Should PKR purge Rafizi's allies now?

Should PKR purge Rafizi's allies now?

Wong Chin Huat
Published: May 19, 2026 1:58 PM
Updated: 3:58 PM



COMMENT | Political divorce is hard to be amicable, especially under a First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system. Both sides have the incentives to compete for the same vote base, like parents competing for exclusive custody of their children.

One rare exception was Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku’s pullout from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah before the last Sabah state election.

The Anwar Ibrahim-Rafizi Ramli divorce is inevitably unamicable. But the degree of mess can still differ vastly, depending on how both sides play it out.

In launching Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), Rafizi has expectedly been scratchy in criticising PKR and Pakatan Harapan. Expectedly, PKR and Harapan want to hit back. Their best revenge is, of course, smashing Bersama in the general election.

Our FPTP system has not been very kind to new multiethnic parties – even as part of Barisan Alternative, PKR won only five (2.6 percent) out of 193 seats despite winning 11.5 percent of votes in its debut election in 1999.

But Bersama has the potential to cause defeats for PKR and Harapan even if it does not win.

Retaliation and legitimacy in public eyes

That’s why PKR is keen to cause damage to Rafizi and his fellow former PKR member Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who quit Parliament on Monday and PKR on Tuesday with the ex-economy minister.

Ex-ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (left)


The party is also keen on taking action against six of Rafizi’s parliamentary allies who attended the Bersama launch: Wong Chen, Lee Chean Chung, Rodziah Ismail, S Kesavan, Zahir Hassan, and Baktiar Wan Chik.

What real options of retaliation does PKR have on its menu? This goes back not just to the constitutional and legal constraints, but to what the public would perceive as illegitimate on Rafizi’s side.

It is obvious after the PKR party election that divorce was inevitable. Anwar won’t nominate Rafizi’s camp to defend their constituencies, and the latter would likely contest against PKR.

On Rafizi and Nik Nazmi

What can be illegitimate on Rafizi’s side? The worst is for the rebels to stay back in PKR, yet lead the new party. The anti-hopping law – Article 49A of the Federal Constitution – exempts parliamentarians who are sacked by their party.

However, it allows parties to cause parliamentarians to automatically lose their party membership and trigger a seat vacancy. In other words, individual parties can tighten the anti-hopping law if they prefer.

DAP, Amanah, Umno and Bersatu did so, such that their lawmakers would “cease to be party members” if they disobeyed the party’s written instructions on voting or government formation. PKR did not amend its party constitution similarly.

More interestingly, in the case of the Bersatu 6, the Dewan Rakyat speaker dismissed the binding power of the party constitution on lawmakers’ conduct to trigger Article 49A.

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi could have emulated the Bersatu 6 to “lead” Bersama while remaining as PKR parliamentarians.

Both, however, chose to return the mandate to voters by resigning from Parliament first – an option provided by Article 51 of the Federal Constitution - before resigning from the party. This leaves no room for Article 49A to be triggered.

PKR hints at filing a legal suit against Rafizi and Nik Nazmi for breaking their pledge not to defect from the party. I do not know how PKR can win the case against Article 51 in the court of law.

What is more certain is that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi would first win the battle hands down in the court of public opinion.

Punishing two rebels who honourably resign to vacate their seats would be a moral boost for Bersama to win public sympathy, the most generous gift a party can give to its splinter.

There is no by-election for PKR to wrest back the seats only because Parliament has run past three years, and the duo’s resignation does not affect the government’s majority.

Before former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad amended Article 54(1) in 1993, by-elections could be held up until the last six months of Parliament’s term.


On Rafizi’s allies

Rafizi has many allies in the PKR backbench, six of whom were at the Bersama launch, and even its frontbench.

Most of his allies are likely to defend their seats under Bersama against PKR. So, PKR’s fury against them is perfectly understandable.

And if you are Rodziah’s rival in PKR’s Ampang division, it makes perfect sense for you to call for her resignation. With her seat vacated, you would be able to position yourself as PKR’s caretaker for the constituency and set up your service centre.

Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail

But would this serve the interests of Anwar, PKR, Harapan and the Madani government? Beware of what you wish for. If public sympathy is high, Rafizi’s allies may just follow in the duo’s footsteps.

The biggest stake for Anwar is the two constitutional bills on the PM’s term limit and the separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles.

Madani’s parliamentary majority, including the Bersatu 6, was 153 on Sunday, 151 on Monday, and would fall to 146, below the two-thirds threshold of 148, if six more seats are vacated.

That means Anwar would have to strike a deal with Perikatan Nasional to get the constitutional bills passed. But PN may just abstain again, simply to deny Anwar two achievements in institutional reforms.

And here is the trap. If Anwar fails to deliver these two key institutional reforms, it would only strengthen Bersama’s case that Harapan and Madani have failed in reforms.

PM and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim


This is, in fact, an incentive for Rafizi’s allies to resign before June, or to find grounds to abstain from or reject the constitutional amendment bills.

Ironically, it is in the interest of Anwar, PKR, Harapan and Madani not to push Rafizi’s allies into a corner. Anwar’s camp should instead build up public expectation and pressure for Rafizi’s allies to stay and support the constitutional amendments in June.

Yes, politics is not so straightforward, and it can be a good thing, as in this case.

WONG CHIN HUAT is a political scientist at Sunway University and a member of Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama).

Ronnie Liu backs Sultan’s Rukun Negara call, urges politicians to return to nation-building principles

Former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew has expressed support for the Sultan of Selangor’s call for politicians to reconnect with the spirit of the Rukun Negara. - Social media pic, May 19, 2026


Ronnie Liu backs Sultan’s Rukun Negara call, urges politicians to return to nation-building principles


Former Selangor exco says the Sultan’s call goes beyond symbolism, urging political leaders to re-embrace the Rukun Negara and return to the core values underpinning national unity and constitutional governance


Scoop Reporters
Updated 38 seconds ago
19 May, 2026
6:17 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – Former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew has expressed support for the Sultan of Selangor’s call for politicians to reconnect with the spirit of the Rukun Negara, describing the royal message as a reminder for leaders to return to the core foundations of nation-building.

In a statement today, Liu said the Sultan’s proposal for politicians to visit Dataran Selangor twice a month to engage with the public and reflect on the Rukun Negara should not be viewed as a symbolic exercise or mere formality.

Instead, he said the message carried a much deeper meaning.

“Today, the issue facing Malaysia is not merely political competition, but a political culture that is becoming increasingly extreme, emotional and confrontational, moving further away from the original spirit of national development,” he said.

Liu said he believed the Sultan’s intended message was not simply about physical attendance at the square, but about the need for politicians to rediscover and understand core national values.

He said these included respecting the nation, upholding the Constitution, preserving the rule of law, honouring the institution of the Malay Rulers and respecting fellow Malaysians.

Liu said the five principles of the Rukun Negara represented a complete national spirit and should not be selectively embraced.

“I believe these five principles cannot be understood selectively, but must instead be embraced comprehensively as the foundation of the nation’s political culture,” he said.

The former Selangor exco member also stressed the importance of constitutional values, saying he had long regarded the Constitution as a pillar of Malaysia’s stability and harmony.

“As someone who has long been involved in the struggle for political reform and democracy in this country, I deeply appreciate the supremacy of the Constitution as the fundamental basis of Malaysia’s stability and harmony,” he said.

Liu added that as a reflection of this belief, his child was given the name “Zun Xian” (尊宪), meaning “respecting the Constitution”, as a symbol of the importance of building future generations upon respect for the law and the country’s foundations.

He said politics in a new era should no longer be shaped by hatred, emotions and division, but instead by maturity, rationality and mutual respect.

“What the people hope for today is not politicians who continue to quarrel endlessly, but politicians who are willing to return to national principles and work together to build a Malaysia that is more mature, stable, united and filled with hope for future generations,” he said. – May 19, 2026

Umno leaders slam Guan Eng over Khairy criticism

Umno leaders slam Guan Eng over Khairy criticism


2 hours ago
Chia Wan Rou


Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed says once-vocal DAP leaders are now staying silent because they are in government

Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed (left) said DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng should ‘look in the mirror’ before turning his guns on Khairy Jamaluddin’s defence of Dr Akmal Saleh.

PETALING JAYA: Two Umno leaders have told Lim Guan Eng to “look in the mirror” after the DAP national adviser accused Khairy Jamaluddin of being a “fake progressive” over his defence of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s style of politics.

Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed cited senior DAP leaders Nga Kor Ming and Ngeh Koo Ham, who he said were previously vocal in championing the Chinese community but have since remained silent after joining the ruling bloc.

“DAP also has pro-Chinese voices like Nga and Ngeh who are now quiet because they are enjoying the perks of holding government positions. The same goes for Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who used to be vocal in championing Indian and Hindu interests.


“Now that they are in government, they can afford to stay silent. But I would not be surprised if, once elections draw near, their old deeply buried instincts resurface,” he told FMT.

Earlier, Lim criticised Khairy for saying that Akmal’s style of politics was necessary for Umno.


Lim said employing a controversial and “extremist” approach to canvass Malay support was wrong, regardless if it was Umno or Perikatan Nasional doing so.

Commenting further, Nur Jazlan said the outspoken nature of the Umno Youth chief was unsurprising in today’s political landscape, where social media-driven politics rewarded controversy with quick popularity.

“We are heading towards elections, and in today’s social media era, where people have short attention spans, controversial figures stand to gain greater political mileage,” he said.

Meanwhile, another Umno Supreme Council member, Razlan Rafii, also lashed out at Lim, accusing him of remaining trapped in old racial politics despite the country having moved forward.


He said Malaysia’s political dynamics were straightforward, where any reaction from those defending the Federal Constitution would only arise when parties attempted to challenge the original framework of the federation.

“Leaders like Lim Guan Eng are still trapped in race-based politics. Even though the country has progressed significantly, he continues to play politics under the guise of championing the Chinese community.

“It is not just Akmal and Khairy – the people also see Lim as continuing to play racial politics, which is why many reject DAP,” he said.

PN to contest all seats in Johor election

PN to contest all seats in Johor election


3 hours ago
Faiz Zainudin


PN contested all 56 state seats in the 2022 Johor election but won only three

PN deputy chairman Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the coalition remained open to negotiating with others to avoid clashes among opposition parties in the upcoming Johor polls. (EPA Images pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) says it will field candidates in all 56 state seats in the upcoming Johor state election, following in the footsteps of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH).

However, PN deputy chairman Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the coalition remained open to negotiating with others to avoid clashes among opposition parties.

“PN is ready to contest all seats, but we may be open to holding discussions with several other parties so that opposition parties do not contest against each other,” he said at the PAS headquarters here.


Tuan Ibrahim said PN was prepared to face PH and BN not only in the Johor state election, but also in other states.

PN contested all 56 state seats in the 2022 Johor state election but won only three.


BN formed the state government after winning 40 seats. PH won 12 seats while Muda claimed one.

Last Saturday, Johor BN chairman and menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the coalition would contest all 56 seats in the state election.

The next day, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the coalition was prepared to contest in all seats at upcoming state and general elections.

However, the PKR president said there was still room for discussions before a final decision was made.

The Johor state assembly will automatically dissolve in April next year if an election is not held before then, after which the polls must be held within 60 days.

Selangor sultan tells DAP rep, former exco to better understand Rukun Negara

Selangor sultan tells DAP rep, former exco to better understand Rukun Negara


Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah encourages Wong Siew Ki and Ronnie Liu to respect the royal institution

Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah visited Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam today to view the Rukun Negara monument placed in front of the Selangor state flagpole. (Selangor Royal Office Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on a DAP assemblyman and a former DAP leader to better understand the Rukun Negara and respect the royal institution.

In a Facebook post, the Selangor Royal Office said Sultan Sharafuddin visited Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam today to view the Rukun Negara monument placed in front of the Selangor state flagpole.

Saying the Rukun Negara served as the foundation of unity among Malaysians, the sultan called on all of the state’s elected representatives to visit Dataran Selangor twice a month to read and understand the meaning of the principles inscribed on the monument.


“This is especially directed at Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki of DAP, and former Selangor DAP exco member Ronnie Liu,” said the office.

“I suggest that they come to Dataran Selangor once a week to better understand and appreciate the meaning of the Rukun Negara, so that they may become citizens who respect the sovereignty of the royal institution and uphold proper manners.”


The sultan also reminded elected representatives of their responsibility to uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara and preserve decorum in public life.

The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Wong and Liu’s response to the sultan’s call for a complete end to pig farming in the state.

Wong attracted brickbats with her proposal for a modern, closed-system pig farming in Selangor, while Liu has urged dissatisfied pig farmers to consider filing a judicial review on the matter.

Liu, a former Selangor executive councillor, was a DAP member for 41 years, serving as a member of its central executive committee for several terms.

He was assemblyman for Pandamaran from 2008 to 2013 and represented Sungai Pelek from 2018 to 2022.

Liu left DAP in June 2023 due to dissatisfaction with the leadership’s move to amend the party’s constitution regarding the termination of memberships.

***

Some of Tuanku's citizens are pig farmers - what shall they do if his prohibition were to be executed in totality?

Amirudin calls for grassroots cooperation to curb cable theft disrupting digital services in Selangor

Amirudin calls for grassroots cooperation to curb cable theft disrupting digital services in Selangor



Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said public cooperation is crucial to ensure immediate action can be taken to prevent acts of sabotage, which not only damage public facilities but also disrupt the public’s digital access. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:54 PM MYT



SHAH ALAM, May 19 — Local communities have been urged to play a more active role in providing early information to help authorities combat cable theft and vandalism involving telecommunications infrastructure in Selangor.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said public cooperation is crucial to ensure immediate action can be taken to prevent acts of sabotage, which not only damage public facilities but also disrupt the public’s digital access.

“We (the state government) want the public to be involved so that cable theft activities, including vandalism against digital facilities, can be reduced. As I mentioned, digital infrastructure is important for sustaining daily life in the state of Selangor.

“Integrated measures mobilised at the grassroots level are crucial to ensuring that every piece of the state’s digital infrastructure is continuously protected from sabotage threats,” he said after launching the state-level Telecommunications Infrastructure Vandalism Prevention Campaign 2026 here today.

Amirudin said such efforts need to be strengthened to ensure continued protection of the state’s digital infrastructure, following a high number of incidents recorded over the past year.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Selangor remains among the states recording the highest number of cases in Malaysia, with 1,836 cases reported in 2024, followed by 1,273 cases last year.


MCMC senior advisor (Operations) Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, who was also present at the launch, said the impact of physical damage to infrastructure has been significant, with the telecommunications industry forced to bear losses exceeding RM20 million annually for repair works.

Several areas in Selangor have also been identified as high-risk locations experiencing repeated incidents, namely Rawang, Gombak, Bangi, the Sungai Tekali area and Hulu Langat, where service disruption periods are longer, involving critical components such as microwave transmission and certain network equipment.

“Spare parts need to be ordered from overseas, and the delivery and reinstallation process requires an additional time of between one and three years before services can be fully restored. This situation directly affects the stability of telecommunications services and impacts users and communities,” he said.

He added that his team is actively working to ensure more effective enforcement actions by strengthening prevention strategies through engagement sessions in hotspot areas.

Such an approach, he said, can foster closer cooperation with various parties, including the Royal Malaysia Police, village heads, community leaders, residents’ associations and local communities in efforts to raise awareness and encourage the reporting of suspicious activities to authorities. — Bernama

Penang 75pc ready for snap polls, says Chow Kon Yeow

Penang 75pc ready for snap polls, says Chow Kon Yeow



Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow showing the progress of the manifesto achievements. — Picture by Opalyn Mok

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:26 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, May 19 — Penang is about 75 per cent ready to face snap polls, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said there is no fixed point at which a state can be considered fully ready for elections, whether at 80 or 100 per cent.

““If you ask me, I always give the answer 75 per cent, not completely prepared, but educated prepared if there is a possibility,” he said when he was asked whether the state is ready to face snap polls.

“When parliament is dissolved, it’s a sign to be ready,” he added.


As for whether Pakatan Harapan Penang will continue to collaborate with Barisan Nasional in the elections, he said it is still open for them to decide later.

Chow, who is Penang PH chairman, said some states plan to go solo while some states viewed the cooperation under the Unity coalition as still relevant.

“Ultimately, the decision comes from the leadership at the national level,” he said.


He said all states will have to align themselves with the national leadership’s decision.

Earlier, Chow announced that the state has completed 60 per cent or 30 items under the MyPenang Manifesto.

He said 17 items or 34 per cent are being implemented while only three items or six per cent are yet to be implemented.

He said the manifesto achievement announcement coincided with the recent statement by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that snap polls can be called anytime.

“We normally give updates on the manifesto achievements so regardless of when elections are held, work to complete the manifesto continues,” he said.

He said if elections are called, possibly some of the manifesto items may not be completed in time.

He said the public can access the MyPenang Manifesto dashboard online to check on the progress of the projects being implemented.

‘A leopard cannot change its spots’: Lim Guan Eng labels Khairy, Umno ‘fake progressives’ over defence of Dr Akmal’s politics

‘A leopard cannot change its spots’: Lim Guan Eng labels Khairy, Umno ‘fake progressives’ over defence of Dr Akmal’s politics



In a statement, Lim Guan Eng said Khairy Jamaluddin’s assertion that Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s political approach remained necessary in Umno was disappointing, especially after previously positioning himself as a progressive and non-racial politician. — Pictures by Sayuti Zainudin/Choo Choy May

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 1:47 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng today accused Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno of being “fake progressives” after the former minister defended Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s style of politics.

In a statement, Lim said Khairy’s assertion that Akmal’s political approach remained necessary in Umno was disappointing, especially after previously positioning himself as a progressive and non-racial politician.

Lim said Khairy appeared to suggest that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi tolerated Akmal’s controversial “culture war politics” because of what he described as a “clear and present danger” from the political right dominated by Perikatan Nasional.

“Two wrongs do not make a right,” Lim said.

“If PN is wrong to indulge in extremist actions and controversial style to reinforce Malay nationalist support, then it is equally wrong for Umno Youth leaders to follow suit.”

Lim also claimed Khairy had changed from the politician who was sacked by Ahmad Zahid before later rejoining Umno.

“Back then, Khairy espoused a non-racial line and progressive policies that he portrayed as fair and beneficial to all Malaysians,” he said.


“Clearly Khairy’s attempt to whitewash Akmal’s unacceptable and irresponsible acts demonstrates that both Umno and Khairy are fake progressives.”

The Bagan MP further accused Umno of prioritising political power over coalition ties, citing what he described as a failed attempt to seize control of the Negeri Sembilan government and Barisan Nasional’s intention to contest all 56 state seats in the next Johor state election.

“For those who placed some expectations and even hopes on Khairy can now see that both Khairy and Umno have proven that a leopard cannot change its spots,” he said.

Former Sabah Water Dept director found guilty of money laundering, wife and deputy acquitted

Former Sabah Water Dept director found guilty of money laundering, wife and deputy acquitted



File picture of former Sabah Water Department (SWD) director Ag Mohd Tahir Ag Talib and his wife Fauziah Piut. Mohd Tahir. — Picture by Julia Chan

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 1:36 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, May 19 — The Sessions Court here has found former Sabah Water Department director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib guilty of 12 charges of money laundering.

Judge Abu Bakar Manat has allowed a short stand down for the prosecution and defence to prepare mitigation for Ag Mohd Tahir before passing sentence.

Two others — Ag Mohd Tahir’s wife Fauziah Piut and former deputy director Lim Lam Beng @ Lim Chee Hong — were discharged and acquitted of all their charges.

Fauziah had 19 charges while Lim faced four charges. — The Borneo Post

MORE TO COME

Malaysia seeks RM1b from Norwegian firm over cancelled missile export licence, says Khaled

Malaysia seeks RM1b from Norwegian firm over cancelled missile export licence, says Khaled



Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the notice, seeking compensation for both direct and indirect losses, was sent to the company today. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:06 PM MYT


LUMUT, May 19 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has issued a notice of demand to a Norwegian manufacturer following the cancellation of an export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship and land-attack missile system.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the notice, seeking compensation for both direct and indirect losses, was sent to the company today.

“We are claiming both direct and indirect costs. The direct cost amounts to EUR126 million (RM583.47 million), which has already been paid, and we are also seeking substantial indirect costs, bringing the total claim to about RM1 billion.”

He said this to reporters after a working visit to inspect the progress of the littoral combat ship (LCS) project at the Lumut Naval Shipyard at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base here today.

Also present was Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain.

Mohamed Khaled said the direct claim of EUR126 million represented 95 per cent of payments already made under the RM634.7 million contract involving weapons systems for the LCS fleet as well as two other naval vessels, KD Jebat and KD Lekiu.

He said the Norwegian government had unilaterally revoked the export licence without prior discussions with Malaysia, despite the government having fulfilled all contractual obligations.


“We have paid 95 per cent of the contract value. But at the final stage, based on the chronology of events, the Norwegian government cancelled the export licence for the system unilaterally.

“They refused to issue the export licence because their new policy restricts the export of sensitive defence technology only to allies and close strategic partners.

“Meaning that the export is limited to members of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and countries regarded by Norway as strategic partners,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said the cancellation had triggered a crisis of confidence over international commitments and should serve as a lesson for Malaysia and its Asean partners in future dealings with Norway.

“When commitments can be cancelled unilaterally, confidence in the entire system will begin to erode. We hope ASEAN countries and nations that are not close allies of Norway will learn from Malaysia’s experience and avoid purchasing or dealing with Norway.

“For the Defence Ministry, I have also reminded them that future purchases, whether ammunition or otherwise, should no longer be sourced from Norway. We must be cautious when procuring from countries that may take similar action against us,” he added. — Bernama

Sateerah Hassan quits as Putrajaya PKR Women deputy chief

Sateerah Hassan quits as Putrajaya PKR Women deputy chief



Putrajaya PKR Women chief Fasyarini Azahari said the party acknowledged Sateerah Hassan’s decision and respected her choice. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:08 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Sateerah Hassan has confirmed her resignation as deputy chief of the Women’s wing of Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Putrajaya division.

Putrajaya PKR Women chief Fasyarini Azahari said the party acknowledged Sateerah’s decision and respected her choice, according to a report published in Sinar 
She said the party appreciated Sateerah’s contributions, commitment and service throughout her time in the leadership line-up.

“Every effort and contribution made in strengthening the party’s work, especially involving women’s agendas and the local community, is greatly appreciated.


“In a mature and democratic political organisation, differences in opinion and changes in leadership are normal,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Previously, media reports said former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former party vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had officially submitted letters notifying Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul of their resignations as Members of Parliament.

According to the pair, the decision was made following their intention to explore a new political agenda, with plans to contest both seats again under the Parti Bersama Malaysia platform in the next general election.


Commenting further, Fasyarini stressed that the party would continue focusing on strengthening the organisation, safeguarding public welfare and pursuing its reform agenda for the well-being of the people.

“I am confident that the entire leadership and members of PKR Women Putrajaya will continue to move collectively, maturely and professionally.

“This is to ensure the party’s work continues smoothly and remains strong in facing current challenges,” she said.

She also wished Sateerah success in whatever field she chooses to pursue after this.

Penang gets tough on litterbugs: Body cams, 24-hour enforcement rolled out under new community service order scheme

Penang gets tough on litterbugs: Body cams, 24-hour enforcement rolled out under new community service order scheme



State exco H’ng Mooi Lye (second from right) looking at the body camera on an enforcement officer. — Picture by Opalyn Mok

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 12:24 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, May 19 — Officers equipped with body cameras will be deployed as part of Penang’s new Community Service Order (PKM) enforcement against litterbugs from July 1 onwards.

State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said enforcement action will also be carried out round-the-clock.

“Enforcement action can be carried out anytime of the day, 24 hours a day so there is no specific time,” he said in a press conference in Komtar today.

He said the use of body cameras, along with photographic and video recordings, will serve as evidence during enforcement operations.

“Usually, one enforcement team will consist of at least two officers and one of them will have a body camera,” he said.

He added that the officers will also use video recordings.

Currently, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has about 170 body cameras for its enforcement team while the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has about 17 body cameras.


H’ng said each body camera costs about RM1,000 each and he has instructed MBSP to increase the number of body cameras for its enforcement team.

He said CCTV recordings could also be used as supporting evidence against offenders, although he stressed that enforcement officers would still need to be physically present during operations to avoid disputes.

The Penang government approved guidelines for the implementation of the PKM for littering offences on May 6.

“Since this is still new in Penang, we want proper procedures in place first. We took six months to prepare our own state guidelines after discussions at the national level,” he said.

The PKM initiative follows amendments to the Local Government Act and the Street, Drainage and Building Act gazetted on November 12 last year which empower local authorities to impose community service-based punishments for offences related to public cleanliness.

Under the implementation, he said offenders may be fined up to RM2,000 or ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service within six months, or both.

“Those who fail to comply with court orders may face fines ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000,” he said.

Among the offences covered under PKM are throwing cigarette butts in public places, littering tissues, plastic bottles and food wrappers, dumping rubbish into drains, leaving rubbish at beaches, parks and recreational areas, throwing garbage from vehicles, and leaving food waste after trading at public spaces such as night markets and food courts.

H’ng said the punishment was not intended solely as a punitive measure but also as an educational approach to instil civic responsibility and public cleanliness awareness.

Community service activities under PKM may include cleaning roads, drains, public markets, beaches, bus stops, pedestrian walkways, hawker centres and public toilets.

It also includes participating in gotong-royong activities, post-flood clean-up efforts and public awareness programmes organised by local authorities.

He said the state government hoped the initiative would reduce littering offences and cultivate a stronger culture of cleanliness and environmental sustainability in Penang.

Zambry: BN will stay with unity govt until end of mandate

Zambry: BN will stay with unity govt until end of mandate



Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said BN is of the view that the understanding and basis for the formation of the Unity Government after the 15th general election (GE15) is the responsibility of the nation to prevent Malaysia from falling into prolonged political polemics. — Picture By Raymond Manuel

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2:19 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will continue to preserve understanding in the Unity Government until the end of the administration’s mandate to ensure national stability and the well-being of the people, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

He said BN is of the view that the understanding and basis for the formation of the Unity Government after the 15th general election (GE15) is the responsibility of the nation to prevent Malaysia from falling into prolonged political polemics.

“The understanding was agreed upon until the mandate ends. Therefore, there is no question of Barisan Nasional betraying the Unity Government,” he said in a statement here, today.

Touching on developments in Johor, Zambry said BN respects the stance voiced by the state’s BN regarding the direction and preparations for the upcoming state election.

He said the stance was in line with the views of all parties in the Johor BN component parties.

Last Saturday, Johor BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the coalition would contest all 56 state assembly seats. — Bernama

Sabah’s multimillion-ringgit water scandal case reaches climax as court set to deliver verdict today

Sabah’s multimillion-ringgit water scandal case reaches climax as court set to deliver verdict today



File picture of former Sabah Water Department (SWD) director Ag Mohd Tahir Ag Talib and his wife Fauziah Piut. Mohd Tahir, Fauziah, and former deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 72, were charged on December 28, 2016. All three pleaded not guilty. — Picture by Julia Chan

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 8:51 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Nearly a decade after it first made headlines with images of large cash seizures during anti-graft raids, the court is expected to deliver its decision today in a high-profile money laundering case linked to the Sabah Water Department.

The case drew nationwide attention in 2016 after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission carried out one of the biggest seizures recorded in Sabah involving cash and valuables worth tens of millions of ringgit, according to Berita Harian.

Images showing stacks of cash discovered during the raids circulated widely in local media, placing the investigation among the country’s most closely watched corruption-related cases.

Former Sabah Water Department director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 63, his wife Fauziah Piut, 61, and former deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 72, were charged on December 28, 2016. All three pleaded not guilty.

Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges, while Fauziah faces 19 charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

Fauziah also faces two joint charges with Ag Mohd Tahir under the same law, while Ag Mohd Tahir faces an additional charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the Act.

According to the charges, the alleged offences involving Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah were said to have taken place between October 4 and November 4, 2016, at his office in Kota Kinabalu, a condominium in Sembulan, bank branches, another condominium in Sulaman and a tower in Kuala Lumpur.


Lim faces four charges involving alleged possession of a Toyota Land Cruiser and cash amounts of RM200,000, RM1.9 million and RM280,000 said to be linked to unlawful activities. The alleged offences were said to have taken place between October 13 and November 8, 2016, at the MACC office on Jalan UMS and a house here.

After several postponements, the trial began on May 7, 2018 before Sessions Court judge Abu Bakar Manat, with the prosecution calling 46 witnesses.

The defence later called 15 witnesses, including several individuals initially listed by the prosecution, among them former Sabah chief minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan and former minister Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

The prosecution is led by deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Jumaat, Haresh Prakash Somiah and Zander Lim.

Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah are represented by lawyers Ansari Abdullah, Sharatha Masyaroh John Ridwan Lincon, Fadzidahtul Ardianah, Rasrina Patrick T Rining and Noorsyazwani Sapri, while Lim is represented by Tan Hock Chuan, Baldev Singh and Kelvin Wong.

Former Sabah Water Department deputy director Teo Chee Kong had earlier claimed trial to 146 money laundering charges involving RM32.923 million on December 13, 2016.

He was initially scheduled to be tried together with the other three accused.

However, Teo was discharged and acquitted by the same court on March 17, 2022 before later becoming a prosecution witness in the case against the trio.

Earlier, on February 18, 2022, he was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on all 146 charges before the MACC later imposed a RM30 million compound on him.

Trump cancels ‘planned’ massive strike on Iran inside Hormuz truce he declared

Trump cancels ‘planned’ massive strike on Iran inside Hormuz truce he declared



US President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the South Court Auditorium of The White House in Washington, DC on May 18, 2026. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 9:01 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, May 19 — US President Donald Trump said he was planning a major new assault on Iran on Tuesday, but held off as he saw hope for securing a so far elusive agreement to end the war.

Trump said that he stopped his purported attack plan at the urging of Gulf Arab allies, which Iran has threatened with reciprocal attacks if the United States and Israel end a nearly six-week ceasefire.

Trump, who had indefinitely extended the truce and made clear he wants to exit a war that has proven to be a political liability, said he had prepared a new attack for Tuesday after Iran refused his outlines of a deal.

The leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates asked him “to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

But Trump added he had instructed the US military to be “prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.”


Speaking later at a White House event, Trump said there had been a “very positive development” and that Arab allies said a deal was near that would leave Iran without nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies pursuing.

“There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” Trump said.


Iran has repeatedly rebuffed Trump’s offers and has exerted control over the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway into the Gulf, sending global oil prices spiralling.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed exchanges with the United States through mediator Pakistan and said Tehran made clear its “concerns.”

The cleric-run state, whose supreme leader was killed in the initial strikes on February 28 but has proven resilient, is demanding the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad, the lifting of long-standing sanctions and reparations for the war.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, considered a moderate in a system increasingly dominated since the war by the hardline Revolutionary Guards, said that speaking with Washington “does not mean surrender” and that Iran would defend its “dignity” and rights.

Iran’s Fars news agency said Sunday that Washington had presented a five-point list, which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States.

US authorities had refused to release “even 25 per cent” of Iran’s frozen assets or pay any reparations, Fars said.

But Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing an unnamed source close to the Iranian negotiating team, said the United States made one new step forward in the latest text by agreeing to waive oil sanctions while negotiations were underway.

New Hormuz body

In an earlier proposal, which was sent last week, Iran had called for an end to the war on all fronts, including Israel’s campaign in Lebanon, as well as a halt to a US naval blockade on Iranian ports in place since April 13.

Fars said the Iranian proposal had emphasised that Tehran would continue to manage the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy conduit which Iran has largely kept closed since the start of the war.

On Monday, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new body Iran has set up to manage the strait, said it would provide “real-time updates” on the waterway via X.

The Revolutionary Guards also said Monday that internet fibre optic cables passing through the strait could be brought under an Iranian system of permits.

Hoping to control oil prices, the US Treasury extended by 30 days a sanctions waiver for Russian oil cargoes already at sea, continuing to ease the pressure on Moscow since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Strike in Kurdistan

Iran has also been ramping up military pressure.

The Revolutionary Guards on Monday said they struck groups linked to the United States and Israel within the Iranian province of Kurdistan, near the border with Iraq.

In a statement carried by the ISNA news agency, the Guards said groups from “northern Iraq and acting on behalf of the US and the Zionist regime were attempting to smuggle a large shipment of American weapons and ammunition” into Iran.

Raising fears even higher in the region, a drone strike on Sunday – unclaimed but which a UAE official appeared to blame on Iran – triggered a fire near a nuclear power station in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Trita Parsi, a critic of the war who is executive vice president of the Washington-based Quincy Institute think tank, said that Trump’s latest message aimed to reframe the narrative to show himself in control of developments.

The Gulf Arabs’ warning against an attack “could be true, but either way, they provide him with a face-saving exit from his previous threats,” he said. — AFP

Four teens arrested for allegedly strangling, assaulting e-hailing driver over unpaid fare in Alor Gajah

Four teens arrested for allegedly strangling, assaulting e-hailing driver over unpaid fare in Alor Gajah



Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said, based on the report lodged, the victim had picked up all the suspects via a Grab booking in Bukit Rambai to be sent to Kuala Sungai Baru town. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 9:37 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — An e-hailing driver was injured after being strangled and beaten by four teenagers, including two girls, who allegedly could not afford to pay the fare in an incident in Kuala Sungai Baru in Alor Gajah, Melaka, last Thursday.

In the incident at about 12.30am, the 41-year-old victim suffered bruises and swelling on several parts of her body, as well as strangulation marks on her neck after being attacked by the suspects, Kosmo! Online reported today.

Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said, based on the report lodged, the victim had picked up all the suspects via a Grab booking in Bukit Rambai to be sent to Kuala Sungai Baru town.

He said the suspects comprised two teenage boys aged 15 and 17, and two teenage girls aged 14.


“Upon arriving near a forested area in Kuala Sungai Baru, one of the suspects asked the victim to stop the vehicle, claiming they wanted to look for someone and also said they had no money to make payment online.

“A few minutes later, three of the suspects — the 17-year-old boy and the two girls — suddenly turned aggressive and attacked the victim,” he said today.

According to him, based on the victim’s statement, the male suspect strangled her from behind, while the two teenage girls hit her with an iron rod and pulled her hair.


“The suspects also threatened the victim not to seek help. Another teenage boy, however, did not enter the car as he had fled the scene.

“The victim later managed to escape by driving away from the location before lodging a police report and seeking treatment at hospital,” he said.

He added that the victim suffered injuries to her nose, neck and both hands due to the struggle.

Ahmad said investigations also found that during the journey, the vehicle stopped twice and the suspects instructed the same route to be taken repeatedly.

He said all the suspects have been arrested and remanded to assist investigations under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt using a weapon or dangerous means.

***

Have we become America?

Deadly mosque shooting in California, US: Five dead, hate crime suspected

Deadly mosque shooting in California, US: Five dead, hate crime suspected



Law enforcement and emergency services respond to a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) in San Diego, California on May 18, 2026. — Getty Images/AFP pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 8:39 AM MYT


SAN DIEGO, May 19 — A shooting at a mosque complex in California killed three people, with two suspected teenage gunmen later found dead in a car from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.


Police said emergency response teams found the victims outside the sprawling Islamic Center of San Diego, before later finding the shooters, aged 19 and 17, also dead.


TV footage from a helicopter showed armed response teams gathered outside a building, with one unidentified person lying in a pool of blood.

“We are actively investigating this as a hate crime,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters. “There was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved.”


The Islamic Center is described on its website as the largest mosque in San Diego county, which lies in southern California.


After a short period of lockdown when authorities advised residents to stay inside, San Diego police announced that the threat at the centre had been “neutralised.”

“We received a call of an active shooter at the Islamic Center. Within four minutes, officers arrived on scene and observed immediately three deceased victims out in front,” Wahl said.


“We immediately began to deploy with an active shooter response into the mosque and adjacent school,” he said, adding that police had received calls about more gunfire nearby, where a landscaper had been shot at but not hit.



Police respond to a reported active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego in San Diego, California on May 18, 2026. — AFP pic



Place of worship targeted

A few blocks from the Islamic centre, police found a vehicle in the middle of the street with the shooters dead inside.

“The suspects at this point appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. There were no officers involved in firing their weapons,” Wahl said.

He said that a security guard at the Islamic centre was among the three victims killed and his actions had helped prevent a deadlier attack.

“His actions were heroic and he undoubtedly saved lives today,” Wahl said.

The identities of the other two fatalities were not immediately clear.

Wahl said that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted police two hours before the attack and reported that her son was “suicidal” and that several weapons and her vehicle were missing.

Initially, police deployed to an area around a high school which the suspect was associated with, until they received a call of an active shooter at the Islamic Center.

The imam at the mosque, Taha Hassane, said that all the staff, teachers and children at the mosque were safe.

“We have never experienced tragedy like this before. And at this moment all that I can say is, sending our prayers and standing in solidarity with all the families in our community here,” he said.

“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” the imam added.

President Donald Trump described the shooting as a “terrible situation.”

“I’ve been given some early updates, but we’re going to be going back and looking at it very strongly,” he told reporters.

Wahl, the police chief, said that given the location of the attack, investigators were “considering this a hate crime until it’s not.”

State Governor Gavin Newsom expressed horror at the attack, saying: “Worshippers anywhere should not have to fear for their lives.”

“Hate has no place in California, and we will not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against communities of faith,” he said on X, adding, “To the San Diego Muslim community: California stands with you.” — AFP

***

America - my only surprise is that this did NOT happen earlier a la the New Zealand mosque attack

Anwar demands release of 16 Malaysians detained after Israeli interception of aid flotilla

Anwar demands release of 16 Malaysians detained after Israeli interception of aid flotilla



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a Facebook post yesterday, said Malaysia demands guarantees for the safety of all activists involved and their immediate release. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 8:57 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Malaysia strongly condemns the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) bound for Gaza by the Israeli Zionist regime, as well as the detention of more than 100 activists, including 16 Malaysians, involved in the peaceful humanitarian mission.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a Facebook post yesterday, said Malaysia demands guarantees for the safety of all activists involved and their immediate release.


“This outrageous act by the evil regime against a humanitarian aid mission not only violates human rights and international law, but also reflects the Zionist regime’s ruthlessness in blocking humanitarian assistance, silencing humanitarian voices and oppressing anyone who rises to defend and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.

Anwar stressed that the world could not continue to bow to the cruelty and atrocities committed by the Zionist regime.

“The oppression against the Palestinian people and those delivering humanitarian aid must stop immediately, and Israel must face justice and accountability,” he said. — Bernama

Wangsa Maju MP says attendance at Rafizi, Nik Nazmi event was to honour invitation; respects their PKR exit decision

Wangsa Maju MP says attendance at Rafizi, Nik Nazmi event was to honour invitation; respects their PKR exit decision



In a Facebook post, Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament Zahir Hassan said he attended the programme on invitation, describing it as a chance to hear Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad outline their views on future political direction. — Picture from Facebook/Zahir Hassan

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 9:21 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament Zahir Hassan has clarified that his attendance at a political direction programme involving former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was to fulfil an invitation from fellow comrades.

In a Facebook post, Zahir said he was invited to attend the programme, which he described as an opportunity to witness their sharing on future political direction.

He also said he respects their decision to vacate their parliamentary seats effective May 18, 2026, and to leave Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) effective May 19, 2026.

Zahir said he believes the decision was made after careful consideration and was not driven by personal interests alone.

He added that, in his view, the actions taken do not violate any laws, including provisions under Article 49A of the Federal Constitution relating to anti-hopping laws, or any party agreements.

He also encouraged the public to refer to the “bersama.org.my” website to better understand the agenda and direction of the initiative.

Zahir stressed that he remains fully committed to his responsibilities to the constituents of Wangsa Maju.

The Islamic business revolution in Southern Thailand

Murray Hunter
May 18, 2026


The Islamic business revolution in Southern Thailand

This rapid transformation has been spurred on by the migration of Muslims from the three troubled provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat to Songkhla Province, to get away from the trouble




This is my latest column in The Vibes



THERE is a revolution going on in Southern Thailand, and I’m not talking about the insurgency.

Cities like the notorious Hat Yai, a ‘playground’ for Malaysian tourists, are being transformed into vibrant Islamic business centres.

A large number of Malaysians have already discovered a culturally and religiously friendly landscape that facilitates travel and exploring around Southern Thailand.

This rapid transformation has been spurred on by the migration of Muslims from the three troubled provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat to Songkhla Province, to get away from the trouble.

One of the results of this is a growing cluster of young Thai Malay entrepreneurs who are finding innovative ways to develop new business models based upon Islamic principles.

This avant-garde young business group has seen the potential of integrating their beliefs into what they do business-wise.

And this is paying off as the Thailand Muslim population is in excess of 6 million people, many cashed up from bumper rubber prices over the last few years.

In addition, the appeal of these products and services produced by these businesses is not just restricted to the Muslim population.

If one travels around the South of Thailand today, there are Halal hotels, restaurants, boutiques, massage centres, travel agents, tour companies, insurance, and consumer products all produced and operated by companies that aspire to comply with Islamic principles.

Image for illustration only


Some larger projects like Halal hotels and condominiums for Muslim retirees from Malaysia and Singapore are currently being constructed.

What one can feel talking to these entrepreneurs and seeing the results of their work is an ‘air’ of excitement, innovation and expectation that this strategy will lead to growth and success.

This is in stark contrast to south of the border in Malaysia, where over the last 50 years, an institutionalised mindset of dependence upon government contracts, favours, and grants has severely inhibited innovation.

Symbolically, this can be seen through the individualised Islamic fashion worn by Southern Thai Muslim women versus the stereotyped fashion worn by Malaysian Malay women.

Even the night markets in Southern Thailand are full of innovative Halal foods like dim sum and sushi, with stalls decorated in colourful banners in contrast to the drab night markets across the border.

This “tale of two cities” along the border of Malaysia and Thailand probably reflects the vastly different approaches to development by the two countries.

Thai development has been much more ad hoc than Malaysia, where ideas tend to be generated by individuals who do something about them using their own resources.

If and when they are successful, others follow and build upon this base with complementary rather than competitive businesses.

Soon after, government agencies provide channels and assistance through their community industry and marketing programs.

Later universities like Chulalongkorn set up fully accredited Halal testing labs to support the growing business cluster. These clusters start and grow almost naturally, and this is occurring along the Islamic business front now.

In contrast, Malaysian development comes from top-down planning. Much fanfare is given to new infrastructure projects with grand objectives.

The participants attending launches and involved in implementation are bureaucrats and agency officials, with very little participation by the private sector.

Where opportunities are identified, an agency may set up a government-linked company as a vehicle to exploit it, actually stifling out private enterprise growth rather than promoting it.

The result is an attempt to build a cluster with little private enterprise support, that doesn’t have any natural growth or momentum, continually requiring funds to prop it up.

This story tends to support what the creativity pundits say. Creativity and innovation come from adversity and hardship rather than a comfortable and complacent environment.

The Muslim entrepreneurs in Southern Thailand have had to make it on their own and not rely upon favours from a structure of cronies who can dish out contracts and funds.

In addition, this trend toward Islamic principled business shows that future wealth will come from innovation rather than connections, which is very important if substantiated and real economic development is going to occur.

It’s not brick and mortar that will bring development, but new ideas and practices connecting hinterland, culture and entrepreneur to new market possibilities.

The Malay entrepreneurs of Southern Thailand are also aware that almost 25% of the world population is Muslim and that an Islamic approach to the market is sure to provide a regional source of competitive advantage in the international market arena within the not-too-distant future.

Culture and religion can be a strong economic resource.

Their gung-ho attitude is to develop the market in Southern Thailand today and extend out to the region tomorrow.

One can see through the Halal supply chain system developed by the Halal Research Centre at Chulalongkorn University that this is not just a dream. Some of the world’s major food manufacturers, like Nestlé, have already adopted it.

And finally, what could this mean for the restless south of Thailand?

Will growing economic prosperity and wealth be the best long-term weapon against any insurgency?

Can the people solve this themselves without any outside assistance?

If this hypothesis is true, then the growing Islamic business cluster in Southern Thailand may marginalise the insurgency movement.

However, this doesn’t mean that the violence would end. When a movement is being marginalized it may seek attention through further ‘high profile’ acts of violence. That’s the sad part of the story. – May 17, 2026

Missing children cases are rising and Malaysia cannot afford to look away

Malaysia's #1 Content Aggregator


Missing children cases are rising and Malaysia cannot afford to look away


18 May 2026 • 9:00 AM MYT

K.T. Maran
Social, Environmental & Animal Activist

Photo by Marcelo Marques on Unsplash


HEARING about another missing child in Malaysia is becoming disturbingly familiar, and that should concern all of us.


According to Bukit Aman, missing children cases nearly doubled from 594 in 2021 to 1,219 last year. While most children are eventually found, not every case ends safely. Even one unresolved disappearance is one too many.



https://share.google/50AnbGi5KeAoXejaw. NST


Behind every statistic is a frightened child, possibly alone and vulnerable. Behind that child is a family living through fear, uncertainty, and helplessness while waiting for answers.


Naturally, many people fear the worst when children go missing. Concerns over trafficking syndicates, online predators, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and cyber grooming are not unfounded.


Interpol and the United Nations (UN) have repeatedly warned that children remain highly vulnerable to such crimes.


However, an uncomfortable reality also needs to be acknowledged. Police say many missing children are not abducted by strangers but leave home voluntarily due to conflict, emotional distress, abuse, neglect, or personal struggles.


Many return after a few days, but even a short period away from safety can expose them to serious danger.


A runaway child who is angry, frightened, or emotionally vulnerable can easily become a target for exploitation. Predators understand this and actively seek out vulnerable young people, especially online.


This raises a difficult but necessary question: why are so many children choosing to run away?


Many children today may have access to material comforts such as smartphones, tuition, and modern conveniences, yet still feel emotionally disconnected.


Parents are often overwhelmed by work and daily pressures, while meaningful communication within families is increasingly replaced by screens and digital distractions.


When home feels emotionally unsafe, neglectful, or isolating, some children may see leaving as an escape, despite the risks.

This is not merely a policing issue. It is also a social and moral crisis.


Schools, too, must play a greater role. Too much emphasis is placed on examinations, grades, and co-curricular achievements, while emotional wellbeing, digital safety, and mental resilience are often overlooked.


Children should be taught how to recognise online predators, seek help when struggling emotionally, and protect themselves in digital spaces.



The digital world has become the new hunting ground for predators. They no longer lurk only in physical spaces but also operate through gaming platforms, anonymous apps, and social media, where vulnerable children can easily be manipulated. Malaysia must respond with urgency.



First, the country needs a faster and more effective missing-child alert system similar to the AMBER Alert system used elsewhere.


The moment a child disappears, information should be rapidly disseminated through mobile alerts, digital billboards, highway signboards, checkpoints, CCTV networks, and other available technologies.


Second, authorities must strengthen oversight of shelters, welfare homes, and care institutions. If children are repeatedly running away from places meant to protect them, serious underlying problems must be addressed.


Third, communities need to become more vigilant and engaged. Modern life has made many people emotionally detached from those around them. Too often, suspicious situations are ignored because people assume someone else will intervene.


Protecting children cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the police. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, transport workers, security personnel, social media platforms, and the wider public all have a role to play.


The government should also continue strengthening cooperation with regional and international agencies such as ASEANAPOL and Interpol, as trafficking and exploitation networks often operate across borders.


A society is ultimately judged by how well it protects its children. Malaysia cannot afford to become numb to stories of missing children.


The longer we treat these cases as routine headlines, the greater the risk that real lives will continue slipping through the cracks. ‒