Ron Paul: Just Get Out! Now!

Ron Paul: Just Get Out! Now!

by quoth the raven
Sunday, Mar 29, 2026 - 21:00


By Dr. Ron Paul, Ron Paul’s Liberty Report

As is becoming clearer from President Trump’s own statements and those of his staff, along with press reporting, the US has launched a major war without the input of the experts we pay to advise the President on such matters. The State Department, Pentagon, National Security Council Staff, Defense Intelligence Agency, and NSA were simply bypassed because, as White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, President Trump “had a feeling” Iran would attack.

The President’s real estate developer son-in-law and friend reinforced that “feeling” when they returned from the second round of talks with the Iranian foreign minister and his team. However, as the news outlet Responsible Statecraft (RS) reported over the weekend, both son-in-law Jared Kushner and friend Steve Witkoff appear to have mis-represented those talks in a way that helped push President Trump toward war. No State Department officials were on hand to ensure the reporting was accurate.



Also, arms control experts at home, according to the RS report, believe that “the duo appeared to have fatally misunderstood a series of basic technical and historical matters” regarding Iran’s nuclear program leading to inaccurate information conveyed to the President.

Congress was completely out of the picture – seemingly uninterested in performing its Constitutional duty – and no case was made to the American people that they must sacrifice and die once again for a war in the Middle East.

Trump’s repeated promises to not start new wars, especially in the Middle East, have turned out to be empty, and Republicans are set for a crippling defeat in the upcoming midterm elections.

Iran had been warning for months – since the last US/Israeli surprise attack in June – that if they were attacked again they would not hold back on US bases in the region and that they would close the Straits of Hormuz. Trump and Netanyahu attacked anyway, and Iran has done what it said.

Now the Strait of Hormuz is closed, oil is about to go out of control, and the global economy – along with the US dollar – seems about to implode.

On March 6th, President Trump refused a UK offer of help, saying we don’t need help when we’ve already won the war. Five days later, at a rally in Kentucky, President Trump repeated that “We’ve won the Iran war!”

It was his “Mission Accomplished” moment, because this weekend, just days after declaring victory against an “obliterated” Iran, Trump began begging other countries to send ships to help the US open the Strait of Hormuz.

Thus far every country has declined, understanding that such a mission has little chance of success.

Tragically, the war thus far has claimed at least 14 servicemembers. It is likely the toll is far worse than they are telling us. Every US military facility in the region is either damaged or destroyed. Billions of dollars of radar and other equipment are destroyed. Our allies in the region, because they allowed their territory to be used to attack Iran, have also seen massive retaliatory destruction.

This is surely one of the worst military disasters in US history. There are no military options available beyond the unthinkable: the use of nuclear weapons.

The only viable option that remains is one that was often urged in the Vietnam War: Just get out. Now! No return to US bases, no security guarantees to Gulf States. End the US empire in the Middle East and elsewhere. If not, it’s only going to get worse.

Jamal ready to apologise to Khairy to end defamation suit

FMT:

Jamal ready to apologise to Khairy to end defamation suit

However, no settlement has been agreed on as Khairy Jamaluddin is also demanding that Jamal Yunos pay him damages

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin is suing Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Yunos over statements in 2023 which allegedly implied that Khairy lacked integrity and was unfit to be an Umno leader.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Yunos is prepared to apologise to former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin to resolve a defamation suit over remarks made in 2023.

Jamal’s lawyer V Mugunthan said his client was willing to issue an apology, but that mediation was ongoing as Khairy is also seeking damages.

He also told reporters that Justice Anand Ponnudurai had ordered the matter to be transferred to the sessions court, which has the jurisdiction to hear claims that do not exceed RM1 million.


“The judge ordered the case to be heard in the sessions court as it is unlikely that the plaintiff will be awarded RM1 million in damages,” he said.

Khairy’s counsel Sheetal Kaur earlier said her client had yet to propose any specific sum he was prepared to accept in damages.

She said Jamal had only offered an apology, which Khairy declined as the case has been in the public spotlight and since he is a former minister and politician.

Khairy filed the suit seeking RM1 million in damages over remarks made on Jan 14, in which Jamal called for party disciplinary action against him.

A video recording of the press conference was later published on Jamal’s Facebook page.

In his statement of claim, Khairy said the remarks implied that he lacked integrity and was unfit to be a party leader.

He also claimed the remarks had subjected him to public humiliation.

NGO reports 11-year high in incidents of racism in 2025

FMT:

NGO reports 11-year high in incidents of racism in 2025

3 hours ago
Kenneth Chong and Kirthana Arumugam

Pusat Komas says most incidents occurred during public discourse and in Parliament

Cases in social settings are likely under-reported due to monitoring limitations, said Pusat Komas.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pusat Komas recorded 107 racism-related incidents last year, the most in the past 11 years according to the organisation.

At the launch of its Malaysia Racism Report 2025, Pusat Komas project coordinator B Yogavelan said the figure marked a sharp increase from the 73 cases reported in 2024.

The report splits incidents of racism into three broad categories to better reflect how racism manifests across society: social settings, public discourse and policy, and Parliament.


Of the 107 cases, 45 were recorded in public discourse and policy, 43 in Parliament, and 19 in social settings.

“As you can see, incidents that happen within social settings are the least. Parliament and public discourse are really heightened,” Yogavelan said at the report launch here today.



In its report, Pusat Komas said public discourse-related cases remained consistent throughout the year, while cases in social settings were likely under-reported due to monitoring limitations.

The organisation found that, in Parliament, racial majoritarianism and debates linked to Article 153 were the biggest contributors with 18 incidents.

Article 153 of the Federal Constitution ensures that the Malays and natives of East Malaysia have access to “such proportion” of positions in the public service, scholarships, as well as permits and licences for the operation of any trade or business, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may deem reasonable.

This was followed by xenophobic rhetoric (nine incidents), religious rhetoric and fearmongering (eight), language and exclusion (six), and the weaponisation of Palestine and places of worship (one).


Pusat Komas called for an independent national harmony commission to address racial and religious disputes, alongside broader institutional reforms.

Its analysis of the 2026 federal budget meanwhile found a shift towards more needs-based assistance through targeted and universal programmes like the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, and BUDI95 schemes.

However, it said race-based allocations persisted in policy outcomes through a “de facto prioritisation” of race despite the presence of universal funding mechanisms.

It suggested that Malaysia fully shift towards a needs-based model, saying such an approach would ensure that assistance reaches those most in need without reinforcing racial divisions.

***

Hardly surprising when the most racist have been politicians all along

Ex-Army chief Hafizuddeain and wife to face joint trial over illegal proceeds

Ex-Army chief Hafizuddeain and wife to face joint trial over illegal proceeds



Former Army Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, will have their 11-count illegal proceeds case heard jointly at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur. — Pictures by Yusof Isa

Monday, 30 Mar 2026 1:10 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — The 11-count case of receiving money from illegal activities involving former Army Chief (PTD) Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin will be tried together at the Sessions Court here.

Judge Azura Alwi decided this after allowing the application of deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat for the cases to be tried together and it was not objected by lawyer Aizul Rohan Anuar who represented Muhammad Hafizuddeain and lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin representing Salwani.

“The court allowed the prosecution’s application for the cases to be tried together and set May 18 for mention of the case for the submission of documents. The bail of both accused has previously been maintained,” said Azura during the mention of the case.

Earlier, Mahadi said Muhammad Hafizuddeain was previously charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court and the case was transferred to the Sessions Court here, while Salwani was charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court and the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.

“The prosecution requested that all these cases be tried together in accordance with the provisions of Section 91 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA), Section 165 and Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

“The reason for this application is because it involves the same witnesses and facts of the case as well as the same predicate offence. Therefore, please request that these cases be tried together and request that a case mention date be set for the submission of documents,” he said.

On January 22, Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was charged at the Sessions Court here on four counts of receiving proceeds of illegal activities, namely money amounting to RM969,000, RM474,850, RM488,550 and RM190,000 which were deposited into three bank accounts belonging to him.


All the offences were allegedly committed at three banks, involving three different locations, namely at Jalan Melaka, Bukit Damansara and the city centre here between February 2 2024 and November 7 2025, under Subsection 4(1)(b) AMLATFPUAA and punishable under Subsection 4(1) of the same act.

The section provides for a maximum imprisonment of 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or proceeds of the illegal activity or RM5 million, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

On the same date, his wife Salwani Anuar was charged with four counts of receiving proceeds from illegal activities, amounting to RM50,000, RM7,000, RM10,000 and RM10,000 respectively, which were deposited into a bank account belonging to her at a branch of the bank at Damansara Heights, Wisma UOA II here, between November 24 2024 and November 25 2025.

Charges under Subsection 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 and read together with Subsection 87(1)(a) of the same act, and punishable under Subsection 4(1) of the same act which carries the same punishment.

On January 23, Muhammad Hafizuddeain was charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on two counts of receiving proceeds of illegal activities, namely money amounting to RM115,000 and RM30,000 which were deposited into a bank account belonging to him at a bank branch, at Ampang Point, Ampang between February 2, 2024 to May 19, 2025 and he was charged under Subsection 4(1)(b) of the AMLATFPUAA which carries the same punishment.

Salwani was also charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court on January 26 on a charge of receiving money amounting to RM5,000 which was the proceeds of illegal activities, which was deposited into her bank account

The offence was allegedly committed at a bank branch in Kerteh near Besut, on January 16 2025 under Subsection 4(1) (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613) and punishable under Subsection 4(1) of the same act.

If convicted, the accused can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the proceeds of the illegal activity or instrumentalities of the offence at the time the offence was committed, or RM5 million, whichever is higher. — Bernama

Pope Leo condemns using God to justify war in Palm Sunday mass

Pope Leo condemns using God to justify war in Palm Sunday mass

Deutsche Welle
Published: Mar 30, 2026 8:30 AM
Updated: 11:30 AM



Pope Leo XIV on Sunday rejected claims that God justifies war during a Palm Sunday Mass, as the Iran war entered its second month.

Addressing tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff emphasized that Jesus must not be used to legitimize any form of warfare.

"Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," Leo said.

"He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood'," he added, citing a Bible passage.

Leo repeatedly calls for ceasefire in Iran war

The first US-born pope did not single out any world leaders, but in recent weeks, he has sharpened his criticism of the ongoing war in Iran.

During an appeal at the end of Mass, Leo said he was praying for Christians in the Middle East who are "suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict. In many cases, they cannot fully observe the rites of these holy days."

The pontiff has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.

On Monday, he denounced military airstrikes as indiscriminate and said such attacks should be prohibited.

"Airplanes should always be carriers of peace, never of war. No one should be afraid that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky," Leo said, without specifically referring to the war in Iran.

US officials use Christian rhetoric to justify war

Some US officials have used Christian rhetoric to defend the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran which began on February 28.

During a religious service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed for "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy."

- Deutsche Welle

Is Putrajaya paying 'toll fees' to cross Strait of Hormuz, MP asks

Is Putrajaya paying 'toll fees' to cross Strait of Hormuz, MP asks

Zikri Kamarulzaman
Published: Mar 30, 2026 10:50 AM
Updated: 2:26 PM



Last Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed in a special address that Iran had agreed to allow Malaysian vessels through its blockade at the Strait of Hormuz after discussions with the republic's president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran's Embassy in Malaysia responded with a social media post, implying that this was in gratitude for Malaysia's support for the country during troubled times.

However, multiple international media reports since last week have indicated that Iran's military has set up a "toll booth" at the straits and is charging up to US$2 million for passage.

According to Bloomberg, the payments are ad hoc, and the method of payment and exact currency used are unclear.

Commenting on this, Subang MP Wong Chen asked Putrajaya to disclose whether Malaysia is also paying toll fees, for the sake of transparency.

Strait of Hormuz


"If the government has to pay the toll, then it has to disclose this publicly as taxpayers’ money is involved.

"For me, paying and getting clearance to sail is better than having our ships and Malaysian crew stranded, but we have to be transparent and accountable.

"Another issue is we are not sure who the shipowners are and whether they will be contributing too," Wong told Malaysiakini.

According to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, there are seven vessels owned by Malaysian companies - including Petronas and Vantris Energy Berhad (formerly Sapura Energy) - waiting their turn to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz

Malaysiakini has contacted Wisma Putra for comment regarding the toll fees. The news portal is also contacting Petronas and Vantris Energy for comment.


Skyrocketing oil prices

Anwar had previously said that nearly 50 percent of the crude oil Malaysia imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had blockaded the straits in response to the US and Israel attacking the republic, causing global oil price hikes. Some Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand and the Philippines, have been experiencing oil shortages as a result.

In Malaysia, the blockade has led to skyrocketing prices of unsubsidised fuel, with diesel now at RM5.52 per litre in the peninsula, and unsubsidised RON95 at RM3.87 per litre.

Putrajaya has responded with some belt-tightening measures, including limiting subsidised diesel purchases in East Malaysia and reducing the Budi95 subsidy cap to 200 litres per month.

Malaysian drivers in Thailand beware: Steep fines and jail await those who flout traffic laws from April

Malaysian drivers in Thailand beware: Steep fines and jail await those who flout traffic laws from April



Traffic authorities in Narathiwat said the stricter enforcement aims to improve road discipline for all drivers, including motorcyclists, and to reduce accidents. — Reuters pic

Monday, 30 Mar 2026 10:37 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — Malaysian motorists who violate traffic laws in Thailand will face heavier penalties from April, including fines of up to RM2,385.41 (20,000 baht) and a maximum prison term of one year.

According to the New Straits Times, traffic authorities in Narathiwat said the stricter enforcement aims to improve road discipline for all drivers, including motorcyclists, and to reduce accidents.

Offences covered include speeding, running red lights, failing to stop at pedestrian crossings, using mobile phones without hands-free devices, driving against traffic, and not wearing helmets for riders and passengers.

Other violations include failing to wear seatbelts, driving without a licence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and reckless driving.


Police warned that motorists who do not settle fines within the stipulated period risk having their vehicles blacklisted from entering Thailand in the future.


Drivers may also be prevented from leaving the country until all outstanding fines are paid at designated traffic police offices.

“We advise Malaysian travellers entering southern Thailand from April 1 to exercise caution and comply with all traffic rules. We frequently receive complaints about Malaysian drivers speeding, and some also park without following regulations,” according to a police official.

Trump claims ‘regime change’ in Iran, says deal still on the table

Trump claims ‘regime change’ in Iran, says deal still on the table



US President Donald Trump reacts to a shouted question about Iran as he arrives at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida March 27, 2026. — Reuters pic

Monday, 30 Mar 2026 9:30 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, March 30 — US President Donald Trump said yesterday that the US-Israel war had achieved regime change in Iran, even as he assured that he would “make a deal” with the Iranians.


“I think we’ll make a deal with them, pretty sure... but we’ve had regime change,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, citing the number of Iranian leaders killed in the month-long war.


“We’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before. It’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change,” Trump said. — AFP

Frigging LIAR

Strikes knock out power in Tehran, Iran says US plotting ground invasion

Strikes knock out power in Tehran, Iran says US plotting ground invasion



A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran early on March 28, 2026. Airstrikes knocked out electricity to parts of Tehran and its surroundings yesterday as a top Iranian official accused the United 
Monday, 30 Mar 2026 10:22 AM MYT


TEHRAN, March 30 — Airstrikes knocked out electricity to parts of Tehran and its surroundings yesterday as a top Iranian official accused the United States of plotting a ground invasion despite publicly pushing for a negotiated deal.

Pakistan said meanwhile that it was ready to broker and host “meaningful talks” between Washington and Tehran to bring an end to the month-old US-Israeli war against Iran.


The Israeli parliament was set to vote overnight on a 2026 budget that provides for a massive rise in military spending, increasing the defence budget by more than US$10 billion (RM40.1 billion) to over US$45 billion.

In addition to fighting the war against Iran with its US ally since February 28, Israel is also battling in southern Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Iran’s energy ministry reported power outages in the capital, its surrounding region and Alborz province “following attacks on electricity industry facilities” and said the authorities were working to “resolve the problem.”


US President Donald Trump has previously threatened to strike Iranian power stations if Tehran does not negotiate a peace deal, before repeatedly extending a deadline to do so.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned yesterday after a US warship with another 3,500 military personnel arrived in the Middle East that any US ground invasion of the country would be repelled.


“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

“Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all,” he added.

The war has escalated into a regional conflagration as Iran has retaliated with attacks on Gulf states and shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lane, sending energy markets into a tailspin and threatening the world economy.

Ghalibaf called for unity among Iranians, saying the war was “at its most critical stage.”


‘Uncertain future’

Weeks of unrelenting strikes have taken a heavy toll on ordinary people in the country.

“I miss a peaceful night’s sleep,” an artist in Tehran told AFP, saying night-time strikes were “so intense it felt like all of Tehran was shaking.”

Farzaneh, a 62-year-old woman in Iran’s western city of Ahvaz contacted by AFP from Paris, said: “People wake up each day worried about an uncertain future.”

A university in Iran’s central city of Isfahan said it was hit by airstrikes on Sunday for the second time since the war erupted.

In Tehran, the Qatari news channel Al Araby said an Israeli missile hit the building housing its office.

On the diplomatic front, Pakistan, acting as a go-between for Washington and Tehran, hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in Islamabad for talks on the crisis.

Trump has repeatedly spoken of diplomatic contacts with Iran, although these claims have been denied by Tehran.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the visiting diplomats had discussed how to “bring an early and permanent end to the war” and there was a growing consensus behind Islamabad hosting peace talks.

He said Iran and the United States had expressed “confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks” and that he had spoken to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other foreign ministers who also backed the idea.

Despite making diplomatic overtures including proposing a 15-point plan to end the war, the United States has also been sending more military assets into the region.

The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying around 3,500 Marines and sailors, arrived in the Middle East on Friday.

According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon was preparing plans for weeks of ground operations—potentially including raids on sites near the Strait of Hormuz—though Trump has yet to approve any deployment.

Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, which previously accounted for a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade and a fifth of liquefied natural gas shipments, to vessels from hostile nations.


Aluminium plans targeted

On another front, Israeli attacks have continued in Lebanon, which was drawn into the war when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2.

The Lebanese health ministry said on Sunday that the death toll from Israeli strikes had surpassed 1,200.

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral near Beirut on Sunday of three journalists killed by the Israeli military in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

In the Gulf, Iranian forces said they had fired a volley of missiles and drones at plants belonging to two of the world’s largest aluminium producers in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, targeting what they described as industries linked to the US military.

Emirates Global Aluminium said an Iranian attack wounded six and caused significant damage to its plant, while Bahraini state media said two Aluminium Bahrain employees were injured.

In Kuwait, the defence ministry said 10 service members were injured in an attack on a military camp and 14 ballistic missiles and 12 hostile drones were detected in Kuwaiti airspace in the past 24 hours.

In Israel, thick black smoke could be seen rising from an industrial complex in the Negev desert in images released by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority. The military said the impact may have been caused by missile shrapnel. — AFP

‘No such arrangement’: Petronas denies report of alleged fuel supply deal in Philippines

‘No such arrangement’: Petronas denies report of alleged fuel supply deal in Philippines



The national oil company said it is ‘not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement’ and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

Sunday, 29 Mar 2026 12:47 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has denied any involvement in a reported fuel supply deal linked to a local government unit in the Philippines.

The national oil company said it is “not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement” and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment.

It added that its immediate priority remains ensuring a reliable and continuous fuel supply for Malaysia, supported by established supply networks and close coordination with the government, it said in a statement today. — Bernama

MP SPEAKS | We are approaching the 'Franz Ferdinand moment' of our time

MP SPEAKS | We are approaching the 'Franz Ferdinand moment' of our time

Howard Lee Chuan How
Published: Mar 29, 2026 5:22 PM
Updated: 8:23 PM



MP SPEAKS | We are standing on the precipice of a global conflict and a global economic meltdown. The “Franz Ferdinand moment” of our time is unfolding in slow motion right in front of our eyes.

Now, more than ever, Malaysians must stand united. We must look at the gathering storm in the Middle East with open eyes, close ranks beyond all our divides, and face this threat as one nation.

The impact of the disrupted global energy order is already battering our region. Regarding the recent adjustment of the RON95 subsidy quota to 200 litres, I must be frank: this measure is not perfect, and it is certainly not popular.

I fully understand the anxiety of the people. The government may be far from perfect, but it is doing its absolute best to navigate this crisis within extremely limited fiscal space.

When we look at the reality around us, Malaysia is actually doing comparatively better than most of our neighbours.

The Philippines is currently in a state of emergency, with hundreds of petrol stations forced to close. Laos has had to shorten the school week by two days just to reduce fuel consumption.

Manila, the Philippines


In Indonesia and Thailand, fuel rationing has forced citizens to queue for hours, sometimes for miles, to secure highly priced diesel. Nations including Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia are urgently appealing to Malaysia for fuel.

We must rally behind the country right now, because we are in this together. And we must do so urgently, because all of this regional chaos is happening before any major ground escalation in the Middle East has even occurred.


The devastating math of Budi95

We must ask ourselves a very sobering question: How long can the government realistically continue the Budi95 initiative if a wider war breaks out?

Before this recent crisis, our national fuel subsidy bill hovered around RM700 million a month. Today, as global oil prices surge amid the conflict, the Finance Ministry reports our monthly fuel subsidy expenditure has already skyrocketed to RM4 billion.

What happens to the current Budi95 mechanism if crude oil spikes to US$150 per barrel? Or US$180? Or US$200? At those projected price points, the true, unsubsidised cost of RON95 would easily breach RM5.00 to RM6.00 per litre.

A petrol station

To maintain the subsidised price of RM1.99, the government would be forced to absorb an astronomical difference. Our monthly subsidy bill could easily balloon from RM4 billion to RM10 billion or even RM15 billion a month.

No government in the world can sustain that level of fiscal burn without bankrupting the nation’s future, cutting essential services, or borrowing heavily. This is the stark economic reality heading toward our shores.


Trackable military escalation

This threat is not built on political rhetoric or empty diplomatic posturing. It is built on the trackable, physical movement of military assets.

Recent reports indicate the United States has already deployed thousands of marines into the region. Carrier strike groups and amphibious readiness groups are holding position. B-52 bombers have been deployed to regional bases.

The Pentagon is actively preparing for the possible use of both special operations forces and conventional infantry in Iran, while the 82nd Airborne Division is being readied as reinforcements.

The Pentagon, United States


That goes beyond routine signalling but screams like the architecture of a much wider, more devastating, irreversibly escalated war.

Simultaneously, Houthi forces have formally entered the war, opening a new axis of escalation. We must be clear-eyed about what this means: targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is almost definitely Iran’s asymmetric answer to US escalation.

While Malaysia conducts a large volume of intra-Asia trade, we are deeply dependent on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for our high-value trade with Europe and the Mediterranean.

Essential imports like industrial chemicals, manufacturing machinery, and automotive parts, as well as our critical palm oil exports, rely on this route.

With roughly 15 percent of global trade and 30 percent of global container traffic passing through these waters, freight rates have already surged, insurance premiums have tripled, and shipping delays are choking global supply chains.

The ‘Franz Ferdinand’ moment

The assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered the First World War, and the German invasion of Poland triggered the Second World War.

We are dangerously close to a point of no return. A true “Franz Ferdinand moment” in today’s context - the spark that transforms a regional crisis into a global conflagration - would likely be one of the following:


Direct US boots on Iranian soil


A mass-casualty strike on US forces triggering full retaliation


A simultaneous multi-front escalation (Iran+Houthi+Hezbollah+a Red Sea blockade)

Strait of Hormuz


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted this week that about 50 percent of Malaysia’s oil supply transits the Strait of Hormuz. Asia imports nearly 60 percent of its crude from the Middle East.

If Hormuz comes under deeper military contest while Bab el-Mandeb is simultaneously choked, the effect will not be linear. It will be a catastrophic energy shock rippling through shipping costs, inflation, and public finances. It will hit all of us through the same economic arteries.


A call for unity and de-escalation

That is why I am calling on the Malaysian government to use every bilateral and multilateral channel, including Asean, the OIC, and the UN, to push for immediate de-escalation. We must speak not as spectators, but as a nation with skin in the game.

I call on global leaders, civil society, and all peace-loving nations to align around one urgent objective: no boots on the ground in Iran. Tell Washington: do not turn what is already a regional war into a generational catastrophe.

Most importantly, my message is to the people of Malaysia. This is not the time for performative outrage or partisan point-scoring at home. I do not ask that every Malaysian agree on every policy detail. I ask that we recognise the scale of the danger before us.

If this crisis deepens, it will test every household and every business. If we are divided, we will be weaker than we need to be, and many will be crushed.

Unity is our strength. Unity is our shield. Unity is our national survival.

HOWARD LEE is the Ipoh Timor MP and a DAP central executive committee member.

Media association condemns ‘violent assault’ on CNN crew by Israeli soldiers

CNN team detained while reporting on aftermath of attack by settlers in West Bank, Foreign Press Association says

•  

  Middle East crisis – live updates

Agence France-Presse

Sun 29 Mar 2026 05.18 AEDT

Prefer the Guardian on Google

An international media association has condemned what it described as a “violent assault” by Israeli soldiers who detained a CNN crew in the occupied West Bank this week.

A CNN team was reporting on the aftermath of an assault by Israeli settlers and the establishment of an illegal outpost near the Palestinian village of Tayasir on Thursday when it was detained by Israeli soldiers, the Foreign Press Association said on Saturday.

“The soldiers aggressively targeted the crew and Palestinian civilians present, pointing their rifles at them,” the FPA said, even after the journalists identified themselves.

“The soldiers repeatedly tried to infringe the CNN crew’s right to film, ordering the crew to stop filming and threatening to confiscate the camera.

“Later, an IDF soldier approached CNN’s photojournalist from behind, placed him in a chokehold, slammed him to the ground and damaged his camera,” said the association, which represents hundreds of journalists in Israel and Palestine.

CNN confirmed the details in its own report on the incident, identifying the photojournalist as Cyril Theophilos.

The FPA, which called for an investigation into the incident, said: “This was not a misunderstanding … It was a violent assault on clearly identified journalists and a direct attack on press freedom.

“The use of force was excessive and dangerous. Pointing rifles at journalists and civilians, physically assaulting a cameraman and detaining a crew are actions that cross every line.

“Such behaviour reflects a deeply alarming pattern of hostility toward the media and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”

The military said the incident would be looked into.

A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, wrote on X: “The soldiers’ conduct and statements in this incident do not represent the IDF, go against what is expected of IDF soldiers and will be investigated.”

He added: “I apologised privately, and I will say it again – this shouldn’t have happened. Our job is to maintain law and order, among that is allowing for freedom of the press.”

The incident is the second such event involving CNN this month.

Days ago, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a CNN producer was left with a fractured wrist after an “unprovoked assault” by Israeli police officers.

That incident happened when journalists were documenting worshippers praying outside the walls of the Old City in East Jerusalem.

Violence in the West Bank has continued unabated even after the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, and since the outbreak of the current war in the Middle East, there has been a new spate of deadly attacks by Israeli settlers.

***

Shailok ICE

‘No Kings’ protests erupt across the US, with a Minnesota focus

‘No Kings’ protests erupt across the US, with a Minnesota focus

Saturday’s rallies mark the third round of ‘No Kings’ protests since President Trump took office for a second term

Demonstrators gather for a 'No Kings' march in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]

By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters
Published On 28 Mar 2026


Demonstrators have hit the streets of cities across the United States for the first “No Kings” protest since the joint US and Israeli war against Iran began one month ago.

Saturday’s marches and rallies mark the third round of nationwide “No Kings” protests since President Donald Trump took office for a second term.

According to the “No Kings” website, more than 3,300 events were planned across all 50 states, with large crowds expected in cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Parallel events are happening internationally in cities such as Rome, Paris, and Berlin.

Organisers, however, are aiming to rally voters outside of the US’s major metropolises, in areas that tend to skew conservative. They say that roughly two-thirds of participants are expected to take part in events outside of major city centres.

“The defining story of this Saturday’s mobilisation is not just how many people are protesting, but where they are protesting,” said Leah Greenberg, cofounder of the progressive nonprofit Indivisible, which started the “No Kings” movement last year.

The main event, however, was scheduled for the Minneapolis-St Paul area in Minnesota, known as the Twin Cities.

The midwestern state became a focal point for Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown in December, when he launched Operation Metro Surge.

That operation saw more than 3,000 of federal immigration agents descend on the Twin Cities, where they were accused of using excessive force to conduct deportation raids.

In January, agents shot and killed two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, prompting nationwide outrage and calls for reform. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed as a result of the operation, which was wound down in February.

Saturday’s protest will commemorate those deaths in Minnesota, with speeches, concerts and appearances from activists, labour leaders and politicians.

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders addressed attendees, and rock icon Bruce Springsteen performed at the event, along with folk singer Joan Baez.

“It is your courage and your commitment that have inspired all of us. You have shown the power of nonviolent protest,” actor Robert De Niro told the crowd in Minnesota in a pre-recorded address.

“You’ve shown bravery in the face of armed attack by government thugs, and you stood together and ran them out of town.”

Elsewhere, early on Saturday, marchers in Washington, DC, gathered around landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, holding signs and waving papier-mache effigies of the Trump administration.

The previous two “No Kings” marches took place in June and October and drew millions of people. Trump responded to the October protest by posting an AI-generated video depicting himself dumping faeces on the protesters.

The US is currently in the midst of campaigns for its pivotal midterm elections in November, which will see Trump’s Republican Party seek to defend its majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Democrats, meanwhile, are hoping to gain seats as Trump’s popularity droops. Sanders was among the speakers who reminded protest attendees of the importance of the upcoming vote.

“We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy,” Sanders told the crowd in Minnesota. “In America, we the people will rule.”

'No Kings' organisers have made the metropolis of Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota, the site of their flagship protest on Saturday. [Tom Baker/AP Photo]

A demonstrator dressed up as 'Uncle Scam' attends a 'No Kings' protest in New York City on Saturday. [Jeenah Moon/Reuters]

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were among the officials at the 'No Kings' rally in New York City. [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters]

A protester wears a paper crown to the 'No Kings' rally in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 28. [AFP]

In Washington, DC, protesters hold aloft a papier-mache head representing Trump in a crown. [Leah Millis/Reuters]

The 'No Kings' march was designed as a demonstration against what activists considered a swerve towards authoritarianism under Trump. [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]