Ridhuan Tee mocked for berating Hungry Ghost month prayer flags, banner disrespect BM

Ridhuan Tee mocked for berating Hungry Ghost month prayer flags, banner disrespect BM

MUSLIM convert preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah has come under fire for lashing out at an apparent Hungry Ghost Festival worship banner alongside two flags put up at the Taman Kosas junction in Ampang for undermining the status of Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as the national language.

“Is this China? Where’s the national language position? Doesn’t MPAJ monitor them?” chastised the Muafakat Nasional deputy president in a post Threads which has amassed 3.2K likes, 1.2K comments, 508 reposts and 302 shares at the time of writing.

“Religious freedom is guaranteed but the country’s agenda must be respected.”

The reaction which stood out is that from a seemingly Muslim netizen who mockingly schooled Ridhuan that the ‘public announcement’ is targeted at “the Chinese, not for Melayu celup (slang for ‘fake Malay’)” like himself.

“It’s intended for the hungry ghost  festival… Chinese ghosts come out for one month to find the souls of plunderers, rapists, tayar celup (slang for ‘retread tyres’) … to enter their bodies… Chinese ghosts want to cleanse the bodies of racists only… Wasalam ”.

Another bluntly asked him if he wasn’t a Chinese given his naivety that both the banner and flags are notifications in conjunction with the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Editor’s Note: The Hungry Ghost Festival in 2026 runs across the seventh lunar month from Aug 13 to Sept 11.

The main peak of the festival – known as Ghost Day or Zhong Yuan Jie – falls on Thursday, Aug 27, 2026 when the spiritual energies are considered most active.


Elsewhere, non-Muslim brethren of the former senior professor in the Faculty of General Studies and Advanced Education at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu ridiculed him for championing the national language for the wrong cause.

“Supposedly, BM is used, you can easily turn around and accuse the ritual organiser for trying to confuse Muslims … only good at fault finding,” chided one commenter while another enlightened Ridhuan that “written in Chinese means it has nothing to do with other races”.

“The message is for the Chinese community. So why on earth it should be written in Malay? Are you expecting the Muslims and Indians to join the hungry ghost festival as well? Such a retarded id*ot!”

One commenter even took the effort to provide the much-needed translation service for the convenience of the presumably Mandarin-illiterate preacher.

Another hit out at Ridhuan by insinuating if he has erased from his memory the entire faith and cultural aspect of his ancestors since embracing Islam while tagging the Home Ministry.


Don’t keep riding on racial/linguistic issues here. It’s a sin in Islam to deliberately play with such issues. 

Let me explain it to everyone: This is actually a banner for the annual celebration of the majority of Chinese community – that of the Hungry Ghost Festival.

This ritual is for them to pray and have a feast for the spirits according to the Chinese customs. It’s just an annual affair so, no need to provoke. @kementeriandalamnegeri.

Last but certainly not the least, the once panellist on RTM’s flagship Islamic talk show Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam prior to his allegation of being blacklisted when the Madani government came to power did receive deserving shelling from his Muslim brethren.

“He is seemingly more Malay than the Malays. Malays know when they see those triangle flags that they’re related to the Chinese ritual,” jibed one former national rugby player.

“But you’re the one who’s pretending to be confused instead. Have you forgotten how to read Chinese, apek?”

Even if Ridhuan is unable to read Chinese, another Muslim brother belittled that the ustaz should at least resort to using Google Translate. – Aug 16, 2026

Zaid Ibrahim sees Anwar-Zahid in a bond forged in the fires of mutual survival

Zaid Ibrahim sees Anwar-Zahid in a bond forged in the fires of mutual survival

WHEN former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin suggested that trust between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hit a breaking point, former Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim stepped in to push back on that narrative.

Viewing Malaysian politics through a veteran lens, Zaid sees a bond not only intact but also forged in the fires of mutual political survival.

Reflecting on Khairy’s claims, Zaid remarked: “Khairy says the trust between Zahid and Anwar is at the lowest level. I see no evidence of that. Maybe Khairy can elaborate.”

To prove his point, Zaid pointed out how far both leaders have consistently gone to safeguard each other’s interests when it mattered most.

When Anwar found himself short of a parliamentary majority following the general election, it was Zahid who stepped up, delivering Barisan Nasional’s critical backing to seal the deal.

When Zahid faced legal troubles, his eventual discharge not amounting to an acquittal signalled an undeniable alignment at the highest levels of governance.

Even when the addendum regarding former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon went missing – a moment where the command of the Raja Melayu was ignored for the first time in history – the partnership didn’t break. As Zaid noted, “the relationship between the two went well, as if nothing happened.”

In a scene once thought impossible, DAP leaders were welcomed into Dewan Merdeka – UMNO’s sacred hall. Rather than causing friction, the historic event passed smoothly, showing the power both leaders yield when steering their respective bases.

From unanimous Cabinet approvals on sensitive matters – such as the Tabung Haji RCI report – to managing state assembly dissolutions in Negeri Sembilan without the acrimony seen in earlier state elections, their joint machinery has consistently delivered.

What political commentators misread as “boiling mistrust“, Zaid frames as the temporary disappointment inherent to any competitive game.

As he puts it, “So when did the trust recede? Perhaps amongst friends, the word is disappointment. When we play games, the loser will always be disappointed. But the trust among the best of friends will always be there. There are, after all, many more games to be played.”

Ultimately, Zaid emphasises that in this high-stakes environment, today’s setback is merely a setup for tomorrow’s manoeuvre, noting that “in this political game, the loser may end up the winner.”

Far from reaching a breaking point, he concludes that Anwar and Zahid remain virtually inseparable. — Aug 15, 2026

Israeli airstrike murders Lebanese mum and her four children

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An Israeli airstrike on a home in the southern Lebanese village of Ansar killed five members of the same family at dawn while they were sleeping, including teacher Zeinab Nasser al Din and her four children, Hassan, Hussein, Abbas, and Zahraa.

Source: BBC

Tabung Haji's accountability merry-go-round

Tabung Haji's accountability merry-go-round

Mariam Mokhtar
Published: Aug 14, 2026 12:00 PM
Updated: 2:05 PM



COMMENT | Imagine a dinner party, and around the table sit politicians, ministers, chairpersons, board members, executives and officials.

Then a stranger arrives. Her name is Truth-and-Accountability.

She asks: "Is there a seat for me?" Suddenly, everyone becomes very busy.

The chairperson looks at management. Management looks at the board. The board looks at the minister.

The minister says it wasn't his department. The politician says he had no authority. The auditor-general says she wasn't called to testify.

Nobody wants to give Truth-and-Accountability a seat.

Welcome to Tabung Haji's accountability merry-go-round.

Former Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim has said he was in a non-executive role and didn't know what was happening at the working level.

Former Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim


Nobody expects a chairperson to know everything; but surely he should know enough to ask questions, challenge management, scrutinise the numbers and ask difficult questions like: "Are we sure?" "Can we afford this?"

A chairperson is not expected to run the organisation; but he is expected to ensure that important things do not go unquestioned.

So, the question remains: What did the chairperson know? What did he do with what he knew?

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has also denied involvement in Tabung Haji's decisions during his time as deputy minister.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki

Asyraf said he attended the 2017 signing ceremony with Al-Rawda Real Estate Development and Project Management Co Ltd because he was representing the minister as Malaysia's Chief of the Haj delegation.

We're not saying Asyraf was responsible for the investment, but Al-Rawda eventually resulted in a RM1.86 billion impairment, making it the largest loss among Tabung Haji's 14 problematic investments.

The Finance Ministry said there was no bank guarantee, the due diligence was incomplete and the transaction proceeded on a promissory note.

So, someone approved it, assessed the risks and decided it was acceptable. Who? That is the question.

The Finance Ministry also said 14 problematic Tabung Haji investments resulted in almost RM13 billion in losses.


READ MORE: RCI: Governance failures, politics, 'creative accounting' led to Tabung Haji's financial crisis

These are not small accounting errors. Yet we repeatedly hear: I didn't know. I wasn't involved. I had no authority. It was management.

How does an institution entrusted with billions of ringgit approve a transaction of this scale without adequate due diligence or a bank guarantee, and who was responsible for saying, "Stop. This isn't safe"?


Who was watching?

Meanwhile, former auditor-general Madinah Mohamad says she turned up to give evidence to the RCI, waited over 30 minutes, and was never called.

Her office had audited Tabung Haji and flagged two matters in its 2017 clean audit opinion.

Former auditor-general Madinah Mohamad


So, we have to ask: If the chairperson didn't know, the deputy minister had no authority, and the auditor-general wasn't heard, who exactly was watching the shop?

At the time, the finance minister was Najib Abdul Razak.

However, the RCI did not establish which minister personally approved the individual payments, and Najib, former second finance ministers Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and Johari Abdul Ghani were not interviewed by the commission.

Najib Abdul Razak


So again: Who approved them? That question deserves an answer.

Repeated governance failures

We have seen variations of this story with Felda, Malaysia Airlines and other government-linked institutions.


ALSO READ: KINIGUIDE | FGV delisting: End of Felda's 'experiment'


The commonalities are: Political appointments. Questionable decisions. Huge losses. Investigations. Reports. Royal commissions of inquiry.

This is how responsibility somehow becomes elusive. Impunity grows because when nobody is held accountable, the next person has little reason to fear getting it wrong. Eventually, the taxpayer pays.

The Tabung Haji RCI report was withheld for years after its findings were completed. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said earlier disclosure could have caused panic and prompted depositors to withdraw their money.

We understand the concern, but surely there is an irony here: If transparency is too dangerous because people might lose confidence, what does that say about the confidence in the first place?

And delay has consequences.

An inquiry is supposed to establish what happened while the evidence is still fresh. Instead, Malaysians were left waiting years after the RCI completed its work. A royal commission should not become a time capsule.

And now, in 2026, we are asking questions about events that happened almost a decade ago.


Justice delayed

That matters, because justice delayed isn't simply justice postponed. Evidence deteriorates. Witnesses disappear. Memories change. People die.

And the longer we wait, the easier it becomes for responsibility to disappear into the cracks. Delay can make accountability harder, not easier.

Former minister Rafizi Ramli alleged the report was delayed for political reasons to avoid upsetting Umno. That remains an allegation, not an established fact.

Rafizi Ramli

Regardless of the reason, why did Malaysians have to wait so long?

Now the government has the opportunity to do what should have happened from the beginning: Follow the money. Find who approved the decisions. Find who knew. Find who failed to act.

And if the evidence shows wrongdoing, prosecute. No political protection. No special treatment. No "not me".

If the evidence leads to Umno, investigate the party. If it leads to Pakatan Harapan, investigate the coalition. If it leads elsewhere, follow it there.

Nobody should be above the law.

Tabung Haji is not simply another government-linked institution. Millions entrusted their savings to it, to help them fulfil a deeply important religious obligation. They deserve better than a merry-go-round of explanations.

RM13 billion is too much money to disappear into a fog of "I didn't know".

Prime minister, this is your opportunity. Don't just tell Malaysians that accountability matters. Show them.

Give Truth-and-Accountability a seat at the table, and this time, don't let her leave hungry.

MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Find her on her website and on X.

Rafizi says Anwar's 'return to PKR' call not for him, Nik Nazmi

Rafizi says Anwar's 'return to PKR' call not for him, Nik Nazmi

B Nantha Kumar
Published: Aug 16, 2026 10:59 AM
Updated: 12:59 PM



Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli does not believe PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s call for former leaders and activists to return to the party was directed at him or his fellow Bersama leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Instead, the former economy minister believes the appeal was more likely aimed at other former party members who had left PKR or been sacked.

“I am more inclined to think that he (Anwar) was referring to groups such as Tian Chua, Dr Xavier (Jayakumar), and some of those who were previously with Azmin Ali.

“Not us,” he told reporters after the Bersama candidate announcement ceremony for the Malacca state election last night, referring to himself and Nik Nazmi, who left PKR and vacated their Parliament seats in May to lead their new party Bersama.

Chua, one of PKR’s founding leaders who was sacked in 2023, has meanwhile welcomed Anwar’s call.

The former MP said he attended the party’s national congress on Anwar’s invitation.

Ex-Batu MP Tian Chua

“I think he made his message clear. He wants the veterans to return and help consolidate the party, including those who feel marginalised,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today yesterday.

Asked if he was rejoining PKR, Chua said: “It’s Anwar’s call. It’s up to Anwar to reinstate my membership and with the same membership number.”

Chua was expelled after the 15th general election in 2022 for contesting the Batu parliamentary seat as an independent. PKR’s P Prabakaran won the seat in a 10-cornered fight.

Yesterday, Anwar, in his policy speech at the PKR National Congress, apologised and appealed to former leaders to return.

“First, the veterans, who sometimes… it is normal… please return…my other friends, who may feel somewhat sidelined.

“If we have made any mistakes, I apologise. Please return to the path of our struggle,” he said at the Melaka International Trade Centre.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim at the party congress in Malacca yesterday


Anwar did not specifically name Rafizi, Nik Nazmi or any other former PKR leader.

Earlier, PKR Women information chief Ginie Lim uploaded a photograph with Chua and Xavier at the congress.

Xavier left PKR in 2021 and declared support for the government led by then-prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

UUCA abolished or merely ‘changing clothes’?

Rafizi also commented on the government’s announcement that it would abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), saying the move should be judged by the law that replaces it and the level of autonomy granted to public universities.

“What we do not want is for this to merely become political and campaign material. UUCA is abolished, but what replaces it later is just the same thing under a different name.

“Real autonomy means the government must relinquish administrative control, including handing over full authority to appoint vice-chancellors to university senates and providing annual allocations as unconditional endowments.

“There should be no need to ask the minister or the PM. If the government still has to approve the budget and control the administration, that is not reform. We need to first see whether the replacement law is genuinely reform or merely theatrics,” he added.


Part of 13MP talks

Rafizi said greater autonomy for public universities had been discussed during the formulation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at the Economy Ministry.

The 13MP outlines reforms to higher education governance, including university autonomy and funding, but details of the replacement law and mechanisms for leadership appointments and funding have yet to be announced.

In his policy speech, Anwar said the government would abolish the Act to provide greater freedom and democratic space for university students, with the proposal to be brought to the cabinet next Wednesday.

He said the move followed a memorandum and feedback from student leaders seeking more comprehensive changes to the law.

UUCA has long been criticised by student activists and reform groups over provisions they say restrict freedom of expression, student political activities and academic autonomy.

Pakatan Harapan’s 2018 general election manifesto also pledged to abolish the Act.

The extent of the reform, however, will depend on the contents of the replacement bill, including provisions on university governance, funding and autonomy.

OPINION | Rafizi Ramli hits the nail on the head…when has Malays lost political power?

Malaysia's #1 Content Aggregator


OPINION | Rafizi Ramli hits the nail on the head…when has Malays lost political power?


15 Aug 2026 • 7:00 PM MYT

FLK
Used to do a bit of work in corporate restructuring, corporate `undertaker

Utusan Malaysia: https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2026/07/bersama-tidak-putus-asa-walau-hilang-deposit/



Never.


Malays have held continuous political dominance and executive leadership in Malaysia since independence in 1957.


Political authority and leadership in the federal government have never left the hands of the Malay majority.



Every Prime Minister, the majority of the cabinet, and core state apparatuses have remained under Malay-Muslim leadership, meaning political power has never shifted away from the majority community.


Coalition governments (such as the Alliance, Barisan Nasional, and current administrations) have always been anchored by Malay-dominated parties like UMNO, Bersatu, or PKR.



Political authority has firmly remained with the Malay majority.


Core institutional structures—including the constitutional monarchy, Islam as the official religion, and special privileges under Article 153 remain firmly anchored.


Malays constitute the majority of the electorate in most Peninsular Malaysian constituencies, ensuring they remain the primary target and base for major political coalitions.


Claims that Malays are losing political power in Malaysia is specifically targeted towards DAP.


Since independence in 1957, DAP has always been in the Opposition.



Following the 12th GE in March 2008, DAP, for the 1st time ever, governed at the state level not by ruling alone, but as a key component of coalition governments alongside its allies.


These coalitions formed state governments in Penang, Selangor, and Perak, as well as Kedah (where PKR and PAS led) and Kelantan (led solely by PAS) under the Pakatan Rakyat banner.


Following a political crisis triggered by defections, the coalition with DAP as a political party in it, lost power in 2009.


Selangor and Penang continued to be governed by the PH coalition where DAP is a member together with PKR and Amanah.



At the Federal level, the PH coalition that includes DAP, was voted in in May 2018, the 14th GE.


And like what happened in Perak in 2009, defections resulted in the PH coalition being ousted as the government of the day in Feb 2020 after governing only for 22 months.


After the 15th GE in Nov 2022, following the call by the previous YDP Agong, PH and DAP formed a unity government with BN/UMNO which remained until todate.


Cumulatively, DAP was in the Federal government for no more than 5 years (22 months from May 2018 to Feb 2020 and Nov 2022 to July 2026).



In the 2018 PH government helmed by PM7, DAP held 6 cabinet minister positions out of a total of 28 Cabinet Ministers.


Under this Madani government with 28 Ministers, DAP held 5 cabinet minister positions.


PM7 1st started this polemic of Malays losing control during his testimony as the first and sole plaintiff witness in his RM150 million defamation trial against PMX in Oct 2025.


To quote, he claimed in Court that when he was the prime minister as PM7 in 2018, DAP was under me. But now, DAP is sitting on top of PMX.



PM7 conveniently forgot that, 5 years earlier, in Sept 2020, in an interview with a news portal, he famously replied that claims he was under the thumb of DAP during his second term was illogical when DAP is a minority in the cabinet and the claim was an "insult" to him.


Isn’t PM7 insulting PMX when he claimed that DAP is now sitting on top of PMX?


DAP with 5 Cabinet Ministers in a Cabinet that has 7 Ministers from UMNO and 5 Ministers from GPS Sarawak and the 2 Deputy Prime Ministers are from UMNO and GPS sitting on top of PMX?



If ordinary Malaysians were to believe in this claim, the country is clearly doomed.


There is no future for all Malaysians to believe that 5 individuals can control and dominate 23 other individuals and dictate and tell them what to do.


For these 23 individuals in the Cabinet, it is truly an insult to their intelligence and capability if they kept quiet about this audacious claim, a claim akin to telling their grandchildren that unicorn do exist in this world.


These 23 individuals in the Cabinet might as well resigned and save the tax payers from paying them their allowances and all other perks since they can’t function and take orders only from 5 individuals from DAP.



Shame on these 23 individuals for keeping silent when their intelligence are being insulted left right and centre.

Loke apologises to DAP delegates for losing Chennah in Negeri Sembilan polls

Loke apologises to DAP delegates for losing Chennah in Negeri Sembilan polls



Loke said contesting the challenging seat was never about personal achievement, but about demonstrating that DAP could win support from people of various ethnic backgrounds and succeed in a Malay-majority area. — Picture by Yusof Isa


Summary

• During the DAP's national congress, Secretary-General Anthony Loke expressed regret for losing his long-held Chennah seat in the Negeri Sembilan state election, emphasizing that the contest was aimed at showcasing DAP's ability to gain support across ethnic groups, particularly in a Malay-majority area.
• Despite the setback, Loke encouraged party members not to lose heart from recent electoral defeats, highlighting the party's resilience and commitment to overcoming racial barriers.
• The congress also focused on deliberating the party's future direction within Malaysia's Unity Government amidst ongoing debates over its reform pace and electoral performance.

First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 12:21 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke today apologised to party delegates for failing to retain Chennah, a seat he had held for three consecutive terms since 2013, in the recent Negeri Sembilan state election.


Loke said contesting the challenging seat was never about personal achievement, but about demonstrating that DAP could win support from people of various ethnic backgrounds and succeed in a Malay-majority area.


“I felt saddened that as the party secretary-general I was unable to retain the seat in the recent Negeri Sembilan state election and for that I would like to apologise to all the delegates for this defeat.


“However, I acknowledge that this mission was unsuccessful and we did not receive strong support from Malay voters or the Orang Asli community.


“This is a major challenge for DAP, how we can break through this racial barrier so that our political journey can go further,” he said in his policy speech during the party’s national congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here.

In the recent Negeri Sembilan state election, Loke lost to MCA’s John Kong Choon, who won the seat with a majority of 688 votes.


Nevertheless, Loke stressed that the party’s recent string of electoral defeats should not prevent it from moving forward, as every election has its winners and losers.

“We have almost 60 years of electoral experience and we suffered many defeats during our early struggles but we must not give up.

“To the delegates and party activists, let this be our motivation and inspiration and as long as we do not give up, DAP’s future can still be embraced by the majority of Malaysians,” he said.

Today’s congress is expected to see delegates deliberate on the party’s position and future direction within the Unity Government.

The congress comes amid growing debate over slow reforms and electoral setbacks within the party, including whether it should remain part of the administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

At DAP congress, most delegates back staying in Anwar govt, urge faster reforms

At DAP congress, most delegates back staying in Anwar govt, urge faster reforms



Speaking during the party’s national congress here, several delegates argued that leaving the unity government now would amount to abandoning voters and handing political advantage to rival parties. — Picture by Yusof Isa


Summary

• During the DAP national congress in Putrajaya on August 16, delegates largely supported the party's continued participation in the federal government until the end of the current term, urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to expedite promised reforms.
• Perak delegate Jason Ng Thien Yeong and others argued that leaving would betray voters and disadvantage the party, while Penang delegate Daniel Gooi Zi Sen highlighted past political instability as a cautionary tale.
• Sarawak delegate Soo Tien Ren emphasized the importance of pursuing visible reforms, warning against political stagnation, and Kedah delegate Lim Hooi Yee stressed remaining as a commitment to the party's principles and responsibilities to the people.

By Muhammad Yusry
First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 1:46 PM MYT




PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 — DAP delegates debating whether the party should remain in the federal government today have largely backed staying until the end of the current term, while urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to accelerate reforms promised to Malaysians.


Speaking during the party’s national congress here, several delegates argued that leaving the unity government now would amount to abandoning voters and handing political advantage to rival parties.


Perak delegate and Sitiawan assemblyman Jason Ng Thien Yeong said his position was simple: DAP should remain in the government until the end of the term.


“Previously, we fought and kept fighting until we won. Now that we have won, do we want to run away? No. We should stay once again,” he said.


Ng acknowledged DAP’s setbacks in the recent state elections in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, but said the defeats should prompt the party to push harder for change rather than leave the government.

“We have to accept that this unity government has weaknesses. We need to accept that changes must be made, and we should urge our leaders and the PM to implement the reforms promised to the people, instead of leaving the government and disappointing the people even more,” he said.


He also questioned who would benefit if DAP walked away.

“If we leave, who benefits? Who will be happy? The answer may be MCA, PAS or Perikatan Nasional, which may take over the federal government after this,” he said.

Penang delegate Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, meanwhile, stressed the importance of political stability, pointing to the disruption caused by the Sheraton Move in 2020.

He said major projects had stalled during the period of political instability, while projects such as the LRT were now moving forward under the current administration.

“We cannot let political turmoil happen again,” he said, before asking delegates: “Did we fail as a federal government? Did we not do our job?”

Gooi’s argument was that the party should not disregard the progress made under the unity government despite its shortcomings.

Sarawak delegate Soo Tien Ren said he too would vote for DAP to remain in government, warning that leaving now would amount to “political suicide”.

“If we leave now, we will be committing political suicide. We will be abandoning Malaysians who believe in us, and abandoning our responsibility to correct our own mistakes,” he said.

However, Soo cautioned that merely remaining in Cabinet without clearly demonstrating what reforms DAP was pursuing could also prove politically damaging.

“If we stay, and all we can say is we remain in Cabinet and push for more reforms, but without telling Malaysians the reforms and the target, then staying turns into immediate political suicide and into slow political death.

“Between immediate suicide and slow death, I choose neither. I choose this party to survive and recover.”

Soo said DAP must acknowledge that it had not performed well enough and push Anwar for further reforms, including for the prime minister to relinquish the Finance portfolio and for the Budi95 subsidised petrol scheme to be restored to a 300-litre quota.

Kedah delegate Lim Hooi Yee similarly called on DAP to remain in the federal government until the end of the term.

“DAP must remain in the federal government until the end of the term. Leaving would mean betraying the King, the people and the principles of the party, which has fought for the people of Malaysia.

“The struggle is not over,” she said.

Lim said the results of the three state elections should instead serve as a warning for DAP to reflect on its performance.

“The results of the three state elections gave us different warnings. They are for us to reflect on, not to wash our hands of the matter and run away from responsibility,” she said.

DAP delegates are currently voting on whether the party should remain in or withdraw from the federal government.

The vote comes after party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said he would leave the decision on DAP’s continued participation in the government to delegates.

The outcome is expected to be announced this afternoon.

Rafizi: Bersama names 15 candidates early to give Melaka voters time to assess

Rafizi: Bersama names 15 candidates early to give Melaka voters time to assess



Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli delivers a speech during the Bersama Candidate Announcement Ceremony for the 16th Melaka state election at Jalan Mutiara Melaka 3, Taman Mutiara Melaka, last night. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has become the first to unveil candidates for 15 out of the 28 seats in the Melaka state legislative assembly ahead of the election, as reported by The Star.
• This strategic move, announced by co-founder Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, aims to provide voters with ample time to scrutinize the candidates and their plans before the official dissolution of the state assembly.
• The party's campaign efforts are set to commence immediately, with a focus on constituency-level engagements and the preparation of a manifesto tailored for Melaka voters.
• Rafizi emphasized the importance of early announcements in fostering candidate-voter relationships and understanding local issues.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 9:58 AM MYT


MELAKA, Aug 16 — Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has announced candidates for 15 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state legislative assembly, becoming the first party to unveil its candidates ahead of the state election, The Star reported.


The party’s line-up includes Dr Muhamad Solehin Saleh, 40, the elder brother of Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who will contest Bemban.


Bersama co-founder Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the early announcement was made before the state assembly is dissolved, allowing voters more time to assess the candidates and their plans.


“We are doing this before Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has even thought about dissolving the state assembly,” he was quoted as saying during the announcement in Melaka Baru last night.


Besides Bemban, Bersama will contest Kuala Linggi, Rembia, Gadek, Machap Jaya, Sungai Udang, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Keroh, Bukit Katil, Kesidang, Kota Laksamana, Telok Mas and Serkam.

Rafizi, a former PKR deputy president, said the announcement marked the immediate start of the party’s campaign, with its candidates, members and volunteers expected to begin constituency-level work.


“Our campaign begins tonight. Go out and get to work,” he said.

He said announcing the candidates early would give voters sufficient time to assess their backgrounds, capabilities and plans, while allowing them to build relationships with local communities and understand issues affecting their constituencies.

Rafizi said a team was also preparing a manifesto and policy proposals specifically for Melaka voters.

He said Bersama planned to launch its manifesto during its first ceramah on nomination day.

PAS wants Selangor to be launchpad for toppling PH, says Sanusi

PAS wants Selangor to be launchpad for toppling PH, says Sanusi



Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor as saying Selangor was a key target because of its importance as an economic powerhouse. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon


Summary

• PAS is aiming to make Selangor the focal point for unseating Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the state and federal levels in Malaysia's 16th general election, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
• Perikatan Nasional's election director, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, highlighted Selangor's economic significance and urged voters to assess PH's governance record critically.
• Despite PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) forming the current state government, the report suggests that enhanced cooperation between BN and PN could pose a challenge to PH's position, especially by consolidating the Malay vote in Selangor.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 9:53 AM MYT


TANJUNG KARANG, Aug 16 — PAS is targeting Selangor as the starting point for defeating Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state and subsequently at the federal level in the 16th general election, according to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT).


The report quoted Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor as saying Selangor was a key target because of its importance as an economic powerhouse.


“If PH falls in Selangor, PH will fall at the federal level,” he was quoted as saying at a Selangor PAS election machinery gathering at the Selangor PAS complex here last night.


Sanusi, who is also Kedah Menteri Besar, urged voters to judge PH based on its record in government rather than its political messaging.


“Compare it with the performance of previous governments. What has PH achieved? They should show us what they have done while in power,” he said.

PH won 32 of Selangor’s 56 state seats in the 2023 state election, while PN won 22 and Barisan Nasional (BN) secured the remaining two.


PH and BN subsequently formed the state government.

FMT also reported that analysts had previously viewed closer cooperation between BN and PN as a potential challenge to PH’s position in Selangor, particularly if it resulted in greater consolidation of Malay votes.

Last month, Selangor PKR Youth deputy chief Shahrul Adnan called on the state PH leadership to reconsider its political cooperation with BN following BN-PN cooperation in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan state election.

Control the media? We even give them massage chairs, Fahmi tells PKR congress

Control the media? We even give them massage chairs, Fahmi tells PKR congress



Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil suggested that PKR had lost the communications war, leading voters to “vote over emotions instead of performance”. — Picture by Raymond Manuel


Summary

• At the PKR national congress, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil conveyed that the party, despite losing the Negeri Sembilan state election, will not use harsh tactics against the press, emphasizing a better relationship than previous administrations.
• He attributed the loss to PKR's inability to counter the opposition's identity-driven narrative and promised to enhance the party's communication strategy.
• Fahmi acknowledged the coalition's communication shortcomings and emphasized that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's government has performed well economically, despite voters' emotional decision-making.

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 10:48 AM MYT
Last Modified: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 10:50 AM MYT


MELAKA, Aug 16 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil today suggested that PKR will not resort to punitive measures against members of the press, even as some in the party believe its rivals are winning the messaging battle by fighting dirty.

Members of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) anchor party are gathered at this year’s national congress still reeling from the defeat in the Negeri Sembilan state election, which coalition leaders blamed on the opposition’s identity-driven campaign, after PH was ousted following two terms in government.


Speaking to party delegates, Fahmi suggested that PKR had lost the communications war, leading voters to “vote over emotions instead of performance”.


Still, he said the coalition would not turn to harsher tactics to win the perception battle.


Fahmi said instead that his party was treating the press much better than previous governments, joking that it even provided massage chairs to reporters covering the party’s congress.


“Some in the party had asked me why not rein in the media (that help platform rivals’ messaging). Dear friends and comrades, let’s remind ourselves that we are born from the streets, from fighting the power that told the press to attack our president,” the PKR leader said.

“I was told by our friends in the press that it was worse before. They were even told what to write... but today we are so courteous when dealing with them... we even give them massage chairs. You can visit the media room to have a look yourself,” he added.


PH suffered a heavy defeat in the Negeri Sembilan state election after Barisan Nasional (BN) turned to Perikatan Nasional (PN) and succeeded in consolidating a large portion of the Malay vote.

Analysts said the shift in voter dynamics, including among Indian voters and lower turnout among Chinese voters, made it even tougher for the PKR-DAP-Amanah coalition.

The bloc won just 11 of the 36 state assembly seats, giving the BN-PN alliance a two-thirds majority. Two of PH’s heavyweights, former menteri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and senior minister Anthony Loke, were also among those defeated.

Fahmi appeared to have shouldered some of the blame for the party’s poor showing. He apologised on behalf of PKR’s central communications team and vowed to improve its strategy, particularly its messaging about the Anwar government’s economic performance.

The minister argued that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration had performed well economically, but there was a disconnect between the data and tangible results.

“The comms team would like to say it’s sorry and we will strive to change our strategy, so that the people would understand better what the (PH-led) government is doing and had done, hoping that if they can feel it in the stomach, then it may also nourish the heart,” he said.

Penang CM: State remains under control after North Sumatra earthquake tremors

Penang CM: State remains under control after North Sumatra earthquake tremors



Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government received reports from the Operations Centre of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) regarding the tremors. — Bernama file pic


Summary

• The situation in Penang remains stable with no injuries, after tremors were experienced due to an earthquake in North Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, stated that the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department received public reports of tremors in nine locations.
• Monitoring operations were promptly conducted by rescue teams.
• The state government continues to liaise with relevant agencies for updates on the condition.

First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 8:31 AM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, Aug 16 — The situation in Penang remains under control, with no injuries reported as of early today, following tremors felt across the state after an earthquake struck North Sumatra, Indonesia, yesterday.


Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government received reports from the Operations Centre of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) regarding the tremors.


“The Operations Centre received calls from members of the public between 7.23 pm and 7.27 pm (yesterday) reporting tremors at nine locations across all five districts in Penang.


“Following this, JBPM operational teams were deployed to the affected locations to conduct monitoring, involving 36 officers and personnel as well as nine fire engines,” he said in a statement.


Chow said the state government would remain in contact with JBPM and other relevant rescue agencies to monitor the situation and receive further updates.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the North Sumatra region of Indonesia on Saturday evening, hours after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, killing at least 38 people.


Tremors lasting several minutes were subsequently felt in several areas of Penang and Perak. — Bernama

Mamdani switches to Mandarin in playful push for Broadway access

Mamdani switches to Mandarin in playful push for Broadway access

In the 31‑second video posted on X, Mamdani cheerfully addresses viewers in Mandarin. — X screenshot


Summary

• New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani used Mandarin in a social media video to promote free Broadway tickets for local high school students.
• The initiative, in partnership with the Theatre Development Fund, will distribute over 2,000 free tickets through a lottery system to NYC high schoolers.
• The campaign highlights New York's cultural diversity, with Mamdani's video praised for its linguistic inclusivity and support for local youth access to Broadway.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 10:39 AM MYT


NEW YORK, Aug 16 — New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has added a new language to his outreach toolkit — Mandarin — in a light‑hearted social media clip promoting free Broadway tickets for local high school students, a move that has quickly caught attention online.

In the 31‑second video posted on X, Mamdani cheerfully addresses viewers in Mandarin, ending with an enthusiastic “See you at the performance venue!” as he directs them to the city’s Broadway initiative page. The multilingual moment comes as part of a broader campaign to ensure that the city’s young residents — not just tourists — get to experience one of New York’s most iconic cultural offerings.


The mayor announced earlier this week that the city is partnering with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) to distribute more than 2,000 free Broadway tickets to NYC high schoolers through a lottery system. “People come to New York City from all over the world to experience Broadway. The kids who grow up here should be able to do the same,” he said in a separate post.


The initiative has sparked lively reactions online, with users praising Mamdani’s willingness to meet communities where they are — linguistically and culturally. One commenter joked that the mayor is “literally learning languages to communicate to the masses,” while others celebrated the gesture as emblematic of New York’s diversity.


The ticket lottery covers seven Broadway shows and is framed by Mamdani as “justice for the theatre kids,” following a summer of City Hall lotteries for major sporting events. The Mandarin clip adds a playful twist to the rollout, reinforcing the administration’s message that Broadway belongs to everyone — including the city’s multilingual youth.

@NYCMayor

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演出现场见! https://on.nyc.gov/broadway

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

@NYCMayor

People come to New York City from all over the world to experience Broadway. The kids who grow up here should be able to do the same. We’re partnering with @TDFNYC to give away over 2,000 free Broadway tickets to NYC High School students through a free-to-enter lottery. Break a

11:07 AM · Aug 16, 2026

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