Anwar rebukes Islamic groups using hatred, slander as 'weapons'

Anwar rebukes Islamic groups using hatred, slander as 'weapons'


Hatred, slander and insults cannot substitute for ethics, knowledge and principled struggle, Anwar says in a stern message

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 27 Sep 2026 4:02PM

Anwar says movements claiming to promote Islamic awareness would be weakened if they were driven by anger and condoned discord - September 27, 2026



PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has delivered a stern rebuke to groups invoking Islam or Malay identity while abandoning ethical principles, accusing them of reducing their struggle to hatred, slander and insults.

He said movements claiming to represent Islam would become hollow if they relied on anger, emotion and sentiment instead of knowledge, intellectual tradition and moral conduct.

“What is the meaning of an Islamic party or movement if it operates by abandoning the principles of ethics, is filled with hatred, and makes slander and insults its daily weapon and refrain?” he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar said any movement built in the name of Islam would ultimately be judged by how it conducted its struggle rather than by the slogans it promoted.

“We must rise through an intellectual tradition and stand firm on idealism. Any movement in the name of Islam will ultimately be tested not merely by its slogans but by the implementation of its struggle.

“Islam does not rise merely through an outpouring of spirit, emotion and sentiment, but through the strength of knowledge that raises awareness and inspires reflection,” he said.

He said he had raised the matter after attending the 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner organised by Persatuan Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (Wadah), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) and Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM) in Bangi with his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, last night.

The event also hosted delegates from The Union of NGOs of The Islamic World (UNIW).

Anwar said movements claiming to promote Islamic awareness would be weakened if they were driven by anger and condoned discord.

He also stressed the importance of usrah and the Islamic turath tradition in guiding movements and struggles based on knowledge.

“I also touched on the importance of usrah in the movement without abandoning the Islamic turath tradition, which is also important in guiding movements and struggles.

“Besides being firm in fighting corruption, opposing takfiri thinking and striving to eradicate extreme poverty, Islamic movements must also remain committed to courtesy, ethics and respect for national identity,” he said. - September 27, 2026

Man dies of rabies in Kedah’s first human case in 28 years

Man dies of rabies in Kedah’s first human case in 28 years



The Kedah Health Department says control and prevention measures have been stepped up following confirmation of the state’s first human rabies case in 28 years. — Picture by Raymond Manuel


Summary

• The Kedah State Health Department has reported its first human rabies case since 1998, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu after a stray dog bite.
• The victim did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis despite seeking initial medical treatment.
• Following the incident, control measures have been implemented by relevant agencies, including comprehensive epidemiological investigations to identify the source of the infection.
• The public is reminded of the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following an animal bite and ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 8:16 PM MYT


ALOR SETAR, Sept 27 — The State Health Department (JKN) of Kedah has reported the state’s first human rabies case since 1998, involving a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu who died today after being bitten by a stray dog in August.

It said that the victim sought treatment at a healthcare facility after the incident but did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“On September 18, the victim began experiencing fatigue, weakness and numbness in the right upper limb. The symptoms progressed to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioural changes on September 22, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rabies.

“The following day, the victim sought treatment again and was referred for further treatment before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” it said in a statement today.


It said clinical samples taken on Sept 24 were confirmed by laboratory tests two days later to be positive for rabies.

“Following the confirmation, Kedah JKN, the Kubang Pasu District Health Office, the Kedah Veterinary Services Department and relevant agencies implemented control and prevention measures, including active case detection, health education, enhanced surveillance of animal-bite cases, risk assessment and control of stray animals in the affected area.

“As this is the first human rabies case reported in Kedah since 1998, the Ministry of Health (MOH), together with Kedah JKN and relevant agencies, is conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to identify the source of infection and route of exposure,” it added.


The investigation includes examining the victim’s travel and exposure history, identifying contacts and risk factors, and analysing the timeline of events to determine the source and factors associated with the infection.

Kedah JKN said control measures were also being strengthened under the ‘One Health’ approach, involving human exposure management, surveillance of animal-bite cases and monitoring and risk assessment of dogs and other potentially exposed animals in high-risk areas.

It said that as of August 2026, a total of 502 animal bite and scratch cases had been reported in Kedah, with 65.3 per cent involving dogs, 23.1 per cent cats and 11.6 per cent other animals, adding that of these, 56.2 per cent involved domestic animals and 43.8 per cent stray animals.

It reminded the public that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or exposure to the saliva of infected animals, and urged pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats receive anti-rabies vaccinations.

Kedah JKN also said that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention at a public or private healthcare facility for risk assessment and appropriate treatment. — Bernama

All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front seeks BN membership — and a shot at contesting Penang seats

All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front seeks BN membership — and a shot at contesting Penang seats



IPF president Datuk T. Loganathan said the party has applied to become a Barisan Nasional component party, beginning with Penang. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon


Summary

• The All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF) has submitted an application to become a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN), starting in Penang before expanding to the national level.
• IPF President Datuk T. Loganathan highlighted the party's unwavering support for BN, even after the coalition's defeat in the 2018 general election.
• He expressed hope that BN will consider their application favorably and provide opportunities for IPF to contest in winnable state seats.
• Penang BN Chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir pledged to forward the application to Umno's supreme council and the BN leadership.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 8:04 PM MYT


BUTTERWORTH, Sept 27 — The All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF) has applied to become a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN), with Penang as the starting point before the move is taken to the national level.

Its president Datuk T. Loganathan said the application was driven by its longstanding loyalty to BN, despite never having been given any positions.

He said IPF had remained loyal to BN even after the coalition lost the 14th general election (GE14) in 2018, when several other component parties chose to leave.

“IPF hopes its application to become a BN component party will receive due consideration, with Penang serving as the starting point before the initiative is taken to the national level,” he said in his speech at the Penang IPF assembly here today.


He also hoped that the BN leadership would consider giving IPF the opportunity to contest suitable state seats where the party had a potential to win.

Meanwhile, Penang BN chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said he would bring the application to the Umno supreme council meeting before it was submitted to the Umno president, who is also the BN chairman.

Musa said Penang IPF was among the organisations that had actively supported BN, including during by-elections and state elections. — Bernama

Time to abolish fuel subsidies and tolls?

Time to abolish fuel subsidies and tolls?


This parity is not a coincidence; it is the visible symptom of an inefficient fiscal arrangement that the government should now seriously reconsider abolishing in one coordinated stroke

Updated 1 day ago · Published on 26 Sep 2026 8:02AM

The market, rather than additional fiscal incentives or regulatory mandates, does much of the educational work. - September 26, 2026



Malaysia’s dual system of heavily subsidising RON95 petrol while simultaneously extracting tolls on the nation’s expressways represents one of the more conspicuous policy contradictions of recent decades.

Eligible citizens currently pay RM1.99 per litre under the BUDI95 scheme, while the unsubsidised market rate sits near RM4.57. At the same time, motorists navigating the Klang Valley or inter-city routes hand over RM2–3.50 at successive plazas on LDP, DUKE, MEX, AKLEH and other highways.

For a typical Keramat-to-Petaling Jaya commuter, the monthly bill for subsidised fuel and tolls roughly balances around RM200.

This parity is not a coincidence; it is the visible symptom of an inefficient fiscal arrangement that the government should now seriously reconsider abolishing in one coordinated stroke.

The core proposal is straightforward. End the RON95 and diesel subsidies.

Redirect the substantial fiscal savings into a structured buy-out or compensation package for the toll concessionaires.

Many of these operators are government-linked companies or entities over which Putrajaya already exercises significant influence through equity stakes, regulatory oversight and historical concession agreements; the transaction need not be adversarial.

The government can negotiate accelerated amortisation, revised concession periods or outright acquisition of residual rights.

Once compensated, the plazas come down, and the expressways return to free public use.

Roads revert to what they should be in a functioning market economy: infrastructure whose capital cost is recovered through general taxation and whose marginal use is priced through the true cost of fuel.

The fiscal arithmetic is compelling. Targeted fuel subsidies still impose a heavy burden on the federal budget even after the shift to BUDI Madani.

Removing them frees resources that can simultaneously retire contingent liabilities embedded in toll concessions and reduce the need for further borrowing.

Malaysia’s public debt trajectory remains a structural concern, where every ringgit no longer spent on consumption subsidies or concession compensation is a ringgit that does not compound into future interest payments.

The exercise would also eliminate layers of administrative cost such as MyKad verification systems, quota monitoring, weekly price announcements, and the bureaucratic machinery required to manage both subsidy distribution and toll regulation.

Higher pump prices would transmit an immediate and honest price signal. Motorists would confront the full social cost of driving: fuel, congestion externalities and environmental impact. Unnecessary trips will decline, encouraging car-pooling, public transport and remote work to become relatively more attractive.

This behavioural shift aligns directly with the government’s stated policy preference for electric vehicles.

When petrol costs RM4.50-plus per litre, the total cost of ownership comparison between internal-combustion and electric vehicles tilts more decisively toward the latter, accelerating the transition that multiple ministries claim to support.

The market, rather than additional fiscal incentives or regulatory mandates, does much of the educational work.

Critics will raise the familiar objections of regressivity and political pain.

Yet the current system is itself regressive in subtle ways, where middle-class households with higher vehicle usage capture a disproportionate share of the subsidy, while the poorest Malaysians, many without cars, receive little direct benefit.

A clean abolition paired with transparent cash transfers or expanded public transport investment would be more progressive and less distortionary. Politically, the move requires courage.

Successive administrations have preferred the quiet comfort of weekly price adjustments and deferred toll hikes financed by compensation payments.

That comfort has produced a growing stock of contingent liabilities and a public conditioned to expect artificially cheap fuel.

Returning roads to free use would also dissolve a network of indirect economic costs.

Logistics firms currently embed toll expenses into freight rates, as these costs cascade into retail prices.

Commuters absorb both fuel and toll outlays that could otherwise support household consumption or savings.

The dual system creates compliance overhead, enforcement costs and opportunities for leakage.

A single coherent policy where market fuel prices and toll-free expressways will remove these frictions.

The concessionaires, being largely GLC or GLC-adjacent, are not independent private parties immune to national interest considerations.

The government already intervenes regularly through rate freezes, compensation packages and policy directives.

Completing the logic by retiring the concessions is an extension of existing practice, not a radical departure.

What is radical in such a plan is the willingness to let prices perform their allocative function and to stop using the public balance sheet to subsidise both consumption and the private (or quasi-private) collection of road user charges.

Malaysia can continue managing symptoms by regularly adjusting subsidy quotas, absorbing toll compensation, announcing temporary freezes, or it can address the underlying contradiction.

Abolishing both the fuel subsidy and the toll regime in a single, carefully sequenced reform would reduce fiscal pressure, restore price signals, encourage more efficient mobility choices and advance the EV agenda without additional layers of industrial policy.

The roads would once again function as public goods whose use is disciplined by real resource costs rather than by an elaborate and expensive system of cross-subsidies.

That outcome is closer to a free-market environment than the present hybrid of artificial cheapness and gated highways. It deserves serious consideration. – September 26, 2026

A month without answers: Families of missing Malaysians told Nepal search may soon end

A month without answers: Families of missing Malaysians told Nepal search may soon end



Family members of Malaysians still missing after the Nepal flood arrive at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya September 27, 2026 for a briefing on search efforts, identification procedures and documentation. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The families of Malaysians missing after a devastating flood in Nepal are being prepared for the possibility of the search and rescue operations concluding soon.
• In a briefing at Wisma Putra, they were informed about the transition to recovery operations and the expedited process for obtaining death certificates.
• Despite ongoing efforts, there has been little new development regarding the missing individuals, and families are trying to cope with the uncertainty.
• Representatives from various Malaysian agencies continue to support the affected families through legal and documentation processes.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 5:59 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Sept 27 — After more than a month of waiting without news, the families of Malaysians still missing following the flood disaster in Nepal are beginning to resign themselves to all possibilities when informed that the government of that country is considering ending the search and rescue (SAR) operations.

In a meeting with government agencies at Wisma Putra today, the next of kin were also briefed on the process related to the death certificates, which are being expedited to facilitate the families’ affairs.

S. Sankara, the son of a missing Malaysian, said Wisma Putra informed them that the Nepalese government is expected to conclude the rescue operation phase soon before transitioning to recovery operations.

“Based on the briefing received, the search and rescue operation is still ongoing at this time. The family was briefed on the documentation process, including the death certificate that will be issued by the Nepalese government,” he said to the media when met at the Wisma Putra compound here today.


The four-hour meeting, which started around 10.15 am and ended around 3 pm, involved briefings from several agencies regarding SAR operations, management of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples, as well as legal and documentation processes.

Meanwhile, Sankara said his family is trying to continue with their lives as best as they can despite still facing emotional pressure following the loss of his mother, K. Kalaimathi, 57, who was in Nepal for a religious ritual.

For Adura Masood, the wait for her husband, Dr. Mohd Padzil Daros, 63, is still not over.


“Not yet. No news,” she said when asked about any update on her husband.

Adura said today’s briefing explained the search efforts carried out by the involved teams, but there has not been much new development regarding the victim’s whereabouts.

“I don’t think there has been much (development). They explained what happened there, just a brief explanation. It’s just a briefing,” she said.

However, Adura believes that the team involved has done their best in the search effort.

“I think they have done their job,” she said.

Mohd Padzil was among the members of a group known as “Team Loe” who were reported missing when they were about 18 kilometres from the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border.

The group was reported to be travelling from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border in a four-wheel-drive vehicle when the disaster struck the Rasuwa area.

Among those who participated in the journey were members of the special team from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Mohd Fakhrul Munir Mohd Isa, and JBPM Fire and Rescue Operations Division deputy director Mohd Sani Harul.

Also participating in the same mission were Ganesh Neupane, Shabuddin Mun, Azman Karim, Muhammad Hazig Ismail, Mohd Nohan Salim, Jason Ngeow and Muhamad Nasir Abdul Talib.

Today’s meeting is the second following the government’s first official engagement with the affected families on Aug 30, five days after the incident on Aug 26, but not all families were represented at that time.

Among those involved are representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Department of Chemistry, the National Registration Department (JPN), the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).

The flood and debris flow on August 26, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the upper Lhende Khola watershed in Tibet, and reportedly claimed more than 1,450 lives, while thousands more remain unaccounted for. — Bernama

 

Jakim issues ‘advisories’ to deputy minister after New Age claims

Jakim issues ‘advisories’ to deputy minister after New Age claims

2 hours ago

FMT Reporters

The department says Marhamah Rosli was asked to clarify the issue, which involves content she published in 2019.

Deputy religious affairs minister Marhamah Rosli has denied claims she promoted New Age teachings, witchcraft, magic, or the use of charms. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Islamic development department (Jakim) has issued deputy religious affairs minister Marhamah Rosli with an advisory after content she published in 2019 was linked to New Age movements.

Jakim director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee said this involved content and methods Marhamah previously used which prompted questions from the public.

Sirajuddin said Marhamah had been called in to explain the matter, with the meeting joined by the federal territories mufti, a Jakim panel of experts, and other authorities.

“Following the meeting, several reprimands, advisories and guidelines were given, including over the content of programmes that had been carried out and the approaches used,” he said in a statement.

He said this was to ensure any content that could cause confusion to Muslims about fundamental Islamic beliefs was corrected, adding that programmes must always be based on recognised Islamic disciplines.

The controversy was partly sparked by a recirculated screenshot of a Facebook post published by Marhamah in September 2019.

The deputy minister has strongly denied claims she promoted New Age teachings, witchcraft, magic, or the use of charms.

On Sept 18, her office gave those spreading the allegations 24 hours to remove the claims and issue a public apology, failing which legal action could be considered.

***

Once those state inquisitors get to you, you're virtually finished

Tomás de Torquemada

BN chairman Zahid says coalition will end ties with Pakatan once Parliament dissolves

BN chairman Zahid says coalition will end ties with Pakatan once Parliament dissolves



Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (sixth, right) and Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party president Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran (fifth, right) pose with delegates at the party’s 18th annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed skepticism about continued collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH), amid reports of deteriorating relations.
• At the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party's annual assembly, Zahid announced BN's intention to end ties once Parliament is dissolved.
• Tensions between BN and PH have intensified, evidenced by electoral clashes and Zahid's critical remarks towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
• Meanwhile, Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia president Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran has urged BN to expedite its withdrawal from the governing coalition.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 4:41 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today made he saw no possibility of cooperation between his coalition and Pakatan Harapan (PH), amid talks that relations between the two sides have hit “an all time low”.

Speaking at the 18th annual general assembly of the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, the Umno president “promised” that BN would “part ways” the moment Parliament is dissolved, in an apparent response to calls for the coalition to stop all forms of political cooperation with PH in the Unity Government.

“The moment the current Parliament is dissolved, we will no longer be part of that government,” he said in his opening address today, The Star quoted Zahid as saying.

BN and PH are currently in the governing federal coalition, but leaders like Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin confirmed that ties between Zahid and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have soured in recent months as the two sides clashed at the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.


At the same event, Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia president Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran urged Zahid to pull BN out of the Unity government as soon as possible.

“Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia proposes that Barisan Nasional leave the Madani Government as soon as possible,” Thanenthiran was quoted as saying by The Star.

He also noted that several Umno leaders had faced arrests and investigations, adding that it appeared there were attempts to pressure BN and its leadership into giving way.


The call comes amid talks of internal pressure for BN to end its alliance with PH.

Zahid himself has made comments seen as critical of Anwar at public events, including daring him to call for elections this year, although he has often told reporters on the sidelines that Umno remains “committed” to seeing through its alliance with PH until the end of the term.

SRK turns villain with cries to strip his Datukship for participating in wife’s Hindu ritual in India By Mr Could Not Care Less

SRK turns villain with cries to strip his Datukship for participating in wife’s Hindu ritual in India
By Mr Could Not Care Less

Letter To Editor

“HOLIER-THAN-THOU” is an adjective that describes someone who acts as if he/she is morally superior, more virtuous or more religious than everyone else. The term is almost always used to show annoyance or disapproval of someone’s self-righteous arrogance.

This unwelcome characteristic has once again surfaced among Malaysians, this time with regard to famed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s (SRK) participation in a Hindu religious ritual.

Note that the heartthrob who professes to be a Muslim has raised the ire of many a self-righteous Malaysian – and no less his admirers – and let’s face it, they all follow the same faith.

For context, SRK is married to Gauri Khan, a Hindu whereby they raise their kids in an inter-faith and culturally diverse household with respect and observation of both Hindu and Muslim traditions and festivities.

To certain Malaysians, this may come as a shock but such practice is not isolated to Bollywood supercouples or is NOT considered a big deal or any deal at all in India.

So why is it causing such ripples in Malaysia to the point there are calls to strip SRK of his honorary Datukship. “What has SRK contributed to the state of Melaka?” one fuming Threader demanded to know.

Editor’s Note: SRK was officially awarded the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) which carries the title of “Datuk” on Dec 6, 2008.

He became the first foreign actor to receive the prestigious Datukship, honoured for promoting Melaka and Malaysian tourism through his film shoots in the state such as One 2 Ka 4 and Don.

Yes, SRK is a household name here like he is in many other countries. He is an actor and entertainer. But he is NOT a religious spokesman nor is he expected to uphold values that are NOT his.

This is the problem with many Malaysians who have been raised in a religious nanny state. Everything is black and white, right or wrong, legal or illegal.

The concept that people are free to determine their own religious path is an alien one to certain segments of Malaysians as can be seen from the numerous posts on the issue on social media.

The term “murtad” (apostate) was commonplace with some even bemoaning the wife’s overriding influence in this matter.

The condemnation that SRK “is on the way to becoming a kafir harbi (belligerent infidel)” was loud, shrill and unedifying. To many local Muslims, this act by SRK in celebrating a major Hindu festival in his own home alongside his family is considered sacrilegious.

Let me make a very pointed observation. Why is it when a Muslim does something perceived as not being in line with Islamic code, it is met with disdain and uproar? But it is rarely the case when it is the other way round.

Let me illustrate. When a person leaves his religion of birth to embrace Islam, he or she is “congratulated” on their “reversion”. But when a Muslim tries to leave his or her religion, it is considered the ultimate sin. No messages of goodwill, never mind congratulatory missives!

Whether it is Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah and family posing with Santa hats in their annual Christmas greeting on social media or former Indonesian head of state Joko Widodo uttering a solemn prayer at the Pope’s funeral, Malaysians are always eager to add their holier-than-thou pronouncements.

The world is a very big place. Though social media may have made it smaller, it may be time for Malaysians to accept that different people have different ways of practicing and expressing their faiths.

Not everyone subscribes to state-controlled religious authorities, much less dogmatic views on what constitutes religion.

Word of advice for the naysayers. As SRK is free to do as he pleases when it comes to religious observance, you are more than welcome to unfollow the superstar’s social media platforms and by all means, boycott his upcoming films. It is your choice.

Perhaps, such conservatives should learn to respect his.

As for the stripping of the Datukship title, I do not for one moment think that SRK will stay awake at night worrying at the prospect.

Malaysians need to come out from their ‘coconut shell’, expand their perspective, widen their worldview and learn to mind their own affairs. – Sept 24, 2026


Mr Could Not Care Less
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan


Editor’s Note: SRK’s next blockbuster – “King” – which is produced by his Hindu wife Gauri is expected to open in cinemas worldwide on Christmas eve this year.

Analyst decries “moral outrage” as Malay group seeks explanation over dropped 30% equity quota

Analyst decries “moral outrage” as Malay group seeks explanation over dropped 30% equity quota

POLITICAL analyst Prof James Chin has issued a blistering critique of calls to impose a 30% bumiputera equity ownership requirement on small businesses, including sole-proprietorship tuition centres, describing forced race-based share transfers as a “moral outrage” disguised as public policy.

Chin’s remarks follow strong pushback from the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) after the government removed the 30% equity threshold for private tuition centres.

DPMM President Norsyahrin Hamidon demanded full transparency regarding who authorised the policy change, highlighting contradictory statements from the Education Ministry and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry over who spearheaded the decision.

“This adjustment was made to fulfil the education sector’s current needs and ensure that room for entry remains open to all who want to contribute to the development of the nation’s education sector,” the group said in a statement yesterday (Sept 25).

Reacting to the ongoing debate, Chin questioned how a business chamber could view forcing small entrepreneurs to surrender nearly a third of their businesses as acceptable simply because of race.

He highlighted the glaring moral contradiction between concepts of justice embedded in national discourse and forcing individuals to hand over shares of single-person operations they built through personal labour.

Chin further lamented Malaysia’s “upside-down” political environment, where critics who expose race-based policies are branded as racists by right-wing quarters, while those demanding forced equity acquisitions are praised as race nationalists.

Warning that a whole generation is being normalised into accepting forced equity transfers under the banner of public policy, Chin expressed alarm over the silence from political and religious figures, noting that no prominent leaders have stepped forward to condemn the practice as pure racism. — Sept 26, 2026

Do not compare Penang’s mega projects with one year of Sabah road funding, state PKR tells PAS rival

Do not compare Penang’s mega projects with one year of Sabah road funding, state PKR tells PAS rival



A section of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah. Sabah PKR said comparisons between Penang and Sabah’s transport projects should take into account their different scale and requirements, adding that major infrastructure projects worth billions are also being implemented in Sabah, contrary to what the state PAS representative claimed on September 27, 2026. — Bernama file pic


Summary

• The Madani Government prioritizes the development of transport infrastructure in Sabah, emphasizing the significance of addressing local needs and completing the Pan Borneo Highway to reduce the development gap with Peninsular Malaysia.
• Sabah PKR Information Chief, Ahmad Farid Sainuri, highlighted that infrastructure investments in Penang, amounting to over RM21 billion, largely involve long-term projects, contrasting with Sabah's immediate road enhancement needs.
• He stressed that development efforts should consider each region's unique challenges, with Sabah requiring focused attention to bridge its development disparities.
• Additionally, significant investments have been approved for airport expansions in Sabah to bolster its aviation infrastructure.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 4:53 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, Sept 27 — Transport infrastructure development in Sabah remains a priority for the Madani Government, with comparisons between states needing to take into account their respective scale and requirements, said Sabah PKR Information Chief Ahmad Farid Sainuri.

He said Sabah’s roads still required serious attention, including faster completion of the Pan Borneo Highway to narrow the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

“We do not deny that Sabah’s roads still require serious attention. As Sabahans, we want the Pan Borneo Highway completed faster and the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia further narrowed,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Farid was responding to the Sabah PAS criticism of the Federal Government’s transport infrastructure priorities following the approval of more than RM21 billion in projects for Penang.


He said the more than RM21 billion cited for Penang comprised mainly large-scale infrastructure projects being implemented over several years, rather than an annual allocation handed to the state government.

“These include the RM16.8 billion Penang LRT project, as well as airport, port and cruise terminal expansion projects,” he said.

Ahmad Farid said Budget 2026 listed the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah Phase 1A and 1B at RM15.9 billion, while the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phases 1 and 2 were valued at RM8.81 billion and the Trans Borneo Highway at RM2.99 billion.


“Therefore, it is inaccurate to compare the total value of Penang’s projects solely with one component of Sabah’s road maintenance allocation for a single year. If we include the full value of the Penang LRT, we must also include the full value of the mega projects being implemented in Sabah,” he said.

In the aviation sector, nearly RM500 million has been approved for the expansion of Kota Kinabalu International Airport, while RM120.9 million has been allocated to upgrade Tawau Airport.

According to him, Penang has urban transport, density and congestion problems that require a mass transit system, while Sabah is a much larger region with different geographical challenges.

“Development justice means the Federal Government must develop both based on their respective needs, while giving greater attention to narrowing Sabah’s development gap,” he added. — Bernama

UiTM Holdings under MACC spotlight as RM42m solar project payment questioned

UiTM Holdings under MACC spotlight as RM42m solar project payment questioned



MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the probe will cover a range of matters, including a 50MW solar project in Gambang, Pahang. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating issues related to losses reported by UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2023, including a 50MW solar project in Gambang, Pahang, where RM42 million was inappropriately allocated without board approval.
• MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman stated that the investigation is being conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and is focused on governance weaknesses and financial mismanagement, as highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
• The probe aims to be thorough and swift, taking into account the case's technical complexity and pending prosecutorial guidance.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 3:47 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA, Sept 27 — The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating several issues linked to losses suffered by UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2023.

As reported by Sinar Harian (SH), MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the probe covers a range of matters, including a 50MW solar project in Gambang, Pahang, where RM42 million was reportedly paid for purposes unrelated to the project and without the approval of the company’s board of directors.

“MACC will strive to complete the investigation swiftly, independently and fairly. It must be emphasised that the probe is still ongoing given the complexity of the case, which involves technical aspects and awaits further direction from the prosecution,” he was quoted as saying.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.


He added that MACC will also examine other relevant issues, including governance weaknesses as highlighted by the Prime Minister.

Abd Halim said the commission welcomed the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern and firm stance in addressing shortcomings that contributed to UiTM Holdings’ losses.

Yesterday, Anwar directed a review of the governance and management of UiTM Holdings following concerns over the company’s financial losses.

Zahid says Najib solidarity fund hits RM9.25m — still RM40.75m short of target

Zahid says Najib solidarity fund hits RM9.25m — still RM40.75m short of target



Umno started a Najib Razak Solidarity Fund on September 18, 2026 to help the former prime minister pay the RM50 million fine required as part of his conditional royal pardon that would enable him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence at home, just hours after the government made the announcement. — Picture from Facebook/DR ASYRAF WAJDI DUSUKI


Summary

• The Najib Razak Solidarity Fund has accumulated RM9.25 million nine days after its inception, with a goal of reaching RM50 million to assist former Prime Minister Najib Razak in paying a fine linked to his conditional house arrest pardon.
• Despite the initial fundraising success, with significant contributions in the first few days, there remains a shortfall of RM40.75 million.
• Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized ongoing efforts to meet this target, as Najib continues to be held in Kajang Prison pending the fine payment and amid legal constraints on his assets.

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 2:59 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — The Najib Razak Solidarity Fund has reached RM9.25 million nine days after its launch, but Umno is still short of the RM50 million needed to help the former prime minister meet the fine attached to his conditional pardon for house arrest.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the latest amount was recorded as of 10am Saturday, leaving the fund RM40.75 million short of its target, The Star reported today.

“As of 10am, we have collected RM9.25 million so far.

“This is still insufficient to reach the RM50 million target. Efforts are ongoing to increase the crowdfunding, and we hope our friends will be able to assist us in the near future to reach the amount set by the Pardons Board.


“The amount must be settled before the house arrest can be fully implemented,” he was quoted telling reporters after officiating at the 18th Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party General Assembly here yesterday.

The fund was launched by Umno on September 18, hours after the Federal Territories Pardons Board announced that Najib had received a conditional royal pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

The conditional pardon requires Najib to pay a RM50 million fine and comply with the other conditions imposed, with the pardon subject to revocation if those conditions are breached.


The fund reached RM165,645 within its first hour, RM634,562.02 after three hours and RM1 million by 9.30am the following day, according to Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Najib’s lawyers have said he remains in Kajang Prison until the RM50 million fine is paid, while noting that a significant portion of his assets, bank accounts and properties remain subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said on September 21 that Najib’s family had yet to pay the fine, while the Prisons Department has said it is ready to implement the Pardons Board’s decision once it receives the necessary official notification and documents.

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C'mon lah UMNO members