Two Latvian men arrested on suspicion of trespass at RAF base

Two Latvian men arrested on suspicion of trespass at RAF base

3 hours ago
Helen Burchell

Cambridgeshire

Steve Hubbard/BBC
A breach of a perimeter fence was identified at the base near Huntingdon


Two Latvian men were arrested after a fence was breached at an RAF base used by the US military and Nato for intelligence operations, counter-terrorism police have said.

The alert was raised when a Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) security patrol at RAF Molesworth identified an abandoned vehicle at about 22:00 BST on Wednesday.

Searches revealed a small breach of the fence at the site in Cambridgeshire, and a few hours later, police said the pair were arrested inside the perimeter.

The two men are aged 36 and 32 and live in the UK, the Met Police said.

The force's Counter Terrorism Policing London is investigating and commander Helen Flanagan said officers were not currently linking it to the high-profile incident in Gloucestershire.

"We're very aware of the recent heightened interest and concern around military sites, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest this incident is connected to the events at RAF Fairford last week," said Flanagan.

However, she stressed the inquiry was in its "very early stages".

Seventh man bailed in connection with RAF Fairford incident


They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage - after Cambridgeshire Police officers joined the search - and were taken to a local station.

The pair were later arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023 – namely entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.

RAF Molesworth is home to the US's intelligence operations centres for Europe and Africa, as well as a Nato intelligence hub.

It is not used as a flying station.

Geograph

RAF Molesworth is near Huntingdon and close to the border with Northamptonshire

Flanagan also said police were carrying out two searches at addresses in the Peterborough area.

"A big part of this is looking at any potential motivation as to why the men were present at the site, but I must stress we are keeping an open mind at this stage," she said.

"As ever, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if you see anything of concern, then to contact police."

The A1M was partially closed at about 13:00 BST earlier, along with several other roads in the Glatton area, because of the abandoned vehicle.

A cordon was put in place while it was examined by bomb squad officers but the roads were reopened shortly after as Cambridgeshire Police said "nothing of concern was identified".

RAF Molesworth is located west of Huntingdon, close to the border with Northamptonshire.

Steve Hubbard/BBC

The base is home to a Nato intelligence hub

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We remain highly vigilant to potential threats against defence sites and work closely with the police and our allies to keep them secure.

"The protection of our bases is kept under constant review, with a multi-layered approach that includes physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, monitoring, and counter-drone capabilities."

A spokesperson for US European Command thanked UK agencies for their support, but added: "It is inappropriate to discuss matters of intelligence, and we will not discuss specific force protection measures.

"We will continue to assess the threat environment surrounding our installations and take appropriate actions to protect our people, our platforms, and the bases where our forces operate from."

Venezuela's ex-leader Nicolás Maduro charged with conspiracy to commit torture

Venezuela's ex-leader Nicolás Maduro charged with conspiracy to commit torture

2 hours ago
Vanessa Buschschlüter

Latin America online editor

REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg
Nicolás Maduro has been in US custody since January of this year


Prosecutors in the United States have accused Venezuela's former leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, of conspiracy to commit torture.

The fresh charges against the couple were made public on Thursday and are in addition to the drug-trafficking and weapons charges already brought against them, which they have denied.

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, have been in custody since January in a detention centre in Brooklyn, where they were taken after US forces seized them in a pre-dawn raid on their compound in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Barry J Pollack, Maduro's attorney, said his client denies the new charges and looks forward to his day in court.

Federal prosecutors also announced on Thursday that Flores was added to the earlier narco-terrorism charge.

The trial for both Maduro and Flores is set to begin in June 2027.

Both are being held in a detention centre in Brooklyn and are expected to remain there after Flores's request to be moved to house arrest was denied by a judge on Thursday.

The new accusations relate to the alleged torture of US citizens who were being held in Venezuela while Maduro was in power.

The superseding indictment unsealed on Thursday accuses the former presidential couple of "entrenching themselves in power" by presiding "over a system of repression that relied on violence against political opposition, arbitrary detention, and the torture of detainees, including United States citizens".

According to the indictment, the torture included "electric shock, asphyxiation, rape, forced nudity, prolonged isolation, starvation, punishment cells, and psychological torture".

The prosecutors allege that the psychological torture included threats to kill victims' families, including children.

"All of this was done to ensure that Maduro and Flores retained their power," prosecutors said outside the courthouse on Thursday.

"This conduct, we allege, has caused significant harm to Americans, to US citizens", prosecutors said, calling it "the epitome of corruption".

Reuters

The request by Cilia Flores for house arrest was denied


The prosecution accuses Flores of having played a key role in the development of the repressive system, ordering that individuals be tortured and even receiving updates on the torture of specific prisoners.

The court document alleges that she did so in order to protect members of her family who were involved in illegal activities.

The allegations contained in the superseding indictment echo many of the accusations long made by prisoners who have been released from detention in Venezuela.

Javier Tarazona, the head of a human rights group in Venezuela, told BBC Mundo's Norberto Paredes earlier this year how he and his brother were held in a tiny punishment cell for 46 days after being arbitrarily arrested.

Another former inmate, Ángel Godoy, told BBC Mundo that he was kept isolated for months and not allowed to contact his wife, who was in turn kept in the dark about his whereabouts.

The allegations listed in the superseding indictment made public on Thursday relate to cases during Maduro's time in power.

After his ouster, his vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim leader with the backing of the Trump administration.

While hundreds of political prisoners have been released under an amnesty law since she has taken over power, more than 300 still remain behind bars, according to prisoners' rights group Foro Penal.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that his office has received reports alleging that detainees continue to be tortured even after the seizure of Maduro.

Türk said in March that "structural and systemic human rights concerns" had persisted in Venezuela despite Maduro's ousting.

Venezuela's foreign minister at the time accused Türk of parroting the agenda of "extremists" by citing the allegations.

***

An additional wankee kerbau on top of their illegality (in the first place) in arresting the President of another sovereign state

Riyadh on alert after explosions, with diplomats told to shelter in place

Riyadh on alert after explosions, with diplomats told to shelter in place



This screen grab taken from video footage released by Ansarullah Media Centre on October 7, 2026 shows a fighter affiliated with the Houthi authorities firing a truck-mounted machine gun as they advance against Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops in Taiz Governorate, according to Houthi media. — AFP pic


Summary

• On October 8, diplomats and residents in Riyadh were instructed to shelter in place after explosions were heard throughout the city, following attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
• These attacks, including those on Riyadh's international airport, are part of a broader conflict involving Saudi and Yemeni forces struggling to counter the Houthis' recent advances.
• Tensions remain high as both sides assert control over strategic locations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has seen over 200,000 people displaced since July.
• Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority reported casualties and vowed a response to these incidents.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 7:56 PM MYT


RIYADH, Oct 8 — Diplomats stationed in the Saudi capital were sheltering in place and international schools took safety measures today, diplomats and residents told AFP, after explosions echoed across the city.

The explosions heard in Riyadh came hours after the Houthis in Yemen, which borders Saudi Arabia, claimed their latest attack on the kingdom including the capital’s international airport.



The Iran-backed fighters have launched a wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia since they began a major offensive in Yemen against the internationally-recognised, Saudi-backed government there.


Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces have struggled to contain the Houthis’ advance, despite a counter-offensive aimed at recapturing territory including the area around a waterway that is crucial to global energy flows.


In Riyadh, home to a large number of non-Saudis, diplomats were instructed to shelter in place in their respective embassies, diplomats told AFP.


There was no official statement addressing the morning’s incident or text alerts warning residents, which were sent out during earlier periods of the conflict.

A campaign by the interior ministry has repeatedly warned residents against sharing unauthorised information, images or footage of missiles, drones and their impacts, warning that violators could face legal consequences.


Several residents told AFP, meanwhile, that international schools were taking precautions, with at least one facility sending children into a basement for safety.

“My daughter called me,” one parent told AFP on condition of anonymity, saying she was “completely distraught”.

The measures came after repeated blasts were heard in the city, one of the loudest disturbances there since the start of the Middle East war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Numerous flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were delayed or cancelled, according to information posted on signage at the facility.

Two people working in Riyadh’s business hub, the King Abdullah Financial District, told AFP that some companies were evacuating staff from the area.

200,000 people displaced

The Yemen war predates the Iran war, but it had come to a near-standstill until last month the Houthis launched a lightning offensive against government forces.

They seized large swathes of territory including the area around the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key waterway for global shipping and, crucially, Saudi oil exports.

The fighting in Yemen has in recent weeks become the most active front of the wider regional conflict, which for months has seen violence repeatedly shift focus across the Middle East.

In Yemen, one of the world’s poorest countries, it is ordinary civilians paying the price, with more than 200,000 people displaced since July, according to UN data.

After declaring a counter-offensive against the Houthis, Yemen’s government claimed to have pushed the fighters out of strategic areas on the Red Sea and the port city of Mocha.

But the Houthis insist they are holding their territory, and military sources from both sides contacted by AFP have not reported any major changes on the ground.

Claims by the warring parties have been impossible to independently verify, with the situation moving fast and access for journalists difficult.

In Saudi Arabia, the latest blasts came a day after the Houthis claimed attacks on two international airports, while repeating a warning to airlines to avoid Saudi airspace.

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said the airports in Riyadh and Abha were “subjected to attacks” on Tuesday and Wednesday.

An Egyptian and an Algerian national were killed at Abha airport, while a Sudanese national was killed at Riyadh airport, the agency said.

The attacks wounded 36 people, it added.

In a subsequent statement, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis blamed them for the strikes and vowed that they “will not go unpunished”.

Humanitarian crisis

Yesterday in Yemen, clashes left at least 62 combatants dead, including 37 Houthis, military sources from both camps told AFP.

Saba also reported that a Houthi missile wounded five civilians in Taiz, a city held by government forces.

“We went out into the street to check on the wounded and saw young civilians who had been hit,” resident Al-Fateh al-Eisaei told AFP.

“The Houthi shell landed in the middle of the street, right in an area crowded with civilians.”

The humanitarian crisis caused by the war has left most of the nation’s population dependent on aid. — AFP

Anwar personally contacts Indonesian President Prabowo over haze crisis

Anwar personally contacts Indonesian President Prabowo over haze crisis



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing following an official welcoming ceremony at Perdana Putra. — Bernama pic


Summary

• In response to the alarming levels of transboundary haze affecting Malaysia and the wider region, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who has pledged to take necessary measures.
• The Malaysian government is intensifying cloud seeding efforts, although recent results have been unsatisfactory, due to health concerns for Malaysians.
• The Department of Environment has reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels in 38 areas, with numerous hotspots detected in Indonesia, while the King of Malaysia has called for school closures in highly affected regions.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 4:44 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he has personally contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding the “alarming” level of transboundary haze affecting Malaysia and the region.

Speaking to reporters at an impromptu press conference outside the Finance Ministry today, he said the relevant ministries are also in contact with their regional counterparts to address the problem.

“The matter of the haze is at an alarming level and I’ve personally contacted President Prabowo, and he has agreed to take the necessary steps,” Anwar said.


He said the government is concerned about the impact on the health of Malaysians and has therefore stepped up the frequency of cloud seeding in an effort to mitigate the situation, notwithstanding unsatisfactory recent results.


His remarks come as the Department of Environment (DOE) reported that 38 areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings at 3pm today.

The DOE, citing the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre, said 94 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 210 in Sumatra on Oct 7, with moderate to dense transboundary haze observed over southern and central Sumatra, Singapore and the southern Peninsula.

Earlier today, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, urged authorities to close schools in areas with elevated API readings of over 150.

Steven Sim: Tourism surge and foreign fans drive RM345m SME gains from Bahrain F1 GP

Steven Sim: Tourism surge and foreign fans drive RM345m SME gains from Bahrain F1 GP



Local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) reaped over RM345 million in economic spillover effects of the Bahrain Gulf Air Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix (GP) at Sepang International Circuit. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The Bahrain Gulf Air Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit generated over RM345 million in economic spillover for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), notably benefiting sectors like hospitality, food and beverage, and retail.
• Almost half of the 261,000 spectators were foreign tourists, who spent significantly more than usual due to extended stays and heightened demand for local goods and services.
• This highlights the crucial role of major international sporting events in boosting economic activities through tourism and enhanced market opportunities for SMEs.
• Malaysia is encouraged to leverage such events to foster connections between SMEs and larger industry players.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 5:49 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) reaped over RM345 million in economic spillover effects of the Bahrain Gulf Air Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix (GP) at Sepang International Circuit.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong added that almost half of the 261,000 spectators were foreign tourists.

“The impact reflects the important role of large-scale international sporting events in stimulating economic activities, especially through the rise in tourism expenditure and demand for local goods and services.


“The Bahrain F1 GP in Malaysia has had a very drastic impact on the SMEs, especially those in the hospitality, food and beverage, retail, transport, entertainment, tourism-related services and support industries,” he said in a statement today.


Those who attended the F1 race were projected to have spent 2.17 times more than ordinary events, he said, adding that foreign tourists usually spend more due to longer stays and expenditure spent for accommodation, food and beverages, transport, shopping and recreational activities.

Based on the success and economic spillover effect, Malaysia could benefit from international sporting events such as the G1 as a platform for SMEs to have wider opportunities and market access.

“This effort includes strengthening ties between SMEs and bigger industry players, event organisers, tourism operators and local suppliers so that the economic benefits generated by such large-scale events can be enjoyed by more small businesses,” he said. — Bernama

 

The flawed blueprints by Malaysia’s ‘King of Formulas’

The flawed blueprints by Malaysia’s ‘King of Formulas’

11 hours ago

Letter to the Editor

True leadership demands scalable, executable policy—not just bitter rhetorical tantrums from the political margins.

From Moaz Nair

Following his messy departure from PKR, Rafizi Ramli’s desperate, persistent snipes at the prime minister and his administration have been met with total silence—a calculated snub by political insiders to starve him of relevance.

Rafizi’s political career suffered a disastrous blow after his decisive defeat in the PKR deputy president election, forcing his humiliating resignation as economy minister.

Since being cast out, he has tried to reinvent himself as a fiery outsider, launching bitter critiques against the Madani administration from the political wilderness.

However, this sudden adversarial posture reeks of political opportunism. As the chief architect of the government’s initial economic strategy, Rafizi championed, designed, and defended the exact frameworks he now desperately tears down.

Now, having fully severed ties with PKR, Rafizi and his remnants have migrated to a fragile new vehicle, Bersama, hoping to play spoiler in upcoming elections. Yet, this attempt to play the populist saviour ignores a damning reality: his political capital is almost broke, and public backlash has permanently shattered his reformist brand.

The groundswell of voter resentment

The fatal flaw of the Rafizi brand has always been the sheer impracticality of his hyped economic “formulas”, which completely collapsed under the weight of executive governance. For a Malaysian electorate struggling under structural inflation, Rafizi transitioned from a once-celebrated champion of the working class into the ultimate symbol of elite tone-deafness.

Nowhere was this public backlash more toxic than during his disastrous rollout of the diesel subsidy rationalisation. His defensive, arrogant communication style during the crisis did not just alienate voters; it actively enraged them. While local traders, logistics operators, and ordinary citizens drowned in soaring costs, Rafizi chose to lecture the public from an intellectual high horse rather than offer executable safety nets.

This severe groundswell of voter resentment effectively handed his rivals an open goal, devastating the government’s standing and resulting in a self-inflicted electoral bloodbath at the Sungai Bakap by-election.

This deep public cynicism was further cemented by the catastrophic pushback against the central database hub (Padu).

Envisioned by Rafizi as a ground-breaking matrix for targeted aid, Padu instead became a monument to structural incompetence and a lightning rod for national outrage.

The public responded to his signature project with widespread suspicion and dismal registration rates, while state governments—most notably Sarawak—outright rejected the database over glaring security and privacy flaws. Instead of a welfare triumph, the public viewed Padu as an authoritarian, half-baked surveillance tool that prioritised fiscal austerity over public readiness.

A spent force in political wilderness

Time and again, Rafizi’s academic models broke under pressure, wasting massive amounts of public funds and administrative hours on macroeconomic frameworks that failed to generate a single ringgit of measurable prosperity. On fuel subsidies, his stubborn insistence on replacing blanket pump discounts with a convoluted direct cash transfer mechanism faced severe pushback from logistics and financial experts, only to be ultimately scrapped for market-stable alternatives.

Furthermore, his ministerial stint exposed profound structural and interpersonal limitations. Under his watch, the economy ministry functioned like an isolated, toothless think-tank, completely lacking the fiscal muscle of the finance ministry to execute real structural shifts.

Worse, his public friction with Cabinet colleagues and party leaders eroded whatever internal leverage he had left, proving that his reputation as an erratic, unyielding rogue rendered him an operational liability.

While Rafizi may retain a legacy as a historical whistle-blower, governance requires the tedious work of nation-building, not merely reckless disruption. True leadership demands scalable, executable policy—not just bitter rhetorical tantrums from the political margins.

As Rafizi attempts to salvage his future through Bersama, trying to peel away reformist voters with a rigid doctrine of “four no’s”—including a refusal to align with established political blocs—his path to an unconventional comeback appears increasingly narrow.

Political analysts point out that his new vehicle is almost certainly doomed to replicate the electoral irrelevance of past vanity parties.

For a Malaysian electorate thoroughly exhausted by economic volatility and unfulfilled promises, the currency of Rafizi’s hollow formulas has officially depreciated.

Moaz Nair is an FMT reader.

Sepang Umno division chief charged with hurting religious feelings

Sepang Umno division chief charged with hurting religious feelings



Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said pleaded not guilty to the charge at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court today. — Picture via Facebook/Noorazli Said


Summary

• Datuk Noorazli Said, Sepang Umno division chief, has been charged with intentionally offending religious sentiments of a Christian, Xenia Lok Zou Chieh, through comments made at the Umno General Assembly in September.
• He faces charges under Section 298 of the Penal Code, carrying a possible one-year jail term, fine, or both.
• Noorazli pleaded not guilty and expressed willingness to apologize if his remarks were misunderstood.
• The court set bail at RM6,000 and scheduled a follow-up for November 18, with extensive police investigation involving 86 reports and 93 witness statements.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 1:47 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said was charged in the Magistrates’ Court here today with deliberately hurting the religious feelings of a Christian over remarks made at the Umno General Assembly last month.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Noorazli, 48, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri.

He is accused of deliberately intending to hurt the religious feelings of complainant Xenia Lok Zou Chieh, 49, a Christian, through remarks concerning Catholic priests and nuns at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre, at 11.20am on September 12.


The charge was brought under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum one-year jail term, a fine or both upon conviction.


Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Fadhly Mohd Zamry proposed bail of RM15,000 with one Malaysian surety, while defence lawyer Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican sought a lower amount of between RM4,000 and RM5,000.

Hasnal Rezua said the court should consider Noorazli’s intention as well as his willingness to make peace and apologise over the remarks.

The court subsequently allowed bail of RM6,000 with one surety and fixed November 18 for mention and the submission of documents.

Police said on September 17 that they had received 86 reports and recorded statements from 93 witnesses over the matter, while Noorazli had said three days earlier that he was prepared to apologise if his remarks caused misunderstanding or offence, maintaining that he had not intended to insult or ridicule any individual, belief or religion.

***

IMHO why should such cases require monetary bail?

Lim Guan Eng urges Anwar to deliver tangible economic relief, raise tax threshold to RM12,000 in likely ‘final’ pre-election Budget

Lim Guan Eng urges Anwar to deliver tangible economic relief, raise tax threshold to RM12,000 in likely ‘final’ pre-election Budget



Lim Guan Eng has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to use Budget 2027 to deliver tangible economic relief, calling it the administration’s final realistic opportunity to win over voters before the next general election. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Lim Guan Eng urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to use Budget 2027 for economic relief, emphasising it as the last chance to win voter support before the next election.
• Lim proposed raising the personal income tax relief threshold to RM12,000 and increasing relief allocations for education and healthcare to address inflation and assist families.
• Prime Minister Anwar acknowledged household economic strains, promising that the new fiscal plan would address cost-of-living pressures and distribute economic gains more fairly.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 3:06 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to use Budget 2027 to deliver tangible economic relief, calling it the administration’s final realistic opportunity to win over voters before the next general election.

Lim proposed raising the personal income tax relief threshold to RM12,000 from the current RM9,000 to offset cumulative inflation, noting that the relief limit has remained unchanged for 17 years.

Speaking to media in Parliament ahead of the official Budget 2027 presentation, the former finance minister stressed that while a national Budget will be tabled in late 2027, its measures will not take effect quickly enough to influence the electorate before the government’s term expires.


Lim said that while he believed Anwar could still table the Budget before Parliament is dissolved, any attempt to win over voters would not be as effective as “it would be too late”.


“All our proposals are necessary. If not, I am worried this would be the last chance for the Madani government to make the Budget’s benefit tangible to the people,” he said.

“Yes, I believe he could still table another Budget, but I feel the impact will not be the same since it would be too late.”

Anwar acknowledged the economic strain on households in a social media post recently, stating that macroeconomic growth alone is insufficient and pledging that the upcoming fiscal plan will directly address cost-of-living pressures and distribute economic gains more equitably.


Malaysia’s current Parliament first convened on December 19, 2022, and its five-year term automatically expires in December 2027, requiring a general election to be held within 60 days unless Parliament is dissolved earlier.

Lim said there is typically a Cabinet meeting held before the tabling of the Budget, noting that in the past, last-minute additions have been made at such meetings.

“We suggest raising the personal tax relief from RM9,000 to RM12,000. The threshold for this relief has not changed for 17 years and if we account for inflation, RM9,000 in 2010 is now RM12,000.

In addition to personal income tax adjustments, Lim called for a RM1,000 increase in tax relief allocations for both education and healthcare expenses to assist middle-class families.

The DAP leader also advocated for targeted support for eldercare, appealing to the government to abolish the 8 per cent service tax recently imposed on private old-age homes to reduce the financial burden on caregivers.

Myanmar willing to accept repatriation of nationals in large numbers at own expense, says Anwar

Myanmar willing to accept repatriation of nationals in large numbers at own expense, says Anwar



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing after their joint press conference at Perdana Putra, during the Myanmar leader’s two-day official visit to Malaysia October 8, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Myanmar is ready to repatriate its nationals on a large scale at its own expense, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated.
• Over 10,493 Myanmar citizens have been repatriated, with ongoing negotiations for further repatriation involving Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Repatriation involves verification of nationality and records, with Myanmar indicating 3,000 to 4,000 nationals from immigration depots will be returned.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 1:42 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Oct 8 — Myanmar is prepared to facilitate the repatriation of its nationals on a large scale, with the country ready to bear the associated costs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He said more than 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel had so far been repatriated to Myanmar through flights and naval ships, with further repatriation to be negotiated between Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and its Myanmar counterpart.

Anwar said Malaysia appreciated Myanmar’s willingness to accept its nationals, noting that very few countries were prepared to undertake repatriation in such large numbers at their own expense.


“Very, very few, hardly any country in my experience, are willing to accept this repatriation in large numbers at their own expense, as you have shown in Myanmar,” he said in his remarks during a joint press conference here today in conjunction with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing two-day official visit that began yesterday.


Anwar said the remaining Myanmar nationals would be repatriated according to the stipulated rules and procedures, subject to verification of their records.

Anwar said Min Aung Hlaing had also indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently at immigration depots would be repatriated.

He added relevant authorities would need to verify nationality and records, including any criminal records, before completing the repatriation process.


Anwar also thanked Myanmar for its cooperation, particularly in facilitating the return of its nationals.

“I must again reiterate my thanks for your candid manner and willingness to collaborate,” he said.

The two leaders have discussed several key issues, including efforts to repatriate Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups who are in Malaysia illegally, on a voluntary, dignified and safe basis. — Bernama

New era for the Vatican? Pope Leo signals major shift in marriage rules

New era for the Vatican? Pope Leo signals major shift in marriage rules



Pope Leo XIV delivers his speech during the weekly general audience at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on October 7, 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• Pope Leo XIV has called for the Roman Catholic Church to reconsider its approach to supporting families and addressing failed marriages during a significant religious assembly in Vatican City.
• In his address, he urged reflection on handling situations of fragility and apparent failures, without explicitly mentioning divorce.
• This assembly revisits issues raised by the late Pope Francis' 2016 "Amoris Laetitia," which suggested case-by-case Communion eligibility for divorced and remarried Catholics, a topic of ongoing debate.
• The weeklong assembly will also explore broader matters such as welcoming the LGBTQ community, concluding with a comprehensive report.

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 8:53 AM MYT


VATICAN CITY, Oct 8 — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called on the Roman Catholic Church to revise the way it helps families and handles failed marriages as he opened a major weeklong religious assembly.

With the church debating how it recognises separations, Leo did not directly mention divorce but called on Catholic leaders to reflect on the “experience of fragility” and the handling of “situations marked by limitations, wounds, and apparent failures.”

Leo’s predecessor, Francis, who died in 2025, made a tentative step in 2016 for Catholics who have divorced and remarried in civil ceremonies to receive Communion. It sparked a Church-wide debate and pushback from conservative Catholics. Leo’s address was made to a week-long closed assembly of bishops from 120 countries, who will be joined by leaders from Eastern churches, experts, theologians and 11 lay couples to mark the 10th anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love) document.


According to Church teaching, a Catholic who divorces and then remarries in a civil ceremony remains bound by the first marriage, unless it was officially annulled, and cannot receive communion.


“Amoris Laetitia” introduced the possibility of case-by-case decisions, without challenging the principle that a Catholic marriage cannot be dissolved.


Leo said: “Young people continue to aspire to love, fidelity, and a sense of belonging, but many struggle to envision how such a vision of love can take shape in their own lives.”

“In many contexts, a gap has widened between the way sexuality and intimacy are experienced and the Christian vision of marriage,” he said.


The assembly, which is to release a final report, is to discuss marriage and difficulties faced in life and could look at ways to welcome the LGBTQ community, another one of Francis’ concerns. — AFP