Rafizi: MACC probe against me a form of 'intimidation'

Rafizi: MACC probe against me a form of 'intimidation'


Published: Feb 17, 2026 6:04 PM
Updated: 9:08 PM



Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has described MACC’s investigation into him as a form of intimidation, linking it to his recent demand that chief commissioner Azam Baki be suspended.

Rafizi (above) said MACC had “suddenly become active” in probing allegations of misconduct and corruption during his tenure as economy minister, centring on two major national policies - the Silicon Vision Programme and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“These allegations, where the supposed amounts exceed those involving Najib Abdul Razak, are a form of intimidation,” he said in a statement today.

The PKR lawmaker said the reports against him were lodged by organisations that are “anti-prime minister”, specifically Perkasa and the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM).

He reiterated that both policies launched by Anwar had gone through multiple layers of approval, including cabinet endorsement.

“Since both policies were launched and implemented, there has not been a single report of misappropriation or controversy raised,” he added.

Earlier today, Bernama reported that MACC has opened an investigation into a RM1.1 billion agreement between the government and a foreign company.

According to sources, the investigation follows complaints from several NGOs alleging that the agreement was hastily arranged and biased, and could have financial implications for the government.

The source said MACC had taken several documents related to the agreement from the Economy Ministry on Feb 13 to assist in the investigation.

Why now?

Rafizi argued that the timing of the MACC probe - following his call for Azam’s suspension after allegations reported by Bloomberg - demonstrated the risk of abuse of power.

“The attacks against me, particularly the sudden MACC investigation into government policies that contain no procurement elements or financial motives involving me, show the dangers of allowing someone accused to continue exercising power while under investigation,” he said.

He cited past controversies involving Azam, including questions over share ownership in 2022 and MACC’s raid on the Securities Commission after allegations against the latter’s senior officers.

“That is why the appropriate action is to suspend Azam immediately, as should have been done by (Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim) since last week,” he added.


‘No procurement role’

On the Silicon Vision collaboration with British chip designer Arm Holdings, Rafizi said negotiations involved several stages; from discussions between ministry officials and Arm to inter-ministerial negotiations involving then-international trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and second finance minister Amir Hamzah Azizan - as well as engagements between Anwar and Arm CEO Rene Haas and SoftBank owner Masayoshi Son.

He stressed that the Economy Ministry was a planning ministry and did not manage procurement or contracts.

“The collaboration with Arm fell under the International Trade and Industry Ministry and was signed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

“Any payments were processed by Mida and screened and approved by the Finance Ministry,” he said, adding that the draft agreement was reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers before cabinet approval.

As such, Rafizi dismissed claims that the Arm agreement was rushed.

“Accepting that allegation would mean accusing the prime minister either of negligence in performing his duties or of not understanding the semiconductor industry and being deceived by me.

“It also suggests that all the ministers involved, senior government officials, the attorney-general and the entire cabinet were deceived by me,” he said.

Rafizi added that there was “not a single piece of evidence” that public funds were misappropriated.

“There is no evidence that I took money, no evidence of funds entering my accounts, and no financial proof whatsoever,” he stressed.


NETR roadmap

On the NETR, Rafizi said the roadmap did not involve public funds, procurement, or project implementation by the economy ministry.

One policy under NETR, he explained, allowed private parties to develop renewable energy projects and supply green power directly to industry without going through Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

As a result, companies including UEM Lestra, a subsidiary of UEM owned by Khazanah, announced large-scale renewable energy investments.

Rafizi said UEM Lestra’s RM2.5 billion, 750MW project in Segamat was a private-sector initiative undertaken via a joint venture with I-Squared Capital, with energy to be sold to ESR Group Limited.

“Since when is a minister responsible for developing policy accused of misconduct over decisions made by a private company unrelated to the Economy Ministry?” he asked.

He also accused influencer Ariz Ramli, better known as Caprice, of producing content alleging that he had awarded the UEM Lestra project to a company in which he had an interest.

Rafizi said he would present further details in his podcast this week and would give Ariz an opportunity to apologise for defamation; failing which, he would initiate legal action.

‘Dangerous escalation’: Nations condemn Israel over occupied West Bank move

‘Dangerous escalation’: Nations condemn Israel over occupied West Bank move

Arab and other countries slam decision to register occupied West Bank lands as ‘state property’, a move seen as threat to Palestinian self-determination.

Israeli soldiers during a raid in the Old City of Hebron, in the southern occupied West Bank on February 14, 2026 [Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu]

Published On 16 Feb 2026



The Israeli government’s decision to approve the land registration process in the occupied West Bank as “state property” has drawn widespread condemnation from regional countries and international organisations.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday the measure would enable “transparent and thorough clarification of rights to resolve legal disputes” and was needed after unlawful land registration in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The decision allows for the revival of the “settlement of land title” processes, frozen since 1967 when Israel occupied the West Bank.

The Palestinian presidency condemned the Israeli move, calling it a “grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law”, which amounts to “de facto annexation”. It called on the international community, especially the United States and the United Nations, to intervene immediately.

Hamas also denounced the move as an attempt “to steal and Judaise lands in the occupied West Bank by registering them as so-called ‘state lands'”.

“It is an attempt to forcibly impose settlement and Judaisation on the ground, in flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions,” it said, calling the Israeli action “a null and void decision issued by an illegitimate occupying power”.

Regional countries, including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, deemed the move illegal under international law and a threat to the two-state solution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Here is what they said:

Egypt

In a statement, the Egyptian government called the Israeli decision a “dangerous escalation aimed at consolidating Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian territories”.

Qatar

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the approval for the land registration process was “an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights”.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need for international solidarity to pressure the occupation to halt the implementation of the decision to avoid its serious repercussions,” it added.


Jordan

According to a statement released by the royal court on Monday, King Abdullah said Israel’s actions were an attempt to “consolidate settlements and impose sovereignty over Palestinian land”, and could “exacerbate the conflict”.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs on Sunday called on the international community to “assume its legal and moral responsibilities, and to compel Israel, the occupying power, to stop its dangerous escalation”.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “condemnation” of the plans aimed at imposing a “new legal and administrative reality” in the occupied West Bank, saying such measures would “undermine ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region”.

“There is no Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories,” the ministry said unequivocally, rejecting the illegal measures that are a “serious violation of international law” and undermine the two-state solution.

Kuwait

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli decision and described the move as a “null and void decision”, urging the international community to “deter those Israeli violations”.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to impose non-Palestinian sovereignty over the occupied West Bank,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Any decision to annex land in the occupied West Bank would be considered null and void and illegitimate, and would undermine international efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace in line with Security Council resolutions and the two-state solution,” it stressed.



Israel’s West Bank move means ‘more threats, intimidation from Israeli settlers’: Analysis


Pakistan

Islamabad called on “the international community to take concrete measures to end Israeli impunity”.

“Pakistan strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Israeli occupying power to convert areas of the occupied West Bank into so-called state property, and to expand illegal settlement activities,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Israel’s “continued disregard for international law and its provocative actions undermine the prospects for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region”, it added.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

The OIC said Israel’s decision was akin to “colonial measures” in the occupied West Bank and called for urgent international action.

The Jeddah-based organisation said Israel’s measures “target the existence of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights”, including the right to self-determination and to establish an independent sovereign state within the borders that existed before the 1967 war, with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded that Israel reverse its new policy allowing registration of occupied West Bank land as state property.

Guterres said he believes this new measure is “destabilizing” and “unlawful”, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

“The current trajectory on the ground is eroding the prospect for the two-state solution,” he said.

“The secretary-general reiterates that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions,” Dujarric told reporters.

European Union

The EU called on Israel to reverse its approval warning it was a “new escalation”.

“This constitutes a new escalation after recent measures already aimed at extending Israeli control” in the occupied West Bank, EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.

“We reiterate that annexation is illegal under international law. We call on Israel to reverse this decision,” he added.

PAS backs Hamzah to 'get at' Muhyiddin - analysts

PAS backs Hamzah to 'get at' Muhyiddin - analysts

Shakira Buang
Published: Feb 17, 2026 6:09 PM
Updated: 9:13 PM



The support shown by PAS for Hamzah Zainudin, despite the Larut MP’s apparent defiance of his own party president, has been interpreted as a move to “get at” Bersatu.

Political analyst Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Strategic Research Academy said PAS’ current stance could be linked to the political crisis in Perlis.

In that episode, he said, PAS blamed Bersatu for events that led to the party losing the menteri besar post.

As such, when Hamzah was sacked from Bersatu, PAS was seen as quickly extending a wide and friendly opening to the former Bersatu deputy president.

“Why did they open such a wide door to accept or support Hamzah? It is to ‘get back at’ Muhyiddin,” he told Malaysiakini.

Bersatu sacked Hamzah on Feb 13 under Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution. Its disciplinary board alleged that he breached a provision concerning his obligation to perform party duties and to participate in meetings and activities.

The sacking marked the climax of a long-running clash between Hamzah and Muhyiddin’s camps that had simmered for several years.

Azmi Hassan


On the day he was expelled, Hamzah took to Facebook and shared a photograph believed to have been taken at PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s residence in Rusila, Terengganu.

The development occurred less than two months after Perlis Bersatu chairperson Abu Bakar Hamzah was sworn in as menteri besar, replacing the Sanglang assemblyperson and former PAS state commissioner, Shukri Ramli.

Besides blaming Bersatu, PAS had also described the Perlis episode as an act of betrayal. Three of its assemblypersons who signed statutory declarations rejecting Shukri had their memberships terminated for defying party’s instructions.


Nothing contradictory

On that note, Azmi said PAS’ differing stance between the Perlis issue and the Hamzah episode did not necessarily pose a major contradiction.

“PAS often acts in ways that appear contradictory, but it will do so for its political interests,” he said.

Hamzah Zainudin


He added that PAS’ seeming support for Hamzah as opposition leader could also be read as an attempt to pressure Muhyiddin, who is claimed to be having second thoughts about relinquishing the PN chief post.

According to Azmi, PAS’ move invites perceptions of inconsistency, with the party seen as prioritising power calculations over uniform principles.


Realpolitik at play

Meanwhile, political analyst Jamaie Hamil from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia described the development as “realpolitik” laden with cost-benefit considerations.

In politics, he said, a party will tend to support the side with greater potential to strengthen its own position.

“That’s politics. Politics is full of possibilities.

“In this context, whichever option brings benefit to the party, they will agree to it, while options seen as less advantageous will simply be left aside,” he said.

Jamaie added that PAS may view Hamzah as wielding greater influence among Bersatu leaders compared to Muhyiddin.

Jamaie Hamil


“Thus, the support is based on strategic considerations,” he added.

He also opined that perceptions surrounding issues involving Muhyiddin’s family have become a political liability for PN and PAS, influencing the Islamist party’s calculations, adding it may see Muhyiddin as becoming increasingly irrelevant within Bersatu.

“One factor may be Muhyiddin’s own health, then the ‘parasites’ surrounding the Pagoh MP, including the issue of his son-in-law who fled overseas.

“So, PAS and PN find it difficult to agree that they are entirely clean. Why? Because Muhyiddin has been tainted by the issue involving his son-in-law.

“We see that whenever Muhyiddin debates in Parliament, the government side sometimes raises the question of where his son-in-law has gone,” he said, adding as the Bersatu crisis peaked, PAS appeared to favour Hamzah.


PAS’ political strategy

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Mazlan Ali said PAS’ stance is more a matter of political strategy than hypocrisy.

Mazlan said PAS and Muhyiddin have long been at odds, including over the choice of prime ministerial candidate and PN’s status in Sabah.

He added that PAS is focused on ensuring PN’s survival and sees Hamzah as a strategic partner.

Mazlan Ali


“Some may interpret it as hypocrisy, but that depends on one’s perspective.

“PAS may see it from a strategic standpoint, because Hamzah is more influential than Muhyiddin within Bersatu.

“From PAS’ point of view, perhaps aligning with Hamzah carries less risk than aligning with Muhyiddin,” he said.

Mazlan also pointed to claims that 19 Bersatu MPs and more than 100 party divisions are aligned with Hamzah as a factor that cannot be ignored.

“PAS sees that and believes Muhyiddin no longer has much room to manoeuvre,” he added.

Meanwhile, Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said the Perlis case was unique and more related to PAS’ internal dynamics.

The clash between Hamzah and Muhyiddin, she said, reflects PAS’ inclination to back alternative leadership within Bersatu.

She added that recent developments indicate dissatisfaction within PAS towards Muhyiddin’s leadership, as suggested by the absence of party representatives at a meeting held at the former prime minister’s residence recently.

Selangor Bans Pig Farming – But Sarawak Becomes Largest Hub

Selangor Bans Pig Farming – But Sarawak Becomes Largest Hub


February 15th, 2026 by financetwitter



Facing the risk of losing the next 16th General Election, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has started his campaign to appease angry ethnic Chinese – the core vote bank that put him in power after the Nov 2022 national polls. From visiting TAR UMT to announce a 10-year income tax exemption for the university and presenting a RM40 million matching grant to giving an extra RM20 million for Chinese schools, Anwar is desperate.

Equally desperate was an ally of Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan coalition – Democratic Action Party (DAP). It’s secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook is facing a new problem after his weak leadership saw DAP was annihilated in the Sabah state election last year. Under Anwar administration and Loke’s leadership, Selangor is cracking down on pig-farming and the Chinese community is furious.

Loke has sought to reassure the Chinese Malaysian community amid the pig farming crisis in Selangor that there is sufficient supply of roast pork for every Chinese New Year reunion dinner. But he dares not talk about the future of 114 pig farms in the state. The Transport Minister only urged the Chinese not to believe information about possible pork shortage, despite escalating pork prices. But it’s a different story in Sarawak.

The delicious braised pork served at many Singapore reunion dinners this Chinese New Year may have travelled two days by sea from Malaysian Borneo. Sarawak-based Green Breeder, located about 700km away from Singapore, is currently the only farm in Malaysia licensed to export live pigs to the Republic – and the East Malaysian state wants to send many more.

On a recent sunny day, a drove of pigs was being loaded on the docks at Kuching port. White-clad workers guided the squealing animals into cages for a Singapore-bound vessel. Green Breeder ships up to 3,000 live pigs weekly to Singapore. In 2024, the farm sent 121,685 pigs, or 13,385 tonnes of pork, to Singapore, accounting for 8.2% of the Republic’s pork imports.


“Fortune tellers read pig livers to tell the future. A pig must be slaughtered before a VIP can enter the longhouse. We treasure pigs the most. So it’s easy for us to encourage people to make a living from them,” – Sarawak’s Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Stephen Rundi Utom told The Straits Times on Jan 20.

Rundi, who is of Iban heritage, said the porcine creatures have been a familiar presence in his longhouse “since the day I opened my eyes to the world”. A longhouse is a traditional communal home for some indigenous groups in East Malaysia. The Iban ethnic group constitutes 30% of Sarawak’s population. But ethnic Malay in West Malaysia may not know this fact.

Sarawak aims to more than double the state’s annual pig production, from 350,000 animals in 2025 to 860,000 by 2030, targeting RM1 billion worth of exports for that year. The push would cement the East Malaysian state as the country’s pork-producing hub at a time when disease outbreaks and land-use pressures are reshaping the industry elsewhere.

The state’s demographics have contributed to the growth of the pig-rearing industry, which is located away from residential areas and operates using modern methods with strict hygiene standards. This is different from Selangor, Malaysia’s so-called most developed state located across the South China Sea, which is now cracking down on pig farming due largely to anti-Chinese political sentiment.

Pork consumption is deeply embedded in Sarawak’s cultural landscape. About three-quarters of the state’s population – including indigenous Iban and Bidayuh communities, and ethnic Chinese – consume pork. Muslims make up around 20% of the population. However, Muslims here are more open compared to fellow Muslims from Peninsular, whom mostly are more conservative and radical.



“We have adopted better technology after visits to Denmark, China and Japan to learn best practices, particularly in pig farming,” – said Dr Rundi. The state successfully contained an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in 2022 and has since eradicated foot-and-mouth disease, he added, bolstering confidence in its systems and processes.

Trade in live pigs between Malaysia and Singapore was halted in 1999. In 1998, the Nipah virus outbreak devastated pig farms in the peninsula, killing 105 people and forcing the culling of more than one million pigs. In March the following year, an outbreak that occurred among abattoir workers in Singapore who handled live pigs imported from Malaysia led to 11 reported cases of human transmission, and the death of an abattoir worker in the Republic.

Singapore resumed live pig imports only in November 2017 – and exclusively from Sarawak. Since then, the East Malaysian state has shipped more than 675,000 animals, valued at RM742.5 million in total, to the Republic. Meanwhile, the Singapore authorities are looking to resume live pig imports from Pulau Bulan, Indonesia, after these were paused in April 2023 following the detection of ASF in a consignment of pigs from the island.

Singapore imported 133,600 tonnes of pork products – live pigs, chilled and frozen meat – in 2024 alone. Its top three sources of chilled and frozen pork were Australia, Brazil and Germany. Viruses like Nipah and ASF remain the pig farming industry’s biggest threats. Though harmless to humans, ASF can wipe out entire herds and force farms to cull infected stock.


{ Raising A Stink }

Besides Sarawak, there are fewer than 300 pig farms operating in the states of Perak, Penang and Selangor. In Peninsular Malaysia, pig farming has been reshaped by land competition and disease outbreaks. Selangor – once one of the country’s major pork producers – recently saw relocation plans for pig farms stalled amid environmental concerns.

While Sarawak eyes expansion, local residents, civic and Muslim advocacy groups in West Malaysia continue to raise a stink over the persistent odour and hygiene issues of traditional, open-air pig farms. It didn’t help that pig farms are a contentious issue in the Muslim-majority peninsula. The animals are considered unclean, according to the tenets of Islam, and consumption of their meat is haram, or unlawful, for Muslims.

Moves to accelerate the closure of pig farms in Selangor have intensified in 2026, driven by a directive from the Selangor ruler to address environmental pollution, particularly in the Tanjung Sepat and Sepang areas. On Feb 10, Sultan Sharafuddin of Selangor stated that he would “not consent to pig-rearing activities in any Selangor district” due to pollution concerns and limited land resources, following an audience with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Two days later, the state government announced it would stop issuing pig-farming licences and aims to close all existing breeding farms in the state as soon as possible. No compensation will be given to the farmers, except in cases of ASF-related culling, Selangor agriculture executive council member Izham Hisham told the local media on Feb 14. He indicated that the shuttering process would take six months.

Elsewhere, there have been protests against pig farms in 2025 in Malay-majority areas in Penang and Perak, with residents and opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) citing odour and water pollution issues. Federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin noted that the growing opposition to pig farming in the state is partly due to competition for land use on the developed West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Some say Tanjung Sepat is better suited for tourism. How can that mix with pig farming? It’s a competition between industry and agriculture on limited land,” – he said. Tanjung Sepat is a coastal town in Selangor, a popular weekend getaway known for its fresh seafood and agricultural attractions, particularly dragon fruit farms and coffee.

To stabilise prices ahead of Chinese New Year, in anticipation of surging demand before the major festive season, the Malaysian government has given the go-ahead for chilled and frozen pork imports from 70 abattoirs in 10 countries. Discounts of up to 20% are available at 50 retail outlets across Malaysia as the government urges sellers to keep pork prices affordable.

Nationwide ASF outbreaks in the past few years have also driven pork imports higher. Malaysia imported 74,513 tonnes of pork in 2025, up fivefold from 2021. About one-third of the country’s pork supply is now imported.


{ Quarantine, Disinfection Measures }

Green Breeder, the anchor farm of Sarawak’s 804ha pig farming area, introduced strict biosecurity measures following an ASF outbreak in neighbouring Sabah in 2021. The farm is located 105km from state capital Kuching, and is a 1½-hour drive from there.


Visitors must undergo a 48-hour quarantine after arriving in Kuching and avoid other pig farms before entry. Vehicles pass through disinfectant pools and spray bays. Workers and guests shower and change into scrub suits before stepping into production areas that can house around 143,000 pigs at any one time.

Bars of soap and disinfectant footbaths for shoes are placed at the entrance and exit of each enclosure, requiring everyone to scrub in and out. “We have an exclusive wash centre just for our lorries. No other hog lorries are allowed (there) to prevent cross-contamination,” – said 62-year-old farm’s co-founder Veronica Chew.

Fruit trees are not allowed around the farm to prevent attracting bats, which can carry the Nipah virus, she added. The main surprise was the smell – or rather, the lack of it. Instead of the choking stench in a pig farm, here there was only a lingering muskiness in the air that brought to mind wet animal fur. Unlike traditional open-air farms that produce strong odours, Green Breeder uses modern farming methods to minimise unpleasant smells.

The closed-house system is equipped with water curtains and ventilation fans to maintain a temperature of 28 degree-C, which is comfortable for growing weaners (piglets that have been separated from their mothers and transitioned from milk to a solid diet, between four and eight weeks of age) and butcher hogs raised specifically for meat production and usually slaughtered between six months and one year old. The hogs’ manure is collected for biogas production.

{ Floating Pig Pen, Danish Piglets }

Green Breeder was founded in 1994 by Ms Chew and her late husband Gregory Ng. “He (Dr Ng) said chilled pork has a short shelf life of seven days. Transportation alone would take two days. Why not send live pigs instead?” – recalled Ms Chew. The couple purchased their first ship, Bintang Liberty 1, converting it into a temperature-controlled floating pig pen for the first shipment to Singapore in 2017.

To boost productivity, Green Breeder imported 759 breeder pigs from Denmark in 2023. Denmark remains free of ASF, supported by strict livestock transport controls and a 70km wild boar fence along its border with Germany – measures Sarawak officials say offer lessons in disease prevention.

“The Nordic breed has some of the best genetics available,” – said Dr Ng Yong Han, Ms Chew’s younger son, who is a veterinary doctor and director of the farm. Piglet production has already improved from 23 to 25 piglets per sow per year (PSY), and is expected to rise further over three generations.

Danish sows now average 35 piglets PSY, up from 24 in 2003, said Mr Jens Munk Ebbesen, director of food and veterinary issues at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council. He was visiting Kuala Lumpur in early February on a trade mission. “Top herds reach 40 to 42 PSY, but the national average is 35. This allows farmers to maintain production with fewer sows, reducing housing space and feed use,” – said Mr Ebbesen.

Denmark was the world’s sixth-largest pork exporter in 2024, with pork exports valued at US$2.73 billion. The country, with a population of around six million, is well known for having twice as many pigs as humans. While pig farming requires adherence to a strict biosecurity regime and hard work aplenty, Ms Chew does not regret leaving her civil engineering job in 1994 to rear swine.

She believes Sarawak’s future lies firmly in modern agriculture and farming methods – and in pigs raised to high, export-grade standards. “I don’t think it’s (a) dirty (business). In the early days, I even helped a sow give birth. Piglets are cute and never complain – unlike my stressful days in construction, stuck between clients and contractors,” she said with a laugh.

Happy Chinese New Year to all Malaysians

 

Wishing all my friends and visitors a blessed, happy, wealthy and safe Year of the Horse 💖💖💖👍👍👍😁

Are police still probing Pamela Ling's abduction, family lawyer asks

Are police still probing Pamela Ling's abduction, family lawyer asks

Hariz Mohd
Published: Feb 16, 2026 4:30 PM
Updated: 7:37 PM



The family of Pamela Ling wants to know if the police are still investigating her abduction on April 9 last year.

Their lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, said the last time the police gave an update on the case was in the middle of last year.

Calling it unfortunate, Sangeet wondered “if investigations were still ongoing as claimed in the past."

"I would like to know what has been investigated since the last public update," she told Malaysiakini.

Ling’s brother Simon said he also last heard about the status of the probe last year.

He added that police would only reach out to their lawyer to provide developments into the case if any.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus

When contacted, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said that the police investigation into the case has “never stopped", however, there has been no new development thus far.

Taken while en route to MACC

Ten months ago, Ling was on her way to meet MACC investigators when she was abducted before she could reach her destination.

Her Grab driver that day claimed that individuals wearing police uniforms stopped his vehicle, forced Ling to exit and allegedly forced him to mark the ride as "completed".

On May 8, 2025 then Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said investigators had obtained CCTV recordings from the scene, which showed at least eight individuals involved, including two wearing police vests.

He said the suspects were believed to be impersonating police officers. Investigators also produced a photofit of one suspect, but Rusdi admitted it was of poor quality.

Police arrested Ling’s husband several days later, on May 15, to assist in investigations. However, he was released the next day after police failed to secure a remand order.

In July, police said they were having difficulty identifying the suspects because the vehicle used to abduct Ling had a false plate and chassis number.

Bersatu collecting info on gathering attended by Hamzah, says Azmin

FMT:

Bersatu collecting info on gathering attended by Hamzah, says Azmin

3 hours ago
Elill Easwaran

Bersatu secretary-general previously warned that action could be taken against anyone who attended meetings organised by former members

Selangor PN chief Azmin Ali said he is grateful to serve in Selangor due to the strong ties between Bersatu and PAS in the state.

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali today said the party is compiling information on a gathering last Saturday featuring recently sacked deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

“The party is collecting facts and evidence of a programme held at the Persatuan Alumni Universiti Malaya Clubhouse, which was organised by certain parties to support an individual who has declared the president his number one enemy,” he said in a text message.

Azmin said the information would be submitted to the party’s political bureau for further action.



The text message in question is currently making the rounds on social media.

Hamzah launched a blistering attack on party president Muhyiddin Yassin on Saturday after being sacked by the disciplinary board.



He was reported as saying that he was once Muhyiddin’s number one supporter, but was now “his number one enemy”.

The former home minister was among 17 Bersatu leaders sacked from the party amid a leadership tussle between him and Muhyiddin.

Azmin had warned party members against participating in meetings organised by those who were expelled.

He said it was an offence to conspire with those acting against the party’s constitution, or to make “abusive remarks” that could tarnish Bersatu’s reputation.


“Any violation of these provisions may result in disciplinary action,” he was quoted as saying.

The same message in which Azmin spoke about collecting information also said that Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin had been removed from the party’s Supreme Council WhatsApp group.

Mas Ermieyati, the Wanita Bersatu chief, was present at Saturday’s gathering.

Bersatu associate wing chief Dr Chong Fat Full said he was informed that Mas Ermieyati had indeed been kicked out of the WhatsApp group.

“I was removed from the group earlier but I still have friends in the group,” he said when contacted.

FMT has reached out to Mas Ermieyati and Azmin for comment.

Defence Ministry in talks with Finance over frozen MAF funds, Khaled assures readiness intact

Defence Ministry in talks with Finance over frozen MAF funds, Khaled assures readiness intact



Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin speaks at a press conference after launching Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment, Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD) Territorial Army (AW) at Dewan Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Menara Prasarana, Petaling Jaya, February 16, 2026. — Bernama pic

Monday, 16 Feb 2026 1:08 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA, Feb 16 — The Defence Ministry is in discussions with the Finance Ministry (MoF) regarding the status of previously frozen procurement funds for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the discussions are aimed at ensuring that critical matters receive immediate attention so that MAF operations and readiness are not affected.

“So, we (Defence Ministry) are currently engaging with the Ministry of Finance on this issue.

“Nevertheless, I give my assurance that operations are running smoothly and effectively, and that the readiness of the MAF continues to be maintained,” he told reporters after the launch of the Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment, Royal Engineer Regiment of the Territorial Army at Menara Prasarana here today.


Also present were Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Air Force Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Lieutenant Colonel Amir Hamdan.

On January 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directed that all MAF and Royal Malaysia Police procurement decisions linked to corruption issues be temporarily frozen until procurement processes are fully complied with.

The freeze followed controversies involving the MAF related to corruption and abuse of power allegations implicating several former top military leaders.


In this regard, Mohamed Khaled said the ministry would also examine the details of the implementation in line with the prevailing governance framework, financial regulations and legal provisions. — Bernama

Fahmi: Rafizi ‘has the right’ to attend Azam Baki rally, police report no unrest

Fahmi: Rafizi ‘has the right’ to attend Azam Baki rally, police report no unrest



Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil delivers a speech at the launch of Jelajah Ramadan 2026 Edisi Ke-14 at Pasar Tani Kekal Datin Halimah, Larkin, Johor Bahru, February 16, 2026. — Bernama pic

Monday, 16 Feb 2026 1:36 PM MYT


JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 16 — The government has entrusted a special committee to investigate the issue of share ownership involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Madani Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had conveyed its response on the matter through the decision to establish the special committee.

“For us (the Cabinet), we are leaving it to the committee to carry out the investigation, to conduct a full investigation, and Tan Sri Azam himself has been very open in stating that he is prepared to be investigated,” he told reporters after launching the Ramadan Tour 2026, 14th Edition, here today.

Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.


Recently, the Government announced that Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has been appointed chairman of the Special Investigation Committee on the issue of share ownership involving Azam.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the committee would carry out a detailed investigation to ensure due justice for the individual under investigation.

Bloomberg had previously reported that Azam owned shares in a financial services company based on corporate filings.


However, Azam, at a recent press conference, stressed that his shareholding worth RM800,000 in a financial services company was conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures.

On a gathering related to the MACC Chief Commissioner issue attended by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Fahmi said the former PKR deputy president has the right to participate in the gathering.

“He (Rafizi) has the right to do what he feels he wants to do. Under the Constitution, Malaysians do have the right to assemble.

“Yesterday, we heard the Kuala Lumpur police chief say that around 150 to 200 people were present and that there were no incidents that caused alarm or disrupted security,” he said.

Asked whether Rafizi could face disciplinary action by the party, Fahmi said that, in general, there is no issue with assembling, but any decision would be left to the party should there be complaints against Rafizi.

“We leave it to the party if there are any complaints (against Rafizi). So far, the Secretary-General has not informed us of receiving any complaints.

“Those who gathered have a right to do so, and it does not pose any problem from a legal perspective,” he said.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said police would continue investigations into the gathering to ensure there were no elements touching on race, religion and royalty (3R).

He said the police would examine all aspects of the gathering and, if any elements involving 3R issues were found, an investigation paper would be opened for further action. — Bernama

Malaysian Bar sues to quash Terrirudin’s JAC appointment over seniority

Malaysian Bar sues to quash Terrirudin’s JAC appointment over seniority



Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh is pictured during the Opening of the Legal Year 2024 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya on January 15, 2024. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Monday, 16 Feb 2026 12:57 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — The Malaysian Bar has applied for judicial review, seeking to quash the appointment of Federal Court judge Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), arguing that it departs from established constitutional norms.

The statutory body, which represents about 24,000 lawyers in Peninsular Malaysia, contends that the appointment of Terrirudin, a former attorney-general who was only elevated to the Federal Court in November 2024, breaks the long-standing convention of assigning a senior apex court judge to the influential position.

In its application, the Bar is seeking a declaration that the prime minister's decision was unlawful, null, and void, and an order of certiorari to quash the appointment, Free Malaysia Today reported.

It is also requesting a stay on the appointment pending the outcome of the legal challenge and an order of prohibition to restrain Terrirudin from being appointed to any other judicial office-bearer position.


The Bar has named Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Terrirudin himself, the JAC, and the government as respondents in the suit.

The application additionally seeks a mandamus order to compel the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate unspecified allegations against Terrirudin and to make the findings public.

The JAC, established in 2009, plays a crucial role in the judiciary by recommending suitable candidates for appointment as judges to the prime minister.


The legal challenge comes amid broader concerns about the judiciary.

Two months ago, it was reported that a police probe into allegations of judicial interference by an unnamed Federal Court judge had been closed due to insufficient evidence.

The High Court has fixed March 16 to hear the Bar's application for leave to commence the judicial review.

Hamzah weighing Umno return after Bersatu sacking?

Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is believed to be considering a return to Umno following his recent expulsion from Bersatu. – Scoop file pic, February 16, 2026


Hamzah weighing Umno return after Bersatu sacking?


Former home minister’s next move could come amid Umno’s push to widen Malay support


Scoop Reporters
Updated 7 seconds ago
16 February, 2026
8:30 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is believed to be considering a return to Umno following his recent expulsion from Bersatu.

Reports have indicated that informal discussions have taken place between Hamzah and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, including a meeting overseas last year.

Malaysia’s anti-hopping law prevents MPs from switching parties without vacating their seats, but political observers say some form of cooperation or realignment ahead of the next general election remains possible.

Any move is seen in the context of Zahid’s “Rumah Bangsa” proposal, which aims to bring former Umno members and other Malay leaders back into the party’s fold. The idea was highlighted at the recent Umno general assembly as part of efforts to rebuild and widen Malay support.

Hamzah left Umno after Barisan Nasional’s defeat in 2018, joined Bersatu under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and later aligned with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the Sheraton Move that led to a change in the federal government.

His standing within Bersatu had, however, appeared uncertain in recent months. Once among its senior leaders, he served as home minister and later as deputy president under Muhyiddin. His sacking followed claims of internal manoeuvring within the party.

Speculation has grown that other Bersatu leaders could also review their positions depending on Hamzah’s next step. Within Umno, however, views are mixed. Some leaders see experience and added strength, while others remain cautious about readmitting former defectors.

No formal application has been announced and neither party has confirmed any arrangement. Even so, the episode highlights continued shifts within Malay politics as parties position themselves ahead of the next polls. – February 16, 2026

Nurul Izzah, Saifuddin urged to remind Anwar of 'Kita Lawan' momentum

Nurul Izzah, Saifuddin urged to remind Anwar of 'Kita Lawan' momentum

Published: Feb 16, 2026 9:20 AM
Updated: 12:20 PM



Rafizi Ramli has cautioned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani administration against underestimating public sentiment, drawing parallels with the “Kita Lawan” protests in 2015.

The Pandan MP made the remark after attending the “Tangkap Azam Baki 2.0” rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which saw several hundred people take to the streets over the latest shareholding allegations against MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and to demand an independent investigation.

Describing the turnout as encouraging despite the short notice, Rafizi said it reminded him of the “Kita Lawan” series of demonstrations that began in February 2015 in response to the 1MDB scandal.

“If I were (PKR deputy president) Nurul Izzah (Anwar) or (Home Minister) Saifuddin Nasution (Ismail) - those who can whisper directly to Anwar - I would share the story of the Kita Lawan series with him.

“He was in prison at the time, so perhaps he doesn’t know,” he added in a Facebook post.

According to Rafizi, the lesson from “Kita Lawan” is to never underestimate the resolve of a small group of citizens, especially young people, when they believe their cause is just and free of personal interest.

“Eventually, their voices will be echoed by the wider public,” he added.

Ex-minister Rafizi Ramli at the protest against MACC chief Azam Baki yesterday

Recalling events in 2015, Rafizi noted that PAS had distanced itself from the opposition coalition at the time, and Pakatan Rakyat, the predecessor to Pakatan Harapan, was fracturing.

Without PAS, he said, even the leadership of Bersih 2.0 doubted that any demonstration would draw a sizeable crowd.

“Within PKR, the leadership had come under the control of the group aligned with (former deputy president) Azmin Ali, who had little interest in organising demonstrations or raising issues such as 1MDB and government corruption,” he added.


Starting small

Rafizi, who was PKR vice-president and secretary-general at the time, said that together with then PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, they resolved that even if only 10 people turned up, a series of demonstrations had to be organised to keep the spotlight on the 1MDB scandal.

Kita Lawan rally circa March 2015


“It’s true. The first Kita Lawan demonstration had fewer than 50 people. I couldn’t attend because I had been arrested two days before the protest.

“After that, Nik Nazmi, Chan Lih Kang (now a minister), (Tan) Kar Hing (Gopeng MP), (Lee) Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya MP), (Chua) Wei Kiat (Rawang assemblyperson), Akmal Nasir (now a minister), and the younger activists carried on organising the subsequent rallies.

“Nik, Chan and Tan even got a taste of wearing lock-up attire as protest organisers.

“After several rounds, by March 2015, the #KitaLawan demonstrations saw good turnout and strengthened our confidence that the people would continue to support a cause if the issue truly resonated with their hearts,” he added.

Rafizi cautioned that the integrity issue involving Azam fits all those characteristics.

Lessons from Thailand's election

Lessons from Thailand's election

Bridget Welsh
Published: Feb 15, 2026 2:07 PM
Updated: 5:12 PM



COMMENT | Last Sunday, 53 million Thais had the opportunity to vote, with 65 percent doing so. The results have been characterised as a “surprise” victory for the conservative Bhumjaithai party led by incumbent prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The progressive party People’s Party (renamed from Move Forward and Future Forward) and the battered Pheu Thai, controlled by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, lost significant electoral ground.

Bhumjaithai’s victory showcases a decisive conservative electoral victory in terms of seat share, the first of its kind in this century for Thailand.

Lacking an outright majority, Anutin will still need to form a coalition government and is expected to do so by April. He has already announced that he will form a coalition with Pheu Thai.

Bhumjaithai’s electoral gains echo a parallel win by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party in Japan led by PM Sanae Takaichi on polls held the same day – raising the spectre of growing electoral power of the right after conservative winners in Singapore last year, Indonesia in 2024 and in terms of the most electoral gains by PAS-Perikatan Nasional in Malaysia in 2023 and 2022.

Incumbent Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul


While Thailand has its unique political conditions, there are lessons that this election offers for Malaysia. Similar conditions of entrenched political polarisation and expedient elite political coalitions bringing together former political opponents have evolved into the emergence of new political configurations.

It is useful to look closely at relevant factors shaping the outcome. Here are four:


Primacy of the local/candidate

Political scientist and US speaker of the House Tip O'Neill famously said, “all politics is local” – an axiom that was true in the Thai polls.

Of the 500 seats up for grabs in Thailand’s election, 400 of these were constituency races. It is also where Bhumjaithai placed its efforts, building a base from the local government election in February 2025, when it won leadership in 14 provinces.

This year, it secured 174 of its 193 seats from local candidates in constituency contests. The systematic focus on building party machinery, allying with local “big houses or Baan Yai networks” (locally prominent families or dynasties) and relying on patronage and heavy spending had an impact; to become a national powerhouse, the strategy was local.

A key feature was the defection of Baan Yai candidates to Bhumjaithai, primarily from the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, giving Anutin a significant boost in constituency seats.

Malaysian political parties are less locally grounded than in the past as grassroots ties have weakened, with perhaps PAS as the exception in its core states.

Yet ties to local communities matter more than ever, as this was the advantage that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah had in Sabah in securing the most seats in state polls last November.


Walk the talk/deliverables

In Thailand, Anutin centred his campaign around deliverables. He brought in high-profile technocrats to improve policy delivery, especially on the economy – and he allowed them, the team, to have prominence in doing their jobs.

He campaigned on subsidies, low-interest loans, and cash handouts, aiming to reduce household debt.

While Thailand’s economy remains among the region’s poorest performers, the effect of Anutin’s leadership was to turn around perceptions as he advocated for a pro-business, stable, and fiscally reserved economy while simultaneously recognising the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

Ordinary Thais are hurting economically, as in Malaysia.

This worked – in part due to the fact that he had only a short tenure, calling for an election less than 100 days in office – a pattern that Takaichi also did to secure her stronger mandate.

Anwar Ibrahim’s governance echoes many of the same features of Anutin, the mix of pro-business, stability and populist measures, yet he has a longer tenure that will be judged and, unlike Anutin, came to power promising political reforms, which remain outstanding.

Anwar Ibrahim


Nevertheless, the need to deliver – performance legitimacy – is critical and to be able to showcase this meaningfully in everyday lives in an era where affordability and household debt are serious challenges.

A key obstacle for the Madani government remains effective political communication, which Anutin and Takaichi mastered – at least for the recent elections. Critical will be perceptions of ordinary citizens that their future shows promise.


Unifying identity politics

Much of the attention of analysts has focused on Anutin’s use of Thai nationalism in its conflict with Cambodia. No question, the role that nationalism played impacted the outcome, as the positive results for his party from outside of Bangkok clearly show, including along the border areas.

Yet, what is not fully appreciated is the ability of Anutin to connect the conflict with the everyday lives of Thais, especially the negative impact of scams on ordinary Thais and the economy as a whole, notably on tourism.

With almost everyone knowing a victim of scams, the threat was personal, and he promised to address it. At the same time, Anutin forged a broader unifying “Thai” identity, one that worked to his favour electorally as he was able to tap into emotions of aspiration and bring groups together.

Perhaps where Malaysia most differs from Thailand is how identity politics are configured. While Thailand’s political polarisation has been ideological, with some overtones of regional identity, in Malaysia, political polarisation has been closely tied to ethnic voting along racial or religious lines, with ideology secondary.

The nationalism that has gained traction in Malaysia has been an ultra-Malay nationalism, exclusively forging ethnic nationalism and Islamism, in a pattern that divides rather than unifies Malaysians.

The “enemy” is inside rather than outside. Increasingly, parties are pandering to this divisive discourse as a means to gain electorally, with little appreciation of the impact on the nation’s social fabric and negative electoral consequences in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic, regionally diverse society.

For Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition, which has relied on non-Malay support, an electoral erosion has been evident and increasing. In contrast, Anutin created a new inclusive identity politics narrative, winning because of it.


Reformers go soft

If there was also another new identity, it was that of Thailand’s progressives, the People’s Party. Making a Faustian agreement or a convenient political deal with Anutin to call for an early election and push for constitutional reform last backfired on the party, especially among its core ideological base.

Limits on discussions of lèse-majesté laws and the role of the military also undercut the People’s Party’s reform narrative.

The effect is that the People’s Party lost some of its reform momentum. That the party leadership has had to face repeated charges, disqualifications and restrictions as part of what is known as “lawfare” did not help.

Voters recognised that the system “fix” was unlikely to allow them to govern. They lost significant ground in the popular party list vote, down almost a third to 10 million votes from 14.4 million in 2023.

Yet, importantly, those who voted for them did so despite knowing they would likely not be able to govern, a testimony to the strength of the reform call.

The other “opposition” party Pheu Thai faced even more serious erosion of support, perceived as ineffective in its management of the economy while in office after 2023, compromised in politically deal-making and on the receiving end of “lawfare” decisions resulting in leaders imprisoned and removed.

The most “popular” party for nearly two decades, Pheu Thai won only 74 seats, down almost by half from the 141 in the 2023 polls.

Malaysian parties touting reform may face similar potential consequences for failing to deliver meaningfully on reform. A two-term PM or a “task force” on entrenched mafia-like corruption is not going to cut it after decades of promising “change”.

Unlike in Thailand, there are arguably fewer structural constraints on implementing reforms, with a strong majority in parliament to pass legislation. The main obstacle is political will, raising questions about whether calls for reform were a means to power rather than a goal.


Power of change

In both Thailand's and Japan’s recent polls, the victors promised change and used a combination of campaign strategies to win significant victories.

Demands for change have been a main electoral force in the region for some time.

Yet, the electoral tide is turning toward more conservative parties, who are taking advantage of dissatisfaction and preparing for polls by building local support and calibrating unifying nationalist narratives.

While at first glance, Anutin’s victory as an incumbent may have offered some optimism to those in power in Malaysia who remain confident of securing a second term for the prime minister, a closer look at the drivers of the outcome suggests they should look again, and, importantly, recognise that with more informed and demanding electorates a “surprise” cannot be ruled out.



BRIDGET WELSH is an honorary research associate of the University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute, a senior research associate at Hu Fu Centre for East Asia Democratic Studies, and a senior associate fellow at The Habibie Centre. Her writings can be found at bridgetwelsh.com