Iran says US must drop ‘excessive demands’ in nuclear negotiations

Iran says US must drop ‘excessive demands’ in nuclear negotiations

Iranian foreign minister emphasizes seriousness and realism as key to successful negotiations with the United States.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “success on this path requires seriousness and realism on the part of the other side and avoidance of any miscalculation and excessive demands” [File: Pierre Albouy/Reuters]

By Virginia Pietromarchi
Published On 27 Feb 2026


The United States must drop its “excessive demands” in nuclear talks with Iran to achieve a successful outcome, the Iranian foreign minister has said, as the US embassy in Jerusalem granted permission to nonemergency staff members to leave Israel amid fears of a regional war.

Abbas Aragchi made the remarks during a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Ati, according to a report on Friday by the ISNA news agency.

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Iran’s top diplomat said that “success on this path requires seriousness and realism on the part of the other side and avoidance of any miscalculation and excessive demands”. He did not elaborate on what those demands are.

Aragchi’s statement tempered down previous comments where he hailed “progress” at the talks and described the last round of negotiations between Iranian and US officials in Geneva as the “most intense so far”.

“It concluded with the mutual understanding that we will continue to engage in a more detailed manner on matters that are essential to any deal – including sanctions termination and nuclear-related steps,” he said.

Further negotiations will be conducted in parallel to meetings between technical teams in Vienna in the coming days, the Iranian diplomat added.

American and Iranian officials left the Swiss city following the indirect talks mediated by Oman on Thursday to consult with their respective governments.

Since resuming talks last month, the US has said it wants Iran to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure entirely, limit its arsenal of ballistic missiles and stop supporting regional allies. While Tehran has shown flexibility about discussing limitations on the enrichment of uranium for civilian use, it has so far treated missiles and proxies as non-negotiables.

**  Shailoks' requirements wankee Ma Cai to obey

US President Donald Trump has said he favours a diplomatic resolution to the standoff, but has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran if it does not accept a deal. The US has amassed its biggest military arsenal in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including the world’s biggest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which arrived on Friday in the Israeli port city of Haifa, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Iran has said that it was not going to initiate a war, but that it was ready to respond if attacked, threatening to strike bases used by US forces in the region.

The military build-up has left the region bracing for a potential war that could spiral into a regional conflict. On Friday, China told its citizens to evacuate from Iran “as soon as possible” and the US authorised the departure of nonemergency embassy staff from Israel – the same order Washington issued for the US mission in Lebanon earlier this week. Canada, India, UK and Poland have also issued similar orders.

***

Wankees expecting Iranian retaliation (missiles, drones) to be directed mainly at Jerusalem.

Modi: 'Israel is the Fatherland, India is the Motherland'

From the FB page of:

Shamsher Singh Thind


seodpnSotrm1f21lcu29hh5ga48hcc8cm1h3g75clftl13ug5tt90ca3mu7g ·


If India is a cow, then Israel must be the bull!

P.S. That is why it is important to have an educated PM.

😂😂😂  😂😂😂  😂😂😂

Hong Kong's bounty offers - the real story

Hong Kong's bounty offers - the real story

Fridayeveryday


HONG KONG’S BOUNTY CASH OFFERS: THE REAL STORY 

This is a shocker. Hong Kong is offering BOUNTIES for innocent pro-democracy activists overseas. The Chinese city, we read, is using its outrageous laws in a transnational way. How awful! That’s the story that the world is being told. As usual, the full story tells a different truth. 

Yes, Hong Kong is offering cash rewards for people evading justice – it is a technique this community learned -- from the UK. And every step of the process in Hong Kong has been kept carefully in line with international law by British-trained lawyers. And here’s the really interesting bit: The UK, which is criticizing us over this issue, was for a long time, the world capital of offering transnational bounties, and dominated that activity until another country (not China) took over. 

STORY TIME Way back in 1696, the government of England offered one thousand pounds for the capture of a pirate named Henry Every. This was a massive sum in those days, and triggered the first global manhunt in history. There were no rules, just grab the guy if you see him. 

In the 1700s, the British offered bounties of up to £140 for each murderer or highway robber you could catch. In those days, a laborer earned £14 a year, an artisan earned £20 a year, so this was a huge sum, equivalent to many years salary. 

In the 1800s, Australia, which was under direct rule of the British, offered a mind-boggling £8,000 for a troublemaker called Ned Kelly, dead or alive. 

Today, British bounties are offered through a TV show called Crimestoppers, and range from a few £100 to £50,000 – that’s about US$70,000. . 

MEANWHILE IN THE U.S. The US government offers bounties of multimillion dollar sums. For example, they offered $15 million US dollars for information enabling them to locate and kill two of Saddam Hussein's children. One informant provided their address – Saddam’s children were duly killed – and the informant received $30 million US dollars. (Judas only got 30 pieces of silver.) 

Just a few weeks ago, in August, the US offered US$50 million for the scalp of Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela. 

IGNORING INTERNATIONAL LAW And there’s a key difference. Unlike Hong Kong, which rigidly follows international law, the US simply ignores international law and grabs or kills whoever it wants to kill, anywhere on the planet – [Video shows relevant headlines]. 

And remember most of the (detained without trial) prisoners in the nightmarish Guantanamo Bay prison were grabbed by bounty hunters given generous sums of cash by the US government. 

TARGETTING INNOCENTS? But wait, you say. The important difference is that Hong Kong is targeting innocent people. The UK and the US are targeting baddies. Actually, no. But I don’t blame anyone for thinking that, because that’s what gets reported in the media. The so called “pro-democracy” movement was financed by the USA to promote independence AGAINST the wishes of the Hong Kong people – surveys, whether taken by eastern or western researchers, show that 80 to 93% of people here oppose independence and want a positive relationship with mainland China. 

In Hong Kong, even among peaceful protesters, including my own social group, these individuals are seen as traitors, taking cash from hostile nations to harm our community. Here’s a clip of a Hong Kong overseas protest complaining bitterly about a cut in the funding they are getting from the US. [clip]

TRUTH ABOUT HK PROTESTERS Picture this. A group of shockingly violent criminals manufacture or distribute pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails and other illegal weapons. One had gathered the same explosives used in the 7/7 London bombing to create a terrorist level “mass casualty event” in the Hong Kong district of Mongkok, with the intention of killing a large number of people one of the world’s most densely populated areas. 

By any measure, several of these individuals would definitely qualify for the term “terrorist”. They jump bail and get on a smugglers’ boat. One of them revealed the full plan that had been arranged for him by someone. He would go to Taiwan first—but then he was to be taken on a diplomatic flight to Europe, and eventually to London, with his final destination being to go back to the United States, which he had visited recently. Those are the facts. 

But how were the arrests of these terrorist bombmakers reported? All western mainstream media portrayed them as heroes.

• The Wall Street journal said the “daring” group were “a small group of dissidents”.

• The Times of London said they were “Hong Kong boat people”.

• The New York Times delivered a truly McCarthyist report about desperate “activists” escaping “the Communist Party's tightening grip” in Hong Kong.

• The Guardian described them as “Hong Kongers” as if all Hong Kong residents gathered enough explosives to bring down buildings.

Read widely. Think for yourself. Peace.

 

Pakistan defence minister says country in 'open war' with Afghanistan after strikes

Pakistan defence minister says country in 'open war' with Afghanistan after strikes

3 hours ago
Hafsa Khalil

AFP via Getty Images
A tank was pictured situated near the border in Chaman, Pakistan on Friday.


Pakistan's defence minister has said the country is in "open war" with Afghanistan, after Islamabad launched airstrikes on Kabul as part of a wave of attacks across the country.


"Our patience has now run out," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif following the attacks.


The strikes came after the Afghan Taliban announced a major offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border on Thursday night.


The latest attacks follow months of clashes between the two neighbouring nations, despite agreeing to a fragile ceasefire in October.


Last year's negotiations failed to reach a broader agreement for a complete end to hostilities, with both side blaming each other for not engaging seriously with talks.


The Taliban said a "retaliatory operation" had been launched at around 20:00 local time (15:30 GMT) on Thursday.


It said it had captured 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases, adding that 55 Pakistani soldiers had been killed. The BBC has not been able to verify these claims.


Pakistan quickly retaliated, saying the Taliban had "miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations" across the border in its north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which had been met with an "immediate and effective response" by Islamabad's security forces.


It then launched a series of bombing raids on Afghanistan in the early hours of Friday morning, striking targets in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika in response to what they called "unprovoked Afghan attacks".


All three cities are close to the shared Pakistani-Afghan mountainous border that spans 2,600 km (1,615 miles).


Pakistan's military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said it had hit 22 Afghan military targets and killed more that 200 Taliban fighters. At least 12 Pakistani soldiers had died, he added.


But the Taliban's spokesman Mujahid said just 13 Taliban fighters had been killed and 22 others injured, while 13 civilians had been injured and an indeterminate number killed.


The BBC has not been able to verify these numbers. During these hostilities, both sides have claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the other while suffering little damage to their own.


In response to the strikes, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan Taliban spokesman, published - then subsequently deleted - a post on X that the group had launched strikes early on Friday on Pakistani military positions in Kandahar and Helmand, two provinces in Afghanistan.


The Afghan Taliban has said it carried out air strikes on several targets within Pakistan, on Friday morning. Sources in the Taliban government told the BBC these were with drones launched from Afghanistan.


Pakistan's Information Minister Atta Tarar said its military thwarted Afghan drones targeting Swabi, Nowshera and Abbottabad, which is a military garrison city housing the army's military academy.


Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country's forces had "the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions", vowing that there would be "no compromise" in defending their "beloved homeland".


What we know after latest escalation in Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

Pakistan strikes Afghan cities as cross-border attacks escalate



In Afghanistan, Taliban officials on Friday claimed Pakistani rockets hit a refugee camp in Nangarhar - housing Afghan citizens recently arrived from Pakistan - and injured at least nine people. The BBC has not been able to verify this.


Residents and local officials in the Afghan cities hit told BBC Afghan the situation appeared to have calmed down since the attacks, although people on both sides of the border remained on high alert.


Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has spoken to his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, the ministry said, and "agreed to stay closely engaged on evolving developments" as they both stressed the "importance of peace and stability".


Dar, who is in Saudi Arabia for an official visit, also held a similar conversation with the country's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.


Meanwhile, Iran has offered to "facilitate dialogue" between Pakistan and Afghanistan as it urged them to "resolve their differences through good neighbourliness and dialogue".


UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also urged the two sides to re-engage in talks, take "immediate steps toward de‑escalation [and] avoid further harm to civilians".


While a fragile ceasefire between the two countries was agreed in October, negotiations failed to reach a broader agreement for a complete end to hostilities, with both side blaming the other for not engaging seriously with talks.


Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of supporting "anti-Pakistan terrorists", who it blames for carrying out suicide attacks in the country, including at a mosque in the capital recently.

'Constitutional change to limit PM's term doesn't erode royal powers'

'Constitutional change to limit PM's term doesn't erode royal powers'

Published: Feb 27, 2026 11:38 AM
Updated: 2:47 PM



The proposed constitutional amendment seeking to limit the prime minister's tenure does not undermine the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers, electoral reform watchdog Bersih said.

In response to Perikatan Nasional MPs who opined the contrary yesterday, Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz said that the Constitutional Amendment Bill falls outside the scope of Article 159(5), which specifically protects provisions that cannot be amended without the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

These include the position of Islam, special privileges, the national language, and citizenship rights.

"Article 159(1) provides that the Constitution may be amended. This affirms that the Federal Constitution is a living document that evolves in accordance with the passage of time.

"Furthermore, Article 159(5) specifically identifies special provisions that may not be amended without the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

“These cover matters including the position of Islam, special privileges, the national language, citizenship, and related provisions," Faisal said in a statement posted on Facebook and X.

He stressed that the bill's singular purpose is to limit executive power and prevent the prolonged concentration of authority in any one prime minister, not to diminish the constitutional standing of the monarchy in any form.

Takiyuddin Hassan (centre) speaking at a press conference in Parliament yesterday


The PN MPs yesterday urged Putrajaya to postpone its plan to table two institutional reform bills next week, concerning the separation of the attorney-general's (AG) role from the public prosecutor (PP) and the prime minister's term limit.


READ MORE: Parliament vets public prosecutor or we don't vote - 10 PKR MPs


At a press conference in Parliament, PN's chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to return to the drawing board with its proposals and subject them to scrutiny by a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) first.

On limiting the prime minister's term to 10 years, Takiyuddin said the opposition is concerned about the bill's constitutionality, as it could undermine the power vested in the king.

Citing Article 40(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, the PAS lawmaker said the king has the discretion to appoint a prime minister from among MPs whom he believes have the majority's support.


Subject to constitutional provisions

However, in his statement today, Faisal reminded that the prime minister's position is subject to the provisions of the Constitution regarding the discharge of responsibilities and functions, including the manner of appointment.

"Article 43(2)(a) prescribes the procedure by which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the prime minister.

“The existence of this procedure explains that certain conditions are already in existence for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint a prime minister. This principle is consistent with the constitutional monarchy system that we practise.

"The royal address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the opening of Parliament on Jan 19, 2026, clearly expressed His Majesty's support for limiting the tenure of the prime minister to 10 years. This royal address explains that there is no conflict between this amendment and the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," Faisal added.

He said that the proposed amendment represents a meaningful leap forward in institutional reform and must not be politicised by any party.

***

PN MPS are either trouble-makers (shit-stirrers) or just plain ignorant - take your frigging pick.

I detest the way they have "used" (misused) the Rulers' names to pick faults with the (PH) government.

UTM cadet death: Lawyer asks why officers not charged with murder

UTM cadet death: Lawyer asks why officers not charged with murder

Farah Solhi
Published: Feb 27, 2026 4:59 PM
Updated: 8:09 PM



Senior lawyer Naran Singh, who represents deceased Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin’s family, questioned the attorney-general’s decision not to proffer murder charges against suspects identified in the case.

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the police have received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to prosecute three military officers under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide.

Naran told Malaysiakini that the proposed charges were mindboggling, given that the AGC had last year ordered the case be investigated under Section 302 for murder.

The lawyer added that it was disappointing to learn of the charges at midnight.

“We were informed of the charges at 12 midnight last night. Is this the proper time to inform?

Syamsul Haris Shamsudin


“Did this mean the prosecuting officer had also learned of the charges at midnight? I believe not, the decision must have been made much earlier.

“It is very disappointing. The family and I, too, are very disappointed with this. We were wondering why the charges were framed under Section 304(a) and not Section 302 for murder.

“The AG has said, on Dec 2 last year, that the case is investigated for murder. Why did he change his mind? The AG must answer. He must explain why he charged them under Section 304(a),” he said.


Officers claim trial

Earlier today, three Reserve Officer Training Unit (Rotu) instructors, namely Azmi Abu Bakar, Norbuang Ghani and Bahaudin Abd Rashid, were jointly charged with committing an act with the intention to cause injury that likely led to the deceased’s death.

The military officers were accused of committing the act on July 28 last year at the Ulu Tiram Utara Firing Range in Johor.

They were charged this morning at the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court, Johor, under Section 304(a), which provides a maximum 30 years’ jail and a fine if convicted.

The officers all pleaded not guilty, and the court allowed RM20,000 bail.


‘Danger to cadets’

Naran further said that a murder charge would mean that the three officers would not be allowed to roam free, pending the disposal of their case, as it is a non-bailable offence.

“Syamsul’s cause of death has been determined; it was because of a severe neck injury. These officers should be charged under Section 302. They should not be let out pending the disposal of their case.

“I understand the AG’s power to prosecute, but please, don’t do this. Charges under Section 304 are still bailable, but they are a danger to the future trainees and the students. Look at what happened to Syamsul; it could happen to anyone.

“These officers should remain under remand, not be allowed out on bail.

“I also hope that the AG would consider applying for this case to be transferred to the High Court, given that it is a public interest case,” he said.

Naran, on Nov 28 last year, said the second post-mortem conducted on Syamsul confirmed a traumatic neck injury as his cause of death.

Syamsul, 22, passed away during a Rotu training exercise. His mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, said she was informed of her son’s death on July 28.

On Aug 1, Ummu told a press conference that she had suspected foul play after seeing bruises and bloodied eyes on Syamsul’s body before he was buried.

Trump's Operation 'Stormy Daniels' 😂😂😂

 😂😂😂

For those who don't know Stormy Daniels, read follows:


Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, is an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper. She has won many industry awards and is a member of the NightMoves Hall of Fame, AVN Hall of Fame, XRCO Hall of Fame, and Vanity Fair Hall of Fame.

Trump's attorney pays hush money to Stormy Daniels.

On October 8, 2016, Pecker allegedly learned that Daniels was trying to sell the story of her alleged 2006 affair with Trump. On October 9, Cohen allegedly learned that Pecker had instructed AMI to not purchase Daniels's story.

Stormy Daniels described an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Donald Trump in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite as consensual but disorienting, testifying that she found him in his underwear on the bed, felt pressured, and later called it "the least impressive sex" she ever had. She recalled him wearing silk pajamas, blocking her exit, and using the phrase, "this is the only way you're getting out of the trailer park".

Key details from her testimony and book (Full Disclosure) include:

The Encounter: Daniels stated she felt "blacked out" or disoriented during the interaction, which she said took place after dinner.

Physical Description: In her book, she famously described his genitalia as "smaller than average" but "not freakishly small," mentioning a "huge mushroom head".

Behavior: She testified that she spanked him with a magazine and that the encounter was not romantic.

Power Imbalance: Daniels felt there was a power imbalance but did not feel immediately threatened. She noted he was "cocky" and mentioned potentially having her on The Apprentice.

Post-Encounter: She described feeling ashamed for not stopping it.

During the 2024 trial, her testimony was described as detailed and, at times, graphic.

Stormy Daniels with her client

Daim's children slam MACC over 'unjustified' press release

Daim's children slam MACC over 'unjustified' press release


Published: Feb 27, 2026 7:56 PM
Updated: 10:56 PM



The counsel for two of Daim Zainuddin’s children criticised MACC for issuing a public statement urging the public to provide details of their whereabouts.

Calling it reckless and unjustified, lawyers Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh said MACC decided to publicly reveal their clients’ names, photos, and home addresses despite the counsel being in constant communication with the commission.

“There was neither any refusal to cooperate, nor was there any evasion. In fact, notices were only served on our clients (through their solicitors) on Feb 25 for them to attend an interview on March 11.

“Despite this, MACC has deemed it fit to jump the gun and issue this press release a mere two days after the notices were served.

“There is no basis for the public notice. It is a calculated move to give a false impression that our clients are running away or absconding from any investigation,” they said in a statement today.

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin


Earlier today, MACC issued a statement seeking public assistance to locate Daim’s four children - Asnida, Wira Dani, Amir Zainuddin, and Amin Zainuddin.

The statement listed out their last-known personal addresses in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and the contact information of investigating officers, should the public wish to relay information to the authorities.

Rajesh and Sachpreetraj are representing Amir and Amin.


Tarnishing reputations

Meanwhile, the lawyers accused MACC of attempting to tarnish Daim and his children’s reputations by conducting a trial by media.

They said public perception would now be skewed against all four individuals who have not been charged with any offence to date.

“Such conduct strikes at the heart of the presumption of innocence and the rule of law,” they added.

The lawyers also claimed that the press release was issued to divert public attention from the calls for a royal commission of inquiry to be established to probe allegations levelled against MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and the commission itself.

READ MORE: Cabinet to consider setting up RCI, review AG-led panel report on MACC

“Enforcement agencies must not abandon the rule of law and act unfairly simply because they hold statutory power or for ulterior purposes.

“Our clients have always cooperated and remain prepared to cooperate through lawful channels.

“We are taking instructions on immediate legal action, including remedies arising from this inappropriate and defamatory publication,” they added.

Prominent family accused of hiring UK firm to pressure PM, MACC

Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail, confirmed that the Bukit Aman Special Investigation Unit (D5) is currently investigating allegations that a prominent family hired a UK-based strategic communications firm to apply systematic pressure on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - Scoop file pic, February 27, 2026


Prominent family accused of hiring UK firm to pressure PM, MACC


Police confirm investigation under Section 124B of the Penal Code into alleged secret Zoom meeting involving a prominent family and an international lobbying firm to influence Malaysia's political landscape


Scoop Reporters
Updated 11 seconds ago
27 February, 2026
3:35 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – A major conspiracy scandal has unfolded following allegations that a prominent family hired a UK-based strategic communications firm to apply systematic pressure on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, using a network of lobbyists and international media.

The claim surfaced in a police report filed at Brickfields Police Station yesterday, revealing a secret Zoom meeting between members of the family and representatives of the UK firm in July of the previous year.

The firm in question is said to possess significant influence over national policy, leveraging its extensive lobbyist network. A copy of the report has since gone viral on social media.

Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail, confirmed that the Bukit Aman Special Investigation Unit (D5) is currently investigating the case under Section 124B of the Penal Code for actions that may harm Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy.

While the identities of the individuals and media agencies involved remain undisclosed, the police have expressed serious concern over any attempt to destabilise the government or disturb public order.

In an official statement, Khalid warned the public against spreading baseless rumours that could worsen the situation.

“The investigation is ongoing, and the public is advised not to speculate on the matter while the police complete their investigation in line with the principles of justice in this country,” he said. – February 27, 2026

***

"... and the public is advised not to speculate on the matter while ..."

Aiseh, don't be such spoilsports - what is life in Malaysia if people stop speculating, guessing, exaggerating, BS-ing ..., wakakaka

Daim's wife denies alleged efforts to topple govt

Daim's wife denies alleged efforts to topple govt


Published: Feb 27, 2026 5:51 PM
Updated: 10:47 PM



Na’imah Abdul Khalid, the wife of the late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, has denied any form of effort to topple the government.

In a statement today, Na'imah said that any attempt suggesting she was behind the Bloomberg exposé involving MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is not only irresponsible but also an insult to the journalists concerned.

"The claim that I am trying to destabilise or topple the government is laughable and brings to mind past accusations faced by the prime minister himself, when he used to declare having the ‘formidable numbers’ to seize power.

"Unlike him, at no time did I engage in, contemplate, or support any effort to destabilise or topple an elected government.

“While I am flattered by the claim that I was behind the investigative report by Bloomberg, I do not wish to take credit away from those who truly put their journalistic skills and talents to work to uncover the shocking allegations surrounding the MACC chief,” said the statement.

Na’imah was responding to the Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail’s statement earlier today, in which he announced that authorities were investigating the wife of a former cabinet minister over an alleged attempt to topple the government.

‘Influential person’

According to Khalid, the plot involved an "influential individual" and an international media agency and the probe is being carried out under Section 124B of the Penal Code after police received a report over the alleged conspiracy yesterday.

Section 124B of the Penal Code criminalises activities deemed detrimental to parliamentary democracy and carries a jail term of up to 20 years.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail

The latest development resembles the 1MDB scandal, in which the Najib Abdul Razak administration made similar allegations against certain media organisations while critics faced the threat of prosecution for "activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy”.

According to a copy of the police report sighted by Malaysiakini, the woman under investigation had allegedly held an online meeting sometime in July last year, where she discussed a purported plan to use international media outlets to mount pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Azam.

The former minister's two children, two lawyers, and several representatives of an international strategic communications firm purportedly attended the meeting.


Clear disgruntlement

Na’imah claimed the police report was a clear case of "conduct of a disgruntled man”.

“I read with great surprise a police report filed by an individual, alleging my involvement in an attempt to topple the government.

“The individual who lodged the report approached me and offered his services in July 2025 as part of a proposed communications team.

“Due to his poor performance on the job, he was terminated. After his termination, he attempted to make further monetary demands.”

Na’imah claimed the content of the police report was false and preposterous, and that the timing of the report points to a desperate attempt to distract the public from growing calls for Azam to be removed from his office.

Azam Baki


This is because, she added, the report was lodged seven months after the alleged meeting and on the heels of one of the biggest scandals facing the Anwar-led government.

Exposés ‘long before alleged meeting’

Na’imah further highlighted that the first article published by Bloomberg, published sometime in September 2024, concerning MACC and the prime minister’s alleged power abuse, predates the alleged meeting referred to in the police report by over 10 months.

“What kind of conspiracy can there be when Bloomberg had already been uncovering the abuse of power related to MACC and Anwar long before the alleged meeting?

“Furthermore, how does one topple a government with the help of international media, or, for that matter, a public relations firm? If that were the case, countless Malaysian governments in the past would have been replaced.

“Since when has seeking professional public relations advice been a crime, especially when faced with the unbridled powers of an agency led by a scandal-tainted individual who has the continued full backing of the prime minister?

“The recent revelations by Bloomberg have only reinforced the public’s distrust of the prime minister’s claim of waging a war on corruption (as) they confirm the entanglement of political power, corporate interests and enforcement institutions and shockingly, now, the corporate mafia.”

By using enforcement agencies in politically charged circumstances, Na’imah said the government has only confirmed the main thrust of the Bloomberg report, in which institutional powers are being weaponised.

“It is absurd to suggest that pointing out corruption and abuse of power at the highest levels of government is an attempt to topple the government,” she added.

Wanted: MACC seeks four children of late Daim for ongoing investigation

Wanted: MACC seeks four children of late Daim for ongoing investigation



The late Tun Daim Zainuddin is pictured at the book launch of “The Colours of Inequality” at the International Islamic University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on November 11, 2014. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Friday, 27 Feb 2026 3:44 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has issued a public appeal to track down four individuals, identified as the children of the late former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, to assist in an ongoing investigation.

In a statement released today, the agency named the four individuals as Asnida Abdul Daim, Md Wira Dani Abdul Daim, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin Daim, and Muhammed Amin Zainuddin Daim.


To facilitate the search, the commission has released their last known addresses and assigned dedicated investigating officers to handle public tip-offs for each individual.

According to the MACC, Asnida’s last known residence is located in Country Heights, Kajang, Selangor. Those with information regarding her whereabouts are urged to contact investigating officer Superintendent Mohamad Daeem Mohd Ali at 017-9127217 or via email at mohamad.daeem@sprm.gov.my.


Meanwhile, Md Wira Dani was last known to be residing in Taman Melawati, Ulu Klang, Kuala Lumpur. Any information on his location can be channelled directly to investigating officer Superintendent Ahmad Aiman Ramly at 011-61930814 or through his email at ahmad.aiman@sprm.gov.my.


The agency is also seeking information on Muhammed Amir and Muhammed Amin, both of whom have their last known addresses listed in the upscale enclave of Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur.

For information concerning Muhammed Amir, the public is asked to reach out to Assistant Superintendent Muhamad Ridhwan Mat Hussain at 019-9895174 or ridhwan.hussain@sprm.gov.my.


Those with details regarding the whereabouts of Muhammed Amin can contact Assistant Superintendent Hardiansyah Ismail at 013-5639147 or email hardiansyah@sprm.gov.my.

The MACC added that members of the public may also contact the agency's official toll-free hotline or visit the nearest MACC branch office to confidentially share any relevant information.

Any party found involved will be held accountable, AGC says of alleged plot to oust govt

Any party found involved will be held accountable, AGC says of alleged plot to oust govt



The Attorney General’s Chambers pledged to act impartially and objectively should there by any need to prosecute anyone attempting to topple the current government. — File picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Friday, 27 Feb 2026 6:51 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Ferb 27 — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has affirmed it is taking allegations of an attempt to overthrow the government and disrupt national stability seriously.

It was responding to the police announcement earlier today.


“Any party found to be involved shall be held accountable under the law regardless of position or background,” it said in a press statement this evening.

The AGC emphasised that it will provide full legal guidance and prosecution support to investigators.


“Any decision regarding prosecution will be made independently and objectively, based on facts, evidence, and legal considerations,” it added.


The statement follows heightened political concerns in recent weeks over alleged threats to government stability and social order, which have drawn national attention.

Authorities have previously urged the public to remain calm and to allow law enforcement to carry out investigations without speculation or interference.

The Mermaid That Threatened Kelantan

OPINION | The Mermaid That Threatened Kelantan


27 Feb 2026 • 2:00 PM MYT



Fa Abdul
FA ABDUL is a former columnist of Malaysiakini & Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

Photo credit: Focus Malaysia



A man wore a mermaid costume to sell drinks at a Ramadan bazaar.


There he was. Fully alive. Fully committed. Twirling, dancing and shimmering like his sales target depended on it - which, frankly, it probably did.


And for some reason, his marketing gimmick offended some snowflakes.


Soon enough, an investigation was opened by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department. Because apparently, nothing says moral emergency quite like a man in a seashell bra during Ramadan.


Now, I watched the video.


And I laughed.


Not in outrage. Not in horror. Just… laughed. It was absurd. It was tacky. It was the kind of harmless, low-budget creativity that makes bazaars interesting.


So I’m genuinely curious. Who, exactly, was harmed?


Did someone’s fasting break because a tail swished past?


Did faith crumble at the sight of his colourful mermaid seashell bra?


Did centuries of religious tradition collapse under the weight of polyester mermaid costume?


Honestly, if a man in costume can threaten your entire religion, perhaps the religion is not under attack. Perhaps it just needs more calcium.



Religion vs Satire


We often speak about protecting religion. But protection from what? From satire? From silliness? From a street vendor trying to make ends meet?


Faith, if it is real, should be resilient. It should withstand questions, laughter, even the occasional seafood-themed marketing stunt.


Instead, we behave as though religion is so fragile - one twirl away from shattering.


And that’s the irony. The more we panic, the smaller we make our own faith look.


Ramadan bazaars are full of gimmicks. Mascots. Inflatable characters. Viral marketing stunts. Nobody files reports when a giant cup of bubble tea waves at customers. But add a bikini top to a fish tail and suddenly Islam is on life support.


If anything, the mermaid-man demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit. In this economy, that deserves applause.


Frankly, some of us are not offended. Some of us are entertained. And some of us are quietly wondering whether we have become so allergic to harmless joy that we now see moral decay in every bloody thing that is out of the ordinary.


Come on lah, Malaysia. Not everything needs to become a moral battleground.


Sometimes a dance is just part of a gimmick. Sometimes a bra is just part of a costume. Sometimes a costume is just part of a marketing strategy.


Let people be colourful. Let people be silly. Let people laugh. Let harmless nonsense remain harmless nonsense. And let people hustle in creative ways without assuming the heavens are filing a complaint.


If we police every moment of lightness, we will eventually succeed - and wake up in a country so serious, so tense, so terrified of itself that even smiling will require a permit.


Surely we are better than that.

In Gaza, Trump’s Board of Peace met with deep scepticism, little hope

In Gaza, Trump’s Board of Peace met with deep scepticism, little hope


In war-ravaged Gaza, residents question whether Trump’s Board of Peace will deliver real safety, rebuilding, or become merely another unfulfilled promise

A child in one of the makeshift displacement camps in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]

By Maram Humaid
Published On 20 Feb 2026

Deir el-Balah – As United States President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were not debating diplomatic language or political frameworks.

On the streets and in tents across central and southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are struggling to survive, one simple question dominated: Will anything actually change in the harsh reality on the ground?

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“I’ve heard about money being collected for Gaza, but we see nothing. This has happened many times, but nothing ever changes,” said 43-year-old Amal Joudeh, who lives in a tent in Deir el-Balah.

“I am one of the people whose house is gone. I still have no home. My husband is injured, and my children are injured. We want any support or reconstruction … any solution,” said the mother of eight, who had been displaced from the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya.

Addressing the meeting in Washington, DC, Trump announced that nine member nations have pledged $7bn to a reconstruction fund for the Gaza Strip, with five countries agreeing to deploy troops to an International Stabilisation Force for the Palestinian territory.

** Shailoks won't pay; also probably exempt by wankees

He said the US will also make a contribution of $10bn to the BoP, although he didn’t specify what the money will be used for.

The pledges, however, remain far below United Nations estimates of up to $70bn needed for rebuilding the Palestinian territory, destroyed by nonstop Israeli bombardment during more than two years of a genocidal war.

Awad al-Ghoul, displaced from Rafah in southern Gaza a year and a half ago to the az-Zawayda area in the Gaza Strip, sees the “Board of Peace” as nothing more than a “club of major powers” [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]


Very little has changed since the “ceasefire” agreement brokered by Trump went into effect in October last year.

Most Palestinians are still struggling to feed their families, while health, education and sanitary services are almost nonexistent.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health has said that more than 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire since the truce, which Palestinians had hoped would end more than two years of genocidal war that has killed more than 72,000 people, according to official statistics.

“Israel kills, bombs, violates the ceasefire agreement daily and expands the buffer zone without anyone stopping it,” said Awad al-Ghoul, a 70-year-old Palestinian displaced from Tal as-Sultan in Rafah and who now lives in a tent in the town of az-Zawayda.

“If a peace board of this size cannot force Israel to stop its attacks in a small place like Gaza, how will it fix conflicts across the world?” al-Ghoul says, referring to Trump’s stated intention that the board would not be limited to Gaza but would extend to intervening in resolving other international disputes.

Funds allocated: Genuine support or rhetoric?

Many people in Gaza who had pinned their hopes on international donor conferences in the past without any tangible results were sceptical about the figures.

Al-Ghoul said he does not believe these sums will entirely go to Gaza.

“A small part will go to Gaza, and the rest will be administrative expenses and luxurious salaries for top officials and presidents. A small portion will come to Gaza so they can say they supported Gaza and justify the continuation of their luxury club called the Board of Peace .”

“So this project is a failure from the start and unclear in vision, like the failure of the aid distribution foundation established by America a year ago, which became death traps for thousands.”

Jamal Abu Mukhda from Deir el-Balah believes that the Board of Peace and its decisions are merely lies for media consumption [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]


Jamal Abu Makhdeh agrees.

“They won’t do anything for Gaza. It’s all lies,” the 66-year-old man says. “Anything Israel agrees to certainly won’t be in our interest,” he tells Al Jazeera in Deir el-Balah.

“Trump, together with Israel, wants to use the Board of Peace to impose their decisions on the world by force. This is about power, control, and domination, without regard for weaker nations like us,” he added.

Over the past two years, reconstruction plans have been discussed after every ceasefire deal in Gaza. However, Israeli restrictions on the entry of construction materials have hindered the full implementation of those pledges.

“Even if the board decides to rebuild Gaza, this is unlikely and won’t happen. We’ve heard this many times and nothing happened,” he adds.

“How can we trust a peace board in which Israel is a member? It is the one that killed us, destroyed us, and committed genocide.”

While Abu Makhdeh insists he is not optimistic about the board’s decisions, he also expresses concern about Trump and Israel’s insistence on disarming Hamas. Under the truce accord, Hamas is required to hand over its weapons.

“Their main goal is to disarm Hamas so that we drown in internal and civil disputes,” he adds.

He said he sees talk of peace as deceptive, pointing to ongoing violations in the occupied West Bank, including the destruction of Palestinian houses and property, settlement expansion, and restrictions on normal life, alongside the deepening tragedy in Gaza.

“There is no optimism in American decisions. This is just media talk.”

Al-Ghoul expressed cautious optimism over the idea of sending an international peacekeeping force to Gaza.

“Personally, I hope this force is sent, but it must act as a deterrent to Israel’s continued attacks, like UNIFIL in Lebanon. I don’t imagine Israel would attack a force imposed by a Board of Peace managed by Trump,” he says.

Amal Jouda, displaced from Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza to Deir el-Balah two years ago, says all she asks for is a dignified life for herself and her children, no matter which party delivers it [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]

Reconstruction: The biggest absence in the speech

Despite talk of “stability” and “peace”, the board’s announcement did not include any concrete decision on reconstruction in Gaza or its infrastructure destroyed over two years of war.

For al-Ghoul, reconstruction is not the priority if Israel continues to violate the truce.

“Reconstruction has no value if Israel’s hand continues destroying and killing. What’s the point of rebuilding while Israel destroys?”

Jouda, however, said she hopes to see an improvement in life for herself and for her children, “like it used to be”, including for schools to reopen, children returning to classrooms after a long interruption, and to move out of the tent into a sturdy home.

Children play beside the rubble and destroyed buildings in the Deir el-Balah area of central Gaza [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]


Far from international boards, people’s demands in Gaza are summarised in short phrases: safety , peace, and a return to their homes.

“My demand is to return to my neighbourhood in Rafah, which has been occupied for a year and a half … even if in a tent,” says al-Ghoul.

“What matters is that the army withdraws and we return to our places.”

Abu Makhdeh summarises his demands as wanting these assembled nations to achieve justice for Gaza, even once.

“We are exhausted. They must show mercy. We demand what is good for our people, to live in peace and be granted a simple life with our basic right to safety.”

***

BOP was doomed to abysmal failure the very moment Israel clambered on board (with invitation and consent of the wankees), because that's PRECISELY the very aim of those genocidal land-grabbing evil shailoks.

After PM flags 'small group' sowing discord, Charles reveals real problem

After PM flags 'small group' sowing discord, Charles reveals real problem

RK Anand
Published: Feb 27, 2026 12:31 PM
Updated: 3:31 PM



For Charles Santiago, the case of a student stepping on the Quran is both inexcusable and indefensible.

Yet, the former DAP lawmaker said it would be remiss of him not to highlight what appears to be a selective application of the law in matters involving race and religion.

According to Charles, this is where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s advice to ignore the “small group” stirring trouble becomes hard to accept, because within that group, some seem to be above the law.

Calling it a “glaring example”, he pointed to Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth, who likened kavadi bearers during the Hindu Thaipusam festival to drunken individuals and was not prosecuted despite hundreds of police reports filed against him.

Charles argued that Anwar’s discomfort with the tone of social media discourse misses the central point: the anger online is not manufactured; it is policy-driven.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

“When citizens repeatedly file police reports against Zamri for inflammatory remarks touching on religion, and no visible, proportionate enforcement action follows, the issue is not merely about one individual. It is about the selective application of the law.

“If Malaysia is serious about upholding harmony, then enforcement must be consistent, not contingent on political alignment or ideological convenience. The deafening silence is not neutral. It is read as protection,” he told Malaysiakini.

Charles’s remarks came after Anwar’s speech at a Chinese New Year celebration, where the prime minister urged Malaysians to focus on the larger issues shaping the country’s future, rather than being drawn into divisive matters.

Anwar emphasised standing united against a “small group” who try to provoke racial tensions, noting that while this group often stirs conflict and anger, most citizens desire peace, economic growth, and respect for all cultures and religions.


MACC scandal

Charles also highlighted the shareholding controversy surrounding MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and allegations that the commission’s officials are entangled in a “corporate mafia”, including possible cartel-like dynamics and opaque migrant labour recruitment pipelines.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki

“In a country where migrant labour governance already lacks transparency, these claims demand more than defensive statements. They require independent investigation, parliamentary scrutiny, and proactive disclosure.

“Good governance is not about surviving headlines. It is about institutional integrity,” he added.

Touching on the non-renewal of pig farming licences in Selangor, Charles said that while framed as regulatory or environmental compliance issues, in a multi-ethnic society, policies affecting minority economic sectors carry communal resonance.

“If decisions disproportionately impact communities already sensitive to cultural marginalisation, then policy justification must be exceptionally clear, consultative, and transparent. Otherwise, it feeds perception, and perception is politically combustible. More so in a multi-racial country like Malaysia,” he added.


Trust deficit

While Anwar urges Malaysians to move beyond race and religion to focus on the bigger picture, Charles noted that many flashpoints fuelling frustration are precisely about how race and religion intersect with enforcement, policy choices, and political messaging.

“Leadership is not rhetorical transcendence. It is equitable administration. Malaysia does not have a social media problem. It has a trust deficit, ironically self-inflicted by the government.

“When enforcement appears selective, when anti-corruption institutions face credibility questions, and when regulatory decisions intersect with communal sensitivities without sufficient transparency, citizens will speak. If not in Parliament, then online.

“A reformist government cannot demand maturity from the public while tolerating procedural murkiness within institutions,” he added.

Charles said if Anwar wants to restore confidence, the pathway is clear: consistent rule of law, independent oversight mechanisms, full transparency on MACC governance, and demonstrable impartiality in cases involving religious provocation, regardless of who is involved.

“Anything less will continue to erode the moral authority he once campaigned on,” he added.