Prosecution seeks to restore death sentence for ex-student

Prosecution seeks to restore death sentence for ex-student


This follows the Court of Appeal’s decision to commute the death sentence to 40 years’ imprisonment and 12 strokes of the rotan on May 14

Fakrul Aiman Sajali was charged with murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Nur Anisah Abdul Wahab, at an oil palm plantation near Sabak Bernam on May 22, 2023. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution has filed a notice of appeal at the Federal Court to reinstate the death sentence of a former college student who pleaded guilty to murdering and burning his pregnant girlfriend three years ago.

On May 14, the Court of Appeal commuted the death sentence to 40 years’ imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane against Fakrul Aiman Sajali, 23, after allowing his appeal.

Lawyer Nor Tamrin, who represents Fakrul, confirmed the matter and said the notice of appeal was filed on May 25.


“Our party has received the notice and my client will not file a cross-appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision.

“He accepts the decision and considers the judgment to be fair, equitable and free from any error that requires further challenge,” he said when contacted today.

He said Fakrul is currently serving his sentence at Kajang prison.

According to the notice of appeal, the prosecution is appealing against the entire decision of the three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal, consisting of Azman Abdullah, Ahmad Kamal Shahid and Radzi Harun, which changed the death sentence to a 40-year prison sentence from the date of arrest (May 23, 2023) and 12 strokes of the cane for the offence.

On Oct 15, 2025, the Klang High Court sentenced Fakrul, to death after he pleaded guilty to murdering Nur Anisah Abdul Wahab, 21, at Jalan Sungai Limau, Sabak Bernam, between 8.30pm on May 22, 2023 and 8am the next day.

The charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code carries a death sentence or a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years. If an offender is not sentenced to death, he shall be subject to whipping of not less than 12 strokes.

***

I am against capital punishment - meant only for 'white settler' Wanks and Shailoks

Green Wave politics and limits of non-Malay influence in M'sia

Green Wave politics and limits of non-Malay influence in M'sia

S Thayaparan
Published: Jun 15, 2026 8:00 AM
Updated: 11:22 AM



“But there are no clocks where (the pendulum) only swings down, it also goes up. And I am confident, and I believe that Chinese voters, little by little, are returning to BN.”

- BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

COMMENT | Everyone from PKR’s William Leong to former MCA grand poobah, Chua Soi Lek are saying the non-Malays (specifically the Chinese community) can stop the Green Wave.

But beyond rambling about syariah law and a theocratic state, nobody wants to acknowledge that the Islamisation process that has radically altered this country post-1969 has happened during the watch of the so-called centrist coalitions of BN or Pakatan Harapan.

When Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim decided that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) needed to play a bigger role in policy-making, for instance, non-Malay political operatives in the Madani government were silent as church mice.

Furthermore, it was Anwar, through his religious czar, who was pursuing the Federal Territories Mufti bill, which would have radically transformed the powers of the religious far right in this country.

Islamic Development Department


This is something that PAS dreamt of. This is something the deep Islamic state has been preparing for.

The bill was best defined by SIS Forum - “The Mufti bill, which grants unelected officials the power to legislate without transparency or due process, exemplifies the dangerous erosion of democratic principles and constitutional rights.

“Such laws risk undermining the fundamental freedoms of Malaysians, fostering a culture of control rather than empowerment, and silencing diverse perspectives crucial for a progressive society.”

This country has been run by Perikatan Nasional before, and it was a time when Malaysia went through so many prime ministers; it was difficult keeping track of who was in charge of the circus.

Also, as we can see, the only thing these Malay uber alles types love more than making alliances to defend race and religion is breaking up that alliance for perceived slights and infractions, which merely means that various potentates were not getting their due.

Non-Malays voting for Harapan, which Leong acknowledges is not the coalition that got the most Malay votes, means that everything Madani does in terms of policy and optics is to appeal to the Malay community, which is what PAS does already.

Selayang MP William Leong


Keep in mind that for decades, the non-Malays voted for BN and demonised the opposition using pragmatism as a rallying cry instead of institutional reform. And to be fair, for decades, the non-Malays prospered while their Malay/Muslim brethren were short-changed by the Malay uber alles party they voted for.

Umno collapse drives PN surge

Three years ago, former DAP MP Ong Kian Ming agreed with Umno man Khairy Jamaluddin that the Green Wave narrative was a “lazy shorthand”.

Ong wrote: “It diverts attention from the main reason for the increase in votes for PN: a disastrous collapse in support for Umno in all states in Peninsular Malaysia, except for Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

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“It was this unhappiness with Umno and specifically, the leadership of Zahid, that enabled PN to benefit from the groundswell of dissatisfaction.”

What most politically correct observers do not want to publicly acknowledge is that if the dominant polity that voted for PN really wanted an alternative, they would have chosen PKR and Harapan.

After all, Harapan-controlled states were run more efficiently than BN states and were drawing local economic migrants from less developed states.

Now, of course, in Johor, Umno is in ascendancy, and with this comes all sorts of political opportunities which make anything the non-Malays do mean bupkis.

Umno members


There really is nothing stopping Umno, PAS, and Bersatu from joining forces or any kind of political alliances which shut out non-Malay power brokers. They have done this before and imploded spectacularly.

While Zahid may say that there will never be another pact with its sworn enemy, PAS, can any rational Malaysian take his word for it?

Folks got their knickers in a twist when PN candidate Goh Gaik Meng said the non-Malays cannot stop the Malay tsunami - “I actually want to tell the people of Selangor... the Chinese cannot stop this Malay tsunami. A so-called tsunami within the Malay community has been set off.

“As a minority ethnic group with only 20-30 percent (of the population) in this country, we cannot stop this so-called Malay tsunami.”


PAS strategy and Malay political unity

However, the reality is that the mainstream Malay political establishment, from the royal institution to a significant segment of the vox populi, wants some sort of Malay unity.

Do not for one second think that I am downplaying the threat of the Green Wave. PAS has very clear ideas about how to use democracy and legislation to suppress the non-Malay vote.

PAS will lead the effort to disenfranchise the non-Malay vote even more and perhaps make the non-Malay vote meaningless. This is the plan, and PAS has been very open about it.

In 2021, then-PAS central committee member Khairuddin Aman Razali said, “There are long-term (needs) that require us to win the next general election with a two-thirds majority.

“(Upon achieving this), the electoral boundaries need to be changed to benefit Muslims.

“We also need to increase the number of parliamentary seats in Malay-majority areas.”

Former minister Khairuddin Aman Razali


Keep in mind, two years ago, folks were going on about “coalition politics” as if it were the new normal. The reality is that there really wasn’t any real coalition give and take, but rather Madani rearing snakes in their tent while carrying out policy-making initiatives which put a smile on the visage of the Green Wave.

Have you noticed that, especially among PN supporters, there really is no central figure standing in opposition to Anwar? The theocratic state-in-waiting understands they have no need for prime ministers in the sense of someone leading the country. All they need is a figurehead.

The fact is that what Madani is doing is making it easier for PAS when it eventually takes over. We are not dealing with differing political ideologies here. What Muslim disunity has achieved is the suppression and dismantling of progressive ideas and personalities in the majority community.

The Green Wave is the existential threat facing rational Malaysians, but it is not simply about not voting for PAS, as the facts demonstrate. Non-Malays haven’t been able to stop the Green Wave, and PAS is merely a fait accompli.

What non-Malays need to do is to vote for Malaysians who are not too concerned about spooking the Malays.

S THAYAPARAN is commander (Rtd) of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Fīat jūstitia ruat cælum - “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS were on the streets in Indonesia this week AFTER Indonesia refused to give US jet bombers blanket permission to use Indonesian airspace in a future war on China

From the FB page of:

Nury Vittachi 

Favorites ·rsSpntodeo8h079af73t751f9lighh8h98ff6l654h2g83au0ff09c9h391g ·

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS were on the streets in Indonesia this week. The rise of civil unrest was predicted by several sources, including journalist/ analyst Brian Berletic.

Why was trouble inevitable? The leadership of the world’s fourth most populous country has shown signs of independent thinking, as it struggles with economic pressures.

Indonesia recently refused to sign a promise to give US jet bombers blanket permission to use Indonesian airspace in a future war on China.

The Pentagon was not happy.

.

THE NED IS ACTIVE

Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto last year criticized foreign NGOs, claiming to “promote democracy”, for interfering in the politics of sovereign countries and weaponizing human rights.

This was seen as a reference to the infamous US National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA spin-off which has been active in creating street protests in Indonesia.

The NED has been thrown out of Venezuela, Egypt, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia and other places for financing, fomenting and training anti-government movements. The resultant civil unrest has often led to loss of life and property, sometimes on a large scale.

The rise of independent thinking in Jakarta means (from the US point of view) that Indonesia may need a little “people power” push to usher in alternative leaders. The appearance of civil unrest is always the first step in the regime change system.

.

LIST OF GRIEVANCES

As usual, the protests are said to be based on genuine grievances. The illegal US-Israel attack on Iran caused oil import prices to soar. The Jakarta government maintained some subsidies on fuel to shield citizens and runs a school meal program to ensure children don’t go hungry, but both have been targeted by critics.

The local currency has fallen against the dollar, making it harder for Indonesians to travel abroad—but it has lifted the value of remittances family members overseas send home.

Still, all this is par for the course. US agitators work quietly to build civil unrest on top of local grievances. Civic society in the country is riddled with US infiltrators. Also, US agents are discreetly financing outlets in Indonesia’s media—using the same “democracy and freedom” mantras they used in Hong Kong and scores of other places.

.

WEAPONIZING HUMAN RIGHTS

Indonesian President Prabowo has been trying to keep the US appeased (he donated to Donald Trump’s absurd “Board of Peace” for Gaza) but has also tried to maintain the country’s independence from foreign troublemakers.

“We must not be manipulated by any country,” he said on Pancasila Day, last year.

In response, NED, the CIA and related outfits have apparently stepped-up operations. NED is advertising for staff for operations in East Asia.

.

HIT PIECE

Brian Berletic, Angelo Guiliano and the present writer were targeted in a hit piece three weeks ago. Jakarta-based Tempo accused us of being Russian or Chinese agents.

Their evidence was that we had falsely indicated that western political groups, like the NED and Internews, were active in the country.

But the Tempo report was funded by a western political group: Internews! The very existence of their report proved we were telling the truth.

Yet our warnings need to be louder. How to get the truth about US interference more widely known?

It’s difficult. Narrative creation is the US’s super-power. It’s clear that that a significant portion of Indonesian media, like Tempo, is serving the US, not Indonesia.

International journalists are no help. Mainstream media such as the BBC and Reuters routinely maintain secret news blackouts on references to western political interference operations, even if their presence is blatant.

.

ASIANS NEED TO WISE UP

So Asians have to wise up and fix their own problems.

“Nations need to secure their information space,” Berletic said on X yesterday. “Stop allowing US-based social media platforms and their algorithms to determine what YOUR people see, hear, and ultimately THINK.”

In the long run, the US wants Indonesia’s government to be allied to them or controlled by Washington—as are many places, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

The US is busy in Asia, “politically capturing Asian states along China's periphery - Indonesia being one of them,” Berletic said.

Stepson of Norway’s crown prince jailed for four years in rape case

Oslo court sentences Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, after convicting him of rape, domestic violence and drug offences.

By Heba Habib, AP and Reuters

Published On 15 Jun 202615 Jun 2026

An Oslo district court has sentenced Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, to four years in prison for rape and other crimes.

Hoiby, 29, became part of the royal family when his mother, Mette-Marit, married Haakon in 2001.

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The court convicted Hoiby of two counts of rape as well as domestic violence against his former partner Nora Haukland and narcotics offences. He was acquitted on two separate rape counts with judges finding insufficient proof that the encounters were nonconsensual. One of the rapes he was convicted of took place in the basement of the crown prince’s official Skaugum residence.

While denying the rape charges, Hoiby had pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and transporting 3.5kg (7.7lb) of marijuana in 2020.

A court sketch depicts Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, during the third day of his trial in Oslo [File: Ane Hem/AFP]

The seven-week trial captivated Norway, laying bare Hoiby’s struggles with drug addiction, self-recorded footage of intimate encounters and a trove of more than 800 electronic messages submitted as evidence.

Hoiby, who has been in custody since February 1, did not attend the reading of the verdict in person, citing undisclosed medical reasons. Local media reported he followed proceedings via a secure videolink from Oslo Prison, where he remains held.

During the trial, Hoiby spoke about growing up adjacent to the throne without an official title. “I’m mostly known as my mother’s son, not anything else,” he told the court. “So I’ve had an extreme need for recognition my whole life, and that manifested itself in a lot of sex, a lot of drugs and a lot of alcohol.”

Haakon distanced the monarchy from the case, telling reporters that Hoiby is not a member of the Royal House and faces the same legal accountability as any Norwegian citizen. “He is a citizen of Norway and, as such, has the same responsibilities as everyone else,” Haakon said.

'Sack me if you're brave,' Wong Chen tells PKR over disciplinary action

'Sack me if you're brave,' Wong Chen tells PKR over disciplinary action


Published: Jun 15, 2026 3:22 PM
Updated: 5:56 PM



Subang MP Wong Chen has challenged PKR to take stronger disciplinary action against him, including expulsion from the party, amid an ongoing disciplinary probe.

Speaking during a Parti Bersama Malaysia roadshow in Negeri Sembilan on Saturday, Wong revealed that he had responded to a show-cause letter issued by PKR but questioned the basis of the action and the professionalism of the party's disciplinary process.

“I received a disciplinary letter from PKR. I replied and asked what exactly I had done wrong,” he said, in a video excerpt of his speech, shared on his Facebook today.

Wong, a former corporate lawyer, claimed the letter lacked specific details of any alleged wrongdoing.

“If you want to issue a show-cause letter, then do it professionally. You cannot conduct a fishing expedition. You need to show evidence and specify what offence I committed,” he said.

Wong further said he had yet to receive a reply from the party nearly two weeks after submitting his explanation.

“They gave me a week to reply, but now it has been 10 days and there has been no response at all,” he said.

The PKR lawmaker also took aim at party leaders whom he accused of being reluctant to act decisively against him.

“If you are brave, sack me. If I am sacked, I can continue serving as the MP for Subang,” he said.


‘PKR can’t afford to lose reps’

Wong also dismissed calls for him to resign, arguing that the party was wary of the political consequences of losing elected representatives.

“They are afraid to even ask me to resign. If six (PKR) MPs leave, they are finished,” he added in reference to PKR lawmakers aligned with former economy minister Rafizi Ramli but have yet to vacate their seats to join Bersama.

Last month, Wong told Malaysiakini his immediate priority is to ensure that the proposed constitutional amendments are properly debated and passed in Parliament before making any decision on his political future.

He said the upcoming parliamentary sitting starting June 22 would be crucial, particularly for amendments involving a proposed 10-year term limit for the prime minister and the separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles.

Appellate court adjourns Yusoff's fake gun, drug possession hearing to Sept 8

Appellate court adjourns Yusoff's fake gun, drug possession hearing to Sept 8

Farah Solhi
Published: Jun 15, 2026 1:31 PM
Updated: 4:58 PM



The Court of Appeal hearing of the appeal against Yusoff Rawther’s acquittal over the possession of imitation guns and cannabis has been adjourned to Sept 8.

This comes after the court today found that the prosecution has yet to serve a proper appeal notice to Yusoff (above).

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Aswani Abu Hanipah informed the three-judge panel that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had tried to track Yusoff, who had fled to the UK, using the authorities.

He added that recent checks with the Immigration Department showed Yusoff, who was Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former researcher, left the country in June last year.

Asnawi also informed the court that they had tried to personally serve the appeal notice to Yusoff two weeks ago, and were informed, via a letter, that the latter had applied for human rights asylum in the UK.

The prosecutor also confirmed that his team has yet to exhaust all avenues to ensure Yusoff received the notice personally.

Meanwhile, Yusoff’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, told the court that his client has instructed him to proceed with the case.

However, the court decided to adjourn today’s hearing, instructing that the prosecution must personally serve the notice of appeal to Yusoff.

“Earlier, both the appellant and the respondent agreed that personal service of the appeal notice is an obligation under the law, according to Section 314 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“We found that the respondent’s knowledge of the matter, and his instruction to his lawyer to proceed via online proceedings or Zoom, is not sufficient.

“Therefore, the court will fix another hearing date to ensure the appellant (AGC) could take reasonable steps to ensure the personal service of the appeal notice is effected,” said judge Azman Abdullah, who led the panel.

Also in the panel were judges Radzi Abdul Hamid and K Muniandy.

Section 314 of the CPC deals with the non-appearance of a respondent in criminal cases.

The court set Sept 8 for case management and for the AGC to update the court on their efforts to personally serve the notice to Yusoff.


‘Personal service must be perfected’

Speaking to the press later, Rafique stressed that personal service must be perfected in criminal cases.

“We received the appeal notice via email on June 1, but the law requires that the notice be personally served to the respondent.

“So, today’s hearing got adjourned and what the AGC must do now is to ensure they personally serve the notice to Yusoff in the next three months.

“If they (AGC) do not succeed, then Section 314(2) can be applied.”

Section 314(2) allows for the appeal to proceed in the respondent’s absence if personal service cannot be effected.

Rafique Rashid Ali


On June 10, Rafique said that Yusoff had applied for human rights asylum in the UK, and would not be returning to Malaysia due to safety reasons.

The counsel also confirmed that Yusoff will not attend the appeal proceedings because his passport was held by the UK authorities pending his application.

Subsequently, the lawyer wrote to the Court of Appeal’s president about the latest development the following day.

In 2024, Yusoff was charged with possession of two imitation guns and trafficking 350g of cannabis.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted him on June 12 last year of both charges after finding the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

The AGC filed an appeal against the acquittal four days later.

Not racist: J-Kom chief says 'Cina sesat' aimed at Albert, See-To

Not racist: J-Kom chief says 'Cina sesat' aimed at Albert, See-To


Published: Jun 15, 2026 9:49 AM
Updated: 12:42 PM



Community Communications Department (J-Kom) chief Hisyamuddin Ghazali has denied allegations that he made racist remarks against the Chinese community, saying his “Cina sesat” (lost Chinese) comment had been deliberately misrepresented.

In a video statement last night, Hisyamuddin (above), better known as Syam Ghaz, said his Facebook post on Saturday was directed only at two individuals, social media personalities Eric See-To and Albert Tei.

"I wish to emphasise that the original post on my Facebook page was solely a response to See-To and Tei.

"This is clearly evident in the post itself, which explicitly mentioned their names, without involving any other parties," he clarified.

Earlier, Hisyamuddin’s post, which had been twice edited to remove the words “Cina” and “balaci” (lackeys), drew condemnation from various quarters, including politicians from the government and opposition.

Despite the removal of the terms, the changes are still visible in the post’s edit history.


No intent to offend

Hisyamuddin lamented attempts to portray the post as an attack on the Chinese community.

"I deeply regret the irresponsible actions of certain parties who deliberately twisted the post to create the false impression that I was attacking the entire Chinese community," he said.

Hisyamuddin stressed that he had no intention of offending any ethnic group.

"The harmony of our multicultural society has always been one of my priorities," he added.

At the same time, he apologised for any misunderstanding.

"Nevertheless, I sincerely regret any mistakes or misunderstandings arising from the matter that may have offended individuals who were not involved.

"I take full responsibility and will exercise greater caution in managing my social media posts in the future," he said.

Hisyamuddin also warned that legal action would be taken against those whom he accused of defaming him or distorting his statements.

He said his legal team had reviewed related statements and social media posts, while a police report had already been lodged.

According to him, letters of demand would be issued soon to See-To and others allegedly involved in spreading the claims.

"I will not compromise when it comes to any baseless accusations, defamation, or distortion of my statements that harm my reputation. Firm legal action will be taken immediately," he said.


‘Just sue’

Responding to this, See-To challenged Hisyamuddin to proceed directly with legal action instead of issuing a letter of demand.

Eric See-To


In a Facebook post, See-To said Hisyamuddin should file the lawsuit within 14 days, failing which he would initiate legal proceedings against the former special officer to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

“The basis of the legal action I intend to file is a civil suit for the tort of misfeasance in public office, namely the abuse of power in a public office.

“Public funds allocated for government communications that are meant to be neutral, professional and beneficial to the people are believed to have been misused, diverted from their intended purpose, or employed for partisan political and personal interests,” he said.

“This includes targeting government critics, threatening legal action, lodging police reports, defending racist statements, and producing propaganda unrelated to the legitimate mandate of government communications,” he added.

See-To said his suit against Hisyamuddin will also name Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as co-defendants.

“These defendants either knew, ought to have known, or were recklessly negligent regarding the improper purpose and possible unlawfulness of the use of public office, public powers and public funds.

“More seriously, they are also seen as having allowed a senior government official to remain in public office despite being associated with racist remarks while serving in that position,” he claimed.

As a result, he claimed to have suffered personal injury, including targeted harassment, reputational damage, legal costs, pressure arising from legal threats, and a chilling effect on his freedom of expression and constitutional rights.

Hamzah’s return a ‘KO blow’ for Bersatu, says PAS Youth

Hamzah’s return a ‘KO blow’ for Bersatu, says PAS Youth


Kelantan PAS Youth chief Firdaus Nawi says Abdul Hadi Awang’s announcement on Hamzah Zainudin showed that PAS still calls the shots in the opposition bloc

Kelantan PAS Youth chief Firdaus Nawi said some Bersatu leaders were too caught up in their own political games and failed to understand grassroots sentiment. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin’s return as parliamentary opposition leader is a “knockout blow” to Bersatu, according to Kelantan PAS Youth chief Firdaus Nawi.

Firdaus said the announcement of Hamzah’s position by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was not a regular statement, but a clear signal of the party’s position in the opposition bloc.

“It was a ‘knockout blow’ to Bersatu,” he said. “It sent a clear message that PAS remains the main force setting the direction of opposition politics, while Bersatu is losing value and influence,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying in Kota Bharu.


Firdaus was responding to Marzuki Mohamad, a former principal private secretary to Muhyiddin Yassin, who reportedly accused Hadi of acting like a “supreme leader” in Perikatan Nasional.

Marzuki had criticised the announcements on Saturday of Hamzah’s reappointment as opposition leader and the decision to allow Hamzah’s new Parti Wawasan Negara to use the PN logo in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.


Bersatu and PAS are founding members of PN but have been at loggerheads.

Hamzah, a former Bersatu deputy president, launched Parti Wawasan Negara at a convention in Tanah Merah yesterday, at which Hadi announced that Hamzah would return as opposition leader, taking over from PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who will remain PN chairman.

The decisions raised questions over whether Bersatu continues to wield power in the coalition, or whether PAS is now setting the tone ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls.

Marzuki claimed the decisions were arbitrary and were not made by the PN Supreme Council. However, Firdaus accused some Bersatu leaders of being more interested in attacking PAS and Hadi than repairing ties within the opposition bloc.

“They expected PAS to become weak once ties between PAS and Bersatu started to crack. But the reality is that PAS continues to move forward with its own strength,” he said. The presence of PN partners Gerakan and MIPP at the Reset convention showed that PAS still has influence within the coalition.

Firdaus said some Bersatu leaders were too caught up in their own political games and failed to understand grassroots sentiment.

***

O dear Moox2, bersara lah, wakakaka 😂😂😂

Trump says Iran deal in ‘a few hours’, blames Israel for delay

Trump says Iran deal in ‘a few hours’, blames Israel for delay


The US president rages at Benjamin Netanyahu following strikes on Beirut, saying the Israeli prime minister has no judgement

Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran remained on track despite an Israeli strike on Beirut that delayed the plan. (EPA Images pic)

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Sunday that a peace deal with Iran was still on track to be signed within hours, despite an Israeli strike on Beirut that he said had delayed the plan.

“It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now,” Trump said in a phone call to the Axios news outlet.

Trump fumed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the attack on Beirut, saying, “it is so bad – I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal.”


Using a string of expletives, Trump told Axios he raged at Netanyahu after Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, killing three people, in response to what it said was Hezbollah fire at northern Israel.

“Why did Bibi (Netanyahu) have to do a f***ing attack?” Trump told Axios. “I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no f***ing judgement. I let him know that.”

Tehran insists that any agreement to halt the war must include the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has been pursuing a campaign against the Iran-backed movement Hezbollah.

***

To sabo you Donald, so frigg Satanyahu real hard, right in his 6 O'clock, and we'll luv you 😂😂😂👍

Fear of voter backlash could lead to separate Penang polls, say analysts

Fear of voter backlash could lead to separate Penang polls, say analysts


3 hours ago
Predeep Nambiar


Pakatan Harapan could have more room to defend its hold on Penang if state assembly elections are held apart from the parliamentary election

The Penang state assembly’s term expires only in August 2028, but the parliamentary term expires in February the same year, unless they are dissolved earlier for elections. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow’s reluctance to hold a state assembly election simultaneously with the parliamentary general election may be driven by concern that the elections could become a referendum on Pakatan Harapan’s performance in the federal government, say two analysts.

James Chin and Francis Hutchinson said although Chow’s government has more than two years left, a separate state election would give Penang PH more room to defend its hold.

James Chin.


Parliament’s term expires in February 2028, while the Penang state assembly’s term expires only in August 2028. However, both legislatures could be dissolved at an earlier date.

Chin said that DAP, as a whole, was unsure of the sentiment on the ground, with party leaders receiving complaints from voters whenever they meet them. Another problem that DAP could not run away from was that voters would conflate state and federal-related issues.

“People will still say that DAP are part of the Madani government, and they’ll blame the UEC failure on DAP. And these issues will still crop up even though it is a state election,” he told FMT.


DAP has long tried to obtain government recognition of the United Examination Certificate of independent Chinese schools.

Chin said a separate state assembly election would give DAP a better chance of keeping the contest from becoming fully dominated by federal politics. Voters could register their discontent with DAP at the parliamentary general election but allow the party to remain in power in Penang through the state assembly elections, albeit with a reduced majority.

“The Chinese voters are not willing to let the DAP government fall in Penang,“ Chin said.

Francis Hutchinson.


Francis Hutchinson of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute suggested “self-preservation” as a motivating factor for Chow to hold the state election separately.

“If PH loses the general election they may still retain Penang, and potentially Selangor, thus reverting to the 2008 to 2018 period,” he said, referring to the time when PH was in parliamentary opposition, but formed the government in several states.

Such an outcome was still better for PH than BN controlling both federal and state governments, he said.

Wong Chin Huat.


Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat said calling for a state election now would be a waste of public funds.

A delay would give Chow and allies more room to deal with the national sentiment.

He said if PH did badly at the national parliamentary elections, the coalition’s supporters were more likely to come out in droves at a state election to keep PH in power in Penang. “And if PH does well (at the federal election), then it can ride on the positive wave,” he said.

***

Penangites' "old formula" (strategy) was to vote "opposition" in federal (to make noise) (in earlier days that meant DAP and Socialist Front) and vote "government" in Penang (for local developments) (in earlier days that meant MCA), wakakaka 😂😂😂