Military Watch:

Leaked Russian Documents Show 48 Su-35 Fighters Planned For Delivery to Iran

Middle East , Aircraft and Anti-Aircraft

Military Watch Magazine Editorial Staff

October-4th-2025

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Russian Aerospace Forces Su-35

Russian government documents released in a recent leak have indicated that significant deliveries of fighter aircraft are expected within the next three months. These include the transfer of 48 Su-35 fighters to re-equip the Iranian Air Force, as well as transfers of 14 Su-34 strike fighters and two Su-57 fifth generation air superiority fighters to Algeria. The documents are corroborated by statements from Iranian officials confirming that orders for Su-35s had been placed, by the appearance of Su-34s in Russia in colours matching those of the Algerian Air Force, and by statements from Algerian government sources in February that the country would receive its first Su-57s before the end of the year. Should the Russian defence sector go through with the transfer, it would have delivered Su-35s to two new clients this year, with the Algerian Air Force having been confirmed to have received its first Su-35s in March.

Su-35 Fighters Built For Export Reportedly From a Batch Ordered By Algeria

While the introduction of the Su-35 into service in Algeria is expected to have a much more limited impact on its aerial warfare capabilities, as the country already operates a large fleet of advanced Su-30MKA ‘4+ generation’ fighters among other fighter types, Iran’s procurement of Su-35s is expected to be totally transformative for its air force’s capabilities. Before October 2025, when the first modernised MiG-29s were reportedly delivered, Iran lacked any post-Cold War fighter types, with its large fleet comprised primarily of Vietnam War era F-4E and F-5E/F jets that are almost three generations behind the cutting edge. The Su-35’s combination of a very long range, highly sophisticated weaponry, and a powerful suite of particularly large sensors thus makes it a game changer. 

Su-35 Fighters From the Russian Knights Aerobatics Squadron

With personnel from Iran reportedly having long since begun training for Su-35 operations in Russia, while footage from two airbases have appeared to show preparations underway to host the aircraft, the fighters may become operational before the end of the year. A primarily attraction of the Su-35 over the more advanced Su-57 is that the aircraft can be delivered quickly, with production having expanded considerably since 2022 to around 30 fighters per year, a large portion of which can be allocated to meeting Iranian orders. With prior unconfirmed reports indicating that Iran could be planning to procure 48 of the fighters, the possibility remains that the 48 fighters mentioned in the latest document are intended for delivery in 2025. Further Su-35s may have already been ordered, or may be planned for later procurement.

Iranian Air Force Yak-130 Trainer - Delivered in 2023, Yak-130s Are Optimal Conversion Trainers For the Su-35

With only 24 Su-35s having been delivered abroad before 2025, the program’s export performance was considered throughly underwhelming until the new Algerian and Iranian orders were confirmed. The significant possibility of Iran ordering close to 100 fighters has the potential to represent a major turning point for the program. The possibility of significant customisation of the aircraft to meet Iranian requirements, including the potential development of a twin seat variant, has been widely speculated. Iran has faced highly unfavourable power trajectories, with the overthrow of its primary regional strategic partner the Syrian Arab Republic by Turkish, Israeli and Western backed paramilitaries in December having been followed by a strengthening of U.S. and Western presences in the Middle East, and by modernisation of the Israeli and Turkish fighter fleets. Belated investment in major procurements of modern fighters thus has the potential to provide Iran with much more formidable military capabilities. 

Harimau Malaya’s Secret Weapon: Grandmothers

Harimau Malaya’s Secret Weapon: Grandmothers


4 Oct 2025 • 8:00 AM MYT



Fa Abdul
FA ABDUL is a former columnist of Malaysiakini & Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

Image credit: seasia


Recently, FIFA punished the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for messing up some documents. In short, FAM got caught trying to register players who didn’t actually qualify to play for Malaysia. The mistake? Our so-called “heritage players.”


Now, what are heritage players? Simple - they’re foreign players who qualify to play for Malaysia not because they were born here, but because somewhere in their family tree, there’s a Malaysian connection. Usually through a parent or grandparent. If the paperwork checks out, FIFA allows it. If the paperwork looks like it was filled in during lunch break at a mamak stall, then… well, we get punished. Which is exactly what happened.


And this is where it gets funny. Most probably, none of these players had ever set foot in Malaysia before, yet somehow, they’re now wearing the Harimau Malaya jersey. All thanks to one magical word: grandma.


Take Gabriel Palmero. He’s 23. According to Malaysian law, if you want citizenship, you must live here for at least 10 years. Which means Gabriel should’ve been hanging out in Cheras since he was 13. But no - at 15, he was already playing in Spain for Tenisca, then moved to UD Las Palmas, and kept bouncing around clubs in Spain. Fast forward to March 2025 - suddenly, boom, he’s Malaysian!


Then comes Rodrigo Holgado. He’s 30. Same rule - should’ve been here since 20. But his career map? Argentina, Chile, Colombia. Same goes to Facundo Garcés, 26, who played for Colon in Argentina and Alaves in Spain. I can only assume it's the same for the rest.


And here’s the best part: Gabriel, Rodrigo and Facundo are “Malaysians” through their grandmothers. I love that. It’s like when someone honks at me on the road and I yell back, “Hello, this is my grandfather’s road!” Apparently, the same logic now works in football - if your grandma once had teh tarik in KL, you have a Malaysian connection. Congrats, you can play for Malaysia!


Even Wikipedia joined the fun. Gabriel’s eligibility is written as: ‘through his Malaysian grandmother of another brother beside his neighbour.’ Pure poetry. So let’s be fair and give Rodrigo / Facundo their own version: “through his grandmother of another sister whose nephew lives beside a hibiscus tree.” Makes total sense, right? If we’re already stretching it, might as well stretch until it snaps.


But then, here’s when things start to get interesting. According to a TikTok video uploaded by barber Syafiq Ahlil showing him interviewing Gabriel over a haircut, the footballer confirmed: “Yes, my grandmother is from Malaysia. However, my grandmother and I have never visited the country.”


A quick check revealed that while Malaysian law requires 10 years of residency for citizenship, according to FIFA regulations, naturalisation for national team eligibility is only valid through two official pathways: (1) Residency - the player must have lived in the country for at least five years after turning 18, or (2) Ancestry - the player must have a parent or grandparent born in the country.


Ah, so technically, the entire group of Harimau Malaya’s naturalised players who were born, raised, and had an active career in Europe or South America before they magically appeared in Malaysia before an important match could not have met the FIFA regulations via the first pathway – residency.


But wait a minute - didn’t the Home Ministry claim that the citizenship for the seven heritage players was lawful and properly processed in line with Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia? Now, how can the players meet Article 19(1) when we have one player admitting on record that he has never been to Bolehland before? Care to explain, dear Home Ministry?


Amidst all this confusion, one thing is clear - these players most probably have never resided in Malaysia. And this leaves us with only one assumption: they got here by their ancestry route. Yup, it is their grandmother connection that seems to be the issue.


Look, nobody is denying these boys can play football. They can, and they helped us beat Vietnam 4-0. But rules are rules. If FIFA says players must be those who inherit blood from their grandparents or parents, then we should stick to that. Otherwise, we might as well go scout half of La Liga, because for all we know, every striker’s got a fairy-tale grandmother from Malaysia hiding in their bedtime stories.


Since this is staining the nation’s international reputation with the severe accusations of forgery and cheating, actions must be taken - especially since the FAM had thanked PM Anwar Ibrahim by announcing that the government facilitated the documentation process for new heritage players, enabling them to feature for the team.


Now this is no longer just the reputation of FAM. This now also involves the PM, the government, and the nation’s international reputation.


While I applaud FAM’s acting president, Yusoff Mahadi, who has vowed to use “all available legal channels” to protect the national team and the integrity of the country, I look forward to FAM accepting the kind offer by Citizen Nades, a legally qualified journalist and long-time sports writer, to lead an independent, journalistic effort to publicly verify the core claim of this scandal: that the grandparents of the seven players in question were, in fact, Malaysian citizens.


The question now: will FAM take up Nades anneh’s offer?


Meanwhile, on a separate note, as we learn about the government’s generosity in assisting FAM facilitate the documentation process to enable foreigners to acquire citizenship, let’s not forget real people who’ve been living in Malaysia for 20, 30 years. They’ve built families here, learned Malay, contributed to our communities - and yet they’re still waiting for PR, let alone citizenship. If rules really matter, shouldn’t we start with the people who actually live here, instead of footballers who probably just dug up a grandma’s name from an imaginary family tree?

***

I really luv Fatimah, her sense of justice & righteousness, her humour, her writing passion, her Penang lang-ness - hey man, I think I have the 'hots' for her 😂😂😂💗💗💗

Licence to Drive – and to Subsidy (of “killing machines”?)

Licence to Drive – and to Subsidy (of “killing machines”?)

4 Oct 2025 • 8:00 AM MYT



Mihar Dias
A behaviourist by training, a consultant and executive coach by profession

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/09/26/vehicles-are-killing-machines-licences-a-must-says-expert

By Mihar Dias, September 2025


Finally, a policy that doesn’t make you scratch your head in despair. The government now requires an active driving licence to qualify for the BUDI95 subsidy — and suddenly, the usual suspects are crying foul.


Apparently, some Malaysians think rules are like Milo ais: you can stir them any way you like.


But it’s really simple: no licence, no subsidy. If you’re not supposed to be on the road, you shouldn’t be at the pump. End of story.


Experts call cars and motorbikes “killing machines.” Not “toys,” not “lifestyle accessories” — killing machines. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/09/26/vehicles-are-killing-machines-licences-a-must-says-expert


Obviously, if you don’t have a valid licence, you’ve basically admitted you’re unfit to handle one.


Why then should taxpayers happily sponsor your petrol while you endanger everyone else? That’s like subsidising cigarettes for chain-smokers and then acting shocked when the hospital bill arrives.


Take my wife. She’s held a licence for thirty years but has never actually driven. She’s never filled a tank either — she considers petrol stations dirty, smelly, and scary. (She’s not wrong about the toilets; those are certified biohazard zones.)


Now the new rule says: if the car is in her name, she has to step out, show her IC, and claim the subsidy. Her response? A very elegant “No, thank you.” Why risk germs and the trauma of public toilets just to shave 0.6 sen off a litre? The Dettol spray alone costs more.


Now, here’s the punchline: without subsidy, our weekly fuel bill is less than RM50. So what exactly are people howling about? That tiny discount is more “token souvenir” than “lifeline.”


Let’s face it: if you hardly drive, or worse, don’t even have a licence, you’re not in desperate need of subsidised fuel.


A licence isn’t just a laminated piece of plastic — it’s proof you earned the right to be on the road. If you haven’t, you also haven’t earned the right to taxpayer-funded petrol.


So yes, the rule is fair. In fact, it’s so obvious it’s embarrassing it took this long. But this is Malaysia — where even common sense needs a press conference, a protest, and a petition before it can pass.

PM Anwar: Malaysians on Gaza mission held by Israel now free, flying home soon after Istanbul health checks

PM Anwar: Malaysians on Gaza mission held by Israel now free, flying home soon after Istanbul health checks



Media personnel closely monitor the live feed from the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to update the latest status of Malaysians who were intercepted and lost contact while en route to Gaza at the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) in Sepang, October 2, 2025. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 6:04 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — The 23 Malaysians in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission who have been detained by the Zionist regime since Thursday will be flown out of Israel to Istanbul today on a special flight arranged by Turkiye, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said all 23 Malaysians are currently on their way to Ramon Airport in southern Israel.

“Following discussions with the Malaysian intelligence chief in Ankara, together with our ambassador and the Malaysian Embassy there, it was decided that they should stay in Istanbul for about one to one and a half days to undergo health checks due to trauma and stress resulting from Israel’s harsh and cruel actions.

“I have agreed to this, and they are expected to return home either tomorrow night or the day after,” he said in a Facebook Live broadcast today. — Bernama

China braces for heavy rains as Typhoon Matmo triggers Level-IV emergency flood response

China braces for heavy rains as Typhoon Matmo triggers Level-IV emergency flood response



People wade through a flooded street following rain, intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Matmo, in Santa Lucia, Calumpit, Bulacan province, Philippines October 3, 2025. China’s Ministry of Water Resources today activated a Level-IV emergency flood control response in four provincial-level regions, as Typhoon Matmo is forecast to bring heavy rainfall. — Reuters pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 6:28 PM MYT


BEIJING, Oct 4 — China’s Ministry of Water Resources on Saturday activated a Level-IV emergency flood control response in four provincial-level regions, as Typhoon Matmo is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, reported Xinhua.

From Oct 4 to 7, Matmo — the 21st named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season — will bring heavy rain across south and southwest China, particularly in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Yunnan. During the period, the water levels of multiple local rivers are expected to exceed warning marks.

Bracing for possible flooding, the ministry has urged local water conservancy authorities to monitor the typhoon’s path and rainfall development closely, and to issue warnings to the public in a timely manner.

While stepping up their patrol and protection of levees, authorities should also focus on responding to potential mountain torrents, river flooding and urban waterlogging to ensure the safety of lives and property, the ministry said.

To date, it has dispatched three guiding teams to Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response. — Bernama-Xinhua

Malaysian Pannir Selvam to be executed in Singapore Oct 8, says lawyer

Malaysian Pannir Selvam to be executed in Singapore Oct 8, says lawyer



Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, 38, was convicted by the High Court on May 2, 2017, for importing not less than 51.84g of diamorphine into Singapore and was sentenced to the mandatory death penalty. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 4:29 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Oct 4 — Malaysian death-row inmate Pannir Selvam Pranthaman is scheduled to be executed in Singapore on October 8, a month after his post-appeal application was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

His family’s lawyer N. Surendran said the notice of execution was issued to the family this morning.

“The family get two visits a day until Oct 7. We will update later for any next course of action,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Pannir Selvam, 38, was convicted by the High Court on May 2, 2017, for importing not less than 51.84g of diamorphine into Singapore, and was sentenced to the mandatory death penalty.


His appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Feb 9, 2018, and his clemency petition to the President of Singapore was rejected.


Pannir Selvam was granted a stay of execution on two occasions. The first was in May 2019, on the basis that he intended to challenge the rejection of his clemency petition and the Public Prosecutor’s decision not to issue a certificate of substantive assistance to him.

The second stay of execution was granted in February 2025, pending the determination of the post-appeal application for a stay of execution, which was later rejected on Sept 5.


If carried out, this will be the second execution of a Malaysian in the republic within a span of two weeks, following the execution of K. Datchinamurthy on September 25.

Two other Malaysians were also executed for drug-related offences in July this year. — Bernama

***

Sad, truly sad 😢😢😢

Gaza civil defence says Israel carried out dozens of strikes on Gaza City despite Trump’s ceasefire appeal

Gaza civil defence says Israel carried out dozens of strikes on Gaza City despite Trump’s ceasefire appeal



Children watch as Palestinian artists paint a mural of the Global Sumud Flotilla in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip, October 3, 2025. The flotilla, carrying politicians and activists including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces after setting sail last month. — AFP pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 4:08 PM MYT


JERUSALEM, Oct 4 — Gaza’s civil defence agency said today that Israel carried out dozens of attacks on Gaza City despite US President Donald Trump’s appeal to end bombardments after Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal.

“It was a very violent night, during which the (Israeli army) carried out dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip, despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing,” civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.


Bassal, whose agency is a rescue force which operates under Hamas authority, added that 20 homes were destroyed in the overnight bombardments.

“The situation is very serious in Gaza City,” Bassal said, adding that his teams were not able to reach all the casualties due to the “presence of tanks and the ongoing bombardment”.


Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it was “checking” reports of overnight bombardments on Gaza City.


Gaza City’s Baptist Hospital said in a statement that it received casualties from a strike on a home in Tuffah neighbourhood, including four dead and “several wounded”.

Nasser Hospital in south Gaza’s Khan Yunis said two children were killed and eight people wounded in a drone strike on a tent in camp for displaced Gazans.


The peace plan for Gaza, presented by Trump this week and backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas said on Friday it was ready to release hostages held in Gaza under the Trump plan but wanted negotiations on the details and a say in the future of the Palestinian territory. — AFP

***

Satanyahu: I can't lah, I don't give a frigg about the Clown's appeal - I would have to go to prison if the genocide stops - dei tambee, numero uno lah!

Opinion: Gaza Solidarity or Just Plain Stupidity?

Opinion: Gaza Solidarity or Just Plain Stupidity?


4 Oct 2025 • 12:30 PM MYT


Fa Abdul
FA ABDUL is a former columnist of Malaysiakini & Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

Image credit: Astro Awani


Recently, a group of Malaysians under the banner of Sumud Nusantara decided it was a good idea to hop on a flotilla headed straight for Gaza - one of the most militarised blockades in the world, guarded by Israel, a state that has shown time and again it has no patience for “symbolic missions.”


Now let’s be clear: these are not trained commandos or hardened journalists. These are ordinary Malaysians - activists, artists, NGO reps, even celebrities - people with huge hearts, but hardly the kind of folks you send to stare down a navy. And yet, off they went, recording pre-prepared “in case we get detained” videos as though this was a TikTok challenge instead of a war zone.


And now? They get caught, they get detained, and suddenly Putrajaya has to scramble for diplomatic solutions. As if our government doesn’t already have a full plate, now we’re expected to negotiate with Israel because some Malaysians thought it would be cute to play frontline hero.


Here’s the part that really gets me: What did they actually hope to achieve in Gaza? Aid delivery? Please. No ragtag flotilla is about to out-logistics the UN or Red Cross, both of which are already struggling. Raising awareness? Sorry, but Gaza doesn’t need more “awareness.” It’s livestreamed to our phones 24/7 - the whole world is already watching.


Then along comes the MADANI Government spokesperson, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, saying this was a “peaceful initiative” to deliver a message of solidarity. Really? Like, seriously?


If the plan was just to send a message, I’ve got bad news: we invented email, social media, and global campaigns for exactly that. Solidarity today doesn’t require a boat and a detention cell - it requires strategy, diplomacy, and actual aid routes. What did we think a shaky hostage-style video was going to achieve? “Hi Gaza, we came, we filmed, we got detained - love from Malaysia”?


But wait, it gets better. Fahmi also mentioned that the aim wasn’t just “solidarity” - it was to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Really? Break a blockade guarded by a navy, in the middle of a war zone, with a flotilla of volunteers and influencers? That’s not strategy - that’s a hashtag with suicidal logistics. The Mavi Marmara incident back in 2010 already proved exactly how these things end: naval commandos storm your ship, people get hurt, and governments spend months cleaning up the mess.


So, if your plan for opening a humanitarian corridor is “bring a boat and hope the navy’s in a mood to be sympathetic,” maybe it’s time for a new career in fantasy filmmaking - because please lah, we all knew it ain't gonna happen. These stunts don’t “deliver messages,” they just deliver more paperwork to Putrajaya and another headline our diplomats now have to fix.


Did we really need Malaysians turning themselves into accidental war-tourism vloggers to prove a point? The answer is a big fat NO. This isn’t Eat, Pray, Love - it’s Record, Upload, Get Detained.


At best, this was a stunt. At worst, it’s reckless self-promotion wrapped in the language of humanitarianism. Yes, the cause is noble. Yes, standing with Palestinians matters. But solidarity doesn’t mean shipping untrained civilians into danger so they can later beg the government to save them.


If we truly want to help, there are smarter ways: lobbying international bodies, rebuilding efforts when the guns fall silent. Symbolism is powerful, but not when it costs us resources, credibility, and time that could’ve been spent on actual impact.


Let’s call it what it is: sending a bunch of Malaysians into a war zone, knowing they’d be detained, was not heroic. It was stupid.

Former DAP assemblyman jailed for rape: A victory for Reformasi in the eyes of the Working Class

Former DAP assemblyman jailed for rape: A victory for Reformasi in the eyes of the Working Class


4 Oct 2025 • 12:00 PM MYT



TheRealNehruism
Writer. Seeker. Teacher

Image credit: Sinar Daily


After six long years, an Indonesian maid has finally received the justice she deserved. The man who raped her, her employer and former Tronoh assemblyman Paul Yong Choo Kiong, has begun serving an eight-year prison sentence at Kajang prison and will face two strokes of the cane. The Federal Court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed his final appeal and upheld the conviction.


Paul Yong, by the way, not only raped the 23-year-old maid under his employ, but afterwards, he would also have the galls to threaten to kill her if she told his wife. In other words, he likely expected her to continue working in his household as if nothing had happened, and continue to serve the man who had violated her in the most brutal way, as if she was lower than dirt and he was equal to the gods.


Imagine the level of disdain he must have had for the working class, to think that he can expect this from the maid.


We can only imagine the terror the maid must have endured — trapped, silenced, and forced to carry on with her duties under the shadow of violence. The arrogance it takes for a man like Paul Yong to think he could get away with such cruelty simply because she was a poor, foreign, working-class woman, while he was a high-ranking member of government, reveals the impunity with which the elites often act.


This is why, for many ordinary Malaysians, seeing Paul Yong finally face his comeuppance is more than the end of a high-profile court case. It is a small but powerful reminder that the powerful can — and must — be held accountable.


The middle and upper classes often tell us what “reformasi” means. They talk about institutional reform, civil liberties, or equity. These are grand words, but if they are meaningful, they are meaningful only to them.


As for the working class , reformasi is only real and meaningful, when the rich and powerful are punished in the same way we are when we break the law.


We know what injustice looks like. In the Malaysia of old, if a labourer was caught in khalwat, he would be publicly whipped. But when a Datuk or Tan Sri commits the same act, even in broad daylight, they can expect nothing to happen to them, even if there is a video recording that catches them in the act. If a clerk or a driver was caught taking a few hundred ringgit in bribes, jail awaited him without delay. But when politicians and businessmen siphoned millions, they often got away with a mere compound — no jail, no shame, no justice.


This sort of double standard permeates old Malaysia - from the relationship between workers and their employers, rich developers and ordinary house owners, even on such matter as how the roads is to be used by whom, there is a perception that there is two laws for country, one for the working class and one for the upper classes, where the law that is applied on the working class is much more harsher and exacting, while the one that is applied on the upper classes are much more lenient and forgiving.


If reformasi is real, this perception should change.


We are not asking for leniency for the working class. A wrong is a wrong, and whoever commits it should be punished, but they should be punished according to their deeds, not their station in society.


If the poor are punished swiftly and harshly for the wrongs that we do, then the elites must face the same when they commit crimes — and often, they commit far worse.


That is why Paul Yong’s conviction matters.


On Tuesday, Yong was sent to Kajang Prison after the Federal Court, led by Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, ruled that his conviction was “safe.” The judges rejected his claim of an unfair trial and affirmed that the victim’s testimony, given under witness protection, was credible. A man who once held political office is now an inmate.


This case took years. In 2022, the High Court sentenced Yong to 13 years in jail and two strokes of the cane. In 2024, the Court of Appeal reduced it to eight years but maintained the caning. Now, the Federal Court has closed the door on his appeals . It has finally made it clear that you can't think that you can get away from oppressing and exploiting the working class, because you arrogantly believe that the laws that apply to the working does not apply to you.


That the authorities have acted in this way, even if it took them 6 years to arrive at this decision, is a sign that maybe reformasi is truly on the way.


For the middle class, the Madani government will be measured by how fast it delivers institutional reforms or improves civil liberties. But for the working class, our measure is much simpler: We will believe Anwar Ibrahim’s promise of reformasi is real when we see more rich and powerful men in prison uniforms.


Only then will we know that reformasi has truly arrived.

Elderly woman among five rescued from flash flood in Kedah

Elderly woman among five rescued from flash flood in Kedah



Kedah is among the states affected by recent heavy rainfall. — Picture via Facebook

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 10:22 AM MYT


ALOR SETAR, Oct 4 — An elderly woman was among five individuals rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department after they were trapped in their home during a flash flood in Kampung Machang Kudung, Pokok Sena, near here today.

The department’s operations centre said it received a distress call at 6.38pm and a team from the Pokok Sena station arrived at the scene within 15 minutes.

“Heavy rain triggered flash floods, trapping five victims inside a house. The group comprised an elderly woman, three men and a teenage girl, aged between 18 and 72,” the statement said.

All victims were safely evacuated to a nearby house and subsequent monitoring showed that water levels had begun to recede.


Meanwhile, Kubang Pasu Civil Defence Officer Captain (PA) Mohd Adenin Suhaimi said 29 houses in the Naga and Malau subdistricts were affected by flooding following continuous rainfall since 2 pm.

“The affected areas include Kampung Muhibbah, Kampung Paya Tok Teh, Kampung Tengah Malau and Kampung Kemunting Baru. The number of victims is still being verified and no temporary relief centres (PPS) have been opened so far,” he said.

He added that while water levels in most areas were declining, Kampung Paya Tok Teh continued to experience rising levels. Residents would be advised to evacuate if conditions worsen. — Bernama

Foreign minister: Several countries assisting Malaysia in securing activists’ release

Foreign minister: Several countries assisting Malaysia in securing activists’ release



Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the government is activating various diplomatic channels through international partners that have embassies in Israel, including the United States, Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt, to ensure the safety and release of the Malaysians in detention. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 3:10 PM MYT


SEPANG, Oct 4 — Malaysia has received assistance from several countries, including Asean member states, in efforts to secure the release of its citizens detained by Israel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the government is activating various diplomatic channels through international partners that have embassies in Israel, including the United States, Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt, to ensure the safety and release of the Malaysians in detention.


"We had anticipated such a situation, so discussions were already held with our friends, especially from Asean.

"Since Malaysia does not have an embassy in Israel, we have requested friendly countries to extend consular assistance to our detained citizens,” he said at a press conference after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) here today.


Mohamad said Jordan and Türkiye have given assurances to assist in the repatriation process once the Malaysians are released.


He said the United States, through its Deputy Secretary of State, has also expressed commitment to assist via its embassy in Tel Aviv and is prepared to provide any necessary support to Malaysians.

All Malaysian diplomatic missions in Jordan, Türkiye, Cairo and Algeria are now on standby to offer assistance and logistical support should the Malaysians be released through any border point, he said.


"We do not know which route the detainees will be released through, as this depends on the Israeli Zionist regime,” he said.

Mohamad also said communication between the legal team representing GSF and the activists could not be established at the moment because Israel is observing the Yom Kippur holiday, during which all government and diplomatic offices are closed.

He said the situation has temporarily delayed diplomatic efforts and negotiations to bring home the GSF activists.

"Don’t worry, the government is monitoring their situation by the second… We hope that by Monday, when offices reopen, we’ll be able to re-establish contact. But our communication through intermediary countries remains in very good order,” he said.

More than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, participated in the mission as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break the Israeli blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by the ongoing attacks by the Zionist regime.

The GSF vessels were sailing towards Gaza when they were intercepted by Israeli forces.

The Foreign Ministry earlier confirmed that all 23 Malaysians in the GSF have been detained and will be repatriated through a third country. — Bernama

What Sanae Takaichi’s rise means for Japan’s economy, foreign policy and markets

What Sanae Takaichi’s rise means for Japan’s economy, foreign policy and markets



Newly-elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi celebrates after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan today. — Reuters pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 3:15 PM MYT




TOKYO, Oct 4 — Sanae Takaichi is likely to be Japan’s first female prime minister after winning the race today to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The former internal affairs minister, a conservative nationalist with an expansionary agenda, is expected to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba since the LDP is the largest in parliament.

Below are comments on the outcome:


TOHRU SASAKI, CHIEF STRATEGIST, FUKUOKA FINANCIAL GROUP AND FORMER BANK OF JAPAN OFFICIAL, TOKYO


“In the last speech between Koizumi and Takaichi, I think Takaichi was a bit better, so that was supportive of her victory. So it’s not a huge surprise.

“Takaichi was the most popular candidate among the non-congressional LDP members and that was a key factor for her victory.


“Because of the support from the non-congressional members of the LDP, her cabinet is likely to be very popular, and therefore influential on monetary policy. So I think the BOJ may have some difficulty in raising rates.

“I think on Monday morning, the yen is going to depreciate. Dollar-yen may try 150 or beyond, but these kind of reactions tend to be short-lived.

“In stocks the strong trend is likely to continue. It’s a bit difficult to say on the JGB market because Takaichi will make it difficult for the BOJ to raise rates, so yields will go lower, but at the same time, she’s likely to expand spending, which is negative for bonds. A steepening of yield curve is a possible reaction.

“Probably the financial market will take this result as a positive, at least at first.

“It will be interesting to see how her dialogue goes with Trump. She will probably be a tough negotiator.”

TOMOHISA ISHIKAWA, CHIEF ECONOMIST, THE JAPAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE, TOKYO

“Takaichi talked about ‘responsible expansionary fiscal policy.’ The question is whether this approach can achieve both restoring fiscal health and economic growth. I’d like to hope there’s greater consideration for restoring fiscal consolidation than in the past.

“That said, she has said that deficit-financed bonds are also among the options, so in terms of continuing Abenomics, I think we must also be mindful of the risk of fiscal expansion.

“I do think it’s become harder for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates.

“Ultimately, if ‘responsible expansionary fiscal policy’ means money flows into high-growth sectors rather than simply being handed out, then stocks would rise and the yen wouldn’t weaken excessively.”

KAZUTAKA MAEDA, ECONOMIST, MEIJI YASUDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, TOKYO

“Among the five candidates, Takaichi would represent the sharpest departure from fiscal hawk Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s policies, which could be welcomed by equity markets given her stance on fiscal expansion.

“During the leadership race, Takaichi toned down her more radical proposals, including withdrawing her earlier suggestion to cut the consumption tax. However, if she were to revive such proposals in response to demands from major opposition parties, it could lead to higher interest rates, a weaker yen, and accelerated inflation - developments that may not help restore public trust.

“Overall, there is skepticism surrounding Takaichi’s ability to manage the administration effectively.

“On monetary policy, Takaichi is not seen as supportive of interest rate hikes, which could make it more difficult for the Bank of Japan to proceed with tightening. While rate hikes may not be ruled out entirely, the central bank could adopt a more cautious and gradual approach. Depending on inflation trends, the next rate hike may be delayed until early next year.”

MARI IWASHITA, EXECUTIVE RATES STRATEGIST, NOMURA SECURITIES

“(Bank of Japan) Governor (Kazuo) Ueda appeared to be in no rush to hike interest rates anyway. Takaichi’s win will make it even more likely the BOJ will take a wait-and-see mode and hold off raising rates in October. Until the political dust settles and there is more clarity on the new administration’s policy stance, there’s little reason for the BOJ to rock the boat with a rate hike.”

NAOYA HASEGAWA, CHIEF BOND STRATEGIST, OKASAN SECURITIES, TOKYO

“The chance of the Bank of Japan’s interest rate hike later this month has weakened. The market will initially react to the outcome of the LDP election by buying bonds with mid-term maturities and selling super-long dated bonds. So the curve will steepen.

“The market saw a more than 60% chance for the BOJ’s rate hike to 0.75% until now, but that will fall to below 50% next week.

“The market’s expectations for the BOJ’s interest rate hike had risen lately as the market priced in Koizumi’s win, and a hawkish message from BOJ board member (Asahi) Noguchi.”

TOSHINOBU CHIBA, FUND MANAGER, SIMPLEX ASSET MANAGEMENT, TOKYO

“This is really surprising. I think we’ll see the yen depreciate and a twist steepening of the JGB yield curve. And we have to see what her policy details are.”

YUKA HAYASHI, VICE PRESIDENT, THE ASIA GROUP, WASHINGTON, D.C.

“Takaichi is a very experienced politician. She has had some experience working in the U.S. as well, a long-term observer of U.S.-Japan relations, so that’s her strength.

“She said that she’s confident that she could build a very strong personal relationship with President Trump. And the reason for that is her policy focuses on what she calls the ‘Japan First’ policy. And that kind of corresponds to President Trump’s America First policy. She sees that sort of common thread there. On the other hand, she’s a hardliner, very conservative when it comes to Japan’s relationship with its Asian neighbours.

“She has had a very hawkish stance on World War II legacy issues. She has insisted on visiting the Yasukuni Shrine numerous times, knowing that would inflame Japan’s relationship with its neighbours. So there is some concern that she could fuel tensions with the relationship with South Korea and China.

“This is a very challenging time for the LDP so I think she would probably try to focus on party unity and be very careful about taking excessively conservative hard-line stances in foreign policy.” — Reuters

US FDA slaps new requirements for Indonesia’s shrimp and spices after radioactive contamination

US FDA slaps new requirements for Indonesia’s shrimp and spices after radioactive contamination



A worker feeds shrimp at Ujung Kulon Sukses Makmur Abadi, a shrimp farm company in Pandeglang, Banten province, Indonesia, July 29, 2025. — Reuters pic

Saturday, 04 Oct 2025 3:40 PM MYT


JAKARTA, Oct 4 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new import certification requirements for shrimp and spices from Indonesia after cases of radioactive contamination were detected earlier.

In a posting on its website today, Indonesian time, the agency said that it will implement the import certification requirements from certain regions of Indonesia starting on October 31, 2025.


The certification requires firms on the red list with evidence of Caesium 137 contamination to have an accredited third party to verify the control of the radioactive element.

Once the firms are taken off the red list, they will still be subject to restrictions and will need to provide information indicated under the yellow list for each shipment.


Firms on the yellow list covering certain foods with Caesium 137 contamination risks are required to have shipment certification from an entity designated by the FDA, which must be an agency or representative of the Indonesian government.


FDA’s website says Caesium 137 is a radionuclide present in the environment mainly as the result of nuclear testing or accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Indonesia does not possess nuclear weapons or nuclear power plants.


The FDA in August issued an advisory to consumers, distributors and sellers in the US not to eat, sell or serve frozen shrimp processed by local seafood company PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, after their products were contaminated with Caesium 137.

The shrimp was processed at an industrial estate near Jakarta that was later found to be contaminated with the radioactive element and Indonesia’s nuclear agency is seeking to pinpoint the size of the area affected.

Bara Hasibuan, a spokesperson for the investigation into the incident, told Reuters: “We just received the report few hours ago. Need time to figure what steps need to be taken.” — Reuters

***

By geographical proximity the contamination must be from Fukushima. Sue Nippon kaukau.

Trump says Hamas ‘ready for peace’, tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza

Thanks MF



al Jazeera:


Trump says Hamas ‘ready for peace’, tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza





Al Jazeera



By Alastair McCready, Umut Uras and Urooba Jamal
Published On 4 Oct 2025

• Hamas has submitted its response to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, with the group agreeing to hand over administration of the enclave to Palestinian technocrats and free all Israeli captives.
• The Palestinian group’s response did not address the crucial issue of its disarmament, but it said it was willing to “immediately enter” peace negotiations through mediators.
• In a video address following Hamas’s statement, President Trump said the development was “unprecedented”, before cautioning that it’s important to get the “final word down in concrete”.
• Trump also said he believes Hamas is ready for a “lasting peace”, as he called on Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
• Israel has continued its deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 72 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to medical sources.
• Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 66,288 people and wounded 169,165.

Settlers attack Palestinians in West Bank, Israeli army launches Nablus arrest campaign


Israeli settlers have set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle and smashed the windows of a home the occupied West Bank village of Susya, near Masafer Yatta south of Hebron.

Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli army has also stormed the city of Nablus and arrested several Palestinians.



20m ago
(06:45 GMT)

How did Hamas respond to Trump’s Gaza deal? What did Trump say in response?



By Abubakr Al-Shamahi


Hamas has submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza deal, agreeing to free all Israeli captives but asking to negotiate other aspects of the 20-point plan.

Trump – who had given the Palestinian group a deadline of Sunday to respond positively to the deal – has reacted by demanding Israel immediately stop bombing Gaza.

Is this finally the end of a war that has dragged on for almost two years, killing more than 66,000 Palestinians? Or are there more pitfalls ahead?

Let’s take a closer look here.

Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation rest after evacuating southwards, following Israeli forces’ orders to leave Gaza City, in the central Gaza Strip, on October 3, 2025 [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]



PIJ says it agrees with Hamas’s position on Trump’s plan


The Palestinian Islamic Jihad says Hamas’s statement also expresses the position of other Palestinian groups.

The PIJ “participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision”, a brief statement on Telegram said.

Hamas said on Friday it was ready to release captives held in Gaza under a deal proposed by Trump, but wanted negotiations on the details and a say in the future of the Palestinian territory.



Qatar welcomes Hamas’s agreement to Trump’s plan


Qatar, which has been central to negotiations on Gaza, has welcomed Hamas’s announcement “of its agreement to President Trump’s plan, and its readiness to release all hostages as part of the exchange framework outlined in the plan”.

“We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages, and to achieve rapid results that would put an end to the bloodshed of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said on X.

“Gaza conflict weaponised to target non-Malays; local Zionists narrative reaching fever pitch”

“Gaza conflict weaponised to target non-Malays; local Zionists narrative reaching fever pitch”

Letter to Editor

THE voices of right-wing nationalists and their attendant cybertroopers have grown ever more shrill, loud and downright inflammatory.

This is obvious as the narrative surrounding local support for the Gaza conflict has been weaponised by local politicians and right-wing groups to create even deeper schisms in an already very fractured Malaysian society.

Whether it is upside down Jalur Gemilang, illegal temple structures or admission to local universities, the tone has been to constantly portray non-Malays as unpatriotic and ungrateful pendatang who do not seem to contribute to nation building.

While these are local issues, the detractors have stepped up a notch by leveraging the Israel-Hamas conflict in Palestine to advance such narrative.

It started as subtle suggestion that high profile thespians Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding openly voice their support for Palestine.

Quite a tricky proposition since the film industry is said to be dominated by the Jewish community, many of whom do NOT stand in solidarity with Palestine.

Turning up the heat was social media influencer Zaim Salimun who simply labelled Malaysians who do NOT support Palestine as “Zionists”. Hope this young man is happy to have his 15 minutes of infamy by stirring up racial sentiments and forcing his world view onto others.

‘Non-Muslims deem unpatriotic, inhumane’

Echoing this sentiment in relation to the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) by Israeli military forces is Facebooker Khairul Azri who used the supposed reaction on social media as proof of Zionists in our midst!

Khairul Azri

on Wednesday

Nak Kenal Zionis Tempatan di Malaysia?

Hari ini di Israel ada sambutan Yom Kippur, hari paling suci dalam kalendar Yahudi. Bagi mereka, ia hari penebusan dosa. Mereka berpuasa, mereka berdoa, mereka cuba membersihkan diri.

Manakala di Malaysia, Hari ini adalah Hari mengenali siapa Zionis tempatan. Mereka ini tidak berpuasa, tidak berdoa seperti Yahudi di Israel tetapi hari ini mereka dengan rela mempertontonkan wajah sebenar mereka.

...See more

14K

1.2K

23K

He singled out the social media platforms of English-language dailies in the likes of the Malay Mail, New Straits Times (NST) and Malaysiakini which apparently had ‘laughing’ emojis appended to reports of the ‘failed’ flotilla.

Alleged comments asserting that the flotilla were part of a Hamas conspiracy was used as further proof that Zionists lurk within Malaysian society! Incredibly, the said FB post hit the jackpot with 15K likes, 2.1K ‘hate’ comments and 22K shares.

In essence, narrative of this nature has been heating up for some time. From merely “unpatriotic” specimens, non-Malays are now being painted as heartless, inhumane and completely lacking in empathy to the genocide occurring in Gaza.

I urge the authorities to act against this hijacking of an international issue to suit local agendas, many of which seem designed to create disharmony and racial strife.

Nothing is ever black and white.

Many Malaysians may be abhorred that anyone could turn their backs on the plight of the Palestinians. This may be an extremely unpopular observation but how is that any different from some locals who think that once German dictator Adolf Hitler was justified in carrying out the Holocaust?

Food for thought indeed.

In the meantime, it is greatly hoped that a peaceful solution can be found to the on-going conflict in Gaza – not just to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in their war-torn land – but also for the sake of Malaysians unfairly labelled as “Zionists”. – Oct 4, 2025


Concerned Citizen
Gombak