“Vision... or Delusion?!!” - Is Dr M Set To Be Next PM Ahead Of Muhyiddin And Others...?!!!

Opinion | “Vision... or Delusion?!!” - Is Dr M Set To Be Next PM Ahead Of Muhyiddin And Others...?!!!


18 Nov 2025 • 9:00 AM MYT


JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour

Prominent senior lawyer Zaid Ibrahim, seems to be an admirer of Dr Mahathir these days while being a staunch critic of Anwar's Madani administration. Credit Image: Sinar Harian / Malay Mail (Picture by Miera Zulyana) / Utusan Malaysia.


As alleged by some, is PMX really the main reason why the Malays in the country are divided - or is it all down to jealousy, self-interest and the greed for political power among the latter's own leaders?


After the endless waves of criticism from the opposition over the controversial reciprocal trade agreement with the US had failed to gain traction with ordinary citizens here, have prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s disgruntled detractors now resorted to rehashing their “old tricks?”


In a recent post in his popular “X” account, vocal ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim had audaciously proposed Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be the next prime minister if the “Malay umbrella” (a loose grouping that includes PAS, Bersatu and other smaller Malay-based parties) wins most of the seats in the next general elections.


The former Kota Bahru MP had also stressed that for all his flaws, Dr Mahathir was still a “true patriot" and that his contributions to the country have been unmatched by anyone since.


However, according to Zaid, for that to happen, Dr Mahathir has to first make it known to the public that he will pardon incarcerated ex-premier Najib Razak; he further argued: “If the two-time ex-PM was willing to pardon Anwar in 2018, why not Najib?


Zaid's wishful thinking…?


Furthermore, the outspoken political journeyman warned that this could be the last opportunity for the Malays to regain control of the country and govern it in the “spirit of Merdeka” - though he did not delve into what that “spirit” meant.



He then went on to lament: “What is the point of insisting that the country be known as Tanah Melayu when the Malay leaders have completely surrendered themselves to forces, in and outside the country, without a fight?”


Interestingly, Zaid had also “appealed” to PAS supremo Hadi Awang and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to give Dr Mahathir one more chance, so that the rakyat can have a future!


But for how long can the 100-year-old Dr Mahathir with his frail health be the torch bearer for his race?


For context, last June amidst much fanfare, the still active and witty former prime minister had announced the formation of an informal Malay secretariat, describing it as a "big umbrella” to unify the Malay community; according to him, Malays need fighters to champion their cause but that right now, they didn't have a dedicated fighter!


He had also reportedly said that the goal of the alliance was to unite the Malays who formed the majority of the population here, but who allegedly were under political and economic siege and had to be saved!


The Malays already have enough “fighters” - but is it that they may be busy “fighting” among themselves to be the leader?


Dr Mahathir had further pointed out that the “big umbrella” Malay alliance was not to discuss political party matters, but rather to address the struggles and problems affecting the Malays, which according to him, can only be resolved if the race was to once again lead the government.


Unsurprisingly, one critic had described the grouping as nothing more than a “gathering of disgruntled leaders” led by the opposition, mainly from PAS and Bersatu, using the false narrative that Malays were losing power.


Devoid of ideas, have they now turned to the same old racial narratives and “scare tactics” to win power?


In reality though, isn't Malay political dominance in this country firmly enshrined and protected by the Federal Constitution, which clearly makes it mandatory for the country to be headed by a Malay-Muslim King, for Islam to be the official state religion and for Bahasa Malaysia to be the official language? With all these safeguards how can it lose power or influence?



That being the case, the obvious question on the lips of many may well be: is this latest call for Dr Mahathir to lead the country merely another desperate act by those still bent on destabilising the current government - despite the fact that the nation's economy has picked up and its global reputation has been gradually restored in the aftermath of the humiliating 1MDB financial scandal?


In hindsight, wasn't it Dr Mahathir's controversial sacking of his then-deputy in 1998 one of the major reasons for the deep division within the Malay community that has lasted until today?


Moreover, wasn't it during his second stint as prime minister that the nation was left in disarray after he had unceremoniously thrown in the towel which led to the infamous “Sheraton Move”, followed by years of unprecedented political upheaval?


In conclusion, taking into account all that, on what reasonable grounds can Zaid claim that only Dr Mahathir is able to unite the Malay race - and save the country? In fact, to many, wouldn't such a notion be deemed outrageous and a recipe for disaster?



Notes to Ponder: To be fair, Zaid is entitled to his own opinion, but can Dr Mahathir even find a safe seat to contest and win in the next GE – before he can harbour any hope of leading the nation?

***

I like Zaid but this time I have to say he's frigging MAD

Dolla vs the Religious Minister: A Fight That Explains Everything Wrong With Malaysia

OPINION | Dolla vs the Religious Minister: A Fight That Explains Everything Wrong With Malaysia

18 Nov 2025 • 7:30 AM MYT


TheRealNehruism
An award-winning Newswav creator, Bebas News columnist & ex-FMT columnist

Image credit: World of Buzz


Have you heard of the M-pop group Dolla?

I first stumbled upon their name through a snippet of an Amelia Henderson podcast that appeared on my Facebook feed. Amelia and her guest were talking about the group and their song “Dolla Make You Wanna,” and I thought both the name and the title were catchy. When I checked out the song on Spotify, I was surprised by how good they sounded.


And then — just days after discovering them — I came across headlines showing that Dolla had come under the scrutiny of the Religious Affairs Ministry, and not in a small way.


According to news report, Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar publicly thanked Universal Music Malaysia for taking down Dolla’s music video from all official platforms.


He praised the label’s “discernment and responsibility” and said the takedown reflected the industry’s sensitivity to community voices and “shared values.”


Universal had removed the music video for Dolla’s latest song “Question,” released on Nov 6, after it sparked outrage among conservatives for the girls’ outfits. The video showed members Sabronzo (Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli), Tabby (Tabitha Ariel Lam) and Angel (Angelina Chai) in halter neck tops, corset bodices, miniskirts, and midriff-revealing clothing — outfits that are standard in their genre.


Netizens also attacked Sabronzo personally for her attire as a Muslim woman. The minister went even further: he said he would consider filing shariah offence charges against her, stating that shariah legal action “is within our consideration.”



It was at that moment I realised that whatever potential Dolla might have had — whatever chances they possessed to rise, compete, and perhaps someday become Malaysia’s breakout global act — might never be realised. Not because they lacked talent. Not because the market had rejected them. But because their own government machinery had stepped in to cripple them at the starting line.


And that is when I started thinking seriously about what it means to succeed — or fail — in a world that is relentlessly competitive.


I don’t listen to much new music these days, but I do know my fair share of K-pop, especially Blackpink and the solo work of its four members. And when I listened to Dolla, I thought: if fortune favoured them, if they had the right charisma and a viral moment, if they continue to grow as artists and a group, they might someday have the same shot that Blackpink had, and maybe even be able achieve what Blackpink has achieved.


That was the theory anyway.


But after the decision to take down their music video — celebrated by a minister who has probably never had to compete for anything in his career — that theory may remain only a theory.


The "offence" in question has to do with their revealing outfits. In the musical category Dolla occupies — R&B and hip-hop — revealing costumes, suggestive lyrics, and highly choreographed performances are simply part of the game. If you want to win in that arena, you cannot pretend the rules don’t exist.


Could Dolla play the same game without revealing outfits or suggestive lyrics?


Technically yes.


Realistically? Almost impossible.


Anyone who has ever competed seriously in anything knows that it is easier to follow the market than to change it. Only the strongest players — the Blackpinks, the global American acts — get to alter trends. Emerging artists from small markets do not.



At this stage, what Dolla needs to do is play the game well, play it better than others, corner a niche market like the Malaysian market and offer something extra to audiences: more appearances, cheaper tickets, relentless consistency. That is how you rise through the ranks.


But achieving this is far harder than people think. From Africa to America, India to Indonesia, Austria to Australia — the world is filled with millions of people trying to succeed in the same fields we are. The competition is merciless.


Understanding this should make us more sympathetic to groups like Dolla. Even if we are not interested in their field of endeavor, we should at least be appreciative of their effort to succeed.


If we appreciated their effort to succeed, we might appreciate their their discipline, their ambition, their attempts, rather than focus our attention on finding their faults and shortcomings. We might even want to help them succeed, knowing that success has spillover effects that lift everyone.


The success k-pop, for example boosted everything from the sales of Korean handphones to Korean cars to Korean cuisine worldwide. If we play the long game, we will be happy that one of us is succeeding, because their success will likely make it easier for us to succeed, even if we are not in the same field as them, simply because the market my equate their success with their identity, and cause it to be more receptive to everything that comes out from their identity group.


But that mindset is not something a religious ministry has.


I do not know what qualifies someone to become a religious minister, but it is certainly not a track record of competing to win. Such positions are often given, not earned. And when someone has never fought for success in a competitive world, they cannot understand those who are trying to climb from nothing.


And that is exactly how we end up here — with a minister celebrating the takedown of a music video, threatening shariah charges against a young performer, and placing obstacles in the path of artists who have barely begun their journey.


Dolla is not just facing criticism. They are facing institutional obstruction from people who have never once lived the kind of struggle it takes to succeed.


And that is why, instead of climbing toward regional or global stardom, they are being forced to shrink themselves for the comfort of people who have never competed — and therefore never understood what it takes to win.


This whole saga with Dolla, by the way, is not just about a girl group, a music video, or an outfit.


It is symptomatic of the deeper sickness Malaysia has been carrying for decades.


Years of corruption, nepotism, and cronyism have created a culture where the people at the top — the decision-makers, the gatekeepers, the ones who control the platforms and the levers of power — are often individuals who did not reach the top by competing and winning.


And when you have not reached the top through competition, discipline, strategy, sacrifice, and excellence, you simply cannot understand what those things require. You will not know what it takes to win in a real marketplace. Instead, you will carry your own personal, insulated, untested ideas about how success works — ideas divorced from reality.


Worse, you will impose these strange, disconnected ideas about success onto everyone else, using the authority, power, and platform you inherited rather than earned.


And that — not Dolla’s choreography, not their outfits, not their genre — is the real tragedy.


This is exactly why Malaysia has been stuck in the middle-income trap for so long.


This is why we are still disproportionately dependent on commodities like oil palm and oil and gas, or on the exploitation of cheap labour in manufacturing and service sectors to keep the economy afloat.


Because we have empowered — and continue to empower — people who have no understanding of what it takes to succeed in the real world.


These people think that all you have to do is succeed is show people how good or nice you are, and success will come to you, and they probably think that because that is how they rose to the top in Malaysia.



In the real world however, you have to compete to win - not just be nice or act virtuous, and expect that success will come to you as a reward for your goodness and virtuous.


And when people who have never competed are placed in charge of those who are trying to compete, the result is always the same:


They drag everyone down to their level.


They suppress ambition.


They smother potential.


They punish excellence.


Dolla’s difficulty is Malaysia’s difficulty.


Their struggle to grow is our struggle to grow.


Their blocked path is our blocked path.


Until we build a culture where those who compete, win, innovate, and excel rise to the top — and those who do not are kept far away from positions of power — we will continue to watch our brightest talents get punished, sidelined, or chased out.


And Malaysia will continue to wonder why it cannot rise, even as the answer stares us in the face.



***


What Do Netizens Say?


lelkl
• 19m
Holier than Thou...


OgL
• 34m
@factfinder better all ministers wear sarong to work ya. Inside no underwear also alright.


Ashok
• 2h
High testerone religious bigots.


ctyap
• 2h
His batang naik...


yuyu
• 3h
Send the unelected minister to Afghanistan's cave. Inside there his eyes won't see anything sexy. He is more fitter to be a desert minister instead of Malaysia where is he more anti-establishment than a role model/catalyst for better future. Poordahhhhh.......


dmak85207
• 3h
A very well written article👍. But sad to say, those who have never competed on a level playing field, would never understand the hard work and sacrifices it takes to achieve success. They choose to see the world only through their own lens.


Michael_Honor
• 3h
That's why super stars and super singing group are giving Malaysia the cold feet.


KilliKullu
• 3h
up head cannot think coz bottom head overthinking!! Big head small brain


AruKK
• 4h
Dolla, keep doing your best according to your values!! If the situation is not conducive, you can always find another host who will be fair to you ya.


rebelchef_
• 5h
And yet complain why international artises and bands skip Malaysia... Ini tak boleh itu tak boleh... Best example.... F1....

Uproar in Parliament as MPs clash over whereabouts of Muhyiddin’s fugitive son-in-law

theVibes.com:

Uproar in Parliament as MPs clash over whereabouts of Muhyiddin’s fugitive son-in-law

Dewan Rakyat descended into another round of sharp exchanges over the continued absence of Muhammad Adlan Berhan, the fugitive son-in-law of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 18 Nov 2025 1:28PM

Speaker warns MPs to stop revisiting the matter without new evidence - November 18, 2025


TEMPERS flared once again in the Dewan Rakyat today as MPs renewed questions over the whereabouts of Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, the fugitive son-in-law of Pagoh MP Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.


The latest dispute prompted Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to caution MPs against raising the matter again unless fresh information has emerged.

The exchange arose during Minister’s Question Time when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH–Kota Melaka) pressed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on whether the government might offer incentives to whistleblowers based abroad. Khoo linked his query to the problem of fugitives fleeing to countries without extradition treaties.

“Some are involved in corruption. The MACC wants to charge them. They escaped, for example, to Arab countries, but some Arab countries do not have extradition arrangements with our country,” he said. “So how are we going to bring them back to our country? For example, Pagoh’s son-in-law.

“He was involved in a corruption case and the MACC wanted to charge him, but he fled abroad as soon as his father-in-law was charged in court. A few days later, he fled to another country.

“Can we give incentives to whistleblowers abroad? And I also want to ask, considering the son-in-law escaped, did we ask the father-in-law where his son-in-law went?”

His line of questioning triggered frustration from Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (PN–Rompin), who asked: “I think several times already Kota Melaka raised this. It is always the same question.”

Johari stepped in, instructing Khoo to take his seat.

Prime Minister Anwar responded by stressing that investigations continue regardless of where suspects flee. “When the accused and those involved flee overseas, the process is still carried out periodically by the police and the MACC,” he said.

The matter escalated further when Datuk Awang Hashim (PN–Pendang) insisted that Khoo’s questioning risked undermining authorities. “We already have the police, we have an engagement with Interpol. Kota Melaka intends to undermine police investigations on people who fled abroad. Where is the role of the engagement then? They should investigate,” he said.

The Speaker intervened again to clarify that no personal names had been raised. “The Pendang quote is also not correct, he did not mention a name, he mentioned an area. Pagoh is not a name. Do not mention Tan Sri Muhyiddin, that is not allowed. Pagoh is fine,” Johari said.

Awang, however, insisted Khoo had been precise in referring to “Pagoh’s son-in-law”, acknowledging openly that this meant Muhyiddin’s son-in-law.

“The prime minister has already answered. So, I think it does not need to be raised again next time, except if there is something new,” Johari concluded.

Recent news reports cited that Adlan, wanted by the MACC for alleged criminal breach of trust and missing for more than two years, has been living comfortably in a Middle Eastern nation.

Photographs were reportedly seen by the New Straits Times showing him mingling with regional dignitaries, while sources claim he frequently travels in and out of the country, including to Thailand, for golf and shooting-range excursions. - November 18, 2025

Fifa calls FAM gen-sec’s suspension a ‘PR exercise’

FMT:

Fifa calls FAM gen-sec’s suspension a ‘PR exercise’

Fifa’s appeal committee says it is 'unimpressed' with the suspension of FAM general secretary Noor Azman Rahman

Suspended FAM general secretary Noor Azman Rahman (right), seen with FAM honorary president Hamidin Amin and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. (gianni_infantino Instagram pic)

PETALING JAYA: A Fifa committee has taken aim at the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) handling of its general secretary’s suspension, describing the move as poorly defined, inconsistently enforced, and ultimately resembling a public relations exercise.

In its written decision confirming the sanctions imposed on FAM and seven naturalised players, Fifa’s appeal committee said it was “unimpressed” with the suspension of FAM general secretary Noor Azman Rahman, noting that the terms and scope of the sanction were neither clearly articulated nor meaningfully observed.

Despite FAM’s references to the suspension in its submissions appealing the sanctions, Fifa’s appeal committee highlighted reports and credible accounts indicating that Noor Azman continued to make public appearances at high-profile events – including functions attended by senior Fifa leaders.


“(This) undermines the credibility of the measure and suggests that it (suspension) was primarily a public relations exercise rather than a genuine governance action,” said the committee.

“When questioned about press reports alleging that Noor Azman was seen and photographed in public with senior Fifa officials during their attendance at a conference in Malaysia the day before the hearing, FAM’s counsel stated that he was unaware of any such public appearance.”


FAM last month defended Noor Azman’s appearance at an event in Kuala Lumpur attended by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, saying the suspended official was present in his personal capacity.

Noor Azman was suspended amid the controversy surrounding allegations that falsified documents were submitted to Fifa on the issue of naturalised players.

FAM deputy president S Sivasundaram said on Oct 17 that the association had formed a committee to probe the matter, with Noor Azman suspended to allow the committee to carry out its duties.

In its written decision, Fifa’s appeal committee said it “categorically rejected” FAM’s attempt to minimise the seriousness of its conduct by characterising the deliberate alteration of official documents as mere “administrative adjustments”.

The committee said Noor Azman’s acknowledgment in a hearing that members of FAM’s administration “engaged in handling and formatting certain copies of birth certificates… including the altered content” constituted a direct confession of document tampering.

The committee also said Noor Azman’s statement that “these steps were not a substitute for obtaining certified copies or official extracts, nor were they authorised as an official verification process” confirmed that FAM knowingly submitted falsified documents to Fifa in the context of eligibility proceedings.

Fifa’s regulations allow players to represent a country if their parents or grandparents were born there.

Fifa said that contrary to documents submitted by FAM claiming that the grandparents of the seven naturalised players were born in Malaysia, its own investigation found original records indicating that the grandparents were actually born in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands.


The committee said FAM told the appeal hearing that it had initiated an investigation led by former chief justice Raus Sharif to identify the shortcomings in its processes.

It also said Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend noted that he had recommended engaging Deloitte Sports to conduct the review as it would “enhance credibility”.

“However, FAM’s board of directors opted for a different approach,” the committee said.

***

FAM has been behaving in an absolutely disgraceful manner, unrepentant, obdurate and shameless.

Shorten your transit in Dubai, court tells Muhyiddin

FMT:

Shorten your transit in Dubai, court tells Muhyiddin

4 hours ago
Faisal Asyraf

High Court says Muhyiddin Yassin cannot justify a six-day transit on his return to Malaysia following an intended family vacation in Madrid

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin faces four counts of abuse of power involving RM232.5 million and three money laundering charges amounting to RM200 million.

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today granted Muhyiddin Yassin temporary access to his passport but rejected his request for an extended transit stop in Dubai en route back to Malaysia.

The former prime minister told the court that he was scheduled to fly from Kuala Lumpur to London on Dec 15 for a medical appointment at the Platinum Medical Centre two days later.

The visit is for his annual check-up and monitoring of his pancreatic cancer.


Muhyiddin also planned to spend time with his family, including his grandchildren, in Madrid from Dec 20 until Jan 2, 2026, followed by a six-day stopover in Dubai before returning to Kuala Lumpur on Jan 8.

However, Justice Noor Ruwena Nurdin insisted that he shorten his stay in Dubai.


“Based on the supporting affidavit, I don’t see any justification for the five- to six-day transit in Dubai. That part is very glaring, you can just do the transit in one or two days.

“There is no justification at all for the long transit. I believe the transit duration can be shortened,” she said.

The judge also reprimanded Muhyiddin for not seeking the court’s approval before booking his flight ticket.

“Actually I’m not in favour of granting (the application), you cannot take for granted that every application will be allowed by the court.

“You must obtain the court’s approval before making the booking,” she said.

In exercising her discretion, Noor Ruwena allowed the application on condition that Muhyiddin’s passport be released to him on Dec 8 instead of today, and returned to the court by Jan 5.

Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad represented Muhyiddin while deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Jumaat and Nuralis Mat appeared for the prosecution.

Muhyiddin, 78, faces four counts of abuse of power involving RM232.5 million and three money laundering charges amounting to RM200 million.


The four abuse of power charges relate to Muhyiddin’s time as prime minister and Bersatu president, where he allegedly solicited RM232.5 million in bribes from an individual and three companies.

The remaining three charges concern RM200 million in funds allegedly received from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd and deposited in his party’s account.

Fifa to probe FAM, sec-gen over 'heritage' players fiasco

Fifa to probe FAM, sec-gen over 'heritage' players fiasco


Published: Nov 18, 2025 11:59 AM
Updated: 2:59 PM


The International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) is launching a formal investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) internal operations following document forgery findings related to the citizenship of some Harimau Malaya players.

In September, Fifa sanctioned FAM and its seven “heritage” players over the matter.

It will also investigate three individuals in relation to the case - suspended FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman, as well as licensed Fifa agents Nicolás Puppo and Frederico Moraes.

“Their involvement raises serious concerns that merit thorough scrutiny,” the Fifa appeals committee said in its report released yesterday.

Fifa had imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million) on FAM, while the players - Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Hector Hevel - were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs.

According to Fifa, the seven “heritage” players do not have any grandparents born in Malaysia as claimed.

However, FAM rejected allegations of doctoring documents, arguing that Fifa had not provided evidence to substantiate its claims.

FAM later filed an appeal with Fifa against the sanctions, claiming a technical error, but it was dismissed on Nov 3.

On Oct 17, FAM suspended Azman in relation to the case and announced an independent probe.

FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman


Informing relevant authorities

Fifa said the investigation is aimed at, among others, identifying the individuals responsible for falsifying citizenship documents.

“We will assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” it added.

Given the gravity of the situation, the world sports body stated that it would direct its secretariat to inform the relevant authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

“Forgery constitutes a criminal offence in these jurisdictions, and it is imperative that the relevant authorities are informed so that appropriate criminal investigations and proceedings may be pursued,” Fifa said.

***

Why is Malaysia still so stubborn? 'Dah kalah liao lah

First-time in 14 years: Malaysia posts RM0.7b services surplus, Anwar credits fiscal discipline

First-time in 14 years: Malaysia posts RM0.7b services surplus, Anwar credits fiscal discipline



Malaysia’s services sector posted a surplus in the third quarter of 2025, marking the first time in 14 years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in Parliament today. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 18 Nov 2025 11:56 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — Malaysia recorded a services sector surplus in the third quarter of 2025, the first time in 14 years Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament today.

Responding to a question from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the services account posted a RM0.7 billion surplus in Q3, ending a long-running deficit that had persisted since 2011.

“One very interesting figure that I want to highlight is our deficit, which used to be a real problem. But in 2025, in the third quarter, we recorded a surplus for the first time and were no longer in deficit after 14 years,” he said during prime minister question time.

Anwar said the turnaround was due to the government’s economic planning and disciplined fiscal management, alongside a positive current account balance.


“In the third quarter, the figure was 12.2 per cent. I do not mean to repeat all the programmes we implemented, but this shows fiscal discipline and orderly management of the country,” he said.

The prime minister added that these measures had helped boost confidence in the economy, contributing to the ringgit performing among the best in Asia.

Israeli settlers torch homes and vehicles in Palestinian West Bank villages

al Jazeera:

Israeli settlers torch homes and vehicles in Palestinian West Bank villages

New attacks near Bethlehem and Hebron underscore intensifying Israeli violence in occupied Palestinian territory

A Palestinian man inspects his car following a previous settler attack in the village of Beit Lid, near Tulkarm, November 12 [File: Mohammed Torokman/Reuters]

Published On 17 Nov 202517 Nov 2025



Israeli settlers have launched two major arson attacks on Palestinian villages near Bethlehem and Hebron amid a wave of rising violence by Israel in the occupied West Bank.

Dozens of settlers rampaged through the village of al-Jaba, located 10km (six miles) southwest of Bethlehem, on Monday, torching three Palestinian homes, one shack and three vehicles, according to Dhyab Masha‘la, the head of the local council.

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Masha‘la told Palestinian news agency Wafa that the attackers caused extensive damage to the village, but that locals had managed to extinguish the flames. No casualties were reported.

Earlier on Monday, Wafa said settlers set fire to a home and two vehicles, and physically assaulted several civilians in Sa’ir town, northeast of Hebron, under the protection of Israeli forces.

The Israeli settlers beat the Palestinians with batons and sharp instruments, resulting in injuries to a number of women, with Israeli forces blocking fire engines and ambulances from reaching the scene, the agency reported.

Violence in the West Bank has broken new records this year, with settlers carrying out almost-daily attacks on Palestinians that have involved killings, beatings and the destruction of property, often under the protection of the Israeli military.

Last week, settlers set a mosque ablaze in the village of Deir Istiya in the north of the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission says that Israeli forces and settlers carried out 2,350 attacks across the West Bank last month alone in an “ongoing cycle of terror”, which has been taking place in the shadow of the war in Gaza.

The violence is rarely prosecuted.







Referring to the attack on al-Jaba, an Israeli military spokesperson said security forces were “searching for those involved” after being deployed to the village following reports of “dozens of Israeli citizens” torching and vandalising houses and vehicles.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has overseen the rapid expansion of settlements, denounced Monday’s attack, calling the assailants a “small, extremist group” and signalling that he would convene cabinet ministers to address the problem.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said on X that the government would “not tolerate the attempts of a small group of violent and criminal anarchists who break the law to take the law into their own hands and tarnish the settler community”.

But his statement backed the continued expansion of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

The government, Katz said, would “continue to develop and foster the settlement enterprise throughout Judea and Samaria”.

Last year, the International Court of Justice – the top United Nations tribunal – ruled that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is illegal and called for removing Israeli settlements from the territory.

Settler violence has spiked as members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government push to formally annex the area, which has long operated under a system of apartheid, according to leading rights groups.

The United Nations’ human rights office warned in July that the settler violence was being carried out “with the acquiescence, support, and in some cases participation, of Israeli security forces”.

Last week, in a rare public rebuke, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and army chief Eyal Zamir condemned the burgeoning settler attacks.

***

Shailok monsters - this makes one sympathise with Adolf

Singapore blocks MalaysiaNow for defying correction order

The Singaporean government has ordered internet service providers to block access to the news outlet MalaysiaNow. - Social media pic, November 17, 2025

Singapore blocks MalaysiaNow for defying correction order


The news outlet's refusal to comply with a correction notice regarding false claims about convicted drug courier Pannir Selvam Pranthaman results in government action under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act



A. Azim Idris
Updated 11 seconds ago
17 November, 2025
7:22 PM MYT

SINGAPORE — The Singaporean government has ordered internet service providers to block access to the news outlet MalaysiaNow, following its refusal to comply with a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).
arrow_forward_ios

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a joint statement on November 17, 2025, announcing the block after MalaysiaNow failed to amend an article from November 9. The article in question made false claims about the treatment of convicted drug courier Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, CNA reported.

“We are aware of MalaysiaNow’s statement rejecting the correction direction (CD) and criticising the Singapore government’s approach to addressing online falsehoods,” MDDI and MHA said.

“Despite reminders to comply, MalaysiaNow has not done so. These are not actions that would be taken by any responsible media outlet with journalistic integrity.”

The correction direction required MalaysiaNow to display both the government’s facts and the article’s falsehoods, allowing Singaporean readers to make an informed judgment. MalaysiaNow, however, refused to comply. “We do not take instructions from any government,” wrote the outlet’s editor, Abdar Rahman Koya, in a statement.

The correction direction did not require the removal of the original article but asked for an additional correction notice alongside the false claims. MHA clarified that the intention was to provide both versions to the public for an informed decision.

In addition to blocking MalaysiaNow’s website, the POFMA Office has also issued correction directions to Meta Platforms, LinkedIn, and X. These platforms are now required to notify users in Singapore who have accessed, or will access, the disputed posts.

According to the Singaporean government, the article published by MalaysiaNow made several false statements, according to MHA. These included claims that Pannir’s execution violated the rule of law and accusations that the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) secretly facilitated an interview with Pannir by the Malaysian police.

Authorities also noted it also falsely alleged that Singapore Prison Service officers misled Pannir’s family into signing a document stating that his belongings had been returned.

MHA reaffirmed that Pannir was not granted a certificate of substantive assistance, as the public prosecutor determined he had not assisted CNB in disrupting drug trafficking. The court rejected Pannir’s legal challenge to this decision in 2021.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, those convicted of trafficking drugs may be sentenced to life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, provided they meet specific criteria, including providing substantive assistance to CNB.

The Singaporean government reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens from harmful misinformation. – November 17, 2025

Pastor Koh & Amri Che Mat - High Court Lays Down the Law

 

OutSyed The Box

Monday, November 17, 2025

Pastor Koh & Amri Che Mat - High Court Lays Down the Law

This is a one hour Gut Shot podcast where Sam Saad and myself discuss the High Court's decision on the Pastor Koh and Amri Che Mat abductions. Please do tell people about it. It is important that all law abiding and decent people get on the same page on this matter.  

 

 

SATIRE | Is the Law an Ass?

 

SATIRE | Is the Law an Ass?


17 Nov 2025 • 8:30 AM MYT


Dr. D. Ananda
Lecturer at a university, commentator, published writer

Palace of Justice Malaysia (Image Source: The Diplomat)


Editorial Remark: This content is satirical and opinion-based, reflecting the author’s personal views. It is not intended to defame, insult, or target any individual, group, or institution and may contain humor or exaggeration for entertainment purposes.


(A satirical look at our legal system)


The question once posed by Charles Dickens — “Is the law an ass?” — has found its spiritual home in Malaysia. Recent developments suggest not only is the law an ass, it is a VVIP donkey dressed in designer batik, chauffeured in a Vellfire, and escorted by outriders all the way to Pavilion Mall.


Zahid’s Vanishing Act


One very senior minister made headlines last year when his 47 corruption and money laundering charges linked to welfare organosation evaporated under the now-famous DNAA (Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal).


Legal experts explained DNAA as a “technical procedure.” In practice, it appears closer to a “Delete Key” for politicians.


“DNAA doesn’t mean he’s innocent,” one analyst said. “It just means the charges are sleeping, like a dragon in hibernation. Of course, in Malaysia, dragons sleep forever.”


Supporters outside court wept with joy, holding banners that read: “Z you are our saviour”. One even shouted, “Next GE, he will save us!” To which a pasar malam trader muttered, “Yes, from our money.”


The Growing DNAA Club


He is not alone in this exclusive fraternity. Other honorary members include:

An MP impicated in a road project corruption – DNAA.

A Sabah politician and his wife Felcra bribery) – DNAA.

and few others…




“The DNAA list is starting to look like open house,” quipped one activist. “Everyone’s invited, except the rakyat.”


Najib’s Mansion Prison

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak faces possibility of “House Detention” (Image Source: The Borneo Post)


Then comes the star of the show: Najib Razak, convicted in the 1MDB scandal and sentenced to 12 years in Kajang Prison. After a royal pardon cut his sentence in half, whispers now grow that Najib could be transferred to house arrest.


But this isn’t your average rumah flat. Najib’s “house” is a mansion with chandeliers, golf simulators, and possibly more bathrooms than most Malaysians have friends on Facebook.


“Confining Najib there is cruel,” said one supporter. “He will suffer terribly if the WiFi drops.”


Sources say Najib is already planning a vlog series, “House Arrest Diaries”, with episodes such as:

Ep. 1: Lobster Thermidor Without Truffle Oil – A Survivor’s Tale

Ep. 2: Netflix Buffering – My Darkest Hour



Compassion, Malaysian-Style


Officials insist these decisions show Malaysia’s “compassionate justice.”


But compassion seems highly selective. Makcik Ros, fined RM1,000 for selling nasi lemak during lockdown, was unimpressed. “Najib gets compassion in a mansion, I get summons in the market,” she sighed.


Grab driver Hafiz was equally blunt: “I checked Waze at a traffic light and got RM300 fine. Maybe I should steal RM3 million next time. At least then I’ll get bunga manggar outside court.”



Coming Soon: DNAA on Sale


Adding to the rakyat’s bewilderment, rumours spread yesterday of a bold new innovation.


BREAKING (Satire Service): Shopee is reportedly preparing to sell “DNAA Express Vouchers” during its 9.9 Mega Sale. For RM9.90, buyers receive instant legal relief. Early birds get a complimentary House Arrest Starter Kit: rose-gold ankle monitor, Netflix Premium, and free GrabFood delivery worth RM50.


When asked if this undermines confidence in the justice system, one “senior source” replied:


“No, lah. This is Malaysia. We call it digital transformation.”

Final Word

The law is an Ass (Image Source: Goodreads)


So, is the law an ass in Malaysia? Analysts say yes. Not just an ass, but a pampered donkey fed on taxpayer carrots, paraded in Gucci sunglasses, and escorted to five-star buffets after each court appearance.


As one weary rakyat outside court remarked:

“Here, the law isn’t blind. She’s just shopping.”

Palestinian deaths in Israeli jails surge amid Gaza war

al Jazeera:

Palestinian deaths in Israeli jails surge amid Gaza war: Report

Israeli authorities have been systematically abusing Palestinian prisoners with impunity, according to PHRI

A freed Palestinian prisoner released by Israel as part of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, hugs a family member, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025 [Ramadan Abed/Reuters]

By Maziar Motamedi
Published On 17 Nov 2025


The number of Palestinians that have died in Israeli detention facilities has surged amid the war in Gaza, according to a report issued by a human rights group.

At least 94 Palestinian deaths have been documented since October 2023, the report published on Monday by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) said.

The report is just the latest accusation regarding Israel’s jails, in which critics say thousands of Palestinians taken from Gaza and the occupied West Bank are routinely abused.

The nonprofit organisation expressed “grave concerns that the actual number of Palestinians who have died in Israeli custody is significantly higher, particularly among those detained from Gaza”.

It said Israeli authorities have consistently failed to hold those responsible for the deaths to account.

Of the 94 deaths that the report documents, 68 were from the Gaza Strip, while 26 were from the West Bank or held Israeli citizenship.

Israeli military prisons were responsible for at least 52 of the deaths. The remaining 42 were documented in facilities run by the Israel Prison Service (IPS).






Amid the war, Israeli soldiers have detained thousands of people from across Gaza. PHRI’s report asserts that they are now effectively “disappeared”.

The Israeli authorities have stopped sharing detainee information with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and barred all access to detention sites.

PHRI called those moves a “direct breach of both international and domestic law”.

Israel also refuses to acknowledge that it is holding many Palestinian prisoners, or that some have died in custody, leaving families in the dark for prolonged periods.

Some families found out about the death of their loved ones from Israeli media reports.

PHRI pointed at the case of Dr Hussam Abu Safia, the renowned director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, for whom Israeli authorities claimed for days that they had “no indication of the individual’s arrest or detention”.

Israel continues to hold the doctor, who was taken from the hospital in December, despite an international outcry. His lawyer asserts that he has been subjected to torture and humiliation.

Deaths of Palestinians in Israeli custody have been recorded in almost all major IPS facilities, including Ktzi’ot Prison, Megiddo, Nitzan and Ofer, as well as military camps and bases, including the notorious Sde Teiman, the report says.

Physical violence, including bruising, rib fractures, internal organ damage and intracranial haemorrhage, has been a leading cause of death, followed by chronic medical neglect or denial and severe malnutrition.

“Given the grave conditions faced by Palestinians in Israeli incarceration facilities, and in light of Israel’s policies of enforced disappearance, systematic killing, and institutionalized cover-ups, PHRI calls for an independent international investigation into the deaths of Palestinians in Israeli custody,” the NGO said.

***

Israeli Shailoks are Beasts of Babylon

Religious teacher jailed seven years for sexual assault on 13-year-old pupil

theVibes.com:

Religious teacher jailed seven years for sexual assault on 13-year-old pupil

A 47-year-old Islamic Education teacher sentenced to seven years in prison and two strokes of the cane for sexually assaulting 13-year-old female student the school's prayer room

Updated 4 hours ago · Published on 17 Nov 2025 3:01PM

The court granted a stay of execution pending an appeal to the High Court, provided the bail is increased to RM20,000, and the accused complies with strict conditions - November 17, 2025



ISLAMIC Education teacher Farid Azhar Nawi, 47, from a secondary school in Senawang, was today sentenced to a total of seven years' imprisonment and two strokes of the cane for physically sexually assaulting a female pupil, then aged 13, in the school's surau (prayer room) three years prior.


Seremabam Court Judge Datin Surita Budin delivered the sentence after concluding that the defence had failed to raise any reasonable doubt against the prosecution's case.

Delivering her decision at the close of the defence, the judge stated that the accused's testimony was "a mere denial that failed to raise doubt against the prosecution's case."

The court noted that the victim's testimony was "consistent and not purely fabricated, and was supported by two eyewitnesses who also saw the incident."

The judge dismissed the accused's claim of a conspiracy, stating, "The accused's claim that there was a pact or attempt by the school to frame him was an assumption that could not be proven."

Datin Surita Budin further found the child witness to be honest and lacking malicious intent. She sternly remarked that as an educator entrusted to guide children, the accused had "misused his position, causing the victim trauma and tarnishing the reputation of religious teachers, thereby damaging the school's image."

"The accused should have protected and provided good instruction to the pupil, not taken advantage of the victim who was only 13 years old at the time of the incident," she asserted, emphasising that the court "cannot be lenient in cases involving sexual assault against children, which is a serious offence."

In addition to the custodial sentence, the judge ordered the accused to undergo rehabilitation counselling throughout his imprisonment and be subjected to police supervision for one year following his release.

The charge specifies that the accused committed physical sexual assault by sexually touching the waist of a 13-year-old girl at the time of the incident, exploiting his position of trust as a teacher.

The offence occurred on 4 August 2022, around 5:30 PM, at the surau*of a secondary school in Senawang.

This contravenes Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(c) of the same Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and caning, in addition to five years' imprisonment and two strokes of the cane.

Defence counsel Nor Azleen Khairina A Aziz informed the court of her client's intention to appeal against the conviction and the severity of the sentence, arguing that a heavy sentence risks injustice.

She pleaded for a lighter and more reasonable sentence, highlighting that the accused is a first-time offender with no prior record, has two wives and five children, three of whom are university students, and has shown deep remorse and acknowledged his weakness.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni requested a commensurate sentence, citing the seriousness of sexual crimes involving children, and urged the court to uphold the principle of public interest over personal interest.

The defence then sought a stay of execution pending the appeal to the High Court. While the prosecution objected, the court granted the stay, considering the accused is a civil servant.

However, the judge increased the bail to RM20,000 with additional conditions that the accused must report to the nearest police station once a month and surrender his passport. - November 17, 2025