching up to 60 million barrels.

Things changed dramatically after socialist leader Hugo Chavez took steps in 2007 to further nationalize the industry, seizing assets belonging to US firms.



A motorcyclist carries a sign stating “Alert all peoples, Trump is a threat to the entire region” as demonstrators dressed as pirates ride through Caracas on December 22, 2025, to protest the United States’ seizure of ships carrying Venezuelan oil. — AFP pic



And now

Down from a peak of more than three million barrels per day (bpd) in the early 2000s, Venezuela today produces about a million barrels per day – roughly two per cent of the global total.

US firm Chevron extracts about 10 per cent of the total under a special license.

Chevron is the only company authorized to ship Venezuelan oil to the United States – an estimated 200,000 barrels per day, according to a Venezuelan oil sector source.

The South American country’s domestic industry has declined sharply due to corruption, under-investment and US sanctions in place since 2019.

Analysts say the high investment required to rebuild Venezuela’s crumbling oil rigs would be unappetizing for US firms, given the steady global supply and low prices.

According to Carlos Mendoza Potella, a Venezuelan professor of petroleum economics, Washington’s actions were likely “not just about oil” but rather about the United States “claiming the Americas for itself.”

“It’s about the division of the world” between the United States and its rivals, Russia and China, he added.

Venezuela exports about 500,000 barrels per day on the black market, mainly to China and other Asian countries, according to Juan Szabo, a former vice president of state oil company PDVSA.

Blockade

Trump on December 16 announced a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels sailing to and from Venezuela.

Days earlier, US forces seized the M/T Skipper, a so-called “ghost” tanker transporting over a million barrels of Venezuelan oil, reportedly destined for Cuba.

Washington has said it intends to keep the oil, valued at between $50 and $100 million.

Over the weekend, the US Coast Guard seized the Centuries, identified by monitoring site TankerTrackers.com as a Chinese-owned and Panama-flagged tanker.

An AFP review did not find the Centuries on the US Treasury Department’s sanctions list, but the White House said it “contained sanctioned PDVSA oil” – some 1.8 million barrels of it.

On Sunday, officials said the Coast Guard was pursuing a third tanker, identified by news outlets as the Bella 1 – under US sanctions because of alleged ties to Iran.

The PDVSA insists its exports remain unaffected by the blockade.

This was critical, according to Szabo, as the company only has capacity to store oil for several days if exports stop.



A US Air Force C-130 Hercules and a US Air Force F-35A fighter jet sit on the tarmac at the José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico on December 20, 2025. — AFP pic



Impact

Whatever Trump’s goal with Venezuelan oil, the blockade, if it continues, is likely to scare off shipping companies and push up freight rates.

Szabo expects Venezuela’s oil exports will fall by nearly half in the coming months, slashing critical foreign currency income from Venezuela’s black market sales.

This would asphyxiate the already struggling economy of Venezuela, piling more pressure on Nicolas Maduro.

The Trump administration has tip-toed around explicitly demanding for Maduro to leave.

While Trump has said he does not anticipate “war” with Venezuela, he did say Maduro’s days “are numbered.”

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News on Monday that the oil tanker seizures send “a message around the world that the illegal activity that Maduro’s participating in cannot stand, he needs to be gone.” — AFP

***

Wankees are plain highway robbers

Hannah Yeoh And The Politics Of Prejudice

 

Dennis Ignatius

 

~ Provoking discussion, dissent & debate on politics, diplomacy, human rights & civil society.

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Hannah Yeoh And The Politics Of Prejudice

22MondayDec 2025

Posted by Dennis Ignatius in Politics, racism

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Anwar Ibrahim, DAP, Fahmi Fadzil, Federal Territories Ministry, Hannah Yeoh, racism

[1] Before the ink on Hannah Yeoh’s appointment letter had even dried, the predictable backlash began. The usual suspects sounded the alarm, not about competence or policy, but about race.

[2] PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan warned darkly that Yeoh’s appointment was a “deliberate ploy” to entrench DAP’s dominance over Kuala Lumpur and other urban centres, allowing a single party to shape urban policy without adequate checks and balances.[1] Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki echoed the anxiety, raising concerns about the fate of Bumiputera urbanites and reviving fears of local council elections in Kuala Lumpur — a long-standing DAP policy position.[2] A former minister went further, lamenting that “too many DAP appointees” now control the big cities and towns, supposedly holding a “chokehold” over the country’s economic lifelines.

[3] It doesn’t take much to see that these objections are rooted in bigotry; upon the racist notion that non-Malay ministers cannot be trusted with power. Every time a non-Malay is appointed to a senior post, we hear the same refrain: the Malay agenda will be undermined, Malays will be marginalised, the nation placed at risk. We have seen this script before — most notably when a non-Malay was appointed attorney general.

[4] The fixation on local council elections is particularly revealing. Right-wing Malay politicians routinely claim that the DAP’s support for such elections is a strategy to secure Chinese political dominance in urban areas, warning that Malays would be sidelined in their own cities. And this despite the fact that Malays are in the majority in most cities. 

[5] I am reminded of a conversation I had years ago with Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He complained bitterly that Malays were being pushed out of their traditional enclaves in Kuala Lumpur by the Chinese, and that parks, sports facilities and other amenities were concentrated in predominantly Chinese areas while Malay neighbourhoods were neglected. Very conveniently he ignored the fact that the Federal Territories minister at the time, the mayor of Kuala Lumpur and the overwhelming bulk of the city’s bureaucracy were all Malays. If there was uneven development, shouldn’t he have taken city officials to task rather than blaming anyone else?  

[6] In reality, local council elections enjoy broad public support across ethnic lines. City dwellers all over the country are weary of all the corruption, abuse of power, mismanagement and overdevelopment that are steadily eroding the quality of urban life — issues our politicians have consistently refused to face up to. Citizens want transparency and accountability, and they see elected local councils as one way to achieve it. Most do not care about the ethnicity of a mayor so long as he or she governs competently, honestly and in the public interest. 

[7] In any case, it is profoundly dishonest to suggest that a DAP minister could unilaterally impose such changes. Asyraf, for one, knows perfectly well that no minister can push through legislation on their own. Major policy decisions require collective cabinet approval and, ultimately, parliamentary sanction. To imply otherwise is to deliberately mislead the public. 

[8] The most bewildering response to Yeoh’s appointment, however, came from none other than Minister of Information and government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil who felt compelled to clarify that Yeoh “does not head a separate ministry,” that her “direct superior is the Prime Minister,” and that all decisions would be referred to him.[3] In other words, she would be kept on a tight leash.

[9] Why the need to publicly diminish her standing, as though she were somehow less trustworthy than her cabinet colleagues? Does the appointment of an ethnic Chinese minister now require ritual reassurance and symbolic emasculation? Whatever the intent, the effect is unmistakable: it validates racial anxieties and reassures racist politicians that a non-Malay minister will be closely monitored and constrained.

[10] To his credit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim – who has been too silent on such issues for too long – pushed back immediately and firmly against the racist undertones of the criticism. “To reject a person because of her colour or race… that is atrocious in this day and age,” he said, adding that he could not comprehend the level of intolerance on display.[4] Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi also deserves recognition for defending Yeoh, despite grumblings within his own party.[5]

[11] Such interventions matter. When racist narratives surface, senior leaders have a responsibility to confront them directly. Silence, equivocation or bureaucratic hedging only legitimise prejudice. Clear rebuttals deprive racism of oxygen and reassure citizens that diversity is not merely a slogan, but a principle that is honoured.

[Dennis Ignatius | Kuala Lumpur | 22 December 2025]