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

THANKS MF:

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

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

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





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


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


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

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


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

***

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Plot to topple state govt

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Aminuddin Harun


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

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


Harapan machinery

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

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

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

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

Anthony Loke


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

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

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


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


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

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

Bersatu may need to rebrand, rethink alliances after PAS exit, say analysts

Bersatu may need to rebrand, rethink alliances after PAS exit, say analysts


2 hours ago
Minderjeet Kaur


One analyst says that the split has exposed Bersatu's structural vulnerabilities and lack of political identity

Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu cannot be merely anti-DAP, an extension of Muhyiddin’s shadow, or a vehicle for former Umno members, says an analyst.

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu may need to overhaul its identity, build its own grassroots machinery and even consider new political alignments to remain relevant, after PAS ended all political cooperation with the party, say analysts.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said the split has exposed Bersatu’s biggest problem: its lack of a clear political identity.

“Bersatu must rebuild its narrative. It cannot be merely anti-DAP, merely an extension of Muhyiddin’s shadow, or simply a vehicle for former Umno members,” he told FMT.

“It needs to present itself as a pragmatic Malay party focused on the people’s economy, cost of living, integrity and governance.”

PAS formally severed political ties with Bersatu on June 8, saying that it wanted to explore new electoral arrangements that project Muslim unity ahead of the upcoming state polls and the 16th general election.


However, the Islamic party stopped short of formally withdrawing from Perikatan Nasional, the opposition coalition anchored by both parties.

Since PN’s formation in 2020, PAS has provided the grassroots machinery, religious networks and a loyal support base, helping the coalition make inroads in Malay-majority constituencies, while Bersatu has contributed national-level leadership, with party president Muhyiddin Yassin serving as the eighth prime minister.

Awang Azman acknowledged Bersatu had leadership visibility but said its challenges lie in other key areas.

“Bersatu still has big names such as Muhyiddin and several state leaders. But its main problems are grassroots machinery, political identity and its ability to win without the PAS wave,” he said.

He added that PAS’s departure strips Bersatu of much of the organisational structure that had previously underpinned PN’s electoral strength.

“Without PAS, Bersatu loses much of its ceramah machinery, operations centres, usrah networks, polling workers and grassroots religious influence,” he said.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said Bersatu’s most realistic short-term option would be to remain in PN, but said the party would need to rebrand eventually.

“It can either go solo or discuss cooperation with PH,” he told FMT.


Mazlan cautioned against a standalone path, warning that a split in the Malay vote would leave Bersatu, Gerakan and MIPP without enough combined strength to win seats.

He said any cooperation with Pakatan Harapan should not be viewed as impossible, noting that Malaysian politics has repeatedly produced unlikely alliances — from PAS’s partnership with DAP under Pakatan Rakyat to the post-GE15 formation of the PH-BN unity government.

Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan said Bersatu’s immediate priority is to remain within PN, ideally with Muhyiddin continuing as coalition chairman. However, he cautioned that this alone would not be enough.

“They could work with PH to gain Malay support. They need this strategy to survive in the national scenario,” he said.

One injured as Israel hits southern Lebanon with air raids, artillery

The attacks come as Iranian media reports that a draft peace deal with the US would include ending the war in Lebanon.

By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters

Published On 12 Jun 202612 Jun 2026

An Israeli air raid on the small village of al-Bayyad in Lebanon’s Tyre district injured one person as attacks continue despite a United States-brokered “ceasefire”.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that the attack occurred on the main street near the Ali Kamal Suleiman Volunteer Centre, which is affiliated with the al-Risala Health Ambulance Association. The injured person was then taken to hospital for treatment.

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A drone also hit the town of Jebchit in the Nabatieh district, while warplanes struck the Arid Dbeibin area in the Marjayoun district.

An Israeli army explosion also hit the plain of Khiam in Marjayoun, while artillery shelling hit  the outskirts of Buyout al-Sayyad in the Tyre district.

Separately, warplanes launched attacks on the town of Qalaouiyah, while drones continued to fly at low altitude over the town of Baysariyeh in the Sidon district and nearby areas.

Earlier this month, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, saying it was “contingent on a complete cessation” of fire by Hezbollah after US-led talks in Washington, DC.

On Friday, amid reports that a deal between the US and Iran to halt the wider Middle East war may be progressing, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said any peace deal between the two countries would also include Lebanon, whether the government accepts it or not.

Speaking during a commemorative ceremony for the group’s fallen fighters in Beirut’s al-Janah neighbourhood, Fadlallah slammed the Lebanese government’s direct negotiations with Israel, which he said brought no relief to southern Lebanon as Israeli attacks continue.

“We do not trust a political administration that makes concession after concession at the country’s expense, especially when no viable or discussable political option has been presented to us,” he said.

Fadlallah said Hezbollah is not opposed to diplomacy “grounded in strength” through indirect negotiations, and argued Lebanon’s government is negotiating with Israel on matters it cannot fulfil.

Tragic killing of Indian sailors by US military

 

I didn’t want early elections, why were they impatient, says Anwar

I didn’t want early elections, why were they impatient, says Anwar


10 hours ago
Dineskumar Ragu


The PH chairman said those calling for early polls now should have remained patient for the time being until the state governments in Negeri Sembilan and Johor ended their terms

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said ‘wayang kulit” (political theatre) had led to early elections being called in two states. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim today expressed his objection to calling early elections for Negeri Sembilan when the state government is only in its third year.

Anwar, who is also the prime minister, revealed that he conveyed his dissatisfaction to state PH chairman Aminuddin Harun but stated there were “no (other) choices” due to uncertainty from Umno, whose 14 assemblymen retracted their support for Aminuddin as menteri besar, only to backtrack later.

“This is ‘wayang kulit’ (political theatre),” he said today when launching the Negeri Sembilan PH election machinery in Seremban. “We are forced to have an election so that the people can make the choice.”


Anwar also criticised Umno’s “impatience” behind calls for early polls in Negeri Sembilan and Johor, whose state government still has a year left.

“Be patient for a while, then have the elections. But no…(they are) confident of bringing down the Negeri Sembilan (government). There is no patience here,” he said, adding that the spirit of unity should have been maintained “at least until the next elections” .

Anwar urged Negeri Sembilan voters to give their mandate to a PH-led government this time. “Make Tok Min (Aminuddin) the rightful menteri besar again,” he said. “God willing, the future of Negeri Sembilan will be more secure.”

In the old state assembly, Aminuddin had led a coalition state government comprising PH and Umno.

Anwar said the state’s future is for the workers, smallholders, hawkers and businessmen, and not just the ultra wealthy.

The Negeri Sembilan state assembly was dissolved on June 4 to make way for the polls, which will take place on August 1.

The move follows weeks of political tension, triggered last month when all 14 Umno-Barisan Nasional assemblymen withdrew their support for Aminuddin. Umno’s central leadership subsequently ordered its assemblymen to continue backing the state government, but both PH and Umno leaders publicly called for dissolution as the cleanest resolution.

Iran’s 14‑point draft diverges from US account, insisting on sanctions relief, Strait reopening and US$300b rebuilding

Iran’s 14‑point draft diverges from US account, insisting on sanctions relief, Strait reopening and US$300b rebuilding



The Iranian-reported draft stipulates reopening the strait within 30 days. — Reuters pic/Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Friday, 12 Jun 2026 7:38 PM MYT


ISTANBUL, June 12 — Iranian media on Friday published the details of a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, revealing significant differences from provisions previously reported by Axios regarding sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, reconstruction commitments, and the scope of future negotiations.


According to Mehr, the draft has 14 points and remains subject to final review and approval by relevant Iranian authorities, Anadolu Ajansi reported.


The two reported versions share several key elements, but significant differences emerge in how those objectives would be implemented.

Axios reported a 60-day “extension” of the existing ceasefire, including in Lebanon, while nuclear negotiations continue.


The draft published by Mehr instead calls for an “immediate and permanent” cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, followed by 60 days of negotiations toward a final nuclear agreement.


The two accounts also differ on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reported an “immediate” reopening of the strategic waterway without tolls and restoration of normal shipping volumes. The Iranian-reported draft stipulates reopening the strait within 30 days and in coordination with Iran.

Sanctions relief represents another major point of divergence.


According to Axios, US sanctions relief would be linked to Iranian compliance with the agreement. The draft published by Mehr goes significantly further, calling for suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemical products, and derivatives, full access to Iran’s financial resources, and eventual lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, as well as related measures imposed through the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.

The treatment of frozen Iranian assets also differs substantially.

Axios reported that Iran could gain access “to some” frozen funds for humanitarian purchases through a mechanism discussed with Qatar. By contrast, the draft published by Mehr calls for the release of US$24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiating period, with half of the funds to be made available before final negotiations begin.

Another major difference concerns reconstruction and post-war guarantees.

While the Axios report did not refer to reconstruction assistance, the draft published by Mehr states that the US and its allies would be required to present plans for rebuilding Iran worth at least US$300 billion.

The Iranian-reported draft also includes several provisions not mentioned in the Axios account, including a US commitment not to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, respect for Iranian sovereignty, and withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran.

It also includes a US pledge not to increase military deployments in the region and not to impose new sanctions during negotiations.

On the nuclear issue, the two versions overlap to some degree.

Axios reported a framework for addressing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, with further nuclear measures contingent on a follow-up agreement. The draft published by Mehr states that Iran would reaffirm its commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty not to produce nuclear weapons.

Perhaps the most consequential difference concerns the scope of future negotiations.

According to the draft published by Mehr, the final agreement would be limited to enriched nuclear material, enrichment activities, sanctions relief, and Iran’s economic reconstruction programme. It explicitly excludes discussions on Iran’s missile programme and support for “resistance groups”.

The draft further states that any final agreement would be endorsed through a UN Security Council resolution and that a monitoring mechanism would be established to oversee implementation-provisions not mentioned in the Axios report.

Mehr noted that the text still requires review and approval by Iran’s relevant authorities before it can be formally adopted.

A deal to permanently end the US-Israeli war on Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, President Trump said Thursday, in a day dominated by whiplash developments.

Iran said Thursday that the “main part” of the text of understanding with the US had been finalised, while accusing Washington of undermining progress through shifting positions.

US forces carried out a second day of strikes on Thursday against multiple targets in Iran, following the downing of an Apache helicopter above the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for its part, said 18 major US military targets had been struck at the Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber air bases in Kuwait, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, and a base hosting American fighter jets in Jordan.

The latest escalation has heightened regional tensions following US strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. — Bernama-Anadolu

Wear your values: Ronnie Liu to print Rukun Negara on T-shirts

Wear your values: Ronnie Liu to print Rukun Negara on T-shirts


Former DAP leader finds a stylish way to honour the Sultan’s advice, emphasises the need for Malaysians to understand and live by the national principles


Keran Raj
Updated 2 days ago
10 June, 2026
5:00 PM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR – Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu has announced plans to produce T-shirts displaying the five principles of the Rukun Negara, following remarks by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, urging politicians to visit the Rukun Negara monument.

Speaking on a recent Scoop Insight episode hosted by News Editor Azim Idris and Editor-in-Chief Terence Fernandez, Liu said he was not offended by the Sultan’s comments. Instead, he viewed them as a timely reminder of the significance of the national principles.

“That’s why I go ahead to want to do a T-shirt. I want to print all the five principles on the T-shirt,” he said, adding that the designs will be available online in two variations.

He highlighted the Rukun Negara as a vital foundation for the country.

“I agree with Tuanku that the Rukun Negara is the principles, the cornerstone, some may even argue it’s the foundation for a stable and peaceful and harmonious society. That’s the foundation,” Liu said.

The former politician also urged both elected representatives and the public to understand and practise the values enshrined in the Rukun Negara.

Illustration of Ronnie Liu’s Rukun Negara T-shirt designs, featuring all five principles of the national philosophy. – Social media pic, June 10, 2026


“All politicians or even non-politicians should read and understand and actually practise the values of Rukun Negara. To me, to go there every week and every now and then, okay, is not a big issue. I think all of us should go,” he said.

Liu acted on the Sultan’s advice by visiting Dataran Selangor earlier this morning to, as His Royal Highness put it, “reflect on the Rukun Negara.”

The initiative aligns with the Sultan’s broader effort to foster national unity and civic awareness, highlighted by the installation of a Rukun Negara Monument Plaque and visitor benches at Dataran Selangor, opposite the state flagpole. Funded personally by the Sultan, the monument aims to encourage Malaysians to revisit and internalise the principles of the national philosophy regularly.

As part of this initiative, the Sultan has recommended that members of the public, including elected representatives, visit the site at least twice a month. He specifically advised Liu and Seri Kembangan assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki to make weekly visits to uphold the Rukun Negara, demonstrate respect for the Royal institution, and maintain courtesy and moral discipline. – June 10, 2026

'I will come home safely': Indian sailor's last words to wife before a US strike killed him

'I will come home safely': Indian sailor's last words to wife before a US strike killed him

6 hours ago
Srinivas Lakkoju, BBC Telugu, and
Nikita Yadav

Patnala Bhargavi
Patnala Suresh was looking forward to celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary this month


"He told me he would be home soon. I never imagined he would return like this," says Patnala Bhargavi, whose husband Patnala Suresh, an Indian sailor, was killed in a US strike near the Gulf of Oman this week.

The couple were looking forward to celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary this month. Instead, Bhargavi is trying to come to terms with a future without him.

Suresh was one of three Indian sailors killed when the US military struck the MT Settebello, an oil tanker, in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday. The attack was part of Washington's effort to enforce a blockade on Iran-linked shipping, with the US military saying the tanker had ignored repeated warnings and was carrying Iranian oil. The vessel's managers dispute that account, saying it had no connection to Iran and received no warning before it was hit. Twenty-one other crew members were rescued.

The deaths have reverberated across India, from Bhargavi's home in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to towns and villages hundreds of kilometres away, where other families are mourning loved ones who left home to earn a living at sea.

As they grieve, many are also seeking answers about the circumstances of the strike and waiting for the sailors' bodies to be returned home.

In a post on X, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said efforts were under way to bring the sailors' bodies back, describing their deaths as a "profound loss" to India's maritime community.

India has also lodged a strong protest with Washington over the strike, summoning a senior US diplomat and calling for an end to attacks on commercial vessels in the region.

For Bhargavi, however, the wider geopolitical fallout feels distant.


Visitors have barely stopped coming home since news of Suresh's death reached them. Amid the condolences, Bhargavi keeps returning to their last conversation.

"There have been attacks in this area and some people have been killed. But don't worry about me. I'll come home safely, and we'll celebrate our anniversary properly," she recalls him saying.

Surrounded by photographs of Suresh and their two children, the 39-year-old now struggles to reconcile that promise with her husband's death.

CentcomCentcom posted what it said was footage of the strike on the ship's engine room

Suresh had spent around 15 years at sea, working as a marine engineer and travelling the world.

As the ship's chief engineer, he was entitled to six months' leave each year. But he rarely took that much time off, according to his father Ramakrishna.

"He loved his work and preferred to spend most of his time at sea," he told the BBC.

His family had long grown accustomed to the months he spent away from home.


The couple usually spoke on video calls every few days, sometimes with other crew members joining in to say hello. But from 5 June, the calls became increasingly difficult. By 9 June, they had stopped altogether.

"I thought it was just a network problem because they were at sea," Bhargavi said.

For two days, she waited for news, before finally finding out that her husband had been killed in the strike.

At first, the family clung to hope that there had been some mistake and that Suresh would be found alive. But that hope quickly faded.

On Thursday, Bhargavi said the ship's management told the family that there had been no chance of escape when the strike happened. Suresh was inspecting a fault in one of the ship's generators at the time, she said.

The family is now calling for his body to be brought back to India and seeking financial assistance from the government, saying he was the household's sole breadwinner.

Suresh leaves behind two sons and two nieces he helped raise after Bhargavi's elder sister and brother-in-law died.

"The entire family depended on his income. Now I don't know how I'll educate or raise the children," Bhargavi says.

Saurabh Chauhan and @CMOFFICEHP Shivanand Chaurasia (left) and Aditya Sharma were also killed in the US strike


The same questions echo through the homes of the two other sailors killed in the strike.

In Hamirpur district in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the family of 23-year-old Aditya Sharma is mourning the loss of their only son.

"I want my son's body to be returned to us. We should also be told what happened in his final moments," his father, Rajesh Sharma, told BBC Hindi.

Rajesh Sharma also questioned whether enough had been done to save the crew.

"The others were rescued, so why couldn't these three be saved?" he asked.

More than 1,000km (621 miles) away in Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, the family of 35-year-old Shivanand Chaurasia is grappling with the same grief.

A fitter by profession, Chaurasia had left home around eight months ago to work for a foreign shipping company.

"We spoke to him the night before last. He told us everything was fine," his father, Ramji Chaurasia, told ANI news agency. "Now we have been told that he is no more."

Like Bhargavi in Visakhapatnam, both families are waiting for their loved ones' bodies to be returned.

For them, the geopolitical tensions that brought the tanker into the spotlight feel far away. What matters now is the chance to see their sons and husbands one last time, they say.

***

Immensely cruel and callous to kill civilians in a civil (non-military) ship - S-Whole wanks

Indira, 13 others fail to strike down unilateral conversion laws in seven states

Indira, 13 others fail to strike down unilateral conversion laws in seven states

Farah Solhi
Published: Jun 12, 2026 3:49 PM
Updated: 7:24 PM



The Kuala Lumpur High Court today dismissed an originating summons filed by M Indira Gandhi and 13 others seeking to strike down unilateral conversion provisions in seven states, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the action.

Delivering her decision online, judge Aliza Sulaiman said the plaintiffs failed to meet the threshold requirement of locus standi and had not demonstrated a genuine interest in obtaining the declarations sought.

She also noted that the case was commenced by way of an originating summons rather than a judicial review challenging legislation or a policy decision, and that only the 13th and 14th plaintiffs had filed affidavits in support of the action.

Aliza said that even if the court were to regard the plaintiffs as public-spirited individuals and associations, it could not conclude that they had a sufficient interest in the matter.

“The first plaintiff (Indira) is, of course, the central figure in the well-known unilateral conversion litigation in the (Federal Court) Indira Gandhi decision.

“(However) she did not file any affidavit to depose or demonstrate how her interest would be affected if the relief sought is not granted.

Kuala Lumpur court complex


“Whatever grievances the first plaintiff had, have been conclusively and fully dealt with in the Indira Gandhi decision. (Therefore) her interest in this matter is purely academic in nature,” said Aliza, making no order as to costs in this case.

The suit, filed on March 23, 2023, relied on the landmark 2018 Federal Court ruling arising from Indira’s legal battle against her Muslim convert ex-husband, who had unilaterally converted their three children to Islam without her consent.

In the present action, the plaintiffs sought declarations invalidating unilateral conversion provisions in Islamic enactments in the federal territories, Perlis, Kedah, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Johor, arguing that they were inconsistent with Articles 12(4) and 75 of the Federal Constitution.

The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (Maiwp) and the Johor Islamic Religious Council participated in the proceedings as interveners.

Apart from Indira, the plaintiffs comprised Malaysia Hindu Sangam, its former chairperson S Mohan, Indira Gandhi Action Team chairperson Arun Dorasamy, two individuals who claimed to be victims of unilateral conversion, and eight residents from the affected states.


Plaintiffs lacked sufficient interest

In her judgment, Aliza said there was no evidence showing that the second to fourth plaintiffs were office-bearers or representatives of the religious and community groups they claimed to represent.

She also found no evidence that the sixth to 12th plaintiffs had minor children who could be affected by the impugned provisions.

According to the judge, the only plaintiffs whose affidavits addressed the laws in question were the 13th and 14th plaintiffs, who claimed they had been converted to Islam before the Federal Court’s 2018 decision.

However, Aliza said the pair had not sought to challenge or nullify their own conversions and did not have minor children who could be affected by the operation of the state laws.

“Basically, this is a case where the plaintiffs take the position that the existence of the impugned provisions constitutes a violation of the constitutional provisions as interpreted in the Indira Gandhi decision.

“The evidence simply does not disclose an actual controversy affecting the plaintiffs’ rights,” Aliza said, adding that the constitutionality of a law cannot be challenged collaterally.

***

I was under the impression a Federal Court ruling, as for the case of Indira Gandhi, would have superseded and thus replaced/corrected State laws on religious conversions - alas, I have been wrong! Frigg!😡😡😡

Lawyer claims Tunku Panglima Besar appointment unconstitutional

Lawyer claims Tunku Panglima Besar appointment unconstitutional


Published: Jun 12, 2026 3:02 PM
Updated: 5:48 PM



Lawyer Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz today claimed that the appointment of Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin as the new Tunku Panglima Besar Negeri Sembilan is unconstitutional.

In a statement on Facebook, the activist, who is one of the lawyers for the Jelebu undang (territorial chieftain), based his argument on the alleged absence of consultation with the state ruling chiefs, as per Article 26(a) of the state constitution.

The provision states that the Yang di-Pertuan Besar must first consult the ruling chiefs before conferring any titles or badges.

Khairul, known as Buzze Azam on social media, pointed to Article 34(1), relying on its definition for "ruling chiefs" in the second part of the state constitution as referring to the four territorial chieftains.

"Even if the Sungai Ujong and Rembau undangs are not taken into account by the Yamtuan Besar (Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan), His Highness still needs to consult with the undangs of Jelebu and Johol, as well as the tunku besar Tampin.

"Unfortunately, the consultation with the ruling chiefs was not held before the recent conferment of the title of Tunku Panglima Besar," he claimed.

A Malaysiakini review of the constitution found that Articles 14 and 15 under Chapter Five, titled "Ruling Chiefs", concern not only the four territorial chieftains but also the tunku besar Tampin and the datuk syahbandar.

Khairul added that legally, the failure to comply with this requirement in Tunku Zain's appointment could be challenged in court, or the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, the council of justice and adat (Malay custom) established under Article 16 of the state constitution.

Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz


Prolonged royal crisis

Negeri Sembilan is facing a prolonged dispute involving its state royal institution and the customary rulers.

Yesterday, Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir proclaimed Tunku Zain, his second child, as the new Tunku Panglima Besar Negeri Sembilan as a replacement for Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, who had supposedly lost his right to the hereditary title for trying to usurp the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s position recently.

On June 9, the state Comptroller of the Royal Household, Azizi Ali, said the ceremony proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin as the state ruler is invalid under the state’s constitution, law, and customs.

Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar


Last week, the brief ceremony proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin as the state ruler took place at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Malacca, after much commotion between the police and undangs.

The ceremonial event, which is believed to have initially been scheduled to take place at the tunku besar Tampin’s office, was held at a space in a hotel after police allegedly barred Tunku Nadzaruddin from leaving the premises.

Police were also said to have attempted to bring Tunku Nadzaruddin to Kuala Lumpur before his installation could take place.

Later, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Rais Yatim, who is also a scholar of “adat perpatih” (the Minangkabau customary law), stressed that based on the state constitution, the roles required for the installation had been sufficiently fulfilled.


State legislature dissolution

The issue came to public attention in April, when the four chieftains had announced Tunku Nadzaruddin as the next ruler, after a dispute over the removal of Mubarak Thahak as the undang of Sungai Ujong.

The Undang Yang Empat had also declared their unanimous agreement to remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar after they launched an investigation into the latter on March 5 for alleged transgressions in his royal duties.

Caretaker Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun sided with Tuanku Muhriz against the undangs, leading to the uncertainty regarding the state’s royal institution.

Aminuddin Harun

This resulted in Negeri Sembilan BN withdrawing support from Aminuddin.

However, an attempt to form a new government failed, resulting in the PKR vice-president heading a minority government until the state legislature was dissolved.

***

Dei, come to think of it, what happened to the bloke who proclaimed himself Sultan of Melaka? 😂😂😂

News

Self-proclaimed 'Malacca sultan' dies of Covid-19

Bernama

Published:  Aug 21, 2021 8:14 PM

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Updated: Sep 13, 2021 11:45 PM

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A businessperson who claimed to be the "sultan of Malacca", Noor Jan Tuah or better known as Raja Noor Jan Shah Raja Tuah, was reported to have died believed to be due to Covid-19. He was 64.

Noor Jan was reported to have died at Selayang Hospital, Kuala Lumpur