M Malayan Post

Clear, modern coverage of Malaysian news and analysis.

RK
World Desk

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh tracks geopolitics, trade and ASEAN-level diplomacy.

1286 articles published

Zahid Reaffirms BN Stability, Rules Out Any Move Against Anwar

Barisan Nasional deputy president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected speculation about moves to remove Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, pledging the coalition's unwavering support for the unity government until Parliament dissolves.

· · 4 min read

MACC Should Probe eFishery Investment Deal, Says Anwar Despite Early Findings

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that while initial scrutiny of the Retirement Fund Incorporated's RM163.4 million investment in Indonesian aquaculture firm eFishery reveals no apparent misconduct, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should nonetheless conduct a thorough investigation.

· · 4 min read

Kelantan Police Station Chief Held in MACC Bribery Probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has detained a police station chief in Kelantan over allegations involving solicitation of nearly RM1,000. The move underscores growing enforcement against misconduct within the state's law enforcement ranks.

· · 3 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Ministers Quit Cabinet Over PN Cooperation

The Pakatan Harapan youth wing has escalated pressure on the unity government by demanding that all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers step down, alleging a fundamental breach of coalition principles through PN engagement.

· · 4 min read

New York Mayor Weighs Netanyahu Arrest During UN Summit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed ongoing discussions about potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming United Nations summit, a move that has prompted immediate condemnation from Netanyahu's office.

· · 3 min read

Linggi race a toss-up, admits Aminuddin as Negri Sembilan campaign heats up

Caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has conceded that his bid to retain the Linggi seat in the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election will be fiercely contested, describing his prospects as evenly balanced despite the constituency's historical ties to Barisan Nasional.

· · 4 min read

Muhyiddin Rejects Annuar's Claims Over Bersatu-PN Separation

Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has publicly contradicted Pengurusan Seberang Setia leader Annuar Musa's narrative regarding Bersatu's separation from Perikatan Nasional, disputing claims the party voluntarily withdrew from the coalition.

· · 4 min read

Trump Resurrects Discredited 2020 Election Fraud Claims Without Evidence

President Trump has reiterated thoroughly debunked allegations regarding the 2020 US election, claiming China obtained voter records and suggesting Venezuela interfered with voting infrastructure—assertions that courts and election authorities have repeatedly rejected.

· · 4 min read

CIMB Securities Backs Padini with 'Buy' Rating as Legal Cloud Lifts

CIMB Securities has reiterated its 'Buy' recommendation on Malaysian fashion retailer Padini Holdings, projecting 27% upside potential as the company's recent clarification regarding a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation removes investor uncertainty.

· · 3 min read

Bangladesh Seizes $6.2 Billion in Assets Linked to Ousted PM Hasina

Bangladesh has confiscated assets worth US$6.2 billion (760 billion taka) connected to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and ten major business conglomerates, marking a significant escalation in the country's post-transition accountability process.

· · 4 min read

Utah Man Arrested for Faith-Motivated Stabbing of Muslim Victim

A Utah resident faces charges after police allege he stabbed a Muslim man multiple times, explicitly targeting the victim based on his faith. The case highlights ongoing concerns about religiously motivated violence in the United States.

· · 3 min read

Former Civil Servant Held Over RM300,000 False Claims Scam

Authorities have arrested a former government employee accused of submitting forged documents to obtain approximately RM300,000 in fraudulent financial assistance, raising fresh concerns about document forgery within the public sector.

· · 4 min read

Johor RTD Cracks Down on Helmetless Campaign Riders

Johor's Road Transport Department has launched enforcement action against helmetless motorcycle riders during the state's recent election campaign, issuing investigation notices to violators caught on the road.

· · 3 min read

King Receives MACC Chief Commissioner at Istana Negara

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim received Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman at Istana Negara today. The audience reflects the ongoing relationship between Malaysia's constitutional head of state and key institutional leaders.

· · 4 min read

No deal with Pas on Negri Sembilan seats, says Zahid

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims of any seat-sharing agreement with Pas ahead of the Negri Sembilan state election, clarifying that negotiations remain fluid.

· · 4 min read

Two men held in RM20,000 yaba haul at Kelantan rest stop

Kelantan police have arrested two individuals following a controlled operation that uncovered a significant drug cache at a popular roadside rest area, marking another success in ongoing regional narcotics enforcement.

· · 3 min read

University Student Arrested in Cyberjaya Prostitution Raid

A university student was arrested during a police raid on a Cyberjaya apartment suspected of operating as a prostitution venue. The student reportedly turned to sex work to supplement her income during the semester break.

· · 3 min read

RM6.19 Million In Frozen Pork Seized In Miri Warehouse Operation

Authorities in Miri have arrested a man and recovered RM6.19 million in frozen pork products believed to have entered the country without proper import documentation, in a significant enforcement operation targeting illegal food trafficking.

· · 4 min read

Myanmar needs inclusive dialogue to end crisis, says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia believes Myanmar's political turmoil can only be addressed through inclusive engagement with all parties, emphasising the need for the nation's people to chart their own future.

· · 3 min read

MACC to recommend charges in 69 Daya Kerjaya 2.0 abuse cases

Malaysia's anti-corruption body is advancing charges against individuals implicated in misusing the government's flagship Daya Kerjaya 2.0 employment incentive programme, marking a significant step in combating fraud within national economic initiatives.

· · 3 min read

Cabinet to Review E-Invoice System Implementation

Malaysia's cabinet has agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of the e-Invoice system implementation, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, signalling potential adjustments to the digital tax reporting framework.

· · 3 min read

MACC Probe Findings Will Determine RCI Decision, Says Azalina

The government will decide whether to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry into alleged corporate mafia practices within the MACC based on investigation findings and public interest considerations, Justice Minister Azalina says.

· · 4 min read

Three detained in RM20 million loan fraud probe

Three individuals have been detained in connection with a RM20 million fraud scheme involving falsified documents submitted to obtain bank loans, marking another significant financial crime case.

· · 3 min read

Rural Development Must Align With Global Agenda, Says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that Malaysia's rural development strategy must evolve to match global economic priorities, positioning the National Rural Economic Agenda as a framework for sustainable progress.

· · 4 min read

Rafizi Jibes at Puad Over 'Portfolio Switch' After Anwar Embrace

Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has mocked Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi over an apparent political realignment, joking that the latter has switched his 'portfolio' from Umno to PKR following a public embrace with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

· · 3 min read

British Woman Arrested in Pattaya Over Boyfriend's Fatal Stabbing

Thai police have arrested a 21-year-old British national in Pattaya on suspicion of fatally stabbing her 34-year-old boyfriend at their upscale rental residence. The incident raises fresh concerns about violence among foreign residents in the coastal resort city.

· · 4 min read

Super Micro Taiwan Staff Detained in AI Server Export Probe

Super Micro disclosed that two employees at its Taiwan facility face detention pending court hearings, while two others were released on bail, as Taiwanese authorities investigate potential illegal shipments of sophisticated AI servers containing Nvidia processors.

· · 4 min read

Syed Saddiq to learn fate in final appeal tomorrow

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will receive the Federal Court's final verdict on his corruption charges tomorrow, marking the conclusion of a closely watched legal battle that has captured national attention.

· · 3 min read

Johor police dismantle drug ring in major RM3.59 million seizure

Johor police have dismantled a significant drug operation in Kulai following the arrest of a married couple and the seizure of narcotics valued at RM3.59 million, marking a substantial victory in the state's ongoing war against trafficking.

· · 4 min read

Iran Dismisses US Claims Over Use of Unfrozen Assets

Iran's parliamentary speaker has rejected US claims that unfrozen Iranian assets will be spent on American agricultural goods, marking the latest dispute between Tehran and Washington over fund allocation.

· · 3 min read

Melaka JPJ Seizes 60 Vehicles In Operation PEWA

The Melaka Road Transport Department seized 60 vehicles during Operation PEWA, with 243 vehicles inspected overall. The majority of violations involved foreign nationals driving without valid licences or insurance.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin marks 100 days: Crisis manager or structural reformer?

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stabilised the kingdom during his first 100 days in office, managing an energy crisis and launching popular subsidy schemes. Yet analysts question whether his administration will tackle deeper structural economic weaknesses plaguing Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia to Launch Comprehensive Child Protection Advocacy in Schools

Malaysia's Education Ministry will spearhead nationwide advocacy programmes on child protection legislation, including the Child Act 2001, Anti-Bullying Act 2026, and Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission.

· · 4 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Access to Nuclear Sites Pending US Deal

Iran has rejected International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities, insisting access will only be granted after a final agreement with the United States and complete sanctions removal.

· · 4 min read

Clarke Concedes Scotland's World Cup Dream Over After Brazil Collapse

Scotland's World Cup campaign appears to be ending after a 3-0 loss to Brazil. Coach Steve Clarke acknowledged his team gave away the goals through poor defending, though Scotland retain a slim mathematical chance of advancing as one of eight best third-placed teams.

· · 4 min read

PERKESO Achieves Over 96% Claims Processing Compliance Rate

The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has exceeded 96% compliance in processing claims and benefit payments for contributors, reflecting improved service delivery through enhanced Customer Charter standards and digital infrastructure.

· · 4 min read

Kuala Lumpur's Cable Theft Crisis Showing Signs of Easing

Kuala Lumpur police have recorded a substantial decline in cable theft incidents, reporting just 71 cases in the first five months of the year. The improvement suggests law enforcement strategies are beginning to yield results.

· · 4 min read

Iran-US Deal Frees Stranded Oil Tankers in Hormuz, Easing Global Supply Crunch

An interim agreement between Iran and the United States is allowing stranded oil tankers to resume movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Three vessels carrying 5 million barrels have begun exiting the chokepoint, with Asian refiners among the primary beneficiaries as global crude supplies gradually normalise.

· · 5 min read

Police arrest 1,156 in major crackdown on illegal World Cup betting networks

Malaysian police have dismantled a sprawling network of illegal gambling operations capitalising on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, arresting 1,156 individuals and conducting 868 raids across Kuala Lumpur in what marks a significant enforcement action against underground betting syndicates.

· · 3 min read

Bondi Beach Hero Denies Assault Charges Against Father

Ahmed al Ahmed, the Sydney fruit seller who became an international hero by disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach mass shooting, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his father and domestic intimidation charges.

· · 4 min read

UK Court Clears Way for £3 Billion Apple iCloud Antitrust Claim

Britain's competition tribunal has authorised consumer group Which? to proceed with a £3 billion lawsuit against Apple, alleging the tech giant restricted cloud storage choices and overcharged millions of customers through its iCloud service.

· · 4 min read

South Korea's Ruling Party Chief Steps Down Ahead of Leadership Contest

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party chairman Jung Chung-rae has resigned, signalling his intention to contest the party's August leadership election. The move comes amid accusations that he favours hardline supporters over collaboration with President Lee Jae Myung.

· · 4 min read

Alibaba Challenges US Military Company Designation in Federal Court

Alibaba has sued the US Department of Defense, challenging its recent designation as a Chinese military company. The e-commerce giant argues the classification lacks factual or legal foundation and that it operates independently in commercial sectors.

· · 4 min read

EU Steps Up Crackdown on Meta's Child-Targeting Design Practices

The European Commission is preparing preliminary findings accusing Meta of using addictive design techniques to hook child users on Facebook and Instagram, intensifying regulatory pressure on the US tech giant under strict content moderation rules.

· · 4 min read

Montreal Police Officer Among Three Killed in Shooting

A Montreal police officer died on duty during a shooting that claimed three lives, including a civilian and the suspected attacker. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and say the shooter acted alone.

· · 4 min read

Australia's PM Rejects Far-Right Push for 'Monocultural' Nation

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected far-right Senator Pauline Hanson's call for Australia to abandon multiculturalism and adopt a monocultural identity, characterising the proposal as divisive and historically inaccurate.

· · 4 min read

Iran Signals Progress Towards US Peace Deal After Switzerland Summit

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced Monday that significant progress was achieved during intensive talks in Switzerland aimed at establishing a final agreement with the United States, with new mechanisms agreed for ceasefire oversight and regional stability.

· · 4 min read

How Britain's Monarch Appoints the Next Prime Minister

King Charles III holds a rare personal prerogative in appointing Britain's next prime minister. The monarch must select someone commanding House of Commons confidence, typically the majority party leader, guided by constitutional convention and political advice.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Complete First Round of Talks in Switzerland

Iran and the United States have wrapped up their initial negotiating session in Switzerland, with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan present. The talks focused on implementing terms of a recent interim accord aimed at resolving Middle Eastern tensions.

· · 4 min read

Open-Toe Socks: Fashion's Quirky Summer Answer to the Heat

Open-toe socks are emerging as an unexpected summer trend in Asia, offering a middle ground between bare feet and traditional socks. The breathable accessory pairs with flip-flops and sandals for comfort and style.

· · 4 min read

Five arrested after teenage cousins found safe in Machang

Authorities have detained five individuals following the discovery of two missing teenage cousins in Machang. The pair had vanished from Kampung Baloh near Kok Lanas on Thursday evening before being located safely.

· · 3 min read

Italian officials express fury over Trump's remarks about PM Meloni

Italy has expressed strong displeasure after US President Donald Trump made remarks characterising Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as seeking a photograph opportunity. The comments sparked diplomatic tensions, prompting the Italian Foreign Minister to rescind a planned visit to the United States.

· · 4 min read

Morocco Coach Backs Hakimi Despite Fan Jeers at World Cup

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi has rallied behind captain Achraf Hakimi following hostile crowd reactions during Friday's 1-0 World Cup victory against Scotland, as the Paris Saint-Germain defender faces rape trial charges in France.

· · 4 min read

One Dead, Dozens Injured in UK Train Collision North of London

A fatal collision between two passenger trains north of London on Friday has claimed one life and left dozens injured, with 11 passengers and crew members sustaining serious injuries. Emergency responders were deployed immediately to the scene.

· · 3 min read

Morocco coach backs Hakimi amid rape allegations trial

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is proceeding through a rape trial in France while retaining the support of Morocco's national team coach, who describes the player as remaining composed throughout the legal proceedings.

· · 3 min read

Thai Man Faces Prison for Facebook Comment Criticising Monarchy

A Thai court has imprisoned a man for 18 months on royal defamation charges stemming from a single comment he posted in a Facebook group focused on discussing monarchy issues, highlighting ongoing tensions between free speech protections and Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws.

· · 4 min read

Achraf Hakimi to face rape charges in French court

A French court has ordered Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial on rape charges. The appeals court in Versailles confirmed the decision Friday, moving the case forward after initial investigations.

· · 3 min read

19-Year-Old Foreigner Faces Rape Charge in Sandakan

A 19-year-old foreigner appeared in Sandakan Sessions Court today facing charges of raping a 61-year-old Malaysian woman. The alleged offence occurred on March 21, marking another serious crime case in Sabah's eastern districts.

· · 3 min read

ASEAN and Russia Chart Five-Year Partnership Path at Kazan Summit

ASEAN and Russia have reinforced their partnership at a summit in Kazan, adopting a comprehensive five-year action plan and reaffirming support for dialogue-based solutions to regional conflicts, with Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong emphasising the importance of upholding international law.

· · 6 min read

UAE Joins Global Wave with Social Media Ban for Under-15s

The UAE has become the first Arab country to impose a social media ban for under-15s, requiring platforms to disable accounts or face blocking. The move mirrors similar restrictions in Australia, Britain, and other nations over mental health and child safety concerns.

· · 6 min read

Teacher Among Four Men Arrested in Besut Drug Den Raid

Police have arrested four men, including a schoolteacher, following a raid on a house in Besut suspected of operating as a drug distribution point. The operation highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts across Terengganu.

· · 4 min read

Teacher arrested in Terengganu cannabis raid

Four men, including a teacher, were arrested in Besut, Terengganu during a drug raid targeting cannabis distribution. The operation centred on a residence in Kampung Raja.

· · 4 min read

Nine Arrested in Pekan Fake Medical Certificates Racket

Authorities in Pekan have arrested nine individuals linked to a scheme involving the sale and purchase of fraudulent medical certificates, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into document forgery.

· · 3 min read

Local Authorities Must Proactively Maintain Public Facilities, Says Hannah Yeoh

Malaysia's Minister in the PM's Department for Federal Territories Hannah Yeoh has called on local authorities to take greater responsibility for maintaining public facilities. She emphasised that cleanliness and safety must be prioritised without requiring viral social media complaints to prompt action.

· · 4 min read

STPM Proves Its Worth as Competitive Gateway to Malaysian Universities

Three students achieving perfect 4.00 CGPA in the 2025 STPM examination demonstrate the qualification's continued relevance as an affordable, rigorous and inclusive route to university, with particular strengths for low-income families and students with disabilities.

· · 4 min read

Mystikal Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for 2022 Rape

Grammy-nominated rapper Mystikal has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following his guilty plea to third-degree rape in Louisiana. The 2022 incident at his Prairieville home marks another serious criminal conviction for the artist.

· · 3 min read

US and India Make Headway on Delayed Trade Deal

India and the United States have achieved notable momentum in negotiations for a long-pending bilateral trade agreement, with officials instructed to finalise a balanced deal soon.

· · 4 min read

G7 Unites Behind Ukraine While Trump Pushes Russia to Negotiate

The Group of Seven has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and pursuing a lasting peace settlement, with US President Donald Trump publicly urging Russia to enter negotiations despite rising tensions among Western allies.

· · 5 min read

Marcos Heads to Russia for Historic Asean Summit and Putin Talks

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has departed for Kazan, Russia, to lead the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit and meet with President Putin. The visit marks the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Russian diplomatic relations and the 35th year of Asean-Russia ties.

· · 4 min read

Woman Faces Neglect Charges After Child Dies in 12-storey Fall

A foreign woman appeared in Johor Baru Sessions Court facing child neglect charges following a tragic incident in which her young son died and daughter suffered severe injuries after plummeting from a 12th-floor apartment in Tampoi.

· · 3 min read

Man held over theft of 43 metres of KTMB cables in Taiping

Authorities in Taiping have arrested a suspect accused of stealing 43 metres of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad railway cables from the Padang Rengas-Kamunting railway line. The alleged theft occurred in the early hours at Km95.75.

· · 3 min read

Penang Shuts Down 177 Food Premises for Hygiene Failures

Penang's health authorities have temporarily shuttered 177 food establishments after discovering serious hygiene violations during inspections. Pest control failures account for the majority of violations.

· · 4 min read

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir sentenced to 8½ years for sexual assault

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of sexual assault and assault causing injury by a Valencia court. The ruling marks another significant case in Spain's ongoing reckoning with misconduct in sports.

· · 3 min read

Brunei Police Arrest Two Women in Vice Activity Crackdown

Brunei police have arrested two local women during separate operations targeting suspected immoral activities. The Gambling Suppression and Vice Prevention Unit conducted raids in two kampongs in Brunei-Muara District.

· · 1 min read