Najib house arrest bid may be decided on Sept 11

Najib house arrest bid may be decided on Sept 11


Najib, 73, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after his original 12-year term for the SRC International case was halved by the Pardons Board in 2024


Updated 7 minutes ago · Published on 09 Sep 2026 1:21PM

An alleged addendum has been at the centre of a legal battle. - September 9, 2026



THE fate of former prime minister Najib Razak could come before the Federal Territories Pardons Board as early as Thursday, with the board reportedly set to consider whether he should be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

The Straits Times, citing government sources, reported that the board is scheduled to meet on Sept 11 and will be chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

One official was quoted as saying the question of house arrest was included in the meeting minutes.

Najib, 73, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after his original 12-year term for the SRC International case was halved by the Pardons Board in 2024. His fine was also reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.

He has maintained that the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had issued an additional decree allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

That alleged addendum has been at the centre of a legal battle.

The High Court ruled last year that the order could not be enforced, finding that it had not been considered by the Pardons Board as required under the constitutional process.

There is also no specific provision under Malaysian law for house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment.

A fresh decision by the Pardons Board could therefore provide a different legal basis for any further clemency granted to Najib.

The issue comes at a politically sensitive time for Umno, which is holding its annual general assembly and preparing for the next general election, which must be held by 2027.

Barisan Nasional has had a better run at the state level in recent months, retaining Johor in July before securing a two-thirds majority in Negeri Sembilan in August.

Pakatan Harapan, meanwhile, has had a more difficult run at the polls.

Najib’s possible release was also reportedly raised at a PH leadership meeting on Monday, which was initially convened to discuss preparations for the Melaka state election.

According to The Straits Times, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh briefed the meeting on the matter.

PH later reiterated its position that those convicted of corruption and abuse of power should serve the sentences handed down by the courts.

The coalition said it remained committed to institutional reform and good governance and would not compromise on corruption, particularly in high-profile cases.

Sources familiar with the meeting were quoted as saying Yeoh and the attorney general would oppose further clemency for Najib.

The final decision, however, lies with the King within the constitutional framework governing the Pardons Board.

The Federal Territories board covers Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Besides the King, it comprises the Attorney General, the federal territories minister and three other members appointed by the King on the advice of the government.

Najib’s case has remained politically charged since his conviction.

The SRC International case was linked to the wider 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, which became a major issue in the 2018 general election that ended Barisan Nasional’s six-decade hold on federal power.

Najib is also facing other charges linked to 1MDB and is appealing a separate conviction last year involving 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in that case.

Despite being behind bars, Najib continues to command support among sections of Umno and the wider Malay electorate.

His standing within the party is particularly relevant now as Umno reassesses its position ahead of the next general election.

The party has already moved to end its four-year electoral arrangement with PH and is expected to reaffirm closer cooperation with PAS-led Perikatan Nasional.

Any decision on Najib’s house arrest could therefore add another layer to an already unsettled political landscape, with both the unity government and opposition blocs positioning themselves for the next national polls. – September 9, 2026

Hadi's speech: What is there to interpret?

YOURSAY | Hadi's speech: What is there to interpret?

Published: Sep 9, 2026 8:00 AM


YOURSAY | ‘No such thing as a political party dictating who can or cannot hold certain ministries.’


Non-Muslims in cabinet: Hadi's speech open to interpretation, says political aide


Sin Lee Huang: I am not sure what PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s aide was thinking, or whether he knows what he is talking about, when he said it is up to the reader to interpret what Hadi said.

The point of Hadi's speech is to clarify his thoughts and his direction, not to invite people to debate or speculate about what is on his mind.

I have no doubt that Hadi was intentionally vague. He wants PAS to be able to claim inclusiveness while not committing to anything.

Since I am invited to interpret Hadi’s words, I say this confirms that he is paying lip service to inclusiveness, as his words confirm that he is sidelining non-Muslims, if not worse.


Picture Fu: Very simple to interpret. This is racism at its core.

Even his own aide cannot elaborate and leaves you to imagine. What is there to interpret when what you said is unconstitutional and very racist in nature?


Green Falcon 2290: This aide needs to precisely interpret what is intended, not leave it to tens of millions of people to interpret in a million different ways.

Why does he make such a frivolous, meaningless remark? As to the remark itself, why is this a surprise to anyone? Isn’t the principal objective of all the Malay parties known to all?

The next 10 years will see this objective being put into practice. Hadi has merely enunciated in public what they all know in private, and he should be commended.

DebbieOng: Have they forgotten that Malaysia is not an Islamic country but a secular one? Yes, this is a Muslim-majority country, but the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land, defines Malaysia as a secular nation. This is not open to interpretation.

Hence, Hadi and PAS are now trying to redefine our beloved Malaysia. Thus far, Hadi and PAS have been spewing a lot of intimidation towards non-Muslims should they come to power.

Moreover, they are only concerned about their own wealth, not the welfare of Muslims at the grassroots level.

Apa nama: Hadi is not suitable to talk about administering Malaysia, a secular, multiracial and multireligious country where any Malaysian, including non-Muslims, can constitutionally become prime minister if the person enjoys the support of the majority of MPs.

There is no such thing as a political party, such as PAS, dictating who can hold certain ministries and who cannot.

As usual, Hadi is talking nonsense. He should retire from politics once and for all, since he cannot accept that non-Muslims are Malaysians as well and have equal rights constitutionally.

KN Samy: The non-Muslim “leader” within PAS will definitely support such a stand, as he may be able to play a subordinate role when and if PAS wins, symbolically showing non-Muslim participation.

I do not think that the majority of non-Muslim citizens in this country will accept this, as it is definitely making them subservient to the Muslims in this country.

For that to happen, PAS has to discard the current Constitution and proclaim Malaysia an Islamic theological state. Let us see whether this is feasible first.

Darma Kochi: “Hadi said that while non-Muslims can be ministers, their roles would be limited to portfolios that oversee the execution of government policies while Muslims handle policy formulation.”

Hadi, are you implying that non-Muslims are not capable of handling policy formulation?

Raj Pragasam: It is interesting to note that Hadi is confident that PAS will win more seats than Umno in the 16th General Election, to lead the next government.

I wonder who is depending on whom?

Sidelining or ignoring non-Malay partners by denying them positions in the cabinet, or appointing them to ministries of lesser importance, is the height of ignorance and arrogance.

Hopefully, PAS does not occupy ministerial positions in finance, education, defence, home, law, trade and industry.

I do hope that they do not convert the nation into PAS-governed states. PAS may put us on a track of no return or hope.


Tan Meng Kee: Hadi wants to break up the Malaysian social fabric, keep non-Muslims on the fringe, and run the federal government according to his whims and fancies without any regard for the Federal Constitution.

How can we allow such a person and his party to gain power?

Kandiah Chelliah: Hadi and PAS are extremists in the context of Malaysian politics, as verified by this speech.

The Malay Muslims are only about 63 to 65 percent of the population if Sabah and Sarawak’s populations are included. The Muslims in these two states are Muruts, Suluks, Melanau and other local natives. The Chinese and Indians form around 25 to 30 percent.

To say that non-Muslims in Malaysia’s cabinet should only be given “limited” policy-making decisions is totally racist and extreme. Such political parties should never form the federal government.

Just leave them to rule the three Malay-Muslim-majority states.


P Dev Anand Pillai: Since 1990, PAS has been administering the state of Kelantan.

What do they have to show the rest of the states in terms of their ability to administer a state whose economy thrives and creates jobs for the masses from other states?


Lee: Minorities have no rights under PAS. What he says is just telling everyone that this is what the minority deserves when they become the government.

Don’t ask for more and you will never get more than that.

In other countries, minorities have had the chance to hold important positions and even become heads of state. In this country, minorities are always portrayed as being out there to take over the country.

Yeoh Ng Khong: “Open for interpretation” is an easy answer without any clarity. Just a waste of time. Running a country is never a guessing game. It needs to be clear and objective, not riddles.

Anyway, the public knows who the smart people in business are.


Chefoo: After almost 70 years of independence, which was fought for equally by all races, PAS says non-Muslims, even if chosen to be in the cabinet, can only be policy implementers. Only Malay Muslims can formulate policies.

Non-Muslims are rightful citizens and yet are treated like this. The best part is that we have a bunch of PAS non-Muslim members supporting these policies.

Live with dignity, not like street animals hanging around for discarded food.

***

It's well known who has been the racist

MB 'forced' to sign order against Tuanku Muhriz, but doesn’t say why he met rebel undangs

MB 'forced' to sign order against Tuanku Muhriz, but doesn’t say why he met rebel undangs

Published: Sep 9, 2026 2:58 PM


Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim has confirmed that he signed a document affirming the decision by rebel territorial chieftains to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as state ruler.

However, Ismail claimed he did it under duress and confirmed he had lodged a police report on the matter.

This came after the disputed Undang Yang Empat made public the form he signed last night.

The form was signed on Aug 3, a day after he took the oath as menteri besar. Ismail said he only lodged a police report yesterday evening. He did not explain why he waited over a month to lodge the report.


Ismail also did not reveal why he had met the disputed chieftains in the first place. The quartet has been attempting to remove Tuanku Muhriz since April over a power dispute, and has backed a rival claimant to the throne - Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar.

The menteri besar also did not dispute allegations in a Straits Times report that he had met the four rebel leaders together with Umno top leadership, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Thus far, he has also only said that Zahid is not involved in any moves against Tuanku Muhriz (above).


In his statement today, Ismail said the document he signed does not fulfil requirements under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, and as such, is unconstitutional, invalid, and can't be enforced.

Additionally, he said the state government exco meeting yesterday discussed establishing a reconciliation committee to resolve the ongoing customary dispute harmoniously.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, saying the latter was the only rightful Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

***

Only UMNO Prez could have forced him but since he averred Zahid was not involved then who could have? Mucho Kerbau lah

COMMENT | FAM's old guard returns: Cheating forgiven, trust forgotten

COMMENT | FAM's old guard returns: Cheating forgiven, trust forgotten

R Nadeswaran

Published: Sep 9, 2026 10:01 AM


COMMENT | In January, the entire 17-member of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) executive committee stepped down en masse after an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) governance review.

It was then termed the turning point in cleansing the game of its ills and restoring the reputation of Malaysian football.

The move was aimed at safeguarding the association’s integrity and reputation, while minimising the risk of further fallout for Malaysian football, with officials saying that restoring public trust and support was a key consideration behind the decision.

The mass resignation was expected to allow investigations and internal processes to proceed without interference, while also paving the way for new measures and reforms to be implemented smoothly.


Most stakeholders want to see these weaknesses addressed and are prioritising genuine reform over election matters, declared then-acting president Yusoff Mahadi.

“This collective resignation is a prudent and principled step to protect the integrity of FAM, uphold good governance, and give the AFC and Fifa (International Federation of Association Football) the necessary room to assess administrative reforms without prejudice,” he said.


They did the right thing after dragging the country’s reputation and status through the swamps to the sewers, and yet they want to be “forgiven” despite having spewed a series of half-truths and fibs.

However, they could not hide a whole pumpkin in a heap of rice.


It was not the proverbial Tamil proverb of "You can tell a thousand lies to make one marriage happen”. It was a series of lies, each concocted to convince Malaysia that the administration of football has been nothing less than squeaky clean.


Series of actions

First, they suspended its secretary-general for the fiasco involving the fielding of seven foreigners in an Asia Cup qualifier last June.

Then they blamed “clerical staff” for “technical errors” in uploading the wrong documents.

There were shouts of bravado, and then Yusoff described the next move as “a major war” to defend Malaysia’s footballing reputation, declaring that all resources would be used.

Yusoff insisted FAM will be “ready with all the documents and relevant details” to overturn Fifa’s ruling.

Yet the irony is glaring: the very documents that triggered this scandal have already been deemed falsified.

I had then asked: “But what kind of war is this, when the generals march empty-handed? The birth certificates of the players’ grandparents presented by FAM are forged. CAS will have access to the originals, and FAM will be left with egg - not honour - on their faces.”

The irony is that FAM filed a report at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters on a supposed forgery as if they were innocent parties to the issue - akin to a thief reporting to the police that a theft had taken place!

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Rusdi Isa said two statements have been recorded and an investigation paper has been opened under Section 468 of the Penal Code for forgery, as reported by New Straits Times earlier this year.

But when the FAM openly and officially thanks the prime minister for “facilitating the citizenship” of the foreign players, some soft-pedalling can be expected from our officialdom.

However, the indictments by three international bodies - Fifa's disciplinary committee, its Appeals Committee and the Centre for Arbitration in Sports (CAS) exposed their complicity in one of the biggest sports scandals that hit our shores.

Besides, the damning findings of the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC) laid bare the sordid details - the involvement of government officials in facilitating fraud, deceit and outright lies.


Vying for positions again

But how does FAM intend to “restore public trust and support” when many of those who reigned have offered themselves - yet again to be part of the administration?

Has all been forgotten? According to news reports, most of them will be in the saddle next weekend - on Sept 17, when the biennial general meeting is held, dictating how football will be run.

Based on a list of individuals who have received notification of their nomination eligibility and confirmed their intention to proceed, obtained by NST, an analysis reveals that 17 of 28 candidates are established FAM insiders, past exco veterans or members of the leadership lineup that vacated their seats seven months ago.

Only 11 candidates represent newcomers who have never sat on the national governing body's executive board.

Of the 17 insiders, 12 candidates were members of the short-lived 2025-2029 exco that resigned en masse in January, with several pre-2025 heavyweights attempting comebacks.

Fifa’s damning verdict

Let us be reminded of what the Fifa Disciplinary Committee had to say last October: “Using fraudulent documentation to allow a player to compete constitutes, pure and simple, a form of cheating, which cannot in any way be condoned.

“Such conduct erodes trust in the fairness of competitions and jeopardises the very essence of football as an activity founded on honesty and transparency.”

So, some of those who had a hand in or admitted complicity in this whole affair may be next to decide on the future of Malaysian football.

The old boys’ network is reassembling, but with their reputation in tatters and held in contempt by Fifa, will this be acceptable?

The mass resignation of FAM’s exco was hailed as a watershed moment - a cleansing of rot, clearing the swamp, a chance to restore integrity.

Yet seven months later, the same faces are circling back, eager to reclaim the reins of power. This is not reform; it is recycling.

The AFC governance review and the Fifa disciplinary rulings laid bare the fraud, deceit, and complicity that dragged Malaysian football into global disgrace.

The EAIC findings exposed government officials greasing the machinery of lies. And yet, those who presided over forged documents, half-truths, and hollow bravado now seek forgiveness without accountability, redemption without reform.

Fifa’s words last October must not be forgotten: “Using fraudulent documentation to allow a player to compete constitutes, “pure and simple, a form of cheating”.

Cheating corrodes trust, destroys credibility, and poisons the very essence of sport.

If Malaysian football allows the old guard to march back into office, it signals to the world that deceit carries no consequence, that governance is a charade, and that integrity is expendable.

The question is not whether FAM can survive another scandal - it is whether Malaysian football can survive another betrayal.

Unless competent “outsiders” with a commitment to good governance, integrity, and fairness take the helm, the “war” to defend Malaysia’s footballing reputation will remain a farce.

The generals will march again, but still empty-handed, still firing blanks - and this time, the battlefield will be trust itself.

R NADESWARAN started his journalistic career as a sports reporter more than 50 years ago and continues to be a close observer of sports and its administrators. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com



***


Nades, I admire you for your perseverance in chasing an objective, and for your persistence in ensuring your desired goal will/can be achieved but I love to drop a small piece of advice - that the tale of the 'heritage players' will not be entertained as there is a humongous MOUNTAIN obstructing you and even the authorities, unless you can bring about another 'Royal Dentist' - he who rips out those 'Royal Fangs' (wakakaka).

The 'Perennials' will want back their old positions in FAM because those posts are frigging lucrative lah.

N Sembilan rebel chieftains 'prove' MB backed ruler's ouster, Ismail only denies Zahid's involvement

N Sembilan rebel chieftains 'prove' MB backed ruler's ouster, Ismail only denies Zahid's involvement

Published: Sep 9, 2026 10:37 AM


A group of disputed Negeri Sembilan territorial chieftains, who have been pushing to change the state ruler, has presented documentary evidence that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim had signed a document affirming their decision to sack Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.


During a press conference late last night, three of the disputed Undang Yang Empat showed that Ismail (above) had signed the document on Aug 3, a day after he took the oath as menteri besar before Tuanku Muhriz.

However, Sinar Harian noted that the menteri besar's seal was not affixed to the document.


Legal observers have said that the menteri besar's signature is one key to fulfilling the undang's move to oust the state ruler as per their powers under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution.


The other key component, it was argued, was that Tuanku Muhriz needed to be accorded due process before he could be sacked.

Ismail's predecessor Aminuddin Harun had refused to sign off on the proclamation, leading to the prolonged imbroglio about the state royalty.


The chieftain's presser last night came after The Straits Times published a report yesterday, citing sources saying that Ismail had signed the document affirming the decision under duress and had lodged a police report over the matter.


Top Umno leaders involved?

The report also alleged that top Umno leaders including president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and information chief Azalina Othman Said were present at the meeting between Ismail, the rebel chieftains and rival claimant to the throne, Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar.

It further alleged that the Umno leadership has been working together with the undang group who want Tuanku Muhriz out.

In response to The Straits Times report, Ismail issued a statement denying Zahid's involvement in any efforts to topple Tuanku Muhriz.

However, he did not deny signing the document affirming the undangs removal of the ruler.

To date, Ismail has only stated that he remained loyal to Tuanku Muhriz, but has made no mention of the document in question.

***

UMNO derhaka

PAS derhaka juga - refer to its disrespect for HRH Selangor's edict on Bon Odori celebration

Why Examining AirAsia’s Finances May Serve the Public Interest

Murray Hunter


Why Examining AirAsia’s Finances May Serve the Public Interest

Murray Hunter
Sep 08, 2026







The Malaysian government’s decision to engage Alton Aviation Consultancy to assess AirAsia Group’s funding needs has sparked debate. Critics argue that AirAsia is a private company, not a government-linked corporation, and that using taxpayer funds to review its liquidity interferes in free-market outcomes.

Critics point to past controversies and insist private owners should resolve problems created by their own commercial choices. Yet a careful examination is not the same as an automatic bailout, and the case for it rests on AirAsia’s outsized role in the Malaysian economy.

AirAsia is Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier. It provides affordable regional and domestic connectivity that underpins tourism, business travel, and labour mobility. A sudden collapse or severe capacity reduction would disrupt routes, raise fares on remaining services, damage tourism receipts, and put thousands of direct and indirect jobs at risk. The airline’s current liabilities significantly exceed its cash position, and it is seeking roughly US$1 billion in international debt markets plus local facilities primarily to refinance pandemic-era obligations. Understanding the precise scale and nature of those needs is a prerequisite for any rational policy response.

This move also serves as an early indicator of underlying economic stress that headline performance figures may not yet fully capture. Much like the US government’s interventions to stabilise banks in 2008, before the full depth of the financial crisis was reflected in every official statistic. As a consequence, authorities sometimes act when key private institutions face acute liquidity pressures that could cascade through the wider system.

Official growth numbers can remain resilient for a period while specific sectors, such as aviation, reveal mounting strains from higher fuel costs, debt overhangs and external shocks. Examining AirAsia’s position allows policymakers to detect and address these vulnerabilities before they intensify.

Psychologically, the fall of a company the size of AirAsia could trigger economic ripples that undermine confidence more broadly. In an economy already confronting multiple external threats that includes sharp rises in aviation fuel prices, the visible distress or collapse of a major national carrier potentially risks amplifying uncertainty among investors, travelers, suppliers and consumers.

Such a loss of confidence can quickly compound into reduced spending, tighter credit conditions and further pressure on other firms, turning a sectoral problem into a wider crisis of sentiment, very much subscribing to the notion of “too big to fail”.

Governments routinely assess systemically important private firms when failure would generate large external costs. The exercise allows officials to determine whether limited, conditional support, such as facilitation of refinancing or temporary guarantees that might prevent wider economic damage, or whether the company can restructure without public money.

Sources familiar with the review have indicated there are currently no plans for a full bailout or blanket guarantee. The consultancy’s work is therefore a diagnostic step, not a commitment of funds.

At the same time, the decision risks sparking familiar claims of cronyism and favouritism towards certain entities and personalities in Malaysia, as has occurred in previous episodes of selective assistance. Perceptions that well-connected figures or prominent business leaders receive preferential attention from the state can erode public trust, especially when ordinary taxpayers bear the cost of any eventual support. Transparent processes, clear criteria based on economic impact rather than personal ties, and strict accountability measures are essential to counter such accusations.

Comparisons with Ansett’s collapse in Australia highlight that allowing a major carrier to fail is possible, but the consequences of disrupted schedules, higher costs for travelers, and regional economic pain are real.

A major Australian icon was allowed to collapse in 2001


In Malaysia’s context, where AirAsia carries substantial domestic and intra-ASEAN traffic, the potential spillover effects on tourism and employment justify informed scrutiny. Taxpayers benefit from transparency, where an independent assessment reduces the risk of poorly designed interventions later and protects against both unnecessary subsidies and avoidable systemic shocks.

Critics are right to demand strict conditions if any support is eventually contemplated, including governance reforms, board representation, and prioritisation of operational viability over shareholder interests. They are also right that private owners bear primary responsibility.

However, refusing even to examine the books would leave policymakers flying blind. A measured, evidence-based review of AirAsia’s liquidity is a prudent use of limited public resources precisely because the airline’s failure would impose costs far beyond its private shareholders.

 

Senator calls for BO-105 helicopters to be grounded

Senator calls for BO-105 helicopters to be grounded

4 hours ago

FMT Reporters

RA Lingeshwaran says temporary suspension is needed pending confirmation of crash cause.

A BO-105 helicopter operating a Flying Doctor Service flight was heading from Miri airport to Long Lellang when it crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport yesterday afternoon. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A senator has called for the immediate and temporary grounding of all helicopters of the same model involved in a fatal Flying Doctor Service (FDS) crash in Sarawak, pending confirmation of the cause.

RA Lingeshwaran said the suspension was necessary to ensure the safety of doctors, nurses, health ministry personnel, pilots and rural communities who depend entirely on the service.

“Although FDS operations are run by a private company under a government contract, the government’s responsibility cannot be relinquished,” he said in a statement today.

“The government has an obligation to ensure that any contractor company uses aircraft that comply with the highest safety and flight standards.”

The BO-105 helicopter in question was flying from Miri Airport to Long Lellang when it crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport. All five people on board, comprising four ministry personnel and a pilot, were killed.

Lingeshwaran said if investigations found that the aircraft’s age, maintenance history or condition had contributed to the crash, the government must bear full responsibility and take firm action against the company involved.

Based on aircraft records, he said the helicopter, bearing registration number 9M-LLF, was a previously operated aircraft, not a new one, having been built in Germany in 1991.

Lingeshwaran said the aircraft, with serial number S-867, flew under registrations in Germany, the US and South Africa before entering service in Malaysia.

He noted that production of the BO-105 model ceased in 2001, making the aircraft about 35 years old in 2026, with a documented history spanning more than three decades.

“The government needs to reassess the use of older helicopters and ensure that contractor companies replace them with more modern and suitable helicopters.

“Human life cannot be measured against contract costs or operational profit. Precautionary measures must be taken now, without waiting for a second tragedy to occur,” he said.

 

Bumi quotas still needed but must be targeted, says academic

Bumi quotas still needed but must be targeted, says academic

3 hours ago

Anne Muhammad

Anuar Ahmad also says that the shift from quotas to capacity-building must be carefully planned and phased to prepare society.

Academic Anuar Ahmad said the quota system should be improved to ensure that it genuinely benefits those who need it.

PETALING JAYA:

Quotas for Malay and Bumiputera students at higher education institutions are still necessary to narrow socioeconomic and educational disparities but should be more targeted, an academic says.

Anuar Ahmad.

Anuar Ahmad, deputy director of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Malaysia and International Studies, said the quota system should be improved to ensure that it genuinely benefits those who need it.

“Quotas are still needed for now. However, they should be targeted, better planned and designed to narrow gaps in society.

“In the long term, moving from quotas towards capacity-building requires clear and strategic planning, as well as a phased approach so that society is prepared for the shift,” he told FMT.

He was commenting on higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir’s remarks that the future of Malay and Bumiputera education should not continue depending on quotas, but instead focus on capacity-building.

Zambry said educational success could no longer be measured simply by the number of Malay and Bumiputera students entering universities, but by their ability to master science, technology, engineering and mathematics, develop technology, own intellectual property and build globally competitive companies.

Suhaiza Hanim Mohamad Zailani.

Suhaiza Hanim Zailani, director of Universiti Malaya’s Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, said meritocracy was important, but family background should also be taken into consideration.

She said a purely merit-based system could make it difficult for B40 and M40 students who do not have equal access to extra classes or tuition.

“If we can introduce some flexibility into meritocracy, there should still be a certain percentage that takes family background into account.

“We also need a certain percentage that considers their profile and family background,” she said.

Suhaiza said universities must remain inclusive spaces for education, and that reducing quotas without addressing educational disparities at the school level could cause low-income students to fall further behind.

She said some B40 students had the academic ability but were forced to work after completing the SPM examination or help their families because of financial constraints, affecting their chances of pursuing higher education.

Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani.

Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Azizuddin Sani, meanwhile, said the country’s education system was increasingly placing greater emphasis on merit than quotas.

However, he said the focus should shift from simply ensuring access to universities towards providing quality education and developing the best talent.

“We want to produce the best talent there is. Malay and Bumiputera students should also strive to be the best and be capable of becoming knowledge creators, technology owners and economic leaders,” he said.

***

Basically STILL NEEDED