BN rejects Perikatan request for additional seats in Melaka election

BN rejects Perikatan request for additional seats in Melaka election



Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks to reporters following the Huffaz Graduation and Ulul Albab Excellence Appreciation Ceremony at a hotel near Jalan Hang Tuah in Melaka on October 24, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Barisan Nasional (BN) will uphold its agreement to allocate seven seats to Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the Melaka state election, despite discussions about contesting additional seats.
• BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi affirmed the commitment to the established pact, allowing PN to manage the distribution of these seats among its component parties.
• This decision follows finalized negotiations on a political understanding, with BN contesting 21 seats.
• Key election dates set by the Election Commission include October 31 for nomination and November 14 for polling.

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 2:56 PM MYT


MELAKA, Oct 24 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will stick to its agreement to allocate seven seats it is not contesting to Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the Melaka state election, despite attempts to secure additional seats.

BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the allocation had been agreed upon under a mutual agreement, which BN would honour.

“I have heard about efforts to seek additional seats, but we already have a pact, an agreement to allow them to contest the seven seats BN is not contesting, which we have left to PN’s component parties to distribute among themselves.

“That is the decision for now, and we will stand by what we have mutually agreed upon,” he told reporters after the Ulul Albab Huffaz Graduation and Excellence Appreciation Ceremony here today.


Yesterday, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was reported as saying that PN hoped to hold negotiations to secure an additional one or two seats in addition to the seven announced earlier.

Ahmad Zahid had previously confirmed that negotiations on a political understanding with PAS had been finalised, with BN to contest 21 seats while the remaining seven would be allocated to PAS and its political allies.

The Election Commission (EC) has set October 31 for nomination, November 10 for early voting and November 14 for polling in the state election. — Bernama

Pete Hegseth yesterday banned Chinese 'something'

 Nury Vittachi

Nury Vittachi

 ·

Yes, I made this as a piece of satire. I know one is not supposed to explain jokes, but Pete Hegseth yesterday banned Chinese language societies in US universities, so I thought I would poke a bit of satirical fun at him by guessing what he would ban next, and realized that Chinese restaurants might be the next target!

US spy chief says Iran is stepping up plots targeting Americans, Trump hints at ‘another little Epic Fury’

US spy chief says Iran is stepping up plots targeting Americans, Trump hints at ‘another little Epic Fury’



US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton attends a White House roundtable on cybercrime in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2026, three days before his memo warning that Iran has ‘substantially increased’ efforts to target Americans. — Getty Images pic via AFP


Summary

• US national intelligence chief Jay Clayton has warned of Iran's increased efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and beyond, intensifying concerns over regional security.
• The warning follows the evacuation of non-essential US embassy staff from Saudi Arabia due to escalating attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group.
• These developments accompany discussions in Washington about potential renewed military actions against Iran, prompted by evolving threats and intelligence indicating plots against US citizens.
• President Trump has suggested possible military operations, hinting at "another little Epic Fury".

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 2:13 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, Oct 24 — Iran has “substantially increased” its efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and beyond, US national intelligence chief Jay Clayton warned on Friday.

The warning comes after Washington ordered non-essential US embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia this week, following increasing attacks from Yemen’s Houthis.


The kingdom has come under near-daily attacks this month from the Iran-backed group, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport that was the kingdom’s deadliest in years.

“We have received intelligence that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target US personnel,” Clayton said in a memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a US official.


“The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” said the memo, which was first reported by Axios.

Washington previously ordered non-essential staff to leave the Gulf ahead of the start of its war against Iran and again in July before US President Donald Trump called off a new wave of strikes.


The US official said: “When it comes to our staffing at embassies, we constantly evaluate new information about the security environment.”

“The threat of Houthi attacks and of Iranian terror plots targeting US officials are informing our decisions,” the official added.


Trump suggested on Friday that the US might launch renewed military operations against Iran.

“We may do another little Epic Fury” Trump said, referring to the US name for its attacks on Iran. He did not give any indication on timing.


The conflict began in late February with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, along with senior military commanders. — AFP

***

Can anyone blame the Persians for doing so, given the continuous threats against Iran by the Wankee Prez

Anwar disappointed to see ‘rigid thinking’ in Parliament

Anwar disappointed to see ‘rigid thinking’ in Parliament


9 hours ago
Chia Wan Rou


The prime minister says economic dignity cannot be elevated with an outdated framework of thinking by MPs

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the new generation and industry players must be ready to build their capabilities if the country is to advance.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was disappointed with the rigid views presented in Parliament, noting the country needed MPs who could debate well on economic and industry issues.

Anwar criticised discussions still bound by such narrow-minded and backward thinking when the country wants to “reach for the sky” by mastering artificial intelligence (AI) technology, supercomputers and high-performance computing.

“Without mastering these, we will only be left behind, and this is a big problem for our country,” he said in his speech at the Industry Excellence Awards ceremony at Menara Miti.


“If you look for example at the debate in Parliament now, what is prioritised is … nothing at all.


“The discussion – ‘who is Islamic’, ‘who is not Islamic’, ‘who is a hypocrite’, ‘who is not’ – is still bound by an old and outdated framework of thinking.”


Anwar referred to the theme of the 2027 budget tabled in Parliament recently, “Malaysia Madani: Reaching for the Sky, rooted in the Earth”.

The budget, among others, focused on digitalisation, AI development, research and development, digital infrastructure and security, as well as green energy.

Anwar said the nation’s economic dignity cannot be elevated with an approach stuck in the past.

“If this country is to be developed, there must be a willingness among the new generation and industry to build their capabilities.”


Anwar also reminded that Malaysia is a pluralistic country, with various races, religions and sentiments.

“Our language, our culture, our manners and our humanity — including respect for the sensitivities of the various races and religions — are an imperative we cannot afford to sideline.

“That is why we say we should reach for the sky but stay rooted in the earth.”

Anwar also spoke on the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so that their capabilities are on par with other countries. He says SMEs are an important determinant in advancing the nation.


He said if thousands of SMEs are elevated to become important industry players, their perseverance, innovation and creativity would make Malaysia succeed in penetrating international markets.

This was why the finance ministry decided to focus on loans and incentives for SMEs in the 2027 budget, he added.

 

Israel locks down West Bank as Trump says ‘may’ launch Iran strikes

By Enes Abuomer and Ali Mustafa

Published On 23 Oct 202623 Oct 2026

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• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel’s army is prepared for a “large-scale operation” and will implement a “full lockdown” in the occupied West Bank after Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in a gun battle in Hebron. The Israeli army says two soldiers were killed and three injured during the shooting.
• US President Donald Trump says the US “may do another little epic fury” against Iran and launch new military campaign.
• European and Middle East foreign ministers are meeting in Istanbul for security talks on the Strait of Hormuz and regional crises.
• Saudi-led coalition forces say they intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards Khamis Mushait.

• 17m ago

  (22:00 GMT)

  Israeli forces raid towns near Bethlehem, Salfit: Palestinian news agency

  In addition to their latest incursion into Hebron, Israeli forces have raided several other areas in the occupied West Bank, including in the governorates of Bethlehem and Salfit, reports the Wafa news agency.

  In Bethlehem governorate, soldiers stormed the towns of Beit Fajjar and Tuqu as well as the town of Kafr ad-Dik in Salfit, according to Wafa.

  During the raid in Kafr ad-Dik, Israeli forces forced a family out of their home and used the property as a military barracks, the agency cited local sources as saying.
• 32m ago

  (21:45 GMT)

  Israeli forces storm Hebron with 20 military vehicles

  Israeli forces have stormed the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank with approximately 20 military vehicles, our colleagues on the ground are reporting.

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the occupied West Bank after a gunfight in Hebron killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded several others.

  We will bring you more information when we have it.
• 47m ago

  (21:30 GMT)

  Israel carries out intense wave of bombing in southern Lebanon

  Israel has carried out more attacks on the southern Lebanese municipality of Khiam, reports the official National News Agency (NNA).

  Israeli forces are also intermittently shelling several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, NNA reports.

  The towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Mayfadoun, as well as the villages of Barashit, Majdal Zoun and Qantara, have all been shelled.

• 1h ago

  (21:15 GMT)

  As Israel approaches its elections, Gaza remains under pressure

  

  By Tareq Abu Azzoum

  Reporting from Gaza, Palestine

  Another Israeli attack, another residential neighbourhood left in ruins, and more families forced to flee. Here in Nuseirat refugee camp, the destruction is quite extensive.

  This neighbourhood has been badly damaged by a series of Israeli attacks, with many families being uprooted again.

  They are carrying the burden of losing their homes and searching for anything to take, in order to move to anywhere else, say, to ensure their own protection.

  Now, the warning that was issued by the Israeli intelligence community for residents in this area ahead of the strike may have given them little time to get out, but it did not spare them from the consequences.

  These attacks are not happening in a political vacuum. As Israel approaches its elections, Gaza remains under pressure, and more military attacks are still on the rise.

  For many Palestinians, they believe that any change in the Israeli government must first pursue a new diplomatic course. One that prioritises security, peace, and also allows for Palestinians to live in safety and dignity.

  Without any meaningful changes, the reality would be much the same. More destruction, more displacement, and no clear path out of this turbulence.

  

  A woman sits next to a man lying on a mattress among destruction following an Israeli air strike in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 23, 2026 [AFP]
• 1h ago

  (21:00 GMT)

  Humanitarian access ‘urgently needed’ in Yemen’s Taiz, says UN

  The UN’s humanitarian agency has warned that aid is urgently needed in the Yemeni city of Taiz, which Houthi fighters have besieged since early this month.

  “Safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access is urgently needed so that essential supplies and life-saving assistance can reach people in need,” said the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

  “It’s 20 days and counting since Taiz has been cut off,” added OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke at a news conference in Geneva.

  “We are seeing increasingly that the fighting makes it impossible for us to get in and impossible for people to get out,” Laerke said, adding that the city’s water supply was dwindling and cooking gas “largely unavailable”.

  

  People fill jerrycans with drinking water from a charity tank in the southwestern city of Taiz, Yemen, October 21 [Anees Mahyoub/Reuters]
• 1h ago

  (20:45 GMT)

  Iranian trade official accuses Trump of reconsidering strikes over rising oil prices

  The president of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry has accused Trump of reconsidering military action against Iran because of rising oil prices.

  “That madman was bragging about attacking Iran until last night,” Majidreza Hariri said in a post on X.

  “Today, as oil prices approach $120, he’s talking about negotiations again. We neither take him seriously when he talks about war and destruction, nor do we get our hopes up with his promises of negotiation! The end of the war will be determined by accepting the conditions of champion Iran.”
• 1h ago

  (20:30 GMT)

  IRGC general: Iran will become a graveyard for foreign troops in case of ground invasion

  Brigadier-General Yadollah Javani, head of the political bureau of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Iran will become a graveyard for the aggressors if the enemy launches a ground operation.

  According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, Javani said US forces are already facing constraints in areas and bases across the region, asking, “How could they possibly enter an unfamiliar territory and sustain a presence there?”

  “Should the enemy make such a mistake, Iran will become a killing ground for the invading foreign troops — regardless of the route they choose to enter the country,” he said, according to Fars.

  

  IRGC forces stand at a military training center for ordinary citizens at Haft-e Tir Square in central Tehran, Iran, on October 3, 2026 [File: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters]
• 2h ago

  (20:15 GMT)

  Egypt, Saudi, Turkiye, Pakistan: Israel is the main source of instability in the region

  The foreign ministers ⁠of ⁠Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan said the “Israeli occupation ⁠constitutes the fundamental source of instability in the region and beyond,” ‌calling for the urgent implementation of a two-state solution, according to a joint statement issued ⁠after the R4 meeting in ⁠Istanbul.

  The ministers said Israeli policies had “deepened global perceptions ⁠of injustice” and ⁠reaffirmed their ⁠support for a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, ‌with East Jerusalem as its capital.

  The ministers also “condemned in the strongest terms the unacceptable escalation by the Houthi militia”, expressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling on the Houthis to cease all military actions and return to the political process.

  The ministers underlined the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy concerning the US-Israel-led war on Iran.

  They rejected any measures that restrict lawful navigation and called for the full resumption of secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

  

  From left, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud pose for a group photo during the R4 foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, Turkey [Emrah Gurel/AP Photo]
• 2h ago

  (20:05 GMT)

  Trump says US may conduct new military operation against Iran

  US President Donald Trump has said he may launch another military campaign against Iran.

  Speaking during a rally in Florida, Trump said, “We may do another little epic fury,” using the codename of the US-Israeli war against Iran that started on February 28.

  He went on to urge Iranian officials to agree to US demands to end the conflict.

  “If they [Iranian officials] are smart, they’ll just say, ‘let’s get down to business,'” Trump said, “but I doubt they’ll do that.”

•