Firefighters find ‘occult’ setup, pentagrams after table ignites in Kuching home

Firefighters find ‘occult’ setup, pentagrams after table ignites in Kuching home



The burnt table that was extinguished by firefighters near the possible altar. — Bomba pic

Friday, 05 Dec 2025 2:35 PM MYT


KUCHING, Dec 5 — A house in Tabuan Desa here nearly caught fire when a table combusted into flames.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) responded to a distress call at 6.11am, dispatching firefighters from Tabuan Jaya fire station to the scene.

“The fire only involved the table and did not involve the whole structure of the house,” Bomba said in a statement.

Based on Bomba’s handout photos, the burnt table was near a larger table believed to have been turned into a makeshift altar, suggesting that it was used for occult purposes.



One of the pentagrams drawn on the house’s floor. — Bomba pic


This was evident from the discovery of several pentagrams drawn on the floor as well as the wall near the alleged altar.

The operation ended at 6.37am. — The Borneo Post

***

Pentagram is not a symbol related or known to Eastern religions or beliefs. It's a mainly Judeo-Christian or Eastern Mediterranean religious sigil.

Anwar acknowledges Sabah’s concerns, says ‘legacy issues’ hinder full delivery of federal aid

Anwar acknowledges Sabah’s concerns, says ‘legacy issues’ hinder full delivery of federal aid



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at a press conference after attending the 12th Malaysia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore today. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 04 Dec 2025 8:11 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Dec 4 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) respects the decision of the people of Sabah in the recent state election, while acknowledging that the issue of development legacy and legacy sentiment towards the Federation may influence voters' inclinations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government had channelled large amounts of aid for road, water supply and electricity projects, but several projects had yet to be completed, thus causing the people's anxiety and perception and blaming the Federation.

‘Although aid has been channelled in large amounts, problems still exist because several projects have not been fully completed. This is a legacy and legacy issue that needs to be fixed,’ said Anwar, who is also PH chairman, at a press conference after the 12th Annual Leaders' Retreat here.

In the 17th Sabah election, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won 29 of the 73 State Legislative Assembly seats, followed by Parti Warisan (25), Barisan Nasional (six), Independent (five), Upko (three), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (two) while Perikatan Nasional, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat and Pakatan Harapan each won one seat.


Anwar said basic issues such as electricity, water and connectivity still plagued the people in the villages, interior and urban areas, contributing to the perception that the Federation was not fulfilling its development promises.

However, he stressed that the government would continue to intensify its engagement with the Sabah state government and resolve development issues in stages.

Commenting on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Anwar said the government had always sought to resolve development issues through negotiations at various levels including with the Malay Rulers, while taking into account the people's sentiments towards the state's heritage and legacy.


He informed that some responsibilities such as electricity supply management have been handed over to the Sabah state government, but the federal government has added an allocation of RM1.2 billion to ensure that critical projects can continue.

‘When these projects are completed, we hope that they will shift (support to the government). The government will continue to be committed to resolving development issues and basic services for the people of Sabah,’ he said. — Bernama

Gov’t risks wrongful termination suit for Chow Kit spa bust but dare any of the detainees front up?

Gov’t risks wrongful termination suit for Chow Kit spa bust but dare any of the detainees front up?






THE recent raid on the now infamous all-men Otot Otot spa and sauna facility in Jalan Raja Laut has raised a number of concerns.


Apart from being treated in a humiliating fashion, the detainees have had their details leaked on social media, including those who are attached to the civil service.





The fall-out from this is that an administrative and diplomatic officer in the office of the Deputy Higher Education Minister has been instructed to resign immediately after being arrested, the ministry has confirmed.

Apparently, he was one of the 17 civil servants detained who also included teachers, doctors/surgeon and a deputy public prosecutor.

In a swift response, human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim has offered her legal expertise to those who may have been affected by the raid.

Siti Kasim

on Tuesday

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

ANYONE KNOWS OF THE PEOPLE SUSPENDED OR SACKED BECAUSE OF THE MALE SPA RAID, PLEASE CONTACT ME at sitikasim@gmail.com.

WE WANT TO HELP YOU. BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SIMILAR CASE.

 — with Siti Kasim.

Former Manila embassy officer Nazrul Imran Mohd Nor will get his arrears in salary and other allowances entitled to him.

freemalaysiatoday.com

Senior officer who mocked Najib gets his job back

Former Manila embassy officer Nazrul Imran Mohd Nor will get his arrears in salary and other allowances entitled to him.

Former Manila embassy officer Nazrul Imran Mohd Nor will get his arrears in salary and other allowances entitled to him.

794

37

104

Offering hope that a suit for wrongful dismissal could be successful, the human rights activist pointed to a 2021 case involving one senior civil servant Nazrul Imran Mohd Nor.

As reported by Free Malaysia Today four years ago, Nazrul was an administrative and diplomatic (PTD) officer serving as the second secretary at the Malaysian embassy in Manila when the alleged offence took place.

He had been a PTD officer for eight years when he was told to return to Malaysia after he was found to have made an adverse comment about then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his Facebook page on Jan 11, 2017.

In its judgment, the bench ruled that the law had restricted Nazrul’s constitutional right and his dismissal from service was unreasonable, irrational and the punishment too harsh.

At a glance, Siti Kasim’s offer to provide legal advice was well-received with many hoping that the 171 detainees (101 of whom are Muslims) would contact her and perhaps initiate judicial proceedings.



Take the government to the cleaners, declared one commenter. Highlighting that even the remand order was rejected by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court, the Otot Otot Sauna detainees could sue “for millions” over wrongful termination if they had been dismissed due to the fall-out from the raid.



It was also claimed the raid was an invasion of privacy and trampling of human rights. This commenter further argued that a whole host of other establishments such as health clubs, gyms, swimming pools or in short – places where men congregate in towels – would have to be shut down.



The premise for the authorities swooping in was also questioned – aren’t most saunas and Jacuzzis gender segregated anyway?



While the precedent offers hope to the detainees who may have lost their jobs due to this raid becoming headline news, here is one pertinent difference.

Nazrul made comments critical of a serving PM, one who happens to be behind bars now. Making political commentary on social media is very different from being caught in compromising position in a house of ill-repute (allegedly).

The person stepping forward will have to face unprecedented vitriol and abuse from the anti-LGBTQ+ segment of the population. He will have to answer difficult questions as to why he was there at Otot Otot though it may not be anyone else’s business.

The odds are stacked against any plaintiff who dares to take up this challenge – not legally as the aboriginal rights advocate has highlighted – but having to swim against the tide of homophobia that is sure to engulf him. – Dec 4, 2025

Teachers terrified over online attacks after Zara incident, says witness

FMT:

Teachers terrified over online attacks after Zara incident, says witness

Ex-senior assistant tells inquest staff of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha have deleted their Facebook accounts and are afraid to go out

Zara Qairina Mahathir died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A witness told the Kota Kinabalu coroner’s court today that those working at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha have become afraid to go out in public after being attacked on social media over Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death.

Asnie Marjan, a former senior assistant for student affairs at the school, said many baseless accusations had been hurled online at the teachers.

“Many of the teachers have deleted their Facebook accounts. Some of them are afraid to go to the shopping mall, shops or market,” Berita Harian reported him as saying at the inquest into the teenager’s death today.


Asnie, who now works as an officer at the Papar education office, was responding to lawyer Shahlan Jufri, who represents Zara’s family.

He said the school administration had done its best in the matter, and as a senior teacher, he had tried to encourage his colleagues to carry on with their activities despite the attacks.


Asked by Shahlan if the school’s disciplinary programmes were effective in preventing bullying cases, Asnie said: “Yes, but there are isolated cases.

“We have 500 students with good performance records. We had around 600 students during my time there, and the programmes were seen to have had a positive effect. But it is impossible to produce perfect students,” he said.

Zara, 13, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar.

End of suit by Raub durian farmers against state govt, others

FMT:

End of suit by Raub durian farmers against state govt, others

Yesterday
Ho Kit Yen

The farmers’ lawyer, Brendan Navin Siva, tells the appellate court that his clients will not be pursuing their appeal

The Court of Appeal ordered the Raub durian farmers to pay the Pahang government and state agency Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Pahang RM4,000 each in costs.

PUTRAJAYA: The legal dispute between Raub durian farmers, the Pahang government, and other parties over eviction notices came to an end today.

A Court of Appeal bench chaired by Justice Lim Chong Fong struck out the farmers’ appeals after their lawyer, Brendan Navin Siva, informed the court that they would not be pursuing the case.

Also on the bench were Justices Firuz Jaffril and Ismail Brahim.


Brendan said some respondents, such as the state government and state agency Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Pahang (PKPP), were seeking costs.

State assistant legal adviser Abdul Hafiz Razat said the Pahang government was seeking RM80,000 for work related to the appeal.

Lim noted that the farmers had previously filed stay applications, which were dismissed, but that the court did not order them to pay any costs at the time.

PKPP’s lawyer Fairuz Abdullah also said the agency was seeking the same quantum.

“We leave it to the court’s discretion regarding the sum,” he added.

Lim then ordered the farmers to pay RM4,000 each to the state government and PKPP.


On April 24 last year, the Kuantan High Court dismissed the farmers’ judicial review application challenging the Pahang government’s decision to evict them from farms in Raub, including areas in Sungai Ruan, Sungai Chalit and Sungai Klau.

The court concluded that the farmers were encroaching on the land and had no legal or equitable rights, and that the state government’s eviction order was not malicious.

The farmers had indicated their intention to withdraw their appeal earlier this year.

***

Reminds me of my late grandpa and the land he cultivated in Batu Kawan. The piece of jungle he cleared with his own muscles and back-breaking toil, tears and sweat, and then turned into a minor rubber farm plus vegetable growing & a wee bit of animal husbandry had legally belong to a (so-called) "relative". Grandpa wanted to buy the land but was assured by his 'kakinang' not to worry over 'minor' details and to go on working that land as if it was his (grandpa's), and for the 'finer details' to come about later.

It ended up like what the Raub durian farmers had experienced - initial friendly (post federal govt's) "invitation & encouragement" to grow (open up the rural areas) became "frigg off, you have encroached on MY land and have no legal or equitable rights" (once the products became obviously valuable to the 'owner') - grandpa was broken hearted but no legal paperwork, eat shit man.

Anwar tells police to ignore political attacks against him unless criminal in nature

Anwar tells police to ignore political attacks against him unless criminal in nature



Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks to reporters after Friday prayers in Cyberjaya December 5, 2025. — Bernama pic

Friday, 05 Dec 2025 4:43 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) should not investigate individuals who criticise him unless their remarks involve criminal elements.

Utusan Malaysia reported that the prime minister said police action was unnecessary when faced with political criticism or unfounded allegations directed at him.

“Several actions involving certain government critics, including attacks against me, I have instructed that they need not be investigated.

“I do not question the motives of those who attack (me) because sometimes they are baseless, but I have directed that no action be taken except in cases involving clear criminal offences or accusations that are rather extreme, such as ‘Israeli stooge’ or having HIV — remarks that are completely indecent,” he said, according to the national daily.


Anwar was speaking after joining more than 1,500 congregants for Friday prayers at Masjid Cyberjaya 10.

He also criticised those who defend or encourage excessive and baseless comments under the guise of political criticism.

“I also find it strange how sometimes people in Malay and Islamic parties uphold such things.


“However, I have instructed that criticism of Anwar or of the prime minister should not be acted upon.

“Especially if the remarks have political overtones, or call for the prime minister to step down, resign, or be removed,” he said.

Anwar added that while such statements should not be entertained, the behaviour should not be repeated.

No one protected: Anwar orders full probe on Durian Tunggal police shooting and detainee deaths

No one protected: Anwar orders full probe on Durian Tunggal police shooting and detainee deaths



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged full transparency following the deaths of three criminal suspects during a police shooting in Durian Tunggal, Melaka on November 24, 2025 as well as those in police custody. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 05 Dec 2025 4:05 PM MYT


CYBERJAYA, Dec 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a full, transparent investigation into the recent shooting in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, and deaths in police custody nationwide, stressing that no party should be protected.

He said the Cabinet welcomes the police’s firm action against criminals and any breaches of the law but stressed that all complaints related to misconduct or procedural lapses in these cases must be investigated openly, Bernama reported today.

“I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police to continue investigations transparently and not to protect anyone.

“We do not protect criminals, but we also do not protect any actions, including by police officers, that go against the rule of law,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers with about 1,500 worshippers at Masjid Cyberjaya 10.


Anwar’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law amid heightened public scrutiny over police-involved incidents.

Police shot dead three suspects in Durian Tunggal on November 24, and their families later filed complaints questioning the police’s conduct.

Federal police have since taken over the investigation to ensure transparency and professionalism.

Guan Eng presses PM for independent probe of Durian Tunggal police shooting

Guan Eng presses PM for independent probe of Durian Tunggal police shooting



Former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng attends the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur on April 4, 2024. — Bernama pic

Friday, 05 Dec 2025 4:19 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to order an independent investigation into the fatal police shooting of three men in Malacca, saying the PM “should publicly address this grave public concern.”

The DAP leader also called on Anwar to direct Home Minister Senator Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure a fair, transparent, and professional probe into the incident.

Lim said investigators must determine whether the officers had executed the men and whether the police’s public account matched what actually occurred.

“There is no doubt the alleged, shocking audio recording of the final moments by the wife of one of the deceased, before, during, and after the three men were shot dead, has greatly disturbed, if not distressed, the public,” Lim said in a statement.


He added that the investigation should assess the men’s alleged criminal activities and outline the consequences for any officers found guilty of wrongdoing.

Earlier, Anwar said he had directed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting incident in Durian Tunggal, Melaka.

The PM said the government would not shield any wrongdoers, even if they were police officers.


On Wednesday, Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said three suspects, aged between 24 and 29, were shot dead after one of them allegedly swung a machete at a police corporal during an operation at an oil palm estate in Durian Tunggal.

All three suspects from the Durian Tunggal Gang were allegedly en route to commit a robbery and had been active since 2024. They were linked to 20 cases in Melaka and one each in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, involving total losses of RM1.35 million.

The men’s families have disputed the police’s account of the shooting, using an audio recording allegedly of the incident that they said suggested the three men had been executed.

Later on Wednesday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said a special team had been set up to investigate the claims made by the families.

‘I met Tun Mahathir for guidance on concerns relating to legal cases,’ Albert Tei says

theVibes.com:

‘I met Tun Mahathir for guidance on concerns relating to legal cases,’ Albert Tei says


Tei says discussion focused solely on legal troubles, not political manoeuvring

Updated 43 seconds ago · Published on 05 Dec 2025 11:46AM

Businessman distances meeting with Dr Mahathir from politics - December 5, 2025



ALBERT Tei Jiann Cheing has dismissed speculation that his recent meeting with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was politically motivated, insisting the discussion centred exclusively on the corruption charges he is currently facing.


Tei, 37, said the circulation of a photograph showing him with Dr Mahathir had fuelled baseless theories despite it being the first time the two had ever met.

“The viral photo was taken on the first time I met him in my life. I was surprised to see all kinds of theories on social media suggesting I had political ties with Tun M,” the NST reported him saying when met at the Shah Alam Court Complex.

“Some even said I was supposedly ‘Tun M’s man’, accusing us of conspiracies and more. I urge everyone to stop spreading allegations about him and me.”

Tei explained that he sought an audience with Dr Mahathir at the Perdana Leadership Foundation last week to convey concerns relating to his cases, including what he claimed were threats received after exposing alleged misconduct by certain individuals.

He said the former prime minister listened for about an hour and offered guidance drawn from his experience as a statesman.

“He did not ask a single question about politics. He only advised me to take the proper steps. That is all. There was no political element, no suggestion for me to meet anyone, no agenda,” he said.

Asked why he had chosen to approach Dr Mahathir, Tei replied that he had done so on a friend’s recommendation, believing that only someone of Dr Mahathir’s stature could offer meaningful perspective.

Earlier in court, Tei was charged with offering a bribe to Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the former senior political secretary to the prime minister, allegedly as an inducement to assist companies linked to him in obtaining mineral exploration licences in Sabah.

Shamsul has also been charged with soliciting RM64,924 from Tei in 2023 and 2024.

Both men pleaded not guilty. They now face a combined five corruption charges. Shamsul pleaded not guilty yesterday to receiving RM176,829.03 in graft from Tei, while Tei claimed trial to giving him the money.

Tei and Shamsul remain out on bail. - December 5, 2025

***

The late ShAH OF iRAN WAS MY UNCLE😂😂😂

MACC detains PN MP over alleged corruption in cattle livestock project

MACC detains PN MP over alleged corruption in cattle livestock project

Hariz Mohd
Published: Dec 5, 2025 12:57 PM
Updated: 3:58 PM



The MACC has detained a Perikatan Nasional MP over alleged corruption in a cattle farming joint venture owned by the state government.

According to a commission source, the investigation against Padang Serai MP Azman Nasrudin began in February this year and centred on allegations that he had received about RM400,000 in return for assistance in securing land-use rights for a feedlot project.

“An investigation paper was opened following a complaint received on Feb 10, 2025, and investigations were carried out, during which statements from 15 witnesses were recorded,” the source said.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrest when contacted, and said that Azman’s statement was recorded under Section 53(3) of the MACC Act 2009 before he was released on bail.

Malaysiakini has contacted Azman for comment.

[More to follow]

Israel hits multiple towns in southern Lebanon as attacks intensify

al Jazeera:

Israel hits multiple towns in southern Lebanon as attacks intensify

Strike on Jbaa follows warnings for more attacks as Israel continues daily attacks despite year-old ceasefire

Footage captures the moment of an Israeli air strike at Jbaa, Lebanon [Al Jazeera]

By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies
Published On 4 Dec 2025


Israel’s military has launched air strikes on at least three towns in southern Lebanon, Mahrouna, Jbaa, and al-Majadel, despite the ceasefire in place since last November.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the attack on Jbaa on Thursday destroyed a building in a densely populated residential area and caused extensive damage to nearby structures.

The strike on al-Majadel came about an hour after Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued forced evacuation warnings for the town.

In a post on X, Adraee published maps identifying several buildings in al-Majadel and Braashit as targets, ordering residents to evacuate more than 300 metres (984 feet) from the marked structures, which he claimed had been used by Hezbollah.

The attacks are the latest violations of the ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024, following a conflict that began in October 2023.




Pope Leo XIV prays for peace in Lebanon and the region


Since that truce took effect, Israel has conducted near-daily attacks across Lebanon that have killed more than 300 people, including at least 127 civilians, according to the United Nations.

Veteran politician Bung Moktar dies

Veteran politician Bung Moktar dies


Published: Dec 5, 2025 2:59 AM
Updated: 6:06 AM



Sabah BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin has passed away at Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at the age of 66.

His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, announced his father’s passing in a Facebook post earlier today.

“It is with great sadness that my father, Moktar Radin, has passed away on Dec 5 at 1.46am. We kindly request prayers for his soul to be blessed with mercy and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” he wrote.

Last night, Malaysiakini reported that Bung, who was also Sabah Umno chief and the MP for Kinabatangan, had been admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.

The veteran politician was in critical condition and receiving treatment for complications involving his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

In last Saturday’s state election, Bung retained the Lamag seat for another term, winning by a slim majority of 153 votes in a six-cornered contest.

Bung, along with his wife Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, had been embroiled in a corruption case related to Felcra’s RM150 million investment in Public Mutual unit trusts.

On Nov 13, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court had granted the couple’s request to postpone their defence in the RM2.8 million case, originally set for Nov 27 and Dec 3, to January next year, following a request citing the Sabah state election on Nov 29.

Israel-aligned anti-Hamas Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab killed

Israel-aligned anti-Hamas Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab killed

By Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran

58 minutes ago


The UN says Yasser Abu Shabab's gang has been raiding aid trucks with the apparent indifference or protection of the Israeli military. (Supplied: Facebook)



Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab, whose anti-Hamas group had been supported by Israel, has been killed after an attack in southern Gaza.

Multiple Israeli media outlets, including Army Radio, have reported the death.

They said he was taken a hospital in southern Israel for treatment, before dying from his wounds.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said she had seen the reports, but would not comment on or confirm the killing.

His clan was based inside a part of Gaza controlled by Israeli forces, near Rafah, and reports suggested he was killed in an "internal clash".



Violent gangs have been raiding convoys of aid as they are trucked through Gaza, and behind one of the largest groups is a criminal who has reportedly been armed and protected by Israel.

A Hamas-linked Telegram channel said Abu Shabab had been killed by the Palestinian resistance, a term regularly used to describe organisations such as Hamas.

"The story about his own people shooting him and the internal clash is nonsense," the account said.

"Abu Shabab was eliminated by the resistance, and he and a large group of his spies were crushed."

Another Hamas-linked account, belonging to the Radaa Force, posted an image of him superimposed on a playing card, the ace of spades, saying "As we told you: Israel will not protect you."

Neither the Israel Defense Forces or the Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, commented on the killing.

Unlikely leader helped by Israel

Abu Shabab's gang was the most high profile of the anti-Hamas militia, prompting Israel to line up to support the group and others as a way to undermine Hamas' control of the strip.

The United Nations had said his gang was among those looting aid as it entered Gaza, suggesting Israeli forces were turning a blind eye to its operations.

He had been described by security sources as uncharismatic, illiterate and an unlikely senior gang leader, before he rose to prominence.

Israeli media had previously reported that he was in a Hamas jail prior to war in Gaza beginning, and that Abu Shabab's release had been orchestrated by Israeli forces.

In June, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed those plans after criticism from his political opponents.

"On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas," he said in a video posted on social media.

"What's wrong with that?

"It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers, and publicising this only benefits Hamas."

On Wednesday, Mr Netanyahu told the New York Times there were "Palestinians in Gaza who are fighting Hamas, because they say enough of this tyranny, this terror".

"They don't want the [Palestinian Authority], they don't want Hamas, they want to be the masters of their own destiny.

"I think we should give them a chance."

Britain's Sky News has reported at least five different gangs in Gaza are being supported by Israel.

***

Shailoks supporting gangsters who robbed-looted food aid, then blamed the looting on Hamas - despicable shailoks

Four countries to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Shailok State cleared to compete

Guardian:

Four countries to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Israel cleared to compete

Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands pull out after decision not to hold vote on Israel’s participation


Philip Oltermann and Lisa O’Carroll

Fri 5 Dec 2025 06.25 AEDT

Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands will boycott next year’s Eurovision after Israel was given the all-clear to compete in the 2026 song contest despite calls by several participating broadcasters for its exclusion over the war in Gaza.

No vote on Israel’s participation was held on Thursday at the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the body that organises the competition.

Instead, participating broadcasters voted only to introduce new rules designed to stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters.

“A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision song contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place,” the EBU said in a statement.


In response, the Irish broadcaster RTÉ said it would not participate in the 2026 contest or broadcast the competition. “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

The Spanish broadcaster RTVE also said it would not broadcast the contest or the semi-finals in Vienna next year, describing the process of decision-making as “insufficient” and engendering “distrust”.

The BBC indicated it would broadcast next year’s competition, saying: “We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said. The German broadcaster SWR confirmed it would participate.

The Spanish national broadcaster, along with seven other countries, had formally requested a secret ballot at a summit of broadcasters in Geneva on Thursday.

“The EBU presidency has denied RTVE’s request for a specific vote on Israel’s participation. This decision increases RTVE’s distrust of the festival’s organisation and confirms the political pressure surrounding it,” it said in a statement.

Delegates leave the headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union after the first day of a two-day general assembly on Thursday. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images


Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, backed the boycott. He said: “You can’t whitewash Israel given the genocide in Gaza. Culture should be on the side of peace and justice. I’m proud of an RTVE that puts human rights before any economic interest.”

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it would also withdraw from next year’s contest. “After weighing all perspectives, Avrotros concludes that, under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation.”

The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO – the first to threaten a boycott this summer – said participation “would conflict with its values of peace, equality and respect”.

At the meeting on Thursday, EBU members discussed new rules designed to stop governments and third parties from promoting songs to influence voters.

Some countries had raised concerns over undue promotion methods after Israel topped the public vote at the contest in May, finishing second overall after the jury votes were taken into consideration.

The proposed rule changes were seen as an olive branch to broadcasters critical of Israel, but appear to have been deemed insufficient to most of the nations who had signalled their willingness to boycott the event.

Sixty-five per cent of delegates voted in favour of the changes to the song contest and no further discussion on participation of Israel, while 23% voted against and 10% abstained.

Those in favour of the changes included broadcasters from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, who all said they would continue to support the song contest.

In a joint statement, they said they “supported” the EBU’s decision to “address critical shortcomings” in the voting system, but believed it was “important that we maintain an ongoing dialogue about how we safeguard the credibility of the EBU and the Eurovision song contest moving forward”.

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed the decision on his country’s participation, saying Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”.

“I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision song contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding,” he wrote on X.

The 2026 edition of the world’s largest live music event, the 70th in its history, will be held in Vienna, after this year’s win for the Austrian singer JJ.

In Germany, leading politicians had proposed that SWR withdraw in solidarity if Israel were to be excluded. ORF, the Austrian host broadcaster, had also said it wanted Israel to compete.

SWR said before the meeting that Israel was entitled to compete in the contest. It said the contest, for decades, was “a competition organised by EBU broadcasters, not by governments” and “the Israeli broadcaster Kan meets all the requirements associated with participation” for 2026.

Russia was banned from Eurovision after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Israel, which has won the contest four times since its debut in 1973, has competed for the past two years despite disputes over its participation.

PMX advised to stop wooing diehard PAS backers for they’ll never ever support his Madani govt

PMX advised to stop wooing diehard PAS backers for they’ll never ever support his Madani govt





WHY keep supporting deadweights?

This was the pointed query directed at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is perceived to be over-zealous in wooing the walaun (slang for hardcore PAS supporters) fraternity to his side.

Taking a pot shot at PMX for constantly bending over to suit the ultra-conservative demographic, an uncredited opinion piece in The Coverage Media argued that the Madani administration is at risk of losing its core support.

This includes progressive Malays which the socio-political news site claimed is becoming increasingly fed up with PMX’s policies that seem geared towards winning the hearts and minds of the walaun.




Claiming to be a “progressive Malay”, the author of the piece argued that “the educated, self-reliant professionals, entrepreneurs and intellectuals who form the backbone of his core support base – are increasingly feeling neglected, taxed and punished for our success”.

“Meanwhile, resources are funnelled toward groups that often oppose him politically,” it was further lamented.

Bloated civil service

The author of the barbed article broke down his grouses into several distinct parts. Firstly, PMX’s continued placating of a bloated civil service was seen as a prime example of ignoring PKR’s core supporters.



It was argued: “While civil servants get consistent perks, what about the 9.9 million Bumiputera (mostly Malay) workers in the private sector? These are the real engines of growth: 6 million Malay men and 3.9 million women grinding it out in competitive environments.

Handout king

Previous administrations have been accused of vote buying tactics with conveniently-timed announcements of handouts, goodies and other freebies.

But as pointed out, “handouts ballooned under Anwar: from RM5 bil annually during Muhyiddin’s time to RM15 bil now. Recent examples include a one-off RM100 cash aid to all adults (benefiting 22 million Malaysians) and other stimulus packages worth billions”.

“Why feed your enemies?” was the pressing question.



A hot topic that seems to be on everyone’s lips is education with the writer passionately underlining his point declaring: “Anwar allocated RM2.6 bil for Islamic development, including upgrades for sekolah tahfiz, pondok schools and religious institutions.

“This risk creating more PAS ‘fixed deposits’ – future voters indoctrinated in conservative views. Meanwhile, progressive Malays suffer: tax hikes hit private and international schools, national schools lack infrastructure while boarding schools are underfunded.”




Neglecting urban voters

Urban voters, too, are being ignored as PMX continues his charm offensive in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu with huge allocations annually.

“States like Selangor, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Pahang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak – where progressive Malays dominate mixed and urban seats – are neglected.

“These are PH’s (Pakatan Harapan) battlegrounds yet supporters bleed away daily, punished for being ‘rich’ and capable of earning halal income,” it was further strsessed.

The hard-hitting piece was shared on the current affair portal’s Facebook feed, generating 1K likes, 292 comments and 207 shares, denoting that the topic resonated with many commenters.

More than a few agreed whole-heartedly with the author who claimed that certain home truths needed to be put in the open.



Alluding to his radical student past and his association with Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), one commenter is not surprised by PMX’s efforts to woo PAS supporters.



One commenter observed that he just wants to be treated fairly and not neglected in favour of those who will never buy into the Madani government.



The author’s message of inclusivity and acceptance of different ethnicities, cultures and languages was also met positively.



It was concluded that PMX has succeeded to “out-PAS-ed PAS. You out-Bumi-ed UMNO. You became the most generous Malay-centric PM in history”.

As this message has been fermenting for some time now, the Madani government would do well to heed it should it want to stay in Putrajaya.

As the author proclaimed: “You can never satisfy the walaun”. So don’t bother even trying. – Dec 4, 2025

Exposing pedophilia and legal failures in Israel

Exposing pedophilia and legal failures in Israel

Posted on October 22, 2024 Lidija Misic

Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Human Rights, violence


Failures in Israel’s legal system, particularly around pedophilia, expose deep-rooted justice and accountability issues affecting society. Offenders exploit Israel’s Law of Return to evade consequences, with high-profile cases like Malka Leifer’s highlighting extradition and legal obstacles. Despite minor reforms, stronger legal measures and international cooperation are needed to address these challenges effectively.
Criminal exploitation of Israel’s citizenship law

Many accused American pedophiles have fled to Israel, taking advantage of the Law of Return, which grants automatic citizenship to Jewish individuals and their families, with minimal barriers. While criminal background checks exist, offenders can bypass these requirements in various ways, allowing them to evade justice (Walker, 2016).

Jewish Community Watch (JCW), an American organization tracking these individuals, has been working to bring them to justice since 2014. They report over 60 suspects fleeing from the U.S. to Israel, though they believe the actual number is higher due to limited resources (Lee, 2020).

In addition to the above statistics, the Matzof Association, which monitors pedophilia in Israel, estimates that tens of thousands of offenders operate each year, affecting around 100,000 victims annually. In July 2020 alone, 22 pedophilia cases in Israel were reported to the media (Jean, 2020).

Israel signed the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography on 14 November 2001 and subsequently ratified it on 23 July 2008. This protocol is one of the three Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Israel ratified in 1991, aimed at protecting all children, including those in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), from exploitation and abuse (United Nations, n.d.). Although some steps have been taken, there is a critical need for further measures to safeguard young children.
High-profile fugitives in Israel

A prominent case is that of Malka Leifer, former principal of the Jewish religious school in Melbourne, who fled to Israel after allegations of sexually abusing more than 70 students. For seven years, Leifer evaded extradition to Australia by claiming mental illness. This specific case highlights how Israeli medical, legal, and political figures worked to prevent Leifer’s extradition. Medical reports were falsified, and the Israeli Health Minister was involved in obstructing the process, protecting Leifer from justice (Mendelssohn, 2024).

However, private investigators exposed Leifer by infiltrating a small Israeli community, leading to her extradition for sexual assault charges. The investigators used over 200 hours of covert footage to counter claims of Leifer’s mental incapacity, showing her engaging in daily activities and disproving her defense. This evidence led to her re-arrest and eventual extradition to Australia in 2021 (Silva, 2023).

Another notable case involves Tomas Zeron, the former head of Mexico‘s Criminal Investigation Agency, who is wanted for his role in the 2014 disappearance of 43 students and allegations of torture. Since fleeing to Israel in 2019, Zeron has lived comfortably in Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that Israel is unlikely to extradite him, citing procedural errors and Mexico’s support for UN inquiries into Israeli war crimes (Obel, 2023).

One recent example is Bryan Singer, the director known for “X-Men,” who has been living in Israel and is planning a comeback with several film projects. Despite ongoing allegations of sexual assault involving minors, which he denies, Singer seems to benefit from Israel’s favorable conditions for Jewish immigrants. His new ventures, including a documentary on his experiences, suggest he may avoid any legal consequences (The Times of Israel, 2023).

The refuge of criminals in the West Bank settlements

Many sex offenders, including Malka Leifer, find refuge in ultra-Orthodox settlements in the West Bank (The Jewish Independent, 2024). Over 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in these areas, occupying Palestinian land in 150 government-supported settlements, which are deemed illegal under international law. Government funding also extends to unauthorized outposts, allowing convicted offenders to live with minimal interference (Al Jazeera, 2023).

As a result, West Bank settlements have faced prolonged scrutiny over severe allegations of child sex abuse, including rape and child pornography. These cases, marked by extensive online exploitation and in-person assaults, underscore a troubling trend, as the settlements have been known to harbor individuals accused of sexual offenses for an extended period (The Times of Israel, 2023).

One of the most prominent cases involves a Jewish settler, Uriah Assis, facing numerous sex crime charges, including rape and sexual harassment, with 105 victims, primarily underage girls. The perpetrator used multiple aliases to target and exploit young girls and women, with charges including rape, sodomy, sexual harassment, and possession and production of obscene materials (The Palestine Chronicle, 2019).

Improving protections: Israel’s efforts and gaps

The number of sex offenders in Israeli prisons has increased from 350 in 1997 to 1,300 in 2009, reflecting greater public and law enforcement awareness. In response to rising concerns over sex offenses against children, the Israeli parliament enacted a 2006 law for community protection from sex offenders. This law is supposed to assess risk and impose supervisory measures based on the offender’s danger level (Birger et al., 2011).

However, it is deeply concerning that one-third of prisoners convicted of sexual offenses have declined to participate in mandatory rehabilitation programs, and 75% were released early, not serving their full sentences. Additionally, nearly 90% of sexual offense cases involving Israeli army officers were initially opened but subsequently closed without charges (Middle East Monitor, 2022).

To align with global standards, the government must implement specific legislation targeting pedophiles, enhance online protection against exploitation, and improve systems for rehabilitating offenders. Additionally, stricter sentencing for juvenile pedophiles, victim family involvement in post-incarceration restrictions, and accelerated legislative reforms are crucial (Izenberg, 2010).

To safeguard Israeli and Palestinian children, the government must strengthen international cooperation to expedite criminal extradition, enforce stricter background checks, and prevent offenders from settling in the West Bank, which is considered illegal under international law. These measures are essential to preventing reoffending and ensuring accountability.