PAS has lost hope in Gerakan wooing non-Malays, says analyst

PAS has lost hope in Gerakan wooing non-Malays, says analyst


Yesterday
Chia Wan Rou


Azmil Tayeb says the Islamic party is now looking to its own non-Muslim wing, but Syaza Shukri questions the wing's relevance

The PAS non-Muslim wing held its first convention last weekend after its formal incorporation into the Islamic party as an associate wing in September last year. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: PAS appears to have given up hope on Gerakan wooing the non-Malays for Perikatan Nasional (PN), with the Islamic party shifting its focus to its own non-Muslim wing, says an analyst.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azmil Tayeb said that Gerakan, a founding component of PN, had failed to garner non-Malay support for the coalition. This includes support from the Indians, who have been more open to switching allegiance than the Chinese.

Azmil Tayeb.


“PAS would have noticed the trend of Indian voters, in particular, switching support from Pakatan Harapan to PN in several by-elections.


“And Gerakan is growing irrelevant in PN because it is incapable of competing with DAP, MCA, and MIC in attracting non-Malay voters,” he told FMT.

However, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Gerakan was never relevant in the first place, and that the relevance of PAS’s non-Muslim wing was also unclear.


She viewed Gerakan and the PAS non-Muslim wing as holding different roles, with the latter serving more as an intermediary between the party’s clerical leadership and the non-Muslim community.


“Unlike the wing, Gerakan would not fully support PAS’s agenda as they’re totally different parties.

“But is this PAS non-Muslim wing even relevant in the first place? Perhaps it will hold more relevance than Gerakan just because it bears the PAS name, which is far more prominent in PN,” she said.

The PAS non-Muslim wing held its first convention last weekend following its formal incorporation into the Islamic party as an associate wing in September last year.


Its head, G Balachandran, said PAS must leverage the wing to dispel fears about the party among the non-Malay community.

He added that the wing must must be strengthened not merely as a political support platform, but also as a bridge for national unity and greater interracial understanding.


Syaza said PN could struggle with seat negotiations in future elections when allocating mixed or non-Malay-majority seats.

She pointed out that both PAS and Bersatu have non-Malay associate wings, while PN’s other two components – Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party – are non-Malay-based parties.


This means that all four parties may jostle to contest these seats, she said, adding however that the bigger question was whether they could win their contests.

PN has consistently struggled to win non-Malay support in elections, particularly that of Chinese voters whom pundits say are put off by PAS’s purportedly hardline stance.

Fourth Malaysian‑linked ship transits Strait of Hormuz with Iranian clearance, shipping data shows

Fourth Malaysian‑linked ship transits Strait of Hormuz with Iranian clearance, shipping data shows



A support vessel owned by Malaysian firm Vantris Energy, ‌formerly known as Sapura Energy, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, LSEG shipping data showed today, becoming the fourth ship linked to the country to transit ‌the waterway since the outbreak of the US-Iran war. — Reuters pic

Friday, 15 May 2026 6:57 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — A support vessel owned by Malaysian firm Vantris Energy, ‌formerly known as Sapura Energy, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, LSEG shipping data showed today, becoming the fourth ship linked to the country to transit ‌the waterway since the outbreak of the US-Iran war.

The Sapura 1200 was among seven ships that the Malaysian government had sought permission from Iran to clear the strait, which has been mostly closed off since the conflict broke out in late February disrupting global energy supplies, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The ship made its way through the strait, hewing close to the Iranian coastline, before heading for Oman, entering the Muscat port, LSEG data showed.

Malaysia’s ‌Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in March Iran would allow Malaysian ⁠vessels to pass through the strait ⁠after holding talks with Iranian officials.

Authorities have ⁠said the vessels Malaysia had ⁠asked for clearance include ⁠those owned by Vantris, shipping giant MISC Berhad and state energy firm Petronas.

Other Malaysian-linked ships that have been given clearance so far ⁠include Liberian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Serifos, which exited the strait on April 10.

The tanker, carrying crude loaded from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in early March, discharged its cargo at Malaysia’s Malacca port on April 30.

Another VLCC, Ocean Thunder, loaded with ⁠Iraqi crude and chartered by a unit of Petronas, passed through the strait on April 5 and discharged its cargo of ⁠1 million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude at Malaysia’s Pengerang on April 18.

A ⁠third ⁠vessel Mihzem, carrying Qatari liquefied natural gas and managed by an MISC unit, transited the waterway on Tuesday, becoming the second such cargo to cross ‌under an arrangement involving Iran and Pakistan.

Two other MISC ships remain stuck in the Gulf, according to the sources and shipping data. — Reuters

Trump warns against Taiwan independence after China visit

Trump warns against Taiwan independence after China visit


US President Donald Trump opposed a declaration of independence by Taiwan and appeared to question why the US would defend the island in case of attack

US President Donald Trump said China’s President Xi Jinping (right) had assured him that China was not preparing military aid to Iran. (AFP pic)

BEIJING: US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Taiwan against declaring formal independence after a visit to China, whose leader Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support the self-ruling island.

Trump ended a state visit claiming to have made “fantastic” trade deals, although the details were vague and he did not appear to secure any breakthrough with China over his stalemated war on Iran.

Trump invited Xi to pay a reciprocal visit to Washington in September, signalling both sides will likely seek stability in the often turbulent relationship between the world’s two largest economies.


On a key issue for Xi, Trump made clear he opposed a declaration of independence by Taiwan and appeared to question why the US would defend the island in case of attack.

“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that,” he told Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier”.


“I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” Trump said.

“We’re not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China’s going to be OK with that,” he said.

The US recognises only Beijing and does not support formal independence by Taiwan, but historically has also stopped short of explicitly saying it opposes independence.

Under US law, the US is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island’s aid.


Xi had begun the summit with a warning on Taiwan, whose President Lai Ching-te considers the island already independent, making a declaration unnecessary.

Xi had told Trump that missteps on the sensitive issue could push their two countries into “conflict”.

In a statement focused on an interview a day earlier by state secretary Marco Rubio, who said US policy toward Taipei was unchanged, Taiwan’s foreign ministry thanked the US for showing “it supports and values Taiwan Strait peace and stability”.


No details on ‘fantastic’ deals

Trump said China had agreed to buy 200 “big” Boeing jets as well as American oil and soybeans.

“We’ve made some fantastic trade deals, great for both countries,” he said after a walk with Xi among the rose bushes in the gardens of Zhongnanhai, a central leadership compound next to Beijing’s Forbidden City.

“We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve,” Trump added, without providing specifics.

Xi promised to send Trump rose seeds for the White House Rose Garden and said it was a “milestone visit”.

However, there were no formal announcements from companies or from China on trade deals.

The reserve on the Chinese side echoes the tone of the summit as a whole, where Trump’s overtures to Xi – whom he described as a “great leader” and “friend” – were met with a more muted response from Beijing.

Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, said the trip ultimately was more about setting a tone than about deliverables, which Trump usually seeks.

“Trump got the optics he was looking for and the Chinese were happy to give them to him,” Stokes said.


Little on Iran

Trump had delayed the trip once due to the war in Iran, which has rebuffed his appeals for an agreement and retaliated by exerting control over the key Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices soaring.

Trump said Xi had assured him that China was not preparing military aid to Iran.

Israel has alleged that Beijing has provided key missile technology to Tehran.

The Chinese foreign ministry on Friday released a statement on Iran saying “shipping lanes should be reopened as soon as possible”.

Trump also acknowledged that he could not persuade Xi to free Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon who was imprisoned in a clampdown and whose cause is broadly backed in Washington.

“He told me, Jimmy Lai is a tough one for him to do,” Trump told reporters.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific program, noted that Trump had already sounded half-hearted in his public comments on Lai.

“My sense is that the Chinese see that this is not a top priority for the US,” she said.

“What Trump seems to want most is purchases of American products — that appears to be his highest priority,” she added.

The two leaders had been expected to discuss extending the one-year tariff truce that paused their frenetic 2025 trade war, struck during their last meeting in October.

However, Trump told reporters on the way home that it “wasn’t brought up”.

On the streets of Beijing, reaction to the talks was tepid.

“This meeting could be considered a success – though, to be honest, none of us really had very high expectations to begin with,” Zhang Yong, a 46-year-old IT worker, told AFP.

The End of PKR & the Return of UMNO

 

Dennis Ignatius

 

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The End of PKR & the Return of UMNO

14ThursdayMay 2026

Posted by Dennis Ignatius in Malaysia, Politics

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anwar Ibrahim, GE16, PH, PKR, PN, Reformasi, UMNO, Zahid Hamidi

[1] The political tide appears to be turning rapidly against Anwar Ibrahim and the coalition he leads. The clearest warning sign came from Negeri Sembilan, where UMNO moved to precipitate the collapse of the PH-led state government. This was not merely a state-level quarrel but an unmistakable signal that UMNO is preparing to move against Anwar himself.

[2] After spending the past three years as the junior partner in government — and benefiting enormously from the political lifeline Anwar extended when the party was on the brink of collapse — UMNO now appears convinced that it is strong enough to reclaim power on its own terms.

[3] Ironically, despite its deeply corrupt past and near-death experience only a few years ago, UMNO is beginning to look like the only relatively stable national political force left standing. By contrast, both PH and PN appear increasingly weighed down by internal tensions, policy drift and leadership uncertainty.

[4] PKR, in particular, appears to be facing an existential crisis. Support for the party has declined across virtually every major ethnic group. Leaked internal assessments paint a grim picture, with many PKR MPs at serious risk of losing their seats if elections were held today. The situation in PKR  today is reminiscent of the disarray in UMNO in the runup to GE14; it does not bode well for the party. 

[5] Even more telling is the reported scramble by senior PKR figures for safer seats ––usually in more ethnically mixed constituencies. Having failed to make meaningful inroads into the Malay heartland, the party now appears to be retreating once again to the non-Malay voter base that has long sustained it. This time, however, the ground beneath it looks far less secure.

[6] After years of unmet expectations, broken promises and what many see as an increasingly haughty leadership style, the non-Malay electorate appear to have had enough. The sense of betrayal is palpable, with growing talk of using the ballot box to punish Anwar. Increasingly, he looks less like a transformational leader and more like a one-term prime minister.

[7] At the same time, much of the reformist energy once associated with Anwar appears to be shifting towards Rafizi Ramli, who is increasingly seen as the more credible standard-bearer of reformist hopes. Should he eventually choose to break away or chart an independent political course, it could well deliver the final blow to the current leadership. 

[8] DAP, too, may no longer be in a position to rescue Anwar politically. Its setback in Sabah served as a sobering reminder that its support base can no longer be taken for granted. Anthony Loke is increasingly viewed as overly accommodating and too willing to compromise core principles simply to preserve the coalition government. DAP will likely remain the dominant Chinese party for lack of a credible alternative, but growing frustration among voters could still translate into electoral losses.

[9] Nor is Perikatan Nasional especially well positioned to capitalise on the current political situation. Bersatu appears broken beyond repair, with many members quietly exploring political exits and new alignments. PAS, meanwhile, remains constrained by its inability to broaden its appeal beyond its conservative Malay-Muslim core base. PAS may retain its rural strongholds, but major gains in urban and semi-urban constituencies remain unlikely.

[10] All this leaves Zahid Hamidi and UMNO in an extraordinarily advantageous position. If the courts ultimately uphold Zahid’s DNAA — itself widely seen as another major political concession extracted from Anwar — UMNO’s path back to Putrajaya could become even clearer. The party now has every reason to believe that it could emerge from GE16 as the single largest force in Parliament, even if it falls short of an outright majority.

[11] What makes this moment especially remarkable is its profound irony. After decades of presenting himself as the antidote to UMNO’s corruption, arrogance and abuse of power, Anwar Ibrahim may ultimately be remembered as the man who enabled UMNO’s political resurrection. In rescuing UMNO after GE15, he restored its legitimacy, gave it time to rebuild, and in the process may have brought the reformasi era to its final, dismal end.

Dennis Ignatius | Kuala Lumpur | Thursday, 14 May 2026

FAM must address heritage player controversy before KDN steps in : Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue surrounding seven heritage football players accused of being ineligible must first be reviewed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), before the matter reaches the Home Ministry (KDN). - Bernama pic, May 15, 2026


FAM must address heritage player controversy before KDN steps in : Anwar


Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the controversy surrounding seven ineligible heritage football players should first be addressed internally by FAM before being referred to the Home Ministry, as pressure mounts over citizenship revocation calls and governance concerns in Malaysian football



Sandru Narayanan
Updated 8 hours ago
15 May, 2026
3:47 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – The issue surrounding seven heritage football players accused of being ineligible must first be reviewed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), before the matter reaches the Home Ministry (KDN), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 National Youth Day celebration at X Park Sendayan today, Anwar said the matter should be handled through the proper process before any decision is made.

“Let FAM discuss it first and then submit it to the Home Ministry according to the usual process,” he said briefly.

His remarks come amid continued scrutiny over the eligibility of the seven naturalised players who previously represented the national football team, following questions surrounding documentation and citizenship approval procedures.

The controversy reportedly involves seven players classified under heritage eligibility rules, with concerns raised over whether proper procedures were followed in verifying their citizenship status for international competition.

The issue has triggered widespread debate over governance, transparency, and regulatory oversight within FAM.

Malaysia was reportedly sanctioned by international football authorities following the case, including a ban from the next Asian Cup cycle and other disciplinary measures linked to player eligibility breaches.

The development has sparked concern within the local football fraternity and intensified calls for stricter governance standards in Malaysian football.

Previously, hardcore national team supporters’ group Ultras Malaya demanded that the citizenship of the seven players be revoked.

The supporters’ group issued two demands following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which dismissed the appeal filed by FAM and the seven heritage players.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Ultras Malaya called on those responsible to admit that document falsification had taken place involving the seven players.

The group also demanded that the citizenship of all seven players be revoked immediately.

“Previously, you asked us to wait for FIFA’s decision? We did. Then you asked us to wait for FIFA’s appeal? We did. Then you asked us to wait for the CAS appeal? We did.

“Now it is our turn to ask. Admit that document falsification took place. Revoke the citizenship of the seven individuals involved. Let us resolve this fundamental issue first before discussing anything else,” the group said in the statement.

The CAS ruling in March saw the appeal by FAM and the seven heritage players rejected, effectively upholding the original punishment imposed by FIFA.

The seven players involved are Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Héctor Hevel. – May 15, 2026

Trump says he 'made no commitment either way' to Xi on Taiwan

Trump says he 'made no commitment either way' to Xi on Taiwan

2 hours ago
Ian Aikman

Reuters
China's President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discussed Taiwan during bilateral talks in Beijing


US President Donald Trump has said he has "made no commitment either way" on Taiwan during talks with China's President Xi Jinping.

On the flight back to Washington after the two-day summit in Beijing, Trump told reporters the pair had "talked a lot" about Taiwan - a self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.

Trump said Xi had asked directly if the US would defend Taiwan, and he had responded: "I don't talk about that."

The US president also said he would "make a determination over a fairly short period" on whether to go ahead with previously US announced arms sales to Taiwan which China has condemned.

Taiwan is a long-standing US ally and Washington is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

Successive US administrations have walked a diplomatic tightrope by maintaining that relationship alongside building ties with Beijing.

But that balance has been increasingly tested in recent years as China has ramped up military drills around the island, raising tensions in the region, and rattling Washington.

Late last year, the Trump administration announced an $11bn ($8bn) package of weapons to be sold to Taiwan, including advanced rocket launchers and a variety of missiles.

However on Friday, Trump said he would be "making decisions" on the sale, adding that he would speak to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te first.

"We discussed the Taiwan, you know, the whole thing with the arm sales in great detail," he said, referring to talks with his Chinese host in Beijing.

Xi "feels very strongly" about the island and "doesn't want to see a movement for independence", Trump said.

"I made no commitment either way," Trump added, without elaborating.

"The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations," Xi warned during the talks, according to Chinese state media.

"If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict," he said.

Asked if he foresaw a conflict with China over Taiwan, Trump said: "No, I don't think so. I think we'll be fine. [Xi] doesn't want to see a war."

He added: "On Taiwan, [Xi] does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation, and I heard him out.

"I didn't make a comment on it. I heard him out. I had a lot of respect for him."

Reporters also asked Trump if the US would defend Taiwan should it come under attack.

"I don't want to say that. I'm not going to say that," Trump said. "There's only one person that knows that. You know who it is? Me."

He continued: "That question was asked to me today by President Xi... He asked me if I'd defend them. I said, 'I don't talk about that'."





Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said his team had been monitoring the US-China summit, and had maintained good communication with the US and other countries "to ensure the stable deepening of Taiwan-US relations and safeguard Taiwan's interests".

He said Taiwan had always been a "guardian of peace and stability" in the region and accused China of escalating risk with its "aggressive military actions and authoritarian oppression".

Court rules govt's delisting of liquid, gel nicotine products unlawful, irrational

Court rules govt's delisting of liquid, gel nicotine products unlawful, irrational

Farah Solhi
Published: May 15, 2026 5:29 PM
Updated: 8:01 PM



The government, through the Health Ministry, had acted illegally, irrationally, and without proper consultation with the Poisons Board when it delisted liquid and gel nicotine products from the Poisons List in 2023, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled today.

As such, judge Aliza Sulaiman allowed a judicial review filed by three NGOs against the then health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and the government, who were the first and second respondents.

The NGOs were Voice of Children (VoC), the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MTCT), and the Malaysian Green Lung Association, which filed the legal challenge in July 2023.

Aliza, who delivered her decision in online proceedings, said the matter remains a live issue and was not rendered academic as the delisting has not been repealed despite the enactment of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

She found that Zaliha’s decision to delist the products used in vape and e-cigarettes was primarily driven by economic considerations linked to the imposition of tax on vape products in Budget 2023.

Zaliha’s affidavit, she said, is evidence that the tax exemption was introduced to enable the government to tax vape products, which contain nicotine, with the resulting revenue to be channelled to health initiatives.

“Despite recognising that electronic cigarettes and vape liquids are dangerous to health and that Malaysia is obliged to regulate and restrict their supply, sale, and use, the first respondent (Zaliha) proceeded to make the impugned order to give effect to the decision regarding taxation,” said Aliza.

Loophole

The court further found that the tax exemption had created a legal loophole before the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 came into effect in October 2024.

She also said that the Health Ministry’s consultation with the Poisons Board regarding the delisting decision did not meet the requirements under Section 6 of the Poisons Act.

This is because, she said, there was no physical meeting between Zaliha and the board, and there was no further discussion after the board unanimously rejected the delisting proposal.

The consultation, she added, was merely a formal legal compliance as the outcome was effectively predetermined.

“If I can put it rather crudely, it was almost like a done deal,” she said, making no order as to costs.

The NGOs contended in their legal challenge that Zaliha did not properly consider and engage with the Poisons Board over its unanimous vote against the nicotine exemption.

The groups claimed the minister’s actions are irrational, as the exemption would lead to electronic cigarettes and vapes with nicotine being freely sold to children.

Former health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa


The Health Ministry, on March 31, 2023, exempted nicotine from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act to introduce a new bill to regulate smoking products and devices, including nicotine in liquids and gels used in e-cigarettes and vapes.

Subsequently, Zaliha, on April 1, assured that vape liquids and related products would be regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

Flood retention pond probe: MACC says NFA while minister awaits update

Flood retention pond probe: MACC says NFA while minister awaits update

B Nantha Kumar
Published: May 15, 2026 5:43 PM
Updated: 7:43 PM



The MACC found no corrupt elements in the Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) approval of development projects near six flood retention ponds in the city centre.

Its senior director of investigations Hafaz Nazar said they have opened an investigation after receiving complaints in 2022, which alleged potential abuse of power by DBKL officers and the city's Irrigation and Drainage Department in approving the projects between 2015 and 2021.

“Among the allegations that we investigated are the change of land status of several areas located near flood retention ponds in the capital city, including at Taman Wahyu.

"MACC has carried out a thorough investigation based on documents and statements that we recorded, before submitting our investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor in 2023.

"Based on the investigations, we did not find any element of corruption and the case has been classified as no further action," Hafaz (above) said in a statement.

Hafaz added that MACC, however, has reminded DBKL to tighten its monitoring of development projects near the ponds to ensure contractors follow the set rules and specifications.

His statement came after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh told a press conference earlier today that she was still waiting for an update on the case from the MACC.

Hannah Yeoh


"At the time, we were the opposition, and I also lodged a report with the MACC.

"So, I need to get an update from the MACC before I comment," she said when asked about the status of the probe.

In 2021, the media reported Yeoh urging the MACC to take immediate action over the allegations, which she said compromised the actual purpose of the ponds.

She also reportedly said the 2019 Auditor-General’s Report revealed that between 2015 and 2020, the mayor approved 943 planning permissions that were not in line with the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020.

In January 2022, then-MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said his team would investigate the matter from various angles, including possible elements of corruption and abuse of power.

Pardons Board meeting today? I wasn't aware, says minister

Pardons Board meeting today? I wasn't aware, says minister

B Nantha Kumar
Published: May 15, 2026 3:16 PM
Updated: 6:05 PM



Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said she had no information regarding any meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board.

“I was not aware that an FT Pardons Board meeting would be held today,” she told reporters briefly after attending the launch of the North Segambut KTMB Station in Kuala Lumpur. Also present was Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Earlier, rumours circulated that the meeting would convene today to discuss former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s latest pardon application.

This followed a report by a portal claiming that a retired judge and a former senior police officer had been appointed to the board, enabling the board to resume hearing the pardon petition.

Under Article 42(6) of the Federal Constitution, board members are appointed for a three-year term and can be reappointed.

Yeoh sits on the board in her capacity as the federal territories minister.

Launch of the North Segambut KTMB Station in Kuala Lumpur today


Previously, Free Malaysia Today reported that Najib had submitted a fresh pardon application to the board during the Ramadan month, around March 2026, with a copy also sent to Istana Negara.

The application reportedly sought a full discharge from all criminal convictions. However, it remains unclear whether the application concerns both the SRC International and 1MDB cases.

However, senior lawyer Shafee Abdullah denied that a new pardon application had been filed by Najib, who is currently serving his sentence at Kajang Prison.

Conviction, reduction, and royal addendum

Najib was convicted in 2020 on seven charges involving abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering linked to RM42 million in SRC funds.

He was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and fined RM210 million. The son of Malaysia’s second prime minister began serving his prison sentence after all appeals were dismissed by the Federal Court.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak


However, in 2024, the Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced Najib’s prison sentence to six years, while the fine was reduced to RM50 million following his earlier pardon application.

Najib filed a judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court the same year, claiming an addendum issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong allowed him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

On Dec 22 last year, judge Alice Loke dismissed the application, ruling that the addendum was invalid under the law. Najib has appealed the decision.

Flood retention pond case

In a separate development, Yeoh, who is also the Segambut MP, said she is still waiting for an MACC report regarding investigations into allegations that six flood retention ponds around the capital had their land status changed to allow for development projects.

“At the time, we were the opposition, and I also lodged a report with the MACC.

“So I need to get an update from the MACC before I comment,” she said when asked about the status of the probe.

In 2021, local media reported that Yeoh had urged the MACC to take immediate action over the allegations, which she said contradicted the actual purpose of the ponds.

She also reportedly said the 2019 Auditor-General’s Report revealed that between 2015 and 2020, the mayor approved 943 planning permissions that were not in line with the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020.

Subsequently, in January 2022, then chief commissioner Azam Baki said the MACC would investigate the matter from various angles, including possible elements of corruption and abuse of power.

PAS, not Bersatu, should leave PN, says analyst

PAS, not Bersatu, should leave PN, says analyst


Yesterday
Nur Alif Hazmi and Fatin Ahmad Darji


Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri says the Islamic party should disassociate itself from Bersatu’s internal conflict

Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said PAS should also leave PN to drive home the point that upholding its principles is more important than obtaining power.

PETALING JAYA: An analyst has suggested that PAS quit Perikatan Nasional (PN) to disassociate itself from Bersatu’s internal conflict and focus on becoming a dominant party.

Global Asia Consulting’s Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said the Islamic party should also leave the opposition coalition to drive home the point that upholding its principles is more important than obtaining power.

He said PAS could also start over and would be free to form political alliances once it exits PN.

“They (PAS) don’t need to wait for a ‘crumbling’ Bersatu. PAS can leave PN in a dignified manner and join forces with other parties and a more stable bloc,” he told FMT, adding that PN would be weakened if PAS left the coalition.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri.


“PN would be immediately crippled as Bersatu has lost all credibility and will sink without support from PAS.”

Zaharuddin was commenting on a call by Tengku Fakhruddin Fauzi of PAS for Bersatu to leave PN over its recent expulsions and suspensions of party members.

Tengku Fakhruddin later said that his remarks were his personal view and did not represent PAS.

Bersatu began carrying out a series of expulsions and suspensions on May 8, citing breaches of the party constitution, ethics, and conduct. The internal tensions also saw Hamzah Zainudin, the then deputy president, sacked from the party.

Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan meanwhile brushed off Tengku Fakhruddin’s remark, describing it as a jab at Bersatu that should not be taken seriously.

Azmi Hassan.


He also said that the suggestion made little sense.

“To suggest that Bersatu leave PN because it sacked its members is baseless as the two are not connected. It would have made sense for him to ask Bersatu to leave if the party was weakening PN.”

He added that the sacking or suspension of members was an internal matter, not a main factor in determining the standing of a party in a coalition.

Azmi said it would have been better for Tengku Fakhruddin to urge PAS to leave PN on the grounds that the coalition had been weakened by Bersatu’s internal strife.

Pahang govt to meet natural resources ministry over river sand exports

Pahang govt to meet natural resources ministry over river sand exports


Menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail says this is to help safeguard the state’s interests

Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the issue of the state’s river sand exports should not be viewed strictly through the lens of commercial profit. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Pahang government will meet the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry next week to discuss the management and export of the state’s river sand.

Menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the discussion would help safeguard state interests, ensure public wellbeing, and optimise state revenue.

“This issue should not be polemicised or viewed strictly through the lens of commercial profit.

“It must be understood in the broader context of environmental management, flood mitigation, industrial sustainability, economic development, and state revenue,” Bernama reported him as saying in his winding-up speech at the state assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang today.

On May 8, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, expressed disappointment over the federal government’s ban on river sand exports, saying it had affected state revenue.

Tengku Hassanal said Pahang, which has the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, has substantial sand deposits that need dredging to ensure smooth river flow and prevent flooding.

He said the state previously generated tens of millions of ringgit in revenue through sand exports to other countries, but the federal government has since banned the practice, despite land and sand resources 

falling under state jurisdiction.

***

Wah, siapa yang mendorong penjualan pasir Pahang???

Norway says defence tech limited to ‘allies, closest partners’

Norway says defence tech limited to ‘allies, closest partners’


The Norwegian foreign affairs ministry says the changing security landscape in Europe and globally led to its ban on export of naval strike missiles

The NSM procurement contract, valued at €124 million (RM571.9 million), was signed in April 2018 to equip the navy’s six new littoral combat ships. (Kongsberg Defence pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Norwegian government said exports of its defence technology would be limited to its “allies and closest partners”, following its decision to cancel the export permit for a series of missiles to Malaysia.

Norway’s foreign affairs ministry said the changing security landscape in Europe and globally led to its decision to revoke the export licence for the naval strike missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems.

“The government has, therefore, over time, worked to strengthen controls on defence technology developed in Norway.


“Exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegian-developed defence technologies will be limited to our allies and closest partners,” Malaysiakini quoted the ministry as saying.

According to missile manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the NSM procurement contract, valued at €124 million (RM571.9 million), was signed in April 2018 to equip six new littoral combat ships (LCS).


Norway’s decision to cancel the contract was criticised by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who branded the decision as unacceptable.

Anwar said Malaysia had faithfully honoured every obligation under the contract since 2018, while Norway “has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith”.

He said signed contracts were solemn instruments, “not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner”.

“If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window,” he said.


The government is mulling legal action over the matter.

According to the US Naval Institute, the NSMs had been scheduled for delivery to Malaysia in early March. It said Malaysian officials were, however, “notified of unspecified delays”.

It said Norway’s decision to revoke the licence may be related to the NSM utilising a US-made gyroscope component that the US is now restricting exportation of to third parties.

DAP veteran urges party leaders to stop public attacks on Penang govt

DAP veteran urges party leaders to stop public attacks on Penang govt


Phee Boon Poh says there is a difference between offering constructive views and continuously pressuring one’s own government and chief minister publicly

Phee Boon Poh said the public expects DAP to provide stability, mature leadership and responsible governance. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A DAP veteran has urged senior party leaders to stop publicly attacking the Penang government, warning that such actions could weaken both the unity government and the party’s standing in the state.

Former Penang executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said while differing views and constructive criticism are normal in a democratic party, this is different to continuously pressuring one’s own government and chief minister publicly.

“It is difficult for the grassroots and public to understand why certain matters are not first properly discussed internally through the established avenues instead of being repeatedly raised in the public arena and state assembly,” he said in a statement.


Phee said the public expects DAP to provide stability, mature leadership and responsible governance, not “continuous public attacks against our own party-led state government”.

He defended Chow Kon Yeow, saying the Penang chief minister exercised considerable patience, restraint and professionalism while leading the state government despite provocation.

“If there were genuine concerns regarding government matters, I also believe such issues should first be raised through internal discussions and party-government channels,” he said.

While Phee did not mention who his statement was directed at, it came a day after Chow locked horns with his predecessor and DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng over the state’s decision to reject an RM818 million bid for the Batu Kawan Industrial Park project.

The exchange occurred during Chow’s winding-up speech in the state assembly as he replied to questions about the Penang Development Corporation.

Chow and Lim had also exchanged statements and comments against each other over several other issues, including quit rent in Penang, previously.

Phee said that at a time when external political forces are trying to weaken both the unity government and Penang’s stability, DAP leaders must show maturity, discipline and collective responsibility.

‘No generation can lead forever’

Phee also said every political party must eventually give way to new leadership and create space for the next generation to grow, gain experience, and assume greater responsibilities.

“No leader is bigger than the party, and no generation can lead forever,” he said.

He said younger DAP leaders were already carrying major responsibilities in government and at the grassroots level under increasingly difficult political and economic conditions.

“They should be guided and strengthened, not constantly subjected to internal public attacks and political manoeuvring,” he said.

***

Beh tahan Guanee's bad behaviour liao lah 😡😡😡

Hannah Yeoh says MACC report on shrinking KL retention ponds lodged in 2021

Hannah Yeoh says MACC report on shrinking KL retention ponds lodged in 2021



Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh attended the launch of the Segambut Utara Railways Station in Kuala Lumpur today. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Friday, 15 May 2026 12:05 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Hannah Yeoh today revealed that a report over Kuala Lumpur’s shrinking flood retention ponds had already been lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2021.

She said the complaint was filed after the massive floods that hit the capital that year, and that she is still waiting for the outcome of investigations.

“Actually, even before becoming the government, we had already lodged a report with the MACC,” Yeoh told reporters after officiating the privately funded Segambut Utara KTM station here when asked if she would push authorities to investigate the matter.

“The report was made back in 2021 when the massive floods hit Kuala Lumpur. So of course, I also want to know the outcome of the investigation into that issue,” she added.


Three days ago, Yeoh ordered a halt to all development approvals involving land surrounding the Jinjang and Batu flood retention ponds after revealing the sites had shrunk to just 30 per cent of their original size.

She also disclosed that 17 lots of retention pond land had been “alienated” to developers, with one parcel already developed.

A technical assessment by Kuala Lumpur’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage found that the completed development had become a serious obstruction to maintenance and servicing works at the retention ponds.


Kuala Lumpur City Hall has since frozen all development applications involving the remaining plots, with future approvals subject to strict requirements imposed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.

Asked why the land had been transferred to developers and whether the move was legal, Yeoh said the approvals were made by the Cabinet at the time.

Former Federal Territories minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor has denied knowledge of the land transfers.

Anthony Loke labels backlash against UEC public university access an attempt to politicise education

Anthony Loke labels backlash against UEC public university access an attempt to politicise education



Transport Minister Anthony Loke (centre) speaking to reporters at the launch of the Segambut Utara Railways Station in Kuala Lumpur, today. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Friday, 15 May 2026 2:21 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke today slammed criticism over the move to open public universities to graduates of Chinese Independent High Schools (SMPC) and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders, describing it as an attempt to politicise education.

Yesterday, the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) announced that students from outside the national education system, including UEC holders, would be allowed to enrol in public universities, marking a watershed decision as the UEC system has long been a flashpoint in race relations.

Some groups alleged that the move promotes Chinese chauvinism, an accusation UEC advocates have described as baseless.

“I find it strange that some parties are protesting this government commitment. They are opposing people’s access to education,” Loke said at a press conference here.

“In fact, we want to increase educational access so that we can educate these children to receive a better education. If they oppose this, it shows that they are denying our children’s right to study at a higher level,” he added.

“This is a government commitment, just as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last January.”

Shortly after the announcement, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari reportedly claimed that opening opportunities for UEC students to pursue studies at public universities (IPTA) was a “magic trick” tactic by the government to expand educational access for students from that stream.

He claimed that combining tahfiz graduates and UEC holders under the same announcement was a subtle attempt to legitimise the admission of UEC students into public universities.

Under the new framework, students from these streams who possess a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate may apply for any study programme offered through the standard UPUOnline system.

Their applications will be considered based on merit alongside other candidates, subject to meeting the general and specific programme requirements.

The second pathway involves applicants without a full SPM certificate but who have passed the Bahasa Melayu and History papers. The ministry said a new pathway has been created for them to apply for a specific list of relevant degree and diploma programmes.

For religious and tahfiz school graduates under this second pathway, the identified programmes include studies in Dakwah (Islamic Outreach), Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and Tahfiz Education.

***

By DNA, ultra right wing pollies like to char-koay-teow with every possible issues that can flame-up ethnic emotions and hatred (and thus win votes).

The only way to neutralise those frigging Pontianak-ish-blood-suckers would be to confront them with bowls of B-K-T or/and handfuls of chee-yeow-char, wakakaka

Jho Low pardon bid: Anwar says ‘we are not going that route’, leaves US decision to Washington

Jho Low pardon bid: Anwar says ‘we are not going that route’, leaves US decision to Washington



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Jho Low’s bid for Trump pardon is ‘the US’ business’ but rules out any chance the fugitive will receive one in Malaysia. — Bernama pic

Friday, 15 May 2026 3:05 PM MYT


SEREMBAN, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will not consider any pardon application involving fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.

He said the matter was a non-issue for the Malaysian Government as court proceedings involving the individual were still ongoing.

“It’s a non-issue. We are not going to consider that. No,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 National Youth Day (HBN) celebration here today.

Asked whether the government would formally oppose any move by the United States (US) regarding the matter, Anwar said: “As far as we are concerned, we are not going that route...but of course, what the US decides is their own business.”


The Prime Minister also said that he was unaware of any pardon application submitted by Jho Low.

“We have made it very clear, it’s a non-issue. Even if he has submitted an application (for pardon), it’s not an issue that we should discuss because he is still undergoing this process in court,” he said.

Two days ago, foreign media reported that Jho Low, who has been accused by the US of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history, had allegedly filed a pardon application to US President Donald Trump several weeks ago.


According to the report, approval of the application would result in the US criminal charges against Jho Low being dropped.

The report also stated that the US Department of Justice website listed an application filed under the name Taek Jho Low this year as “pending” for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence”.

The businessman was charged in 2018 with misappropriating about US$4.5 billion (RM17.7 billion) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, but remains at large and wanted by authorities. — Bernama

***

And if the wanks were to 'pardon' him, M'sia will send its elite commando team comprising Feefeedaus Wangkee, Reeduanee Tits, Kong Kali Kong captained by Dr Akamalee to 'forcefully' repatriate him 😂😂😂👍👍👍

Ibrahim wants to drag M'sia back into authoritarianism

Ibrahim wants to drag M'sia back into authoritarianism

Published: May 13, 2026 8:33 AM
Updated: 11:49 AM



YOURSAY | ‘His ideas belong in the dustbin of history.’

Putra moots harsher than ISA law to defend royal institution



Knucklehead2: Empowering police to detain suspects without trial and whipping repeat offenders is the sickest throwback from a hopeless politician who lacks principles.

Putra president Ibrahim Ali wants to drag Malaysia back into the darkest corners of authoritarianism, dressing it up as “defending the royal institution”. But laws that allow detention without trial are not about respect - they are about silencing dissent and crushing freedom.

The Malay rulers are merely human. To criminalise criticism with whipping and indefinite detention is not sanctity - it is tyranny.

This is nothing more than a desperate politician pandering to shallow followers who thrive on fear and outrage. His ideas belong in the dustbin of history, not in the future of Malaysia.

Sealthedeal: Ibrahim has definitely lost the plot. Giving police powers of detention and whipping without trial is a non-starter in any modern democracy.

Royals should not be immune to criticism, satire, or even lampooning. They function within a constitutional monarchy system and are ultimately answerable to the rakyat.

They are not above scrutiny simply because of birth or status. They have a constitutional role and responsibilities to fulfil, just like elected leaders and public institutions.

Freethinker: The Internal Security Act (ISA) was originally intended to handle matters related to national security, not to indefinitely detain disgruntled individuals.

The last I checked, the ultras are very against any detention without trial when it comes to Israel and other authoritarian states.

We are supposed to be a democratic country that respects human rights and the rule of law. In reality, what Malaysia needs are laws that protect minorities who are being “bullied” day in and day out into silence, not more draconian powers for the state.

GP2025: What utter rubbish. Will Malays supposedly “go amok” without punitive laws against lawful criticism? This man from an undeveloped political era is, in fact, affirming the stereotype that Malays cannot control themselves at the slightest provocation.

I doubt most Malays agree with him. Malaysians today are far more educated, rational, and capable of engaging in debate without violence.

AyamKambingBack: Our priority should instead be to enact much harsher laws against corruptors who rob the rakyat and destroy public trust. Corruption has done far more damage to Malaysia than criticism of royalty ever could.

Those who steal billions from the public purse weaken institutions, destroy the economy, and undermine confidence in democracy itself.

Yet politicians seem more obsessed with policing speech than with fighting corruption seriously. Ordinary Malaysians struggle with rising costs of living while elites debate how to punish critics more severely.

If there is public anger today, it is largely because people see double standards everywhere.

World Citizen: Perhaps lawmakers should instead introduce laws against those who constantly make extreme racist and religious remarks that divide Malaysians.

The country is exhausted from endless race and religion politics used to manipulate emotions. Leaders should focus on unity, economic recovery, education, and institutional reform instead of reviving authoritarian ideas.

HoyoHoyo: Hello Ibrahim, your religious and racial rhetoric is provocative towards the non-Malays. There were Bible-burning threats, the white ang pow incident during a Chinese New Year event, and a warning issued to the Chinese community ahead of the Bersih rally.

Proposing whipping for insulting royalty is another useless rhetoric to the Malay community. Neither does it increase any communal support for Perkasa.

Robbie98: I wonder what inspired this outburst. No Malaysian in his right mind goes out of his way to insult the royal institution. Having said that, we also believe in the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

I presume Ibrahim and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would subscribe to the same principles.

Detention under the ISA for two years at the will of a senior police officer without trial is surely draconian and takes us back to the dark ages.

Malaysia has spent decades trying to reform its institutions and move away from abuse of power.

We should not casually flirt with laws that were once feared by generations of Malaysians. Take a break from “amok politics” and stop inflaming emotions for cheap political mileage.

Just A Malaysian: The increasingly educated masses of all races are becoming more critical and vocal, especially among younger Malaysians.

The royal institution itself must also undergo positive changes in line with the times. Respect today is earned through wisdom, integrity, and public conduct, not through fear or coercion.

The sultan of Perak is a good example of commanding respect by articulating issues intelligently and offering thoughtful guidance for the rakyat.

Recommending draconian laws to protect the royal institution may instead alienate the rakyat and damage the institution further.

Ibrahim appears completely out of touch with Gen Z and should seriously consider retirement instead of proposing laws better suited for another era.