Zahid Is Right About Change — but Wrong About Everything Else

 

Dennis Ignatius

 

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Zahid Is Right About Change — but Wrong About Everything Else

06FridayFeb 2026

Posted by Dennis Ignatius in corruption, Politics

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corruption, DAP, leadership, UMNO, Zahid Hamidi

[1] In a recent speech, UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi conceded that the party is still far from recovery after the heavy drubbing it suffered in GE15. He warned that unless UMNO changes – unless it undertakes what he described as an “extraordinary” and “unprecedented transformation” – the party will continue to struggle to regain the broad support it once commanded.

[2] Zahid is absolutely right on one point: without profound change, UMNO has no realistic path back to power. What is deeply disappointing, however, is the complete absence of genuine introspection, soul-searching, or any honest reckoning with the reasons why the party was so decisively rejected by the people.

[3] Instead of confronting the realities behind UMNO’s collapse, Zahid chose to gloss over uncomfortable truths and reduce the problem to a matter of perception. The problem, it seems, was not UMNO’s conduct, but the public’s “suspicion and prejudice.” Voters, in this telling, were misled. What UMNO needs, therefore, is not reform but rebranding – better messaging, smarter marketing, and a more polished sales pitch.

[4] No need, then, for moral reckoning. No need to confront institutional decay, abuse of power, or leadership failure. Just clever marketing and a generous coat of whitewash. To dress it all up, Zahid invoked lofty phrases like “intellectual values,” “spiritual strength,” and “leadership quality” – qualities conspicuously absent from UMNO’s political culture for many years.

[5] Most striking was the silence on the largest elephant in the room: corruption. UMNO did not merely stumble; it was brought down by the scale and brazenness of corruption at the very top over many years. This was not the failure of one man alone. While Najib Razak became the symbol of that rot, much of the UMNO leadership was similarly tainted. Zahid himself faced dozens of criminal charges related to corruption and abuse of power until prime minister Anwar Ibrahim made it all go away. Corruption ran so deep in UMNO that few have the credibility to even talk about it without coming across as hypocrites. 

[6] What this episode reveals is that UMNO still cannot bring itself to accept the real cause of its downfall. The party, for example, continues to cling to Najib and agitate for a full pardon, even though it was Najib’s scandalous conduct that finally pushed UMNO over the edge. That refusal to break decisively with the past speaks volumes.

[7] Equally troubling is UMNO’s continued reliance on the old, tired formula of race and religion to shore up Malay support. Participation in the Unity Government alongside the Democratic Action Party has merely forced UMNO to be more subtle – outsourcing racial rhetoric to UMNO Youth while maintaining a working relationship with DAP leaders to remain in power.

[8] This was a missed opportunity. With wiser and more imaginative leadership, UMNO could have charted a genuinely new course – one grounded in sound policies and inclusive politics capable of meeting the expectations of a majority of Malaysians. That would have required pioneering a mature, respectful political partnership with the DAP, which – like it or not – now represents the ethnic Chinese electorate. They should know enough to know that Malaysia’s long-term stability and progress depend on a durable framework of Malay–Chinese political cooperation. Nothing else has ever worked.

[9] Just as crucial is generational renewal. UMNO cannot hope to reconnect with younger voters while being led by figures burdened with scandal and political baggage. So long as leaders like Zahid cling to power, meaningful renewal will remain difficult. A clean break, with younger and more credible leaders, would instantly re-energise the party and restore its relevance.

[10] Despite its electoral decline, UMNO remains one of the few parties capable of commanding the loyalty of a large segment of the Malay electorate. If it could truly reform – if it could abandon corruption, reject racial politics, embrace principled cooperation, and renew its leadership – it could yet play a decisive and constructive role in shaping Malaysia’s future.

[11] But while Zahid may be right about the need for change, he is plainly the wrong man to deliver it. For that, Malaysia may have to wait for a new generation to finally arise.

[Dennis Ignatius | Kuala Lumpur | 06 February 2026]

Indian PM’s Malaysia visit tomorrow prompts Home Ministry crowd advisory

Indian PM’s Malaysia visit tomorrow prompts Home Ministry crowd advisory



According to the ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is responsible for ensuring that no incidents occur that could cause unrest and disrupt public order during the visit, which reflects the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the two countries. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Friday, 06 Feb 2026 7:49 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Feb 6 — The Home Ministry has urged the public not to hold any gatherings in public places during the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend.

In a statement today, the ministry said the police, as the agency responsible for coordinating security preparations for the visit, would meet the organisers of a rally scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (Saturday).

“The police will meet the organisers and request their cooperation in not proceeding with the planned gathering,” the statement read.

According to the ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is responsible for ensuring that no incidents occur that could cause unrest and disrupt public order during the visit, which reflects the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the two countries.


“The ministry, through PDRM, will continue to carry out its duties in a professional and firm manner to ensure public safety and national stability,” the statement said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day official visit to Malaysia from tomorrow until Sunday.

At the same time, a peaceful rally related to encroachment and the construction of illegal places of worship is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur and is reportedly expected to involve 141 non-governmental organisations.


Earlier, Madani Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stressed during today’s Cabinet meeting that the government would not allow any party to cause disruptions while the country is hosting foreign guests.

Fahmi also said the government would take firm measures to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries during their stay in Malaysia. — Bernama

MACC detains IJM Corp chairman over RM2.5b overseas assets

MACC detains IJM Corp chairman over RM2.5b overseas assets



The man in his 70s was picked up at about 7pm on Thursday (February 5) at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya following searches at his residence. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Friday, 06 Feb 2026 6:12 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — The chairman of IJM Corporation Bhd was briefly detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged offences under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, MACC senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed today.

He was released within 24 hours after giving his statement, citing health concerns.

According to The Star, the man in his 70s was picked up at about 7pm on Thursday (February 5) at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya following searches at his residence.

The commission also conducted inspections at three other locations, including a fund and investment management institution and an investment bank.


Preliminary findings show that the investment bank was appointed to manage a takeover offer involving IJM Corporation, including regulatory matters with a self-funded statutory body.

The investigation, which began on January 19, focuses on alleged irregularities in corporate governance, procurement processes, financial transactions and the ownership of overseas assets estimated at RM2.5 billion.

As part of the probe, MACC has frozen 70 personal and corporate bank accounts linked to the case, involving approximately RM30.6 million.


Investigators are also tracing other assets believed to have been acquired through potential money laundering.

So far, 15 individuals, including the chairman’s wife, have had their statements recorded in connection with the investigation.

Datuk Zamri said the MACC will continue its investigations and take further action as necessary, emphasising that the probe remains active.

 

A DAP Minister Gave Up His Seat At An MCA Stronghold — And Won The Room

A seating snafu at PM Anwar’s dialogue session at TAR UMT turned into a mini political drama when Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming showed up unannounced, forcing organisers to bump the university president to the second row.

by Fernando Fong

February 6, 2026

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

---

A seating snafu at an MCA-linked university event nearly turned awkward, until a DAP minister made a classy move.

It was supposed to be a straightforward dialogue session at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was there, the VIPs were lined up, and everything was set — until Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming showed up unannounced.

The front row had exactly seven seats, with Anwar right in the middle.

But with Nga’s arrival, someone had to go — and the PM’s office decided it would be university president Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei.

Cue the Awkwardness

TAR UMT board chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy — a former MCA deputy president and Transport Minister — wasn’t having it.

He pointed out that it didn’t look great for the university’s own boss to be pushed aside on his own campus.

He suggested squeezing in an eighth chair, but the PM’s office said no — adding another seat would knock Anwar off-centre.

Cue the standoff.

That’s when the current Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, stepped in.

Loke offered to move himself, Nga, and Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh — all DAP — to the second row instead.

This is your home ground. We’ll sit at the back.

A Step Back, A Win Forward

If you know your Malaysian political history, there’s a certain irony here.

Back when Chan was in his prime, MCA was the dominant Chinese party (it held 31 of the 40 parliamentary seats it contested), and DAP was in the wilderness.

Now the roles are reversed — and yet here was Loke, the man from the party that ate MCA’s lunch, deferring to his hosts with a smile.

As the Chinese saying goes: 退一步，海闊天空 (teoi jat bou, hoi fut tin hung) — take a step back, and the sea and sky open up.

Sometimes giving ground is how you win the room.

Chan later praised Loke for his quick thinking and class — a rare moment of warmth between two parties with a long, complicated history.

MCA Tells It Differently

Not everyone saw it as a DAP win.

MCA Bangi’s Facebook post framed the incident rather differently — crediting Chan for “defending dignity” and calling Lee “TAR UMT’s soul figure.”

As for the ‘uninvited guest’ who triggered the chaos?

The post called him a “cheeky cannon who shows up with nothing to show for it” (厚着脸皮出席的大炮) — a thinly veiled swipe at Nga.

In MCA’s telling, this wasn’t about DAP being gracious.

It was about the old guard holding the line at their own turf.

TAR UMT — founded by MCA in 1969 to serve the Chinese community — has since grown from a college into a full-fledged university, now overseen by the TARC Education Foundation.

READ MORE: MCA’s Message To Voters: We’re The Chinese Party That Malays Can Trust

READ MORE: Anthony Loke Proposes, Anwar Approves: UTAR Tax Claim Waived

READ MORE: [Watch] Perfect Students Rejected By University of Malaya, Then Offered RM500K Alternative – MCA Demands Answers

Project Vault - Trump Copying China Critical Minerals Strategy

Project Vault - Trump Copying China Critical Minerals Strategy



February 5th, 2026 by financetwitter


Forced to “kowtow” to China after Beijing retaliated to United States’ tariff war by slapping export restrictions on several rare earth elements, processing technologies, lithium battery materials, and other items, U.S. President Donald Trump reluctantly signed a trade truce with the Chinese government. It was a humiliation to the economic superpower, but Trump had no card to play.

The U.S. has to eat humble pie while re-strategizing. Now, the Trump administration thinks it has found the solution – “Project Vault”. It’s a new strategy in stockpiling more than 50 critical minerals. The lists include rare earths, lithium, uranium and copper – deemed “essential for national security, economic stability and supply chain resilience.”

Calling the initiative as a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, Trump said during an event at the White House on Monday – “Today we’re launching what will be known as Project Vault to ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by any shortage“. Recalling how the U.S. was held ransom by China, Trump said – “We don’t want to ever go through what we went through a year ago.”


During trade talks last year started by Trump’s tariffs war, China stunningly retaliated by restricting the exporting of rare earths that were needed for jet engines, radar systems, electric vehicles, weapons, laptops and phones. To justify Project Vault, the U.S. president said he expected the government to make a profit from the loan being used to start the reserve.

The U.S. Export-Import Bank will provide US$10 billion in the form of a loan, with about US$2 billion coming from private capital for the project. Equipment manufacturers including GE Vernova, Western Digital and Boeing have expressed interest. But the stockpile move to build a Western supply chain to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals is nothing but a “copy” of the Chinese model.


The plan for the newly created “U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve” actually borrows from Beijing’s longstanding playbook because that is the rival Washington is trying to combat. The U.S. stockpile will source the minerals at home and abroad – suggesting dependency. China last year brandished its control of rare-earth minerals and processing to extract trade concessions from Trump.


Beijing recognized years ago that supporting local mining companies would ensure a stable supply of materials for its manufacturers and give it a tool for international coercion. At the same time, state involvement doesn’t mean total state control. Many Chinese miners are in the private sector – including some listed on stock exchanges – and they compete for profits and market share.

Likewise, the U.S. government is investing in private-sector miners and bringing companies such as Boeing, General Motors and Alphabet’s Google into Project Vault. The Commerce Department last week announced plans to finance the startup critical-mineral company USA Rare Earth to the tune of US$1.6 billion in exchange for an ownership stake. The Trump administration has also taken stakes in Lithium Americas and Trilogy Metals.

Copying a Chinese-style model of state-driven capitalism, the U.S. government has made similar investments in other domestic minerals producers since last year and intervened in strategic industries. It took a 10% stake in chip maker Intel and a “golden share” in U.S. Steel when the latter was acquired by Japan’s Nippon Steel.


Trump didn’t give details of how the vault would operate, but it could provide a steady buyer to tide American and allied producers through the boom-bust cycle, a traditional feature of the minerals business that has often deterred private investment. John Jovanovic, the chairman of the Export-Import Bank, said the stockpile would support domestic processing of critical raw materials as well as protect U.S. manufacturers from supply shocks.


Beijing has long amassed stockpiles of metals such as copper, aluminum and zinc, and it upgraded the system in 2024 to add more types of minerals. When China, controlling about 70% of the world’s rare earths mining and 90% of global rare earths processing, slashed exports of rare-earth magnets last spring, American companies such as Ford were forced to temporarily shut down factories because of supply shortages.

Trump compared Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), a government-owned oil stockpile stored in underground salt caverns at four sites in the U.S. The petroleum stockpile was created due to a foreign supply shock – the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s. With storage capacity of 714 million barrels, it is designed to deter threats by hostile nations to interrupt supplies.


So, like petroleum, the critical mineral is being created due to a foreign supply interruption – this time, China. The mineral reserve requires crucial raw materials to be stashed in secure facilities across the country. The Export-Import Bank’s announcement said the stockpiles would be independently governed, but didn’t describe the entity that would control them.

However, experts say minerals would be trickier to stockpile than petroleum. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve includes sweet and sour crude, while there are 17 rare earths as well as dozens of other critical minerals. To make matters worse, the quantities needed change over time depending on how cars, planes and other industrial goods are manufactured.

Additionally, if the facilities are stocked with relatively unprocessed raw materials, they couldn’t be used immediately in factories during an emergency. But storing the finished version of the products, such as rare earth magnets, introduces its own issues because product specifications evolve. “There is no one-fits-all,” – said Thomas Kruemmer, a rare earths analyst based in Singapore.



There’s a bigger problem – assuming the vault doesn’t buy from China and pretends as if it is Made-in-USA, it could take years to build a stockpile that would sufficiently shield the U.S. in an emergency. For materials such as scarce “heavy” rare earths, there is little processing capacity outside of China, and the plants now being built will likely meet only a portion of demand in the U.S. and allied nations over the next couple of years.

The Pentagon last July took stakes in the rare earths miner MP Materials, as well as providing financial backing to the companies Vulcan Elements. The administration has also taken stakes in Lithium Americas and Trilogy Metals. But even before MP Materials could sufficiently produce minerals, the Trump administration has already made a U-turn on its plans to guarantee a minimum price for U.S. critical minerals projects.

Industry executives argue China’s state-backed producers can slash prices to punish rivals, undercut projects and deter private investment. But critics of price floors now warn they could expose U.S. taxpayers to significant financial risk by forcing the government to subsidize minerals when market prices fall, potentially locking in long-term liabilities if prices remain depressed.


The fact that U.S. mining and processing companies have pushed for price floors and other government backstops to help them compete with China suggests that not only they are unable to compete without subsidies from the U.S. government, but also proves that Washington is copying Beijing’s model – despite Trump’s accusation of China’s unfairly subsidizing local companies.

***

Only 1 way - do a 'Venezuela' on China, wakakaka

Let Rafizi be next PKR president, party veteran suggests

Let Rafizi be next PKR president, party veteran suggests

Shakira Buang
Published: Feb 6, 2026 10:00 AM
Updated: 8:31 PM


A PKR veteran has opined that Rafizi Ramli should not only be given space to voice criticism of the government, but also considered to lead the party as its next president.

According to Hassan Karim, Rafizi's criticisms are not slanderous but are grounded in the former economy minister's expertise and experience, particularly in policy and governance matters.

“I take a fairly open and positive view. It’s fine for Rafizi to express his views, and when he speaks about issues, he is not engaging in defamation.

“For example, when he (Rafizi) debated the royal address motion in Parliament recently, he raised the fiscal deficit and tax issues.

“For me, that is very good. He examined an issue and used his knowledge as an accountant - that role should actually be played by the opposition, but the opposition does not have that expertise, so he continues to speak up,” Hassan (above) told Malaysiakini.

Rafizi Ramli


Since losing the PKR deputy presidency race to party president Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter Nurul Izzah and resigning from the cabinet last year, Rafizi has become more vocal in criticising party figures and government matters.

Besides his social media posts where he frequently shares his opinions on various issues, the former economy minister also hosts his own podcast, dubbed “Yang Berhenti Menteri”.

In one of his podcast episodes last December, Rafizi asserted that he had raised several concerns internally during his time in the cabinet, but had opted to give Anwar the benefit of the doubt in hopes that the prime minister would make changes.

Having exhausted all available avenues, Rafizi said he believes there are still issues that need to be raised, and he is voicing them now, especially since he is no longer bound by cabinet rules.

Recently, he also asserted that he is free from a fixation on the premiership - an obsession which he suggested has defined Anwar's political life.

The Pandan MP opined that anyone who believes the nation or society needs them “has a complex”, stressing that politicians’ work should be executed as a contribution to the rakyat and “investment” for the akhirat (afterlife).

‘Don’t take action’

Commenting further on Rafizi’s actions, Hassan stressed that he does not agree with any disciplinary action being taken against the latter, cautioning that such a potential move could negatively impact PKR and Pakatan Harapan.

“I do not agree with Rafizi being subjected to disciplinary action...If you disagree with him, respond rationally. Do not take action against him," the Pasir Gudang MP urged.

“Rafizi has contributed a lot to the party, and I still remember him saying that if we won many seats in the election, we would free Anwar, and that did happen... Indeed, our aim was for Anwar to become prime minister.

“If he (Rafizi) criticises the government or raises issues, the party should persuade him, not take action. If action is taken, the impact on PKR and Harapan will be significant,” he added.

Anwar Ibrahim


Hassan also said he is confident that Anwar would not side with moves for Rafizi to be subjected to disciplinary action.

“PKR is a big party, and Anwar is also a magnanimous person... Anwar is not the type to seek revenge; he is open, and people should not slander him.

"Speak with facts - if our facts are wrong, he will correct them, and the party can correct them,” he said.

He also suggested that party leaders contact Rafizi for a proper discussion and listen to his views, rather than rejecting or sidelining critical voices within the party.

“Why would he want to form a new party? He has contributed a lot to PKR; he helped build this party. He has rendered many services.

“Anwar will not be party president forever, and I suggest that if we win again (in the next election), we appoint him (Anwar) for one more term as prime minister. But, within PKR, after Anwar, I propose Rafizi as PKR president, with Nurul Izzah remaining as deputy president.

“In the next party election, Nurul Izzah should defend the deputy presidency and Rafizi become president. Everyone supports him, so we can combine the younger generation, while Anwar can become party adviser and continue to hold the prime minister’s post for another term,” he proposed.


‘Not a threat’

When contacted, former PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the criticisms voiced by Rafizi should not be seen as a threat to the party or the government.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad


Acknowledging that he himself often criticises the government, albeit in a different style, Nik Nazmi stressed that such a culture of speaking out is in line with the democratic spirit embraced by PKR.

“We have not departed from our original fight to bring about change,” Nik Nazmi told Malaysiakini.

He also rejected the perception that such criticism is aimed at bringing down the government, affirming that parliamentarians have a duty to voice their concerns on matters affecting the rakyat.

“We do not sabotage the budget (and) we do not want to change the prime minister. As backbenchers, we speak up based on what we feel is right,” the Setiawangsa MP said.

According to the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, Rafizi plays the role of a “conscience” or moral voice for the party and the government.

“I do not see any need for disciplinary action (against Rafizi) as doing so would only prolong the issue and would not help PKR or Harapan,” Nik Nazmi opined.


Political reality

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Mazlan Ali said Rafizi’s criticisms should be viewed within the context of Malaysia’s political reality, particularly within the framework of a coalition government involving multiple parties with different ideological backgrounds.

Mazlan described Rafizi as a figure who tends to be idealistic while demanding comprehensive and immediate reforms.

“The problem is, we must understand Malaysia’s political background. Religion and race are still the main factors. Moreover, this is not a Harapan-only government, but a unity government,” he said.

According to Mazlan, Anwar's government cannot implement the Harapan manifesto in full without taking into account the positions and manifestos of coalition partners such as BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

Mazlan Ali


The academic cited the issue of appointing politicians to government-linked companies (GLCs), which he said is still accepted in Umno’s political culture and cannot be changed abruptly.

“For Umno, appointing politicians is normal for a party that has governed for a long time... We must respect Umno’s position (as they believe that), appointing politicians is not a problem as long as there is integrity.

“And even if professionals are appointed to those positions, it does not necessarily guarantee transparency. We see today many civil servants being charged. MACC makes arrests - who are they? All professionals.

“So the issue of integrity does not mean politicians lack integrity. Violations can happen to anyone,” he said.

As such, Mazlan warned that excessive open criticism by Rafizi could harm the government’s reputation, although he acknowledged that criticism is fundamentally an individual right.


Own political movement

However, Mazlan said if Rafizi wants to bring a comprehensive reform agenda, he should lead or head his own political movement.

“From one angle, criticism is good, and from another angle, criticism can damage the government’s reputation by exposing weaknesses.

“In fact, we respect the right of anyone to criticise, and as long as it does not violate the law or amount to defamation, there is no problem with criticism. But, as a politician, if Rafizi wants to put forward his reforms and ideas, it would be better for him to lead a political party and try to contest in elections," Mazlan added.

He also posited that Rafizi could attempt to defend the Pandan parliamentary constituency as an independent candidate to test whether he has sufficient "influence" and support.

While reminding that no government is perfect, Mazlan emphasised that criticism from within the government should be constructive.

“I think that would be better because he (Rafizi) is still a government MP, a PKR MP for now.

"His criticism, in my view, should build the government, because there is no perfect government in this world. There will always be weaknesses here and there,” he added.

Group urges cabinet to amend laws on child conversion

Group urges cabinet to amend laws on child conversion


Published: Feb 6, 2026 11:15 AM
Updated: 6:02 PM



A multi-religious group has urged Putrajaya to uphold the position that a child's conversion to Islam requires consent from both parents.

The appeal from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) followed arguments made by senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly on Feb 3.

Representing the federal territories at the hearing of a lawsuit brought by M Indira Gandhi and 13 others, Hanir asserted that Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution does not mandate the approval of both parents, but requires only the consent of at least one responsible adult, whether a parent or guardian.

Hanir also said a broad construction of Article 12(4) should be adopted by interpreting the word “parent” in its plain, singular form.

He noted that such an understanding allows for "greater flexibility" in the administration of laws relating to the conversion of minors, thus ensuring that no aspect of a child’s welfare is overlooked.

Commenting on the stance, MCCBCHST called on the cabinet to affirm that both parents have equal rights over the child under the Federal Constitution.

Arguing that it would be in the child's best interest and welfare to require both parents' consent before a conversion, the group also pointed to the Federal Court's 2018 ruling that the definition of "parent" should be plural.

"Any move to allow a single parent to convert would be unjust, immoral, against the interest of the child and family, and against the said Federal Court decision," MCCBCHST said in a statement yesterday.

"We appeal to the cabinet to discuss this matter on an urgent basis and take steps to ensure that both parents’ consent should be mandatory before a minor could be converted, and to introduce legislation in Parliament if necessary to crystallise this."

It asserted that such moves are vital to prevent "unnecessary challenges" in the future.

Landmark ruling

In his submissions, Hanir argued that the 2018 ruling, which the plaintiffs are mainly relying on for their case, is insufficient as the apex court's decision was fact-specific and did not directly challenge the relevant state provisions or Section 95 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993.

The plaintiffs had filed the originating summons on March 3, 2023, seeking to rely on the landmark ruling linked to the case of Indira’s Muslim convert ex-husband, who had unilaterally converted their three children without her consent.

The plaintiffs are seeking a court declaration to nullify the unilateral conversion laws contained in the state enactments of the federal territories, Perlis, Kedah, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Johor.

Apart from Indira, the 13 other plaintiffs are NGOs Malaysia Hindu Sangam, its former chairperson S Mohan, Indira Gandhi Action Team chairperson Arun Dorasamy, two alleged victims of unilateral conversions, and eight residents from the states mentioned.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has since fixed May 21 to decide on the plaintiffs' originating summons application.

***

WTF is going on, in this devious attempt to exhume a MATTER LONG LAID TO REST?

See above - the group also pointed to the Federal Court's 2018 ruling that the definition of "parent" should be plural.

FT Mufti Dept says permissible for non-Muslims to use 'Islamic phrases'

FT Mufti Dept says permissible for non-Muslims to use 'Islamic phrases'


Published: Feb 6, 2026 2:13 PM
Updated: 5:59 PM



It is permissible for non-Muslims to use phrases such as “Alhamdulillah” (all praise be to Allah) in daily conversations as long as there are no intentions to mock or insult the religion, the Federal Territories Mufti Department affirmed.

In a post on its website today, the department said non-Muslims’ utterance of such phrases, which it said are Islamic in nature, is allowed if used in the correct context and does not demean the sanctity of Islam.

The department’s clarification on the hukum (ruling) for the matter comes amid heated public debate after PAS MP Siti Zailah Yusoff questioned Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s use of various “Islamic phrases” in the Dewan Rakyat.

Voicing concerns that Nga’s use of the phrases could lead to “confusion” among Muslims and non-Muslims, the opposition lawmaker also urged Nga to “embrace Islam” if the DAP leader is genuinely interested in the religion.

Nga’s deputy, Amanah’s Aiman Athirah Sabu, has since criticised Siti Zailah’s comments, highlighting that the expressions used by Nga are phrases of praise and acknowledgement of God’s power, with the terms not exclusive to Muslims.

Occasional usage common

The department today noted that in the context of Malaysia’s plural society, non-Muslims occasionally use phrases originating from Islamic teachings, such as “Alhamdulillah”, “InsyaAllah” (if Allah wills), and “MasyaAllah” (Allah has willed it) in their daily conversations.

Such incidents, the department said, are normal as interactions across cultures and religions often lead to imitations of practices, whether intentionally or otherwise.

Citing a hadith, the department explained that if a non-Muslim says “Alhamdulillah” after sneezing, it is permissible for a Muslim to respond by saying, “may Allah guide you,” “may Allah grant you good health,” or similar phrases.

However, referencing a statement from Persian Islamic scholar Ali al-Qari, the department said it is not permissible to use terms that seek forgiveness or mercy for a “kafir” (infidel) as such blessings are exclusive to Muslims.

As such, the department said it is permissible to pray for divine guidance so that the hearts of non-Muslims may be inclined towards embracing Islam, especially since some Islamic practices have already become familiar to them.

This then “increases the hope that they may accept Islam as their way of life.”

“However, if the intention is to insult or belittle the sacred phrases of Islam, then such behaviour must be prevented and avoided, and one should refrain from sitting with them,” it added.

It also outlined several guidelines that must be observed when a non-Muslim wishes to use Islamic phrases, including how such terms should not be used derisively.

It stressed that usage of such words should also not be turned into commercial material or slogans that distort their original meaning.

Additionally, references should be made to Muslims to explain the true meaning of such phrases so that they are used correctly and appropriately in a situation, the department added.

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In June 2003, Abdul Wali, an Afghan farmer from Kunar province, died while in U.S. custody after voluntarily turning himself in to American forces. He had surrendered in the hope of clearing his name after being suspected of involvement in local attacks.

While detained at a U.S. base, Wali was repeatedly beaten during interrogation by David Passaro, a U.S. contractor working alongside CIA personnel. Witness testimony later described how Wali was punched, kicked, struck with a heavy flashlight, deprived of sleep, and denied proper food over a period of days.

Wali died in detention. No formal autopsy was conducted, but military and legal investigations followed. In 2006, Passaro became the first civilian contractor to be prosecuted in U.S. federal court for abuse of a detainee overseas. He was convicted of assault for his role in Wali’s death and sentenced to prison, a conviction later upheld on appeal.

Abdul Wali’s case remains one of the most documented examples of detainee abuse during the early years of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.