Sabah NGO president arrested by MACC over alleged RM2m fund misappropriation

Sabah NGO president arrested by MACC over alleged RM2m fund misappropriation



According to a source, the man, who is in his 60s, was detained at about 10am today when he turned up to give his statement at the Sabah MACC office. — Picture by Choo Choy May

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 7:45 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, July 21 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested the president of a Sabah-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) on suspicion of abusing his position by misappropriating about RM2 million allocated for the construction of a community hall.

According to a source, the man, who is in his 60s, was detained at about 10am today when he turned up to give his statement at the Sabah MACC office.


Preliminary investigations found that the suspect allegedly committed the offence in 2022 by misusing funds obtained from the Finance Ministry for the construction of a cultural hall and gallery in the state.

The source said the suspect was believed to have applied for the allocation and proceeded with the construction project without the approval of the NGO’s supreme council.


When contacted, Sabah MACC director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah confirmed the arrest.


He said the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of position.

Mohd Fuad added that the suspect is expected to be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Special Corruption Court on Thursday.

Penang aims for 100pc cashless transactions

Penang aims for 100pc cashless transactions



State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said one of the key initiatives involves the participation of all 24 state government departments and agencies in a campaign promoting digital payments to expand the adoption of cashless transactions among the public. — Picture by Hari Anggara

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 6:34 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, July 21 — The Penang government is committed to achieving 100 per cent cashless transactions in the near future through various initiatives currently being implemented.

State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said one of the key initiatives involves the participation of all 24 state government departments and agencies in a campaign promoting digital payments to expand the adoption of cashless transactions among the public.


“The state government is also focusing on continuous improvements through user satisfaction surveys to obtain feedback and better understand users’ experiences with digital payment facilities.

“At the same time, various publicity and promotional efforts are being intensified through the placement of promotional materials at state government offices, as well as the use of official communication channels such as departmental websites, social media and digital platforms,” he told reporters after a press conference at Komtar here today.


He said the ongoing efforts aim to raise public awareness of the convenience, security and benefits of cashless payments.


Meanwhile, H’ng said Penang emerged as the national champion in the Outstanding Digital Payment Usage Performance Award under the Cashless Boleh 5.0 campaign after recording a cashless transaction rate of 99.40 per cent.

He said the achievement marked Penang’s second consecutive win, following its 95 per cent cashless transaction rate under the previous Cashless Boleh 4.0 campaign.


“With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that Penang will continue to maintain its position as the leading state in the digitalisation agenda and serve as a benchmark for other states in Malaysia,” he said. — Bernama

Iran launches new regional attacks as Houthis threaten Saudi ports

Iran launches new regional attacks as Houthis threaten Saudi ports



This screen grab taken from video footage released on July 20, 2026 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)’s Sepah News shows what they say a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in the Gulf. — AFP pic

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 7:05 PM MYT


TEHRAN, July 21 — Iran stepped up its attacks in the Middle East today, two weeks after its war with the United States resumed, with sirens sounding in Bahrain and Jordan announcing it had intercepted two waves of missiles and drones.

Iran’s Yemeni allies, the Houthis, declared they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s ports, in what would throw the world’s energy markets into further chaos after the Islamic republic blockaded the crucial Strait of Hormuz.


Iran’s Revolutionary Guards meanwhile said they had attacked and stopped two “non-compliant oil tankers” attempting to transit Hormuz, which Tehran has blockaded to avenge the US-Israeli attack that kickstarted the war on February 28.

It remains unclear how the Houthis would implement their blockade of Saudi ports, and oil markets eased slightly despite the threat from Iran’s ally against the world’s biggest crude exporter.


“The siren has been sounded, Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” Bahrain’s interior ministry said after the military reported it had intercepted Iranian attacks.


Jordan’s military also reported intercepting five Iranian drones, followed by three missiles, in two waves of strikes that caused no casualties or damage.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the first of the attacks, claiming in a statement that they had targeted a “complex housing US terrorist forces in the region of Rukban”.


The Iranian army had earlier said it targeted US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including air defence systems, radar installations and administrative buildings.

“With this radar sweep, the enemy should prepare for even more decisive and powerful waves of drone and missile attacks,” the Guards said in a statement carried by state news agency IRNA.

Following the deaths of at least three US soldiers in the past several days, the United States launched a new round of attacks against Iran yesterday which it said were “designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping” in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would pay “many times over” for every American soldier killed, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the conflict had become “a full-scale war”.

Nearly 100 US service members have been wounded since war resumed on July 7, the Pentagon said yesterday, most with minor concussion.

Houthi threat

Should the Houthis make good on their threat to blockade Saudi Arabia’s ports, that would put at risk Riyadh’s ability to bypass Hormuz for some of its oil exports and have major repercussions for the global economy.

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis traded fire last week for the first time in years, threatening a 2022 truce in their years-long conflict, but the rebels have largely remained on the sidelines since Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the threat from what it called the “terrorist Houthi militia” and said it “continues to support the brotherly Yemeni people and their legitimate government”.

The Middle East war resumed after an April ceasefire and a June framework deal collapsed.

Tehran reimposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington hit back by again blockading Iran’s ports.

Oil prices surged briefly to a one-month high yesterday before easing slightly early today as the foes battle to control the strait, through which a fifth of world oil travelled in peacetime.

Although far below its prewar totals, Saudi Arabia has been able to continue exporting millions of barrels of oil a day via its Red Sea port of Yanbu.

Oil markets have for months feared that the Houthis would return to attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — as they did during the Gaza war — potentially cutting off yet more crude from global markets.

Diplomatic exchanges

In the Strait of Hormuz, meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guards said today that two tankers attempting to transit the strait “were hit by explosions, resulting in massive fires that brought them to a standstill”.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) earlier reported that an “unknown projectile” struck a tanker off the coast of Oman.

Today, UKMTO reported another tanker off the coast of Oman had been struck by a projectile.

Despite the latest fighting, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomatic exchanges with Washington via mediators were ongoing.

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni is in Islamabad for a two-day visit during which he was scheduled to meet with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and powerful army chief Asim Munir, according to Pakistan’s interior ministry.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet with Trump in Washington today as pressure builds for Beirut to disarm Hezbollah, Israel’s key condition before withdrawing from south Lebanon. — AFP

US-Iran Fighting Enters 10th Day As Tanker Hit In Hormuz, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Chokepoint

US-Iran Fighting Enters 10th Day As Tanker Hit In Hormuz, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Chokepoint

by Tyler Durden
Tuesday, Jul 21, 2026 - 09:20 PM


The tit-for-tat escalation between the US and Iran entered its tenth day as another tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthis threatened shipping at a second strategic chokepoint in the southern Red Sea.





US Central Command launched strikes targeting Iranian command and control centers, missile and drone launch sites, and air defenses to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."

President Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over!"

Still, Pakistan and Qatar are urging both sides to return to their positions before the latest escalation began on July 9. Iran says it remains open to diplomacy but will not negotiate under attack, while the Trump team has signaled that strikes will continue until Tehran stops attacking tankers and bulk carriers in the critical waterway. Reuters reported that mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire.

Shipping flows in the Hormuz have all but slowed, according to new Bloomberg data. As of Tuesday morning, just six vessels have transited the critical waterway. The data doesn't account for ships turning off transponders.

Bloomberg reports that Iran struck another tanker in the strait:


Visible traffic through Hormuz came to a near standstill on Monday following Iranian attacks on vessels over the weekend.

An oil supertanker called the Acheloos and a smaller fuel tanker were both struck in the waterway, according to Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., the ships' manager.

Early Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said that a tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile in the strait northeast of Oman's Limah, citing multiple reports, without identifying the vessel. The notice indicates a separate attack to those on the Dynacom tankers.

The flare-up in violence sent Brent crude oil futures surging in recent weeks to over $90 a barrel, with Goldman commodity expert Daan Struyven warning on Monday that oil prices could rally to $120 if there is no de-escalation.



"Escalation in the Middle East and the decline in estimated Persian Gulf flows to below 45% of pre-war levels have pushed oil prices back up," Struyven said in a note to clients.



Related:"We've Burned Through All Buffers": Oil Traders Warn Market Running On Fumes

Meanwhile, US consumers are feeling the pinch again at the pump, with the national average for regular 87-octane gasoline topping $4 a gallon once more. This is the politically sensitive line in the sand at which the Trump administration takes notice and consumer behavior begins to shift down at convenience stores, gas stations, and QSRs (quick-service restaurants).



Latest headlines (courtesy of Bloomberg):

US-Iran Tit-For-Tat

• The US and Iran have exchanged strikes for a 10th consecutive day, with US Central Command targeting Iranian military command centers, launch sites, maritime capabilities, and air defenses.
• Iran has retaliated by attacking US military sites in Kuwait and Jordan.
• Trump vowed Tehran "will pay" after Iran killed three US soldiers.

According to the Washington Post, US intelligence reports suggest US strikes are unlikely to move Iran.
Iran's Khorramabad area in Lorestan Province was attacked earlier today.


Diplomacy & Ceasefire Efforts

• Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni began meetings Tuesday with mediators in Pakistan as diplomats sought to salvage a collapsed interim deal.
• Mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire between Iran and the US to revive the interim deal, according to an unidentified senior Iranian official cited by Reuters.
• Iran's president said communication with Supreme Leader Khamenei has increased, per Tasnim reports.

Regional Risks

• The Kaifan, an oil-products tanker owned by Kuwait Oil Tanker Co., was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz northeast of Oman's Limah.
• The Houthi militant group in Yemen is threatening to blockade Saudi Arabia and target shipping in the Red Sea, adding to regional maritime risks.
• Southeast Asian nations expressed "serious concern" over the conflict, warning of spillover effects on regional trade, food security, and energy markets.

Energy & Market Impact

• Goldman Sachs says Brent crude could top $120 per barrel by the fourth quarter if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist, though its base case remains $80 per barrel assuming de-escalation.
• European natural gas futures extended gains, surging more than 20% over the previous seven sessions, as the conflict tightens supply ahead of winter.
• Pakistan and Bangladesh were forced to buy some of their most expensive LNG shipments in years due to supply disruptions from the conflict. Pakistan LNG paid about $21.88 per MMBtu, its highest since 2022, according to traders with knowledge of the matter.

Man sentenced to 105 years in jail for raping daughter

Man sentenced to 105 years in jail for raping daughter


He now faces a combined 280 years' jail term and 180 strokes of the cane after previously pleading guilty to 11 separate rape charges

Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya imposed the sentence at the Tawau sessions court after the Lahad Datu man pleaded guilty to all seven charges. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: A 53-year-old tuition teacher was sentenced to 105 years’ jail and 70 strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to seven charges of raping his eldest daughter.

Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya imposed the sentence on the Lahad Datu man at the Tawau sessions court, reported Berita Harian.

The court sentenced him to 15 years’ jail and 10 strokes of the cane on each charge, with the prison terms to run consecutively. However, the total number of strokes to be carried out is capped at 24, in accordance with Section 288(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.


The accused pleaded guilty on May 6 to raping his eldest daughter, now aged 25, at several hotels in Tawau. He was sentenced for the offences committed between December last year and March 19 this year.

He was charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of between eight and 30 years and not fewer than 10 strokes of the cane upon conviction.


In mitigation, the accused said he was deeply ashamed by what had happened and accepted whatever sentence the court deemed appropriate.

“I truly repent and deeply regret what I have done. If I am ever released, I hope to have the opportunity to meet my children and family to seek their forgiveness,” he said.

The prosecution, led by deputy public prosecutors Haikal Hazwan Yatin and Wildan Firdaus Ahmad Fazly, argued that several aggravating factors warranted the maximum sentence.

They said this included the nature of the offences which was considered among the most serious sexual crimes as the man had raped his biological daughter.


The prosecution said the accused’s actions had not only violated his daughter’s dignity but also destroyed his family.

They also argued that the abuse began when the victim was 16 years old and involved an element of planning, with the accused obtaining the victim’s work schedule, asking her to book hotel rooms, and travelling from Lahad Datu to Tawau to commit the offences.

The prosecution further highlighted the breach of trust between a father and daughter as a key aggravating factor, saying the accused should have protected and cared for the victim – instead of betraying that trust to satisfy his own desires.

The court was also told that the accused had previously pleaded guilty at the Lahad Datu sessions court to 11 charges of raping his two daughters, aged 25 and 22.


He was sentenced to 15 years’ jail and 10 strokes of the cane for each charge, amounting to a total of 165 years’ jail and 110 strokes.

Following today’s decision by the Tawau sessions court, the accused now faces a combined sentence of 280 years’ imprisonment and 180 strokes of the cane.

Hadi defends PAS-Umno cooperation, cites need for Malay-Muslim unity

Hadi defends PAS-Umno cooperation, cites need for Malay-Muslim unity



PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang Abdul Hadi said divisions among Muslims could lead to the loss of strength and influence, citing examples from Islamic history where internal conflicts contributed to the decline of Muslim powers. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 3:37 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party was “forced” to cooperate with Umno as part of efforts to unite Malays and Muslims, warning that continued division could weaken their political position.

In his latest “Minda Presiden PAS” article, Abdul Hadi rejected claims that cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) was merely political manoeuvring, saying such alliances should instead be viewed as efforts to strengthen unity.


“Cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) is considered a political game as imagined by those who are still afflicted by compounded ignorance and do not understand religion itself,” he said.

Abdul Hadi said divisions among Muslims could lead to the loss of strength and influence, citing examples from Islamic history where internal conflicts contributed to the decline of Muslim powers.


“Islam, which is universal, calls for cooperation towards the unity of the ummah, which is an obligatory approach in responding to Allah’s call,” he said.


He said PAS had previously worked with various political parties, including Umno before and after independence, but those partnerships ended due to disagreements over principles and conditions.

“PAS had cooperated with Umno before independence and with the Alliance Party (the precursor to Barisan Nasional, comprising Umno, MCA and MIC) before and after independence, but the cooperation broke down again when conditions and principles were violated,” he said.


Abdul Hadi also recalled PAS’ past cooperation with DAP and PKR through opposition coalitions such as Barisan Alternatif (BA) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

He said BA, formed in 1999, involved PAS, Parti Keadilan Nasional, Parti Rakyat Malaysia and DAP, but the coalition later weakened after disagreements emerged, including over PAS’ push for an Islamic state.

He added that Pakatan Rakyat, formed after the 2008 general election involving PAS, PKR and DAP, later collapsed after differences over issues including PAS’ stance on syariah implementation in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Abdul Hadi said PAS subsequently joined the formation of PN with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and other parties, before making major gains in the 15th general election.

He said the party’s performance in GE15 reflected strong support from Malay Muslim voters, allowing PAS to form governments in four states and secure the largest number of parliamentary seats won by a single party.

“PAS won big by successfully governing four state governments, besides obtaining the highest number of parliamentary seats and the most seats in several states through strong support from Malay Muslims,” he said.

The PAS president said the current political situation required cooperation between Malay Muslims and non-Muslims who were not extreme, adding that the party had adopted what he described as a wise political approach.

“PAS had to take a wise political step by taking lessons from Rasulullah SAW, who united the Arabs who were divided and involved in civil wars, followed by the unity of a multiracial society in Malaysia,” he said.

Abdul Hadi also explained PAS’ role in recent state elections, saying its strategy differed depending on the political situation.

He described PAS’ participation in the Johor state election as symbolic, saying the party’s role was to strengthen Malay unity, while its involvement in Negeri Sembilan was aimed at challenging the Pakatan Harapan-led state government.

“Unlike Negeri Sembilan, which is controlled by PH with the dominance of DAP and Malays who have been carried away, PAS contested as an attacking force with a strategic position to take over power,” he said.

Abdul Hadi warned that political disputes, racial divisions and sectarian conflicts could weaken communities, citing the fall of Muslim powers including Andalusia and the Ottoman Empire as examples.

He ended his statement by stressing that Malay Muslim leadership should not be equated with racism.

“Malay Muslims leading is not racism, because Islam requires justice for all, prohibits racial fanaticism and there is no compulsion in religion,” he said.

Tamim Dahri pleads not guilty to charge of damaging sacred Hindu object

Tamim Dahri pleads not guilty to charge of damaging sacred Hindu object



Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak was charged with damaging a sacred Hindu object, specifically a three-pronged spear known as a soolam, while knowing that stomping on the object was an act of insult towards the Hindu religion. — Picture via Facebook

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 4:01 PM MYT


LANGKAWI, July 21 — An activist pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to a charge of damaging a sacred Hindu object at an old temple site in March.

Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak, 34, entered his plea before Magistrate Hemy Annerina Haja Mydin.


He was charged with damaging a sacred Hindu object, specifically a three-pronged spear known as a soolam, while knowing that stomping on the object was an act of insult towards the Hindu religion.

The offence was allegedly committed at the former Sri Muniswarar Temple site in Selat Panchor, Kuah, between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm on March 8.


The charge was framed under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of two years, a fine, or both upon conviction.


Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ain Nur Sofea Noridan urged the court not to grant bail, arguing that the accused posed a high flight risk.

She told the court that travel records indicated the accused had previously shown a tendency to avoid legal proceedings.


However, lawyer Datuk Hanif Hassan, representing Tamim Dahri, applied for bail, stating that the offence under Section 295 of the Penal Code is bailable.

He also cited Section 387 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which provides that a person arrested or detained without a warrant for a bailable offence is entitled to be released on bail.

The court subsequently granted bail of RM10,000 with two sureties and also ordered the accused to surrender his passport to the court and report to the nearest police station every two weeks.

The court fixed Aug 23 for mention for the submission of documents. — Bernama

Forest City Network School licence revoked, Johor warns no one is above the law

Forest City Network School licence revoked, Johor warns no one is above the law



Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government supports Iskandar Puteri City Council’s decision to revoke the business licence of NS0 Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Network School) at Forest City and halt its operations from July 22. — Screengrab from https://ns.com/

First Published: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 4:40 PM MYT


JOHOR BARU, July 21 — The Johor government has backed Iskandar Puteri City Council’s (MBIP) decision to revoke the business licence of NS0 Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Network School) at Forest City and order the company to cease all operations effective July 22.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the decision was made following reviews of inspection reports, enforcement findings and representations submitted by the company, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.


“The enforcement action can only be taken after complaints and information have been verified, inspections conducted, non-compliance identified and the legal process completed,” he said in a statement today.

Onn Hafiz said the duration a premises had been operating did not mean all its activities were automatically compliant with licence requirements, adding that action must be taken once violations were identified.


“When non-compliance is identified, action must be taken without compromise. The state government will continue to strengthen coordination between agencies so that any non-compliance can be detected and addressed immediately,” he said.


He stressed that Johor remained open to quality investments that contributed to the economy, created job opportunities and supported state development.

“However, no investor, company or organisation can be placed above the sovereignty of the country’s laws,” he said.


Onn Hafiz said the state government and local authorities would not compromise on any breach of the law or matters that could affect national security, sovereignty and interests.

He also called on the Home Ministry, Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police and relevant security agencies to continue investigations and take firm action if there were any misuse of second passports, misrepresentation of identity, breaches of entry requirements or other offences under Malaysian law.

“This matter cannot be taken lightly, especially as Johor is a strategic gateway to the country bordering Singapore. Any weaknesses or misuse of the immigration system must be addressed immediately, firmly and without compromise,” he said.

Onn Hafiz also urged the Digital Ministry and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to take appropriate action regarding the organisation’s Malaysia Digital status or any recognition granted to it if there were breaches of stipulated requirements or principles.

He said all relevant agencies must strengthen due diligence processes, including checks on the background, ownership, sources of funding, operational structure and narratives promoted by companies or organisations.

“Coordination between agencies must also be strengthened so that every investment or international initiative is thoroughly assessed from the aspects of licensing, immigration, security, use of premises and compliance with the law,” he said.

Onn Hafiz added that the matter had been presented to and received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail.

“Elite Malays, not Chinese, hold back Malay progress” rebuke to DAP threat of sorts narrative

“Elite Malays, not Chinese, hold back Malay progress” rebuke to DAP threat of sorts narrative

FEAR mongering is defined as the deliberate spreading of exaggerated, misleading or unfounded rumours of impending danger.

It exploits human anxieties to manipulate public opinion or behaviour. Often used in politics or media, it aims to force quick, emotional reactions rather than rational, evidence-based decisions.


It most definitely applies to the current unease that is being peddled by politicians, social media influencers and cybertroopers with regard to the supposed threat posed by the Chinese to Malay identity on these shores.

While that narrative is being hailed loudly by the rightist faction, there have been pushbacks from liberal-minded brethren or those who take a different perspective.

One such example is Threader injangnation who argued that the Malays are NOT being oppressed by other races but elite-Malays.


The prominent current affairs commenter contended that this elite-class of Malays would create imaginary bogeymen to scare ordinary Malays. These elites would also hold out some form of aid to the Malay masses to create the illusion of being the saviour to their people.

The social media influencer who also has handles on X and Instagram made the pointed observation that it was a tragedy that the ordinary Malays failed to recognize who the real enemy was.

The post sparked lively debate by virtue of its 4.5K likes, 174 comments, 1.2K re-posts and 193 shares at time of writing.

Quite a few agreed with the poster that certain Malay parties are only capitalising on the DAP, MCA, MIC (and other non-Malay political entities) as a scare tactic.

This prompted one cheeky commenter to illustrate absurdity of the scenario with a meme of child holding a boot to his own head.

A Thread user with the handle @hemaramadas further remarked that the problem was not confined to just the Malays. The battle between the haves and the have nots also was also waged in Malaysian Indian and Chinese communities.

However, she conceded that many citizens “are not yet ready to have that conversation”.

This sentiment was echoed in another comment that argued the scenario is ripe to be exploited in any system driven by cronyism. “The ordinary rakyat will always pay the price regardless of skin colour” was the damning observation.

“This is the way the world over” seems to be this commenter’s lament who pointed to US President Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies getting rich while portraying China and Islamic extremists as the bogeymen.

The view was backed by another netizen who argued that every Malaysian Prime Minister has been Malay with the political landscape dominated by Malay parties yet the Malays have remained poor.

Ironically, the Malay’s economic plight will only become an issue during elections whereby the familiar line that Malays are being sidelined is trotted out. “Only the elite-Malays holding high political positions are rich,” he wryly observed.

Firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh got special mention as one of the prominent agent provocateurs.

This politically-savvy citizen questioned the Merlimau state assemblyman for his selective highlighting of issues to suit certain agendas, ie he remains muted on the “Johor land encroachment by Zionists”.

Judging from the many comments, it is obvious that many netizens see through the charade. One commenter summed up best by quoting the famous line from sci-fi classic The Matrix that signified the removal of illusions.

However, the pertinent question is how many wilfully remain submerged in the country’s matrix of fitnah (malicious lies), threats (real or imagined) and misinformation designed to create a climate of fear and distrust among the races.

The uncomfortable reality is that there is always a ready Malaysian audience willing to consume what politicians dish out. – July 21, 2026

Idling blood-sucking wankee deities

From the FB page of:

Australians against zio onanism

dpnSeorots4lt:90a0gut 6Pc224ce3rcy8hdc903h8Me01ta 2 lY7ua18s ·

Aus. tax dollars too, they get free education, free healthcare and subsidised mortgages.

 

US attacks Iran for 10th consecutive night

Washington vows revenge for US military casualties, while Iran claims attacks on US sites across the region.

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Vehicles drive past a monument depicting the clenched fist of the late Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US and Israeli strike on February 28, in Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, on July 19, 2026 [Vahid Salemi/AP Photo]

By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 21 Jul 202621 Jul 2026

The United States has carried out its 10th consecutive night of attacks against Iran, with Iranian media reporting explosions in Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Shiraz, and Isfahan.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the operation on Monday evening, claiming that the strikes are “designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz”.

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CENTCOM said that the strikes had been completed at 9 pm Eastern Time (0100 GMT), after hitting “Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems”.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued statements claiming to have retaliated by launching strikes on Kuwait, targeting “US HIMARS missile systems”, radars, satellite receivers, a telecommunications centre and MQ-9 drone hangar at multiple locations in the country.

The IRGC also claimed to have destroyed a radar and US air defence systems in Bahrain.

Two Greek-owned oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz were struck earlier on Monday, while the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reports that another tanker was hit off the coast of Oman’s port city of Limah causing the crew to abandon it. Early Tuesday morning, the IRGC claimed that two more oil tankers that attempted to “pass through the unsafe southern route in the Strait of Hormuz” had suffered explosions and “massive fires”.

Shortly before the night’s bombing began, US President Donald Trump took to social media to warn that Iranian attacks on US military personnel would be paid back “many times over”. On Friday, two US soldiers were killed, and a third was reported missing when an Iranian missile struck a military site in Jordan, while another US service member was killed in northern Iraq.

Trump also reiterated earlier warnings that continued Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a stronger response.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an end to the conflict with Iran, saying Democrats will force Republicans to vote on halting military operations.

Posting on X, Schumer wrote: “Every second Trump prolongs his war in Iran is another second our service members remain in danger”. Senate democrats will “force Senate Republicans to take another vote to end this war and bring our troops home”, he said.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, the White House said strikes on Iran will continue until Trump decides otherwise, but ended the statement by saying that diplomatic talks between the the US and Iran are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions and sparking fears that the Yemeni conflict, which had been relatively quiet for four years, may be about to reignite and threaten shipping in the Red Sea.