Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH

US midterms: What a Democratic Congress could mean for Malaysia’s trade, investment and security

2026-11-10T22:56:21.105+08:00

THE Democratic Party’s victory in the Nov 3 United States midterm elections, securing control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, represents a significant political setback for President Donald Trump.

Beyond Washington’s domestic political contest, the outcome could influence international trade, investment confidence and the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific.

For Malaysia, the implications are significant because its economic prospects and regional security interests are closely connected to American policy.

However, interpreting the outcome as an immediate reversal of the Trump administration’s policies would be premature.

The new Democratic-controlled Congress, which takes office in January 2027, will have greater capacity to scrutinise legislation, influence federal spending and investigate executive decisions.

Nevertheless, the president retains considerable authority over foreign policy, national security and trade-related executive measures. The question is how the new balance of power will constrain or redirect the administration during the remainder of Trump’s term.

Trade: Tariffs remain a concern

(Image: US Capitol – Visitor Center)

Malaysia’s immediate concern is the future of reciprocal tariffs and their implications for export competitiveness.

The United States remains an important economic partner, particularly for electrical and electronics products, semiconductor manufacturing, machinery and technology exports.

Bilateral trade in goods and services reached an estimated US$94.7 bil (RM399 bil) in 2025, underlining the importance of predictable economic relations.

Democratic control of Congress could increase scrutiny of tariffs because of their effects on consumer prices, business costs and international supply chains. Greater oversight could demand clearer justification and consultation over trade measures.

Nevertheless, congressional opposition does not automatically translate into tariff reductions. The administration may retain the ability to maintain existing restrictions under delegated executive authority, while legislative efforts to reverse them could face political and procedural obstacles.

Malaysia should therefore not assume the election will deliver concessions or improved market access. It should sustain engagement with both parties in Washington, monitor trade legislation and prepare for different tariff scenarios.

Diversification through ASEAN, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) can help reduce excessive exposure to any single market.

Investment: Confidence requires predictability

The election may also affect investment decisions. Businesses making long-term commitments consider policy predictability, regulatory direction and access to technology.

Political division in Washington could create uncertainty over taxation, incentives, government procurement, export controls and industrial policy.

(Image: Borneo Post Online)

Malaysia has positioned itself as a destination for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced electronics, data centres and digital infrastructure. It should prioritise investments that strengthen domestic capabilities rather than merely expand production.

Projects should be assessed by their contributions to skilled employment, local suppliers, research and development, technology transfer and workforce training.

This requires consistent regulation and credible safeguards. Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and advanced manufacturing can carry strategic and security implications.

Malaysia should strengthen investment screening, cybersecurity standards, data governance and supply-chain transparency without discouraging legitimate investment through unnecessary barriers.

A clear regulatory framework will reassure investors that Malaysia remains open and commercially reliable.

Indo-Pacific: Continuity matters

The result also raises questions about the consistency of American engagement in the Indo-Pacific. A Democratic-controlled Congress may scrutinise defence spending, military deployments, security assistance and regional commitments.

Congressional oversight could influence funding priorities, but it does not necessarily produce a fundamental change in strategic objectives.

For Malaysia, uncertainty over American engagement matters because regional stability depends on credible diplomacy, predictable security partnerships and respect for international law.

Developments in the South China Sea, maritime security and freedom of navigation directly affect Malaysia’s national interests and trade routes.

Malaysia should strengthen ASEAN centrality, support peaceful dispute resolution and maintain practical cooperation with regional partners. Priorities should include maritime confidence-building, adherence to international law and mechanisms that reduce the risk of miscalculation.

A strategic response from Kuala Lumpur

The election offers Malaysia an opportunity to review its exposure to American policy shifts and strengthen economic resilience.

Government agencies and businesses should assess tariff risks, identify vulnerable export sectors, improve supply-chain readiness and pursue investments that create domestic value.

Malaysia should maintain regular engagement with the US administration and Congress, recognising that bilateral relations extend beyond any single president or political party.

Ultimately, political change does not necessarily mean policy change. Malaysia should neither expect a dramatic American reversal nor underestimate the significance of congressional oversight.

Pragmatic diplomacy, diversified trade, quality investment and ASEAN-centred cooperation will be essential to protecting national interests.

In an uncertain international environment, Malaysia’s strongest position will depend on remaining economically competitive, institutionally resilient and strategically independent.

R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia.

Malaysian food or food in malaysia? Why cultural generalisations miss the bigger picture

2026-11-10T22:53:42.684+08:00

Letter to editor

I HAVE read numerous reports and watched many videos about Malaysia uploaded by foreign content creators. It is interesting to see how foreigners perceive our country, while also discovering things I might not know about Malaysia.

Videos with sharp images, crystal-clear sound and intelligent narration can be captivating.

On the other hand, if the footage is grainy or the sound muffled, I quickly lose interest. I am also wary of deceptive titles used to lure viewers into clicking on links.

The contents may be sensationalised, exaggerated, misleading or even fabricated. Unfortunately, many viewers accept such material as fact and propagate inaccuracies by sharing the videos without checking their claims.

This often happens when people discuss nationalities, ethnic groups, languages and food. Some content creators appear unable to distinguish between these categories.

When foreigners discuss Malaysians, our languages and our food, they sometimes make sweeping statements with great confidence, leaving me wondering where they obtained their information.

The same misconceptions exist among Malaysians. Some assume that people in the United States speak a language called American and consume mostly American food, overlooking the country’s extraordinary cultural and linguistic diversity.

Australia is another example of a highly multicultural society. According to its 2021 Census, 27.6% of its population was born overseas, while 48.2% had at least one parent born overseas. However, these figures reflect migration backgrounds rather than racial composition.

Interestingly, there is no single language called Indian. India is home to hundreds of languages, with 22 recognised in its Constitution’s Eighth Schedule. Its population encompasses numerous ethnic communities, cultures, religions and culinary traditions.

Malaysians are perhaps most familiar with Tamil-speaking communities, as well as the Sikh community, whose members have their own distinct language, traditions and cultural identity.

Surprisingly, Papua New Guinea is the world’s most linguistically diverse country, with approximately 840 living languages spoken among its relatively small population. Its linguistic diversity reflects the many distinct communities and histories found within the country.

We should remember that nationality, ethnicity, language and food are different concepts. Nationality generally refers to a person’s legal membership of a country, not their ethnic background, language or culinary preferences.

(Image: Lonely Planet)

There is also a significant difference between Malaysian food and food in Malaysia. To me, the former refers mainly to dishes commonly associated with local communities and widely consumed by Malaysians.

These include familiar foods from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities, among others.

Food in Malaysia, however, encompasses everything readily available in the country. This includes local dishes as well as Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Arabic, Italian and Western cuisines that have become popular among Malaysians and foreign residents.

As Malaysians well know, not all Malay, Chinese and Indian foods are the same. Their origins, ingredients, preparation methods and flavours vary considerably.

The Malay Archipelago, China and South Asia, which includes India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are vast regions with numerous languages, cultures and culinary traditions. It is naive to assume that an entire country’s food can be represented by a handful of familiar dishes.

Even when described broadly as Malay, Chinese or Indian food, many dishes have evolved through local influences and adaptations. Their flavours have been embraced and enjoyed by Malaysians and visitors alike.

Being a Malaysian Chinese, I enjoy Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka and Hainanese cuisines. However, I find myself preferring popular Malay and Indian dishes to many foods from other regions of China.

Food is an important part of understanding a country’s culture, but it should not be reduced to simplistic labels.

The next time we watch a foreign content creator discussing Malaysia, perhaps we should ask whether the information reflects the country’s diversity or merely reinforces familiar stereotypes.

After all, appreciating a country’s food and people requires more than knowing a few popular dishes and recognising a few languages.

YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia

A film canot shake a lifetime of faith: Watching Ramayana doesn’t mean converting to Hinduism

2026-11-10T22:51:48.231+08:00

THE idea that Malaysians might convert to Hinduism simply by watching Ramayana, screened during Deepavali, is worth considering calmly rather than treating as a crisis.

Why should a screening of a film based on an ancient religious epic be seen as a threat to people of other faiths? Such anxiety risks breeding suspicion where there should be curiosity, respect and understanding.

A film, however moving, is still a form of storytelling. It may introduce audiences to unfamiliar beliefs, values and traditions, spark admiration or encourage learning. But watching a film for a few hours does not mean adopting another religion. Religious conviction runs deeper than an emotional response to cinema.

A person’s religious identity is often shaped by family, upbringing and community. Faith may begin as something inherited, much like language and cultural customs.

But inheritance alone does not mean its teachings have been understood, internalised or made part of one’s character.

A mature relationship with faith grows through learning, reflection, personal experience and practice.

Over time, knowledge and spiritual insight can strengthen conviction. Faith becomes more than a label recorded at birth; it becomes a conscious commitment expressed through conduct, compassion and service.

If someone believes a film could make them abandon their religion, the constructive response is not to blame the film or the religion it portrays.

Instead, it may be worth asking whether that person’s understanding and practice of faith have been sufficiently nurtured. Someone whose convictions are uncertain may feel a temporary pull or curiosity after encountering a powerful story.

Yet curiosity and appreciation do not amount to conversion, which is a personal decision involving belief and commitment. We should not assume viewers are unable to distinguish appreciation from faith.

The irony is that fear of conversion can signal a lack of confidence in people’s ability to hold on to their beliefs. If a faith is taught with knowledge, lived sincerely and reflected through good character, why be afraid of learning about another tradition?

Confidence in one’s religion should make room for understanding others, not isolation from their stories and cultural expressions.

The Ramayana is an ancient epic that holds an important place in Hindu religious and cultural life. Its stories and retellings have travelled across generations and throughout South and Southeast Asia, taking on different forms and interpretations along the way.

The film Ramayana draws on this rich literary and cultural tradition. Appreciating its artistic, narrative or ethical dimensions does not require a viewer to become Hindu, just as enjoying a film about another religious tradition does not require adopting that faith. Cultural literacy is not religious surrender.

Malaysia’s strength lies in people of different religions and cultures living together without treating every encounter as a contest for followers.

We should distinguish coercion or improper proselytising, which deserves scrutiny, from a film screening and the freedom of audiences to decide what they watch. These are not the same thing.

KT Maran is a Focus Malaysia reader.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia.

AGC changes goalposts at the eleventh hour; Bossku defence lawyer claims order is clear

2026-11-10T22:50:09.538+08:00

THE Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) appears to have a change in stance related to the house arrest order for disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak that probably prompted them to change their decision.

Orders for criminal cases are prepared and issued by the courts not the defence lawyers, unlike civil cases, a member of Najib’s defence team Muhammad Farhan Shafee pointed out.

He argued that the Order of Discharge clearly stated that the RM50 mil fine had been paid and the rest of the prison sentence must be continued under house arrest according to the Conditional Pardon Order.

Stressing that nothing in the order needs an interpretation, the lawyer said that it was AG Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar who had a change in stance, leading to a confusion, Berita Harian reported.

There may be two different interpretations or the order itself is defective and both would be handled with different remedies. This was what Farhan meant by changing goalposts.

On Nov 6, UMNO paid the RM50 mil fine imposed on Najib that paved the way for Najib to undergo house arrest.

The house arrest however was postponed since AGC wanted the court to interpret the Conditional Pardon Order and Discharge Order.

The move angered the Yang di–Pertuan Agong, and Istana Negara released a statement saying there was nothing wrong with the order the King decreed: a house arrest after the fine is paid up.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar

Yesterday (Nov 9), Dusuki pointed out that the discharge order should have been scrutinised before it was executed.

A former deputy public prosecutor and a practising lawyer also highlighted the flaws in the discharge order.

The defects reportedly involve accuracy in the terminology and legal provisions used in the document.

Former deputy public prosecutor Liyana Marzuki in a Facebook post pointed out that the name of the court, Najib’s name and the relevant section numbers were all stated wrongly.

She deemed it as a fatal error that would enable others to cancel it altogether.

In addition to that, she blamed Najib’s legal defence team led by Datuk Seri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah since it was a norm for the defence team to prepare a draft order that the court would endorse.

Practising lawyer Asiah Abd Jalil pointed out a fatalistic error in the discharge order, specifically regarding the seven charges and sentences given to Najib, who was found guilty in the SRC International Bhd case. – Focus Malaysia

An all-out battle involving BN-PH in the cards? Former UMNO strongman predicts as tensions continue simmering

2026-11-10T22:47:32.457+08:00

AN all-out battle involving unity government coalition partners – Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are in the cards post-Melaka state election.

This was revealed by former Johor state assembly speaker Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi on Facebook.

The former UMNO Supreme Council member also confirmed that UMNO and BN will not pull the plug and quit the federal government.

It would be easier to bring down the government from within. There would be no effect on BN. The impact would be on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Harapan that wished to be brought down.

This would result in an all-out battle after the Melaka state election, stressed the former deputy minister on Facebook.

The former state assemblyman of Rengit also explained why UMNO would not quit the government.

Unlike the eighth prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who excluded UMNO’s senior party leaders, Anwar included them in his Cabinet.

He also explained why Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the UMNO led BN is collaborating with federal opposition bloc, PN.

For Zahid, a key reason is because he is confident that a BN-PN collaboration would bring down PH and he wants to become to be the next prime minister.

Zahid has become Deputy Prime Minister under two administrations. The first was during former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He is also the number-two man in the Madani administration.

He also holds the distinction of leading the party and not the government in recent times.

The main reason UMNO ministers are not pulling the plug is because it is easier to bring down the government from within. It would not affect BN. The impact is on Anwar and PH that wishes to be defeated.

Tensions have been simmering since the Negeri Sembilan state election that saw BN and PN gang up together to take over the PH led state government.

PH component – Amanah have been demanding for BN to leave the unity federal government. The latest to echo this sentiment is Amanah communication director Khalid Samad.

Some quarters were hopeful that BN would be on PH’s side for the 16th General Election (GE16).

As for Puad, the former UMNO man quit his party after alleging that Johor UMNO wasn’t able to decide on its own as he added that the state palace intervened in party decisions.

He quit UMNO on June 25, 2026 during the Johor state election. He even campaigned alongside Anwar for PKR at that time. – Focus Malaysia

BERSAMA co-leader trains his guns on UMNO, BN claim on economic performance, free water pledge

2026-11-10T22:44:54.674+08:00

AFTER running down the UMNO – PAS collaboration recently, BERSAMA co – leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli targeted UMNO and its coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN) in Melaka.

He spoke specifically on two issues – the state’s economic growth and BN’s promise to provide free water for the people. The free water pledge is in the manifesto.

BN recently countered BERSAMA’s claim that there were too many incomplete projects in the Melaka by claiming that the state recorded good economic performance.

Free water was first introduced in Selangor during the administration of then Menteri Besar, the late Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

The former economy minister pointed out that even the people of Selangor do not hear anything regarding free water because it is too expensive. Hence the question arises, how is BN in Melaka going to provide free water when the current water bill saw a 50% hike since 2024.

The public would still end up paying for it, not Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh who was also the Chief Minister.

Rafizi was telling this while campaigning for B Prasanth Kumar, Bersama’s candidate in Machap Jaya.

He explained that the state revenue is basically derived from land premiums amounting to RM500 mil annually even though there is not much land. So, the state government increases the tax ratio as well as the payment to renew the 99 – year land lease.

PKR’s former deputy president highlighted the fact that the BN state government was silent on the state’s economic performance. He revealed that the state’s economic performance was always behind the national growth percentage.

Comparing Melaka and national growth

In 2023, national growth was 3.8% and Melaka managed 2.9 %. In 2024, national growth was 5.2% but Melaka achieved only 4%. In 2025 the national economic growth growth was 5.2% but Melaka, 3%.

It is to the point that the Melaka people are worried whenever there are abandoned projects.

The former Pandan lawmaker pointed out that Melaka’s economic growth was lagging due to almost stagnant growth of the manufacturing and construction sector.

In 2025, the national manufacturing sector grew by 5.5% but it was only 1.1% in Melaka as if there were no new factories set up in the state.

In the construction sector Malaysia recorded a 12.9% growth in the same year but Melaka had merely 4.8% growth. This was because of a high number of abandoned projects and land scarcity.

When they do have projects, it is done on landfills that is meant for outsiders at a high price.

Rafizi also told Machap Jaya voters that they would get three representatives if they made Prasanth as their elected rep

MCA’s representative would be the state constituency coordinator and PKR’s candidate would be the coordinator of Machap Jaya for the federal government.

MCA’s candidate is Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, the incumbent state assemblyman whereas PKR fielded its former representative Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin. – Focus Malaysia

LGMS’ new AI cybersecurity solutions gain significance amid PMX’s cyberattack threats warning

2026-11-10T22:43:19.589+08:00

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s warning that Malaysia could become a target of sophisticated cyberattacks has heightened the urgency for advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

This has places fresh significance on five Malaysian-developed solutions recently unveiled by LGMS Bhd, one of the country’s leading cybersecurity specialists.

Recall that PMX told the Dewan Rakyat earlier this month that Malaysia was among the potential targets of cyberattacks, citing the country’s growing digital and data centre capabilities as well as its positions on international issues.

His warning was followed by the National Cyber Security Agency’s (NACSA) decision to raise Malaysia’s cybersecurity threat level from Low to Medium, directing critical infrastructure operators to strengthen preparedness through round-the-clock monitoring and other preventive measures.

Reacting to the latest development, LGMS founder and managing director Fong Choong Fook said PMX’s warning underscored the importance of strengthening national cybersecurity preparedness.

This is especially so given cybercriminals increasingly harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) agents to identify vulnerabilities and launch attacks at unprecedented speed and scale.

“We can no longer depend solely on periodic security assessments when attackers are operating continuously,” envisages Fong.

LGMS founder and managing director Fong Choong Fook

“Organisations must adopt more proactive approaches with continuous monitoring, early detection and the ability to identify weaknesses before they are exploited. This is precisely the challenge our five newly developed cybersecurity solutions are designed to address.”

LGMS’s home-grown solutions

LGMS had recently helped several large enterprises, including publicly listed companies, contain and remediate cyberattacks with attack patterns suggesting the involvement of AI agents.

The importance of advanced cybersecurity capabilities has also been emphasised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) and Communications Ministry.

Speaking at the LGMS AI Cybersecurity Summit 2026 recently, MOSTI Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang has stressed that traditional security measures were no longer sufficient on their own as AI transformed the nature of cyber threats.

“If attackers are using AI to become faster and more sophisticated, we must ensure that our defenders are equipped to stay ahead,” he justified. Also present to show the Digital Ministry’s support was Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang

Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching, meanwhile, stressed the importance of strengthening cybersecurity to protect businesses, critical infrastructure and ordinary Malaysians.

“As we encourage greater AI adoption, we must ensure that our businesses and institutions have the capabilities to protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated attacks,” she asserted.

Both ministries also highlighted the importance of home-grown cybersecurity innovation which is consistent with Malaysia’s “Made by Malaysia” aspiration and ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching

Against this backdrop, LGMS’ five advanced cybersecurity solutions which are researched, designed and developed entirely in Malaysia address emerging threats involving AI applications, software vulnerabilities, compromised credentials, exposed digital assets and cyber intrusions.

The solutions comprised:

AI & LLM Application Security Assessment which identifies emerging vulnerabilities in AI applications, including prompt injection.
NOVA, an on-premises AI-assisted platform for identifying weaknesses in application source code.
SPECTA which continuously monitors compromised credentials and assesses whether exposed passwords remain active.
AI-driven Attack Surface Management which identifies exposed digital assets and prioritises vulnerabilities.
Next-generation Deception Platform which uses realistic decoy systems for early detection of cyber intrusions.

According to Fong, the solutions were commercially available with enterprises already testing and adopting the technologies to strengthen their cyber defences.

As Malaysia’s first publicly listed cybersecurity services outfit, LGMS has gained international recognition as a Representative Vendor in Gartner’s 2025 and 2026 Market Guides covering digital forensics and cybersecurity incident response services.

The group’s continued investment in Malaysian-developed technologies reinforces its evolution towards proprietary cybersecurity innovation while strengthening the country’s capabilities to address increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

At the close of today’s (Nov 10) mid-day market trading, LGMS was up 3 sen or 5,83% to 54.5 sen with 1.27 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM248.5 mil. – Focus Malaysia

Solehah gets roasted over claims that ancient Malays professed same faith as David, Solomon

2026-11-10T22:39:32.630+08:00

ARAB linguist expert Dr Solehah Yaacob, who has gained notoriety with controversial claims to the point that the International Islamic University of Malaysia sacked her, was roasted on a Facebook page.

The Indonesia based Facebook page – SEA Heritage & History – put forth Solehah’s claim that ancient Malays were adherents of the faith of King Daud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon). She claimed that both were followers of the Abrahamic faith based on the monotheism.

King David is the second king in the Kingdom of Israel who led the Tribe of Judah. He became a hero by killing Goliath. King Solomon is the son of David.

The claim brushed off studies that show early Malays were influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism.

Two Facebook users Pravin Menon and Siow Chuan pointed out that Solomon and David were Jews who followed Judaism.

Another Facebook user Al Rizky Muhammad extended Solehah’s point by stating that Solehah may even claim that everything in this universe is from the Malays and the human beings around the world originated from Peninsular Malaysia.

One Raymond Chan meanwhile defined a new job for Solehah by calling her a comedian of history and anthropology.

Facebook user Henry Lau meanwhile concluded that Solehah and Solomon were cousins along with Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad.

The PAS federal lawmaker had claimed that Communist Party of Malaya’s former party secretary general Chin Peng was related to DAP’s Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and Teresa Kok.

Siti Mastura was subsequently sued for defamation and she had to pay over RM800,000.

Another commenter Mohiyuddin Gilani meanwhile debunked Solehah’s claim by questioning why the Malay language was heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism in terms of language instead of Hebrew if what Solehah claimed was indeed true.

Facebook commentator Morgan Sundram Rangasamy meanwhile equated Solehah with US president Donald Trump.

“Prof Solehah is like Donald Trump also. The whole world is looking down at US due to Trump’s behaviour and foolish statements but he still has 30% voters supporting him. Same (as Solehah).”

While a majority of commentators rubbished Solehah’s claim, there were still a few who accepted the claim as a fact.

Facebook user Ikhwan Nul claimed that Solehah’s claim cleared his comprehension on the history of the Malays and the origins of the community.

Another Facebook commenter Mohd Fazreen Azaman also supported Solehah on the basis that not all of ancient Malays were Hindus. He claimed that the notion was a myth made up by the colonial masters.

The heavy influence of India, in his view, was due to India being a trading nation and the spices. – Nov 10, 2026

- Focus Malaysia

Should politicians settle their differences in a boxing match? Netizens wholeheartedly agree

2026-11-10T22:35:23.761+08:00

MALAYSIAN politicians are known for trading verbal blows, launching verbal missiles and engaging in political sparring matches that can drag on for months.

But what if, instead of holding another press conference or firing off another Facebook post, they simply put on a pair of gloves and settle their differences in the ring?

That possibility suddenly looks a little less far-fetched following the kickboxing match between former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau, better known as “Superman Hew”, and political commentator Ang Woei Shang, popularly known as “Lawyer Ang”.

The much-anticipated clash, called Strikezone Showdown, took place at a shopping mall in Wangsa Maju last Sunday, with Ang emerging the clear winner after the referee stopped the contest in under 90 seconds.

To recap, Hew, 56, was knocked down several times by the 40-year-old Ang, who eventually secured a first-round victory in a contest scheduled for three two-minute rounds.

The rivalry reportedly began during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign in July, when Ang challenged DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to a debate while campaigning for MCA candidate John Siow Kong Choon in Chennah.

Hew dismissed the proposed debate as a publicity stunt and challenged Ang to settle the disagreement in the ring instead. Ang accepted. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Netizens have much to say about the match too:

While the contest was certainly entertaining, it raises an interesting question: could this become a new way for politicians to resolve their differences? Imagine the possibilities.

This thought was echoed by netizen alwiadamtheprincipal who welcomed it with open arms.

Instead of watching two politicians exchange accusations over a microphone, the public could buy tickets to watch them exchange punches under proper supervision.

A disagreement over national policy? Three rounds. A dispute over who deserves credit for a development project? Five rounds.

A particularly heated argument over who should become party president? Perhaps a cage fight, complete with entrance music, fireworks and an oversized belt for the winner.

There could even be different weight divisions to ensure that no one gets an unfair advantage. After all, nobody wants a heavyweight politician picking on a featherweight backbencher.

The Election Commission could perhaps introduce a new category of political campaigning, although the Health Ministry might have reservations about the idea.

Of course, there are serious reasons why politics should not be reduced to physical combat.

Public disagreements should be settled through debate, evidence, democratic processes and accountability, not by determining who can throw the hardest punch.

Besides, a politician who wins a fight does not necessarily have better policies, just as someone who loses one is not automatically wrong.

Still, if politicians insist on spending so much time fighting one another, perhaps they could at least take their disputes somewhere with a referee, clear rules and a time limit.

The only problem is that Malaysians may soon have to decide whether they want their representatives to be good at running the country or running away from a right hook.

And if the proposed fight ends in a knockout, taxpayers should at least be spared the bill for the ambulance.— Focus Malaysia

Brake problem suspected after smoke billows from KL Sentral train

2026-11-10T22:31:41.572+08:00

Rapid KL says the train was withdrawn from service for inspection after all passengers were safely disembarked at Bangsar station. NSTP/FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: A brake system malfunction is suspected to have caused smoke to billow from a train at KL Sentral station at 5.15pm today.

Rapid KL confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the train had been withdrawn from service as a safety precaution to allow a detailed inspection at the depot.

All passengers were safely disembarked at Bangsar station before continuing their journeys on the next train.

"No injuries were reported and train services on the Kelana Jaya Line continued to operate as usual," it said.

Rapid KL apologised for the inconvenience caused to affected passengers.

"Rapid KL assures passengers that their safety remains the top priority of its operations," it said. - NST

Ketua Bersatu Kelantan terima surat penamatan jawatan exco

2026-11-10T22:27:11.727+08:00

Perkembangan itu menyusul ketika kemelut politik antara PAS dan Bersatu berterusan, susulan keretakan kerjasama politik antara parti komponen PN itu.

Kamarudin Nor enggan mendedahkan kandungan surat berkenaan dan akan mengulasnya pada sidang media esok. (Gambar Facebook)

PETALING JAYA:

Ketua Bersatu Kelantan Kamarudin Md Nor mengesahkan menerima surat penamatan pelantikannya sebagai Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (EXCO) hari ini.

Bagaimanapun, Adun Ayer Lanas itu yang menerajui portfolio pelancongan, kebudayaan, kesenian dan warisan enggan mendedahkan kandungan surat berkenaan buat masa ini, lapor Berita Harian.

“Saya akan bercakap mengenai perkara itu pada sidang media esok,” katanya.

Khabar angin kerajaan negeri mahu menamatkan khidmat Kamarudin sebagai exco bertiup kencang sejak semalam.

Perkembangan itu menyusul ketika kemelut politik antara PAS dan Bersatu berterusan, susulan keretakan kerjasama politik antara parti komponen Perikatan Nasional (PN) itu.

Pada 8 Jun lalu, PAS mengumumkan keputusan untuk menamatkan semua kerjasama politik dengan Bersatu.

Kamarudin yang juga Adun Ayer Lanas berkhidmat sebagai exco negeri sejak Ogos 2023.

Berita Harian turut melaporkan Menteri Besar Kelantan Nassuruddin Daud akan mengadakan sidang media khas berhubung perkara itu esok. - FMT

BN sasar rampas sekurang-kurangnya 1 kerusi majoriti Cina

2026-11-10T22:25:55.829+08:00

Ab Rauf Yusoh yakin sokongan masyarakat Cina terhadap MCA semakin pulih dan berharap parti itu mampu memenangi dua atau tiga daripada empat kerusi ditandinginya.

Ab Rauf Yusoh pada majlis makan malam bersama NGO-NGO Masyarakat Cina Negeri Melaka anjuran MCA.

MELAKA:

Barisan Nasional (BN) menyasarkan merampas sekurang-kurangnya satu kerusi majoriti Cina yang kini dikuasai DAP pada PRN Melaka, dengan harapan MCA mampu memenangi dua atau tiga daripada empat kerusi ditandinginya.

Pengerusi BN Melaka Ab Rauf Yusoh berkata walaupun berharap dapat memenangi kesemua empat kerusi ditandingi MCA, gabungan itu meletakkan sasaran lebih realistik untuk menang dua atau tiga kerusi.

“Saya begitu yakin MCA telah mendapat kepercayaan menaungi masyarakat Cina di Melaka ini,” katanya selepas majlis makan malam bersama NGO-NGO Masyarakat Cina Negeri Melaka anjuran MCA, yang turut dihadiri Presidennya Wee Ka Siong, malam ini.

MCA bertanding di DUN Machap Jaya dan Kelebang yang disandangnya sebelum ini selain mencabar DAP di Bandar Hilir serta Kota Laksamana.

Pada PRN 2021, DAP mempertahankan Bandar Hilir menerusi Leng Chau Yen dengan majoriti 7,778 undi, manakala Low Chee Leong mengekalkan Kota Laksamana dengan majoriti 11,494 undi.

MCA mempertaruhkan Jasmine Lok Huey Yee di Bandar Hilir, manakala Melvin Chua Kew Wei berdepan Low di Kota Laksamana.

Mengulas kempen BN, Ab Rauf berkata gabungan itu lebih menumpukan usaha meyakinkan pengundi supaya terus memberikan mandat berdasarkan khidmat dan kerja yang dilaksanakan sejak dua tahun lalu.

“Kita tidak berkempen sewaktu pilihan raya kerana kita telah buat kerja kempen pilihan raya dua tahun dulu,” katanya. - FMT

Siti Nurhaliza vs The Weeknd: when does fandom become ‘worship’?

2026-11-10T22:24:26.389+08:00

The controversy over the Nov 4 and 5 shows at the Bukit Jalil national stadium is a textbook case of ‘context collapse’.

From Jamaluddin Aziz

The announcement that the Islamic development department (Jakim) and central committee for applications for filming and performances by foreign artistes (Puspal) are investigating alleged elements of ritualistic worship at The Weeknd’s recent concerts at the Bukit Jalil national stadium highlights a recurring cultural tension in Malaysia.

As a critical media scholar, I view this controversy not merely as a clash over entertainment guidelines, but as a textbook case of “context collapse””.

Coined by media researcher Danah Boyd and further theorised with Alice Marwick in their seminal 2011 study in New Media & Society (“I tweet honestly, I tweet passionately: Twitter users, context collapse, and the imagined audience”), context collapse occurs when digital platforms flatten multiple, distinct audiences into a single space.

When content created for one specific cultural or artistic environment is stripped of its original framing and judged within an entirely different moral or ideological context, modern pop theatrics are easily misread as literal religious devotion.

To understand how context shapes interpretation, one need only compare The Weeknd’s Nov 4 and 5 shows with another massive event held at the exact same stadium just three weeks earlier: Konsert Tradisional Gema Bumantara by Biduanita Negara Siti Nurhaliza.

Both concerts drew tens of thousands of devoted fans who sang every lyric in unison and cheered wildly for their favourite performer.

Yet, the public and institutional reactions to these two sold-out spectacles could not have been more different.

In modern pop culture, intense audience enthusiasm is often loosely referred to as “fan worship”. Historically, words like “fan” (from the Latin fanaticus, meaning temple frenzy) and “icon” (from the Greek eikōn, meaning sacred image) do share etymological roots in ancient religious practice.

Today, however, these terms describe secular cultural admiration. When fans cheer at a stadium, they are participating in collective musical enjoyment, not a spiritual ritual.

Viewing both Bukit Jalil concerts through a critical media lens reveals three key dynamics driving these divergent reactions. First is the mechanics of context collapse. Critics of The Weeknd’s concert pointed to short social media clips showing a towering golden female robot sculpture and dancers in red hooded robes as evidence of pagan or machine-worship rituals.

As Marwick and Boyd’s framework demonstrates, when these visuals are detached from the full two-hour concert narrative and circulated online to audiences unfamiliar with Western pop-art tropes, context collapses.

Stripped of their theatrical framing, a futuristic sculpture by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama meant to critique the hollowness of fame and materialism is flattened into a literal religious idol.

Second is embedded cultural context. In contrast, Siti’s concert operated within a shared, deeply understood local framework. Utilising classical floral visuals and orchestral staging without human statues, her performance aligned seamlessly with Malaysian cultural and religious norms.

Because audiences and regulators immediately understood the context of Irama Malaysia heritage, the collective euphoria in the stadium was celebrated as patriotic pride rather than scrutinised as spiritual misdirection.

At most, conservative critiques of such local shows rarely go beyond general moral cautions against lagha (worldly distraction or frivolous amusement), a far cry from the theological panic of syirik (idolatry) projected onto The Weeknd’s unfamiliar pop symbolism.

Third is audience literacy and intent. Context collapse assumes that audiences are passive consumers who absorb imagery literally.

In reality, modern concertgoers possess high media literacy. Tens of thousands of Malaysians attended The Weeknd’s show to experience Grammy-winning music and dystopian sci-fi stagecraft.

Treating theatrical props as acts of syirik (idolatry) ignores the crucial distinction between artistic metaphor and religious intent (niat), unfairly questioning the faith and intelligence of ordinary Malaysian fans.

Puspal plays an essential role in ensuring that international performances respect Malaysia’s laws and social harmony.

However, effective regulation in the digital age requires media literacy and a resistance to reactionary interpretations born out of viral, out-of-context video clips.

If Malaysia wishes to remain a premier destination for global live entertainment, bringing vital economic and tourism benefits to Kuala Lumpur, authorities must evaluate performances within their full artistic context.

Distinguishing between pop-culture symbolism and actual religious worship is not just good cultural policy; it is essential for fair and rational governance. - FMT

Jamaluddin Aziz is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT

Postpone river, waterfall activities during monsoon, says fire dept

2026-11-10T22:22:37.452+08:00

The department says unpredictable weather and heavy, prolonged rainfall may lead to a sudden rise in water levels and water surges.

Eight people were swept away by strong currents during a water surge at Sungai Pertak, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, yesterday, while hiking in the surrounding area. (JBPM pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The fire and rescue department has advised the public to postpone all recreational activities in rivers, rapids, waterfalls and irrigation canals, including bathing, swimming, picnicking and camping, throughout the northeast monsoon season.

The department said unpredictable weather, coupled with heavy and prolonged rainfall, could lead to a sudden rise in water levels, strong currents and water surges, posing a serious and potentially fatal threat to the public.

“Water surges can occur in the blink of an eye. Do not wait until the current becomes strong before taking action. Safety and the preservation of life must always be a priority,” it said, according to Bernama.

The department reminded the public to remain alert to weather developments, comply with the authorities’ instructions and take precautions to avoid untoward incidents.

“In an emergency, the public is urged to call the 999 emergency hotline immediately and provide rescue personnel with the location of the incident,” it said.

The department also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of a water surge at Sungai Pertak, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, yesterday, in which eight people were swept away by strong currents while hiking in the surrounding area.

Another 26 people who were stranded near the site were rescued. - FMT

Shouts of ‘Bossku’ as Najib arrives at Taman Duta home

2026-11-10T22:21:19.249+08:00

The former prime minister arrived at his residence at 9.29pm.

Prisons department vehicles arriving at Najib Razak’s Taman Duta home tonight.

KUALA LUMPUR:

Former prime minister Najib Razak has arrived at his home in Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta here where he will serve out the remainder of his six-year jail term for his SRC International conviction.

The former Umno president, who begins his house arrest today following a revised High Court order issued earlier today, arrived at his residence in a prisons department vehicle at 9.29pm.

Some supporters who were gathered outside greeted Najib with shouts of “Bossku”, a nickname made popular after Barisan Nasional fell from power in 2018.

Vehicles ferrying his family members and lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, were also seen arriving earlier.

Najib will be under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

Najib was jailed in August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million in SRC funds. He was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million.

In January 2024, then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah halved Najib’s prison sentence and reduced his fine to RM50 million as part of a royal pardon.

In September this year, the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, granted Najib a further conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

This was subject to Najib paying the RM50 million fine and complying with other stipulated conditions.

Last Friday, the High Court issued an order of discharge on payment of fine but the Attorney-General’s Chambers raised an issue with the document, questioning the accuracy of the terminology and legal provisions used in it.

This afternoon, the High Court voided the initial order and issued a fresh order to allow Najib to begin his house arrest today. - FMT

Gardenia says products pass safety tests after food poisoning claims

2026-11-10T22:19:56.627+08:00

The breadmaker says independent tests found its products safe, while health ministry officials are satisfied with safety practices at its factory.

Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd said health ministry officers inspected its factory today as part of an investigation into the complaints. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd says its products have passed independent safety tests and health ministry officers are satisfied with its factory’s safety practices, following a claim that children fell ill after eating its bread and cakes.

Gardenia said tests by an accredited independent laboratory confirmed that the products in question met food safety standards.

It said health ministry officers also inspected its factory today as part of an investigation into the complaints.

“The health ministry was satisfied with our standard operating procedures (SOPs) and food safety practices,” it said in a statement.

The checks followed a social media post by a woman who claimed her sons fell ill after eating Gardenia Original Classic White Bread and Twiggies Choc-A-Lot.

The claim prompted the health ministry to launch an investigation on Sunday, with officers collecting leftover products and packaging from the complainant for testing.

The ministry had said some batch numbers and expiry dates were missing, making it difficult to trace the products. It also cautioned that Gardenia’s earlier internal checks could not determine what caused the reported illnesses.

Gardenia previously said it met the customer in question and took the bread for analysis. It said there had been no changes to its recipes and that food safety SOPs would continue to be enforced.

The company did not say whether the products tested by the independent laboratory were from the same batches involved in the complaints. The health ministry has yet to announce the results of its own laboratory tests. - FMT

Zetrix AI confirms RM25mil sukuk default, pledges quick settlement

2026-11-10T22:18:12.614+08:00

The company says it is taking the necessary steps to settle the outstanding amounts to holders as soon as practicable.

Zetrix AI Bhd’s filing was in response to an official query following a Nov 6 report that MARC Ratings had downgraded Zetrix’s sukuk to ‘default’ status after it failed to settle the financial obligation. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Zetrix AI Bhd confirmed that payment for Sukuk Wakalah Series No 6, valued at RM25 million and due on Nov 6, remains outstanding as of today.

The company said it is taking the necessary steps to settle the outstanding amounts to holders of its Islamic bond programme as soon as practicable.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the outstanding payments of the nominal value and expected periodic distribution amount in respect of the Sukuk Wakalah Series No 6 represent less than 5% of the net assets of Zetrix based on its latest audited financial statements,” it said in a Bursa Malaysia filing.

Zetrix said it would make further announcements on any material developments in relation to the above matter, where necessary.

The company’s filing was in response to an official query from Bursa following a Nov 6 report that MARC Ratings had downgraded Zetrix’s sukuk to “default” status after it failed to settle the financial obligation.

The embattled digital services company recently confirmed that a “dissolution event” was triggered following its breach of the covenant requiring its founder and managing director Wong Thean Soon to remain its largest shareholder.

It previously clarified to Bursa that it is not required to immediately repay the full outstanding amount under its sukuk programme, and that no payment default had occurred. - FMT

Cops await instructions in case of Penang rep accused of hurting wife

2026-11-10T22:16:51.641+08:00

The investigation paper is still with the prosecutor's office for further review.

Penang police chief Dennis Lim said police were waiting for further instructions from the prosecution on the case involving a state assemblyman. (Johnshen Lee pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

Penang police are awaiting further instructions from the deputy public prosecutor regarding the investigation into a state assemblyman who allegedly assaulted his wife on Oct 31.

Penang police chief Dennis Lim said the investigation paper was still with the prosecutor’s office for further review.

“The investigation papers are still with the deputy public prosecutor, and police are awaiting further instructions on the case,” he told Bernama.

Earlier, police confirmed receiving a report from the assemblyman’s wife, who alleged that her husband had injured her at their home here on Oct 31.

Lim previously said that the case was being probed under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt. - FMT

Anwar quotes Prophet’s warning on unequal punishment after Najib’s house arrest

2026-11-10T22:15:36.708+08:00

The prime minister cites a portion of a hadith which warns against unequal punishment for theft.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim did not link his social media post to any case in particular. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted a cryptic Facebook post quoting the Prophet Muhammad tonight, following a fresh High Court order allowing Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his jail term for his SRC International case at home.

Anwar cited a portion of a hadith narrated by Aisyah Abu Bakar, one of the Prophet’s wives, which warned against unequal punishment for theft.

“What destroyed the nations before you was that when a person of high standing among them committed theft, they let him go unpunished.

“But when a person of low standing among them committed theft, they carried out the prescribed hudud punishment against him. By Allah! If Fatimah binti Muhammad were to steal, I would cut off her hand,” said the post.

Anwar, the PKR president, did not link his post to any case in particular.

However, it comes hours after the High Court confirmed that Najib would begin serving the remainder of his six-year jail term under house arrest at his Taman Duta home in Kuala Lumpur.

He will remain under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

Najib was jailed in August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million in SRC International funds. He was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million.

In January 2024, then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah halved Najib’s prison sentence and reduced his fine to RM50 million as part of a royal pardon.

The arrangement was subject to Najib paying the RM50 million fine and complying with other stipulated conditions.

MACC nabs local authority officer on suspicion of graft

2026-11-10T22:14:09.894+08:00

The officer is believed to have accepted RM26,000 from the owner of a runner service company.

The male suspect, in his 30s, was arrested at about 10.30am today when he turned up to give a statement at the Selangor MACC office.

SHAH ALAM:

The Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a local authority officer on suspicion of soliciting and accepting about RM26,000 in bribes from the owner of a runner service company.

The money was allegedly paid in exchange for helping to expedite the issuance of business licences and to refrain from taking action against the company.

According to a source, the male suspect, in his 30s, was arrested at about 10.30am today when he turned up to give a statement at the Selangor MACC office.

“Initial investigations found that the suspect allegedly committed the offences between 2019 and 2023.

“The suspect is believed to have received the bribes through several fund transfers into his personal bank account,” the source said.

Selangor MACC director Azwan Ramli confirmed the arrest. The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. - FMT

Vehicles believed to be carrying Najib's family arrive at Langgak Duta home [WATCH]

2026-11-10T21:28:36.252+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Several vehicles believed to be carrying family members of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived at his residence in Langgak Duta here tonight.

The vehicles arrived at 7.55pm, about an hour after a Prisons Department vehicle was seen arriving at the residence.

The arrivals come after the High Court today ordered Najib to serve the remainder of his six-year prison sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case under house arrest at the residence, with immediate effect.

High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin made the ruling after setting aside an order issued against Najib by the High Court Criminal Registry on Nov 6.

Under the order, Najib will remain under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, before returning to Kajang Prison on Aug 24, 2028, to serve his separate prison sentence in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case.

The Home Ministry has said it is ready to implement the court's decision.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry respected the royal pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, and would ensure that all decisions concerning detention and sentence enforcement were carried out in accordance with the law and valid court orders.

Several vehicles arrived at the former prime minister's residence at 7.55pm, following the arrival of a Prisons Department vehicle about an hour earlier. NSTP/MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI

- NST

Najib’s house arrest: What did the AGC ask the High Court to clarify today?

2026-11-10T21:21:39.970+08:00

Former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is pictured at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex on November 10, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) today sought to ensure that Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest arrangements explicitly provided for his return to Kajang Prison on August 24, 2028, to serve his separate 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) prison sentence.

In its written application, the prosecution requested that the High Court replace a November 6 discharge order with new terms clarifying Najib’s remaining SRC International sentence and his subsequent imprisonment in the 1MDB case.

The application specified that Najib should “be transferred back to Kajang Prison on August 24, 2028, to serve the sentence imposed on him in the 1MDB case”.

It also sought to specify that his SRC sentence would end on August 23, 2028, with his return to prison subject to any court order then in force.

The prosecution said the 1MDB prison sentence had been directed to begin once his SRC sentence ended, arguing that “the end date of the SRC sentences must be stated with certainty”.

It explained that Najib’s payment of the RM50 million fine on November 6 discharged his liability for the fine and imprisonment for non-payment, but did not extinguish his remaining SRC prison sentence.

The AGC also argued that the earlier discharge order, which used a standard form for release upon payment of a fine, could be interpreted as releasing Najib from his remaining SRC sentence altogether.

Citing provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code governing imprisonment warrants, the prosecution said there was an urgent need for a clear order in accordance with the law.

High Court grants AGC’s application

High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin subsequently granted the prosecution’s application, setting aside the November 6 discharge order and allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his SRC sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

According to Bernama, Judge Aslam said the court would replace the earlier order “entirely with the order sought in this application”.

The new order also provides for Najib’s return to Kajang Prison on August 24, 2028, to serve his separate 1MDB sentence, Bernama reported.

At the hearing, Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah had argued that the original discharge order was already clear, as the RM50 million fine required under the conditional royal pardon had been paid.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Shafee welcomed the court’s clarification despite maintaining that the original order was sound. - malaymail

Cops nab three more over Skudai traffic junction fireworks incident

2026-11-10T21:18:33.054+08:00

JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested three more men for allegedly setting off fireworks at a traffic junction in Skudai, bringing the total number of suspects detained over the incident to seven.

Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Azrol Anuar Nor said the latest suspects, aged between 19 and 23 years old, were arrested in several locations around Skudai on Tuesday (Nov 10).

“The latest arrests followed the detention of four men, aged between 16 and 25 years old, at about 7.30pm on Sunday (Nov 8).

“Background checks found that two of the latest suspects had previous criminal and drug-related offences, while the third had no prior record,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

He added that all three men tested negative for drugs in preliminary urine screening.

“Six of the suspects are expected to be charged at a Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (Nov 11) while the seventh suspect has been released and will be called as a prosecution witness,” said ACP Azrol Anuar.

He said four would face charges under Section 286 of the Penal Code for negligent conduct involving explosive substances while two others will be charged under Section 48(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for stopping or allowing their vehicles to remain stationary on a road in a manner that endangers, obstructs or inconveniences other road users.

The incident came to light after a video showing a group of men allegedly setting off firecrackers on a main road near the Taman Nesa traffic light junction in Skudai went viral on social media. - Star

No need for Cabinet reshuffle, better to hold GE, says Zahid

2026-11-10T21:17:05.746+08:00

MELAKA: A fresh mandate from Malaysian voters will be preferable to a Cabinet reshuffle, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he saw no immediate need for a reshuffle.

“It would be better to dissolve Parliament. We can then return the mandate to the people and form a new government after that,” he told reporters after meeting Kemas staff in Tanjung Kling here on Tuesday (Nov 10).

Responding to questions about a possible reshuffle, Ahmad Zahid also alluded to a minister who might step down once former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak began serving the rest of his sentence under house arrest. He did not name the minister.

In a separate development on Tuesday, Anthony Loke resigned as Transport Minister with immediate effect after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib could serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Loke said in a statement that his decision was consistent with the position he had set out on Nov 6.

He had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 28.

Earlier on Tuesday, Anwar said it was too early to consider a Cabinet reshuffle aftwr Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan’s term as a senator is due to end on Dec 11. - Star

Taipei confirms suspending investment talks over Anwar’s ‘One China’ remark

2026-11-10T21:14:30.132+08:00

Taiwan has confirmed media reports that it suspended bilateral investment talks with Malaysia last month in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s apparent support for the territory’s reunification with China by force.

The move highlights the economic fallout from rising tensions between Malaysia and its fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods totalling RM233 billion last year, following Anwar’s remarks in August.

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei confirmed the suspension at a press conference this morning when asked to comment on a Nikkei Asia report published yesterday. The report, citing unnamed Malaysian government insiders, said talks scheduled for late October had been shelved.

Hsiao said the move was intended to protect Taiwanese investors amid concerns that Anwar’s remarks had undermined Taiwan’s sovereignty and economic security, as well as business confidence in Malaysia.

“However, we continue to communicate with the Malaysian side, hoping the Malaysian government will acknowledge the close investment relationship and long-standing mutual trust between the two countries, thereby creating favourable opportunities to resume negotiations,” he said in a livestream of the press conference.

The Nikkei Asia report also claimed that Taiwan’s political leadership had reacted to Anwar’s comments with “pure anger”, viewing Kuala Lumpur as making “little to no effort” to address its concerns.

Anwar had reaffirmed Malaysia’s longstanding “One China” policy during an interview with Al Jazeera in August, when asked about the geopolitical dispute between China and Taiwan.

However, when asked whether he would condemn China’s assertion that it reserved the right to use force if reunification could not be achieved peacefully, Anwar drew a comparison with Malaysia, saying he would also try to prevent a state from separating if it decided to do so.

Taipei subsequently condemned the remarks, accusing Anwar of treating Taiwan as a separatist part of China and legitimising Beijing’s threat to use force against the island.

Anwar later defended his position by saying Malaysia’s “One China” policy dated back to the administration of second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, while emphasising that any resolution to the Taiwan issue should be peaceful.

Despite the continued diplomatic disagreement, Hsiao said Taipei remained open to communication with Kuala Lumpur, although the resumption of investment talks remains unresolved. - Mkini