IIUM’s weak defence of academic irresponsibility

IIUM’s weak defence of academic irresponsibility

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy
19 hours ago

I FIND it appalling that the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) would so casually dismiss the statement of one of its academics who claimed that the Romans learnt the art of shipbuilding from the Malays.


The academic in question, Prof Dr Solehah Yaacob, a lecturer in Arabic Studies, recently made this extraordinary assertion.


Her claim sparked uproar in academic circles, particularly because her area of expertise bears little relevance to disciplines such as history, archaeology, or maritime studies—fields necessary to make such sweeping historical claims.

Yet, rather than applying rigorous academic standards in addressing the matter, IIUM took a wishy-washy stance by describing Solehah’s statement as merely her personal opinion.

Personal opinions may be acceptable on family or social matters, but certainly not in advancing claims about the development of ancient civilisations. Academics are expected to present opinions grounded in facts, supported by research, and defensible through scholarly scrutiny.


To pass off unsubstantiated claims as personal opinion is to erode the very foundation of academic integrity. IIUM’s response makes Solehah’s statement even more laughable and deeply troubling for the credibility of its academic community.

(Image: Malaysiakini)


Does this mean that university lecturers can now hold two sets of opinions—one “personal” and another “academic”? How can personal opinions, when expressed publicly under the banner of academic authority, be immune from accountability?

It is astonishing that IIUM chose leniency rather than disciplinary action against a lecturer who made claims so disconnected from established historical knowledge. To assert that the Romans learnt shipbuilding from the Malays is an extraordinary proposition that demands equally extraordinary evidence—not idle conjecture.

In academia, there is no escaping the responsibility to substantiate one’s statements with evidence. Unsupported assertions cannot be shielded behind the convenient excuse of being “personal opinions.”

By dismissing Solehah’s statement in such a manner, IIUM has abdicated its responsibility to uphold academic accountability and rigour. Those in charge of academic standards at IIUM should be ashamed of defending what is clearly indefensible.

The presence of academics who make such baseless claims—and institutions that defend them—makes a mockery of higher education in Malaysia.

I shudder to think of the fate of students who might have earnestly taken down notes from Solehah’s lectures, believing them to reflect scholarly truth about ancient shipbuilding in the Malay Archipelago.



Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

***

A Kang Kong professor, if left undisciplined or expelled for her unsubstantiated claims, can in turn kang-kong-rise her university.

This maritime kerbau has NOT been her first and only offence. Uni authorities have been reluctant to expel her because she appears to be teflonised despite the fact that she has been a SERIAL offender of historical kerbaus.

Missing pastor's wife 'shocked' by AGC's decision to appeal

Missing pastor's wife 'shocked' by AGC's decision to appeal

Koh Jun Lin
Published: Nov 8, 2025 6:30 AM
Updated: 10:11 AM


Summary

• Susanna Liew expresses shock at the attorney-general's appeal of the enforced disappearance rulings, noting the grounds of judgment have not yet been released.

• She questions the government for ignoring its own special task force report that implicated police officers.

Pastor Raymond Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, has expressed shock and bafflement over the Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar’s decision to appeal against Wednesday’s court judgment on two enforced disappearance cases.

In a statement last night, Liew (above) highlighted that Dusuki had decided to appeal the verdict, although the court has yet to issue the detailed grounds of judgment, and despite thorough investigations by Suhakam and a government special task force reaching similar conclusions.

“The fact that neither the cabinet nor the attorney-general took any action at the material time, despite the special task force’s report clearly stating that it was the police officers who took Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat and even identified individual police officers and Saiful Bahari as the main suspect, is perplexing and concerning.

“Why they did not do anything based on their own commissioned report, which they had complete control over, is baffling.

“This is a finding by a body commissioned by the cabinet itself, the highest branch of the executive in the country,” she said.

Liew reiterated her call on the government to act on the findings and recommendations of Suhakam and the special task force, which are now backed by a court order.

Pastor Raymond Koh (left) and Amri Che Mat


“A good place to start is with a police officer, Sergeant Shamzaini of the Special Branch, who was the person who decided to come clean and tell the truth.

“This allowed us to investigate and gather the evidence to prove our case against some of the persons who were involved.

“We hope individuals of integrity like Sergeant Shamzaini will be protected as they are a bastion of truth in today’s fast, morally decrepit world,” she added.

Court finds cops, govt liable

On Wednesday, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Su Tiang Joo found the police and the government liable for the disappearances of both Koh and Amri Che Mat.

Su awarded Amri’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin, RM3 million in damages, comprising RM2 million in general damages and RM1 million in exemplary damages.

The court also ordered RM14,457.52 in special damages and RM250,000 in costs to the plaintiff.

Separately, Su directed the government to pay RM10,000 per day to Koh, through a trust account, until the pastor is found.

The payments are to be calculated from Feb 13, 2017, when Koh was abducted, totalling about RM31.9 million today.

The court awarded RM4 million in damages to Koh, alongside RM1 million in aggravated damages for the prolonged delay in locating him and another RM1 million for unconstitutional acts by the defendants.

In both cases, Su ordered the police to reopen investigations and submit progress reports to the attorney-general every two months.


‘Judge erred’

On Thursday, Dusuki said he believes the High Court has erred in both judgments and his office would file appeals on the same day.

Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar


“In my opinion, the decision was not based on established judicial principles since the judge erred in his finding in regard to the facts and the law applicable.

“We will bring the matter further to be argued at the Court of Appeal,” he said.

Dusuki added that the AGC will also seek a stay of the order requiring the government to pay Koh’s family RM10,000 per day for every day he remains missing.

Trump’s Portland troop deployment illegal, US judge rules in landmark decision

Trump’s Portland troop deployment illegal, US judge rules in landmark decision



A federal officer detains a protester during a ‘World Naked Bike Ride’ protest against increased activity by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and potential National Guard deployment in Portland, Oregon October 12, 2025. — Reuters pic

Saturday, 08 Nov 2025 9:46 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, Nov 8 — President Donald Trump unlawfully ordered National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, a federal judge ruled yesterday, a legal setback to the administration’s use of the military in American cities.

The ruling by US District Judge Karin Immergut is the first to permanently block Trump’s use of military force to quell protests against immigration authorities. Trump is also attempting to do that in Democrat-led Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C. It replaces her interim order that had prevented the Portland deployment.

Immergut, a Trump appointee, rejected the administration’s claim that protesters at an immigration detention facility were waging a rebellion that legally justified sending in troops.

Trump’s attempts to use military force to tamp down unrest are a sharp break with long-standing but rarely tested norms against deploying troops on US soil.


The Trump administration is likely to appeal yesterday’s ruling, and the case could ultimately reach the US Supreme Court.


The City of Portland and Oregon Attorney General’s Office sued in September. They alleged the Trump administration was exaggerating occasional violence to justify sending in troops under a law permitting presidents to do so in cases of rebellion.

Dueling narratives emerged during three-day bench trial. Justice Department lawyers described a violent siege overwhelming federal agents, echoing Trump’s description of the city as “war-ravaged.”


“For months, agitators have used violence and threatened violence against the men and women who serve our country,” attorney Eric Hamilton said at trial.

Lawyers for Oregon and Portland said violence has been rare, isolated and contained by local police.

“This case is about whether we are a nation of constitutional law or martial law,” Portland’s attorney Caroline Turco said.

A Reuters review of court records found that at least 32 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the Portland protests since they began in June.

Of the 32 charged, 11 have pleaded guilty to misdemeanors, and those who have been sentenced received probation. One protester who threw a knife at an officer and missed pleaded guilty to intimidation and could face up to 20 years in prison.

About half the defendants were charged with assaulting federal officers, including 14 felonies and seven misdemeanors. Prosecutors dismissed two cases without explanation.

Charging documents describe protesters kicking and shoving officers, usually while resisting arrest. They have also spat on officers and thrown rocks, a water bottle and a kitchen knife, prosecutors say. Photos show officers with scrapes, cuts and other minor injuries.

Democrats have said Trump is abusing military powers meant for genuine emergencies such as an invasion or an armed rebellion.

Immergut blocked Trump from deploying troops to Portland with an interim order on October 5.

The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the Trump administration’s appeal of that decision.

Three judges, including Immergut, have issued preliminary rulings that Trump’s National Guard deployments are not allowed under the emergency legal authority cited by his administration. — Reuters

Turkiye issues genocide arrest warrants against Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials over Gaza war

 

Turkiye issues genocide arrest warrants against Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials over Gaza war



Turkiye announced yesterday that it had issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials in his government over the war in Gaza. — AFP pic

Saturday, 08 Nov 2025 8:57 AM MYT


ISTANBUL, Nov 8 — Turkiye announced yesterday that it had issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials in his government over the war in Gaza.

The announcement was met with a firm rebuttal from Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel “firmly rejects, with contempt” the charges, calling them “the latest PR stunt by the tyrant (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan”.

The Istanbul prosecutor’s office said in a statement that a total of 37 suspects were targeted by the arrest warrants, without providing a full list.

They include Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.


Turkiye has accused the officials of “genocide and crimes against humanity” that Israel has “perpetrated systematically” in Gaza.


The statement also refers to the “Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital”, built by Turkiye in the Gaza Strip and bombed by Israel in March.

Turkiye, which has been one of the most vocal critics of the war in Gaza, last year joined South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).


A fragile ceasefire has been in force in the devastated Palestinian territory since October 10 as part of US President Donald Trump’s regional peace plan.

The Islamist militant group Hamas welcomed Turkiye’s announcement, calling it a “commendable measure (confirming) the sincere positions of the Turkish people and their leaders, who are committed to the values of justice, humanity and fraternity that bind them to our oppressed Palestinian people”.


Stabilisation force

Saar said in his post in English on the social media platform X that “in Erdogan’s Turkiye, the judiciary has long since become a tool for silencing political rivals and detaining journalists, judges and mayors”.

He added that the Istanbul prosecutor’s office “recently orchestrated the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul merely for daring to run against Erdogan”, referring to Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained in March.

Israel’s former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman wrote on X that the arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials “clearly explain why Turkiye should not be present in the Gaza Strip — directly or indirectly”.

Turkiye wants to take part in the international stabilisation force intended to play a role in post-war Gaza, according to Trump’s plan.

But Ankara’s efforts, which include increasing diplomatic contacts in the region and seeking to influence the pro-Israel stance of the United States, are viewed unfavourably in Israel, which considers Turkiye too close to Hamas.

Israeli leaders have repeatedly expressed their opposition to any Turkish participation in the international stabilisation force in Gaza.

Israel has rejected as “false” and “antisemitic” accusations of genocide from a UN-mandated commission, several NGOs and some countries. — AFP

GRS urges Federal government to honour court ruling on Sabah’s 40pc revenue entitlement

GRS urges Federal government to honour court ruling on Sabah’s 40pc revenue entitlement



The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has urged the Federal administration not to appeal against the High Court’s recent ruling affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of Federal revenue collected from the state. — Bernama pic

Friday, 07 Nov 2025 8:43 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, Nov 7 — The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has urged the Federal administration not to appeal against the High Court’s recent ruling affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of Federal revenue collected from the state, calling it a matter of “constitutional honour” and not politics.

Following its Presidential Council meeting here today, GRS said that the judgment delivered on October 17 recognised what was already enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“This is not merely a legal matter — it is a question of constitutional honour,” the coalition said in a statement.

“The court has not imposed any financial penalty, only directed that the long-overdue constitutional review be carried out in accordance with Articles 112C and 112D. To appeal would be to oppose the process of negotiation itself, not the outcome,” they said in a statement today.


Late last month, the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled that the Federal government must conduct a review within 90 days and reach a mutual agreement with the Sabah government within 180 days on the 40 per cent entitlement, confirming that Sabah’s claim is a constitutional right.

Most of Sabah’s political parties have since called on the Federal government not to appeal the decision as a matter of respect.

GRS said the 40 per cent entitlement is fundamental to Sabah’s inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia, and the decision should be seen as an opportunity to restore fairness after decades of underdevelopment in the state.


“For too long, ordinary Sabahans from Pitas to Pensiangan have lived with power cuts, unpaved roads and clinics without doctors — not for lack of effort, but because resources due to Sabah were not delivered in full,” it said.

Caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has since directed the state Ministry of Finance, the Sabah Economic Planning Unit and the state Attorney-General’s Chambers to study the judgment’s grounds and prepare for “meaningful engagement” with Putrajaya to finalise the long-delayed review.

GRS also reaffirmed its full support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, noting that the state administration would continue to work constructively with the federal government.

“Under Hajiji’s leadership, Sabah will maintain a respectful working relationship with Putrajaya. We take pride in the prime minister’s inclusive approach, which has delivered 13 of the 29 MA63 claims to Sabah,” it said.

The coalition said the court victory was not about money but about justice for every Sabahan who has waited “year after year” for basic infrastructure and fair treatment.

“Sabah’s claim is not a demand, but a right. It is a constitutional duty that transcends governments and political terms. Upholding it demonstrates that Malaysia is governed by law and good faith, not convenience,” GRS said.

The coalition called on the federal government to honour the judgment and begin “healing decades of neglect” felt by Sabahans.

“Let this be the moment the federal government keeps its promises. The prime minister will be remembered by all Sabahans and Malaysians as a leader who cares.”

Anwar: Free education for hardcore poor from preschool to university starting next year

Anwar: Free education for hardcore poor from preschool to university starting next year



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech during the Festival of Ideas Putrajaya 2025 closing ceremony in Putrajaya, November 7, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Friday, 07 Nov 2025 8:26 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Nov 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the government will provide free education across all levels — from preschool to university — for the hardcore poor starting next year.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Anwar said the initiative marked a new phase in efforts to uplift underprivileged Malaysians despite fiscal challenges.

“Although we inherited a government burdened by trillions in debt, after two years in office, we must act to secure the future of our students from hardcore poor families,” he said.

“With that, the Madani government will begin a new phase never done before. We will start by helping the hardcore poor first, based on our financial capacity. Beginning next year, education will be free for the hardcore poor — from preschool to university.”


Anwar also urged students to engage in more intellectual and ethical discourse, and to present arguments with conviction rather than resorting to outdated or divisive rhetoric.

“Even in Parliament today, some debates are offensive — insulting other races and religions — without offering constructive ideas. This is not healthy politics, and these are the kinds of ideologies we must move past,” he said.

He added, half in jest, that current student leaders sometimes debate better than some Members of Parliament.


“So I urge the media and TV broadcasters to feature these young leaders in televised discussions. Perhaps we could even invite them to debate in Parliament — maybe not in the main hall, maybe the hall next to it — and hopefully MPs will listen,” he quipped.

FOI is a nationwide education expo featuring conferences, exhibitions, and forums aimed at encouraging intellectual discourse, innovation, and knowledge-based solutions for national development.

This year’s edition runs from November 4 to 8 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Ukrainian Commander Laments Massive Desertions

 

Angelina Jolie’s Driver Forcibly Mobilized in Ukraine

Hollywood star and former UN humanitarian ambassador Angelina Jolie’s surprise visit to Ukraine was disrupted by draft enforcers, who detained a member of her entourage and conscripted him, according to media reports.

The incident took place on Tuesday at a military roadblock near the city of Yuzhnoukrainsk in Nikolaev Region, while Jolie’s convoy was en route to Kherson.

Despite telling officials he was transporting an “important person,” a member of Jolie’s group – identified in some reports as her driver and in others as a bodyguard – was detained by military recruitment officers.

Jolie apparently went to the draft center in person to try to secure his release, according to footage circulating on Telegram. TASS sources said she even attempted to contact the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky to resolve the issue. — RT

AND

Ukrainian Commander Laments Massive Desertions

The Ukrainian military is facing a severe desertion problem, Sergey Filimonov, the commander of the elite 108th Separate Assault Battalion nicknamed the ‘Da Vinci Wolves’, has warned.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Filimonov asked his subscribers how surprised “would you be if I told you that another newly formed brigade is being put together from the ranks of the 150th? Which, at the stage of formation, already has about 3,000 AWOL?”

In a piece last Friday, the Telegraph’s contributor, Owen Matthews, claimed that “perhaps as many as 20,000 [Ukrainian service members] desert or go absent every four weeks.” According to the publication, since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, Ukrainian authorities have launched 290,000 criminal cases for desertion. Matthews went on to claim that Kiev’s military may be 200,000 soldiers short of the minimum needed to fend off Russian advances.

The journalist cited several current and former Ukrainian officers as complaining that frontline units were operating at half or even a third of their required strength. Last week, The Telegraph reported that nearly 100,000 young men had left Ukraine after the government allowed men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border in August. — RT

Our Take: What a hilarious pair of headlines.

What the hell is Angelina Jolie doing in Ukraine? And I love how they grabbed her driver and dragged him off to boot camp, and her instinct was to drive to the military depot and play the “do you know who I am” card.

Listen, toots, this ain’t Los Angeles. This is Kiev. And in Kiev, we drag men from their homes and their cars off to the front line and force them to die in a pointless war for the greater glory of globohomo. Okay?

And yeah, tens of thousands of conscripts may be fleeing the battlefield every month, but that’s exactly why we need Angelina Jolie’s mail-order bride driver from Eastern Europe to man up and fight for his country globohomo.

I wish we could forcibly conscript into the Ukrainian army every member of Congress who has ever voted to send them money and weapons.
— GhostofBasedPatrickHenry

Explosion at Jakarta mosque during Friday prayers injures 55, police identify 17-year-old suspect

Explosion at Jakarta mosque during Friday prayers injures 55, police identify 17-year-old suspect



Indonesian military Combat Engineering Detachment (Denzipur) personnel carrying explosive detection equipment arrive after an explosion occurred at a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 7, 2025. — Reuters pic

Friday, 07 Nov 2025 7:03 PM MYT


JAKARTA, Nov 7 — Explosions at a mosque in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta that injured dozens of people during Friday prayers could have been an attack, officials indicated, with a 17-year-old identified as the suspected perpetrator.

Police said 55 people were in hospitals with a range of minor to serious injuries, including burns, after the blasts at the mosque inside a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area.

“The explosion was loud, so loud that I could not breathe because I was shocked,” said Luciana, 43, who was working at the school canteen at the time. She described multiple blasts and panic as dozens fled the complex.

“I thought it was a short circuit or the sound system which exploded - we were so afraid so we rushed out.”


Deputy house speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, speaking to media after visiting a hospital, said the young male suspect was undergoing surgery, without giving more details or possible motive.




Bomb squad officers stand guard at the entrance of a school in Jakarta on November 7, 2025. — AFP pic


Investigation

At a news conference, Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri said a probe was underway.

“We have taken several measures such as investigating the crime scene, setting up a police line and sterilising the area,” Suheri said.

Indonesia does have a history of attacks on churches and Western targets — but not mosques. Islamist militancy has largely been suppressed in recent years.

News channel KompasTV showed footage of a green-painted mosque with a line of shoes outside, cordoned off with police tape. There were no signs of damage to the exterior.

State news agency Antara quoted the deputy chief security minister Lodewijk Freidrich as saying there were two explosions.

Black-clad police carrying assault rifles guarded the iron gates of the compound, with emergency vehicles and armoured police vehicles on the street outside.

The complex is located in a crowded area of North Jakarta on largely navy-owned land, home to many military personnel and retired officers. — Reuters

Multiple people fall ill after suspicious package containing white powder arrives at US base near Washington

Multiple people fall ill after suspicious package containing white powder arrives at US base near Washington



President Donald Trump landed at the facility as recently as Wednesday on an Air Force One flight returning him from a business forum in Florida. — AFP pic

Friday, 07 Nov 2025 6:00 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, Nov 7 — Multiple people fell ill and an investigation was underway after a suspicious package was delivered to a military base near Washington on Thursday, US media reported.

Joint Base Andrews confirmed in a statement that parts of the Maryland site were evacuated after the “suspicious” package was opened. The base is used regularly for presidential flights.

“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated,” the statement said, according to broadcaster CNN.

“Joint Base Andrews first responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and have turned the scene over to (the) Office of Special Investigations,” it said.


According to news site Axios, a military spokesman said in a statement that “multiple individuals felt ill” after the package was opened and received treatment before being released.


A Joint Base Andrews spokesperson did not respond immediately to AFP’s request for confirmation of the incident.

CNN, citing two unidentified sources, said the package contained an “unknown” white powder and “political propaganda” that were being assessed by investigators.


The base is a short drive from the US capital and is often used for flights by senior government officials.

President Donald Trump landed at the facility as recently as Wednesday on an Air Force One flight returning him from a business forum in Florida. — AFP

‘Rumba or Salsa?’ Anwar dodges Cabinet reshuffle talk after Zambry’s ‘two weeks left’ quip

 

‘Rumba or Salsa?’ Anwar dodges Cabinet reshuffle talk after Zambry’s ‘two weeks left’ quip



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gives a thumbs-up to supporters as he leaves the Festival of Ideas Putrajaya 2025 closing ceremony in Putrajaya, November 7, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Friday, 07 Nov 2025 7:48 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir today joked that he may have “two to three weeks left” in office, briefly fuelling speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

Zambry made the remark during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025, adding that whether he would still be with the ministry “remains to be seen”.

“Again, I hope that the prime minister will continue to support FOI in the coming years. Whether I am still with the ministry or not, that comes second. Because my time’s almost up — maybe two to three weeks left,” he said.

He later clarified to reporters that his remark was meant as a joke.


“I was just joking in my speech earlier. About the Cabinet reshuffle, you need to ask the prime minister,” Zambry said.

When asked the same question, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave a cheeky response: “Do you want Rumba dance or Salsa dance?” — a playful wordplay on rombakan, the Malay term for reshuffle.

Zambry’s term as senator is due to expire on December 2, marking two years since his swearing-in on December 3, 2022, before he went on to serve as foreign minister and later, higher education minister.


FOI is a nationwide education expo featuring conferences, exhibitions and forums aimed at promoting innovation and intellectual discourse for national development.

This year’s edition was held from November 4 to 8 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Laughing Stock – FIFA Rejects FAM’s Ridiculous “Grandfather Story” Appeal

Laughing Stock – FIFA Rejects FAM’s Ridiculous “Grandfather Story” Appeal


November 5th, 2025 by financetwitter



When FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, there were concerns of hanky-panky, which might lead to a successful (or a partial successful) appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) following an embarrassing document forgery scandal that has rocked Malaysian football. The timing and purpose had aroused suspicion.

And when FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman, freshly suspended on October 17 to take responsibility for the scandal, was seen happily mingling and rubbing shoulders with top officials from FIFA, FAM and Sports Ministry during the ASEAN-FIFA Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, it solidifies speculation that his suspension was merely a gimmick.


Exactly how could a disgraced FAM top gun, even if he was made to look like a scapegoat, be allowed by the Malaysian government to attend such a high-profile event despite the so-called suspension? He should at least be banned from all duties – both official and unofficial – related to football to make the punishment “drama” more believable. But in the “La La Land” of endless possibilities, fairy tales are like breakfast.

After all, Malaysia is the land where a professor – Dr Solehah Yaacob of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) – has claimed that “the Romans learned to build ships from the Malays”, never mind mind that the Roman Empire began as early as 700 BC. This is the same genius who also claims that Malays have perfected and taught the art of “flying kung fu” to the Chinese.

There were also incredible claims that the legendary Chinese martial arts expert – Bruce Lee – was mortally wounded from a single blow by a Malay “silat warrior”. The only thing they have yet to claim is China was once a colony of the Great Malay Empire and the first emperor of China – Qin Shi Huang – was actually a Malay. Perhaps they might also claim that China’s “Four Great Inventions” (papermaking, gunpowder, printing, and the compass) were all copied from the Malays.


However, fairy tales, cover-up, self-created history and forgery of naturalized football players for a short-cut fake glorification (and “syok sendiri” or pleased with oneself) can only bring you so far – till such cheating is discovered, exposed and humiliated the entire nation. After weeks in denial, finger-pointing, blame-shifting, whining, moaning and bitching, FAM has been given a red card on November 3.

FAM’s appeal has been rejected, as expected. World governing body FIFA has upheld a 350,000 Swiss franc (RM1.82 million) fine against FAM, while the seven dubious Malaysian players in question were fined 2,000 Swiss franc each and suspended from all football-related activities for 12 months. If indeed there was an attempt by the Anwar government to influence the FIFA’s decision, it didn’t work.

“After analysing the submissions and conducting a hearing, the Appeal Committee decided to dismiss the appeals, and to confirm in its entirety the following sanctions imposed upon FAM and the seven players. FAM and the players have been notified of the terms of the decision,” – the FIFA Appeal Committee said in a statement on November 3.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), either shocked or pretends to be shocked, said it will be taking its case to an arbiter and expressed it was “very surprised by (FIFA’s) decision”. “FAM will write to FIFA to obtain full details and written reasons for the decision before taking the next step of appealing to the CAS,” – said its acting president Mohd Yusoff Mahadi.

While FAM and players have 10 days to request a detailed ruling from FIFA, and 21 days to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an international independent tribunal represented by lawyers and retired judges, chances are low that its appeal will succeed. In 2024 alone, the CAS upheld 89.5% of FIFA’s decision in cases that came before the tribunal.



FAM has a better chance with the FIFA’s appeals tribunal than with the CAS. But Malaysia must first burn the midnight oil, which it didn’t, before appealing to FIFA with a convincing, compelling and foolproof reason why it should not be punished. To think it could get away with merely a lazy excuse that the FIFA’s decision was “inaccurate and unfounded” was a disaster from the beginning.

It was already bad that the appeals tribunal typically does not overturn decisions made by FIFA. It became worse when FAM did not take seriously its own punishment by allowing a suspended secretary-general roaming freely at a FIFA ceremony, behaving as if cheating and forgery were not a serious matter and its appeal would succeed just because FIFA President Gianni Infantino rubbed shoulders with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Even if FIFA wanted to help, probably by reducing its penalty on FAM for cheating, it simply can’t because eyebrows were already raised over FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman’s special privilege, which was seen as a mockery and insult to the FIFA’s decision. It would be too obvious that corruption has taken place if the appeal succeeds, or is partially forgiven. FAM’s arrogance has backfired.

Malaysia’s troubles are not expected to end even after any appeals process with the FIFA tribunal and CAS that could stretch to late December. There could still be serious action against Malaysia from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), which will only begin its own probes into the matter after the disciplinary process with FIFA is completed.

Should an investigation by AFC, which runs the Asian Cup, confirm Malaysia’s guilt, the country could be disqualified from participating in the 2027 Asian Cup. The Sports Ministry and FAM are caught with no good solution. If FAM does not appeal, it will be an admission of guilt. But if FAM appeals, it will most likely be found guilty again as it does not have a good defence story.




Worse, by going to the CAS just for the sake of trying to save face when FAM knew it would lose its appeal again, it could open a can of worms, as well as opening the room for Vietnam and Nepal to dispute Malaysia’s Asian Cup wins against the two countries. Prolonging the process will do more harm than good as millions of football fans around the world would laugh and mock the Malaysian football.

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Idris, the man accused by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as the main player who is “above the law” responsible for the birth certificates fabrication, has only poured more fuel to the fire when he criticised the suspension, followed with a laughable accusation that FIFA’s rejection of FAM’s appeal was “politically motivated”.

Exactly what political gains would FIFA get by suspending the fake Malaysian players who do not look like any ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, or Kadazan? The more the “future Johor Sultan”, who led FAM from 2017 to 2018, tries to defend the indefensible, the more it makes FAM look guilty. Perhaps the royal house has forgotten that FIFA isn’t a puppet of FAM or the Johor state.

The scandal erupted on Sept 26, when seven naturalised players from Harimau Malaya – as the national team is nicknamed – were suspended by FIFA over the use of allegedly fake documents. Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the Asian Cup third-round qualifier on June 10 – Malaysia’s first win against Vietnam in a decade – turned into a nightmare after Vietnam lodged a complaint regarding the eligibility of five of the players.

To cover up, FAM initially claimed that the penalties were due to procedural issues rather than serious wrongdoing. In response, FIFA released its grounds for the decision, showing that the grandparents of the players had been born in Spain, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands, and not in Malaysia as shown in fake documents submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia



The seven are: Spain-born Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces and Jon Irazabal Iraurgui; Netherlands-born Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano; Argentina-born Rodrigo Julian Holgado and Imanol Javier Machuca; and Brazil-born Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo. Even after caught with its pants down, FAM still insists it was an “administrative error” and, as predicted, has blamed the mistake on its staff.

In a statement, FIFA said FAM had submitted forged documents to verify the eligibility of players, allowing them to be fielded in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10. Therefore, FAM and seven heritage players were sanctioned by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after being found guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code related to document forgery.

Apparently, FAM had falsely claimed that the grandparents of the seven had been born in places including Melaka, Penang, Johor and Sarawak. Unfortunately to FAM, the FIFA disciplinary committee’s secretariat was able to gather a copy of the “original birth certificate”. As it turned out, the original birth certificates of the grandparents contradicted the (fake) submitted documents.

Under FIFA rules, a naturalised player must not only hold a valid national passport, but also meet eligibility criteria. These include having a biological parent or a grandparent born in the country, or having lived there continuously for at least five years after the age of 10. In short, a player must at least have a grandparent born in the country if they wish to play for the national team.

Such rules were designed to prevent the abusive practice of “nationality shopping”, where a football association seeks players who have been overlooked in their home countries by offering them a financial incentive and new citizenship. Yet, despite the blatant cheating, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution declared that the naturalisation process for the players was done in full compliance with the law.



Worse, FIFA’s committee also revealed that Malaysia’s National Registration Department (NRD) “never received the original birth certificates”. The NRD is a department under Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs responsible for determining citizenship status. Instead, the NRD issued its own copies based on secondary information and foreign documents from Argentina, Brazil and Spain.

The NRD further admitted that it could not retrieve the original handwritten records and therefore issued official copies based on evidence that a birth had occurred. This admission indicates that the Malaysian government’s validation process may not have been based on original documents, which calls into question the thoroughness of FAM’s verification process.

The best part is Imanol Javier Machuca, one of Malaysia’s seven “heritage” football players, has returned to his home country following his sanction and suspension by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). According to Argentine news outlet Sábado Vélez, Machuca had gone back to Argentina to rejoin his club, Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield.

Adding salt to the wound, FIFA’s latest decision to reject FAM’s appeal came less than a week after Argentine news publication Capital de Noticias published on Oct 31 a copy of the birth certificate of Garces’ grandfather, Carlos Rogelio Fernandez. According to its report, both Fernandez and his father were Argentine citizens born in Santa Fe in the country, despite FAM previously telling FIFA that Fernandez was born in Penang.

Trying to hoodwink FIFA with more lies, Mr Garces had on Sept 26 brushed off concerns over his ancestry, attributing his fake birth certificate to a clerical error. “I’m a Malaysian from my grandparents’ roots and I’m honoured to play for my country,” – Garces falsely claimed in an Instagram post that has since been deleted.




Likewise, Serrano’s grandfather Hendrik Jan Hevel was allegedly born in Melaka, but was found to have been born in The Hague in the Netherlands. Still, the burning question for the genius Home Minister Saifuddin is exactly how could the 25-year-old glorified Malaysian player – Imanol Javier Machuca – be allowed dual citizenship, when the law clearly forbids a citizen from holding another nationality?

Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship, so if they retain their Argentine, Brazilian, or Spanish nationality, their Malaysian citizenship is automatically void. The Anwar Madani government must clarify whether these foreigners, having given citizenships even though they did not qualify for one, are given special privilege to hold dual citizenship – a practice of double standard.

I will announce decision on rejoining Umno in due time: KJ

I will announce decision on rejoining Umno in due time: KJ


Published: Nov 7, 2025 2:18 PM
Updated: 7:26 PM



Former minister and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin said he would announce his decision on his rumoured return to Umno in due course.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a forum today, he said he would announce his decision to the media when the time comes.

“I’ve already mentioned it earlier. When the time comes for me to make an announcement and a decision, I will inform the media.

“I’m not sure yet,” he said when asked about the expected timing of the announcement.

Khairy spoke to the media on the sidelines of the “Reforming the Education System in the Age of AI and Empowering the Teaching Profession” forum, which was also attended by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and former education minister Maszlee Malik.


Those sacked, suspended, welcome to rejoin

Akmal, meanwhile, welcomed Khairy and others who were also booted out of the party to return.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh


“I have already said that since my first year of becoming the Umno Youth chief. Umno is in a state where it cannot be divided. This Umno must be united.

“So, of course, any member who remains loyal and wants to believe in Umno’s struggle, we want to welcome their return to the party.

“Naturally, the party has its proper channels, and I believe that if we follow those channels accordingly, God willing, we welcome everyone - not just KJ.

“In fact, all those who were suspended, sacked, or who have remained loyal to the party without joining any other, or even those who may have joined another party but still feel that the spirit and calling of the struggle lie with Umno, you are most welcome!” Akmal said when met.

Last month, Berita Harian reported that Khairy may return to Umno before the Nov 29 Sabah polls.

Quoting an anonymous source, the daily reported that the former minister has already received the “blessing” of Umno’s leadership - most notably its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - to rejoin the party.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi


The report said Khairy is also being considered as a candidate for the 16th general election in Kepala Batas, a seat previously held by the former prime minister and his father-in-law, the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.


Umno purge

Khairy, once touted as a potential Umno presidential candidate and a vocal critic of the party’s practices, was expelled on Jan 27, 2023.

The move was widely seen as a purge by Zahid against potential threats within Umno. Before his removal, Khairy sought to challenge him for leadership of the party.

Umno also dismissed its then supreme council member and former Tanjong Karang MP, Noh Omar, after he requested to be released from the party following a six-year suspension.

In a statement, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan announced that both were removed for breaching party discipline during the 15th general election, though the specific details of their offences were not disclosed.

Khairy has since defended his criticisms of Umno and said he would not appeal the decision, nor join any other political parties, citing his loyalty to Umno.

Umno members

Several others were suspended for six years, including Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein and then-Umno Youth deputy chief Shahril Hamdan Suffian - a close ally of Khairy.

Khairy has served as the youth and sports minister, science, technology, and innovation minister, as well as health minister.

He was directly involved in the development of the MySejahtera application and the procurement of vaccines for the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He now co-hosts the popular Keluar Sekejap podcast with Shahril, and also serves as a radio presenter on Hot FM, in addition to being a brand ambassador for several prominent companies.

Shailoks' upside down law

 

Ruling not enough: Amnesty demands govt prosecute those responsible for Koh, Amri’s disappearances

Amnesty International Malaysia has urged the government to ensure accountability after the High Court found police and the state responsible for the enforced disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. - Scoop file pic, November 7, 2025


Ruling not enough: Amnesty demands govt prosecute those responsible for Koh, Amri’s disappearances


Despite the High Court’s landmark decision, Amnesty insists on immediate legal action to ensure accountability for the enforced abductions of the pastor and activist



A. Azim Idris
Updated 29 seconds ago
7 November, 2025
2:49 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR – Amnesty International Malaysia has called for full accountability following a landmark ruling by the Malaysian High Court, which held the government and police responsible for the enforced disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. The court’s decision marks the first judicial recognition of enforced disappearances carried out by Malaysian authorities.

Nicole Fong, Amnesty International Malaysia’s Research and Advocacy Officer, welcomed the ruling but stressed that it must serve as the start of meaningful accountability.

“This welcome landmark ruling is the first judicial recognition of enforced disappearance at the hands of the Malaysian authorities. The government must now ensure this decision marks the beginning of real accountability, not another cycle of delay and denial through drawn-out appeals,” she said.

Fong further highlighted the gravity of the issue, pointing out that enforced disappearance is considered one of the most severe crimes under international law.

Nicole Fong. – X pic, November 7, 2025


“Despite credible evidence of state involvement—including Suhakam’s 2019 findings that the Special Branch of the police was responsible for the disappearances—the government has made no meaningful effort to investigate or hold those responsible to account,” Fong stated.

She also called on the government to take action.

“The government must stop running from the truth and ensure full accountability for the enforced disappearances of both Amri Che Mat and Pastor Koh. Where there is sufficient evidence, the government must prosecute all those suspected of criminal responsibility in fair trials,” she emphasised.

“The families of Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh have a right to know the truth about what happened to their loved ones. It is now urgent that the government fully investigate and publicly acknowledge the facts about their disappearances to ensure such crimes are never repeated,” Fong added.

On November 5, the High Court ruled that the government and police were responsible for the enforced disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, citing involvement by the Special Branch of the police.

Amri Che Mat was abducted in 2016, while Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted in 2017.

The court awarded Raymond Koh’s family over RM 37 million (USD 8,845,331) and Amri Che Mat’s family RM 3.6 million (USD 860,626) in damages, and ordered the police to reopen investigations, with regular progress reports to the Attorney General’s Chambers. Despite the ruling, the government has announced plans to appeal the decision in both cases. – November 7, 2025

Revisiting Fifa's scathing verdict on 'heritage players' saga

Revisiting Fifa's scathing verdict on 'heritage players' saga

Yiswaree Palansamy
Published: Nov 5, 2025 8:00 PM
Updated: 11:00 PM


On Nov 3, the International Federation of Association Football's (Fifa) appeals committee announced that it had rejected the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) appeal against the sanctions imposed on seven “heritage” players who were granted Malaysian citizenship, allegedly based on the forgery and falsification of identification documents.

The organisation also stated that FAM and the players have 10 days from the date of the announcement to request the written grounds of the decision, and 21 days to file a possible appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Stunned by the rejection of its appeal, FAM announced that it will be taking the matter to the CAS, the final arbiter in such disputes.

FAM had also recently appointed former chief justice Raus Sharif to head an independent committee to investigate the matter, with the committee’s findings report expected to be submitted to FAM within six weeks.

As Fifa doubles down on its sanctions against FAM and the players, Malaysiakini revisits the findings of its disciplinary committee, released on Oct 6, which condemned the use of allegedly forged documents and detailed the various discrepancies it had identified.


‘Strikes at core of football’s fundamental principles’

In its scathing 19-page grounds of judgment, the committee said that FAM’s conduct “strikes at the very core of football’s fundamental principles.”

In a written decision, the disciplinary committee's deputy chairperson, Jorge Palacio, had said the committee was “comfortably satisfied” that the birth certificates submitted by FAM in several eligibility proceedings had been forged and/or falsified, to alter the players’ grandparents’ birthplaces.

He said the Malaysian authorities, through the National Registration Department (NRD), had even admitted they had never received the original birth certificates, and instead, issued their own copies based on secondary information and foreign documents from Argentina, Brazil, and Spain.

READ MORE: Home minister defends NRD's clean sheet over 'heritage' players

“This admission, so finds the committee, indicates that the Malaysian government’s validation process may not have been based on original documents, which calls into question the thoroughness of FAM’s verification process.

"Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the forged documents were not a mere formality but a decisive factor in the players’ eligibility," Palacio said.

He stressed that, therefore, this had a direct impact on the integrity of Malaysia’s match against Vietnam in June this year, where all seven players were fielded, and in which Malaysia won.


Lacking proper diligence, scrutiny

Palacio said that the committee was left without doubt - and contrary to the FAM's assertion of diligence - that the fact Fifa was able to obtain the relevant original documents without hindrance, demonstrated that FAM and the seven foreign players did not exercise the necessary level of scrutiny or care.

He added that FAM’s own admission that it had been contacted by external agencies regarding the players’ heritage and still failed to verify the authenticity of the documents independently further highlights a lack of proper diligence.

Palacio also rejected the premise of FAM's argument previously, that the violation involving the seven players was merely formal.

“The effect of the forgery is severe and goes beyond a mere technicality as the respondents tried to depict it," he said.

Palacio also dismissed claims that Fifa had confirmed the players’ eligibility in the past, clarifying that Fifa correspondence merely stated that the players appeared to be eligible on the basis of the information provided at the time.

He said that had the organisation received the original, unaltered documents, “it would have arrived at a different conclusion”, as the required ancestral link does not exist.


Fifa’s case handling criticised

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had previously criticised Fifa’s handling of the case involving the seven suspended players and the RM1.8 million fine imposed on the FAM.

In a statement on social media, the former FAM president said that Fifa had previously approved the players’ naturalisation, and questioned what had prompted the sudden reversal, and whether external influences had a hand in the decision.

Yesterday, following the appeals committee’s decision upholding the disciplinary committee’s ruling, Tunku Ismail described Fifa’s move as “politically motivated” and a “misapplication of the law.”

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim


“Fifa continues to punish the players by misapplying the law, whereby Article 22 of the Fifa code states it can only sanction those who falsify or use a falsified document, and none of that applies to the players.

“In other words, the sanction is imposed without being based on the law and appears to be ‘politically motivated’ rather than anything else,” Tunku Ismail said on X.

He also said that he would continue to support FAM's case in its forthcoming hearing at the CAS.

However, back in October, Palacio had stressed that the said Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code empowers the committee to sanction both the perpetrators of forged or falsified documents and the association to which they belong.

“The wording of such provision is purposely broad, with the aim of encompassing all forms of document forgery or falsification, or their use in general, regardless of intent.

READ MORE: Lacking proof, lawyer again questions 'heritage' players' BM proficiency

“This provision has been designed to prevent the use of defences based on ignorance or procedural compliance, and it carries severe sanctions, as forgery is considered a criminal offence in most jurisdictions," he explained.


Conduct erodes trust, fairness in competition

Palacio said that Fifa also found that both the players and FAM knowingly - or at least effectively - gained an unfair advantage by using fake ancestry documents to make the players eligible for Malaysia

Hinting at alleged complicity in the affair, Palacio said that FAM "effectively, illegally, and successfully enjoyed the consequences of such use", which he said deserved an adequate sanction.

"The committee underlined that presenting fraudulent documentation with the purpose of gaining eligibility to play for a national team constitutes, pure and simple, a form of cheating, which cannot in any way be condoned.

“Such conduct erodes trust in the fairness of competitions and jeopardises the very essence of football as an activity founded on honesty and transparency.

"In addition, the committee noted that the players ultimately achieved their objective: they obtained falsified documentation, used it in the aforementioned Fifa proceedings, and were subsequently fielded in an official match with a significant impact on the end result of the match.

"This sequence of actions significantly aggravates the seriousness of the case, as it demonstrates a deliberate and successful attempt to circumvent the rules for personal and sporting gain," Palacio added.

He said that given the gravity of the situation, Fifa deemed that a mere match suspension would be extremely inadequate, in light of these circumstances.

"The sanction imposed must not only punish the wrongdoing but also serve as a strong deterrent and educational measure for the players involved and the wider football community, reaffirming Fifa’s zero tolerance stance on fraudulent conduct," Palacio added.