Police have arrested at least 139 people after protesters defied a warning not to attend a rally in London against the proscription of Palestine Action, which is classified as a “terrorist” organisation under United Kingdom law.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the United States embassy on Saturday to oppose the ban, which came into effect in July last year under the government of then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The demonstration comes ahead of a Supreme Court appeal on Wednesday challenging the campaign group’s proscription.
In a post on X on Saturday evening, London’s Metropolitan Police said “139 people have now been arrested”, up from the 48 it said it detained earlier in the day. “The majority of arrests have been for expressing support for a proscribed organisation,” it said.
Responding to the police statement, Labour Party MP John McDonnell posted on X, saying someone protesting against the government’s decision to proscribe an organisation cannot be “automatically interpreted” as them supporting that organisation and “therefore committing an arrestable offence”.
He added that he believes the government “made the wrong decision in proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation”.
Saturday’s rally is the first mass protest against the proscription since Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed office in July.
The decision to designate the group a “terrorist” organisation has triggered uproar among sections of British society, with critics arguing that it is part of a wider crackdown aimed at silencing pro-Palestine voices. The proscription means Palestine Action has been added to a list of banned organisations that also includes al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
UK ‘appeasing Trump and Israeli weapons companies’
Protesters also gathered outside the US consulate in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. There have been no reports of arrests there.
Demonstrators in both London and Edinburgh could be seen holding placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
Defend Our Juries, which organised the protests, said Saturday’s arrests took the total number of people detained for defying the Palestine Action ban to more than 4,000 since July 2025.
“It is truly dystopian that there have now been over 4,000 arrests under terror laws for peaceful vigils silently expressing opposition to genocide and support for the protest group Palestine Action,” a spokesperson for the group said, as reported by UK news agency Press Association.
“The ban on Palestine Action was straight out of [US President Donald] Trump’s playbook, so it’s fitting that this significant milestone has been reached on Halloween and outside the US embassy,” the spokesperson added, saying the proscription was about the UK government “appeasing Trump and the Israeli weapons companies that Palestine Action disrupted, not about any kind of terrorist threat”.
Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s head of communications and campaigns, also called on the government to reverse Palestine Action’s proscription.
“The sight yet again of grandparents, teenagers and everyone in between being hauled into police vans for peacefully holding placards is a disgraceful attack on freedom of speech,” Jakens said in response to the arrests on Saturday.
“It’s past time for the government to drop the proscription of Palestine Action and reform our laws so that communities have more power to demonstrate on the issues they care about, not less.”
Transport Minister Anthony Loke speaks during the presentation of special financial assistance to taxi, rented car, and school bus drivers at the Seremban City Council Hall in Seremban on October 22, 2026. — Bernama pic
First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 1:05 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has challenged MCA president Wee Ka Siong to a public debate to compare their respective track records as the head of the Transport Ministry.
Loke, the current minister, simultaneously dismissed Wee's recent call for a debate between DAP’s Bandar Hilir incumbent, Leng Chau Yen, and her MCA challenger, Jasmine Lok.
The DAP leader accused the MCA chief of bullying, claiming Wee was attempting to exploit Leng’s speech impediment, FMT reported.
He stressed that her condition has never hindered her ability to serve the people of Bandar Hilir over the last five years.
“She has proven herself, she has been there for one term. So, why is Wee only singling her out? Why not other constituencies? He is being unfair and was trying to be a bully,” Loke told reporters at a press conference after officiating the Federal Territories DAP convention today.
Loke pivoted the confrontation toward his own performance, offering to face Wee directly.
“If he wishes for a debate, I can debate him anytime on transport issues,” he said.
Earlier, during his convention speech, Loke urged MCA to “take us on everywhere” if the party genuinely wanted to challenge DAP.
“I can also debate with (Wee). What did you do as transport minister compared with what I have done as transport minister? We are not afraid to be challenged,” he said.
Loke first held the transport portfolio from 2018 to 2020 before the Pakatan Harapan-led federal administration collapsed.
Wee took over the role until late 2022, and Loke was reappointed in December of that year following the formation of the unity government.
Picture for illustration purposes. A chicken processing plant in Kampung Sri Aman Hilir here, raided during Op Taring Chiller, is believed to have the capacity to process more than 40,000 chickens a day, while allegedly using electrical voltage far exceeding the prescribed limit for the slaughtering method. — Picture by Firdaus Latif
First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 1:39 PM MYT
PUCHONG, Nov 1 — A chicken processing plant in Kampung Sri Aman Hilir here, raided during Op Taring Chiller, is believed to have the capacity to process more than 40,000 chickens a day, while allegedly using electrical voltage far exceeding the prescribed limit for the slaughtering method.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) deputy director (Operations) Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said preliminary investigations found that the live chickens were sourced from Sungai Sepat, Sungai Pelek and Sepang before being processed at the plant.
He said the processed chickens were then believed to have been distributed to customers, including eateries, grocery shops and business premises in Damansara, Bangi, Puchong, Cheras, Putra Perdana and Putrajaya.
“Based on the machine’s capacity, the premises can process more than 40,000 chickens a day. However, the actual number processed is still under investigation.
“We are also identifying the entire supply and distribution network, including the premises receiving chicken supplies from the plant,” he told a press conference after inspecting the plant here today.
Commenting on the water-bath stunning method used at the plant, Muhammad said investigations found that the premises had allegedly used electrical voltage exceeding the prescribed limit, resulting in the chickens dying before the slaughtering process.
He said inspections found that a voltage of 60 volts was used at the first gate near the front section, while 130 volts was applied at the second gate in the middle section, whereas the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) stipulates that the voltage used for the method must be below 10 volts.
“This is a matter of grave concern as the slaughtering method is one of the key elements in determining the halal status of a chicken product,” he said.
He said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) had previously issued several notices and reminders for the plant, which had been operating for more than 10 years, to comply with the prescribed procedures, but it had continued to fail to do so.
During the raid at 12.40am last Friday, police also arrested 12 Bangladeshi men who were found to be without valid travel documents. They have been remanded for 14 days from yesterday until November 13.
The premises’ owner, a local man in his early 30s, also had his statement recorded, while further action will be determined based on the outcome of the investigation, including his role and involvement in the plant’s operations.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment (DOE) issued a notice to impound the operational equipment at the premises, while the seized chickens were temporarily placed at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in Shah Alam pending disposal.
The media had earlier reported that more than 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken worth RM85,400 were seized during the integrated operation over suspicions that they had been processed in breach of Islamic slaughtering requirements and halal certification standards.
The case is being investigated under Section 3(1)(A) and Section 4(1) of the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, as well as Section 38(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. — Bernama
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Both surprised and impressed that halal specifications allowed the water-bath stunning method used to be sub 10 volts - didn't realise that electricity existed aeons back.
A general view of George Town July 19, 2022. The Penang Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia has identified 51 areas across the state as high-risk flash flood hotspots and stepped up daily patrols in preparation for the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 12:28 PM MYT
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 1 — The Penang Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) has identified 51 areas across the state as high-risk flash flood hotspots and stepped up daily patrols in preparation for the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon (MTL).
Its director, Mohamad Shoki Hamzah, said Seberang Perai Tengah recorded the highest number of hotspots at 18, followed by Barat Daya (13), Timur Laut (10), Seberang Perai Utara (six) and Seberang Perai Selatan (six).
On the island, areas receiving particular attention include Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Patani, Jalan Mahsuri and the vicinity of Teluk Kumbar, including Kampung Paya and Kampung Suluk, as well as Balik Pulau.
“In Seberang Perai, high-risk areas include Sungai Jawi, Kampung Valdor, Sungai Juru, the area around SP Arena, Sungai Jarak in Tasek Gelugor, and several villages in Bertam, including Kampung Permatang Saga and Kampung Lahar Tiang,” he told Bernama.
He said daily patrols and continuous monitoring were being conducted at the identified locations to enable fire and rescue personnel to respond promptly to flash floods or rising river levels.
To ensure operational readiness, Mohamad Shoki said the department was maintaining at least 80 per cent of its personnel on duty at fire stations, with leave applications strictly regulated throughout the monsoon season.
He said the department had also conducted a Flood Operation Logistics Testing and Inspection Day (MTL Log Day) simultaneously at all fire stations yesterday to assess the readiness of its assets and equipment.
“The inspections covered rescue boats, land-based machinery, utility vehicles and supporting equipment, including personal flotation devices (PFDs) and chainsaws.
“Testing is essential to ensure that all assets are in optimal condition and functioning properly,” he said.
He added that the department’s Water Rescue Team (PPDA) had undergone intensive refresher training at Pulau Kendi in mid-October to enhance its technical skills, diving capabilities and ability to conduct water-based victim evacuation operations.
Meanwhile, Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said a meeting of the Penang Contingent-level Disaster Operations Response Committee was held last Friday to strengthen the preparedness of the police and relevant agencies for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon.
He said the discussions focused on human resource capacity, the readiness of assets and logistics, and inter-agency coordination in responding to potential disasters.
“The discussions also centred on refining disaster response plans, coordinating operational assignments and resource allocation, ensuring readiness for rescue operations, and enhancing communication channels between agencies,” he said. — Bernama
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un previously oversaw a cluster-bomb missile test in April, accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae. He was not reported to have attended the latest test. — KCNA file pic
First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 10:18 AM MYT
SEOUL, Nov 1 — North Korea test-fired cluster-bomb warheads, its state media reported today, the latest in a slew of weapons drills aimed at training its military units on using them.
The test, conducted yesterday, came after the nuclear-armed North recently trialled a range of weaponry including attack drones, a new precision-guided torpedo system and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.
It also came against the backdrop of growing tensions over a landmine explosion along the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas that saw three South Korean soldiers wounded.
The North has denied responsibility and vowed to further fortify its border areas and resume its loudspeaker campaign.
Yesterday’s test was conducted to “assess adaptation to combat and power of a cluster-bomb warhead to be tipped on tactical ballistic missiles”, the official Korean Central News Agency reported today.
Officials said it confirmed the weapon “is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 12 to 13 hectares with its highest-density power”.
“Within this year we will enable units to select and use all those types according to operational aims and specific features of targets,” said the general director of the North’s Missile Administration.
Photos released by KCNA showed a projectile firing from a mobile launcher, with an orange exhaust plume. Another image showed multiple cluster-bomb impacts on an island target.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not present yesterday, although he had overseen a test-launch of cluster-bomb warheads mounted on a ballistic missile in April, accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae. — AFP
Gerakan and MIPP seem perfectly content to sit in the back seat of a driverless car heading straight towards a cliff.
From Moaz Nair
If you ever feel ignored at work, underappreciated by your friends or are generally invisible to the human eye, take comfort. You could be the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) or Gerakan.
In the grand corporate hierarchy of Perikatan Nasional (PN), these two are the interns who don’t get invited to the lunch table, yet somehow believe they are next in line for the CEO’s position.
To say that MIPP and Gerakan bring no clout to PN is a profound insult to the word clout.
They are the political equivalents of plastic indoor plants – supposed to add a splash of “multiracial colour” to a very green room – except the plants have withered, the owners keep forgetting to water them and the landlords are currently trying to evict the entire building.
The political future of these minority component parties in PN has become one of the most ironic talking points in modern Malaysian politics. Critics, political analysts and observers frequently debate their position, although “debate” might be too active a word. It is more akin to watching two passengers argue over who gets the window seat on a bus that has already driven off a cliff.
MIPP: from bold newcomers to zero-vote club
Let’s start with MIPP, the bold newcomers whose political future in PN is currently the hottest topic among three guys at a coffee shop. MIPP entered the scene with the explosive energy of a damp firecracker. At its grand electoral debut in Johor, it contested five seats and managed a spectacular, flawless clean sweep of losing their deposits in all five.
MIPP’s standing within a major coalition remains precarious precisely because it has demonstrated a rare, mathematically impressive lack of an independent base. Yet, MIPP’s confidence remains unshaken by minor details like numerical reality.
Recently, the party announced it would completely sit out the Nov 14 Melaka state election after seat distribution talks with the PN leadership broke down. The official reason? President P Punithan bravely declared that the party refuses to compromise its dignity or accept “irrelevant” seats just to field candidates.
Translation: PN offered it a constituency consisting entirely of three palm trees and a stray cat, and MIPP chose “dignity” over another hefty loss of deposit. This breakdown signals deep friction over how minority component parties are treated by the dominant Malay-Muslim parties in PN.
The ideological mismatch here is staggering. MIPP is trying to pitch a minority-interest narrative in a coalition heavily dominated by PAS’s religious and conservative Malay narratives. It’s like trying to sell vegan burgers at a Texas steakhouse and acting surprised when the chef throws a spatula at you. It is incredibly difficult for a minority-interest party like MIPP to gain genuine traction among non-Muslim voters while standing next to politicians who view secularism as a design flaw.
Ultimately, MIPP’s decision to bypass Melaka highlights the ongoing, tragicomic struggle for minor non-Malay component parties to find an equal voice in a house that doesn’t even know they are in the room.
Gerakan: master of the secular submissive
Then we have Gerakan, the veteran master of political irrelevance. The argument that Gerakan has no future in PN is a view increasingly shared by political analysts, critics, and even internal party factions who have grown tired of buying antacids in bulk.
Political observers highlight several compounding crises that threaten Gerakan’s long-term viability in the coalition. First and foremost is its utter inability to attract non-Malay voters. Gerakan originally joined PN to serve as its non-Malay face, a bridge to the cynical urban electorate. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale, repeatedly failing to win over non-Malay voters from Pakatan Harapan, particularly DAP.
This has trapped it in the “shadow dilemma” – a polite academic term for operating entirely in the shadow of its larger partners, PAS and Bersatu. Because Gerakan brings minimal electoral data or seat victories to the table, its leverage in PN is roughly equivalent to a discount voucher that expired during the Asian financial crisis.
The ideological friction between Gerakan’s secular principles and PAS’s Islamic stance peaked hilariously during the school brewery donation saga. When PAS attacked the fund-raising, Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong threatened to exit the coalition over “extreme” demands. PAS responded with a collective yawn, and Gerakan naturally stayed – proving that its red lines are drawn in invisible ink.
Naturally, this masterclass in political submission has triggered an internal rebellion. High-profile departures – such as the resignation of 31-year veteran and party treasurer Hng Chee Wey – underscore a growing internal revolt against sacrificing core principles for political expediency. These exits expose deep cracks under president Dominic Lau, as grassroots members grow tired of watching their leadership nod politely while being publicly sidelined.
PN’s burning house
To make matters funnier, the house that Gerakan and MIPP are clinging to is literally on fire. The broader PN coalition is undergoing severe structural shocks, with PAS announcing the end of its political cooperation with Bersatu, triggering a chaotic power struggle and the sudden resignation of top PN leadership.
The Registrar of Societies even ordered the coalition’s deregistration, and while a temporary court reprieve saved it from legal oblivion, persistent internal rifts cloud the bloc’s political future. It is a civil war where the big boys are throwing live grenades, and Gerakan and MIPP are caught in the crossfire armed with plastic cutlery.
What is Gerakan’s next move? Political analysts suggest that leaving the coalition may be a risk worth taking compared to staying and enduring further humiliation. Yet, Lau has indicated that Gerakan is trying to pivot by backing a broader PN-Barisan Nasional electoral tie-up for future stability.
Yes, you read that correctly. While PN is on the verge of structural collapse and PAS is actively exploring independent realignments with Umno, Gerakan is trying to build a bridge to a party that doesn’t know it exists, using a blueprint that is already out of date.
Conclusion
Gerakan risks being completely left behind unless it thoroughly recalibrates its political alignment. But that would require a sense of direction, and right now, both Gerakan and MIPP seem perfectly content to sit in the back seat of a driverless car heading straight towards a cliff, arguing over who gets to hold the auxiliary cable.
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I can't comment on MIPP as it didn't exist during my times nor after, but Gerakan, after its 1969 wonderbar victory, was once touted by many Malays as the next coalition government (a 'coalition' indeed as it had Lim Chong Eu's UDP, Tan Chee Khoon's & Veerappen Veerathan's Labor, V David's unions, a bunch of academic intellectuals like Syed Hussein Alatas, Syed Hussein Alatas, Wang Gungwu) after Perikatan (Tunku's Alliance).
But, alas, Tun Razak castrated it by enticing the blooming party into BN - end of its story. To be fair, Lim Chong Eu was worried for Penang and her people especially after the May 13 tragedy. But Dr Lim virtually single-handedly built Penang into one of Asia's most dynamic electronic business centres.
