Sunday, July 26, 2026
Kelantan police get the flak for arrest quota order
Kelantan police get the flak for arrest quota order
2 days ago
Dineskumar Ragu
Lawyers say setting KPIs as a move to reduce drug abuse can lead to innocent people being arrested, and the force’s image being tarnished
Rights advocates fear that setting a quota for drug arrests could result in abuses such as corruption among police officers. (Rawpixel pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Kelantan police’s key performance indicator (KPI) approach to crime fighting has raised fears that it could result in abuses but fail to reduce criminal activity.
Two lawyers who voiced their misgivings expressed concerns that it could lead to wrongful arrests but fail to reduce problems such as drug abuse or criminal activity.
M Visvanathan, who chairs the rights group Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together (Edict), sees it as a lack of professionalism in the force, while S Vinesh is concerned that it will restrict people’s liberty.
Two lawyers who voiced their misgivings expressed concerns that it could lead to wrongful arrests but fail to reduce problems such as drug abuse or criminal activity.
M Visvanathan, who chairs the rights group Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together (Edict), sees it as a lack of professionalism in the force, while S Vinesh is concerned that it will restrict people’s liberty.
Yusoff Mamat.They were responding to a statement by Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat that every station in the state must now make at least one drug-related arrest daily.
He described it as a “new strategy” to combat drug abuse.
The directive came into effect on July 15 after police recorded a decline in drug-related arrests despite intensified enforcement efforts.
Visvanathan said such a directive could result in people being apprehended on “flimsy grounds”, thus compromising the quality of arrests and inviting a backlash.
M Visvanathan.“The police will be accused of conducting investigations superficially, thereby acting unprofessionally.
This calls into question the integrity of the force, and that will tarnish their image,” he told FMT.
He described it as the wrong way to tackle drug abuse in the country and expressed fears that it could result in innocent people being arrested.
Visvanathan also expressed concern that the KPI-driven approach could encourage corruption within the police force if arrests were made without credible evidence, simply to meet the daily quota.
S Vinesh.Vinesh, a criminal lawyer, said that while performance targets are necessary, they should not become “a numbers game”, especially in drug-related cases.
He shared Visvanathan’s concerns that the Kelantan police’s approach could put undue pressure on officers to make arrests simply to meet their daily targets.
Vinesh said such pressure increases the risk of investigations being compromised.
“So what happens if the quality of investigations declines? It weakens prosecutions and, ultimately, affects people’s liberty,” he said.
He also warned that an increase in arrests driven by the daily target could lead to an avalanche of drug-related cases reaching the courts, resulting in a backlog.
“And judges won’t be able to achieve their own KPIs (for disposing of court cases).” Vinesh said a KPI-driven approach also fails to address the root causes of the drug problem, making it more difficult for people with drug addiction to undergo rehabilitation.
He shared Visvanathan’s concerns that the Kelantan police’s approach could put undue pressure on officers to make arrests simply to meet their daily targets.
Vinesh said such pressure increases the risk of investigations being compromised.
“So what happens if the quality of investigations declines? It weakens prosecutions and, ultimately, affects people’s liberty,” he said.
He also warned that an increase in arrests driven by the daily target could lead to an avalanche of drug-related cases reaching the courts, resulting in a backlog.
“And judges won’t be able to achieve their own KPIs (for disposing of court cases).” Vinesh said a KPI-driven approach also fails to address the root causes of the drug problem, making it more difficult for people with drug addiction to undergo rehabilitation.
Loke dismisses claim of DAP faction sabotage in Chennah
Loke dismisses claim of DAP faction sabotage in Chennah
Hariz Mohd
Published: Jul 26, 2026 7:32 PM
Updated: 10:38 PM
N SEMBILAN POLLS | DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has dismissed claims by an Umno Youth leader that a faction within the party is working to sabotage his campaign for the Chennah seat.
“No, that is not true. There is no truth to that at all. It is just a psychological war (by Pakatan Harapan rivals).
“(DAP adviser) Lim Guan Eng himself has come down here to give his support on nomination day.
“The claim is not true, and I am thankful to the DAP machinery as they have come here in droves to help my campaign activities,” Loke told reporters after attending a campaign event in Kampung Sungai Rotan earlier this evening.
The transport minister was responding to a social media post by Umno Youth exco member Fadzmel Fadzil, who claimed there was an attempt by “Dinasti Lim” to cause Loke’s defeat in Chennah.
Fadzmel, who is also press secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alleged that the effort involved a faction in DAP aligned with Lim.
Published: Jul 26, 2026 7:32 PM
Updated: 10:38 PM
N SEMBILAN POLLS | DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has dismissed claims by an Umno Youth leader that a faction within the party is working to sabotage his campaign for the Chennah seat.
“No, that is not true. There is no truth to that at all. It is just a psychological war (by Pakatan Harapan rivals).
“(DAP adviser) Lim Guan Eng himself has come down here to give his support on nomination day.
“The claim is not true, and I am thankful to the DAP machinery as they have come here in droves to help my campaign activities,” Loke told reporters after attending a campaign event in Kampung Sungai Rotan earlier this evening.
The transport minister was responding to a social media post by Umno Youth exco member Fadzmel Fadzil, who claimed there was an attempt by “Dinasti Lim” to cause Loke’s defeat in Chennah.
Fadzmel, who is also press secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alleged that the effort involved a faction in DAP aligned with Lim.
Umno Youth exco member Fadzmel Fadzil
Loke, a three-term Chennah assemblyperson, is defending the seat against BN candidate John Siow Kong Choon.
Loke, a three-term Chennah assemblyperson, is defending the seat against BN candidate John Siow Kong Choon.
Whisper campaign claims
Meanwhile, Loke acknowledged that convincing Malay voters remained a challenge in his campaign.
He claimed that Harapan’s rivals were attempting to frighten Malays into believing that supporting the coalition would result in them losing political power to the Chinese.
According to Loke, these rivals had been carrying out a “kempen bisik-bisik” (whisper campaign) among villagers to spread such sentiments.
“That’s the only sentiment they’re banking on.
“We need to counter it with greater clarity and intensify our outreach to the grassroots because I believe some villagers have been affected by such sentiments,” he said.
Chennah is a mixed constituency with 14,422 voters, comprising Malays (48.49 percent), Chinese (42.57 percent), Indians (two percent), and others (6.93 percent).
Loke said he would explain to Malay voters that such claims were baseless, pointing out that the Negeri Sembilan state constitution stipulates that only a Malay Muslim can become menteri besar.
He added that Harapan had governed the state for about eight years and it had always been led by a Malay.
Hitting back at Sanusi
Loke also criticised remarks by Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor suggesting that non-Malays have other countries to seek refuge in.
He said it was unfortunate that such remarks were made by a political leader, adding that they reflected PAS’ true colours.
Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor
“We have been living in Malaysia and enjoying our independence for almost 70 years. We should celebrate every citizen as ‘anak Malaysia’.
“While our people come from various racial and religious backgrounds, the position of the Malays is already enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and it has never been questioned.
“But the Chinese and the Indians have been citizens here for many generations. Like myself, I am in the third generation; I do not have any place in China anymore, and if I go to China, I have to use a Malaysian passport because my home is Malaysia,” Loke said.
The Seremban MP said Sanusi’s remarks were an insult to multiracial Malaysians as they appeared to question the loyalty of Chinese and Indian citizens.
He said voters should recognise that the comments reflected PAS’ worldview and the direction the party would take the country if given the mandate to govern.
Sanusi had, during a joint BN-PN ceramah three days ago, said Malaysia was the only homeland for Malays, while other ethnic groups had ancestral countries they could turn to.
“Malays have no other land. Malays only have this Tanah Melayu. Indians have India, Chinese have China, Cambodians have Cambodia, and the Siamese have Thailand. Where do the Malays go? Malays are only here,” he told an audience of more than 300 people.
However, after facing criticism over the remarks, Sanusi threatened to take legal action and lodge police reports against those whom he claimed had distorted his comments.
“We have been living in Malaysia and enjoying our independence for almost 70 years. We should celebrate every citizen as ‘anak Malaysia’.
“While our people come from various racial and religious backgrounds, the position of the Malays is already enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and it has never been questioned.
“But the Chinese and the Indians have been citizens here for many generations. Like myself, I am in the third generation; I do not have any place in China anymore, and if I go to China, I have to use a Malaysian passport because my home is Malaysia,” Loke said.
The Seremban MP said Sanusi’s remarks were an insult to multiracial Malaysians as they appeared to question the loyalty of Chinese and Indian citizens.
He said voters should recognise that the comments reflected PAS’ worldview and the direction the party would take the country if given the mandate to govern.
Sanusi had, during a joint BN-PN ceramah three days ago, said Malaysia was the only homeland for Malays, while other ethnic groups had ancestral countries they could turn to.
“Malays have no other land. Malays only have this Tanah Melayu. Indians have India, Chinese have China, Cambodians have Cambodia, and the Siamese have Thailand. Where do the Malays go? Malays are only here,” he told an audience of more than 300 people.
However, after facing criticism over the remarks, Sanusi threatened to take legal action and lodge police reports against those whom he claimed had distorted his comments.
The Long Road of Treachery Against Madani
Murray Hunter
The Long Road of Treachery Against Madani
Murray Hunter
Jul 25, 2026
Due to the heavy restrictions on freedom of speech that now exist in Malaysia, people must read between the lines.
“Burung merbah terbang sekawan, Guruh berdentum membelah awan, Berbeza langkah, jangan putus kawan, Selagi muafakat, kita sehaluan” – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on X after his latest cabinet meeting
The quote above lands at a moment when long-simmering undercurrents are finally surfacing. One does not need to be a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to recognise the quiet resistance his administration has faced since taking office three and a half years ago.
What began as an effort to steer a diverse coalition government has been steadily undermined by entrenched interests operating in the shadows. From the outset, Anwar has had to manage competing demands from various stakeholders simply to maintain stability.
The civil service, often described as the permanent government, continues to wield significant influence across administrations. Many former ministers can attest to the quiet pushback and institutional inertia they encountered when trying to implement policy directions. This challenge has not been limited to the bureaucracy. Several strategic agencies and commissions appear to have pursued agendas that do not always align with the priorities of the elected government — in this case, the Madani administration.
Future historians may debate whether the timing of the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections was coincidental or part of a broader pattern. What is becoming clearer is a concerted push toward an early general election, aimed at destabilising the current government.
More troubling is the growing sense of quiet betrayal from within. Behind public displays of loyalty, some close confidants appear to be positioning themselves for a different outcome. At the same time, coordinated social media narratives encapsulating surrounding issues such as the Rohingya, the Network School, and selective corruption exposés have gained traction, all contributing to a climate of dissatisfaction with the Madani government.
These efforts are not random. They reflect the work of influential elements across the government hierarchy, individuals and institutions that should remain apolitical yet have increasingly acted in ways that weaken the coalition in power. The result is a carefully cultivated narrative that encourages the public to feel it is time to “punish” Pakatan Harapan.
Many will find this sentiment understandable. Yet beneath the surface lies a more calculated dynamic. Forces that lost power in 2018 are positioning themselves for a return. Should they succeed, the selective use of enforcement agencies, already visible today could intensify, with former ministers facing charges and critics of the new order finding themselves similarly targeted.
Not everyone will see these patterns clearly, but the groundwork is already being laid.
Malaysia may yet witness its own Greek tragedy. Like Theseus, the Athenian hero who slew the Minotaur and united his people, only to face political sabotage and be unceremoniously removed from power, Anwar’s journey offers a cautionary tale about the fragility of reform when confronted by entrenched interests.
Satellite imagery shows US aircraft have withdrawn from Al Udeid and Al Dhafra airbases in the gulf
Murray Hunter
Satellite imagery shows US aircraft have withdrawn from Al Udeid and Al Dhafra airbases in the gulf
Future US air attacks on Iran must come from much further afield
Murray Hunter
Jul 26, 2026
Satellite imagery released by independent open-source intelligence group EGYOCENT indicate that that US military aircraft have all been evacuated from Al Udeid and Al Dhafra airbases in Qatar and the EAU respectively. All US equipment to service military aircraft has also been removed.
Both of the above airbases in the Gulf were instrumental on the early attacks on Iran by US forces. Iran has been (and is continuing) attacks on these bases even after the MOU was signed with the US last month.
The attacks on Al Udeid and Al Dhafra airbases has been part of larger attacks by Iran on other airbases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. THAAD and C-RAM radar and early warning systems have been targeted and disabled, as well as mission control centres, Maintenance centres, tarmac service equipment, and crew quarters during the war.
Aircraft now removed.
Iran has focused its attacks on eliminating the US ability to launch air attacks on Iran, rather than engage in indiscriminate warfare. The damage costs to the United States is reported to be in the Billions of Dollars.
Very scarce photography of damaged US radar system in the gulf
An aerial overhead view of “Ops Town” at at Al Udeid Air Base (AB), Al Rayyan Province, Qatar (QAT), taken from a US Air Force (USAF) KC-135 Stratotanker during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
As a consequence future air attacks on Iran (where US aircraft are used as launch platforms for missiles), must now come from much further afield, which will require aircraft refueling through KC-135 stratotankers. This greatly increases the tight and long range support-systems needed to assist and US attacks. Some future air attacks on Iran may have to come from the Continental US or Europe using B-52, B1, and even B-2 bombers on long air missions.
This new information shown in the satellite imagery may indicate a reason why major attacks were not made against Iran this weekend.
Israel raids West Bank live: PM Netanyahu threatens ‘more broad action’
Israel raids West Bank live: PM Netanyahu threatens ‘more broad action’
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “prepared to act more broadly” as settler attacks and military raids in the occupied West Bank continue.
- Israeli soldiers storm the occupied West Bank city of Nablus in the early hours and detain about 40 Palestinians, including a woman and former prisoners.
- The incursions come days after troops were deployed across the occupied territory following violence that killed four Palestinian villagers and two Israelis.
- Palestinian officials say Israeli settlers forced their way into the village of Tal and were confronted by residents, igniting the deadly violence.
- 1m ago(12:30 GMT)
At least 60 people arrested in West Bank in recent hours: Monitor
- 16m ago(12:15 GMT)
- 49m ago(11:45 GMT)
Israeli army says strikes killed Hamas members in north Gaza
- 1h ago(11:30 GMT)
Spain slams Israeli settler attacks on occupied West Bank
- 1h ago(11:15 GMT)
Netanyahu says Israel ‘prepared to act more broadly’ in West Bank
- 1h ago(11:00 GMT)
West Bank resident: ‘Every day we suffer Israeli violence and terror’
- 1h ago(10:45 GMT)
Settler attacks surged during Israel’s war on Gaza
- 2h ago(10:30 GMT)
Death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises
Advertisement - 2h ago(10:15 GMT)
Israeli strike kills 2 senior Gaza officials
- 2h ago(10:00 GMT)
Settlers caught on video setting Palestinian home ablaze
- 2h ago(09:45 GMT)
Photos: Israeli military raids Nablus in occupied West Bank
- 3h ago(09:30 GMT)
Ongoing medical neglect reported in Israel’s Negev prison
- 3h ago(09:20 GMT)
Settler attacks on Palestinians surge 63% in first half of 2026
- 3h ago(09:10 GMT)
‘Fascist crimes’: Hamas slams settler attacks on West Bank mosques
- 3h ago(09:00 GMT)
Palestinians say Israeli settlers torch 2 mosques in West Bank
- 3h ago(08:45 GMT)
At least 30 settler attacks on Palestinians reported so far
Advertisement - 4h ago(08:30 GMT)
Calls for mass mobilisation against Israeli settler attacks
- 4h ago(08:20 GMT)
Hamas praises Palestinian who took Israeli soldier’s weapon in Hebron
- 4h ago(08:10 GMT)
Palestinians in West Bank ‘under lockdown’ during Israeli attacks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)