TET OFFENSIVE IN BALOCHISTAN - BLA STRIKES ACROSS ENTIRE TERRITORY

 

OutSyed The Box

Monday, February 2, 2026

TET OFFENSIVE IN BALOCHISTAN - BLA STRIKES ACROSS ENTIRE TERRITORY

There is a video below - an Indian news report which is full of facts and figures. They also show maps of Balochistan. 

Well Balochistan occupies 44% of Pakistan so that is a huge territory.  BLA refers to Balochistan Liberation Army.

Before I go any further there is going to be an election in Bangladesh this month February 2026. Bangladesh will burn down to the ground.

Back to Balochistan. They say the Baloch make up about 7% of the 240 million Pakistani population. No one knows the real numbers of the total Pakistani population. Some people say it is closer to 275 million people or even more. There are easily about 16 - 17 million Baloch inside Pakistan. There are another two million Baloch across the border in Iran and another million or two across the other border with Afghanistan. That is a lot of Baloch people. And they own 44% of Pakistan - which is a lot of territory. 

The Baloch have been fighting for an independent Balochistan maybe for over 90 years now. Then after the Second World War they never agreed to become part of Pakistan in 1947. 

On March 11th 2025 (11 months ago)  the Baloch Liberation Army carried out a major attack against the Jaafar Express train and killed over 25 Pakistani military personnel which terribly embarrassed the Pakistani military.  Then they went quiet - until yesterday Feb 1st 2026. 

In the early hours of yesterday the Baloch Liberation Army launched coordinated attacks all across Balochistan. They hit more than 16 cities and towns - meaning the entire Balochistan.

It was like the famous Tet Offensive which the Vietcong launched against the Americans in Vietnam over Chinese New Year in 1968. It was a military offensive across a very broad front. The Baloch say they have killed 84 Pakistani military personnel.

Assuming that the Baloch Liberation Army deployed at least 100 active fighters in each of these locations they must have a trained fighting force in excess of 1,600 people. Reports say women fighters were also involved.  For each active fighter there must be many times more people involved in support and logistics, medical treatment and clandestine work. They have a full fledged resistance force operating inside Balochistan.

Considering that the Baloch were able to launch their attacks simulatneously and across such a huge area of territory, it means they have secure Command, Control and Coordination. In brief the Pakistani Army is screwed.

Like the rest of Pakistan the Pakistani Army has no money. They are broke. They cannot withstand such large scale insurrection because they cannot sustain prolonged military operations. They dont have money. The Baloch attacked, bombed and burned hundreds of government buildings (police stations, banks, prisons, government offices, military camps and installations) and they destroyed hundreds of vehicles belonging to the Pakistani Army and government. They also mined and blew up roads and bridges to stall the movements of the Pak Army. All that destruction will cost millions of US Dollars to repair and replace. The Pakistanis just do not have money.

The bigger problem is race. The Pakistani Army is predominantly Punjabi. The Baloch call them Panjaabi. The Punjabis dislike the Baloch (and the Pushtuns). The Baloch of course never wanted to be part of Pakistan. Punjabis (soldiers, government workers, traders, shopkeepers) are like fish out of the water in Balochistan. They cannot speak the Baloch language and the Baloch population hate their presence. 

Since these are all tribal and clan based societies the Punjabi soldiers will become increasingly reluctant to fight and die in a territory where clearly they are the strangers.  The Pak Army will have serious morale issues. 

Plus the territory is huge. The Pakistani Army is stretched really thin across Balochistan. Meaning they are going to increasingly become sitting ducks for the Baloch Liberation Army.

Here is that Indian news report. It certainly has an Indian bias but I like the speed at which they talk. Plus these are well known commentators - they use a lot of facts and figures. 

“Kuil haram” advocate Zamri Vinoth incites Muslim-Hindu tension without grasping issue’s root causes

“Kuil haram” advocate Zamri Vinoth incites Muslim-Hindu tension without grasping issue’s root causes






FREEDOM of speech and religious preaching must never be used as a licence to promote intolerance or undermine harmony in a multi-religious society like Malaysia.


Therefore, the claim by Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth that Malaysia has many “illegal temples” is misleading, racially charged and risk creating tension in a country with diverse ethnic groups and faiths.

The government must take firm and consistent action against preachers or individuals who condemn, insult, or incite hatred against other religions. Freedom of speech and religious preaching must never be used as a licence to promote intolerance or undermine harmony in a multi-religious society like Malaysia.

The statement by preacher Zambri Vinod, claiming that Malaysia has many “illegal temples,” should be viewed seriously. Such remarks are misleading, racially charged, and ...

See more

445

373

34

Urging the government to take firm and consistent action against preachers or individuals who condemn, insult or incite hatred against other religions, MIC vice-president Datuk A. Kohilan Pillay insisted that issues surrounding places of worship should not be viewed narrowly or blamed on any religious community.

After all, the reality is such that part of the problem lies in weaknesses in planning policies and failures by local authorities.


“Under existing guidelines, a residential area with a population of 5,000 is required to allocate at least 0.5 acres of land for non-Muslim places of worship,” revealed the former teacher who was a key member of Gerakan for 16 years prior to joining MIC in 2019, citing the former had lost its vision.

“The key question is whether this guideline is being implemented consistently nationwide. If these planning requirements aren’t properly enforced, the resulting shortcomings should not be blamed on any religious community. This reflects weaknesses in governance rather than a failure of interfaith harmony.”

Distorting truth

As it is, many residential developments were approved without adequate land for non-Muslim places of worship while temples and other houses of worship on plantation land were affected when such land was re-developed without proper consideration for their continuity, according to the former plantation industries and commodities deputy minister.

“Therefore, labelling places of worship as ‘illegal’ without understanding historical, social and policy contexts is irresponsible and doesn’t contribute to meaningful solutions,” contended the two-term senator (2008–2014).

“As a plural society, harmony among all races and religions is fundamental to Malaysia’s stability and progress.”

Currently, Zamri Vinoth ‘has positioned’ himself as a spokesperson/advocate for the recently established Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (Anti-Illegal House of Worship Movement) which is slated to stage a gathering in the vicinity of SOGO Kuala Lumpur this Saturday (Feb 7) at 8pm.

Sabtu ini‼️

6.8K

471

404

Framing the issue of “illegal houses of worship” as one with legal or crime nature, the known to be a staunch follower of controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik has been utilising his social media platforms to champion the cause by rallying his fanbase to report illegal worship structures across Malaysia.

In essence, the Angkatan Skuad Mubaligh Malaysia president has in recent times proactively lobbying for the demolition of temples built on illegally occupied land.

Usah lindungi penjenayah yang telah menceroboh tanah.... Mereka Wajib didakwa bukan dilindungi dengan alasan keharmonian oleh keldai Politik....

Membina Kuil Haram adalah Jenayah!

2.1K

156

168

What is obvious is that the ‘delinquency’ level among rightist individuals who are heavily influenced by the Zamri Vinoth/Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram narratives has grown by the days.

Imagine, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) getting a warning “don’t wait until the rakyat take action their own” when he stated that the police would study racist and seditious remarks made on social media with action to be gradually taken.

“Don’t ever forget the Kampung Medan Petaling Jaya Village and Taman Juta Klang incidents,” penned one rightist netizen to a FB post by current affairs new site The Berita,

Ketua Polis Negara, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail berkata, isu berkenaan bersifat berterusan dan memerlukan pemantauan rapi, memandangkan keterbukaan platform media sosial mendorong orang ramai untuk membuat pelbagai komen.

“Isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan perkauman, agama, hasutan dan sebagainya memang berlarutan dan berterusan.

3.3K

3K

329

“We don’t trouble others and we don’t even want to find a fight but defending one’s property is a must for Muslims.

“It’s the ministers who shouldn’t be heating up the issues. We Malays will eventually lose patience. It’s better for us to sit down together, find food together, school together and work together. So don’t ever make the situation worse.”



Likewise, the rightist groups are even claiming double standards that favour “the guilty quarters” in that “those who file land encroachment complaints get arrested instead”. “Hindu activist Arun Dorasamy who has been frequently issuing racist statements has never been arrested,” claimed another commenter.

This led to reactions that “the cops have no b*lls for they’re only stern with the Malays” or “where is racism when Cikgu Chandra (pro-rightist social media influencer) isn’t a Muslim while Zamri is an Indian himself”. – Feb 3, 2026




Main image credit: Wiring short circuit/Facebook

“Eat Pork? Just Wait till Heaven Says Yes,” Says MP Hulu Langat.

“Eat Pork? Just Wait till Heaven Says Yes,” Says MP Hulu Langat.


3 Feb 2026 • 12:00 PM MYT


AM World
A writer capturing headlines & hidden places, turning moments into words

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash


KUALA LUMPUR A short video clip of a Malaysian Member of Parliament casually quipping “kalau nak makan babi tunggu masuk syurga” (if you want to eat pork wait until you enter heaven) blew up online within hours of being posted, igniting a firestorm of commentary, anger, humour, and debate on national identity, religious beliefs, and political responsibility. (MalaysiaGazette)


The words from Mohd Sany Hamzan, the Member of Parliament for Hulu Langat, were captured during a parliamentary session about pig farming policy, but social media users zeroed in on the one phrase and turned it into a meme, a slogan, a provocation and a cultural flashpoint. (MalaysiaGazette)


The video clip hit millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube and Citizen journalism outlets within a few hours, making it among the most talked-about Malaysian political moments on social media today. (YouTube)


This is not just another parliamentary gaffe. It lays bare tensions over diet, culture, religion, governance, and how Malaysian politicos speak in public.


A Curious Soundbite in a Complex Debate


What the MP was actually debating was pig farming regulation in Selangor, not whether people can or cannot eat pork at will. In the Dewan Rakyat he discussed environmental complaints related to pig farms and relocation of these farms away from population centers. (Dailymotion)


His comments came in the context of critics calling some politicians hypocritical for only visiting pig farms during election season or when issues heat up. (Utusan Malaysia)



But internet users and political opponents fixated on his one line about pork consumption and heaven. The clip was posted by media outlets and reposted by everyday users with captions that mocked, criticised, or celebrated the MP, depending on the agenda. (YouTube)


One Instagram repost even adds commentary suggesting the MP misunderstood religious concepts of heaven and purity. (Facebook)


Why This Hit a Nerve


Malaysia is deeply diverse. Around 60% of the population is Muslim, and adherence to halal dietary law is a serious matter for many communities. At the same time, Chinese, Christian, indigenous and non-Muslim Malay communities eat pork as a staple, and have long insisted that dietary choice should not be weaponised politically. According to experts and commentators this moment touches on multiple sensitivities:


• Religion and identity: Pork is forbidden in Islam and symbolic of halal practice. (AFP Fact Check)


• Environmental concerns: Pig farms have been criticised for local pollution in areas like Tanjung Sepat and other parts of Selangor, prompting debate about relocation and regulation. (Malaysiakini)


• Cultural respect: Some politicians in Malaysia, like MP Willie Mongin from Sarawak, have publicly said that food choices should not be linked to morality or presented in derogatory terms. (TRP)


In remarks at another parliamentary session, Willie Mongin urged Malaysians to respect different food cultures and avoid insulting entire communities based on dietary preferences. (TRP)


Someone else might see our recent viral clip as a joke. But it taps into deeply held views about religion, belonging, and how leaders address complex cultural terrain.


Voices from Multiple Angles


Critics of the MP’s remark argue it trivialises serious issues and shows poor judgement. Some commentators have pointed out that equating dietary practice with eschatological rewards (i.e., heaven) is widely misunderstood on both theological and cultural grounds.



Local political observers told media that such remarks distract from the heart of the policy debates, which concern zoning, environmental impact, and community relations around pig farms. (DayakDaily)


Environmental activists in Selangor have previously pointed out that improper pig farm siting has led to pollution and public grievances. (Malaysiakini)


Some Muslim leaders also argue that discourse about pork must be respectful and not framed as a moral insult to those who do eat it, underlining the need for careful language in public office. (DayakDaily)


On the other hand, voices online have taken the clip and turned it into humorous meme culture, mocking not only the MP but broader political communication styles in Malaysia. Responses range from satire to serious critique, often with little nuance. (Facebook)


What This Says About Political Communication


This episode shows how a single sentence in parliament can go viral far beyond its context. Digital communication has shortened attention spans and amplified reactions. A slip of language or an off-hand phrase can dominate headlines faster than any policy position.


Political communication specialists say that in a multicultural nation like Malaysia, political leaders must choose their words carefully, especially when addressing subjects tied to religion or cultural norms. Commentary on social media reveals that many Malaysians feel the threshold for miscommunication is very low, and the consequences can be swift.


At the same time, this event illustrates how social platforms now act as real-time public sentiment gauges, where narratives are shaped as much by sharing, memes, clips and reposts as by official statements.


The Policy Behind the Punchline


Behind this viral line lies policy contention about pig farming in Selangor. Local debates have spiked over suggested relocation of farms, environmental impact, and how to balance agricultural economic activities with public health and local amenity concerns. (Malaysiakini)


There are over 100 pig farms in areas like Tanjung Sepat and Kuala Langat that have been part of local economies for decades and have faced regulatory pressure after disease outbreaks such as African Swine Fever. (Malaysiakini)


State leaders and activists have fought over how to manage these farms fairly without upsetting long-standing livelihoods or religious sensibilities. (Malaysiakini)


Underlying that are broader questions about how a secular policy debate intersects with cultural norms in a multi-ethnic society.


What Comes Next


The viral comment has forced many political leaders to clarify their positions. Some have called for calm and reminded the public that nuanced policy cannot be reduced to viral catchphrases. Others have urged greater cultural sensitivity in political speech.


Observers say political office holders must now work harder to communicate policy in ways that inform rather than inflame, and that misunderstandings must be addressed quickly with context, not slogans.


What do you think? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments section.


The “wait till heaven” clip will likely be remembered not for its original context, but for how it exposed fault lines in the way Malaysians talk about food, religion, heritage and governance. It is a modern example of how politics, culture and social media collide in ways that are unpredictable and often revealing.

Builder-turned-blogger Koon Yew Yin passes away

Builder-turned-blogger Koon Yew Yin passes away

By John Lai / theedgemalaysia.com
03 Feb 2026, 04:16 pm





KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 3): Koon Yew Yin, who co-founded Malaysia’s largest construction firms including Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA), passed away on Monday at the age of 93.


Born in 1933, Koon is one of the 12 children of a coffin shop owner. He studied at St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur and graduated with a diploma in civil engineering from the Technical College that is now known as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.


He started his career as an engineer with the Public Works Department in the newly independent Malaya. In 1967, he established Mudajaya Construction Sdn Bhd and Gamuda Sdn Bhd together with three partners.


IGB Construction Sdn Bhd, Jurutama Construction Sdn Bhd and Mudajaya Construction Sdn Bhd merged in 1983 to become IJM Corporation Bhd (KL:IJM), which was listed five years later with a market capitalisation of RM66 million. Today, IJM is worth nearly RM10 billion.


Gamuda, meanwhile, is Malaysia’s biggest construction firm by revenue with a market value of some RM25 billion.

Investing and blogging

Koon retired from corporate life in 1983 after suffering serious heart angina and turned his attention to investing.


He often recalled the 1983-84 Hong Kong stock market crash, triggered by fears of China reclaiming the territory. While many investors fled, Koon embraced contrarian investing — buying when others were fearful and selling when others rushed in.


Starting with RM200,000 in cash, he bought undervalued stocks such as Hong Kong Realty and Trust Ltd, which rebounded dramatically. He indicated making more than 200% profit on his initial shares before reinvesting the proceeds into higher-value counters like HSBC.


His capital eventually grew large enough to acquire a 46% stake in Kaiser Stock and Shares Ltd, a Hong Kong stockbroking company.


Koon has also written regularly about stock investments, market trends, and corporate governance on his personal website as well as on investment portal i3.


Known by his initials “KYY” among fans and detractors, Koon became a prolific blogger on i3 investment portal, posting views on stock investments, market trends, and corporate governance. His candid insights made him a familiar and sometimes controversial voice in Malaysia’s investment community.


He began blogging as early as February 2016, with posts ranging from personal reflections such as What makes me happy to detailed investment commentaries. His entries continued through late 2025 and early 2026.


He has admitted to losing considerable sums after using margin finance to buy shares in KSL Holdings Bhd (KL:KSL), a property developer he considered undervalued, and how he was forced to sell his shares in JAKS Resources Bhd (KL:JAKS) to meet margin calls.

Rare earth venture


Koon’s career was not without controversy.


He was one of the founders of Beh Minerals Sdn Bhd, which held a 35% stake in Asian Rare Earth Sdn Bhd, a joint venture with a Japanese company to extract rare earth yttrium in Bukit Merah, Perak.


However, the factory generated serious radioactive health damage and environmental pollution, sparking massive public protests that prompted the government to step in and halt its operations. There were seven deaths as a result of the pollution as well as birth defects and leukaemia cases reported within five years in a community of 11,000 people.


After a protracted legal battle, the Japanese partner agreed to settle for RM10 million on the condition that the compensation was only to be used for charity, resulting in the creation of Yayasan Teratai in Ipoh, Perak.


Koon has also established scholarships and contributed generously to universities, including RM1 million annual student grant to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, driven by his belief that education was the key to uplifting society.


His philanthropy extended beyond financial support. Koon often spoke about the transformative power of education, urging young Malaysians to pursue knowledge as a means of empowerment. His commitment to education reflected his broader philosophy of social responsibility and fairness.

***

Rest in peace KYY 💓💓💓

Hamzah should resign, not Muhyiddin, says Bersatu info chief

FMT:

Hamzah should resign, not Muhyiddin, says Bersatu info chief

Bersatu leadership feud deepens with Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz calling for a Supreme Council member to step down as Sabah Bersatu secretary

Bersatu has been gripped by prolonged infighting linked to an apparent leadership feud between party president Muhyiddin Yassin and his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has rebuffed calls for Muhyiddin Yassin to step down as party president, saying his deputy Hamzah Zainudin should resign instead.

Responding to Bersatu Supreme Council member Yunus Nurdin, Tun Faisal said Hamzah had failed to perform as the party’s Sabah election director, pointing to its failure to win a single seat in the Nov 29 state polls.

He also accused Hamzah, the opposition leader, of failing to rein in his supporters in the party, leading to their repeated breach of party discipline and the Bersatu constitution.

Tun Faisal did not name anyone but was believed to be referring to the disciplinary action against several leaders who were sacked or suspended, including MPs Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Saifuddin Abdullah and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

“Instead of asking Muhyiddin to step down, Yunus is better off asking the deputy president to step down for his failure to execute his duties and roles.

“Yunus himself should step down as Sabah Bersatu secretary since he was part of the reason for our failure in the Sabah state election in November,” he said in a statement.

Yunus is among the more senior Bersatu leaders calling for Muhyiddin to resign as party president to make way for Hamzah, over the dispute with PAS concerning a supposed agreement to abolish the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmanship.

Muhyiddin claimed that PAS and Bersatu had agreed to abolish the PN chairman’s post as part of the coalition’s restructuring, but PAS has denied even discussing the matter.

Yunus also accused Muhyiddin of making unilateral decisions for Bersatu, thereby causing rifts with PAS, its key ally in the opposition coalition.

However, Tun Faisal insisted that Muhyiddin had done no wrong and that Yunus, as a Bersatu leader, should understand the party president’s executive power to hold negotiations with his PAS counterpart, Abdul Hadi Awang.

He also said that talks between Muhyiddin and Hadi on PN’s restructuring were still at the proposal stage and had yet to be finalised.

Change federal law to revive local polls, says Chow

FMT:

Change federal law to revive local polls, says Chow

8 hours ago
Predeep Nambiar

Penang CM says the state government has pushed as far as it can, and that Parliament must amend the Local Government Act

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the last barrier to reviving local elections must be overcome at the federal level.

GEORGE TOWN: Local council elections can only return if Parliament amends the Local Government Act, says Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said the Penang government had already tried to overcome the obstacles involved in reviving local council polls, including pushing through a state enactment and taking the matter to court.

However, he said the last barrier must be overcome at the federal level.


“No other state can say that they have tried their best, but Penang can say we have. The final obstacle is amending the Local Government Act,” he told a press conference at Komtar here.

The Penang government’s push for local polls began in 2012, when the legislative assembly passed the Local Government Elections Enactment to pave the way for council polls.


However, Putrajaya said it was not valid as long as Section 15 of the Local Government Act, which nullifies all past provisions related to local government elections, remained in force.

The state government then took the matter to court, but the Federal Court ruled in August 2014 that the state government had no power to hold local government elections on its own.

Under the Act, a local council consists of a mayor or a president, and between eight and 25 councillors, appointed by the state government.

Federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh recently ordered a feasibility study on holding mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur, which was met with opposition from Umno and PAS leaders.


DAP has long pushed for the revival of local council elections, which has deep roots in Penang.

In 1951, George Town held one of Malaya’s earliest municipal elections, with 14,514 registered voters and a 72.1% turnout. Voters chose councillors by ward, in Jelutong, Kelawei and Tanjong, with the Radical Party taking six seats while Umno, the Labour Party of Malaya and an independent won one each.

The mayor was not elected by the public, however, as councillors voted among themselves.

After George Town gained city status on Jan 1, 1957, the council held its first mayoral vote among councillors on Jan 2, with Goh Guan Hoe beating DS Ramanathan by six to five votes.

Viral video triggers N. Sembilan Health Dept probe after Seremban eatery accused of recycling tofu, chicken and lamb

Viral video triggers N. Sembilan Health Dept probe after Seremban eatery accused of recycling tofu, chicken and lamb



The allegations surfaced today through a Facebook video in which the user claimed a restaurant worker near a shopping mall was washing leftover dishes such as chicken, meat, and tofu, before separating them into trays for reuse the following day. — Screengrab from social media

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 4:46 PM MYT


SEREMBAN, Feb 3 — The Negeri Sembilan State Health Department (JKNNS) is investigating claims circulating on social media that a local restaurant in Seremban was washing leftover food, including tofu, chicken, and lamb, to resell to customers.

JKNNS director Dr Zuraida Mohamed said the department had only just received information on the allegation and had instructed relevant officers to investigate, Utusan Malaysia reported today.

“A report was brought to my attention, and I have asked the officers concerned to look into the matter,” she said.

The allegations surfaced today through a Facebook video in which the user claimed a restaurant worker near a shopping mall was washing leftover dishes such as chicken, meat, and tofu, before separating them into trays for reuse the following day.


The post stated that the incident occurred around 12.18am at the back of the premises.

The user described the act as unethical and potentially hazardous to public health and urged authorities to take strict action.

‘They won’t let us govern’: Winning not enough as Thailand’s most popular party

‘They won’t let us govern’: Winning not enough as Thailand’s most popular party



A People's Party supporter holds signs with party leader and prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (right) and former Thai prime ministerial candidate and ex Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (left) at a People's Party rally ahead of the general election in Bangkok on January 25, 2026. Thousands of young orange-clad supporters cheered the rallies of Thailand's most popular political party ahead of elections on February 8, but few expect it to take power. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 7:00 PM MYT


BANGKOK, Feb 3 — Thousands of young orange-clad supporters cheered the rallies of Thailand’s most popular political party ahead of elections this weekend, but few expect it to take power.

While the People’s Party is far ahead in the polls, promising to tackle corruption and reform Thailand’s strict royal insult laws, even some of the party’s lawmakers have their doubts.

“They will not let us become the government or come into power easily,” 31-year-old firebrand Rukchanok Srinork told AFP.

“It is not a surprise that they will do everything to block us.”


Dubbed “Ice Storm” by Thai media, Rukchanok is an inspirational figure for many young Thai voters who want to see change.



People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork speaks during a campaign rally ahead of the general election, in Bangkok on January 25, 2026. — AFP pic



The People’s Party is the latest incarnation of the organisation that won the last election, in 2023, pledging to relax lese-majeste laws, push back military influence and break up powerful business monopolies.


It struck a coalition deal with second-placed Pheu Thai — the grouping of ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now in prison — only for military-appointed senators to reject its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, as prime minister.

The constitutional court later banned Pita from politics for 10 years for campaigning to change the lese-majeste legislation, known as Section 112, and dissolved the party.

Refounded and renamed, the People’s Party was around 11 per cent ahead of its nearest rival, the ruling Bhumjaithai, in the last survey by respected pollster NIDA before a pre-election cut-off.

Half of 18- to 35-year-olds support the party, it found.

The party has half a million TikTok followers, its bright and playful daily content far outpacing Bhumjaithai’s 38,000.

“I feel bored with the old style of politics,” said Napat Sinakasa, a 23-year-old software developer and second-time voter.

“I wish new politicians who’ve never had the chance to run the country have the chance to.”

Mass protests

But elite and conservative forces retain their grip on the Thai establishment, and most analysts doubt the People’s Party will manage to form a government, even if it emerges with the most seats.

The party’s victory in May 2023 — when it was known as Move Forward — came on a record turnout of 75 per cent.

Its dissolution sparked months of youth-led demonstrations in Bangkok, with protesters hurling unprecedented public criticisms of the monarchy and demanding transparency and reform.

Protest leaders were later convicted under Section 112.



Thailand's prime minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul arrives for campaigning ahead of the general election, at Lumpini park in Bangkok on January 30, 2026. — AFP pic



Analysts expect incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai to come second this time and form a coalition with probable third-placed Pheu Thai.

Many young voters say that would dishearten them.

“I would probably be angry... not angry at the party, but angry at the rules or the people who caused it — those who might have made secret deals behind the scenes,” said Patcharee Phadungsuksira, 26.

“I do feel a bit discouraged sometimes, but I still believe that one day it will be our turn,” she added.

Don’t stop believing

The military-appointed senators who blocked the party last time are no longer in parliament, and the vote is now by the lower house only.

But two of the three People’s Party prime ministerial candidates have accusations hanging over them for supporting changes to the lese-majeste law, which could see them also banned from politics.

Voters, especially the younger generation, still “feel upset” about the fate of Move Forward, said political scientist Punchada Sirivunnabood, of Mahidol University.

There is no guarantee the People’s Party will secure power even if it wins the popular vote, she said.

“So that’s why there’s a question: Should we really vote for this party? Because if we vote for them and they cannot form the government... we’re going to lose our votes.”

But on the campaign trail, its top prime ministerial nominee, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, hoped that this time there would be “no lawfare to destroy us”.

“People still believe in their power,” he told AFP, between pauses to snap selfies with young supporters, despite the party having been dissolved “many times before”.

“We cannot stop believing, we cannot stop fighting.” — AFP

Fifa chief calls for Russia return to international football, says ban ‘has achieved nothing’

 

Fifa chief calls for Russia return to international football, says ban ‘has achieved nothing’



The Fifa president argues youth teams should return first, saying the exclusion has only created ‘frustration and hatred’. — Reuters pic

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 2:49 PM MYT


LONDON, Feb 3 — Fifa president Gianni Infantino said he supports the reinstatement of Russia and called for an end to the country’s four-year exclusion from international tournaments.

Fifa barred Russia from competition when its ongoing invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Russia was expelled from that year’s World Cup in Qatar and was not part of qualifying for the 2026 edition to be held this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.


Infantino said the ban has been fruitless in an interview with Sky Sports that took placed in London over the weekend during the Fifa Women’s Champions Cup. His first desire is to have Russia’s youth teams reinstated.

“We have to (look at reinstating Russia), definitely, because this ban has not achieved anything. It has just created more frustration and hatred,” Infantino said. “Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”


Uefa’s executive committee, whose next quarterly meeting takes place February 11 in Brussels, Belgium, has the authority to reinstate Russia. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has maintained the war in Ukraine needs to end for that to happen.



The European governing body in 2023 briefly planned to let Russia compete in Under-17 continental championship qualifying, citing a desire not to punish children for government actions. Uefa relented and upheld the ban after a dozen national federations threatened to boycott matches with Russia.

At the senior men’s level, Russia has been limited to participating in friendlies, most recently against Chile and Peru in November.


Russia hosted and reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup during Infantino’s first term as Fifa president.

Infantino told Sky Sports that his opposition to bans is unreserved and Fifa should “enshrine in our statutes that we should actually never ban any country from playing football because of the acts of their political leaders.” — Reuters

One parent’s consent enough for minor’s conversion to Islam, court told

FMT:

One parent’s consent enough for minor’s conversion to Islam, court told

3 hours ago
Faisal Asyraf

Senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly asserts that Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution requires the consent of only one parent or guardian, not both parents

M Indira Gandhi and 13 others had filed a lawsuit challenging provisions in several state enactments relating to the conversion of minors.

KUALA LUMPUR: A minor’s conversion to Islam requires the consent of only one parent or guardian, says senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly in the High Court.

Hanir, appearing for the federal territories, asserted that Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution did not mandate the approval of both parents, but required only the consent of at least one responsible adult, whether a parent or guardian.

He was submitting at the hearing of a lawsuit filed by M Indira Gandhi and 13 others, challenging provisions in several state enactments relating to the conversion of minors.


The states named as defendants were Perlis, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Johor, and the federal territories.

The suit was filed in March 2023.



Hanir argued that the plaintiffs’ reliance on the Federal Court’s 2018 decision in the Indira Gandhi case was insufficient, as the ruling was fact-specific and did not directly challenge the relevant state provisions or Section 95 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993.

“The plaintiffs’ reliance on the 2018 decision in the Indira Gandhi case is insufficient, as the decision therein is specific to the peculiar facts of that case and cannot be said to apply to all cases relating to the conversion of minors.

“The litmus test of mutual parental consent espoused in the Indira Gandhi decision cannot be applied to all cases of conversion of minors as it oversimplifies the complicated concept of the welfare of children and undermines the significance of their best interests,” he said.

Hanir said a broad construction of Article 12(4) should be adopted by interpreting the word “parent” in its plain, singular form.


“This is the proper construction, which allows for greater flexibility in the administration of laws relating to the conversion of minors, ensuring that no aspect of a child’s welfare is overlooked,” he said.

The plaintiffs, including Indira Gandhi, maintained that state laws allowing unilateral conversion of minors were unconstitutional, as they “breached” Article 12(4), which requires parental consent for a child’s religious upbringing.

Relying on the Federal Court’s 2018 ruling in her own case, Indira Gandhi said the word “parent” in Article 12(4) should be interpreted as “parents” if both are alive, meaning both the mother and father must consent before a child born to non-Muslim parents can be converted to Islam.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that all unilateral conversions carried out in those states since the 2018 decision be invalidated.


Alternatively, they seek an order that such conversions be subject to the consent of both parents and reversed if either parent refuses to do so within one year of a court order.

In today’s proceedings, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) appeared as interveners.

Justice Aliza Sulaiman fixed May 21 for the decision.

Indira’s daughter Prasana Diksa was abducted by her former husband Riduan Abdullah nearly 18 years ago. She was 11 months old at the time.

Riduan had converted the couple’s three children to Islam in 2009 without Indira’s consent and sought custody through the shariah court.

On Jan 29, 2018, the Federal Court ruled that the conversions were null and void and ordered the inspector-general of police to arrest Riduan for defying the High Court’s directive to return Prasana.

The police said they had yet to locate Riduan and Prasana.

***

This issue had long been settled yet the clerics have exhumed it and are making kerbau out of it. Disgusting

Grisly Johor discovery: Two men face murder charges after six people, including kids, found dead in charred Kangkar Pulai house

Grisly Johor discovery: Two men face murder charges after six people, including kids, found dead in charred Kangkar Pulai house



Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the charred remains were discovered on January 9 by a 48-year-old man searching for his wife and children, who had been living in the house after the couple separated. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 4:17 PM MYT


JOHOR BARU, Feb 3 — Six people, including three children and a teenager, were found murdered with their skeletal remains in a burnt-down house at Kangkar Pulai, Johor, police confirmed.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the charred remains were discovered on January 9 by a 48-year-old man searching for his wife and children, who had been living in the house after the couple separated, according to a report published in The Star today.

The house, located within an oil palm plantation about 2km from the main road, had no water or electricity supply.

“Post-mortem examinations confirmed the victims were aged two, five, nine, 17, 29 and 35. Among them were one boy and three girls, none of whom were registered in any school,” he said.


Four suspects — three men and a woman aged between 19 and 35 — were arrested on January 21 in various locations around Iskandar Puteri.

Ab Rahaman said they had no family connection to the victims but were friends who allegedly used drugs with one of the missing adults.

Urine tests showed three of them tested positive for methamphetamine, and all had prior criminal records.


Investigation papers have been sent to the Johor Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Two of the male suspects are set to be charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder at the Johor Baru Magistrates’ Court on February 4.

The other two suspects have been released on police bail and are expected to testify as prosecution witnesses.

No to hooliganism: Sultan Sharafuddin urges firm action after flare-burning incident involving Selangor FC supporters in Terengganu

No to hooliganism: Sultan Sharafuddin urges firm action after flare-burning incident involving Selangor FC supporters in Terengganu



In a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook today, the Sultan, who is the patron of Selangor FC, said he did not condone immoral behaviour such as gangsterism and hooliganism, which he said were increasingly evident among local football supporters, particularly those wearing the Selangor FC jersey. — Picture from Facebook/Empayar Bola

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 2:30 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed deep disappointment and sadness over an incident involving the burning of flares at the Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge, which allegedly involved supporters of Selangor FC on February 1.

In a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook today, the Sultan, who is the patron of Selangor FC, said he did not condone immoral behaviour such as gangsterism and hooliganism, which he said were increasingly evident among local football supporters, particularly those wearing the Selangor FC jersey.

The Sultan called on the police to identify those responsible for the incident and said that, if found guilty, the individuals involved should face the maximum punishment allowed under the law as a deterrent to others.

He said firm action was necessary to ensure similar incidents do not recur and to serve as a reminder to other Selangor FC supporters to conduct themselves responsibly.


The Sultan also urged all Selangor FC supporters to exercise self-control, uphold good behaviour and protect the reputation of the team and the state.

In addition, he proposed that supporters found guilty of causing disturbances should be banned from entering stadiums for matches involving Selangor FC.

The statement was issued from Istana Alam Shah today.

Yayasan Akalbudi case: Zahid moves to be acquitted of 47 graft and money laundering charges

Yayasan Akalbudi case: Zahid moves to be acquitted of 47 graft and money laundering charges



Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi seeks acquittal on 47 embezzlement, graft and money laundering charges in the Yayasan Akalbudi case. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 03 Feb 2026 11:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has filed to be acquitted and discharged from all 47 charges of embezzlement, corruption and money laundering linked to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.

According to Berita Harian, the application was submitted to the High Court on January 28, naming the Public Prosecutor as respondent, following the Attorney General’s decision on January 8 to take no further action (NFA) on the 47 charges.

Ahmad Zahid’s lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, said the move comes after more than two years in which his client was released without being freed (DNAA) by the High Court.

“It's unfair for someone to have charges hanging over their head all this time. He needs to seek the truth,” Hisyam told reporters after proceedings at the High Court today.


The application, which included a certificate for urgent hearing, was served to the Attorney General’s Chambers on January 30.

High Court judge Nurulhuda Nur’Ain Mohamad Nor has fixed February 24 for the hearing.

On September 4, 2024, trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed Ahmad Zahid to be released without being freed (DNAA) on the 47 charges of corruption, money laundering and criminal breach of trust, giving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission time to continue its investigations.


The judge had earlier found that the prosecution had presented a prima facie case on all counts, with Ahmad Zahid and several defence witnesses testifying during the Attorney General’s Chambers’ application for the DNAA.