Sunday, December 07, 2025

Anwar & UMNO Are Toxic – Why DAP’s Salvage Option Is Go Solo

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MCA Youth proposes party exits unity government if key concerns not addressed

The Star:

MCA Youth proposes party exits unity government if key concerns not addressed

By ALLISON LAI

Saturday, 06 Dec 20255:29 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth is proposing for the party to withdraw from the unity government if key concerns involving education, extremism and equal treatment for all communities are not addressed.

The wing's chief Ling Tian Soon said of particular concern were issues such as Chinese primary school funding, treatment of top STPM scorers in university admissions and a perceived rise of extremism.

"If this government still cannot ensure that Chinese primary schools receive their rightful annual allocations; If this government continues to treat high-achieving STPM students unfairly; if this government continues to allow extremism to grow; and if this government cannot safeguard fair and equal treatment for all races under the Federal Constitution – then MCA Youth proposes that the party withdraw from the unity government," he said in his speech at the MCA Youth 26th Central Delegates 3rd General Assembly here on Saturday (Dec 6).

At a press conference later, Ling said that this was MCA Youth's position and a conditional proposal to the party leadership, arising from discussions at the wing's central committee meeting on Friday (Dec 5).

Ling said the wing recognised that the unity government was formed in accordance with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree after the last general election and MCA respects that decision.

"However, as events developed and policies implemented, there are areas that are not satisfactory."

"If this government cannot resolve these problems and if it cannot ensure that all communities are treated fairly under the Federal Constitution, then we will put forward this suggestion to the party," he said.

When asked, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the party would continue to monitor public sentiment and respond in line with its principles and founding spirit.

"MCA's 'party character', as laid out by founding president Tun Tan Cheng Lock, was rooted in having clear principles and a firm moral bottom line.

Dr Mah said the recent Sabah polls shows that voters are deeply unhappy and all political parties had to take that message seriously.

"It is time we look into and carry out an in-depth study to find out exactly what people are unhappy about," he said.

He pointed to education problems, economic pressures, the cost of living and daily hardship as likely reasons, especially in Chinese-majority areas.

"These are some of the aspects that they based their decision on," he said, noting that DAP lost all six seats it previously held and was defeated in all eight seats it contested in Chinese areas in Sabah.

Dr Mah added that political parties had to "live up to and face" these problems instead of ignoring the underlying causes.

Earlier in his speech, Ling said young voters were increasingly focused on which parties and leaders could genuinely improve their lives, rather than on slogans or emotional appeals.

He said there concerns now centred on employment, the economy, housing, education, technology and integrity, and pledged that MCA Youth would continue to speak up on these issues while pressing the government to address long-standing grievances.

Syria’s al-Sharaa accuses Israel of fabricating threats to justify military actions across the region

al Jazeera:

Syria’s al-Sharaa promises peace and unity in face of Israeli aggression

Syrian president accuses Israel of fabricating threats to justify military actions across the region as he commits to holding elections within the next five years

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks as he attends the 23rd edition of the annual Doha Forum, in Doha, Qatar, December 6, 2025 [Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters]

By Usaid Siddiqui
Published On 6 Dec 2025

Doha, Qatar – Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of heightening regional tensions and fabricating external threats to divert attention from the “horrifying massacres” it has committed in Gaza.

Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Saturday during the Newsmaker Interview at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa said Israeli leaders “often exports crises to other countries” as they increasingly invoke security pretexts to expand military action.

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“They justify everything, using their security concerns, and they take October 7 and extrapolate it to everything that is happening around them,” he said.

“Israel has become a country that is in a fight against ghosts.”

Since the the Bashar al-Assad regime fell in December 2024, Israel has carried out frequent air strikes across Syria, killing hundreds of people, while also conducting ground operations in the south.

Last month, Israeli forces killed at least 13 people in the Damascus countryside town of Beit Jinn.

In addition, it has advanced deeper into Syrian territory and established numerous checkpoints, while illegally detaining Syrian citizens and holding them inside Israel.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, right, speaks during the opening day of the Doha Forum [AFP]

Al-Sharaa said his administration had worked to de-escalate tensions with Israel since he assumed office, emphasising that “we sent positive messages regarding regional peace and stability”.

“We’ve said very frankly that Syria will be a country of stability, and we are not concerned with being a country that exports conflict, including to Israel,” he said.

“However, in return, Israel has met us with extreme violence, and Syria has suffered massive violations of our airspace.”

‘Syria attacked by Israel, not the opposite’

Al-Sharaa said Israel must withdraw to where they were before the fall of al-Assad, and preserve the 1974 Disengagement Accord.

The accord established a ceasefire following the October 1973 Yom Kippur war, creating a United Nations-monitored buffer zone on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

“This agreement has held on for over 50 years,” al-Sharaa said, cautioning that efforts to replace it with new arrangements, such as a buffer or demilitarised zone, could push the region “into a serious and dangerous place”.

“Who will protect that zone? Israel often says that they are afraid of coming under attack from southern Syria, so who will be protecting this buffer zone or this demilitarised zone, if the Syrian army or the Syrian forces are going to be there?” he asked.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a deal with Syria was within reach, but that he expected Syrian government forces to create a demilitarised buffer zone extending from the capital, Damascus, to Jabal al-Sheikh in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

“It is Syria that is being attacked by Israel and not the opposite,” he said. “Therefore, who has more right to claim a buffer zone and a pullout?”

Unity in Syria

On the question of unity, al-Sharaa said there was progress and ongoing challenges.

“I believe Syria is living through its best days. We are talking about a country that’s aware, that’s conscious,” he said, while stressing that no country can achieve total “unanimity”.

“This doesn’t occur even in advanced countries that are living through relative stability.”

According to al-Sharaa, people in Syria “simply did not know each other well” due to issues inherited from the al-Assad regime.

Crowds gather in Hama, Syria, to celebrate one year of liberation

“We actually resorted to pardoning a large number of people and a large number of factions so that we can build a sustainable, safe and secure future for the Syrian people,” he added.

Moreover, he rejected the notion the uprising against al-Assad was a “Sunni revolution”.

“All the components of Syrian society were part of the revolution,” he said.

“Even the Alawites had to pay the price of them being used by the former regime. So I do not agree with the definition or with saying that all the Alawites were supporting the regime. Some of them were living in fear.”

Syria witnessed an outbreak of sectarian violence earlier this year, including in the coastal areas in March, where hundreds of people from the Alawite religious minority were killed, with members of the new government’s security forces among the perpetrators.

Fighting also broke out between government forces and their allies with Bedouin tribes in Suwayda in July, in which more than 1,400 people, mainly civilians, were killed.

“We know that there are some crimes that were perpetrated … this is a negative thing,” he said. “I insist … that we do not accept what happened. But I say that Syria is a state of law, and the law rules in Syria, and the law is the only way to preserve everybody’s rights.”

Many rights groups are concerned that women will be particularly at risk under the new government led by the former al-Qaeda operative, as al-Sharaa’s Hayat al-Tahrir group severely restricted women’s freedoms, including public participation and dress code, during their rule over Idlib in northwest Syria.

On what the role of women looks like in Syria today, al-Sharaa said they were “empowered” under his rule.

“Their rights are protected and guaranteed, and we constantly strive to ensure that women are fully participating in our government and our parliament as well,” he added.

“I believe you should not fear for Syrian women, fear for Syrian men,” Sharaa joked.

Elections to be held within five years

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria’s path forward lies in strengthening institutions rather than consolidating individual power, and that he was committed to conducting elections after the ongoing transition period ends.

“Syria is not a tribe. Syria is a country, a country with rich ideas … I do not believe we are ready right now to undertake parliamentary elections,” he said.

Nevertheless, al-Sharaa said parliamentary elections will take place within five years of when the temporary Constitutional Declaration was signed back in March, giving him the mandate to lead Syria through a five-year transition period.

“The principle of people choosing their leaders is a basic principle … it is even part of our religion in Islam,” he stressed.

“Rulers have to gain the satisfaction of the majority of people in order to rule properly, so this is what we believe in, and I think that this is the suitable path for Syria.”

No Su-57, No S-400 / S-500: Why Modi-Putin Summit Buried India’s Two Biggest Arms Deals With Russia?

Saturday, December 6, 2025

No Su-57, No S-400 / S-500: Why Modi-Putin Summit Buried India’s Two Biggest Arms Deals With Russia?

By Vijainder K Thakur
-December 6, 2025

Many analysts and enthusiasts monitoring India’s defense preparedness are likely disappointed that the joint statement released after the 23rd India–Russia Summit in New Delhi on December 4 and 5 did not list any defense-related MoUs or agreements.

The lack of mention contrasts with multiple statements by Russian officials promising cooperation in strategic segments such as defence, civil aviation, and space technology.

Based on the MoUs and agreements signed, the summit largely focused on economic cooperation—trade, energy security, fertilizers, workforce mobility, etc.

One way of interpreting this emphasis on economics and trade is that the summit was focused on laying a more robust, sanctions-proof foundation for intensified cooperation in defence, civil aviation, and space technology.

Currently, because of U.S. sanctions, India cannot trade with Russia in USD. And India does not have enough roubles to buy additional S-400 regiments, 2–3 squadrons of Su-57 stealth fighters, or small modular reactors. So how could India sign contracts for such strategic procurements?

India would prefer to pay in INR, but what would Russia do with INR? At present, India does not provide enough goods and services of interest to Russia.

India needs to first step up exports to Russia to more than match its imports from that country. Only then can it place further strategic orders. So, no S-400 or Su-57 deals for now.

Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that the summit was largely focused on stepping up Indian exports—food products, labour, and high-tech manufactured goods—to Russia.

Strategic-Level Shipbuilding Cooperation

There were, however, two strategic MoUs signed during the summit that have not received as much coverage in India’s corporate media as they deserve.

India and Russia agreed to finalize a Shipbuilding Cooperation Framework covering joint ship design, technology transfer, local manufacturing, and maritime infrastructure.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Russia’s Ministry of Transport also signed an MoU to train Indian seafarers for Arctic navigation.

The agreements aim to enable joint production of ice-class vessels in India and to train Indian sailors to operate and navigate ships in Arctic waters.

Ice-class ships are vessels with reinforced hulls designed to safely navigate areas with floating or broken sea ice, such as those seen during Arctic summers.

They differ from icebreakers, which are specialized vessels—often equipped with powerful propulsion systems, including nuclear power—that can break through solid, winter ice cover. Icebreakers typically have rounded, sloping bows that ride up onto the ice and break it using the vessel’s weight and forward motion.

As a result of these agreements, India would be able to manufacture and export ice-class ships to shipping companies worldwide for operations through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). It would also be able to provide trained crews. Together, this would sharply increase the export of Indian goods and services in a niche sector.

Currently, annual cargo volumes through the NSR fluctuate between 35 and 40 million tonnes. President Putin wants to raise this volume to 200 million tonnes by 2031. There are not enough ice-class ships in the world today to meet that requirement.

India itself will need such ships as its own trade volumes on the NSR rise.

Joint ice-class shipbuilding will not only deepen strategic alignment between India and Russia but also facilitate increased bilateral trade.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025. (Photo by Alexander KAZAKOV / POOL / AFP)
Labour Mobility

Also during the summit, India and Russia signed an agreement defining a framework enabling citizens of one country to engage in temporary work in the other.

Russia has expressed interest in bringing in millions of Indian workers across manufacturing, construction, trade, and services.

In August, the Ambassador of India to Russia, Vinay Kumar, told TASS that Russia has manpower requirements, while India has skilled manpower, and that Indian workers are already being hired under existing Russian regulations, quotas, and company-level arrangements.

He noted that most Indian workers currently in Russia are employed in construction and textiles, but interest in hiring Indians in machinery and electronics is rising.

Expansion of Indian Exports

Indian firms have already increased shipments of equipment, spare parts, and tools to support Russian industrial needs. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Indian generic manufacturers are supplying medicines to Russian pharmacies and hospitals.

Russia is also seeking cooperation with Indian firms to co-produce energy sector equipment for later re-export—including to African markets.

Trade in agricultural products increased by more than 60% in 2024.

A representative of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) told TASS that Indian packaged foods—curries, ready meals, legumes, sweets, and snacks—are already widely sold in Russia, and that tea, coffee, rice, spices, and apparel could replace European brands on Russian shelves.

India has raised concerns over non-tariff barriers, particularly affecting agricultural and marine products. Exports of prawns and shrimp, for instance, could rise significantly beyond the current level of approximately $123 million.

Solid Economic Foundation Leading To Strategic Alignment

Over the past two years, India and Russia have worked to build a stable economic foundation, aiming for trade parity.

The two sides previously aimed to raise annual bilateral trade from approximately $60 billion to $100 billion by 2030. During the summit, the Indian Prime Minister expressed confidence that this milestone would be achieved ahead of schedule.

It appears likely that most of the increase will come from expanded Indian exports, which is precisely what this summit focused on.

When Will the Su-57s, S-400s & SMRs Come?

Russia has offered the Su-57 to India, including technology transfer and local production. India is expected to make a decision after prolonged negotiations.

As previously noted, the IAF is likely interested in the twin-seat Su-57D variant, expected to fly in early 2026. A twin-seat configuration would allow better crew coordination for loyal-wingman UAV operations and enhance training.

The IAF will also want confirmation that the Su-57 can carry the BrahMos-NG internally. Since BrahMos-NG development has only recently begun, India’s urgency is low. Likewise, India is awaiting delivery of the two remaining S-400 regiments ordered in 2018, and these have not yet been fully paid for.

Contracts will be signed only after all associated technical, logistical, and financial discussions are completed.

Conclusion

The reason major defence deals did not feature in the summit joint statement is that they have not yet been finalized. The summit instead focused on building the economic and logistical foundation necessary for a renewed, significantly deeper strategic partnership.

Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.

Deadly border fighting breaks out between Pakistan and Afghanistan

BBC:

Deadly border fighting breaks out between Pakistan and Afghanistan

8 hours ago
Hafizullah MaroofKabul

Getty Images
Fighting broke out close to the Afghan border city of Spin Boldak, which has seen deadly clashes in recent months (pictured October 2025)

Border clashes have erupted again between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban forces, with each sides accusing the other of breaking a fragile ceasefire.

Residents fled the Afghan city of Spin Boldak overnight, which lies along the 1,600-mile (2,600 km) border between the two countries.

A medical worker in the nearby city of Kandahar told BBC Pashto that four bodies had been brought to a local hospital. Four other people were wounded. Three were reportedly wounded in Pakistan.

There has been sporadic fighting between the two countries in recent months, while Afghanistan's Taliban government has also accused Pakistan of carrying out air strikes inside the country.

Both sides have confirmed they exchanged fire overnight but each blamed the other for initiating the four hours of fighting.

Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesperson for Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accused the Taliban of "unprovoked firing".

The statement continued: "An immediate, befitting & intense response has been given by our armed forces. Pakistan remains fully alert & committed to ensuring its territorial integrity & the safety our citizens."

Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesperson said Pakistan had "once again initiated attacks" and said it was "forced to respond".

Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire started at around 22:30 (18:00 GMT) on Friday.

Footage from the area showed a large number of Afghans fleeing on foot and in vehicles.

Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar's information department, said Pakistan's forces had attacked with "light and heavy artillery" and civilian homes had been hit by mortar fire.

The latest clashes came less than two months after both sides agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey.

It ended more than a week of fighting in which dozens were killed - the worst clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban since the group returned to power in 2021 - though tensions have remained high.

The government in Islamabad has long accused Afghanistan's ruling Taliban of giving shelter to armed groups which carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Taliban government denies the accusation and has accused Pakistan of blaming others for their "own security failures".

The Pakistan Taliban have carried out at least 600 attacks on Pakistani forces over the past year, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

Last week delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of negotiations on a wider peace settlement, but did not reach an agreement.

Sources familiar with the talks told BBC News that both sides had agreed to continue with the ceasefire.

Israel kills 3 Palestinians in Gaza as deadly violations intensify

al Jazeera:

Israel kills 3 Palestinians in Gaza as deadly violations intensify

By Jillian Kestler-D'Amours and Edna Mohamed

Israel’s army has killed three Palestinians outside the “yellow line” in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, with several people wounded following heavy artillery shelling in southern Khan Younis.
Qatar and Egypt, guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, have called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops and deployment of an international military force to fully implement the faltering truce agreement.
Machinegun fire and attack drones have been heard in the east of Gaza City as Israeli forces cross the “yellow line” ceasefire demarcation and launch attacks.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 70,125 Palestinians and wounded 171,015 since October 2023

At least 7 people killed in Israeli attacks across northern Gaza

At least seven people have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza City and northern areas as Israel continues attacks across the so-called yellow line truce demarcation.

Health officials said Israeli fire killed the Palestinians in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Zeitoun in northern Gaza, including a 70-year-old woman gunned down by an attack drone strike.

Earlier, the Israeli army announced it killed three people who allegedly crossed the poorly marked yellow line.

10m ago

(16:00 GMT)

Israeli drone chases and kills 70-year-old Palestinian woman and son

By Hani Mahmoud

Reporting from Gaza City

Just in the past 30 minutes, there was a confirmed attack by an Israeli quadcopter that chased a 70-year-old woman and her son, 25, as they walked in an area about 1km (half a mile) away from the “yellow line” – deep in Gaza City.

They were hunted by the drone that fired and killed both of them. They were left there to bleed to death, and nobody from the surrounding area was able to get to them because the quadcopter was still hovering.

This is just one of many violations throughout the day and throughout the past 50 days since the truce came into effect.

Many people in most of these areas do not see the yellow line because it’s not clear. It’s not visible. There are no clear markings or signage to show this is the ceasefire demarcation that is a restricted and dangerous area.

An Israeli quadcopter drone flies near Khan Younis in southern Gaza [File: Said Khatib/AFP]

Houthi — An Israeli quadcopter drone flies near Khan Younis in southern Gaza [File: Said Khatib/AFP]

Saturday, December 06, 2025

Sweat, scandal spas and saunas

Sweat, scandal spas and saunas

Zan Azlee
Published: Dec 6, 2025 1:03 PM
Updated: 4:04 PM

COMMENT | Sometimes, I think Malaysia’s national sport isn’t badminton or arguing about where chicken rice originated from (Malaysia or Singapore!). It’s spicy, unnecessary drama, and the recent raid at a men-only spa in Kuala Lumpur proves it.

Try not to get too excited, but I’m a regular at saunas and steam rooms. Three times a week, after my morning run, I head to the club near my house where I’m a member for some sweat recovery and maybe quiet me time.

Want to know the wildest thing I’ve ever seen in a Malaysian sauna? An elderly uncle stepping out, a towel slipping in slow motion off his waist and onto the ground. It was definitely shocking, but definitely not criminal. Totally harmless, in fact.

So when the spa raid hit the news, I wasn’t exactly shocked but actually a little irritated. Raids like this do happen in Malaysia. To be honest, these raids rarely have anything to do with licences or safety rules.

It doesn’t happen every day, but enough that we know moral policing is lurking somewhere. It happens because someone somewhere thinks morality needs enforcement. Usually, it happens in places with dim lights, soft music, or, heaven forbid, men-only spaces.

Imagine being at a spa, stepping into the steam room, closing your eyes, and just as you feel the heat, the door bursts open and officers burst in. Before you can even adjust your towel, you’re lined up, questioned, and photographed.

Instead of relaxing, you end up as a forwarded WhatsApp video message. And of course, Malaysians are masters of assumption. They hear it’s a men-only spa, and all kinds of perverted ideas and scandalous thoughts come into their heads.

No charges, but…

But after all the news and hoo-haa, most of the men were released because there was nothing to charge them with. No victims. No evidence. No crime. A massive raid that ended up with nothing but a group of innocent people now with their reputations ruined.

The effects, however, are severe. Dragging half-dressed men out of a sauna and turning it into a public spectacle just shows how much privacy is basically being trampled on and not respected. Shaming is already wrong, but when there isn’t any basis, it is just a step too far.

There’s also the fact that enforcement agencies actually have real work to do. They should be out there stopping real crime, such as scams, theft, corruption and violent offences, like when journalists are publicly assaulted.

These are things that actually hurt people, and there’s no shortage of actual problems that involve lawbreaking. Policing morality just isn’t the priority. So let’s not waste our valuable resources investigating these kinds of so-called incidents.

Real people

In the middle of all this are real people. Teachers, office workers, retirees, and civil servants, who probably just wanted some quiet, relaxing time. They had to explain themselves to family and employers who read headlines too literally.

Which is why employers should absolutely not punish staff caught in this. If someone wasn’t charged, wasn’t implicated, wasn’t found guilty, punishing them is unfair, unnecessary, and ridiculous. Innocent should mean innocent. Full stop.

We’re a multicultural and multifaith country where morality isn’t one-size-fits-all, and personal choices shouldn’t be policed by assumption. Most Malaysians just want to live quietly, enjoy privacy, and maybe have a sauna without worrying about surprise visitors in uniform.

As usual, I believe that we can cope with absurdity with humour. We joke about it because it’s our way of surviving and making sense of things. But beneath the laughter is a simple truth that everyone deserves dignity.

So maybe next time, our authorities should take a pause before taking on the mantle of moral police. Check the facts. Respect privacy. Don’t punish people baselessly. Just let Malaysians sweat in peace, towel-slip mishaps included.

The police should focus on crime, not religious morality. Saunas are meant to unclog pores, not complicate lives. And if uncle’s towel slips? Let it slip, and it’s okay to ignore it and pretend like it didn’t happen.

ZAN AZLEE is a writer, documentary filmmaker, journalist and academic. Visit fatbidin.com to view his work.

***

In my days in KL (long long ago, wakakaka) I used to go the spa at Hotel Hilton. I would then follow that up with an hour of massage - damn good lah.

French Soldiers 'Open Fire' On Drones Threatening High-Secure Nuclear Submarine Base

French Soldiers 'Open Fire' On Drones Threatening High-Secure Nuclear Submarine Base

by Tyler Durden
Sunday, Dec 07, 2025 - 12:45 AM

A major security breach of French military airspace has been revealed Friday at a moment European officials have been hyping the 'hybrid warfare' threat from Russia, which has of late centered on many dozens of 'mystery' drone breaches in EU airspace especially near sensitive locations like airports.

French Marines opened fire on five unidentified drones that breached restricted airspace above a key nuclear submarine base Thursday evening, military officials said, according to EuroNews. But one official has said a "jammer" was hot and not necessarily live ammunition.

via Telegram

At around 7:30pm local at the Île Longue naval base in Brittany, which importantly is the command center for France's fleet of nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines, radar detected incoming unauthorized UAVs at the high-secure facility.

The marine infantry battalion responsible for protecting the site immediately deployed anti-drone procedures, which included firing several shots at the aircraft in an effort to disable and bring them down.

As it wasn't confirmed whether the drones were actually hit, the security forces initiated a large-scale search operation. Authorities still haven't confirmed that any drones were brought down or recovered.

The drones may have been electronically thwarted or intercepted, based on vague references from French military officials, but not much in the way of details have been offered:

Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin confirmed that troops at the base intercepted an overflight, without detailing whether they fired shots, used electronic jamming or other means against the aerial intruders. It wasn’t clear who was responsible.

“Any overflight of a military site is prohibited in our country,” Vautrin said. “I want to commend the interception carried out by our military personnel at the Île Longue base.”

The installation is located near Brest in western France, and is guarded by more than 120 maritime forces alongside naval security forces, according to French media.

It hosts four ballistic missile submarines — Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible — and provides maintenance for the vessels which support the nation's nuclear deterrent. According to official policy, at least one nuclear submarine is deployed on patrol at all times.

"No link with foreign interference has been established," Frédéric Teillet, the public prosecutor in Rennes, was quoted in AFP as saying. He also indicated that no operators behind the drones have been apprehended or identified.

European officials have of late and without firm evidence been pointing the finger at Russian intelligence for a series of drone incidents near commercial and military airports and installations in northern Europe.

Anwar yet to discuss Cabinet reshuffle with DAP, says Loke

FMT:

Anwar yet to discuss Cabinet reshuffle with DAP, says Loke

The DAP secretary-general says the prime minister will usually consult all party leaders, and he will convey his views when the matter comes up

Loke Siew Fook (in white), who is transport minister, at a groundbreaking ceremony for a transport hub in Seremban today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has not called DAP’s leaders yet to discuss the coming Cabinet reshuffle, says party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook.

Four posts in the Cabinet are currently vacant following resignations and a term limit being reached. Anwar confirmed yesterday that he would make a minor reshuffle, only to fill vacant posts, and that he will hold discussions with party leaders.

Loke said while the Cabinet’s lineup is the prime minister’s prerogative, the matter would usually be discussed with all party leaders.

“Every party will certainly give (Anwar) their views, and I will convey mine to him directly,” he said in Seremban today, Sinar Harian reported.

Loke, who is Seremban MP, also said Anwar has not indicated to him when the reshuffle will be announced. When asked if he was satisfied with the performance of DAP’s ministers, Loke said he would raise the matter with Anwar when they meet.

The vacant Cabinet posts are those of the ministers of economy; natural resources and environmental sustainability; entrepreneur development and cooperatives; and investment, trade and industry.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that a Cabinet reshuffle will be held, with Anwar expected to announce the new lineup soon.

Anwar has said there is no need for a comprehensive reshuffle as the government has only about a year and a half left in its current term.

Political analysts told FMT that education minister Fadhlina Sidek appeared to be most vulnerable, after coming under attack in recent months over incidents in schools involving murder, rape, and bullying.

Political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir would be better suited as foreign minister, while Mohamad Hasan could be reassigned to another portfolio.

10-year-old pupil sends message to female teacher asking for indecent photos

theVibes.com:

10-year-old pupil sends message to female teacher asking for indecent photos

Fahmi said the teacher informed him that the incident occurred at her school and that the student involved was a Year Four student.

Updated 15 minutes ago · Published on 06 Dec 2025 10:16PM

"The student is a Year 4 student, so the student must be under the age of 16," Fahmi said today. - December 6, 2025

A TEACHER has lodged a complaint with Communications Minister Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Fadzil that she received a message from a 10-year-old male student asking for indecent photos via the WhatsApp application.

Fahmi said the teacher informed him that the incident occurred at her school and that the student involved was a Year Four student.

"She (the teacher) complained that her student had sent a message to her asking for indecent pictures from the teacher.

"The student is a Year 4 student, so the student must be under the age of 16," Fahmi said today.

According to him, the incident raises big questions since WhatsApp itself sets a minimum age limit of 16 years to use the platform.

"So the question is why did it happen on WhatsApp, how could such a thing happen? There are many examples, but this is one that is very close to me because it came to me," he added.

Asked whether the Ministry of Communications would cooperate with the Ministry of Education, Fahmi said MOE had been informed about the complaint received.

“I believe the MOE is aware of such matters,” he said.

Elaborating further, he said that serious issues like this should be addressed through the proposed restriction on the use of social media by children under 16 years of age.

“We hope that issues like this can be overcome by restrictions on social media and internet messaging systems such as WhatsApp,” he said.

Fahmi previously said that the ban on children aged 16 and below from having their own social media accounts is targeted to be enforced starting next year.

He explained that the move is among initiatives to curb cross-age cybercrime and protect children from the risk of online exploitation and sexual predators.

According to him, among the mechanisms being refined is the implementation of Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification which will be mandatory for social media platforms. – December 6, 2025