Thursday, July 10, 2025

Yemen’s Houthis fire at Israel airport amid search for Red Sea ship crew


al Jazeera:


Yemen’s Houthis fire at Israel airport amid search for Red Sea ship crew

Four sailors from Eternity C dead, 10 found alive, 11 still missing – six believed to be in Houthi hands.



Yemen's Houthis released a video purporting to show the Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged Eternity C sinking in the Red Sea [Handout/Houthi Media Centre via Reuters]


Houthi rebels in Yemen attempted to strike Israel’s Ben Gurion airport after sinking two vessels in the Red Sea this week, as the group ramps up its military pressure in support of Palestinians under Israeli fire in its bid to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Thursday that the group had carried out a “qualitative military operation” with a ballistic missile after the Israeli military reported the strike had been intercepted.

Meanwhile, maritime security sources told the Reuters news agency that the Houthis were holding six crew members from the Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged Eternity C vessel, which the rebel group attacked on Monday, killing at least four sailors.

A total of 25 people were on board the Eternity C, according to Aspides, the European Union’s naval task force patrolling the Red Sea. Ten crew members were reportedly pulled out of the sea alive after the vessel sank on Tuesday, while 11 are still missing – with six believed to be in Houthi hands.

Saree said on Wednesday that the Houthis had “moved to rescue a number of the ship’s crew, provide them with medical care and transport them to a safe location”.

The United States embassy in Yemen countered that on X, accusing the rebels of kidnapping the crew members after “killing their shipmates, sinking their ship and hampering rescue efforts”.

The attack on the Eternity C came one day after the Houthis struck and sunk the Magic Seas, reviving a campaign launched in November 2023 that has seen more than 100 ships attacked. All the crew from the Magic Seas were rescued.

After Sunday’s attack, the Houthis declared that ships owned by companies with ties to Israel were a “legitimate target” and pledged to “prevent Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas … until the aggression against Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted”.

Late on Sunday, Israel’s military attacked Yemen, bombing the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and as-Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant on the coast. The Houthis had fired missiles towards Israeli territory in retaliation.

Israel said its attacks also hit a ship, the Galaxy Leader, which was seized by the Houthis in late 2023 and held in Ras Isa port.

The Houthis held 25 crew members from the Galaxy for 430 days before releasing them in January this year.

Source: News Agencies

Israel kills 47 in Gaza; lives of more than 100 premature babies and 350 dialysis patients are at risk


al Jazeera:


Israel kills 47 in Gaza; Rafah ‘concentration camps’ plan slammed






RCI silence: Gerakan leader calls out Kit Siang, Loke, Rayer, and Kula










RCI silence: Gerakan leader calls out Kit Siang, Loke, Rayer, and Kula


Published: Jul 10, 2025 7:37 AM
Updated: 6:27 PM


Summary

  • Gerakan leader slams DAP for staying silent on the proposed RCI into the judiciary.

  • Naran Singh notes that only DAP MP Teresa Kok spoke up, while accusing others, including ministers, of inaction.

  • PKR MPs led by Rafizi Ramli have called for the RCI over alleged judicial interference by the executive.



A Gerakan leader has taken DAP to task over its silence on the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the judiciary, calling out the party’s past vocal defence of the separation of powers.

“Where is the honourable DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang?” asked Perak Gerakan deputy chairperson Naran Singh in a statement to Malaysiakini.

He noted that Lim had emerged from retirement in May to question Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s commitment to multiracial ideals.

“Surely judicial independence is a far weightier matter - one that demands Lim’s voice once more. Is this not more important than debating whether Muhyiddin is ‘Malaysian first’ or ‘Malay first’?” he asked.

Naran (above), a criminal lawyer by profession, also took aim at DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

“Where is the DAP secretary-general? He must surely understand that judicial independence - a pillar of any functioning democracy - is at least as important, if not more so, than trains and buses,” he remarked.


DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke


What about the DAP lawyers?

The Gerakan leader did not spare DAP’s outspoken Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran, who also serves as the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

“Rayer is always quick to speak, often leaping to his feet in Parliament. So, where is he now? As a lawyer, he should be deeply concerned about the state of the judiciary. And what about Kulasegaran, who is also a lawyer? Nowhere to be seen,” he said.

Naran also took aim at Kulasegaran’s superior, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, accusing both of being “asleep at the wheel”.

“They knew the terms of the chief justice and Court of Appeal president were coming to an end. What were they doing?” he asked in reference to Azalina’s statement that the government is fully aware of public concern surrounding the issue.


Only Teresa present

In contrast, Naran praised DAP MP Teresa Kok for seemingly breaking ranks and supporting the call by nine PKR MPs - led by Rafizi Ramli - for an RCI.

“So far, Teresa seems to be the only DAP leader with the courage and conviction to speak out. The rest have vanished,” he added.


DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok


Naran also acknowledged that DAP Youth had raised concerns, urging the government to clarify the controversies surrounding judicial appointments and warning that public trust is eroding.


Calls for RCI

On Monday, Rafizi and the eight PKR lawmakers urged the formation of the RCI and for the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on institutional reforms to investigate alleged judicial interference.

They called for the RCI to probe claims that the government ignored Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) recommendations before former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s retirement, including nominations for chief justice and Court of Appeal president.

They also highlighted concerns that the JAC was summoned last Friday without the mandatory 10-day notice to propose new candidates.

Rafizi likened the allegations to the VK Lingam scandal, where a 2002 phone recording revealed efforts to influence judicial appointments.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers subsequently downplayed the concerns raised by the PKR lawmakers and described the comparison with the VK Lingam scandal as unwarranted.



‘You’ve not even done your homework’: Trump’s envoy pick told Singapore no ‘glamour posting’, grilled over tariffs and Asean





‘You’ve not even done your homework’: Trump’s envoy pick told Singapore no ‘glamour posting’, grilled over tariffs and Asean



Dr Anjani Sinha (left) was grilled by Senator Tammy Duckworth (right) over his nomination to be the US ambassador to Singapore. — Screengrabs from Facebook/Tammy Duckworth

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 12:40 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, July 10 — US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Singapore, Dr Anjani Sinha, came under tough questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing, struggling to defend the administration’s tariff policies and demonstrate knowledge of US-Singapore relations.

The Straits Times reported that Dr Sinha, a retired orthopaedic surgeon, faced intense scrutiny from Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who expressed doubts about his qualifications and preparedness for the role during a two-hour session before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“This is not a role you can just pick up on a whim, or because you think it will be glamorous,” Duckworth was quoted saying, questioning his grasp of key economic and diplomatic issues, including the US trade surplus with Singapore and the impact of recent tariffs announced by Trump.

When asked to state the size of the US trade surplus with Singapore, Dr Sinha incorrectly estimated it at US$18 billion. Duckworth corrected him, noting it was US$2.8 billion in 2024, and pressed him on how he would justify new tariffs to Singapore, a long-time US trading partner.


Duckworth also challenged him on regional knowledge, pointing out he was unable to name when Singapore next chairs Asean (2027) or identify specific US military facilities in Singapore.

“You’ve not even done your homework, sir,” she said, as she accused him of not taking his posting seriously.


“Singapore may feature incredible culture, but that should not be treated as a glamour posting. This nation is too important to the United States, to Asean, to the entire region.”


“I just feel that you are not taking this seriously. You think... you’re going to live a nice life in Singapore, but what we need is someone who’s going to actually do the work,” she reportedly said.

Until Duckworth’s intervention, the hearing had been largely supportive. In his opening statement, Dr Sinha described Singapore as a “key strategic partner” and highlighted opportunities for growth in defence, technology, and trade.

Dr Sinha noted shared experiences with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, including their medical backgrounds and family similarities, saying, “So we have a strong connection already.”

Born in India and based in the US since 1977, Dr Sinha has practised sports medicine for decades and has been married to Dr Kiki Sinha, a retired anaesthesiologist, for 48 years. Their son attended the hearing, while their daughter watched from Norway.

Dr Sinha was nominated by Trump on March 11. His confirmation now awaits a vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53–47 majority.


***


kt remarks:

Unlike Chinese, Indian residents and their children do very well in Ang-Mor countries, where many became PM and ministers (Britain), Defence Minister (Canada), MPs (Australia) and even presidential candidates  (USA). Must be their ever-readiness to adopt, absorb Ang-Mor-ness???

Locals (even in Malaysia) are less suspicious of Indians than Chinese vis-a-vis their loyalties, wakakaka (no thanks Mao, Deng and Xi) 😂😂😂.


Police helicopter crash-lands in Johor’s Sungai Pulai, all five crew rescued





Police helicopter crash-lands in Johor’s Sungai Pulai, all five crew rescued



A police helicopter carrying five crew members made an emergency landing and crashed near Sungai Pulai in Gelang Patah earlier today. — Screengrab from X/Bernama

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 1:10 PM MYT


ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 10 — A police helicopter, ferrying five crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing and crashed near the Sungai Pulai in Gelang Patah here earlier today.

However, there were no reported fatalities.


The helicopter was identified as an Airbus AS355N that is operated by the police air wing unit and was part of the Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore Maritime Operation (MITSATOM) 2025 training exercise.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said the helicopter, with the registration number 9M-PHG, had departed from the Tanjung Kupang police station at 9.51am.


“All five crew members, including the pilot, were rescued by the Marine Police Force and transported to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) jetty in Gelang Patah.



“The crew members were transferred to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru for medical examination and treatment,” CAAM said a statement issued today.

The commission said further investigations will be conducted through the Air Accident Investigation Bureau, which is under the Transport Ministry in accordance with Part XXVI Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.


The French-made Airbus AS355N is a single-rotor craft light utility helicopter that was manufactured from 1975 to 2016.

The Airbus AS355N is a popular variant and is used by both private individuals and companies, private helicopter charter as well as law enforcement and government service.

It was previously reported that tenders were issued in early November last year for the replacement of the five Airbus AS355N helicopters operated by the police.

The Airbus AS355N fleet under the police was delivered in 1996.


***


kt remarks:

There's a world of difference between 'crashed landing' and 'forced landing' - please know the frigging difference.


Istana Negara sends out warning against politicisation of Malaysia's top court appointments





Istana Negara sends out warning against politicisation of Malaysia's top court appointments



Members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (1 RAMD) and the 21st Ceremonial Mounted Squadron (SIB) take part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Istana Negara, in Kuala Lumpur, May 10, 2025. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 1:51 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The appointment of judges to Malaysia’s superior courts must be handled with care and integrity to prevent the matter from being politicised, Istana Negara said in a statement today.

The palace stressed that the appointment of judges to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court — including the judiciary’s leadership — is an important national matter that must be managed strictly in accordance with the Federal Constitution.


Citing Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the statement highlighted that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the top four judicial office holders and other superior court judges on the advice of the prime minister, after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

This process clearly expresses the principle of checks and balances within the country’s judicial system, it said.


Istana Negara also addressed the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, describing it as a law that provides for the selection process of candidates, but reiterated that it is ultimately the prime minister who holds the power to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on these appointments.



“The matter of appointments under the Federal Constitution should be handled lawfully so that the exercise of powers by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not politicised by any party,” the palace concluded in the statement, which was posted on the official Facebook page of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.

This statement from the palace follows recent public discourse and government discussions regarding key judicial vacancies.


Last night, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the Cabinet had discussed the vacancies for the two highest-ranked judicial positions — the Chief Justice of Malaysia (CJ) and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) — and took note of public concerns.

Azalina expressed the federal government’s commitment to filling these vacancies in full compliance with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.

She added that the Conference of Rulers is scheduled to hold its 269th meeting from July 15 to 17.

The top two posts of CJ and PCA became vacant after Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim reached the mandatory retirement age of 66 on July 2 and July 3, respectively.

Currently, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof are temporarily performing the duties of the CJ and PCA, respectively, until these positions are formally filled.

‘Quite frightening to be 100’: Dr Mahathir thanks Anwar, Malaysians for birthday wishes





‘Quite frightening to be 100’: Dr Mahathir thanks Anwar, Malaysians for birthday wishes



Speaking on a special podcast live telecast on his Facebook page, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was a blessing and scary to turn 100. — Screengrab from Facebook/Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 1:00 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for wishing him a happy birthday today when he turned 100.

Speaking on a special podcast live telecast on his Facebook page, Dr Mahathir said it was a blessing and scary to turn 100.


“I am glad I received a note from Anwar Ibrahim, PMX, wishing me a good birthday, 100th birthday, thank you.

“I’ve received a lot of good wishes on my 100th birthday and I’d like to thank all those who sent cakes, flowers, letters and for turning up to wish me a happy 100th birthday. To be 100 is quite frightening.


“I woke up early this morning, I did not hear the clock and it was 5am. But today begins a normal day. We have a podcast, we can meet people and I think a lot came to see me, more than usual, so thank you very much and thank you for the podcast as it allowed me to explain many issues which I have always tried to do something about,” he said.



Dr Mahathir was born on July 10, 1925 and is Malaysia’s fourth and seventh prime minister. He served his first term as prime minister from 1981 until 2003, and second term from 2018 until 2020.

During his podcast he touched on issues close to him like the conflict in Gaza as well as expressed his admiration for Asian nations like China and Japan who have advanced their economy to be among the global powerhouses in various industries.


He also touched on some history of how he became the prime minister and who were the ones who made it happen along the way.


Recommended read:



Firdaus Wong’s secret child conversion video unconstitutional, court rules


FMT:

Firdaus Wong’s secret child conversion video unconstitutional, court rules



2 hours ago
V Anbalagan


The High Court orders the preacher to permanently remove the video and prohibits him from publishing similar videos or statements


Lawyer M Visvanathan explaining the outcome of the proceedings to three of the eight parents outside the High Court.



KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has issued a ruling in favour of eight non-Muslim parents, declaring that a social media video post by preacher Firdaus Wong promoting covert underage religious conversions is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Justice Amarjeet Singh ordered Firdaus to permanently remove the video, and prohibited him from uploading videos or publishing statements of a similar nature.

The judge also ordered Firdaus to pay RM10,000 in costs to the parents.


In June last year, Firdaus posted the video of him giving a man instructions on how to handle requests from minors wishing to secretly convert to Islam.

Numerous police reports were lodged against the preacher after the video made its rounds on social media.


As a result, police opened a probe into the matter under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for making statements conducive to public mischief.

The parents sought the declaration and injunction in a suit filed on July 18 last year.

Lawyer M Visvanathan, representing the parents, said he had submitted that the content of Firdaus’s video infringed Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution which states that a parent or guardian shall decide the religion of children under the age of 18. He said Firdaus had violated that right.


Visvanathan also submitted that a High Court has the power under Section 25 and the Second Schedule of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 to enforce the rights conferred by Part II of the constitution on any person.


Sanjay Nathan and Pushan Qin Nathan also appeared for the parents.

Lawyer Norazali Nordin, appearing for Firdaus, said he would take instructions from his client on whether to appeal today’s ruling.




‘Completely unprecedented’: Glacial lake collapse highlights climate threat in deadly China-Nepal flash floods, say experts





‘Completely unprecedented’: Glacial lake collapse highlights climate threat in deadly China-Nepal flash floods, say experts



A member of the Nepalese army airlifts people stranded during the flood at Bhotekoshi river, Nepal, July 8, 2025. — Nepal Army handout pic via Reuters

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 10:47 AM MYT


KATHMANDU, July 10 — Flash floods that killed at least nine people in a mountainous region between China and Nepal and swept away a key bridge linking the two countries, were caused by the release of water from a glacial lake, experts said yesterday.

About 30 people are still missing after Tuesday’s floods, including 19 people in Nepal and 11 in China, according to officials and media reports.

“Our initial assessment shows that the origin of the flood was the draining of a supraglacial lake located on the north side of the Langtang mountain,” geologist Sudan Bikash Maharjan of the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (Icimod) told AFP.

Supraglacial lakes are formed on the surface of glaciers, often beginning as small meltwater ponds that gradually expand to form larger lakes.


The lake in question used to be a small pond, but it grew significantly in size over the past month, Icimod said in a statement yesterday, citing satellite photos.


In Nepal, nine bodies have been recovered and 19 others — 13 Nepalis and six Chinese — are listed as missing, according to police.

China’s state television CCTV reported that a “mudslide disaster” hit the border area around dawn Tuesday, with 11 people missing on the Chinese side.


‘Completely unprecedented’

In the 2000s, glacial origin floods in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region typically occurred every five to ten years, according to Icimod, but they have become notably more frequent in recent years.

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water collected in former glacier beds.

These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, with the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change turbocharging the melting of the icy reservoirs.

Glacial lakes are often unstable because they are dammed by ice or loose debris.

In the last two months, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan have all seen glacial origin floods.

In addition to the border disaster on Tuesday, Nepal’s Upper Mustang region was also hit by a flood.

“The acceleration of these types of events is completely unprecedented in the region. We need to delve deeper into the triggers that are resulting in cascading impacts,” said Saswata Sanyal, Icimod Disaster Risk Reduction lead.

Experts predict that the risk of glacial lake outburst floods is expected to peak this year, as rising temperatures create more lakes.

In 2020, more than 2,000 lakes were mapped across Nepal by Icimod, with 21 identified as potentially dangerous for their size and other criteria.

But recent floods have been caused by smaller, lesser noticed lakes.

“These events are signals and symptoms of really rising temperatures, and are more destructive than normal floods due to the debris and steep topography,” said Sharad Prashad Joshi, a cryosphere monitoring specialist at Icimod. — AFP

Carrot Crowned Clown using tariffs to interfere in Brazil's internal politics




Trump slaps 50pc steel tariff on Brazil in retaliation for Bolsonaro trial, Lula hits back over ‘interference’



Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. — AFP pic

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 8:47 AM MYT


Brasília, July 10 — Brazil and the United States escalated their row yesterday over President Donald Trump’s support for coup-accused former leader Jair Bolsonaro, with the American president slapping a 50 per cent tariff on one of its main steel suppliers.

Leftist Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva threatened to reciprocate.



Trump has strongly criticised the prosecution of right-wing ally Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting to cling on to power after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

Brasília on Wednesday summoned Washington’s top envoy to the country to explain an embassy statement describing Bolsonaro as a victim of “political persecution” — echoing Trump’s claims of a “witch hunt” against the 70-year-old Brazilian firebrand.


Trump then announced he would slap a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1, citing “Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections” and warning of escalation if the country retaliates.


In a letter addressed to Lula, Trump criticised the treatment of Bolsonaro as an “international disgrace” and said the trial “should not be taking place.”

He added Washington would launch an investigation into Brazil’s trade practices.


While Trump has been issuing letters to trading partners — focusing on those his country runs a deficit with — Brazil had until now not been among those threatened with higher duties come August 1.

The South American powerhouse is the second-largest exporter of steel to the United States after Canada, shipping four million tonnes of the metal in 2024.

Lula wrote on X that “any unilateral tariff increases will be addressed in light of the Brazilian Law of Economic Reciprocity.”

On Monday, Trump angered Lula by urging Brazilian authorities to “LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE,” in a post on social media.

“They have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year!” the US president wrote.

Lula, who narrowly beat Bolsonaro in a divisive election in 2022, hit back at Trump’s “interference,” insisting that “no one is above the law.”

Bolsonaro denies he was involved in an attempt to wrest power back from Lula as part of an alleged coup plot that prosecutors say failed only for a lack of military backing.

After the plot fizzled, rioting supporters known as “Bolsonaristas” raided government buildings in 2023 as they urged the military to oust Lula. Bolsonaro was abroad at the time.

The case against Bolsonaro carries echoes of Trump’s prosecution over the January 6, 2021 attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol to try and reverse his election loss.

Trump pleaded not guilty, and the case was abandoned when he was re-elected president.

The cases have drawn the Trump and Bolsonaro families together, with the Brazilian ex-leader’s sons lobbying for US sanctions against one of the Supreme Court judges sitting on the ex-president’s trial.

In his post on Monday, Trump suggested Bolsonaro was the favourite in presidential elections next year, despite him being banned from running for spreading disinformation about Brazil’s voting system.

Bolsonaro thanked Trump for his defence of “peace, justice and liberty” in a social media post.

On Wednesday, the US embassy in Brasília issued a statement to “reinforce” Trump’s support for the embattled former army captain, who risks a 40-year prison sentence.

“Jair Bolsonaro and his family have been strong partners of the United States,” read the note.

“The political persecution against him, his family, and his followers is shameful and disrespects Brazil’s democratic traditions.”

Members of the BRICS grouping, meeting in Brazil under host Lula this week, criticised Trump’s imposition of import tariffs and his bombing of Iran.

This drew the US president’s ire and a threat of 10 per cent additional tariffs on each BRICS-aligned country.

Lula insisted BRICS members were sovereign and did not want an “emperor.” — AFP


Shaikoks now showing its true Nazi colours - setting up no-roof ghetto





‘Open-air prison’: Israel’s plan for Rafah ‘humanitarian city’ faces ethnic cleansing accusations



Palestinians collect what remains of relief supplies from the distribution centre of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 5, 2025. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 10 Jul 2025 7:00 AM MYT



TEL AVIV, July 10 — Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced a controversial plan to move up to 600,000 Palestinians in Gaza into a designated “humanitarian area” on the ruins of the southern city of Rafah.

Access to the camp would be through strict security screening to ensure entrants were not Hamas operatives. Once inside, the perimeter would be sealed off by the Israeli military. Palestinians would not be allowed to leave.

Eventually the camp would house the entire 2.1 million population of Gaza.

Camp construction would begin during the proposed 60-day ceasefire being negotiated by Israel and Hamas


‘Illegal and inhumane’

The plan is illegal, inhumane and risks worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The forced displacement and containment of any civilian population in an occupied territory is a violation of international humanitarian law.


Done on this scale would constitute a war crime and a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute.

The UN Security Council, UN General Assembly and UN Commission on Human Rights have all condemned instances of forced transfer in armed conflicts.

So too, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, which have stressed the fundamental prohibition of forced displacement of a civilian population and the need for all parties to respect this prohibition.


For their own protection?

Katz is describing the camp as a “humanitarian city”. The Israeli military says Palestinians would only be contained for their own protection.

As we have seen, civilian displacement is prohibited. But there is an exception if a case can be made either for military reasons or the protection of the population.

However, this exception only exists for as long as the conditions warrant for it to exist. Anyone subject to such an evacuation must be transferred back to their homes as soon as possible.

Imperative military reasons never justify the removal of a civilian population in order to persecute it. The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement entrenches the duty of international actors to avoid creating the conditions that might lead to the displacement of people.

Aid dilemma


Katz has indicated international organisations would be responsible for managing aid and services inside the area.

But Israel has a history of defying even orders from the International Court of Justice to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinians in Gaza.

If international humanitarian agencies were called upon to service the camp, they would face a dilemma.

They would need to decide whether to cooperate in managing aid under conditions that compromise their neutrality and ethical standards, deny basic human rights and are built on violations of international law.

Aid groups would risk being complicit in a process that sets up a transit camp for Palestinians before possibly expelling them from Gaza altogether.

This “humanitarian city” would essentially become an open-air prison. Palestinians would be reliant on international aid under strict Israeli military control.

Mass expulsion?


Could the Rafah camp be a precursor to mass expulsion from Gaza and what does international law say about that?

Katz has been quoted saying Israel aims to implement “the emigration plan, which will happen” — meaning Gazans will eventually be forced to leave for other countries.

Changing the demographic composition of a territory — ethnic cleansing — achieved through the displacement of the civilian population of a territory is strictly prohibited under international law.

The idea of displacing Palestinians has long been part of Israeli strategic thinking, but this announcement signals a dangerous escalation and intention to permanently alter Gaza’s demographic landscape through displacement and containment.

Voluntary exodus?

According to Katz, Gazans would have the option of “voluntary” emigration.

Indeed, speaking at the White House this week, Netanyahu said there would be no forced exodus from Gaza:

If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.

But the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is incomprehensible.

The population has been displaced multiple times and 90 per cent of homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. The healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene systems have collapsed.

On average 100 Palestinians are killed daily as they try to access food.

These crisis circumstances negate the voluntary nature of any person’s consent to such a deportation to Rafah.

According to Amos Goldberg, historian of the Holocaust at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, what the defence minister laid out was clear plans for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza:

[it is] a transit camp for Palestinians before they expel them. It is neither humanitarian nor a city. — Reuters


***


kt comments:

Which of Shailoks' moronic mindless Macais will now donate the gas chambers?


Told You So!! – Zafrul Proven Again To Be Useless After Trump Hits Malaysia With Higher 25% Tariff


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Told You So!! – Zafrul Proven Again To Be Useless After Trump Hits Malaysia With Higher 25% Tariff



July 9th, 2025 by financetwitter



Arriving in waves, letters from the Trump administration started reaching the desks of 14 countries on Tuesday (July 8) ahead of the July 9 deadline. However, the 90-day pause will get some breathing space as the new tariffs will begin only on August 1. Apparently, Trump renewed his threat of a 25% tax on products entering the country from allies Japan and South Korea.

Other countries being slapped with the same 25% tariff rate included Malaysia (up from initial 24%), Tunisia (down from 28%) and Kazakhstan (down from 27%). Also hit with U.S. tariffs include South Africa (30%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%), Indonesia (32%), Serbia (35%), Bangladesh (35%), Cambodia (36%), Thailand (36%) and 40% on both Laos and Myanmar.




Overall, 4 countries saw their tariff rate remain, 8 reduced and 2 increased. Malaysia and Japan are the only two countries slapped with an increase – from 24% to 25%. Exactly how did Malaysia screw up spectacularly when even Cambodia managed to convince the White House to slash its tariff from 49% to 36%, not to mention Laos (from 48% to 40%) and Myanmar (from 44% to 40%)?




The fact that Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister entrusted to negotiate with the Trump administration, was “surprised” with the “unexpected” tariff hike speaks volumes about his incompetence. Previously, we already published that it’s a recipe for disaster if PM Anwar Ibrahim sends the useless Zafrul to Washington to negotiate (read here).

It was an absolutely waste of taxpayers’ money flying the clueless minister on business class and staying at posh hotels to Washington for a fruitless negotiation because he did not even know the right strategy in negotiations. The best part is Zafrul has been arrogantly expressing his confidence that the U.S. would reduce its proposed tariffs from 24% to 10%, the baseline enjoyed only by Singapore.


In fact, Mr Zafrul has claimed that the negotiation process was so smooth that there isn’t anything to worry about. Yet, today, after dozens of trips to Washington involving 25 negotiation sessions, the genius admits he doesn’t know what had actually gone wrongwith his negotiations. One might wonder if Trump would leave the tariff at 24% rather than 25% had Malaysia sent a monkey to negotiate instead.






In Southeast Asia, when the U.S. president first began his economic assault, Vietnam proactively offered to remove all tariffs on U.S. imports after Donald Trump announced a 46% levy. Cambodia, hit with 49% tariff, quickly announced a significant reduction – to just 5% – in import tariffs on U.S. products as early as two days after Trump’s tariff war announcement.

Thailand, hit with a 37% tariff, sent Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira to the U.S. for discussions with key stakeholders. Indonesia, which saw its currency – Rupiah – tumbled to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since the 1997-1998 Asian financial crises, said it will not retaliate despite Trump’s 32% tariff, but would negotiate with Washington for a better deal instead.

As a result, dodging the severe levy of 46% that was threatened in April, Vietnam is being rewarded with a 20% tariff for exports into the U.S., while Cambodia celebrates a deep discount – from 49% to 36%. Thailand and Indonesia saw their previously threatened tariffs at least maintained at 36% and 32% respectively. Even pariah Myanmar’s tariff is cut to 40% from 44%.






However, Malaysia, having arrogantly played down the effect of the 24% tariff slapped on the country by the American president, is speechless with 25%. The hopeless Minister Zafrul had tried – and failed – to cheat and spin by claiming that the actual tariff rate Malaysia imposes on American exports was 5.6%, contrary to the US’ claim of a 47%.



The U.S. was not impressed with government procurement, where foreign companies are required by law to take on a local – Bumiputera (indigenous ethnic Malay) – qualified partner before tenders will be considered. Likewise, the Malaysian government has procurement preference for locally manufactured pharmaceutical products, which discourage the use of imported pharmaceutical (sector which Trump threatens with 25% tariff).

Limiting foreign banks to eight physical branches, restrictions on foreign business of reinsurance, foreign ownership requirements through a 70-30 equity split between foreign investors (limited to 70% ownership) and ethnic Malaysians (must have 30% stake) are just some trade barriers which Trump deemed unfair practices that Malaysia must consider before negotiating with the U.S.





In 2024, the U.S. was the third-largest trading partner of Malaysia, accounting for 11.3% of Malaysia’s total trade. America remains one of the major foreign investors in Malaysia. It also ranked second in terms of gross foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, as well as fourth-largest investor in terms of FDI stock at the end of 2024. Crucially, Malaysia enjoyed a trade surplus of RM72.4 billion (2024).

With about 3 weeks before the tariff comes into force beginning August 1, the clueless Zafrul clumsily cooked up an excuse that there is still time to negotiate with the U.S. over the new 25% tariff. But if he can’t persuade Trump officials in 90 days like other ASEAN negotiators, what makes him think he could convince the U.S. to slash the tariff in 21 days?

Sure, Japan too suffers the same fate. But obviously Trump was bullying his subservient ally as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s party faces upper house parliamentary elections on July 20 that could weaken his fragile ruling coalition or potentially cost him his job. Ishiba said he would strike an agreement that protects Japan’s national interests, but he warned of potential job losses.






South Korea, meanwhile, has just turned over its government in early June, with the left-leaning Lee Jae Myung emerging as the country’s new president. After an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday (July 8), his office said South Korea had “avoided the worst-case scenario” of getting slapped with a higher tariff, but it lamented some “regrettable” aspects of Trump’s letter.

Seoul and Tokyo share the same vulnerabilities that have put them in Trump’s crosshairs. They both have significant trade surpluses with the U.S. and suffer from levies Trump has already imposed on autos, aluminium and steel. At the same time, South Korea and Japan have something to offer Washington – they are home to global companies that are willing to invest in the U.S. and are ready to share their shipbuilding prowess and semiconductor expertise.

Instead of self-praising and chest-thumping that Malaysia’s 25% tariff isn’t that bad as even both Japan and South Korea are penalized with the same rate, the critical question begging an answer is why Malaysia is the only ASEAN country punished with a higher rate than the original rate imposed. Either Zafrul has been sleeping on the job, or Trump sees a compelling reason to punish the country even more.





To make matters even worse, Trump threatens additional 10% tariff on any country aligning themselves with the “Anti-American policies” of BRICS– which coincideswith Anwar’s strong support for not only intra-BRICS trade, but also aggressively pushing ASEAN members to strengthen strategic cooperation with BRICS. Clearly, there’s something about Anwar leadership that offends the U.S.

It’s not rocket science that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reckless pro-Hamas, pro-China, anti-Trump and anti-Semitic policies have annoyed the Trump administration. After almost 70 years of bullying minorities ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian, perhaps Zafrul and Anwar could not accept bullying by a bigger bully called Donald Trump, who gave them a taste of their own medicine.



Someone should lecture Zafrul that his royal cable and Malay Elite status do not work in the White House. Sending a boy to do a man’s job is a disaster. Likewise, Anwar, who is trying to copy Mahathir’s leadership, should be reminded that Malaysia is just a small fry in the big boys’ game. It’s insulting that PM Anwar – despite being the chair of ASEAN – is the only leader in the region whom Trump doesn’t want to speak with.





The solution is simple – offer to open up Malaysia’s market to the U.S. like Vietnam, or slash all the hidden taxes (excise duty, import tax, sales tax or whatever the government likes to call) which the U.S. considers as “unfair high tariffs” that restrict the export of American products into the country. Anwar should also stop instigating ASEAN countries to fight the U.S. as a bloc because it won’t work.

The good news is Trump could be bluffing in the poker game with all the 14 countries. He might or might not change his mind. Still, unlike China, Malaysia holds very weak cards even while facing the TACO (Trump Always Chicken Out) President. For Anwar to fight tooth and nail poaching a failed Zafrul from UMNO, while booting his own talented Rafizi Ramli is both puzzling and entertaining.


Wednesday, July 09, 2025

"A Revolt Is Taking Place Within PKR" — Hassan Karim Sounds the Alarm





"A Revolt Is Taking Place Within PKR" — Hassan Karim Sounds the Alarm


9 Jul 2025 • 4:30 PM MYT


TheRealNehruism
Writer. Seeker. Teacher



Image credit: Malay Mail/ Malay Mail


By all appearances, something resembling an internal revolt is brewing inside PKR — and veteran MP Hassan Abdul Karim is among the first senior leaders to name it for what it is.


In a stark and unusually candid warning issued today, Hassan cautioned at a group of nine PKR MPs — led by none other than former minister Rafizi Ramli — for calling on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to form a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate judicial appointments. His concern wasn’t about the issue itself — but about what this sudden act of open defiance signified within party lines.


If an RCI is formed, Anwar, as the Prime Minister with constitutional authority over judicial appointments, will inevitably come under investigation.


"Anwar becomes the main suspect to be investigated by the RCI. This is the implication of their own demand. Without the Prime Minister’s and Cabinet’s consent, this push will only further damage Anwar’s image and that of his government. These nine PKR MPs have effectively placed Anwar’s neck under the guillotine, like in the French Revolution.”


Although Hassan acknowledged that the judicial issues raised were valid and of public interest, describing them as “the elephant in the room”, he couldn't help also but reflect on the implication of the call to form an RCI over the matter.


“Their actions are progressive, radical, and popular with the public. But are these nine MPs prepared for the possibility that their actions could bring Anwar down?


“Are they ready for the government to fall over this? If they are, then it’s clear that a revolt is taking place within PKR," Hassan said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after Rafizi and his cohorts called for a press conference to press for their demand.


But this may be bigger than just a matter of optics.


The MPs pushing for the RCI — Rafizi included — are, not coincidentally, almost entirely from the faction that lost in the May party elections. That fact alone throws a shadow over their current motivations. Is this really about reform? Or is it about power — and the refusal to accept a democratic loss?


Take Rafizi’s own track record. He was once seen as a party loyalist and policy visionary. But when he lost his position as PKR deputy president in the most recent party polls, he promptly resigned from his cabinet post — even though no one had asked him to. Soon after, he launched a podcast titled "Yang Bakar Menteri", which has so far functioned less as policy critique and more as a flamethrower aimed squarely at the government he once served in.


And now, just over a month after walking away from that government, Rafizi is leading a petition for an RCI that will inevitably embarrass it — or at least create the perception that its hands aren’t clean when it comes to judicial matters. It’s a damning turn for someone who, not long ago, had every opportunity to address these same issues from the inside but chose silence.


The timing, context, and tone of this new campaign raise uncomfortable but necessary questions.


Why now?


Why this?


Why him?


It is difficult to ignore the pattern. Rafizi and the MPs aligned with him were largely quiet on matters of judicial independence and reform when they had institutional power — when they were winning. But now, after losing internal party clout, their battle cry for reform has grown louder and more confrontational. Is this sudden moral urgency real — or is it the language of a faction that is unwilling to accept political defeat?


There is also a broader strategic logic to consider. Could they be angling for expulsion — hoping to claim martyrdom if PKR takes disciplinary action? Could they be laying the groundwork for a new party — or for defection to the opposition? Could they be preparing the ideological terrain for a dramatic withdrawal of support from Anwar’s unity government, thereby triggering its collapse?


No one knows for sure.


But what we do know is this: Rafizi and his allies are no longer playing by party rules. And they no longer seem interested in maintaining the illusion of internal unity.


So we are left with the question — the question Hassan Karim dared to ask:


What do Rafizi and his cohorts really want?


Do they seek justice — or vengeance?


Do they want reform — or retribution?


Are they defending democratic principles — or just rewriting the story of their own political downfall?


Or are they, perhaps, preparing for a louder, more calculated break — not just from the party, but from the government itself?


What do they want?