Russia Just Put the World's Uranium Supply at Risk

Russia Just Put the World's Uranium Supply at Risk

by Asymmetric Research
Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 - 20:26


Russia has temporarily banned the export of sulphuric acid until the end of the year, to secure supply for its own industrial and fertiliser producers. It sounds like a niche chemicals story. It is not. It lands directly on the world's largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan, and its reliance on Russian acid.


Why the acid ban matters for Kazakh uranium

Kazakhstan is a notable producer of sulphuric acid, at around 2.4 Mtpa, but the country runs a deficit, importing roughly 20% of its annual needs, mainly from Russia. Sulphuric acid is the binding input for the in-situ leach method Kazakhstan uses, so acid availability directly constrains how much uranium the country can produce.

Kazatomprom recently delayed the start-up of its new 0.8 Mtpa acid plant to late 2027 or early 2028. Until that plant is running, the company relies on external acid purchases of around 1.5 Mtpa to sustain production of c70-75 Mlbs. Its own acid production is about 60% of the Kazakh total, and we estimate around 0.3 Mtpa of its acid needs are met from imports.

Assuming Kazatomprom has already secured a majority of its imported acid for next year's production, the residual exposure is manageable but not trivial. If no intergovernmental arrangement is reached to keep Russian acid flowing to Kazakhstan, we estimate the ban could reduce Kazatomprom's 2027 production by around 3 Mlbs, or roughly 4%. We still await the company's 2027 production plans.

Kazatomprom and Kazakh sulphuric acid requirements, and estimated Russian freeze impact

Source: Asymmetric Research, inbusiness.kz, Kursiv Media


The waiver question, and the Uranium One angle

The Russian resolution allows exceptions: exports can proceed where approved by the Russian authorities, or under intergovernmental agreements and international transit arrangements. On the face of it, Kazakhstan is the kind of counterparty for which such a waiver would make sense. The two countries are closely tied in the nuclear fuel chain, and those ties have if anything just deepened.

In late August, Kazatomprom disclosed an agreement to sell natural uranium to Uranium One Group, the Rosatom entity that operates Russia's foreign uranium assets and is itself a shareholder in several of Kazatomprom's key joint ventures, with physical delivery into Russia's Siberian Chemical Plant. The agreement is to be put to Kazatomprom shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting, with voting concluding in early October. So at the very moment Russia is restricting acid exports, it is deepening its uranium relationship with Kazakhstan. That interdependence makes a waiver for Kazakh acid supply look logical.

On balance we think it would be reasonable to expect some form of agreement to be reached, given the depth of the relationship. But we would not assume it, and until it is confirmed the c3 Mlb risk to 2027 production stands.

In any case, the episode reinforces a theme we have made repeatedly: the time of cheap uranium is over. Kazakh costs are on fire and acid shortages persist.

The more important point for Kazakhstan, and one we think the market is missing, is the strategic uranium reserve set out in the country's Nuclear Industry Development Strategy, announced in April. That is the real game changer for the Kazakh supply outlook, and we think it will limit production there meaningfully over time. We covered it in detail in our earlier reports on the sector.

Uranium stocks: The name flashing a Buy signal

 

FBI’s Kash Patel defends hiring policy change on bestiality, prostitution

Policy change sparks heated Senate debate; critics question its timing amid challenges in attracting new FBI agents.

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US FBI Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI oversight on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, September 15, 2026 [Roberto Schmidt/AFP]

By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters

Published On 15 Sep 202615 Sep 2026

United States FBI Director Kash Patel has defended the bureau’s loosening of hiring requirements regarding prostitution and bestiality, saying the changes were meant to enable victims of those acts to apply for employment without fear of automatic disqualification.

The FBI quietly issued guidance this past spring lifting a categorical hiring ban on applicants who had previously engaged in prostitution, and said that it would instead consider the context of the behaviour in at least some cases. The bureau made a similar change regarding bestiality.

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Pressed about the moves at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Patel on Tuesday denied that the changes reflected a lowering of employment standards and insisted they were designed to protect victims forced to engage in that conduct and to prevent automatic disqualification.

“We did not want to punish victims of bestiality, victims who were trafficked. We did not want to make it an automatic disqualification for the FBI to consider you,” Patel said.

The answer did little to satisfy Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, who grilled Patel on the rationale for a change the FBI director said subordinates proposed to him.

Kennedy asked Patel why, given the FBI’s current difficulty attracting new agents because of negative public sentiment, Patel would make these changes now.

“Why would you even get into bestiality?” Kennedy said.

Patel replied it was a way of supporting victims, and that some people who were “forced into” bestiality should not be disqualified.

The Republican-led panel tried to keep the focus on Patel’s efforts to combat violent crime, counter drug trafficking and pursue the Trump administration’s agenda from his perch at the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency.

No more political value for UMNO to be part of Penang administration, says Guan Eng

No more political value for UMNO to be part of Penang administration, says Guan Eng


Lim claimed that there is no longer "political value" for UMNO to remain in the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government in Penang because it is actively working with Perikatan Nasional (PN)

Updated 48 minutes ago · Published on 16 Sep 2026 4:44PM

The price for retaining UMNO will be a negative impression of the leadership of Penang PH, said Lim - September 16, 2026


by Ian McIntyre



DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has claimed that there is no longer "political value" for UMNO to remain in the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government in Penang because it is actively working with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"There is no point in retaining UMNO as they no longer have regard for us," said Lim.

"In my previous statement, I did not challenge the Penang Chief Minister, but UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for not having the guts to ask Penang PH to expel UMNO from the state administration as he did at the Federal government level," said Lim.

"PH Penang leaders should not fear offending an extremist UMNO that indulges in divisive attacks against non-Muslim religious minorities.

"Lest we forget, UMNO had claimed credit for causing the defeat of DAP secretary -general Anthony Loke Siew Fook in the Chenaah seat during the Negeri Sembilan state election.

"There is nothing wrong or confusing for DAP leaders to rebut UMNO’s baseless allegations against PH or Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Chow Kon Yeow may not want DAP leaders to express their views, but there is no gag order from Loke."

Whilst the final decision on whether UMNO should stay or not rests with the central leadership in the DAP and PH, Penang PH leaders should take a stand on this important issue and convey this to the top, Lim suggested.

"PH Penang leaders should wake up to the reality that there is no more value for UMNO to remain in the state when it can work actively with PN and PAS from within.

“The price for retaining UMNO will be a negative impression of the leadership of Penang PH in failing to recognise that the greatest enemy is within," said the former finance minister. - September 16, 2026.

Rohingya: Anwar points fingers at Najib and Hadi, says solution being resolved diplomatically

Rohingya: Anwar points fingers at Najib and Hadi, says solution being resolved diplomatically

Alyaa Alhadjri

Published: Sep 16, 2026 4:01 PM


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pointed a finger at former premier Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for previously welcoming Rohingya refugees, while his government is now left to deal with the consequences.

Anwar’s remarks come amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment on social media, particularly targeting Rohingya communities, with online users raising concerns about their presence, alleged misconduct and impact on local livelihoods.

“Remember, the previous government invited them. It held a major rally welcoming them, which naturally encouraged them.

“They came here, and now we have to expel them,” Anwar said in an interview with podcaster Iskandar Ibrahim during a special episode of “Sembang Ohh Yeahh” aired today.


“They were welcomed. There was a major rally. I hope social media users will replay the speeches made by the leaders at the time, including PAS leaders.

“I am the one being blamed, even though others brought them here. What kind of situation is this?” he said.


Anwar was referring to the ummah solidarity rally with Rohingya held in Kuala Lumpur in December 2016, which both Najib and Hadi attended.

However, Anwar acknowledged mounting public frustration over the Rohingya community, claiming that some refugees had broken laws, encroached on villages, held illegal gatherings and taken over local businesses.



“They have clearly become a burden - a security burden, an economic burden and a source of hostility among the people,” said Anwar, who appealed to Malaysians not to attack, intimidate or humiliate them.

“If the Rohingya break the law, we will arrest them. I already issued instructions when they gathered outside the UNHCR office. I told the police to act immediately and not delay.

“However, Malaysia must preserve its image as a humane country. We can arrest them, but do not beat, intimidate or humiliate them,” he stressed.

On Thursday, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Noor Hisam Nordin reportedly urged the public, including influencers, not to take matters into their own hands over issues involving the Rohingya community, including their settlements.

“What I can say is, do not take matters into your own hands, as we have authorities such as the police, the Immigration Department, and others.

“If there is any uncertainty or incident requiring action by the authorities, including information on Rohingya settlements, report it to the police,” Harian Metro quoted him as saying.

Official invitation for Myanmar leader

Anwar said he had recently informed the cabinet and Home Ministry that he intended to invite Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing for an official visit to Malaysia.

The invitation, he said, was aimed at advancing negotiations for Myanmar to accept Rohingya refugees in stages.

“We can be friends, we can trade, and we can accept Myanmar, but Myanmar must accept the refugees.

“If it cannot accept all 200,000 at once, it can take them back in stages. We will help,” he said.

Anwar said he had previously met Min Aung Hlaing (below, right) in Bangkok, where he sought an end to killings and air strikes in Rakhine following an earthquake in Myanmar.

In return for humanitarian assistance, including a Malaysian field hospital and relief funds, Anwar said Myanmar agreed to halt attacks in the affected area and allow residents access to medical facilities.

He said they met again in Beijing about 18 months ago, when he raised the prospect of Malaysia sending its foreign minister to Myanmar and renewed his call for the country to accept the Rohingya.

Anwar defended his engagement with Myanmar despite Asean’s restrictions on high-level dealings with the junta, arguing that direct negotiations were necessary to resolve the refugee crisis.

“What is the point of constantly shouting and condemning Myanmar? Who is going to take these refugees? Where are we supposed to send them?

“That is why we must negotiate,” he said.


Myanmar agrees to accept 5,000

As a result, Anwar reiterated that Myanmar had so far agreed to accept 5,000 Rohingya from Malaysia, of whom 1,500 would be repatriated within the next one or two weeks.

“My solution is to negotiate with the Myanmar government to secure its agreement to take them back. Thank God, it has now agreed to accept 5,000 people,” he said.

According to Anwar, Myanmar would send a ship, while Malaysia would cover the refugees’ food, clothing and transportation costs.

He argued this would be more practical and less costly than housing them indefinitely in immigration detention depots.

“We arrest them and take them to detention depots, but when we want to send them home, Myanmar refuses to accept them.

“It is better for us to pay a little than to bear the cost of feeding hundreds of thousands of people in detention depots,” he said.

Anwar noted that Myanmar had long refused to recognise the Rohingya as citizens, making repatriation difficult.

The prime minister stressed that any repatriation must include security guarantees to prevent returnees from facing violence again.

“Our negotiations are not simply about transporting them home. They also involve security guarantees and ensuring that Muslims in Rakhine have a safe area where they will not be harmed,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s approach was to treat the refugees humanely while working to repatriate them safely.

“We treat them properly and give them food and clothing - but they must return home.

“This is not your country. This is Malaysia, and Malaysians must decide,” he stressed.

***

Rohingyas have never been loyal to Myanmar, never considering themselves as Myanmarese. Their age-old dream was to be part of Ali Jinnah's Pakistan (or today's Bangladesh). But Ali Jinnah rejected their appeals, telling them to be loyal citizens of Myanmar (then Burma).

In Arakan Myanmar they were reported to have ill-treated bumiputeras there as of a lower class to them (as had happened in Fiji), thus it's no wonder the local-indigenous Myanmarese hate them.

Umno Penang councillor whacks DAP at AGM, says sorry in resignation letter

Umno Penang councillor whacks DAP at AGM, says sorry in resignation letter

Published: Sep 16, 2026 3:16 PM


A Penang Umno leader who served as a state councillor appeared to make a 180 on his views about DAP, just days after he took shots at the latter.


Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Zaidi Said, during the party's annual general meeting on Saturday, accused DAP of being a racist party that was against the Umno-PAS Malay unity agenda.

However, in a letter resigning from his post as a Seberang Perai city councillor on Monday, Zaidi (above) struck a very different tone, apologising for his remarks while also hailing state DAP leaders.

This comes amid a push by some in DAP for the state government to kick Umno out, following the latter's challenge to Putrajaya to remove it as a partner in the federal government.


In his speech at the Umno AGM on Saturday, Zaidi claimed that the Umno-PAS Malay unity agenda had rattled DAP.

"They are nervous; they can't stand to see Malay unity happening. Why? Because when Malays unite, they will not be in power.


"So, they will use whatever means to end Malay unity," he said.

He also accused DAP of sowing the seeds of racism in the country, while denying that Umno was anti-Chinese.


Then on Monday, Zaidi submitted a letter resigning as Seberang Perai city councillor to state exco member Jason H'ng Mooi Lye - who oversees local governments - while expressing regret over his remarks.

"I would like to express my deep regret and offer an apology for the speech I delivered. I accept that this matter serves as an extremely important lesson for me that individual views and stances must be conveyed with utmost consideration, especially when one also carries responsibilities within a joint government administration system," he said.

Taking responsibility

He also said in the letter that his remarks could create negative perception or misunderstanding towards DAP, particularly in the context of cooperation in the state government.

He said he is thus resigning to take responsibility for his "mistake".

Also in his letter, Zaidi said he personally held high regard for Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

"He is a leader who constantly pays attention to the welfare of the people, prioritises tolerance, remains polite, and executes the trust of administering the state with full responsibility. As a Penangite, I am proud of and appreciate all his efforts in leading this state," he said.

He also thanked H'ng and fellow exco member Zairil Khir Johari, as well as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, whom he said were deeply committed to public service.

H'ng, who revealed Zaidi's resignation on Facebook today, said the letter's contents prove that the DAP-led state government has served the people regardless of race or religion.

Report: Govt asks Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air if they can absorb AirAsia routes amid financial strain

Report: Govt asks Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air if they can absorb AirAsia routes amid financial strain



AirAsia has been hit by soaring jet fuel costs stemming from the US-Israeli war on Iran, with costs rising 66 per cent in the second quarter from the previous quarter to an average of US$183 a barrel. — AFP pic


Summary

• The Malaysian government is evaluating the financial stability of AirAsia, the nation's largest low-cost airline, by consulting with Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air about potentially absorbing its domestic market share.
• Concerns about AirAsia's financial health have intensified due to rising jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions and substantial financial liabilities.
• Discussions involve possible assistance for AirAsia, including government endorsements to facilitate capital raising efforts, alongside the airline's internal restructuring measures.
• The government has engaged Alton Aviation Consultancy to assess AirAsia's funding requirements as part of strategic planning efforts.

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 12:27 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Putrajaya has asked Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air whether they could absorb AirAsia’s domestic market share as authorities monitor the financial health of the country’s biggest low-cost carrier, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The discussions, which have increased in recent weeks, are part of scenario planning involving the Finance Ministry and state-linked airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), as concerns grow over AirAsia’s financial pressures, the news agency reported.

According to the report Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air have told the government they would be willing to expand organically to take on AirAsia’s routes and passengers rather than acquire its entire business, one of the people said.

However, they would only consider taking over AirAsia’s operations on a large scale if they could also assume its aircraft leases, as absorbing its routes and passenger volumes without the aircraft would be considerably more difficult, the source said.


AirAsia has said it accounts for about 40 per cent of Malaysia’s overall aviation market and 60 per cent of domestic flying, making its financial position a significant concern for the government, according to the people Reuters spoke to.


AirAsia has been hit by soaring jet fuel costs stemming from the US-Israeli war on Iran, with costs rising 66 per cent in the second quarter from the previous quarter to an average of US$183 a barrel.

AirAsia reported a net loss of RM831 million for the quarter ended June 30, including RM331 million in foreign-exchange losses. Its current liabilities stood at RM18.4 billion as of June 30, according to Reuters.


The airline owes MAHB at least RM500 million for services including landing and parking fees, according to the people and two others familiar with the matter. MAHB has already granted AirAsia repayment extensions, two of the people said.

AirAsia said this month it was advancing discussions with financial institutions to raise up to US$1 billion from international debt markets and RM700 million in local credit facilities, primarily to restructure its debt.

Two people familiar with the matter estimated it needed at least US$3 billion in fresh capital.

AirAsia said its financing targets were sufficient to meet its requirements and that it had RM954 million in cash and bank balances as of June 30.

The airline also said it remained focused on business continuity and stable operations, with strong underlying demand across its network.

Other options discussed include the government providing some form of endorsement to support AirAsia’s efforts to raise fresh capital from external investors, although the exact nature of any potential support remains unclear, according to the report.

AirAsia has also been restructuring, cutting underperforming routes, returning 25 older aircraft to lessors and renegotiating vendor contracts to reduce costs.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the Finance Ministry had hired Alton Aviation Consultancy to assess the airline’s funding needs as the government considers whether to provide support.

***

Thanks to Netanyahu for instigating the US-Israeli war against Iran

MetMalaysia warns of heavy rain and strong winds across Penang, Sabah and Sarawak

MetMalaysia warns of heavy rain and strong winds across Penang, Sabah and Sarawak



MetMalaysia has issued a warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds across Penang and parts of Sabah and Sarawak. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds in several regions of Sarawak and Sabah until 11 a.m., and throughout Penang until noon today.
• In Sarawak, the affected areas include Limbang, Miri, Subis, Lundu, and Kuching.
• In Sabah, the alert covers the West Coast regions such as Penampang, Putatan, Papar, Tuaran, Ranau, and Kota Kinabalu, as well as interior locations like Membakut, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Tambunan, Keningau, and Tenom.

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 10:23 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds affecting several areas in Sarawak and Sabah until 11am today, as well as the whole of Penang until noon.

In a statement, MetMalaysia said the affected areas in Sarawak are Limbang, Miri (Miri and Subis), and Kuching (Lundu and Kuching).

In Sabah, the warning covers the West Coast areas of Penampang, Putatan, Papar, Tuaran, Ranau and Kota Kinabalu, as well as the Interior areas of Membakut, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom. — Bernama

***

Clear the haze?

Malaysia to seek preventive measures, diplomatic cooperation over transboundary haze, says Zahid

 

Malaysia to seek preventive measures, diplomatic cooperation over transboundary haze, says Zahid



Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Committee Chairman, said a prudent and structured diplomatic approach is the most effective way to address sensitive issues among Asean member states while ensuring optimal technical coordination. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Malaysia, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is emphasizing long-term diplomatic cooperation and preventive measures to address transboundary haze issues with neighboring countries instead of seeking compensation.
• Ahmad Zahid, also chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, highlighted the importance of a structured diplomatic approach combined with technical coordination to effectively manage sensitive issues among ASEAN member states.
• Preventive strategies, such as hotspot monitoring and cloud seeding, are prioritized to mitigate the impact of haze, and discussions on this topic are set to take place during his visit to Indonesia in conjunction with the Halal-20 Conference.
• Additionally, the government is adopting an "anticipatory action" approach to prepare for extreme weather conditions, allocating RM5 million for related management efforts.

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 3:31 PM MYT



KUCHING, Sept 16 — Malaysia prioritises long-term diplomatic cooperation and early preventive measures over seeking compensation from neighbouring countries in addressing the issue of transboundary haze, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Committee Chairman, said a prudent and structured diplomatic approach is the most effective way to address sensitive issues among Asean member states while ensuring optimal technical coordination.

“While seeking compensation does not necessarily imply definitive liability that must be borne by any specific country, taking preventive measures early would avoid the need to address such sensitive inter-state issues.

“Diplomatic measures must be pursued alongside technical efforts involving officials from neighbouring countries and Malaysian states,” he told a press conference after chairing the First National Disaster Management High-Level Committee (HLC) Meeting of 2026 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

He was responding to a question on whether Malaysia intended to raise the issue of losses suffered by the country, particularly in terms of the economy, health and tourism, as a result of transboundary haze with the Indonesian government.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the transboundary haze issue would be officially raised during his working visit to Jakarta from tomorrow until Sept 20 in conjunction with the Halal-20 Conference: 5th World Halal Summit 2026 (H20 Summit).

“That (the transboundary haze issue) is among the topics to be discussed with the Minister of Environment or the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (in the Malaysian context).

“There are seven ministers who will be holding discussions with me, covering other areas such as the halal sector and so forth.

“A key topic I will discuss and coordinate with Bapak Gibran (Indonesian Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka) is the haze problem,” he said.

Regarding assistance to neighbouring countries, Ahmad Zahid said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) had been directed to stand ready to coordinate cloud seeding operations (OPA) and logistical support to help tackle forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, should an official request be received from the relevant authorities there.

Meanwhile, in a media statement issued following the meeting, Ahmad Zahid said the government is shifting towards an “anticipatory action” approach to address the threat of extreme hot and dry weather caused by Super El Niño.

The measures include hotspot monitoring, ensuring the readiness of firefighting assets, peatland management, enforcement against open burning and disseminating health information to the public.

“The Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) and the Department of Environment (DOE) have been asked to evaluate the use of tube wells as an alternative water source, including refurbishing existing infrastructure in high-risk areas,” he said.

According to the statement, the National Disaster Management Council (MPBN) had also approved a total allocation of RM5 million this year for OPA and related management, comprising RM2 million for Phase One, approved on June 2, and RM3 million for Phase Two, approved on Sept 2. — Bernama

Najib pardon bid deferred as Hannah says she gave honest and candid views

Najib pardon bid deferred as Hannah says she gave honest and candid views


Yeoh said she had considered the written opinion of the Attorney-General before giving her views at the Sept 11 meeting

Updated 50 minutes ago · Published on 16 Sep 2026 12:29PM

The meeting at Istana Negara was chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim. - September 16, 2026


by Alfian Z.M. Tahir



DATUK Seri Najib Razak’s latest bid for a pardon remains unresolved after the Federal Territories Pardons Board deferred the matter to a future meeting, with minister Hannah Yeoh saying she had given her views “honestly and candidly” during last Friday’s proceedings.

Yeoh, who sits on the board as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), said she had considered the written opinion of the Attorney-General before giving her views at the Sept 11 meeting.

“As one of the members of the Pardons Board, and after considering the written opinion of the Attorney-General, I gave my views in my capacity as the minister responsible for the Federal Territories at the official Pardons Board meeting.

“I expressed my views honestly and candidly, based on my conscience and in the interests of the country,” she said in a statement.

The meeting at Istana Negara was chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

A statement issued by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said the King had consented to defer the decision on Najib’s pardon application to a future meeting of the Pardons Board.

Yeoh also stressed that the final authority in matters involving pardons rests with the King under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.

This includes the decision to defer consideration of Najib’s application, she said.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board comprises the King as chairman, the Attorney-General, the minister responsible for the Federal Territories and three other members appointed by the King.

The deferment means no decision has yet been made on Najib’s latest application.

Najib is currently serving a reduced sentence following his conviction in the SRC International case.

He was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being found guilty of misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International.

In February 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his prison term to six years and cut the fine to RM50 million.

Najib later sought to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, but the High Court rejected his application in December last year.

The latest pardon application had drawn renewed attention ahead of the Sept 11 meeting, although Yeoh had declined to comment on the agenda when she confirmed the board was due to meet.

Following the meeting, the government confirmed only that Najib’s application had been deferred.

The same meeting also saw the King consent to the release of 65 prisoners. Non-Malaysian prisoners among those released are to be deported or repatriated to their countries of origin within six months of their release.

The deferment has since prompted questions over the next step in Najib’s application, although no date has been announced for the board’s next meeting. – September 16, 2026

Ed Sheeran tour exodus: Finneas and three more acts quit after Macklemore axing over pro-Palestine remarks

Ed Sheeran tour exodus: Finneas and three more acts quit after Macklemore axing over pro-Palestine remarks



Macklemore’s departure from Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ has triggered a string of withdrawals, with Finneas and three other acts quitting in the fallout. — AFP pic


Summary

• Finneas and three other supporting acts have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" following the removal of rapper Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments at a concert.
• Sheeran clarified that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour's promoter, not him, amidst venue pressure.
• The departing artists, who have expressed solidarity with Palestinian causes, cited the importance of not silencing voices advocating for the oppressed.
• Despite the controversy, Macklemore acknowledged that Sheeran's team was not responsible for his exclusion from the tour.

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 9:03 AM MYT


LOS ANGELES, Sept 16 — The artist Finneas and three other supporting acts announced they had quit British superstar Ed Sheeran’s tour yesterday, after rapper Macklemore was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments while performing.

Sheeran has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, saying his tour’s promoter was responsible.

But Finneas — a performer also famous for work with his superstar sister Billie Eilish — Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, and Lukas Graham of Denmark all posted they were quitting Sheeran’s “Loop Tour.”

While opening for Sheeran earlier this month at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine!” and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten.”


“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote in a lengthy Instagram post, adding that the rapper’s contract was ended by the promoter, Messina Touring Group.


According to Sheeran, venues on the tour “communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.”

The artist said he held prolonged discussions with venue managers, including Robert Kraft, owner of Boston’s Gillette Stadium and the Patriots NFL team. But he was unable to resolve the issue, he added.


Finneas has publicly advocated for Palestinians in the past. He posted yesterday that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

“I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Sheeran’s touring band Beoga said they were dropping out “following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.”

“We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us,” the group said, adding they had been friends with Sheeran for a decade and would stay so.

But “we are Irish people who understand colonialism,” Beoga said on Instagram.

“As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”

Irish artist Rowe similarly cited his country’s history in explaining the decision to drop out.

“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he wrote, also noting that Sheeran was a friend who “has changed my life.”

Yet “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide,” Rowe said.

‘Strength of purpose’

In his post yesterday, Sheeran had touched on his decision not to comment publicly about political subjects, notably the war in Gaza.

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said.

“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose.”

On Monday, Macklemore posted that Sheeran and his team were not behind his departure from the tour.

He said that Kraft had contacted Sheeran to tell him the rapper would not be allowed on stage and alleged that Kraft had rallied other venues to demand his exclusion.

In a statement, Kraft said that Gillette Stadium would “not provide a platform for hate speech.”

Macklemore, known for hits including Thrift Shop and Can’t Hold Us, has long vocally supported Palestinians.

In 2024 he released Hind’s Hall, which pays tribute to Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl whose death sparked a wave of international outrage. — AFP

Tucker Carlson Sounds Alarm Over Trump's Planned 'Largest Transfer Of Ordinance In Modern History'

Tucker Carlson Sounds Alarm Over Trump's Planned 'Largest Transfer Of Ordinance In Modern History'

by Tyler Durden
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 - 11:20 AM


After the US was essentially forced to conduct a major and rapid draw down of forces from the Gulf and Mideast region in the wake of Iran's 'unexpectedly' large retaliation for Operation Epic Fury, it seems all that Washington is left to do is arm regional allies to the teeth and wish them the best.

Early this month the US approved two potential Saudi defense packages valued at a whopping $5.75 billion. The forthcoming deals will reportedly focus on transferring extended-range precision bombs and bolstering Abrams tanks in the kingdom.

Ironically this comes at a moment that Saudi-backed coalition forces in Yemen - with all its military tech - are getting rolled back by Ansar Allah fighters in sandals.

Getty Images

Naturally, next on the list comes Israel.

On Tuesday, over a week since the planned Saudi sale was reported, The Washington Post reveals the following:


President Donald Trump's administration is planning to sell to Israel a munitions package worth $2.8 billion, which will include tens of thousands of highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, according to a U.S. official familiar with the sale.

The planned sale, which has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees who weigh in on large arms sales, includes 20,000 MK 84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.

WaPo calls the package "the largest" planned sale of 2,000 pound bombs to Israel in years.

Just prior to initial reporting of this dropping at around midday Tuesday, Tucker Carlson revealed on X: "According to an informed federal official, in the coming months the Trump administration plans to send a total of 40,000 Mark 84 and Blu-117 bombs to the government of Israel. Each bomb weighs 2,000 pounds. This appears to be the largest transfer of conventional explosive ordnance from the United States in modern history."

Carlson put it in perspective in the following commentary:


How big is this shipment? It amounts to 40,000 tons of bombs. For perspective, the largest American air raid of World War Two was the Eighth Air Force’s attack on Berlin in March of 1945. Combined, the 2,023 Allied aircraft involved dropped about 3,000 tons of bombs. That’s 7.5 percent of what Trump is sending to Israel. That same month, March of 1945, the US Army Air Forces began the single most destructive bombing raid in human history, Operation Meetinghouse over Tokyo. More than 100,000 Japanese civilians were killed. By the end of that operation, the US had dropped 1,600 tons of bombs. That’s four percent of what Trump is sending to Israel. World War Two ended five months later, when the US dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. The shipment Trump is sending to Israel amounts to more than three times the destructive power of that nuclear explosion. There is no precedent for what the Trump administration is doing. Nor is there a justification. The government of Israel is not fighting World War Two, or even a war. It is engaged in periodic skirmishes with a guerrilla force in Lebanon, and it is working to exterminate an unarmed civilian population in Gaza. Neither front requires modern 2,000-pound bombs.

The former Fox host further warned this portends Israel could soon go even more 'gloves off' and unleash further hell on Gaza and Lebanon, or possibly even Iran - at a moment the US seems to be trying to find an exit from the hot phase of the conflict.

More from Carlson:


How did this happen? The request for 40,000 new high-explosive civilian-killing bombs originated at the US Embassy in Jerusalem, which is run by Christian Zionist Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his aide David Milstein, who is the stepson of Fox News host Mark Levin. From there it moved to the State Department, where Marco Rubio enthusiastically approved it. At this point, only four more people need to sign off before the bombs ship to Israel: Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and Congressmen Brian Mast and Gregory Meeks, the top two members of the equivalent House committee. All four are committed neocons. Collectively they’ve taken millions from the Israel lobby. In 2015, Brian Mast traveled to Israel to volunteer for the Israeli military. In 2023, Mast showed up in the House of Representatives wearing an IDF uniform. It’s hard to imagine any of them hesitating before sending more free bombs to Israel. Only public outrage can stop this.

Poll after recent poll has shown that by and large the American public is finally questioning Washington's blank check approach to Israel.

DropSite: Carlson calls the taxpayer-funded, roughly $3 billion package “a gift” to a government “working to exterminate an unarmed civilian population in Gaza.”

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Tucker Carlson reports, citing a federal official, that President Trump plans to send Israel 40,000 MK-84 and BLU-117 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, in the coming months. The Washington Post’s John Hudson separately also confirmed the proposed transfer. Carlson calls the Show more

Tucker Carlson

@TuckerCarlson

According to an informed federal official, in the coming months the Trump administration plans to send a total of 40,000 Mark 84 and Blu-117 bombs to the government of Israel. Each bomb weighs 2,000 pounds. This appears to be the largest transfer of conventional explosive

4:32 AM · Sep 16, 2026

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And plenty of MAGA and conservative 'influencers' have called out Trump's Israel policy as opposite America First. This as the Iran war is continuing to prove to be deeply unpopular. This also after over 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza. Israeli officials themselves openly admitted this figure.