Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah arrived in Kuala Lumpur as the top seed and world No. 2 at the Perodua Malaysia Masters 2026, which stretches back to 2012 when Wong Pei Tty and Chin Ee Hui last lifted the title.

They will not get that chance.

Pearly failed to recover from a recurring back injury that had disrupted her preparations in recent weeks, forcing the pair to withdraw on Monday, one day before the Super 500 event began.

The title is now anyone’s.

And for Malaysia, the question is whether the next generation is ready to answer.

The Pair With Something To Prove

Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee arrive as the more established of the two remaining Malaysian combinations.

Ranked world No. 20, they are not unknowns — but they have largely operated beneath the radar of a women’s doubles conversation dominated by Pearly-Thinaah.

Ong Xin Yee arrives carrying a number that demands attention: 398.9 km/h.

That was her top smash speed at the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in Horsens — the fastest recorded in the women’s doubles category for the entire tournament.

Power was never the question.

Whether they can convert it into results on home soil, in front of a crowd watching them more closely than ever, is.

Playing at home, with the top seed gone and the draw reshaped, this was their clearest shot yet at a deep run on the World Tour.

It was not to be as Ting and Ong fell at the first hurdle on Tuesday, losing 15-21, 20-22 to Taiwan’s Hsieh Yi En-Teng Chun Hsun in straight games — a result that stings all the more for how close the second game ran.

The Wildcard With A Score To Settle

Then there is Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan — and they are not arriving empty-handed.

Two weeks ago, the world No. 143 pair finished runners-up at the China Masters, losing the final to the Japanese pair Sumire Nakade-Miyu Takahashi 13-21, 17-21 in just 32 minutes.

Zi Yu did not sugarcoat it.

We’re happy to be on the podium but at the same time unhappy because we didn’t play well; during the final, we were less consistent maybe because of nervousness, this is something we need to fix.

The Malaysia Masters, she added, was where they intended to start fixing it — and crucially, this is their first appearance at the tournament.

They are not here to make up the numbers; they are here with unfinished business, and at world No. 143, nobody is picking them.

At home, with nothing to lose and everything to prove, that might be exactly the point.

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Malaysia Masters 2026 is held at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil. Qualifying rounds begin Tuesday (19 May). Main draw commences Wednesday (20 May). The Super 500 tournament carries a total prize purse of US$475,000 (RM1.876 million).

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A former senior figure from Sabah’s water agency has been handed a staggering combined prison sentence of 96 years after being found guilty of multiple money laundering charges involving over RM45 million.

According to Kosmo!, the ruling was delivered today by the Anti-Corruption Court against 63-year-old Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib.

The Sessions Court Judge Abu Bakar Manat ruled that the former Sabah Water Department director was guilty on all 12 charges linked to money laundering activities, allegedly committed a decade ago.

Alongside the lengthy jail term, Ag Mohd Tahir was also slapped with a total fine of RM284.3 million. Failure to settle the fine will result in an additional 78 months in prison.

In the same proceedings, the court acquitted and discharged his wife, Fauziah Piut, 61, as well as former Sabah Water Department deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 72, from their respective charges.

Separately, Ag Mohd Tahir and his wife were also discharged from two joint money laundering charges.

The offences were reportedly committed across Sabah and Kuala Lumpur between 4 October and 4 November 2016, as well as 13 October to 8 November 2016, under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUA).

The case, widely regarded as one of the largest corruption-related trials in Sabah, has stretched on for nearly a decade before reaching its conclusion today.

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Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, once seen as the heir apparent to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as PKR president, has become the latest close ally of the prime minister to part ways with him.

A closer look suggests that Rafizi is far from an isolated case. Over the years, several of Anwar’s key lieutenants have distanced themselves from his political struggle—both before and after his first stint in government.

READ MORE: Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Quit Parliament But Eye Bersama Comeback
READ MORE: Outside PKR, Survival Isn’t Guaranteed – Analyst Warns Rafizi’s Bersama

Suffice to say, Anwar, much like his former mentor-turned-nemesis Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, appears to be cut from the same cloth.

That said, it is worth revisiting several of Anwar’s former close allies who later turned adversaries.

Datuk Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor

Datuk Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor was the first chief of Angkatan Muda Keadilan (PKR Youth) when the party was established in 1998, during Anwar’s imprisonment following his dismissal from government.

Over the years, Ezam cited multiple reasons for his departure from Anwar’s camp. However, one of the most commonly cited factors was Anwar’s decision to elevate Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali as his new key lieutenant. This reportedly prompted Ezam to leave the party before eventually joining Umno.

He subsequently moved across several political parties before joining PAS in 2024.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali

Azmin was once controversially labelled a “Trojan horse”, allegedly planted within Anwar’s camp by Dr Mahathir. Despite such claims, he remained a central figure in PKR for years, playing a stabilising role—particularly during Anwar’s second imprisonment between 2015 and 2018.

The former Selangor Menteri Besar eventually broke ranks with PKR during the Sheraton Move and was subsequently sacked.

It is understood that Azmin had grown disillusioned with what he perceived as Anwar’s reluctance to elevate him to a more prominent leadership role, ultimately leading him to back Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the Pakatan Harapan administration.

Azmin is now the secretary-general of Bersatu and is widely seen as a potential successor to Muhyiddin.

The ABIM Figures – Ismail Mina and Prof Datuk Dr Sidek Baba

Ismail Mina Ahmad, a co-founder of ABIM alongside Anwar, and educationist the late Prof Datuk Dr Sidek Baba, a former vice-president of the movement, were once among Anwar’s close ideological allies.

However, both Islamic intellectuals later withdrew their support, citing concerns over Anwar’s stance on pluralism among the reasons for their departure.

There are several other figures who have also distanced themselves from Anwar over the years. Among the more notable names are former PKR deputy president Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Anwar’s former lawyer and ex-PKR MP Datuk Zulkifli Nordin, as well as his former private secretary Annuar Shaari.

Say what you will, but when you’ve had a political career as long as Anwar, it is only natural to see allies come and go.

As the saying goes, in politics, there are no permanent enemies.

READ MORE: GE15: Anwar Ibrahim To Be Prime Minister (Finally)

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A former American Express Malaysia employee who claimed he was subjected to years of bullying and intimidation at work has won his unfair dismissal case at the Industrial Court.

According to New Straits Times, the court ruled that R. Kuhendran, previously employed as a senior credit specialist, was wrongfully terminated in what chairman Augustine Anthony described as a workplace environment riddled with hostility and retaliation.

In the decision, the court ordered American Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to compensate Kuhendran with RM153,200, which includes back wages and compensation in place of reinstatement.

According to the ruling, Kuhendran had been raising concerns internally for years over the conduct of his immediate superior, Vijay K. Jayadevan Nair. He claimed that instead of resolving the issue, the company subjected him to mounting disciplinary pressure and repeated scrutiny.

No meaningful action taken against the superior

The court heard that warning letters issued to Kuhendran beginning in 2015 were allegedly tied to his complaints regarding toxic workplace behaviour.

Despite formal reports being lodged, the judgment noted there was no meaningful intervention against the superior involved.

The situation intensified in March 2022 when Kuhendran escalated the matter to American Express headquarters in New York through a letter of demand seeking action over the alleged harassment.

Within three months, he was issued a show-cause letter accusing him of misconduct and unsatisfactory performance before being dismissed on 23 June 2022.

American Express defended its decision by pointing to what it described as longstanding performance and behavioural concerns involving the employee.

However, the court found the company’s explanations lacking sufficient evidence and described parts of its case as exaggerated and unclear.

Anthony also highlighted evidence presented during proceedings showing the superior had allegedly used degrading and sexually inappropriate remarks towards employees through the office messaging platform.

Court criticises the company for leaving the matter unchecked

In the award, the chairman criticised the company for allowing such behaviour to continue unchecked, saying the work environment had become unsafe for employees.

The court further questioned why the company appeared more inclined to protect the superior instead of addressing the grievances raised by staff members.

Anthony concluded that the dismissal appeared retaliatory in nature, especially given the timing of the disciplinary action after Kuhendran contacted the company’s US headquarters.

The court also found that Kuhendran was not placed under a proper performance improvement process prior to his dismissal.

As part of the award, the Industrial Court granted Kuhendran RM114,000 in back wages and RM39,200 as compensation in lieu of reinstatement.

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Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary has become the primary stakeholder of Eco World Development Group (EcoWorld), after the property development company announced a corporate restructure — mainly after all of its shares belonging to Datuk Leong Kok Wah were transferred to Syed Mokhtar.

Following the transfer, Kok Wah is no longer the main shareholder, as Syed Mokhtar emerges as the new primary shareholder through an indirect interest.

According to Berita Harian, the restructuring involved the transfer of Kok Wah’s entire holding in Syabas Tropikal to Syed Mokhtar.

Syabas Tropikal wholly-owns Sinarmas Harta Sdn Bhd, which holds 969.9 million shares in EcoWorld, which is equivalent to 30.1% of EcoWorld’s issued share capital.

Syed Mokhtar, The Quiet Billionaire

Syed Mokhtar is an influential Malaysian business tycoon and philanthropist who has a current estimated net worth of USD$3.6 billion (RM14.3 billion) and considered the 10th richest individual in the country, according to American business magazine Forbes.

The billionaire has a reputation of keeping a low profile but holds strong influence in corporate sectors, with a business empire that comprises of infrasctructure, ports, logistics, manufacturing, and automotives.

His corporate footprint is strengthened primarily through listed companies such as MMC Corporation and DRB-HICOM, which has become the mainstay of his strategic hold in the industrial and transportation ecosystem in Malaysia.

EcoWorld currently owns roughly 4,770 hectars of land in the Klang Valley, Iskandar Malaysia, Penang island, and Negeri Sembilan with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM100 billion.

The company has five core sources of income that are large and varied — including Eco Townships, Eco Rise, Eco Hubs, Eco Business Parks, and QUANTUM — which enables it to fill all segments of the property market.

Through a project implemented by EWI Capital from 2015 to 2025, the EcoWorld brand also expanded its presence to the United Kingdom and Australia.

Beyond business, Syed Mokhtar also founded the Albukhary Foundation, an international charitable foundation established in 1996. Driven by the values of taqwa (faith) and ihsan (compassion), the foundation focuses on poverty eradication through education and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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The government has allocated RM5 billion in financing to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in maintaining their cash flow amid ongoing global economic challenges, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

Speaking during a live-streamed Global Supply Crisis Briefing earlier today, Akmal said the financing is also aimed at helping SMEs manage cost pressures and ensure business continuity.

“This support includes the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) by Bank Negara Malaysia. In addition, the government is providing financing guarantee support to SMEs through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP) across economic sectors, including manufacturing, subject to scheme eligibility,” he said.

Akmal also revealed that the government is currently considering improvements to the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).

“Based on MySubsidi data as of April 9, 2026, more than 398,000 vehicles have been registered under SKDS. This includes over 375,500 goods transport vehicles and around 23,000 public transport vehicles.

“The proposed improvements involve adjusting diesel subsidy quotas in a balanced manner to strengthen leakage controls without disrupting business operations and supply chains,” he said, adding that the National Economic Action Council has agreed for the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to oversee the matter.

Earlier, Akmal said that Malaysia’s inflation rate rose marginally by 0.02% to 1.9% in April compared to the previous month, although it remains lower than many regional peers.

He attributed the increase to the transport sector, following a rise in diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia.

“The main factor is the increase in the average diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia to RM5.92 per litre, compared to RM4.12 in March 2026, as well as the increase in RON97 prices to RM5.06 per litre from RM4.03 previously,” he said.

The Johor Bahru MP added that food and housing prices have not shown significant changes.

“The average prices of selected food items monitored between May 11 and 17, 2026, moved within a range of negative 3.8% to 4.7% compared to the previous week.

“This indicates that the government’s monitoring and intervention measures are still effective in maintaining supply stability and easing cost-of-living pressures,” he added.

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Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin still retains strong influence within Perikatan Nasional (PN), even as the opposition bloc appears to be moving towards grooming a new potential prime ministerial candidate.

According to International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri, Muhyiddin’s continued influence can be observed through recent appointments of new PN state chairmen, many of whom are seen as aligned with him.

She said the selections linked to Muhyiddin indicate that he continues to command significant political weight within the coalition, alongside recognition from PAS that Bersatu remains a necessary partner, particularly in states outside PAS-led administrations.

“Yes, I think even though PAS is now leading PN, strategically they understand that in most states, basically non-SG4 states, Bersatu is still seen as more influential,” she told TRP, referring to the “State Governments 4” strategy of developing the four states under PN rule.

Syaza’s take follows the PN Supreme Council meeting held last Saturday, where the coalition announced the appointment of state chairmen across the country.

Among those appointed include Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Perak), Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (Selangor) and Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (Johor) – all of whom were known loyalists to Muhyiddin.

READ MORE: Hamzah Sidelined As PN Shifts Power to PAS

Syaza added that PN has also begun positioning a new figure for the prime ministerial role following the appointment of PN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as Opposition Leader.

“From chairman to Opposition Leader, naturally he becomes a PM candidate. And not just as a ‘poster boy’. If the current government were to fall hypothetically, the Opposition Leader should be given the opportunity to form the government. There is no need to overcomplicate things with multiple names that could lead to future leadership conflicts,” she said.

However, she said that Ahmad Samsuri’s potential candidacy is not straightforward, as he still needs to secure acceptance from internal factions within PAS, which reportedly remain cautious about his positioning.

Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub echoed similar views, saying Samsuri’s path to becoming PN’s prime ministerial candidate depends heavily on internal party dynamics.

He said key factors include acceptance from PAS grassroots, particularly the ulama faction, as well as maintaining strong relations with Bersatu and proving his ability to attract voter support outside PAS strongholds, especially beyond the East Coast.

“At this stage, I see him as a compromise figure and a new symbol of unity within PN,” he said.

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Police are looking for a group of individuals who lit flares on top of a moving Toyota Hilux along Jalan Sultan Ismail near Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.

In the viral video, a group of seven to eight individuals, all dressed in black, also brandished a flag with ‘’6.6’’ written on it, and accompanied by two ‘’scrambler’’ motorcycles, believed to be electric bikes.

@hmetromy

Polis memburu sekumpulan lelaki yang dikesan melakukan aksi berbahaya termasuk membakar suar (flare) di atas sebuah pacuan empat roda Toyota Hilux di tengah jalan di kawasan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

♬ original sound – Harian Metro

Dang Wangi police chief, Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam, said the incident, which took place around 2am on 18 May, was first detected through videos circulating online.

Police warn that the actions of those individuals could endanger tourists, traders, road users, and members of the public.

According to Berita Harian, the police have checked the CCTV recordings but require more information because the vehicle didn’t have a registration number.

The police are also investigating the ‘’6.6’’ flag. The flag’s meaning is unknown for now. It’s unconfirmed whether the whole act is part of a marketing stunt.

The investigation will be carried out under Section 290 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dang Wangi district police operations room at 03-2600 2222 or head to the nearest police station.

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Teacher’s Day has come and gone, but the question of whether parents should be giving teachers expensive gifts still lingers in the minds of many parents.

Threads user @afiqammarr posed the question online and shared his worry that the culture of giving or competing to give teachers expensive gifts on Teacher’s Day will encourage student favouritism in schools.

He shared that in his line of work, he has to declare hampers and return the gifts to the sender. In another post, he acknowledged that teachers should be appreciated, but hoped people would understand why this practice can be harmful. He implied that he had gone through the trauma as a child who was not the teacher’s favourite.

His question divided opinions, with some defending the practice. A netizen who claimed to be a teacher claimed that expensive gifts did not make them treat their students unfairly. Meanwhile, another person said they will still discipline or scold misbehaving students even if they received expensive gifts from the parents of said students.

However, not everyone is convinced. One person pointed out that students whose parents are involved in the Parent-Teacher Association are already treated differently from their peers. What more when expensive gifts are involved?

On the other hand, parents voiced similar worries and expressed how stressed they feel when they see other parents giving their child’s teachers expensive gifts. Parents find themselves caught in a cycle of comparison, where a genuine act of gratitude is reduced to a social obligation rather than a meaningful gift.

There were also questions about how gifting came to this. A Threads user said it was the norm to give teachers simple gifts such as a pen, chocolates, and a card instead of jewellery from Poh Kong, Wah Chan, or Habib.

Another person said this gifting culture may promote competition among students, and make students from poorer families feel worse. Teachers may also not realise that they develop a soft spot for certain students.

What does the law say about civil servants accepting gifts?

Since public school teachers are considered government servants, they cannot accept gifts under Subregulation 8(1) of P.U. (A) 395/1993 [Paragraph 6 – MyPPSM Ceraian UP.7.2.5]. This is to prevent conflicts of interest, external influence, or perception of bias in performing their official duties.

Any gift acceptance from a stakeholder is considered a violation of the code of conduct under Section 165 of the Penal Code.

According to SPRM, gifts that exceed RM500 must be reported to the Head of Department for approval. However, if the value is less than RM100, there’s no requirement to report it to the Head of Department, but it’s still recommended to report it for approval.

In short, if you don’t want to give your child’s teacher a headache and prevent issues from cropping up, keep gifts simple and reasonable.

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The future of sacked Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and his allies in Perikatan Nasional (PN) looks increasingly uncertain after he was replaced as Opposition Leader in the Dewan Rakyat by the coalition chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, analysts say.

The leadership change is widely seen as more than a routine reshuffle, with PAS emerging as the dominant force in the opposition bloc.

Senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya, Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, said the move delivers a significant political blow to Hamzah, as it shows a decline in his influence within PN.

“The replacement indicates that his influence within PN is diminishing, and that the opposition bloc is now increasingly shaped by PAS,” he told TRP in his WhatsApp reply.

Tawfik added that Hamzah’s supporters may find it difficult to reassert dominance within PN’s core structure following internal tensions within Bersatu.

“I see this as PN entering a new phase, with the emergence of figures like Samsuri as a more moderate face who could potentially serve as the coalition’s ‘poster boy’ for the next general election,” he added.

READ MORE: Bersatu’s Internal Purge: Muhyiddin’s Strategy Or The Party’s Road To Collapse?

Samsuri, who is also Terengganu Menteri Besar, has been viewed as a pragmatic and less polarising figure compared to some of PN’s more hardline voices, an image that could increase the coalition’s appeal among undecided voters.

Echoing similar sentiments, International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the future of Hamzah and his faction within PN remains difficult to predict.

“I believe PN under PAS, and specifically under Samsuri, would not necessarily have an issue accepting Hamzah and his followers,” she said.

However, Syaza stressed that political realities within the coalition would require careful balancing, particularly with Bersatu president and former PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Samsuri would also need to consider Bersatu and Muhyiddin’s position. Out of respect, they may prioritise Muhyiddin,” she added.

Can the reset team defend their seats?

Looking ahead to the next general election, Syaza noted that uncertainty surrounding Hamzah’s political platform could further complicate matters.

“Many are questioning what party they will represent. If it is indeed a new party, it may be difficult for them to defend these seats, as many of them are Malay-majority constituencies that tend to lean towards PN.”

That said, she acknowledged that Hamzah’s personal standing could still prove decisive in his stronghold.

“Someone like Hamzah, who has represented Larut for a long time, may still be able to defend his seat,” she added.

Tawfik meanwhile suggested that Hamzah and his men may still retain a place within PN, albeit with more limited influence.

“Their position will largely depend on how much grassroots support they still command and the political value they bring to the coalition.”

But ultimately, he believed that Hamzah and Co would find it hard to defend their seats, suggesting that they didn’t have the machinery to back them up.

 “Without official backing from PN or access to party machinery, their chances of retaining their seats will be quite challenging,” Tawfik explained, adding that personal influence and longstanding ties with constituents could still play a role in certain constituencies.

READ MORE: “Move On”: Tun Faisal Warns Sacked Hamzah Camp Against Returning to PN

At its second Supreme Council meeting of 2026 last Saturday, PN decided to replace Hamzah as Opposition Leader with Ahmad Samsuri, who is also the Kemaman MP.

READ MORE: Hamzah’s New Political Vehicle To Be Announced By Month-End, Sources Say

READ MORE: Woeful Weekend For Bersatu As Party Faces Leadership Crisis

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Sixteen Malaysian activists are being held by Israeli authorities after the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 — an international humanitarian mission carrying aid to Gaza — was intercepted at sea on Monday (18 May).

The detentions were confirmed by Malaysia’s National Security Council Command Centre (SNCC), which released the names and vessel assignments of all 16 individuals.

They were aboard six vessels — Abodes, Gotico, Bianca Ita, Ferluto, Cactus, and Themis — with detentions recorded between 3:29 pm and 7:03 pm local time.

In total, more than 100 activists from multiple countries were detained in the interception.

Anwar: “Israel Must Face Justice”

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded swiftly, condemning the interception in a public statement and demanding the immediate release of all detained activists.

“Malaysia strongly condemns this action and demands the guarantee of safety and immediate release of all detained activists,” he wrote.

Anwar described the flotilla as a peaceful mission defending universal humanity, and accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid, silencing human rights voices, and suppressing anyone who stood up for the Palestinian people.

The world cannot continue to bow to oppression and lawlessness. Israel must face justice and accountability.

The detained Malaysians were spread across six vessels, with their detentions logged in real time by SNCC.

Not The First Time

The Global Sumud Flotilla is not a new initiative; international flotilla missions attempting to break the Gaza blockade have been launched since 2008, with vessels repeatedly intercepted, boarded, or turned back by Israeli naval forces.

Activists involved in such missions have consistently maintained that the goal extends beyond delivering physical aid — the interceptions themselves draw international media attention and apply diplomatic pressure on Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Back home, the news triggered an immediate and polarised reaction on social media.

Many Malaysians rallied behind the activists, offering prayers and calling the mission an act of conscience.

Others questioned the wisdom of the mission, arguing that domestic poverty and local hardships deserved equal — if not greater — attention.

One comment — whether sincere or sardonic — asked the Prime Minister for RM10 to buy eggs.

In the context of a geopolitical crisis, it landed like a punchline nobody wrote on purpose.

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Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from PKR on Monday (18 May), announcing they would vacate their parliamentary seats for Pandan and Setiawangsa, respectively, before formally joining the newly formed Malaysian United Party (MUP).

Their argument was straightforward: by giving up their seats before switching parties, they were not technically hopping — and therefore not bound by PKR’s RM10 million internal bond, nor subject to Malaysia’s Anti-Party Hopping Act.

It was a carefully sequenced exit.

But PKR says the sequence may not be as clean as it looks.

The Timestamp Problem

PKR Secretary-General Datuk Fuziah Salleh told reporters in Johor Bahru on Monday (18 May) that the party has evidence that both men had already joined MUP before their seat vacancies were announced.

The evidence? Their names appeared on MUP’s website, with a timestamp of 17 May.

If you follow the party constitution, they had already hopped on the 17th, before they vacated their seats today.

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s defence rests on the sequence — that vacating came first; PKR’s counter is that intent came first, and the website listing proves it.

The evidence Fuziah mentioned is the Leadership (Kepimpinan) section of the Bersama website; it bears a generic description of how Bersama was established 10 years ago by a group of normal citizens who weren’t politicians.

What follows the description are photos of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, bearing brief biographies of the two.

The language does not indicate they are leaders or even members of Bersama.

What The Bond Actually Means

The RM10 million bond is an internal party mechanism — separate from the federal Anti-Party Hopping Act — designed to deter elected representatives from leaving PKR while holding seats won under the party’s ticket.

Rafizi himself acknowledged the bond’s existence but maintained it does not apply to his situation, citing the seat vacation as the key factor.

PKR’s legal team is now reviewing the matter.

The party’s Political Bureau is expected to discuss potential action against both men at a meeting on Wednesday (20 May).

Rafizi, 47, was PKR’s Deputy President and the country’s Minister of Economy before his resignation. Nik Nazmi, the party’s former Vice President, served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

Their departure to MUP — alongside other senior figures — represents one of the most significant splits within Pakatan Harapan’s coalition in recent years, with direct implications for the government’s parliamentary majority.

The RM10 million question may ultimately be settled in court, but the political damage is already being counted in seats, not ringgit.

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There are dishes that tell you exactly where you are.

In Miri, Sarawak’s second largest city, at a modest fusion restaurant tucked into the city, that dish is the Cincalok Steam Chicken Claypot.

Steamed chicken, cincalok sauce, fried dried shrimp, and a sunny-side-up egg — all served over rice in a black claypot that arrives still warm.

It is distinctly, unapologetically Sarawakian.

And according to the man who created it, Jeffery Kee, chef and owner of JJ by Jen Fusion Restaurant in Miri, you will not find this particular version anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia.

And it is not just the chef saying so; ask any foodie who has eaten their way across the Peninsula — over there, cincalok is a condiment, a dipping sauce alongside grilled fish, a splash of funk on the side, never the hero of the dish.

This is my own recipe. I developed it myself.

A Cheap Ingredient in Miri, The Most Requested Topping

That, in a single dish, is the argument for making the trip.

The inspiration, Kee admits, was partly practical; cincalok in Miri is abundant and cheap — as little as RM3 per kilogram — and the reason is geography.

The city hugs the South China Sea, where coastal waters yield a steady supply of udang geragau, the tiny krill that are salted and fermented into cincalok.

For generations of Sarawakian households, it has simply always been there — on the shelf, on the table, taken for granted the way only the most essential things are.

Building it into a signature dish was, in part, a way of celebrating what was already there.

The dish has its own following; regular patrons regularly ask for extra cincalok as a topping — and some, he laughs, have asked if they can buy the cincalok sauce on its own.

Kee’s answer is always the same: he would love to, but he only has two hands — 30 staff notwithstanding.

The Taste That Doesn’t Travel

Cincalok — fermented krill — is a condiment deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Sarawak and Sabah.

It is pungent, funky, and intensely flavoured.

Fermentation breaks proteins into glutamates, and glutamates mean umami — the same reason you can’t stop eating aged Parmesan or Japanese ramen.

Kee just figured out how to put that into a RM16.90 claypot.

In the right hands, it transforms a simple steamed chicken rice into something with genuine character and a sense of place — and this is precisely the kind of food that tourism is built around.

Not a landmark you can photograph, but a flavour you cannot replicate elsewhere.

The Chef Behind the Claypot

Kee is the eldest of five children in a Foochow family, and in Miri, that lineage carries weight — the Foochow Chinese, originally from Fujian province, were among the earliest Chinese settlers in the region, arriving in the early 20th century and building much of the commercial and cultural fabric that the city still carries today.

He is 37, softly spoken, and tells his own story without embellishment; he wanted to be a policeman.

“But I could earn much more being a chef,” he said, with a smile that suggests the uniform was never really his destiny.

He started in 2017 at the PJ Hilton in Kuala Lumpur, earning RM600 a month as a part-time kitchen assistant.

From there, a Chinese restaurant in Seremban, then the pull of home brought him back to Miri, where he joined Hotel Imperium, and it was here that the bookings arrived — the kind that come with security details and advance notice.

Kee cooked for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the late Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, and the current Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He mentions this the way most people mention the weather.

A Table for Everyone

JJ by Jen is pork-free — a deliberate decision that has made the restaurant a genuine meeting point in a city that runs on oil, gas, and diversity.

The menu moves between Chinese, Malay, and Western without apology.

The menu beyond the claypot holds its own. There is a Kimchi Sliced Beef Claypot, a Pan-Seared Salmon with Chef’s Special Pumpkin Sauce, and a Salted Egg Deep Fried Golden Crispy Chicken served with salted egg yolk sauce and fries. Then there is the star of the burger section — the Burger Banjir, a chef’s signature lineup that includes a Salted Egg Crispy Chicken Burger and a Homemade Beef Patty Burger, both arriving loaded with sunny-side-up egg, shredded potatoes, and garlic butter.

And for those who prefer something more substantial, the Lamb Shoulder, prepared two ways.

Kee calls it a hybrid; it is, more accurately, a biography — every kitchen he has worked in, every influence he has absorbed, plated and served in the city he came home to.

His customers are of all races; Malay families from across the border in Brunei make the trip, and oil and gas workers from the offshore platforms find their way here.

Locals come back on weekends when the place fills up and the energy shifts.

This writer visited JJ by Jen as part of a media familiarisation trip hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

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There is a small distillery at the southern tip of the Isle of Arran, a Scottish island most people couldn’t place on a map, that has been quietly making one of the more interesting arguments in whisky right now.

The argument goes something like this: peat — that ancient, compressed vegetation that gives Scotch its famous smoky character — deserves its own dedicated home.

Not a side project, not a limited run, but a whole distillery, built for nothing else.

That distillery is Lagg.

It opened in 2019.

It is, by Scotch whisky standards, practically a newborn.

Built for Smoke: Why Lagg Exists

What Lagg makes is peated single malt.

Peat is essentially ancient decomposed vegetation — moss, roots, compressed organic matter — that, when burned, produces a thick, aromatic smoke.

Distillers use that smoke to dry malted barley, and the smoke gets into the grain, and the grain gets into the spirit.

The result is a whisky that carries something of the land it came from: earthy, maritime, occasionally medicinal, always memorable.

Arran’s older distillery, at Lochranza on the island’s north, has always been known for its unpeated style — clean, fruity, approachable.

Lagg was built specifically so the peated character could have a place of its own, without compromise.

The copper pot stills — built by Forsyths, the legendary Scottish still-maker — sit against a backdrop of coastal landscape that makes you briefly consider relocating to a windswept island.

Kilmory and Corriecravie: A Tale of Two Casks

On the evening of 13 May, Rob Gray — the Head of Global Sales for Isle of Arran Distillers — stood at the front of Director’s Cut, a whisky bar tucked inside Menara Ken TTDI in Kuala Lumpur, and walked a room full of guests through four glasses of the stuff.

The bar’s low lighting caught the amber in the glasses. Someone’s skewered meat arrived.

It was the kind of evening that reminded you why in-person tastings still matter — four pours, one island, and a very clear point of view.

The two expressions poured that evening tell the story neatly.

The Kilmory Edition — named after a village on Arran’s west coast — is matured entirely in first-fill bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% without chill filtration or added colour. It is the lighter of the two: vanilla and cream underneath, smoke on top, the kind of whisky that surprises people who think peated means aggressive.

The Corriecravie Edition goes further. Finished in Sherry casks, it arrives darker, richer, more layered — sweet spiced berries and dark chocolate doing a slow negotiation with the peat. It is Lagg’s second core release and a meaningful step up in complexity.

Both are bottled without chill filtration or added colour — the Kilmory at 46% and the Corriecravie at a cask-strength 55% — what you’re getting is the real thing, unfiltered and unaltered.

The Man Sent to Tell the Story

None of this is accidental.

A distillery this young — its first single malt only released in 2022 — sending its global sales head to Southeast Asia signals a deliberate bet on this part of the world.

The whisky market in Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider region has been growing steadily, and the premium end of that market has developed a particular appetite for provenance: where a whisky comes from, how it was made, and who is telling the story.

Gray, standing in a bar in TTDI on a Tuesday night earlier this month, was doing exactly that.

The room paid attention.

Lagg Distillery’s Kilmory and Corriecravie Editions are available through select whisky retailers and bars in Malaysia.

READ MORE: The Spirit Whisperer: How A Former Teacher Built Malaysia’s Most Personable Whisky Haven

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In conjunction with Labour Day, NESCAFÉ has collaborated with Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to become the recharge partner for Malaysian workers through its “Ngopi Dulu, Kekal Bersemangat Bersama” (“Have a Coffee First, Remain Determined Together”) initiative.

This partnership reflects NESCAFÉ’s continued commitment to standing alongside frontliners who keep the nation moving, especially airport personnel who are instrumental in ensuring Malaysia is seamlessly connected to the rest of the world. 

Building on the momentum of last year’s “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama” (“Have a Coffee First & Move Forward Together”), this initiative reinforces NESCAFÉ’s mission to celebrate the everyday stories of Malaysians, paying tribute to the resilience, determination and collective strength that continue to inspire the nation to move forward together.

“Continuing our spirit from 2025’s Ngopi Dulu campaign, NESCAFÉ is here to support the KLIA community – especially those who work tirelessly to ensure smooth airport operations every day. Airport operations move at a fast pace and are filled with challenges. Therefore, Labour Day is the perfect platform for us to celebrate your commitment and empower your spirit that keeps you going strong through long and demanding days,” said Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia at the unveiling ceremony.

Airports serve as essential international gateways, relying on continuous operations by dedicated personnel. Airport teams were expected to operate at a higher capacity on Labour Day, with the holiday falling on a Friday, creating a critical need for workers to be more alert. This made a timely opportunity to recognise and support the MAHB workforce for their hard work in managing national connectivity, tourism and shaping travellers’ first and last impression.

As part of this campaign, NESCAFÉ has unveiled the newly refurbished Community Room at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on Labour Day, providing a space for MAHB staff to rest, connect, and recharge before they continue powering through their day. This includes a vending machine where the airport staff can have access to an array of products from NESCAFÉ and other Nestlé brands such as MILO, KitKat and MAGGI – brands that Malaysians grew up with. 

Throughout the day, NESCAFÉ also distributed over 5,000 NESCAFÉ cans to the MAHB working team, including NESCAFÉ Original, 3x Shot, Latte and Mocha — a small but meaningful gesture to power MAHB workers through their long, busy day. Adding more excitement to the day, artiste Black Hanifah made a surprise appearance for an exclusive performance, bringing energy and joy to the KLIA community.

This Labour Day initiative with MAHB is the first step for NESCAFÉ to become KLIA’s recharge partner for its staff. More “pick-me-up” services will be made more accessible for the KLIA community throughout the airport in the near future, catering to more staff and workers at any one time. 

For more information, please visit the official website here, Facebook at NESCAFÉ Malaysia here and Instagram at @nescafe_my here.

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Tensions between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are expected to persist in the lead-up to the upcoming state and general elections, despite both coalitions ultimately needing to cooperate, according to a political analyst.

Senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, Prof Azmi Hassan, said the recent hardline stance taken by Johor PH —vowing to “bury Umno for a second time” in its home state—was a direct response to remarks by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who indicated that Johor BN intends to contest the next state election solo, without working with PH.

Azmi said that the statement triggered a reaction from Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, who declared that PH is prepared to contest all 56 state seats in Johor, setting the stage for a direct clash between two partners currently aligned under the Madani government.

He added that Aminolhuda’s response was also shaped by earlier tensions seen during the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar episode, which exposed friction between PH and BN.

“However, the reality is that as elections draw nearer, whether it is the Johor or Melaka state polls, or even the next general election, top leaders in both Umno-BN and PH understand that they still need each other,” Azmi said.

He pointed out that while full cooperation may not materialise, with both sides likely to contest certain seats against each other, strategic alignment remains necessary to prevent Perikatan Nasional (PN) from capitalising on any fragmentation within the ruling blocs.

“Even if the cooperation is not absolute, the fact remains that both sides require each other to avoid giving PN an opening,” he added.

Last Sunday, Aminolhuda expressed Pakatan Harapan’s readiness to contest all state seats in Johor should the state election be called.

“The Johor Menteri Besar has stated that (BN) will contest all 56 seats, so Johor PH will also contest all 56 seats. They (BN) have effectively made their position clear.

“Some may ask why we would contest against our own partner, but since they made that declaration, we (PH) will respond accordingly,” Aminolhuda said during the PH national convention held in Johor Bahru, as reported by Sinar Harian.

Previously, Onn Hafiz indicated that the Johor state election would not be called early, as the current administration’s term will only end in April 2027.

READ MORE: Johor State Election In November?

In the 2022 Johor state election, BN secured a dominant victory with 40 state seats, while PH won 12, PN took three, and MUDA captured one seat.

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Something is shifting in ASEAN’s automotive industry – and Automechanika Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) 2026 is where that shift is being felt most clearly. The exhibition kicked off recently with much fanfare at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, drawing over 317 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions across six halls. As supply chains regionalise, electrification accelerates, and the aftermarket grows more complex, the 15th edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur arrives not simply as a trade event, but as a strategic platform where the direction of mobility in Southeast Asia is being actively shaped.

Officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, the exhibition’s theme – creating business synergies where automotive mobility solutions meet OEMs and the aftermarket – reflects a deliberate response to how the industry is evolving. The Minister’s presence highlights the government’s active role in accelerating the country’s EV infrastructure and future transport agenda. Structured around the concept of Sourcing, Entertainment, and Training, this year’s edition signals a clear move away from transactional showcases towards integrated partnerships that span borders and sectors. The stakes are real: Malaysia overtook Indonesia to become ASEAN’s leading car market in the first half of 2025, with Perodua and Proton accounting for 63% of total sales. For a country at this inflection point, a platform built around synergy rather than spectacle is precisely what the moment calls for.

Ms Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the organisers of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, said that Malaysia is no longer just participating in ASEAN’s automotive growth story – it is increasingly helping to write it.

“Automechanika Kuala Lumpur has transformed from a transactional trade fair into a strategic platform where partnerships across sectors and borders are formed. Malaysia is increasingly becoming the meeting point for these conversations – a result of deliberate policy, growing market scale, and an industry that is ready to lead.”

Among the exhibitors present were Brembo, Kovax, Schmaco, Vanli, Launch, TUHU Car Care, TecAlliance, and Leoch Battery, among the industry players who shared insights and showcased mobility solutions spanning the digital and green energy sectors – reflecting the breadth of a global automotive supply chain that increasingly sees Malaysia as both a priority market and a regional manufacturing partner.

On the show floor, this transition is visible in how the exhibition itself was structured. The Automotive Mobility Solutions Zone is no longer simply a showcase – it is a signal. Electrification, green mobility investment, intelligent manufacturing, and digital supply chains took centre stage, reflecting the industry’s acknowledgement that the EV and digitalisation wave is no longer on the horizon; it is already reshaping how vehicles are made, serviced, and sold across the region. Expanded participation across Parts & Components, Electrics & Electronics, Diagnostics & Repair, and Body & Paint categories spanning Halls 1 to 6 reinforces the same story.

Complementing the show floor, the Automotive Mobility Solutions Conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to examine the forces reshaping the sector – from the transition to EVs and autonomous vehicles, to digitalised supply chains, sustainable manufacturing, and ESG compliance. Beyond the exchange of market intelligence and investment insights, the conference served as a practical forum where businesses could access actionable knowledge on integrating technologies such as AI and IoT into their operations, and forge cross-sector connections spanning regulation, finance, logistics, and research.

The Automotive Service Marketplace tells a parallel story. By uniting detailing specialists, body and paint shops, chain workshops, and e-commerce service providers under one roof, it points to an aftermarket sector in active transformation – one where independent workshops are professionalising, digital retail is entering the service chain, and the demand for skilled technicians in EV and hybrid servicing is outpacing supply. The Collision Repair Training Workshop, with its live demonstrations, addresses this gap directly, reflecting how talent development has become as central to the industry’s future as product innovation.

Beyond the trade floor, autoFEST@KL rounded out the edition by blending business with car culture, featuring an autoFEST@KL Music Party, Classic and JDM car displays, motorsports and esports competitions, the EMMA Malaysia Car Audio and Modification Competition, and an Outdoor, Camping and Caravan Zone.

For Malaysian businesses, the opportunity is tangible. As the aftermarket sector faces a widening skills gap and global partners increasingly seek regional footholds, events like Automechanika Kuala Lumpur translate directly into partnerships, contracts, and capabilities that strengthen Malaysia’s long-term position.

“Fifteen editions in, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur has evolved from a reflection of where the industry stands into a glimpse of where it is going. The conversations happening here – between global manufacturers, local players, policymakers, and emerging technology providers – are the ones that will define ASEAN’s mobility landscape for the decade ahead,” Ms Fiona Chiew concluded.

As ASEAN accelerates its shift towards electrification and smarter mobility, Malaysia is emerging not just as a participant, but as a convening ground for the region’s next phase of automotive growth.

For more information on Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, visit the official website here.

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Batik Air extends its warmest Teacher’s Day wishes to educators across Malaysia in recognition of their dedication, commitment and contributions towards shaping future generations and strengthening communities.

In support of this year’s national Teacher’s Day theme, “Guru Bitara, Nadi Negara” by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the airline is introducing a special travel promotion dedicated exclusively to teachers.

As part of the campaign, educators can enjoy up to 15% off Economy Value Fares and up to 30% off Economy Flexi Fares when booking flights using the promo code FLYGURUBITARA. The offer is valid for bookings made from today until 15 June 2026, for travel until 30 November 2026.

Teachers can redeem the promotion by entering the promo code during the booking process on Batik Air’s official website. T&C apply. For more info on how to make the booking, visit www.batikair.com.my/my/teachers-day.

As part of the Teacher’s Day celebration, Batik Air hopes to give educators the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved getaway, reconnect with loved ones, and create memorable travel experiences.

In conjunction with Teacher’s Day, special onboard announcements will also be carried out across selected flights today as part of Batik Air’s efforts to mark the occasion and celebrate educators travelling with the airline. The initiative is intended to add a personal touch to the journey while highlighting the significance of the teaching profession in everyday life.

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said that teachers play a vital role in shaping not only future generations, but also the strength and progress of our communities. Their dedication, guidance and commitment leave a lasting impact far beyond the classroom, influencing the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

“This Teacher’s Day, Batik Air proudly recognises and celebrates the invaluable contributions of educators across the nation, and we hope this special initiative serves as a meaningful token of our appreciation for their continuous efforts in building a brighter future for society,” he added.

Batik Air wishes all educators a joyful and meaningful Teacher’s Day, in appreciation of the incredible impact they make every day.

For more information and to plan your next journey, download Batik Air mobile app or visit www.batikair.com.

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What makes the Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal Pop Collection collaboration truly compelling isn’t just the prestige of the partnership. It’s that the drop doubles as a revival of Swatch’s beloved Pop Swatch. It’s not just a ‘’plastic pocket watch’’ for watch collectors and fans.

On May 16, long queues snaked around stores worldwide, but the excitement soon soured as scalpers and genuine fans clashed. This resulted in Swatch having to close shop and issue reminders that the Swatch x AP Pop Swatch watches aren’t limited edition pieces.

Scalpers are now quickly trying to offload their stock at high and marked-up prices. The retail price for the Swatch x AP watch is RM1,720 per piece in Malaysia. Scalpers are attempting to sell one for about RM6k and above.

Since the watch isn’t limited in quantity, the resale market is already cooling and leaving scalpers in a frantic rush to cash out their hoards.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this play out. The Swatch x Omega drop drew similar scenes, leaving many puzzled by the lengths people would go to and the anger that followed when they didn’t get a watch in their hand.

Threads user @matteo_sofia_ said these collaborations were never meant to be a get-rich-quick scheme, but a way to entice new buyers with a fun product.

View on Threads

More about the Pop Swatch

The Pop Swatch was produced between 1986 and 1995, and was popular for breaking the conventional watch design. The Pop Swatch was designed to be modular so that it can be ‘’popped out’’ and attached elsewhere, and worn in a completely new way.

Wearers can pop out the watch from the strap and wear it as a pocket watch, use it as a desk clock, or even a wall clock. The watches also come with accessories like a beaded string, a wall-mounting disc, and a magnifying glass desk stand.

The Royal Pop Collection also features the brand’s signature SISTEM51 movement. Launched in 2013, the SISTEM51 movement marked a turning point in industrial watchmaking. It challenged the conventional wisdom that high-quality Swiss mechanical watches had to come with a hefty price tag.

SISTEM51 is a fully automatic mechanical movement composed of just 51 parts, making Swatch quartz watches affordable without compromising Swiss watch quality.

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Malaysia’s legendary folk tale Puteri Gunung Ledang is making a musical comeback, and the cast is already out for the lead character from the story.

Actress Sharifah Aisha Retno Sayed Sipulijam, better known as Aisha Retno, was chosen for the role of Gusti Putri Raden Ajeng Retno Dumilah, the title’s lead character who coincidentally shares the same name as Aisha.

A second actress, Mila Mohsin, was also picked for the role of Gusti Putri.

Fun fact: Mila is the daughter of Puan Seri Tiara Jacquelina, the famous Malaysian actress who starred as Gusti Putri in the original Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGLM) from 2006 to 2009.

Why were two actresses cast for one lead role?

There are a number of reasons why the production team implemented a dual-casting structure for the restaging of PGLM.

They carefully chose both performers for their distinct qualities. Aisha Retno was selected for her emotionally rich vocals and powerful stage presence. Meanwhile, Mila brings a deep, lifelong personal connection to the lore of the musical thanks to her mother being the original Gusti Putri in PGLM’s 2006 production.

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In a dual-casting setup, only one actress plays Gusti Putri on stage at any given time. Instead of performing together in the same show, the two actors take turns playing the character across different dates of the musical’s run.

The production team creates a calendar that assigns specific show nights to specific actors. For example, Aisha might perform on Friday night, while Mila takes over for the Saturday matinee.

Theater productions of this scale require extreme vocal and physical stamina. Sharing the principal role protects the performers’ health and guarantees top-tier performance quality for every staging.

Both actors learn identical choreography, lines, and musical numbers. The staging, costumes, and interactions with other characters (like Hang Tuah) remain exactly the same.

Even though the script is identical, each actor brings her own unique energy, vocal style, and emotional depth to the role, giving the audience a slightly different experience depending on which night they attend.

There was an audition for Gusti Putri’s role, and netizens called out the production for nepotism

The PGLM production team put out a call for online auditions from 19 to 27 April, to seek actors for the show.

After the auditions were closed, a few people questioned the PGLM management team’s decision to cast Mila as Gusti Putri next to Aisha, accusing them of nepotism.

However, PGLM did respond to the statement, stressing that there was no favoritism in the audition process.

“All participants were evaluated fairly by a professional jury based on various aspects.

“There is also a lot of hope and expectation placed on the many characters of PGL, which is why every decision is made with care and responsibility. We greatly value the efforts of each individual who came to the auditions,” PGL said in a response on Threads.

Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical

Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical is one of Malaysia’s most iconic theatre productions, adapted from the 2004 epic film Puteri Gunung Ledang starring Tiara Jacquelina. Inspired by the legendary Malay folklore surrounding the mystical princess of Gunung Ledang and the warrior Hang Tuah, the musical blends romance, history, mythology, and traditional Malay culture into a large-scale stage spectacle.

The production first premiered at Istana Budaya in 2006 under Enfiniti Productions. Directed by Zahim Albakri and co-written by Zahim, Adlin Aman Ramlie, and Saw Teong Hin, the musical featured music by Singaporean composer Dick Lee. It became a major success both critically and commercially, praised for its lavish costumes, powerful vocals, orchestral score, and ambitious staging.

Following its successful debut, the musical returned for multiple runs in 2006 and 2009, while also staging performances in Singapore. Over the years, it earned a reputation as one of Malaysia’s benchmark musical theatre productions and won several awards at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards.

This year, the legendary production is making a highly anticipated comeback with a brand-new 2026 staging announced by Tiara Jacquelina. The upcoming revival will introduce a new generation of performers while honouring the original legacy of the show.

Among the newly announced cast members besides Aisha and Mila as dual-cast versions of Gusti Putri, are Aqasha as Hang Tuah.

Bayan, who is Gusti Putri’s loyal companion, also has two actresses; Malaysian singer Mimi Fly and Nadia Aqilah.

The production is expected to open in October 2026 and has already generated strong excitement among theatre fans and longtime followers of the franchise.

Follow the PGLM official instagram page to stay updated on the production.

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It is now official, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have stepped down as Members of Parliament, vacating their respective Pandan and Setiawangsa seats.

The decision was confirmed in a joint statement issued earlier, with both leaders having submitted their resignation letters to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

In the statement, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi said the move follows their decision to leave PKR and take over Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a political party established a decade ago.

“With this, we are vacating the parliamentary seats of Pandan and Setiawangsa as we intend to pursue a new political agenda.

“The appropriate and honourable course of action is to return the mandate to the voters in Pandan and Setiawangsa, as we were elected under the Pakatan Harapan ticket in the last general election,” the statement read.

The former PKR deputy president and vice president, both of whom lost in last year’s party elections, also expressed their gratitude to supporters who had backed them in previous polls.

We’ll defend our seats

Despite stepping down, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi made it clear that they intend to return to contest their respective constituencies in the next general election under the Bersama banner.

“Our service centres will continue operating as usual to assist and serve constituents.

“We will also return to contest in Pandan and Setiawangsa under the Bersama platform in the upcoming general election,” they said.

READ MORE: PKR Rules Out By-Elections In Pandan, Setiawangsa After Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Exit

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There’s a new name in town for chicken tender lovers, and it officially opened its doors today at Glo Damansara.

Meet Zenders, a retro-inspired fast food brand that blends crispy chicken tenders with laid-back café culture, all wrapped in an aesthetic heavily inspired by vintage arcade vibes and 80s pop culture.

Rather than positioning itself as a typical fast food restaurant, Zenders describes its concept as “High Taste, Low Stress”, aiming to create a semi-relaxed dining experience away from the usual fast-paced environment.

Inspired By Retro Culture & Modern Malaysian Cafés

According to the brand’s visual and identity guide, Zenders was created as a response to what it describes as the “noise” of traditional fast food culture.

The brand combines nostalgic retro aesthetics with modern café influences, targeting a younger generation that values authenticity, creativity, and individuality.

Its identity revolves around smooth vibes, intentional pacing, and a relaxed atmosphere, something the brand believes is missing from many fast food experiences today.

“We don’t just serve chicken tenders; we serve a lifestyle that’s always golden-brown and never hurried,” the brand shared in its official brand story.

More Than Just Food

Beyond the food itself, Zenders places heavy emphasis on branding and atmosphere.

From its neon-inspired colour palette to its retro-style typography, the brand leans strongly into a cool, youthful identity.

Its tone of voice is described as “smooth, steady, and certain”, while its interiors and visuals are designed to create what the brand calls a “vibe shift” for customers.

The concept also highlights creating a welcoming space where customers can slow down, hang out, and enjoy good food without feeling rushed.

A Focus On “Seriously Tender” Quality

At the heart of the brand is its core promise: “Seriously Tender.”

Zenders says its mission is to deliver high-quality chicken tenders and beverages while maintaining consistency across both food and customer experience.

The brand also places importance on what it calls “flow”, a balance between high energy and a calm, seamless rhythm.

Another major part of the Zenders’ philosophy is originality, encouraging individuality and personality rather than following trends.

Now Open At Glo Damansara

With its official opening at Glo Damansara today (18th May), Zenders joins Malaysia’s growing wave of lifestyle-focused food brands that combine aesthetics, culture, and dining into one experience.

Whether you’re into retro arcade vibes, café culture, or simply looking for a new chicken spot to check out, Zenders is clearly aiming to stand out from the usual fast food crowd.

More updates can be found on Zenders’ official Instagram page at Zenders!

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While former PKR heavyweights Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad are still seen as capable of defending their respective parliamentary seats in Pandan and Setiawangsa, the political outlook appears more uncertain for other PKR MPs who may align themselves with their new party, Bersama.

READ MORE: Rafizi And Nik Nazmi Establish Bersama, Here’s What The New Party Is All About

Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the individual political appeal of MPs will play a key role in determining whether they can survive outside PKR’s electoral machinery, suggesting that those who defect may struggle to retain their seats.

“Well, I think they (Rafizi and Nik Nazmi) may be able to retain their seats next round, but I am not sure about the electoral prospects of their other new party comrades, if MUDA is any lesson,” he told TRP in a WhatsApp reply.

He added that a wider wave of defections from PKR to Bersama could ultimately benefit the opposition by splitting the reformist vote.

“They are likely to split PH’s erstwhile reformist votes, such that PN (specifically PAS) may have higher electoral prospects,” he said.

In previous internal PKR analyses for GE16, the Pandan seat was classified as one of only seven “safe seats” for the party under Tier 1, while Setiawangsa was placed in Tier 2A, considered relatively strong but not unassailable.

Oh’s assessment is notable as several other PKR MPs linked to these “safe” seats include Subang MP Wong Chen, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, all of whom also attended Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s announcement event in Petaling Jaya on Sunday (17 May).

Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan and Balik Pulau MP Datuk Bakhtiar Wan Chik were also present.

Oh’s comments suggest that PKR’s strongholds are not solely dependent on individual candidates, but also on other key factors such as urban voter alignment with Pakatan Harapan (PH), party machinery strength, and coalition branding.

Meanwhile, Asia Group Advisors associate director Kamles Kumar echoed similar views, pointing out that Bersama is likely to target the same urban, semi-urban, and reform-minded voter base that has traditionally supported PH, DAP, and PKR.

This, he said, makes the challenge more direct for PKR, as Rafizi is not an external critic but a former key architect of the party’s electoral strategy.

However, questions remain over Bersama’s organisational strength.

“Rafizi was instrumental in GE14 through candidate selection, data-driven campaigning and mobilisation, but building a nationwide party structure is harder than running a campaign.

If he can convert his experience into ground machinery, his party could become a serious spoiler in PH-held urban and semi-urban seats,” Kamles said.

READ MORE: PKR Rules Out By-Elections In Pandan, Setiawangsa After Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Exit

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AIA Malaysia today announced the AIA Generasi Malaysia 2026 Concert, a large-scale live music experience that brings 10,000 Malaysians together across generations to celebrate the 10th anniversary of AIA Vitality and its commitment to enabling Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. 

The concert will take place on Sunday, 20 September at 8.30 pm at Unifi Arena Bukit Jalil, featuring a diverse, multi-generational lineup of Malaysian artistes, including  Michael Wong 光良 , Ernie Zakri, 3P, MimiFly and K-Town Clan.

Spanning pop, ballads and hip-hop, the artistes represent different genres, voices and eras of Malaysian music, coming together on one stage to create a uniquely Malaysian live experience that resonates across generations.

Rooted in the spirit of AIA Generasi Malaysia, the concert reflects AIA’s belief that wellbeing goes beyond physical health to include meaningful connections, shared joy and experiences that bring people together.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, the concert celebrates the richness of Malaysia’s cultural identity by uniting diverse voices, genres and generations on one stage — highlighting the nation’s shared journey and collective commitment towards better wellbeing, today and for generations to come.

Over the past decade, AIA Vitality has supported Malaysians in taking practical, everyday steps towards better health. The AIA Generasi Malaysia 2026 Concert reflects that same philosophy — that lasting impact is created through meaningful experiences, consistent actions and strong communities. By bringing people together through music, we celebrate how living well is not just about how long we live, but how well we live, as we continue to support Malaysians in building Healthier, Longer, Better Lives for generations to come.

AIA Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer Chai Tze Siang

As part of the 10th anniversary campaign, AIA Malaysia will also roll out digital activations and collaborations with media and radio partners, offering Malaysians opportunities to win concert tickets and be part of the experience.

Go HERE for more information on the AIA Generasi Malaysia 2026 Concert.

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A group of Malaysian tourists in Jakarta, Indonesia, were accused of not paying for their food at a popular restaurant there. The eatery then escalated things by making the matter go viral on social media.

According to a Threads post by Norain Mohd Yunus, she and her group went to Pagi Sore — a restaurant in the capital city frequently visited by Malaysian tourists — on 13 May.

“We were at Pagi Sore on 13 May at around 11am. There were six of us and we ordered nine dishes. It all came to 907,500 rupiah in total,” she said in her post.

They were informed of an unpleasant accusation at their hotel

Norain explained that after their meal, they left for the city of Bandung on a national express train.

However, as she was leaving her hotel in bandung on 16 May, she was informed that Pagi Sore had acccused her group of not paying for the meal they had on 13 May and made the issue go viral online by posting CCTV footage of the group, exposing their identities.

“On 16 May as we were leaving the hotel, our driver suddenly asked if we had a receipt from Pagi Sore. He told us that the Pagi Sore management had made us go viral for not paying for our food. It went viral for three days while we were in Bandung until the moment we got back to Jakarta,” she said.

The group did joke about dining and dashing, but they did pay

In her post thread, Norain admitted that she and her group did joke about leaving the restaurant one by one and leave the last person to pay for the whole meal.

After being made aware of the situation, they each began looking for the printed receipt while also sending screenshots of their credit card transaction to the restaurant as proof that they paid.

“After rummaging through our bags, we finally found the receipt. Imagine if we paid with cash and can’t find the receipt. There won’t be any proof at all,” Norain said.

The restaurant sent an apology for the “miscommunication”

The whole ordeal ended after all the proof were submitted to Pagi Sore’s management team, and the restaurant sent a written and video apology to Norain and her group.

Norain then advised every Malaysian who is travelling overseas to always keep their receipts.

“The conclusion here is, please keep all your receipts and if you use cash, keep whatever proof of purchase you can get. Otherwise, you’ll end up like us.

“After the Pagi Sore management issued their apology, we considered the case closed. But, we’ll probably never visit the restaurant again. Not to make them look bad, but just wanted to create awareness that you should always keep your receipts when you’re travelling overseas,” she said.

View on Threads

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PKR will not be pushing for parliamentary by-elections in Pandan and Setiawangsa following the announcement by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad that they will vacate their respective seats.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the decision is based on the fact that the current parliamentary term has already exceeded the three-year mark.

“There will be no by-elections,” Fuziah told TRP via WhatsApp.

However, she did not respond to questions on whether PKR expects more MPs to follow Rafizi and Nik Nazmi in joining Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).

READ MORE: Rafizi And Nik Nazmi Establish Bersama, Here’s What The New Party Is All About

In a separate statement yesterday, Fuziah said PKR respects the decision by both MPs to vacate their seats, adding that their party membership has automatically lapsed under Clause 9(1)(c) of the party constitution upon their declaration to leave.

She further cited Article 49A(1)(a)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which states that a Dewan Rakyat seat must be vacated if an MP ceases to be a member of the political party under which they were elected.

“As Secretary-General, I will refer both cases to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat regarding their status in accordance with the Federal Constitution,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, PKR is reportedly still assessing the position of several other MPs who attended an event hosted by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi.

Those present reportedly included Wong Chen (Subang), Datuk Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), and Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya).

The development follows Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s announcement that they are quitting PKR after taking over Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a Penang-based party established 10 years ago.

READ MORE: Rafizi Ramli, Nik Nazmi Bid PKR Farewell, Announce Takeover Of Old Party Bersama Malaysia

With the departure of the two MPs, the Madani government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim still retains 150 Dewan Rakyat seats. A simple majority requires at least 112 seats out of 222.

Constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain told TRP that there is currently no urgent need for by-elections or a snap general election.

“The remaining term of Parliament is less than two years and the Prime Minister is still seen to command a stable and comfortable majority,” he said.

However, he noted that constitutional mechanisms remain available should political circumstances change, including provisions under Article 54 of the Federal Constitution requiring by-elections within 60 days of a vacancy unless Parliament is dissolved.

READ MORE: Crowd Count Controversy: Rafizi-Nik Nazmi Event Sparks Clash Between Supporters & Media

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Pet ownership in Malaysia is no longer just about feeding and caring for animals – it’s becoming an emotional, lifestyle-driven journey.

That shift was at the heart of Royal Canin Malaysia’s latest experiential activation, “Purrfect Adventure,” a multi-sensory event held on Saturday, 9 May and Sunday, 10 May 2026, at Eco Majestic City Park, Semenyih, designed to mirror the real-life journey of raising a pet while making science-led nutrition more accessible and engaging for modern pet parents.

According to Teh Meng Li, Market Head of Royal Canin Malaysia and Singapore, the vision was to move far beyond a traditional roadshow format.

“We really wanted to create something meaningful, immersive, and genuinely useful for pet owners,” she shared, adding that the experience was designed to reflect the full arc of pet ownership, from adoption to nutrition to long-term care.

Rather than simply educating, the event invited visitors to experience pet care. Meng Li explained that Royal Canin believes learning is most effective when it is lived rather than told.

The activation was carefully crafted to feel natural and relatable, while still grounded in science-led pet health.

From NFC-powered discovery journeys to hands-on workshops and interactive installations, every touchpoint was designed to appeal to a new generation of pet owners who value interactivity, shareability, and community connection.

A major focus this year for the brand has been its “Start of Life” initiative, which highlights the critical importance of nutrition in the early months of a kitten’s development.

Meng Li emphasised that this stage lays the foundation for lifelong health.

“Many people think nutrition is just about making pets grow bigger, but it actually supports immunity, digestion, brain development, and long-term wellbeing,” she said.

The initiative aims to shift mindsets toward early preventive care, supported by education and partnerships.

Balancing education with entertainment was a deliberate creative challenge. Meng Li noted that pet nutrition can often feel intimidating, especially for first-time owners. To counter this, the experience leaned into storytelling, mascots, and gamified learning.

“We didn’t want people to feel like they were attending a lecture,” she said, adding that the goal was for visitors to leave feeling informed, inspired, and happy – without ever feeling overwhelmed.

At its core, Royal Canin continues to anchor itself in science, but with a human touch. Meng Li explained that the brand focuses on translating complex nutritional research into practical, everyday guidance.

“Pet owners don’t want scientific jargon – they want to know how to take better care of their pets,” she said, highlighting efforts across vet partnerships, digital platforms, and the Royal Canin Club to make information more accessible across different owner journeys.

The event also placed strong emphasis on responsible pet ownership, reflecting a broader shift in Malaysia’s pet culture. Beyond nutrition, Meng Li highlighted that pet wellbeing also includes environment, emotional care, and veterinary support.

She also shared that collaborating with partners such as EcoWorld was key to bringing the vision to life.

“Creating a better world for pets cannot be done alone – it requires collaboration across communities and industries,” she said.

Looking ahead, Royal Canin sees Malaysia’s pet industry evolving rapidly, driven largely by younger generations who view pets as family members. Meng Li observed a clear rise in demand for education, preventive care, and meaningful engagement with brands.

However, she also noted that many first-time pet owners still need guidance. “We believe the future of the industry will be shaped not just by products, but by trust, education, and long-term support,” she said.

As “Purrfect Adventure” wrapped up with strong visitor engagement, Meng Li hopes the takeaway is both emotional and practical. She shared that beyond fun memories, the goal is for visitors to understand that early decisions in a pet’s life matter significantly in the long run.

“We hope they leave feeling more confident, supported, and inspired to give their pets the best Start of Life,” she said, underscoring Royal Canin’s ongoing mission to build a more informed and compassionate pet care culture in Malaysia.

For more information about Royal Canin Malaysia’s Start of Life initiative and additional product information, visit https://www.royalcanin.com/my, or www.instagram.com/royalcaninmalaysia/. 

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Former Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Stability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have formed a new party “bersama”, so to speak.

Parti Bersama Malaysia, usually shortened to Bersama, was originally a small Penang-based political party called the Malaysian United Party (MUP), officially registered in December 2016 under businessman Tan Gin Theam.

On 17 May 2026, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi formally took over the party leadership during an event in Petaling Jaya.

The move came after both men:

• Lost internal PKR leadership contests in 2025
• Resigned from the Cabinet
• Became increasingly critical of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration
• Eventually announced they would vacate their parliamentary seats and subsequently leave PKR

The Party Logo and Colour Scheme

Naturally, one of the first things Bersama changed was its visual identity. To get to know a new political party, the most obvious thing we’ll see is their party logo, which optically represents everything they stand for.

Here’s what the party logo looked like before:

Rafizi unveiled a new logo featuring a kancil (mouse deer). The choice is symbolic because the kancil is a famous character in Malay folklore for being:

• Small but clever
• Strategic rather than forceful
• Able to outsmart larger opponents

Politically, many observers see this as Rafizi signalling a “smart challenger” image against larger political coalitions.

As for the colours, Bersama’s public branding uses blue and yellow, a major shift from the party’s old red-and-white branding under its previous leadership.

What Does the Party Stand For?

This is the most important question, and also the one where details are still emerging.

Its core positioning can be described as “third force” politics. Even before Rafizi took over, Parti Bersama Malaysia described itself as a centrist platform and a check-and-balance party against both government and opposition blocs.

Based on their speeches and political histories, Bersama is expected to lean toward:

• Reformist politics
• Technocratic governance
• Institutional reform
• Anti-corruption policies
• Economic restructuring
• Moderate multiracial politics

This mirrors much of Rafizi’s long-time political identity inside PKR:

• Data-driven policymaking
• Subsidy reform
• Governance transparency
• Urban middle-class appeal

Nik Nazmi meanwhile brings:

• Environmental and climate policy credentials
• Youth engagement
• Progressive policy branding

Are they party-hopping?

Malaysia has anti-party hopping laws, and that’s why Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stressed that they are vacating their parliamentary seats voluntarily first, as reported by The Star.

The duo explained that a calculated, multi-stage timeline was engineered specifically to respect the electorate and bypass legal and financial penalties.

By vacating their respective Pandan and Setiawangsa seats effective Monday (18 May 18), before officially joining Bersama on Tuesday (19 May), the politicians argue they are completely untethered from the “party hopper” label.

Membership structure and fees

As of now, the Bersama lifetime membership fee is RM20, according to their official website. Members will also receive a membership card with the Bersama Kancil logo and colours.

The party is also accepting donations from the public who wish to support their mission and vision.

A statement on the donation page reads: “Bersama’s strength and independence are built on the support of ordinary citizens like you. Your donations will help Bersama in our fight against vested interests and corruption, and in our mission to build a fairer and better Malaysia.”

Strengths and weaknesses of Bersama

Rafizi has built himself a reputation through exposing alleged scandals, economic policy debates, and highly organised campaign operations, making him one of Malaysia’s strongest political communicators and campaign strategists.

We may also expect Bersama to rely heavily on digital-savvy politics such as use of social media, digital mobilisation, data analytics, and younger volunteers.

Beyond that, Bersama appears to be aiming for a national multiracial image as well, unlike ethnic-based parties.

On the other hand, unlike PKR, UMNO, PAS, or DAP, Bersama currently lacks:

• Nationwide branches
• Election machinery
• Entrenched local organisers

The future of Bersama and why it matters

This is arguably the biggest split involving former senior PKR leaders since the Reformasi era matured into government politics.

It matters because:

• Rafizi was once seen as Anwar’s heir apparent
• Nik Nazmi was a major younger-generation PKR figure
• Bersama could reshape opposition and centrist politics if it gains traction

Right now, Bersama is still in its “identity-building” phase. The logo, colours, and symbolism are already public. The deeper test will be whether the party can recruit nationally, survive by-elections, and define a political identity beyond dissatisfaction with PKR.

More detailed information on Bersama can be found on their official website HERE.

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A woman, believed to be a Chinese national, allegedly jumped from an upper level of KLIA’s departure hall after discovering she could not board her flight home — reportedly because she had no boarding pass and had run out of money to buy a return ticket home to China.

Videos circulating on social media showed bystanders gathering at the scene, with one eyewitness claiming the woman was still able to stand and walk in a dazed state after the fall.

KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi confirmed that at 1.35 pm, a woman was found forcing her way through an autogate at International Departure Gate C without a valid ticket, acting aggressively when approached by security personnel — and was detained at 1.45 pm.

Investigations revealed she had entered Malaysia on 30 April for a holiday but could not afford a return flight.

She was remanded for one day under Section 7 of the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959, which carries up to two years’ imprisonment.

View on Threads

The Deaths That Came Before

This is not KLIA’s first crisis in May.

On 1 May, a 27-year-old Chinese woman was seen sitting on the edge of a balcony on Level 3 of KLIA Terminal 2, crying and screaming.

Airport staff tried to calm her down, but when a security officer attempted to pull her to safety, she struggled and fell — she was treated at the scene before being rushed to Putrajaya Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:09 pm.

That same day, a 30-year-old Algerian national died in a separate, unrelated fall at the same terminal.

He jumped over a safety barrier after leaving his backpack, was treated at the scene and taken to Cyberjaya Hospital, but passed away early the next morning.

View on Threads

TRP has reached out to MAHB for comment and will update this article when a response is received.

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The announcement by former Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and his ally Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad that they have taken over Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has sparked strong reactions among their supporters.

Beyond their base, the move also drew close attention from media outlets, with both former PKR deputy president and vice-president seen as figures who are no longer aligned with the current government’s direction.

Suffice to say, the two former PKR heavyweights still command significant public and media interest, as evidenced by coverage from international outlets.

READ MORE: Rafizi Ramli, Nik Nazmi Bid PKR Farewell, Announce Takeover Of Old Party Bersama Malaysia

However, shortly after the announcement, a dispute emerged online involving individuals allegedly supportive of the duo and members of the media fraternity.

Both Nikkei Asia and senior media practitioner Norman Goh reported that more than 1,000 people attended the event to witness the announcement live.

View on Threads

While the figure may not appear extraordinary, it remains notable given the context, particularly for political figures who were once part of the establishment but are now positioning themselves outside it.

However, the reported turnout was quickly challenged on social media platform Threads, where a user claimed that over 3,000 people had attended the event held at the PJ Performing Arts Centre in One Utama E, Bandar Utama.

@zuwairi7 alleged that the hall was filled to capacity, with attendees seated on the floor and spillover crowds gathering outside, suggesting a significantly larger turnout.

View on Threads

The claim, however, was disputed by other users, some of whom questioned why there was an attempt to contest media reports so early in the political movement’s trajectory.

TRP was unable to independently verify the higher estimate and observed that the figure appeared to be exaggerated based on available visuals and venue capacity.

Responding to the claims, Norman clarified that the hall where the event was held has a seating capacity of approximately 684, making the reported figure of just over 1,000 attendees a reasonable estimate when accounting for standing room.

TRP also leans towards this assessment, as media practitioners typically exercise caution when reporting attendance figures.

This is not only to maintain credibility but also to ensure that reporting remains accurate, unbiased, and grounded in verifiable facts rather than speculation or partisan narratives.

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