Rayer hails Anwar as statesman after temple remarks apology

Rayer hails Anwar as statesman after temple remarks apology


Jelutong MP says Anwar Ibrahim’s apology for his past remarks on Hindu temples was sincere and should be accepted by the Indian community

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said Anwar Ibrahim’s apology reflects the prime minister’s appreciation of the Indian community’s long-standing support for the Reformasi movement.

PETALING JAYA: DAP’s RSN Rayer today urged the Indian community to forgive Anwar Ibrahim for his past remarks on Hindu temples, describing the prime minister’s recent apology as the mark of “a true statesman”.

The Jelutong MP said Anwar had publicly apologised during an event in Negeri Sembilan yesterday, even placing his hands together as a gesture of sincerity.

“The prime minister has clearly offered an honest, conscientious and sincere apology. An attribute befitting a true statesman and deserving commendable admiration,” Rayer said in a statement.


He said the apology reflected Anwar’s appreciation of the Indian community’s long-standing support for the Reformasi movement, unlike opposition leaders he accused of making divisive remarks on the Indian and Chinese communities.

“It is time to forgive and forget, and realise that the prime minister has been magnanimous in his apology and that Madani is our only hope and way forward,” he said.


Rayer also highlighted several initiatives under the Madani government that benefitted the Indian community, including increased allocations for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit, and the provision of RM76 million in grants to AIMST University and RM2 million to Tafe College.

He said the government had also allocated RM200 million for the maintenance of non-Muslim places of worship and expanded matriculation opportunities for high-performing Indian students.

He said the inclusion of Gobind Singh Deo and R Ramanan in the federal Cabinet was also proof of the government’s commitment to Indian representation.

Yesterday, Anwar apologised for previously using the term “kuil haram” (illegal temples), saying he accepted it was a mistake and stressing that no old Hindu temples had been demolished under his administration.

He also announced that he would personally oversee issues affecting the Indian community, while human resources minister Ramanan would continue implementing government-approved programmes.

Negeri Sembilan ruler strips Rais Yatim of state honours

Negeri Sembilan ruler strips Rais Yatim of state honours


The former menteri besar and current Wawasan chairman loses the Seri Utama and Dato' Setia Negeri Sembilan awards conferred in 2001 and 1979

Former Umno stalwart Rais Yatim had served as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar from 1978 to 1982.

PETALING JAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has revoked the state honours bestowed on former menteri besar Rais Yatim.

State secretary Zafir Ibrahim said the former Umno stalwart and current Wawasan chairman lost the Seri Utama and Dato’ Setia Negeri Sembilan awards conferred in 2001 and 1979.

“This decision was made to preserve the honour of the Negeri Sembilan royal institution,” he said in a statement.


Rais, a former Senate president, played a central role in the ongoing Negeri Sembilan royal dispute, publicly backing the move by three undangs and one former undang to remove Tuanku Muhriz as the state’s ruler.

The former six-term Jelebu MP was among those present when Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar was allegedly proclaimed the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar at a five-star hotel in Melaka last month.


The Negeri Sembilan palace declared the proclamation invalid in terms of the state’s constitution, laws and customs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also said that Tuanku Muhriz remained the recognised Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

The crisis is currently the subject of legal proceedings in court.

Sexual harassment reports lodged against IJN dept head

Sexual harassment reports lodged against IJN dept head


2 hours ago
K. Parkaran


The National Heart Institute says it is holding an internal review of the allegations, which it takes seriously, and is also cooperating with the authorities

A spokesman for the National Heart Institute said IJN does not comment on allegations, confidential personnel matters, or internal processes involving individual employees.

PETALING JAYA: Several female staff members, including doctors, have lodged police reports against a head of department at the National Heart Institute (IJN), alleging that they had been traumatised by their superior’s actions.

According to sources, the reports were lodged at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters about a month ago.

It is unclear whether the allegations involved physical advances or verbal harassment.


One source said the alleged victims were urged by their superior to withdraw their reports. However, the alleged victims refused, as they wanted to ensure their colleagues would not be subjected to similar harassment in the future.

It is understood that they are seeking legal advice on their next course of action.


Another source said the department head involved had gone on leave.

IJN spokesman Aina Jamil said an internal review of the allegations is ongoing, adding that it takes reports of such matters seriously.

She said the institute is committed to ensuring such matters are handled in accordance with its established policies, procedures, and governance framework.

“IJN cooperates fully with the relevant authorities as required by law, and we are not in a position to comment further on the specifics of any law enforcement activity relating to this matter,” Aina said in an email response to FMT.


“We have established policies, reporting channels, and disciplinary procedures in place to address any concerns raised, including those relating to harassment, and every report received is treated seriously and managed in accordance with our governance framework,” she added.

FMT has reached out to the Kuala Lumpur police for comments.

PH losses among Johor Chinese voters mainly due to low turnout, says Ong

PH losses among Johor Chinese voters mainly due to low turnout, says Ong


Former Bangi MP says only a small number of Chinese voters switched support to BN in the Johor election

Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said election outcomes are determined not only by which party voters prefer, but also by whether those voters turn out.

PETALING JAYA: The drop in Chinese votes for Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the Johor polls earlier this month was driven mainly by lower turnout rather than a swing to Barisan Nasional (BN), DAP’s Ong Kian Ming says.

In a statement, the former Bangi MP said an estimated 75.5% of Malay voters cast their ballots in the state election on July 11, compared to 61% of Chinese voters.

According to Ong, BN received an estimated 84.9% of Malay ballots while PH received an estimated 85.6% of Chinese ballots.


However, because Chinese turnout was substantially lower, PH received the support of only 52.2% of the entire eligible Chinese electorate, compared with the 64.1% of the eligible Malay electorate which supported BN, he said.

Ong said election outcomes are determined not only by which party voters prefer, but also by whether those voters turn out.


“PH may retain the loyalty of a large majority of non-Malay voters who cast ballots, but still suffer an electoral setback if a substantial share of its voter base stays home,” added Ong, who predicted a decisive win by BN in the run-up to the Johor polls.

Compared to the last general election, Chinese turnout fell by an estimated 8 percentage points, from 69.0% to 61.0%, while PH’s support among Chinese voters who turned out also declined, but more moderately, from 91.5% to 85.6%, he said.

“Estimates suggest that approximately two-thirds of PH’s decline among the eligible Chinese electorate came from lower turnout, rather than Chinese voters switching to BN.

“Any crossover to BN was comparatively small.”


Ong said the Malay voter pattern was very different. He said Malay turnout remained broadly stable compared with the 15th general election, “but the choice of party changed dramatically”.

BN’s estimated support among the eligible Malay electorate increased from 36.5% to 64.1%, while Perikatan Nasional’s support fell from 34.5% to 6.8%, he said.

Ong said the increase for BN and decline for PN were almost exactly one-for-one.

“This indicates that BN’s landslide was driven primarily by a large net reversal from PN to BN among Malay voters, rather than by higher Malay turnout alone.”


BN won 48 of the 56 seats it contested on July 11, while PH won only eight seats, down by four from the 12 it won in 2022. DAP won six seats, although it lost four seats secured in the last state election to MCA and MIC, including its strongholds of Johor Jaya and Perling.

Asyraf Wajdi questions timing of Tabung Haji issue during Negri Sembilan polls

Asyraf Wajdi questions timing of Tabung Haji issue during Negri Sembilan polls



Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations involving Tabung Haji had actually been made six years ago when he was leading the Umno Youth wing. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki questioned the timing of raising Tabung Haji issues during the Negri Sembilan state election campaign.
• He supported calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate these issues comprehensively, beyond the period before 2020.
• Asyraf emphasized that the investigation should be thorough and debated in Parliament to ensure accountability, and he cautioned against using the issue to foster negative perceptions that could harm a significant institution for Malays and Muslims.
• Additionally, he noted a potential shift in support from the Chinese community due to dissatisfaction with rising business costs and unfulfilled government promises.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Thursday, 30 Jul 2026 9:09 AM MYT




PORT DICKSON, July 30 — Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has questioned why issues involving Tabung Haji were raised during the Negri Sembilan state election campaign, although he welcomed efforts to bring the matter to public attention, Sinar Harian reported.


Asyraf said calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations involving Tabung Haji had actually been made six years ago when he was leading the Umno Youth wing.


He said the investigation should cover not only the period before 2020 but also the recovery process implemented afterwards, including asset sales and organisational restructuring.


“I believe everything that is to be revealed must be debated and, preferably, also brought to Parliament, as with other RCIs including the RCI into Felda, so that all parties can take responsibility.


“Most importantly, no one should be left out. The question is, why does it have to be done today during the Negri Sembilan state election? That is what raises questions among the public,” he was quoted as saying.

He said this to reporters after the Community Chinese Gathering Programme in Kampung Pachitan, Chuah here yesterday.


Asyraf said appropriate action should be taken if any wrongdoing was found, adding that the issue should not be used to create negative perceptions that could affect an important institution for Malays and Muslims.

On whether the issue could influence Malay voters, he said voters were now more mature and wise in making decisions based on their experience in previous elections.

“I think voters are very wise. In Johor, too, past issues were raised. For example, Barisan Nasional won by a large majority, Datuk Seri Najib would be released. So I think voters are wise enough to make decisions and take a stand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asyraf expressed confidence that there had been a shift in support among the Chinese community, which he claimed was disappointed with the government’s failure to fulfil some of its previous promises, as well as facing rising business costs.

He claimed that many Chinese business owners had met BN representatives and complained that doing business was no longer as favourable as before.

“Many Chinese business owners have come to meet us, telling us that ‘business is not as friendly as before’,” he said.

He said BN would continue urging the Chinese community to make the best decision and return its support to the coalition.

In a separate development, Asyraf said BN did not want to be overly confident ahead of polling day despite receiving positive indicators, and would instead continue working hard to win voters’ support until the final moment.

US military launches ‘powerful’ retaliatory strikes on Iran

US military launches ‘powerful’ retaliatory strikes on Iran



This US Navy handout photograph released on July 28, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows a US sailor signalling an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush on July 21, 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• The United States military conducted significant strikes on Iran in response to Tehran's attacks on US bases in Jordan, marking a resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East and involving Iran's proxies.
• Saudi Arabia and the US also targeted militant bases in Iraq, compounding tensions as Iran launched missiles at US ally Jordan.
• This escalation affected global oil markets, with fears of further conflict impacting US stocks.
• The US, alongside Saudi forces, has intensified pressure on Iraq to counter pro-Iranian groups, amid sanctions and strategic maneuvers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

First Published: Thursday, 30 Jul 2026 8:58 AM MYT
Last Modified: Thursday, 30 Jul 2026 9:14 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, July 30 — The United States military launched “powerful” strikes on Iran today, in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks targeting US bases in Jordan as the Middle East war reignited and again drew in the Islamic republic’s proxies.

The first strikes after a nearly week-long lull in fighting dashed hopes of a return to negotiations.


“The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday’s attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East”, US Central Command said.


Saudi Arabia and the United States also announced strikes yesterday on militant bases in Iraq, while US ally Israel accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of a truce violation.


For two days, the world’s biggest oil exporter Saudi Arabia has reported drone attacks targeting crude facilities that it blamed on Iraqi armed groups allied with Tehran.


Iran meanwhile launched missiles at US ally Jordan, with Iranian state media later reporting an American attack near the Islamic republic’s border with Iraq.

Ahead of the latest strikes, US President Trump told Fox News: “We’ll be hitting them hard...We are going to beat the ‘effing s’ out of them.”


‘Resistance’

Iran’s state television, meanwhile, reported a US strike in the Piranshahr border area, after the Fars news agency reported a missile hit an uninhabited area, causing no casualties.

Earlier, Jordan’s army said it had intercepted five Iranian missiles, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying they had targeted US bases there.

“As long as the threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue...the resistance will continue,” they added.

On another front, Israel accused Hezbollah of deploying a drone overnight against an Israeli vehicle inside Lebanon, in what the military called “a blatant violation of the ceasefire”.

Israel fought alongside the US in the first weeks of the war against Iran, while battling Hezbollah in Lebanon, but it has yet to join the latest round of strikes against the Islamic republic.


‘Dangerous’

US stocks ended sharply lower on the oil price jump yesterday, while the yield on 30-year US Treasury bonds hit their highest levels since 2007.

In Iraq, a joint US-Saudi air operation followed attacks by what Riyadh called “terrorist militias loyal to Iran” on its oil facilities.

The US military said logistics and weapons sites belonging to an Iran-aligned group were targeted in the strikes.

Iraq’s Hashed al-Shaabi alliance said the attacks killed at least 20 of its members.

It denounced a “dangerous escalation” against an “official security institution”.

Two Hashed officials said five Iranian advisors were among those killed, and AFP correspondents saw coffins draped with Iranian flags.

The Hashed al-Shaabi alliance, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, was created in 2014 to fight jihadists before its integration into the military.

It includes brigades belonging to Iran-backed groups reputed for acting unilaterally.

Iraq denounced the US-Saudi strikes and said it rejects “all acts of aggression, regardless of the party responsible or the justifications presented”.

The Ministerial Council for National Security said it would “confront any violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, and prevent any source from using Iraqi territory to threaten neighbouring states”.

According to Fox News, however, Trump said the strikes were “coordinated with the Iraqi government”.

The strikes follow growing US pressure on Iraq to disarm pro-Iran groups. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited both the US and Iran.


Red Sea

The US had said the days-long cessation in fighting was aimed at kickstarting a new round of negotiations, including over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded throughout much of the war.

The Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked and stopped three tankers in the strait, insisting Iran has “full control” of the waterway that was previously free to transit.

Tehran has insisted it will retain control of the crucial conduit for energy shipments, and has also announced plans to collect fees for passage, which Washington opposes.

The US also announced new sanctions targeting entities linked to Iran’s Guards that it accused of extorting ships transiting the strait.

The Hormuz closure has lent greater significance to the Red Sea, Riyadh’s alternative export route. — AFP

***

Let's not forget who started this war, yes, Israel and her idiotic acolyte

Thais claim Malaysia is a safe haven for Deep South Insurgents

Murray Hunter


Thais claim Malaysia is a safe haven for Deep South Insurgents

Although there has been much talk of Thai insurgents using Malaysian border areas as a safe haven, there have been no official statements made on this

Murray Hunter
Jul 30, 2026





For a number of years, it has been long suspected that Thai Southern insurgents have used Malaysia along the border areas in the Narathiwat/Kelantan region.

Although there has been much talk of Thai insurgents using Malaysian border areas as a safe haven, there have been no official statements made on this.

There are beliefs that the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgents have used Malaysia as a safe haven for over two decades. Even the police Special Branch has come up empty on the issue. A major problem in identifying these insurgents is that most of them hold dual citizenship, which is illegal in Malaysia. This is concealed where parents apply for documents on both sides of the border without disclosing that they have applied for birth documents on the other side.

One of the major reasons this issue is rarely brought up is because discussion of the matter is potentially damaging to the good-neighbourly relationship that Malaysian and Thai authorities have developed over the years. Thai authorities don’t undertake hot-pursuits across the border frontier allowing insurgents to escape. In Sungai Kolok small IEDs have been triggered off from the Malaysian side of the border in Rantau Panjung, allowing culprits to escape detection by Thai security forces.

However, the Thai National Security Council secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad has now publicly brought up this issue. The 4th Army chief of staff Chaiyapruek Dungprapt has been even more forthright after last Wednesday’s insurgency attack in the Rangae district in Narathiwat, which killed five paramilitary rangers. These latest attacks have created much shock to residents of the deep south.

The Royal Thai Army now wants to pursue such perpetrators of such violence across borders. However, the defence minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen is playing down the matter diplomatically. Its clear that the Anutin Charnvirakul administration is much more concerned about keeping good relations with Malaysia.

Violence within the deep south, that consists of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat has increased over the last nine months for unknown reasons.

Malaysia has been facilitating peace talks between the Thai government and the umbrella organization MARA Patani, which is supposed to be representing the rebels. After all the years in negotiations, a full terms-of-reference(TOR) for any really constructive peace talks has not yet been achieved.

The authorities in Thailand see the insurgents as criminals which they want to bring to justice. Successive governments have been reluctant to label the insurgent groups in the Deep South as “terrorists”, even though many of their violent acts, including roadside bombings targeting officials, civilians and public property, qualify as acts of terrorism.

This is still great division about how the insurgency within the deep south should be handled. Regular changes of the Thai government over the last few years has not assisted. On the insurgent’s side, on the ground there has been a generational change in the activists involved. Their agendas may not match those of the current BRN leadership. The 4th Army directly involved with the security in the deep south has also changed approach many times. It’s now questionable how much MARA Patani actually represents those involved on the ground.

These issues greatly hinders any progress in discussions. Another issue, is that the Patani-Muslims themselves have a completely different set of ideas, and are not part of any talks.

After two decades of active conflict, more than 7,800 people, mostly civilians have died in the insurgency. The Thai authorities are looking towards Malaysia to assist more in this matter, as the insurgency just continues unabated.

***

Kelantanese won't help 'coz of KakiNang. Federal government won't as well because of fears of offending Kelantanese sensitivities

Loke says he is target of smear campaign in runup to Negeri Sembilan polls

Loke says he is target of smear campaign in runup to Negeri Sembilan polls


Yesterday
Mohamad Fadli


The DAP secretary-general says claims were spread that he would become menteri besar, and undermine the state’s adat and royal institutions

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, who is defending Chennah in Saturday’s Negeri Sembilan election, said baseless claims are being spread in villages to frighten Malay voters.

JELEBU: DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook says he has been the target of a smear campaign during the Negeri Sembilan polls campaign, including claims that he would be appointed menteri besar if Pakatan Harapan wins.

Loke, who is defending the Chennah seat for PH, said baseless claims were spread in villages to frighten Malay voters, including allegations that the Malays would lose their political power if the coalition won Saturday’s election.

“Over the past few weeks, I have been the target of various accusations and slander that have been widely spread in the villages.


“I have also been accused of interfering with the adat system and trying to undermine the royal institution, but we remain patient,” he said at a tea event with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Simpang Durian today.

During the campaign, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki questioned whether Loke would be nominated as PH’s menteri besar candidate if Aminuddin Harun, the previous menteri besar, lost in the state election, and whether the people would accept such a nomination.


Loke subsequently dismissed the claim as “malicious talk by political opponents”, saying PH had only one candidate for the post – Aminuddin.

He also said he was not eligible to become menteri besar as the state constitution requires the post to be held by a Malay Muslim assemblyman.

***

Any kerbau uttered by the Green-ones are auto-halal, wakakaka

Up to 13 months’ bonus paid out despite financial concerns

Up to 13 months’ bonus paid out despite financial concerns


Yesterday
Jason Thomas


RCI report cites special bonus payment in 2014 that cost Tabung Haji RM74 million

The RCI report said the practice of awarding ‘excessively high’ bonuses to staff members should be discontinued, especially given TH’s financial difficulties.

PETALING JAYA: Tabung Haji employees received bonuses ranging from two to 13 months’ salary between 2010 and 2017, including a special bonus payout in 2014 that cost the institution RM74 million, according to the RCI report made public today.

The report said the practice of awarding “excessively high” bonuses to staff should be discontinued, especially given TH’s financial difficulties during the period.

It recommended that efforts be made to recover bonuses paid to those involved as the payments were made without complying with the prescribed regulations.


Under government guidelines, bonus payments exceeding two months’ salary could be considered if a large number of officers and employees had demonstrated outstanding performance.

The commission said the bonus approval process involved three levels – the TH board, the religious affairs minister, and the finance minister.


However, it noted that both ministers generally received bonus proposals that had already been recommended by TH management and the board.

The justification given for the bonuses was TH’s strong profits during those years, with the proposed payments calculated based on between 1.7% and 2.5% of annual profits.

However, the RCI said the high bonus payments were inappropriate, taking into account TH’s financial position between 2014 and 2017, when its assets were lower than its liabilities, as reported in its annual financial statements and acknowledged by the national audit department.

The commission also agreed with the legal opinion provided by law firm Md Tajuddin & Co that bonus payments made to the TH Properties board of directors breached provisions under the Companies Act 2016.

Penalties against 5 senior TH officers watered down, says RCI report

Penalties against 5 senior TH officers watered down, says RCI report


Yesterday
Jason Thomas


Panel says authorities took too long, and often too little action, relative to the scale of the wrongdoing uncovered

The RCI report said five senior officers charged over four clusters of misconduct were still employed at TH or its subsidiaries as of 2022.

PETALING JAYA: The royal commission of inquiry into Tabung Haji (TH) found that senior officers implicated in multiple misconduct cases had their penalties repeatedly watered down on appeal, with all five involved still employed at TH or its subsidiaries as of 2022.

The RCI report, submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Aug 30, 2022 and declassified today, said the pattern extended across police reports, internal disciplinary proceedings, referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and ongoing court and arbitration cases – with authorities and TH management alike taking too long, and often too little action, relative to the scale of the wrongdoing uncovered.


Dismissals reduced to demotions

The report said TH’s disciplinary committee charged five senior officers – group chief financial officer Rozaida Omar, chief operating officer Adi Azuan Abdul Ghani, senior general manager Rifina Ariff, chief human resources officer Hisham Harun, and legal adviser Hazlina Khalid – over four clusters of misconduct.

These included the sale of TH’s stake in PT TH Indo Plantations (THIP), a RM22.12 million Yayasan Tabung Haji contribution made without required ministerial approval, the disputed 2017 hibah declaration, and submission of false claims to TH’s payment unit.


It said while TH’s disciplinary committee initially imposed dismissal for the THIP and hibah cases and demotion for the Yayasan Tabung Haji case, an appeals committee later reduced nearly every penalty.

Only one demotion, over the false claims case, was upheld on appeal.

The report noted that all five officers remained with TH as of the report’s conclusion, several having moved into senior positions at subsidiaries, including TH Hotel & Residence, TH Plantations, and TH Properties.


Process took up to 19 months

The RCI also criticised the pace of TH’s internal disciplinary process, noting that one case took 19 months from an officer’s written response to a final decision, another took 15 months, and a third took 10 months.

It recommended the process be streamlined and expedited to be seen as effective, efficient, fair and transparent.

Separately, TH management filed four police reports between November 2018 and January 2019, according to the report.

Two remain unresolved years later – one over the 2012 sale of TH’s 95% stake in THIP to Indonesia’s PT Borneo Pacific for about US$910 million, alleging misrepresentation and concealment; and another over Trurich Resources’ US$58 million purchase of palm oil plantations in Kalimantan between 2008 and 2009, alleging manipulated land-suitability reports.


Both investigations have been held up pending cooperation from Indonesian authorities.

A third report, over alleged misuse of Yayasan Tabung Haji funds, has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

A fourth, over the disputed 2017 hibah declaration, has also been completed by police and referred to the AG’s Chambers for a decision on prosecution.

The commission said authorities must act firmly and promptly on every police report or complaint lodged.

It said six matters have been referred to MACC and remain under investigation, including alleged corruption in TH Plantation’s purchase of Ladang Weida Bhd, alleged abuse of power in the leasing of two restaurants at TH’s headquarters and KL Sentral, alleged corruption by a former chief operating officer over renovation works, alleged document falsification involving rubber seedling supplies in Sandakan, and alleged misconduct at two TH Properties subsidiaries.

The Cabinet approved the declassification of the RCI report earlier today.

The RCI was established in 2021 to investigate TH’s management, operations and asset-related issues between 2014 and 2020, following concerns over its governance and financial position.

Does Saudi believe it’s under an existential threat?

Murray Hunter


Does Saudi believe it’s under an existential threat?


Murray Hunter
Jul 29, 2026





In the swirling chaos of the latest Middle Eastern escalations, Saudi Arabia appears to have crossed a Rubicon. What on the surface looks like a high-risk alignment with the United States against the so-called Axis of Resistance may, upon closer examination, reflect a kingdom that perceives itself as facing an existential threat to its economic lifeline and regime stability.

The recent Houthi attacks on Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan, combined with a declared naval blockade disrupting Red Sea exports to Asia, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have squeezed Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy in ways that strike at the heart of its Vision 2030 ambitions and royal legitimacy.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on these Red Sea coastal sites, critical for bypassing the Hormuz chokepoint. Yanbu, in particular, serves as the primary western export terminal.

These actions follow the breakdown of a fragile truce and retaliatory Saudi-linked strikes, including on Houthi-held positions around Hodeidah. With roughly 5% of global oil production potentially at risk through direct hits and rerouting impossibilities, Riyadh confronts not just revenue loss but a direct challenge to the petro-rentier social contract that underpins Al Saud rule.

This pressure culminated in joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-linked militias in eastern Iraq on July 28, 2026, targeting sites from which drones had menaced Saudi energy infrastructure. The operation followed Iranian-directed attempts on US forces, including actions linked to Jordan. For a kingdom long wary of direct confrontation, this represents a notable shift. Saudi Arabia is no longer content with proxy containment or quiet diplomacy; it is actively participating in kinetic responses.

Compounding the sense of encirclement is the recent US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement. Signed in the last couple of weeks, this deal grants Riyadh pathways toward civilian nuclear capabilities, potentially including domestic enrichment.

While framed as energy diversification, it signals hedging against Iran’s own nuclear advances and cements strategic alignment with Washington. Yet it also risks inflaming regional grievances, positioning Saudi Arabia as hypocritical in the eyes of Tehran’s allies while accelerating a potential arms race.
Internal cohesion and external posturing add layers of complexity

Reports suggest Pakistani forces in the kingdom may be standing down, limiting one layer of conventional deterrence. Riyadh’s stance throughout the broader US-Israeli-Iranian conflict has been deliberately opaque, balancing normalization talks, OPEC+ interests, and domestic reform narratives.

The strike on Yemeni targets and joint Iraq operation now place it more firmly in the anti-Iran camp. Speculation about internal dissent with friction between branches of the sprawling Al Saud family, tribal interests, or elements acting without full buy-in from King Salman or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) remains plausible but unconfirmed.

In Saudi Arabia’s centralized system, major military moves rarely occur without apex approval, suggesting calculated risk rather than rogue adventurism.

From a broader regional lens, Saudi actions risk deepening a bipolar Gulf dynamic, with Iran consolidating influence through proxies while Riyadh bets on US security guarantees and economic resilience. This pits long-term Saudi ambitions for Gulf primacy against Iranian resilience and asymmetric capabilities.

Israeli interests may align tactically against Iran but diverge on Palestinian issues and broader Arab-Israeli integration. US policy gains a key partner but inherits entanglement in Saudi vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s moves suggest a leadership convinced that inaction poses a greater existential danger than escalation. The kingdom’s oil economy, social modernization project, and monarchical continuity all depend on secure export routes and deterrence credibility.

With Hormuz contested, Red Sea routes menaced, and proxies probing defenses, Riyadh calculates that aligning firepower with Washington today preserves the breathing room needed for tomorrow’s transformations. Whether this proves prescient or precipitates wider conflagration remains the region’s defining uncertainty. In a Middle East where perceptions of threat often drive reality, Saudi Arabia is acting as if its survival depends on it.

What's Happening in the West Bank: A Forgotten Front

Murray Hunter


What's Happening in the West Bank: A Forgotten Front


Murray Hunter
Jul 28, 2026





As conflicts rage across the Middle East with ongoing tensions involving Iran, active fronts in Lebanon, Houthi-Saudi engagements, and even a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea that risks linking distant wars, the West Bank has slipped from Western headlines.

Yet Israeli forces and settlers have intensified operations there, amid a broader regional backdrop that provides operational breathing room. Many Israelis view the territory (referred to as Judea and Samaria) as integral to their historic and security interests, particularly areas closest to Israeli population centers.

Recent Escalation Trigger

A deadly incident on July 24, 2026, near the Palestinian village of Tell (close to Nablus) ignited the latest surge. Settlers entered an area restricted to Israelis under Oslo Accords arrangements. A confrontation erupted, during which a Palestinian seized a weapon and opened fire, killing two Israelis, IDF Maj. Yuval Ezra and security coordinator Benayahu Mellet. Four Palestinians were also killed in the ensuing violence, with circumstances still under investigation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz responded forcefully. They ordered home demolitions for attackers, expanded counterterrorism raids in “terror hotbeds,” additional checkpoints, revocation of work permits, and accelerated legalization of settlement outposts, plus the establishment of new ones. The IDF postponed soldiers’ leave and reinforced deployments.

Current Military and Security Picture

The IDF has increased its West Bank deployment to 26 battalions (roughly division-level strength), adding two more amid the violence spike. Forces conduct widespread raids across areas like Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem, and surrounding villages (e.g., Zababdeh, Yabad, Burqin). Operations involve arrests, weapons searches, and curfews. In the immediate aftermath, over 70-80 Palestinians were detained in one wave, with raids continuing into hospitals and homes.

Palestinian sources report aggressive tactics: storming towns, detaining hundreds, and clashes. Israeli officials frame these as necessary responses to terrorism and incitement. Settler “regional defense battalions” blur lines between civilians and military, complicating accountability.

Casualty trends underscore the intensity. Since October 2023, over 1,185 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank (including 250+ children), with thousands wounded and detained. In 2026 alone, dozens more have died amid rising settler attacks, which now account for a significant portion of Palestinian injuries (over three per day on average). UN data highlights hundreds of settler incidents in 2026, including arson on mosques, property damage, and assaults.

The displacement continues, with thousands of Palestinians, especially in Area C (under full Israeli control), face demolitions for lacking (often unobtainable) permits, settler violence, and access restrictions. Herding communities and Bedouin groups are particularly vulnerable, with reports of forced transfers.

Strategic Context and “Forgotten” Dynamics

While global attention fixates on Iran-related escalations and Gaza/Lebanon operations, the West Bank serves as a quieter but persistent theater. Israeli strategy combines counterterrorism with long-term territorial consolidation. Far-right coalition members advocate deeper integration and settlement expansion, viewing the area as strategically vital for security buffers near population centers.

Critics, including human rights groups, argue that settler violence enjoys high impunity, with state policies (outpost legalization, land declarations) enabling de facto annexation. Palestinian communities report daily pressures: movement restrictions, economic strangulation, and fear of escalation. The Palestinian Authority’s limited control in Areas A/B further complicates governance.

This front remains “forgotten” in legacy media partly due to the scale of other conflicts, yet local dynamics risk broader spillover. Heightened IDF presence deters major uprisings but fuels resentment. Operations aim to dismantle armed networks (linked to groups like Hamas or local militants) while advancing settlement goals.

Outlook

The situation remains volatile as something described by some Israeli officials as a “snowball rolling downhill.” Broader regional distractions may allow Israel to press advantages in the West Bank without intense international scrutiny. However, sustained pressure, displacement, and cycles of violence could destabilize the territory further, undermining long-term security for all sides.

The West Bank is not a sideshow. It is a core arena where immediate security needs, historical claims, and demographic realities collide. As other fronts evolve, developments here such as the raids, settlements, and daily frictions, deserve closer attention. They shape the ground reality that any future political resolution must address.

It is notable how dramatically international attention and public support have shifted. Last year, during the height of fighting in Gaza under Hamas, there was widespread global sympathy and mobilization for Palestinians there. That support has largely fallen away for Palestinians in the West Bank under the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. The relative quiet (or lower-intensity nature) of the West Bank, combined with the PA’s more moderate international image and internal governance challenges, has left its residents’ far less visible on the world stage.

The Beggar Kings Arrive in Washington

 

The Beggar Kings Arrive in Washington to Send a “Clear Message” They Don’t Control

 

President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for separate Oval Office meetings on Tuesday, timed to coincide with the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime advocate for both countries.

Officials from all sides offered upbeat readouts.

Netanyahu called his session “one of the best conversations” he has had with Trump; the two reaffirmed an “ironclad commitment” to ensuring Iran never obtains nuclear weapons, the foremost topic of discussion.

Zelenskyy focused on advancing licenses for Ukrainian production of Patriot interceptor missiles (announced earlier in Ankara) and other ideas to support Kyiv, with special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff expected to visit Ukraine soon to reinvigorate diplomacy.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described both meetings as “positive and productive.”

The Netanyahu meeting occurred against a backdrop of recent friction.

After close early coordination on the Iran war that began in late February, contact between the leaders had grown infrequent; Trump paused U.S. strikes and pursued negotiations with Tehran, including a short-lived mid-June memorandum that Netanyahu had opposed in favor of continued military pressure. Additional disagreements arose over arms sales to Turkey and a Saudi nuclear deal lacking explicit Israeli normalization language.

Trump has privately expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s assessments while publicly maintaining a cooperative tone.

Zelenskyy’s visit continued Ukraine’s deliberate outreach to MAGA and America First circles that have long been wary of open-ended support.

Recent Ukrainian battlefield gains and a high-profile meeting with activist Laura Loomer (who declared full support after interviewing him) created limited openings, including positive comments from Vice President JD Vance.

Yet many hard-line Republicans remain skeptical, and Trump responded cautiously to Zelenskyy’s claims of Russian-Iranian collaboration.

Burning Bright: Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the American Mindscape, which is to say the Info War around the same time I did.

In fact, long-time readers who've followed me all the way back to the Righteous Russia series may recall that I've been referring to him as the 'Prussian Proxy Prince' since 2022, when he was still popular enough on an ALMOST-bipartisan level to be compared more often to Luke Skywalker than Gríma Wormtongue.

That's right.

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when even most of the MAGA core considered Zelenskyy to be a paragon of virtue standing up to the evil Russian Empire.

It was retarded then, and it's retarded now.

The thing is, it seems the Mindscape is beginning to agree, with Zelenskyy as unpopular as any foreign would-be leader among the MAGA core, just as he is taking reputational damage on a lag among the liberal-minded.

Which brings us to the OTHER Prussian Proxy on the board, and some would say the original, Bibi Netanyahu, who has followed something of an opposite, albeit congruent path to infamy as Zelenskyy within the expanding and shifting contours of the American Mind.

You see, just as Zelenskyy was once lionized by both sides of the American Mind and is now demonized by one and ignored by the other, so Bibi has followed an inverted path, having been demonized by the left side of the public aisle long before the right began following suit on a long and Trump-induced delay.

Now, both men find themselves in Washington DC with hegemonic hats held firmly in hand ... certainly nothing new to each, and yet, the timing of which offers a convergence in Bolshevik begging that, well, beggars belief.

I'm not a 'full control' analyst in the way some are in the winding ways of the Info War, but when it comes to the humiliation ritual Zelenskyy and Netanyahu are affecting in the western mind, and of it, you can sign me up for a 'full control' card.

Donald Trump will hear the collectivist cries of the twin Proxy Princes this week in DC, as will the American People, and the headlines, as predicted (and as turned out to be the case) will be glowing.

But nobody will be listening, as the proxies wicks have run.

What "God's Chosen People" is doing to the Palestinians

From the FB page of:

Rich Huang

opnoetsrSdti03tt4m0gg86mh8t79th1mgc32f45h7312ftut891ula01umu ·

This is what "God's Chosen People" is doing to the Palestinians.

Go on, tattoo your prisoners as below