Israeli forces kill one, injure several in occupied West Bank
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing increased Israeli violence and discrimination since October 2023.
Tuesday, October 06, 2026
Israeli forces kill one, injure several in occupied West Bank
MP SPEAKS | A child should not be afraid to go to school
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MP SPEAKS | A child should not be afraid to go to school
Published: Oct 6, 2026 4:16 PM
MP SPEAKS | I keep thinking about the plans Irene Sofiya Khairool Faisal had made with her friends.
After their examinations, they wanted to spend some time together, celebrate their birthdays, dress up and go out for coffee.
They were ordinary teenage plans. The kind that young people make without imagining that anything could stop them.
Irene was 16. She wanted to become a doctor, like her late mother.
On Oct 3, she was found badly injured inside her school hall in Yong Peng. Irene (below) died before help arrived.
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A student has been remanded, and the police are investigating the case as murder. The motive has not been established, so we should not speculate or try the case on social media.
Still, one fact should trouble every parent in this country: Irene went to school and never came home.
Tip of the iceberg
Just days later, Parliament was told that 5,681 bullying cases had been reported in schools between January and August this year. The cases included physical, verbal, non-verbal and cyberbullying.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself acknowledged that the real number could be higher because some cases may never have been reported.
That number bothers me. But what bothers me even more are the children who may not be included in it.
How many kept quiet because they were frightened? How many tried to tell an adult but were dismissed? How many parents were told that it was only a misunderstanding between students? How many schools worried more about their reputation than the child asking for help?
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We have been here before. Last year, Malaysians were shaken by the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir (above), who was found unconscious near her boarding-school dormitory in Sabah.
An inquest into the circumstances of her death is ongoing, alongside separate proceedings involving allegations of bullying.
We must allow those legal processes to establish the truth. Zara deserves facts, not rumours.
We also remember Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain (below). He was tortured by fellow university students and died from his injuries in 2017.
Seven years later, the Court of Appeal convicted six former students of his murder.
Have we done enough?
These cases are different. We should not pretend that every school incident has the same cause or circumstances, but each case forces us to ask whether the adults, rules, and institutions surrounding our children are doing enough to keep them safe.
The honest answer is that we are still falling short.
I appreciate the prime minister’s willingness to admit that current measures are not enough.
The government has increased counselling support, trained wardens, strengthened disciplinary procedures and mental-health screening, and allowed the police greater access to schools. More CCTV cameras are also planned.
These steps matter, but installing cameras cannot be the whole answer. A camera may record what happened, but it cannot comfort a frightened child, notice a sudden change in behaviour, or ask why a student has stopped eating, talking, or attending class.
That requires people who are trained, alert, and prepared to act.
Every serious complaint should have a clear deadline for action. The child must first be placed somewhere safe. Evidence must be preserved. Parents must be informed. Counselling and medical support must be available immediately.
If a possible crime is involved, the police and child-protection authorities must be notified.
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Children also need a way to report abuse outside the immediate school hierarchy. It is extremely difficult for a young person to complain when the alleged bully is a senior student, or when the person who ignored the earlier complaint is someone in authority.
We should also publish anonymised data regularly. How many complaints were received? How many were investigated? How long did schools take to respond? How many were referred to the police? What support was provided to the victims?
This is not about humiliating teachers or treating every school as unsafe. Most teachers work extremely hard and care deeply about their students.
It is about supporting those who do their jobs properly, while holding those who conceal complaints or fail to protect children accountable.
Parents have responsibilities as well. We must pay attention when our children become unusually quiet, angry, or afraid to attend school. We must listen before blaming them or telling them to toughen up.
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But parents cannot be in classrooms, corridors, and hostels throughout the day. Once a child enters the school gate, the institution assumes a duty of care. That responsibility cannot disappear when something goes wrong.
Bullying is not character-building. Fear is not discipline. Keeping quiet does not protect a school’s good name.
A school earns its reputation when children feel safe enough to learn, speak, and ask for help. That is the standard we should insist upon, because no family should have to send a child to school in the morning and spend the evening wondering why that child never came home.
MP SPEAKS | I keep thinking about the plans Irene Sofiya Khairool Faisal had made with her friends.
After their examinations, they wanted to spend some time together, celebrate their birthdays, dress up and go out for coffee.
They were ordinary teenage plans. The kind that young people make without imagining that anything could stop them.
Irene was 16. She wanted to become a doctor, like her late mother.
On Oct 3, she was found badly injured inside her school hall in Yong Peng. Irene (below) died before help arrived.
A student has been remanded, and the police are investigating the case as murder. The motive has not been established, so we should not speculate or try the case on social media.
Still, one fact should trouble every parent in this country: Irene went to school and never came home.
Tip of the iceberg
Just days later, Parliament was told that 5,681 bullying cases had been reported in schools between January and August this year. The cases included physical, verbal, non-verbal and cyberbullying.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself acknowledged that the real number could be higher because some cases may never have been reported.
That number bothers me. But what bothers me even more are the children who may not be included in it.
How many kept quiet because they were frightened? How many tried to tell an adult but were dismissed? How many parents were told that it was only a misunderstanding between students? How many schools worried more about their reputation than the child asking for help?
We have been here before. Last year, Malaysians were shaken by the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir (above), who was found unconscious near her boarding-school dormitory in Sabah.
An inquest into the circumstances of her death is ongoing, alongside separate proceedings involving allegations of bullying.
We must allow those legal processes to establish the truth. Zara deserves facts, not rumours.
We also remember Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain (below). He was tortured by fellow university students and died from his injuries in 2017.
Seven years later, the Court of Appeal convicted six former students of his murder.
Have we done enough?
These cases are different. We should not pretend that every school incident has the same cause or circumstances, but each case forces us to ask whether the adults, rules, and institutions surrounding our children are doing enough to keep them safe.
The honest answer is that we are still falling short.
I appreciate the prime minister’s willingness to admit that current measures are not enough.
The government has increased counselling support, trained wardens, strengthened disciplinary procedures and mental-health screening, and allowed the police greater access to schools. More CCTV cameras are also planned.
These steps matter, but installing cameras cannot be the whole answer. A camera may record what happened, but it cannot comfort a frightened child, notice a sudden change in behaviour, or ask why a student has stopped eating, talking, or attending class.
That requires people who are trained, alert, and prepared to act.
Every serious complaint should have a clear deadline for action. The child must first be placed somewhere safe. Evidence must be preserved. Parents must be informed. Counselling and medical support must be available immediately.
If a possible crime is involved, the police and child-protection authorities must be notified.
Children also need a way to report abuse outside the immediate school hierarchy. It is extremely difficult for a young person to complain when the alleged bully is a senior student, or when the person who ignored the earlier complaint is someone in authority.
We should also publish anonymised data regularly. How many complaints were received? How many were investigated? How long did schools take to respond? How many were referred to the police? What support was provided to the victims?
This is not about humiliating teachers or treating every school as unsafe. Most teachers work extremely hard and care deeply about their students.
It is about supporting those who do their jobs properly, while holding those who conceal complaints or fail to protect children accountable.
Parents have responsibilities as well. We must pay attention when our children become unusually quiet, angry, or afraid to attend school. We must listen before blaming them or telling them to toughen up.
But parents cannot be in classrooms, corridors, and hostels throughout the day. Once a child enters the school gate, the institution assumes a duty of care. That responsibility cannot disappear when something goes wrong.
Bullying is not character-building. Fear is not discipline. Keeping quiet does not protect a school’s good name.
A school earns its reputation when children feel safe enough to learn, speak, and ask for help. That is the standard we should insist upon, because no family should have to send a child to school in the morning and spend the evening wondering why that child never came home.
SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID is Bukit Bendera MP.
DAP turns the screws on Zahid with MACC report, deepening rift
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DAP turns the screws on Zahid with MACC report, deepening rift
Published: Oct 6, 2026 3:07 PM
Staying true to the political maxim that there are no permanent friends or foes, a DAP lawmaker has lodged a report with the MACC against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deepening the fissures between the uneasy allies in the federal government.
Kampar MP Chong Zhemin urged the anti-corruption watchdog to sink its teeth into Zahid’s role in the RM2.1 billion gap between allocations approved and actual expenditure under the Rural Road Programme overseen by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
Zahid, who is a deputy prime minister and the rural and regional development minister, has come under scrutiny over the discrepancy.
"An official complaint has now been lodged. MACC must initiate an independent investigation," Chong (below, second from left) said in a press statement today.
He also recalled MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman’s remarks on Oct 1 that the commission only learned about the issue through media reports and would act once an official complaint was received.
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Chong pointed out that Finance Ministry figures showed the Rural and Regional Development Ministry spent RM1.8 billion in 2023, against an approved allocation of RM1.1 billion; RM2 billion in 2024, against RM1.3 billion; and RM2.3 billion in 2025, against RM1.6 billion. The combined difference over the three years amounted to RM2.1 billion.
He also said the ministry’s 2026 allocation was nearly exhausted by June, leaving contractors facing difficulties in receiving payments.
The Finance Ministry subsequently approved an additional RM300 million and began identifying savings from other ministries to cover the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's over-committed obligations.
"If the Rural and Regional Development Ministry did not spend beyond available financial resources, Zahid must explain why contractors who completed their work were not paid, and why the Finance Ministry had to provide an additional RM300 million as well as seek savings from other ministries," Chong said.
"I want the MACC to determine whether contracts and financial commitments were made before adequate funding was legally approved, and whether anyone abused their position to direct or approve them.
"The investigation must also examine the possibility of irregularities in contractor selection, contract awards, payment verifications, and financial records," he added.
Funding dispute, political spat
The dispute erupted in late August when Zahid expressed dissatisfaction over fund disbursements and urged that contractors who had completed work be paid immediately.
On Sept 2, Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican (below) replied that no restrictions were imposed on the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's rural road allocations and that the funds had been fully disbursed.
He said payment difficulties arose because the ministry made commitments and spent beyond its annual allocation since 2022, while its 2026 allocation was also nearly exhausted.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 4 asked both ministries to resolve the matter through discussions.
On Sept 7, Zahid said his ministry would not spend beyond the allocation approved by the government.
On Sept 30, DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng urged MACC to investigate Zahid, linking it to the agency's action in the UiTM Holdings case.
In response, Zahid's political secretary, Razlan Rafii, accused Lim of political motives ahead of the Malacca state election.
Umno eyes comeback
At Umno’s general assembly last month, Zahid signalled just how far the party’s patience with its role in the Madani government may be wearing thin.
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With Umno steadily gravitating towards PAS, he called for the 16th general election to be “expedited”, declaring that the party wants to reclaim the federal government with a fresh mandate rather than remain a junior partner in someone else’s administration.
“The time has come for the general election to be held now. This is not a demand. This is not a hope. This is what the people want,” he said, drawing confidence from BN’s performance in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, where it went head-to-head with Harapan.
‘She should not wait any longer’: High Court rejects bid to delay RM1.48m condo prize for Miss Asia Malaysia 2023 winner
‘She should not wait any longer’: High Court rejects bid to delay RM1.48m condo prize for Miss Asia Malaysia 2023 winner
Luwe Xin Hui was crowned ATV Miss Asia Malaysia 2023 but had yet to receive the RM1.48 million condominium prize when she filed suit in 2025. — Picture via Facebook/luweexxi
Summary
- The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has permitted Miss Asia Malaysia 2023 winner Luwe Xin Hui to enforce a ruling awarding her a RM1.48 million condominium or its cash equivalent, following the rejection of a stay request by the pageant organizer, Asia Television Digital Media.
- Judge Datuk Arik Sanusi Yeop Johari ruled that Luwe should not endure further delays in receiving the promised grand prize, which had been outstanding since she won the pageant in 2023.
- The court dismissed the company's arguments for a stay, deeming them insufficient to meet the "special circumstances" required for such a request.
First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 5:00 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Miss Asia Malaysia 2023 winner Luwe Xin Hui can proceed with enforcing a court order for a RM1.48 million condominium, or its cash equivalent, after the High Court rejected an attempt by the pageant organiser to put the ruling on hold pending an appeal.
High Court judge Datuk Arik Sanusi Yeop Johari said Luwe should not be made to wait any longer for the grand prize she was promised after winning the pageant three years ago, the New Straits Times reported.
The judge dismissed an application by Asia Television Digital Media (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to stay the execution of an earlier ruling in Luwe’s favour.
On January 29, the High Court granted Luwe summary judgment and ordered the company to transfer and register in her name a unit at Picasso Residence in Jalan Ampang worth RM1.48 million, together with vacant possession and the keys.
The company was also ordered to bear the relevant costs, stamp duty and legal expenses.
If the transfer could not be completed, the court ordered the company to pay Luwe RM1.48 million in cash instead.
In his grounds of judgment, Arik said Luwe was entitled to the grand prize represented and promised by the company as the pageant’s main organiser.
He noted that although Luwe was crowned in 2023, she had still not received the property by the time she filed her lawsuit in 2025.
“However, since the plaintiff was announced as the champion of the pageant in 2023 until this action was filed in 2025, the defendant had failed, refused and neglected to deliver the grand prize to the plaintiff.
“Since the defendant had failed, refused, and neglected to deliver the grand prize worth RM1.48 million to the plaintiff, it is appropriate, as an alternative, for the defendant to remedy the situation and pay damages of RM1.48 million, equivalent to the value of the condominium, to the plaintiff,” he said.
The court also ordered the company to pay RM5,000 in costs.
In seeking a stay, Asia Television Digital Media argued that the condominium remained registered in the name of developer Premier De Muara Sdn Bhd and that transferring the unit would involve several procedural steps as well as additional costs and expenses.
It also argued that being required to pay Luwe RM1.48 million in cash could leave it facing substantial difficulty in recovering the money if its appeal ultimately succeeded.
Arik rejected those arguments, ruling that they did not amount to the “special circumstances” required to justify a stay of execution.
He said the company’s concern that it might not be able to recover the RM1.48 million was speculative.
“The court is of the view that this reason does not constitute a special circumstance which justifies a stay of execution of the judgment,” he said.
The judge also rejected the company’s argument that allowing Luwe to enforce the judgment would render its appeal nugatory or academic.
“If the defendant succeeds in its appeal later, the defendant may recover the RM1.48 million from the plaintiff and this would not prejudice or deny the defendant’s rights to the money,” he said.
The company filed its notice of appeal on February 26.
Luwe was represented by Chew Wee Kian and Ee Pei Ying, while Marcus Teoh and Doris Na acted for the company.
Three crocodiles, including 4.75m giant, captured in Sarawak’s Batang Igan
Three crocodiles, including 4.75m giant, captured in Sarawak’s Batang Igan
Licensed crocodile hunter Jeferry Siew Seng Kwong said the largest of the three, measuring 4.75 metres and estimated to weigh 500 kilogrammes, was captured at about 2.30am today by his four-member team with the assistance of villagers. — Bernama file pic
Summary
- Three large crocodiles, measuring between 2.44 metres and 4.75 metres, were captured in Sungai Batang Igan, Sarawak, over the past three days.
- Villagers sought help due to frequent crocodile sightings and an attack on a pet dog, leading to the capture by licensed hunter Jeferry Siew Seng Kwong and his team.
- The operation, which started on October 3, also uncovered a nest with about 40 crocodile eggs, and involved collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 5:10 PM MYT
SIBU, Oct 6 — Three large-sized crocodiles measuring between 2.44 metres and 4.75 metres were captured within the last three days in Sungai Batang Igan near Ulu Kampung Kebuaw, Igan, near here.
Licensed crocodile hunter Jeferry Siew Seng Kwong said the largest of the three, measuring 4.75 metres and estimated to weigh 500 kilogrammes, was captured at about 2.30am today by his four-member team with the assistance of villagers.
“The residents sought our help following frequent sightings of crocodiles in the area, including an incident in which one attacked a pet dog, causing concern among the villagers.
“After the crocodile was captured, the residents also helped us lift it onto the boat,” he told Bernama today.
Jeferry said the operation in the area began on October 3, with three crocodiles captured so far.
Two crocodiles measuring about 2.44 metres and 2.74 metres respectively were captured on October 4 and 5, before the largest, measuring 4.75 metres, was captured.
He said his team also found a nest containing about 40 crocodile eggs while conducting the operation.
Jeferry expressed his appreciation to the residents of Kampung Kebuaw for their cooperation and teamwork throughout the operation, as well as to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for its cooperation.
He said since obtaining a licence to hunt the reptile two years ago, he had captured over 100 crocodiles. — Bernama
A24 thriller Primetime banned from Malaysian cinemas
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A24 thriller Primetime banned from Malaysian cinemas
Published: Oct 6, 2026 5:32 PM
Psychological thriller “Primetime” will not hit Malaysian cinemas after the Film Censorship Board prohibited its local release
The film’s distributor, Antenna Entertainment, confirmed the directive on X today, expressing regret to moviegoers who had been looking forward to seeing it.
“Unfortunately, the film has been banned by the Film Censorship Board.
“We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and thank everyone for your support and interest in Primetime,” the distributor said.
Cinema chain Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) also confirmed the cancellation on X, notifying moviegoers that the film would no longer be screened locally.
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Neither Antenna nor GSC disclosed the reason for the ban, while the Film Censorship Board has yet to issue a public statement explaining the decision.
The movie was initially slated for release in Malaysia on Oct 1, before being postponed to Oct 8 and eventually cancelled.
Primetime is a psychological thriller from A24, the studio behind box office hits “Hereditary”, “Midsommar”, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.
The film, which marks director Lance Oppenheim’s narrative feature debut, is inspired by television host Chris Hansen and his controversial reality television series “To Catch a Predator”.
Starring Robert Pattinson in the leading role, it follows the host’s pursuit of a career-defining television story as he and his team use hidden cameras and decoys to confront men suspected of seeking sexual encounters with minors.
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The film has received glowing reviews. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 86 percent critics’ score, while its audience score stands at 78 percent.
Critics have particularly praised Pattinson’s performance and the film’s stylised approach to examining the line between journalism, entertainment, and justice.
It premiered at the 78th Venice Film Festival and received a wide theatrical release in the United States on Sept 25.
Loke slams 10 Negeri Exco members for ‘backstabbing’ Tuanku Muhriz
Loke slams 10 Negeri Exco members for ‘backstabbing’ Tuanku Muhriz
The 10 Exco members had sworn allegiance before Tuanku Muhriz on August 7 to form the state government following the state election, only to subsequently endorse the proclamation on September 16
Updated 3 hours ago · Published on 06 Oct 2026 1:01PM
“This is an act of backstabbing!” Loke said in a statement. - October 6, 2026
ANTHONY Loke Siew Fook described the actions of the 10 Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (Exco) members who endorsed the proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir after having sworn allegiance to him as an act of "backstabbing."
The DAP Secretary-General noted that the 10 Exco members had sworn allegiance before Tuanku Muhriz on August 7 to form the state government following the state election, only to subsequently endorse the proclamation to remove the ruler on September 16.
"If they did not recognise Tuanku's position, why were they willing to swear allegiance after the state election to form the State Government?"
“This is an act of backstabbing!” he said in a statement.
Loke made these remarks in response to a statement by PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who had questioned his stance regarding the dismissal of Executive Council (Exco) members by the Ruler without the executive's approval.
According to Loke, the issues raised by Fadhli should not divert attention from the actions of the 10 Exco members involved — actions which contradicted the stance they took when swearing their oath of loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.
He also emphasised that DAP has never engaged in such conduct and will continue to uphold the principles of a constitutional monarchy.
“DAP has never done anything like this.
“DAP will always uphold the principles of a constitutional monarchy,” he said.
Loke cautioned Fadhli against 'moving the goalposts' and trying to divert attention to other matters. – October 6, 2026
ANTHONY Loke Siew Fook described the actions of the 10 Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (Exco) members who endorsed the proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir after having sworn allegiance to him as an act of "backstabbing."
The DAP Secretary-General noted that the 10 Exco members had sworn allegiance before Tuanku Muhriz on August 7 to form the state government following the state election, only to subsequently endorse the proclamation to remove the ruler on September 16.
"If they did not recognise Tuanku's position, why were they willing to swear allegiance after the state election to form the State Government?"
“This is an act of backstabbing!” he said in a statement.
Loke made these remarks in response to a statement by PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who had questioned his stance regarding the dismissal of Executive Council (Exco) members by the Ruler without the executive's approval.
According to Loke, the issues raised by Fadhli should not divert attention from the actions of the 10 Exco members involved — actions which contradicted the stance they took when swearing their oath of loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.
He also emphasised that DAP has never engaged in such conduct and will continue to uphold the principles of a constitutional monarchy.
“DAP has never done anything like this.
“DAP will always uphold the principles of a constitutional monarchy,” he said.
Loke cautioned Fadhli against 'moving the goalposts' and trying to divert attention to other matters. – October 6, 2026
Education minister should resign instead of crying
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Education minister should resign instead of crying
Published: Oct 6, 2026 8:04 AM
YOURSAY | ‘Malaysians want action and accountability rather than tears,’
Teary-eyed Fadhlina says she's a mother too, rejects claims bullying cases swept under rug
YOURSAY | ‘Malaysians want action and accountability rather than tears,’
Teary-eyed Fadhlina says she's a mother too, rejects claims bullying cases swept under rug
Bobbyo: A life has been lost. How many other lives have been destroyed emotionally through being either raped, molested, bullied or even beaten, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek?
How many of these cases have really been swept under the carpet because the persons involved are either related or politically connected? Or even due to the fact that the school administration did not want media coverage?
It has been going on for years. The different videos showing students being beaten by a group of their kind have been circulating for umpteen years.
The rape, molestation, and even sexual harassment cases are kept silent until one party makes a police report. Now we hear of CCTV cameras not being fixed in an area where a murder has taken place.
All the people hear are excuses after excuses given by those in authority. Giving statements that action will be taken against those responsible. Shedding tears is not going to solve the problem.
A precious life has already been lost. Another father, brother, and sister will be shedding real tears as they have lost their loved one. Not you, Fadhlina. So, stop the crocodile tears. Actions speak louder than words or even false political tears.
Turnedback: Too many bullying cases are not reported. Saddened with tears cannot solve the problems. Implement surveillance consisting of police officers patrolling at the school guard house to check for any unreported bullying cases.
There should be stronger monitoring so that bullying cases can be detected and dealt with before they become more serious.
IndigoJaguar7545: Crocodile tears from a low-quality minister. It's much easier to cry than to be brave. Why is the Education Ministry still allowing any internal investigations?
This is total nonsense. It must be a public ombudsman. You wouldn't trust an internal investigation for your children. So why should we all suffer?
RedGecko6275: What about the principal of the school? No action taken? While the minister is being questioned, the school administration and those directly responsible for the safety of students should also be held accountable. There must be accountability at every level.
LimeLynx8453: Instead of crying, just resign. Malaysians want action and accountability rather than tears.
RedWolf1406: Yes, crocodile tears. Fadhlina only cares for the glamour as education minister, receiving flower garlands and red-carpet walks in the school’s arena. She has never been credited for any reforms in the Education Ministry.
One Malaysian: Wonder why the Madani government still wants to retain her as education minister. She is hopelessly out of her depth and should just resign instead of crying!
If the minister cannot solve the problems facing the education system, then she should be prepared to answer why she should remain in the position.
Apanama is back: Fadhlina, if the cases are not “swept under the carpet”, are they being “swept over the carpet”? The bullying cases keep happening now and then.
This shows that you haven't taken action since you became minister. All the cases remain at the investigation stage, with nothing moving forward besides your press statements. I am sure you will forget this case by next week as well.
Fools seldom differ: The Education Ministry is too big a hat for Fadhlina to administer. Frankly speaking, we have never had any successful or capable minister who can hold on to this portfolio. That’s why our standard of education is so deplorable.
Abc123: Our education system is in the doldrums. Do something to better the system. It is as simple as that. The problems have been going on for too long, and what is needed now is action to improve the system.
WhiteFalcon2109: It is time to reform the school curriculum. Despite the extensive hours dedicated to religious studies, humanity and morality continue to be lacking.
We need to look at what our children are being taught and whether the education system is adequately developing their character, compassion and sense of responsibility towards others.
BrownJaguar5869: Former education minister Maszlee Malik was torn apart, and now Fadhlina is getting the same treatment. Decades of systemic problems and entrenched habits, but one minister is expected to fix everything overnight.
Changing ministers does not magically repair the system. She must answer for her leadership, but schools, departments and officers must answer for their failures too.
“Everything is the minister’s fault” is a lazy comment. I’m seeing so many posts, even from parents’ groups, spreading politically loaded claims about Fadhlina and demanding her resignation.
I don’t remember seeing this same intensity during the BN or Perikatan Nasional years. Suddenly, every inherited problem becomes grounds for her to resign.
Demand answers and safer schools, absolutely. But some of this looks like bullying dressed up as concern. We cannot condemn bullying among children while adults practise it openly against the minister.
YellowDove1483: As a minister, crying doesn't help anyone and shows you are hopelessly out of your depth.
The future generations of Malaysians are held in the hands of a crybaby. What Malaysians need is effective leadership and concrete action, not emotional statements.
19-year-old female student strangled to death in Kuantan following quarrel; boyfriend arrested
19-year-old female student strangled to death in Kuantan following quarrel; boyfriend arrested
The victim was found strangled in a Kuantan rented room following an early-morning argument
Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 06 Oct 2026 2:05PM
Police have remanded a 19-year-old youth for seven days on suspicion of murdering his teenage girlfriend - October 6, 2026
A 19-YEAR-OLD female student was found dead, believed to have been strangled following an intense argument with her boyfriend in a rented room at Jalan Air Putih 2, Kuantan, early this morning.
Police arrested her 19-year-old boyfriend at the scene after he personally contacted the emergency services line MERS 999 at 4.32am to report the altercation.
Kuantan District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah confirmed that dispatch units were deployed immediately to the location following the call.
"Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered a 19-year-old female student lying unconscious on a bed on the ground floor of the premises," Ashari said in a statement today.
"A physical inspection conducted by forensic specialists from Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) revealed marks indicating pressure on the victim's neck before medical officers confirmed her death."
Initial police investigations indicate the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute between the couple.
Forensic officers from the Pahang Contingent Police Headquarters D10 Crime Investigation Department and the K9 Unit conducted an extensive site examination to gather physical evidence.
The suspect was brought before the Kuantan Magistrate's Court today, where police successfully obtained a seven-day remand order valid until October 12. The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled at HTAA’s Forensic Department to establish the exact cause of death, while investigators continue recording statements from witnesses.
Ashari advised members of the public to refrain from making speculations or sharing unverified information that could disrupt ongoing investigations, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist the police. - October 6, 2026
A 19-YEAR-OLD female student was found dead, believed to have been strangled following an intense argument with her boyfriend in a rented room at Jalan Air Putih 2, Kuantan, early this morning.
Police arrested her 19-year-old boyfriend at the scene after he personally contacted the emergency services line MERS 999 at 4.32am to report the altercation.
Kuantan District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah confirmed that dispatch units were deployed immediately to the location following the call.
"Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered a 19-year-old female student lying unconscious on a bed on the ground floor of the premises," Ashari said in a statement today.
"A physical inspection conducted by forensic specialists from Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) revealed marks indicating pressure on the victim's neck before medical officers confirmed her death."
Initial police investigations indicate the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute between the couple.
Forensic officers from the Pahang Contingent Police Headquarters D10 Crime Investigation Department and the K9 Unit conducted an extensive site examination to gather physical evidence.
The suspect was brought before the Kuantan Magistrate's Court today, where police successfully obtained a seven-day remand order valid until October 12. The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled at HTAA’s Forensic Department to establish the exact cause of death, while investigators continue recording statements from witnesses.
Ashari advised members of the public to refrain from making speculations or sharing unverified information that could disrupt ongoing investigations, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist the police. - October 6, 2026
***
We have become a violent society
Bersatu acted in ‘bad faith’ to cripple Perikatan before Melaka polls, Takiyuddin claims in court filing
Bersatu acted in ‘bad faith’ to cripple Perikatan before Melaka polls, Takiyuddin claims in court filing
Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan made the allegation in an affidavit supporting the coalition’s judicial review application against two RoS notices. — Bernama pic
Summary
- Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has accused Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia of attempting to weaken the coalition ahead of the Melaka state election by filing a complaint with the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
- The complaint, which arose from Bersatu being excluded from a PN Supreme Council meeting, led to RoS notices that have cast doubt over PN's status, prompting the coalition to file for judicial review.
- This development highlights the growing discord between Bersatu and PN, despite Bersatu's claims of remaining a legitimate component of the coalition.
- PN is seeking an urgent judicial review to resolve the regulatory uncertainties before the election commission sets the election timetable.
First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 2:09 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has accused Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia of deliberately trying to “cripple” the coalition ahead of the Melaka state election by lodging a complaint with the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
The allegation was made in an affidavit filed in support of PN’s application for judicial review of two RoS notices that have thrown uncertainty over the coalition’s status as it prepares for the state polls, Malaysiakini reported today.
Takiyuddin claimed Bersatu acted in bad faith when it complained to the RoS after being left out of a PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16.
“I sincerely believe that Bersatu did not lodge the complaint to defend any rights it had as a component party of PN.
“I sincerely believe that Bersatu lodged the complaint with the intention of crippling PN — a coalition that the party was opposing in an election at the time,” he was quoted as saying in the affidavit.
The PAS secretary-general was referring to the forthcoming Melaka state election, for which the Election Commission has yet to announce the key dates.
According to Malaysiakini, Takiyuddin cited a series of events in the affidavit which he said supported his contention that Bersatu’s complaint had been made with an ulterior motive.
He said PN had previously raised questions over the validity of Bersatu’s own supreme council and had written to the party seeking clarification.
The latest allegation marks a further escalation in the increasingly public rift between Bersatu and the coalition it helped establish.
PN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said last week that Bersatu had not formally been expelled from PN, while confirming that the coalition’s activities had been suspended following eight complaints lodged with the RoS.
The relationship had already deteriorated before the regulatory dispute. In August, Takiyuddin confirmed that Bersatu would not be involved in PN’s negotiations with Barisan Nasional over the Melaka election, although Bersatu continued to maintain that it remained a legitimate PN component party.
The RoS issued notices to PN on September 22 and 23 following Bersatu’s complaint that it had not been invited to the coalition’s Supreme Council meeting despite remaining a member.
PN was given 30 days to show cause to the regulator.
Takiyuddin subsequently accused the RoS of acting in bad faith and applying political pressure, an allegation that has not been established by the court.
PN yesterday filed a judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking to challenge the two RoS notices and clarify whether it can contest the Melaka election using its name and logo. It has asked for the matter to be heard urgently before the Election Commission determines the election timetable.
ECRL to deploy 200 auxiliary police after RM4m in cable theft losses
ECRL to deploy 200 auxiliary police after RM4m in cable theft losses
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said about 200 auxiliary police will be deployed at ECRL hotspots from November as security is tightened ahead of operations. — Bernama pic
Summary
- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will enhance its security measures against cable theft by deploying 200 auxiliary police personnel and installing advanced detection systems starting November.
- Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd's CEO, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, announced the anticipated commencement of operations by mid-December 2026, following successful System Integration Testing.
- Additionally, an agreement for a proposed 30km extension from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang was reached between Malaysia and China, aiming to improve regional connectivity and freight services.
- ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd's CEO, Zaidi Sharif, noted high interest from companies in the E-Loco freight service for its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 3:03 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Some 200 auxiliary police personnel will be deployed at East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) hotspots from November as part of tighter security measures against cable theft and to ensure smooth rail operations.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said detection devices, alarm systems and closed-circuit television cameras had also been installed, while security guards and enforcement agencies were being engaged.
“Throughout the construction of the ECRL, we suffered losses of about RM4 million due to cable theft, including three cases last month,” he said at an ECRL operational readiness briefing for media editors today.
Darwis said MRL, as the project and asset owner, remained confident that the ECRL could begin operations by mid-December 2026, based on positive results from System Integration Testing (SIT).
He said progress in the testing and commissioning phase had allowed Fault-Free Runs (FFR) involving Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) for passenger services and electric locomotives (E-Locos) for freight services to begin this month, a month ahead of schedule, without compromising safety or quality.
Meanwhile, Darwis welcomed the agreement between the governments of Malaysia and China on the proposed 30km extension of the ECRL from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang.
He said the extension was expected to reuse about 18km of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) tracks between Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang, which have been out of service since 2005.
“The project will facilitate the movement of cargo from southern Thailand to Malaysia, while allowing us to explore the potential of extending the line,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the proposed extension following his recent working visit to China, saying it could connect Malaysia’s rail network with Thailand’s east coast rail system and strengthen links within the wider Pan-Asian rail network.
ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zaidi Sharif, meanwhile, said its E-Loco freight service had attracted strong interest from major companies seeking to reduce transport costs and their carbon footprint.
“The E-Loco service will not operate on a fixed timetable but according to demand from companies requiring freight services, which will operate at night,” he said. — Bernama
Lim Guan Eng cites fresh LCS delays in renewing scrutiny of Zahid’s ‘please implement’ note
Lim Guan Eng cites fresh LCS delays in renewing scrutiny of Zahid’s ‘please implement’ note
DAP’s Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng cited fresh findings in the 2026 Auditor-General’s Report in renewing questions over the Littoral Combat Ship project. — Bernama pic
Summary
- In highlighting renewed scrutiny of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's role in the procurement process, DAP's Lim Guan Eng cited fresh delays in Malaysia's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, currently 7.55% behind schedule.
- The project's restructuring saw the order reduced to five ships and costs rise to RM11.22 billion.
- This latest delay raises concerns about potential obsolescence of the technology by the 2035 target for full operational readiness.
- The Auditor-General's Report stresses the implications these delays may have on the delivery schedule and operational capabilities of the LCS vessels.
First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 10:28 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — DAP’s Lim Guan Eng today cited fresh delays to Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project in renewing scrutiny of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s role in the procurement when he was defence minister.
In a statement, the Bagan MP referred to the latest findings in the 2026 Auditor-General’s Report, which found that the RM11.22 billion project was 7.55 per cent behind schedule as of June 25.
Lim also referred to a July 8, 2010 letter from Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) to Ahmad Zahid, then defence minister, seeking a letter of intent from the government for the LCS project.
A handwritten note attributed to Ahmad Zahid on the letter read: “SUB [Division Secretary] Procurement, please implement.”
“The words ‘please implement’ continue to haunt Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the RM11.22 billion purchase of five LCS,” Lim said.
The letter was among documents contained in a report by the Special Investigation Committee on Governance, Procurement and Finance that was declassified in 2022.
According to the latest Auditor-General’s Report, progress on the LCS project was 7.55 per cent behind schedule as of June 25, with delays ranging from 30 to 108 days.
The report said the delay could affect the physical handover of LCS 1, which had initially been scheduled for August 26 and now has a revised target date of December 26.
It also said the ship could be handed over without full operational capability because training and weapons systems had yet to be completed.
Full operational readiness for the programme depends on a supplementary contract that is expected to be completed in December 2035, beyond the April 25, 2030 expiry of the main contract.
The Auditor-General also said delays to LCS 1 could affect the delivery schedule for the remaining four vessels.
Lim said the longer timeline raised questions over whether some of the technology used in the ships could become outdated before the programme achieved full operational readiness.
“Apart from the loss of billions of ringgit, a 24-year delay in the delivery of the LCS by 2035 for an order placed in 2011 would inevitably raise questions over whether the technology used in the ships would have become obsolete and outdated,” he said.
Lim’s calculation of 24 years spans the period from the project’s procurement in 2011 to the 2035 target for full operational readiness, rather than representing a 24-year delay against the original ship-delivery schedule.
The LCS programme was originally for six vessels under a RM9.128 billion contract, with the first ship due in 2019 and the remaining vessels to be delivered by 2023.
The project was later restructured, reducing the order to five ships while increasing the contract value to about RM11.22 billion.
The project drew widespread attention in 2022 after the Public Accounts Committee disclosed that RM6.083 billion had been paid as of October 2020 despite none of the six ships having been delivered.
BNS was subsequently renamed Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, or Lunas, with the government stepping in through a Ministry of Finance-owned vehicle as part of efforts to complete the project.
By the end of 2025, expenditure on the project had risen to about RM8.3 billion, while construction of the first vessel had moved into shipyard-level sea trials.
***
By comparison (yes, I know 'Comparison may be odious' but in M'sia's case, what the frigg to do?)
Project Breakdown
- Total Ships: Singapore ordered six advanced stealth frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in March 2000.
- Built in France: The lead ship, RSS Formidable, was built by Naval Group (formerly DCNS) at their Lorient shipyard.
Design Details
- French Origin: The design is based on the French Navy's La Fayette-class stealth frigates.
- Local Upgrades: Singapore's version uses an all-steel construction for better durability in rough seas and features advanced local combat systems.
- Anti-Air / Missile Defence: Equipped with 32 Sylver Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells firing Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles. This gives them a wide-area umbrella protecting against aircraft and fast, incoming anti-ship cruise missiles. [1, 2, 3]
- Naval Gun: A main Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun housed inside a radar-evading stealth cupola. [1, 2]
- Anti-Submarine: Armed with A244/S Eurotorp torpedoes and paired with an L3Harris towed active sonar system. Each ship also accommodates a Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopter for extended anti-submarine tracking and targeting. [1, 2]
- Radar Cross-Section Reduction: The hull and superstructure feature a distinct "origami silhouette". Bulwarks, custom angles, and concealed equipment mean the ship’s radar signature is closer to that of a small fishing boat than a 3,200-tonne combat ship. [1, 2]
- Concealed Armaments: The ship's anti-ship missile launchers are hidden behind physical screens, and the anchoring equipment is stored entirely below deck to prevent radar reflections.
- Infrared and Acoustic Stealth: Special exhaust cooling systems reduce the thermal footprint, while the machinery is mounted on sound-dampening rafts to reduce underwater noise from its four MTU diesel engines. [1, 2]
The Formidable-class frigates are widely considered some of the most advanced surface combatants in Southeast Asia. They feature an impressive combination of low-radar signatures, multi-domain weaponry, and significant network connectivity, all of which are currently being enhanced. [1, 2]
1. Weapon Systems
The original configuration of the frigates gives them a 3D punch across air, surface, and sub-surface warfare: [1, 2]
2. Stealth Features
The design leans heavily on the architecture of France’s La Fayette-class, taking visual cues to minimise radar and sensor visibility: [1, 2]
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