10/09/2025

‘Muhyiddin behind push to be opposition candidate for next PM’ Ex-PM’s endorsement by Bersatu irks

WEDNESDAY SEPT 10, 2025

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Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY PAS leaders, who say decision made without consultation with partners in Perikatan Nasional: Party insider SIM card loophole Report on — page 4 SCAN ME No. 8909 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Move to tighten age verification on social media platforms meaningless without first tackling widespread availability of pre-registered numbers: Experts

Only when the government implements proper digital identity governance can it credibly instruct social media platforms to remove accounts that do not meet verification standards, says expert. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

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Security tightened at LNG facilities in Sabah, Sarawak

MACC chief details millions of ringgit in seized assets, looming prosecutions and investigations reaching into highest levels of politics, business and civil service. Graft-busters provide updates on high-profile cases

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DPM and IGP confirm measure taken in response to SMS threats to burn Petronas liquefied natural gas plants after ‘specific requests’ were ignored.

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 10, 2025

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Security tightened at nation’s LNG hubs after threats: DPM

‘Malaysia’s healthcare system needs urgent reform’ PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must move quickly to reform its healthcare system as demographic shifts, rising chronic diseases and mounting financial pressures threaten to overwhelm public services, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Speaking at the 14th Allied Health Scientific Conference 2025, he said Malaysia’s gains in extending life expectancy and improving maternal and child health risk being overshadowed by new challenges. “By 2030, 15% of Malaysians will be above 60. Non-communicable diseases already account for more than 70% of premature deaths, costing RM64.2 billion annually. “Our workforce is stretched thin, overworked and overburdened while financial pressures demand a system that is both equitable and sustainable.” He said Malaysia’s dual healthcare system is increasingly lopsided, with public hospitals bearing most of the load while private facilities remain underutilised. “Without intervention, the gap will only grow. The task is clear – strengthen the public system to deliver universal health coverage while giving the private sector a structured, complementary role.” Dzulkefly said health financing has been prioritised under the 13th Malaysia Plan and in the upcoming Budget 2026 as out-of-pocket payments remain high. “Malaysians still spend about 36% of total health expenditure from their own pockets, nearly double the World Health Organisation’s recommended benchmark of below 20%. “To fix this, we need a financing model that is equitable, sustainable and future-proof.” He outlined reforms under the Reset framework, developed with the Finance Ministry, Bank Negara and the Employees Provident Fund, bringing several initiatives under one umbrella. These include RakanKKM (premium services in public hospitals with revenues reinvested), the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful scheme (a voluntary option for middle-income families), the Diagnosis Related Groups model (a performance-based hospital payment system), and the National Health Fund (a pooled fund from taxation, levies and contributions). “Every ringgit collected will be ring-fenced and channelled back into strengthening our public health system. “Let me be clear. This is not privatisation. These reforms are about strengthening our public system because only the public system serves every Malaysian, in every corner of the country.” Turning to digitalisation, Dzulkefly said reforms are already showing results, with electronic medical records now used in 275 health clinics and 22 public hospitals. Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that security measures were immediately reinforced at Petronas LNG sites nationwide. He said the employee who received the SMS had lodged a police report, enabling investigators to begin tracing the source of the threats. “Police, including contingents nationwide, are working to enhance security at all Petronas LNG facilities. We are ensuring that the situation remains under control,” he said during a blood donation campaign held in conjunction with the 218th Police Day celebration. Malaysia is one of the world’s top exporters of LNG. In 2023, it was ranked as the fifth-largest LNG exporter globally, after Russia, Qatar, Australia and the United States, with exports of about 26.75 million tonnes.

Malaysia’s LNG infrastructure. “He asked for an answer, but when no response was given, he threatened to burn our LNG, though it is unclear which facility he was referring to.” Fadillah said the government is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness as LNG installations are classified as critical national assets vital to both the economy and energy security. On Monday, the NSC said all facilities in Bintulu had been instructed to immediately tighten security. It said the directive was intended to allow security forces and relevant agencies to conduct swift investigations and ensure readiness in case the threats materialise. The council also reminded the public not to speculate on the matter, adding that official updates would be issued as the situation develops.

o Alert raised after Petronas employee gets alarming SMS warning gas facilities would be set on fire if demands not met

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

not met. “The threatening messages came from Indonesia, but who exactly was behind them is still under police investigation. As a precaution, the National Security Council (NSC) has ordered security to be strengthened at all LNG facilities in Bintulu and Sabah since the threats only referred to LNG in general.” Fadillah was speaking after launching the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security here yesterday. He said the individual had issued a demand, and when it was ignored threatened to attack

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has confirmed that Petronas’ liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Sarawak and Sabah have been placed under heightened security after receiving threatening messages from a phone number registered in Indonesia. The alert was raised when a Petronas employee at the company’s headquarters received an alarming SMS warning that LNG plants would be set on fire if demands made by the sender were

Anwar delivering the keynote address at the conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Good governance safeguard for financial market, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Good governance must be recognised as a strategic asset and a pillar of credibility in the financial market, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said good governance is a magnet for investments and a safeguard to ensure that progress is shared fairly. Anwar added that it is in this spirit that the Madani government has pursued wide-ranging reforms, including strengthening the mandate of the National Audit Department, led by the Auditor General, through the first amendment to the Audit Act in 33 years.

Anwar commended the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia for launching the Statement of Risk Management and Internal Control Guide 2025 with Bursa Malaysia, describing it as an important step. He said the guide provides firms with a blueprint to embed risk awareness, boost investor confidence and prepare for environmental, social, governance and other emerging risks. “The responsibility before us is great but the opportunity is greater still – to build institutions that earn trust at home, command respect abroad and leave a legacy of integrity for generations to come.” – Bernama

receiving public funds. “This ‘follow-the-public-money’ approach helps curb leakages and corruption. It ensures that every ringgit of the national budget is spent for its intended purpose.” Anwar said good governance is a central pillar of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030. He added that alongside policies to boost the economy and strengthen social protection, the 13MP makes clear that reforming the public service is crucial. He said the government could not achieve good governance by itself, and the support of the private sector and professional bodies is also vital.

“It may not have been a glamorous reform but it was an essential one.” He was speaking at the Asian Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditors Conference 2025. Anwar said the government also set up a serious irregularities committee to act swiftly on critical breaches, holding offenders accountable and protecting public funds. He said since 2024, follow-up audits had already recovered and safeguarded RM159 million. He added that new auditing guidelines extend the National Audit Department’s oversight to any entity

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 10, 2025

3 ‘Age checks on TikTok useless without SIM card reform’

M’sia champions women as peacemakers

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Women must not only be seen as victims of conflict but also recognised as leaders, protectors and agents of peace, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Unveiling Malaysia’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS) 2025–2030, Nancy said the framework aims to strengthen women’s role in peacebuilding while addressing gender inequality. “If women are not included, inequality will persist, which undermines their protection. But when women are part of peace and reconciliation, they help make peace more durable.” She admitted advancing the agenda was not easy, with some quarters still resistant. “If we fail, women suffer – and women are mothers, sisters and daughters who hold families and communities together,” she said, adding that Malaysia is working with Asean, the UN and regional partners to share experiences. Nancy said Malaysia’s participation in 39 peacekeeping missions had already earned UN recognition. She stressed that women’s empowerment must also extend into the economy. “Financial independence builds confidence and creates stronger communities,” she said, citing the government’s 60% female workforce participation target. Measures include childcare and elderly care subsidies, lactation rooms at workplaces and collaboration with police unit D11, which tackles sexual crimes and domestic violence, she added. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who launched the plan at the 2025 Asean Women, Peace and Security Summit, said women must be central to peace processes. “The WPS agenda is not paperwork. No peace will last if half of humanity is left outside the door. It is not an add-on to diplomacy but part of its foundation,” he said. Citing a study by UN Women, he noted that peace agreements are 35% more likely to endure for at least 15 years when women are meaningfully involved. “Inclusivity and sustainability must go hand in hand with women’s participation. “Imagine if every peace process had women fully engaged. Together, we can ensure women are not just at the table, but leading in building resilient and peaceful societies.”

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Pre-registered numbers, weak digital identity systems leave loopholes for criminals and undermine credibility : Expert

He warned that criminals exploit fake or pre-registered numbers to hide their real identities, making it nearly impossible for authorities to track them. “Only once the government implements proper governance on digital identity can it credibly instruct social media platforms to remove accounts that don’t meet verification standards.” MCCA, he added, has long raised the issue at both domestic and international levels but with limited response from authorities. “We don’t defend TikTok or other platforms. We also criticise them when necessary. But before blaming them, the government must first put its own house in order.,” Siraj said. Echoing the concern, International Islamic University Malaysia deputy legal adviser Dr Sonny Zulhuda described the availability of pre-registered SIM cards as “alarming”, regardless of how widespread the practice is. “The quantity does not matter. As long as a criminal can easily obtain a pre-registered SIM card, he or she can execute criminal intent with little difficulty. The fact that they are available at all is already alarming ab initio (from the beginning),” he said. Sonny added that the use of such SIM cards undermines law enforcement’s ability to trace online crimes. “To establish criminal liability, the first gateway is registration identities. Under Section 114A of the Evidence Act, there is a presumption of publication against anyone whose name or identity is attached to an electronic platform. “If illegal content is posted using an account linked to another person’s name, the police are entitled to investigate that individual because their identity appears. This legal presumption, however, breaks down when fake or pre-registered SIM cards are used,” he said. Both experts agree that until Malaysia strengthens SIM card registration and builds a solid national digital identity framework, proposals for stricter age verification on social media will remain largely rhetorical. Siraj said the government must return to the root of the problem by fixing internet identity registration before turning to platforms. “Why are criminals so bold on social media? Because they have no identity. They know they can’t be tracked. Even if chased, they won’t be caught, because no one knows who they are. “Once the government strengthens identity verification at the SIM card and internet level, it will then be in a better position to ask platforms to remove accounts that don’t meet requirements, such as those using fake names or profile pictures.”

PETALING The government’s plan to tighten age verification on social media platforms such as TikTok risks falling flat unless Malaysia first addresses weaknesses in SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration and digital identity systems, experts warn. Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said while concerns over online threats to children are valid, the real problem lies at the “gateway” of internet access – the widespread availability of pre registered SIM cards. “If the government only focuses on social media platforms, it will always be problematic. Look online and you can still find SIM cards already registered under other people’s names being sold JAYA:

enabling stronger monitoring and enforcement. “Our main weakness is governance of digital identity. Without fixing that, we don’t have a strong voice to demand accountability from international platforms.” Siraj added that the failure to enforce proper SIM registration also undermines Malaysia’s credibility abroad. “Foreign SIM cards can even be bought here without registration. So, pushing age checks on social media while ignoring this makes the government’s approach look rhetorical.”

openly. This issue has persisted for more than a decade,” he told theSun . He said such SIM cards are frequently used by cybercriminals to conceal their identities. “The gateway for criminals remains open. If the government is not serious about tackling this, then pushing TikTok or other platforms is meaningless. You cannot fix the roof when the foundation is already broken,” Siraj said. He pointed to countries such as Germany, where SIM card registration is integrated with national digital identity systems,

INTELLIGENT URBAN SYSTEMS ... Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (second from left) said 36 of 156 local authorities have adopted smart city initiatives under PLANMalaysia’s guidance during a press conference after the 8th Asean Smart Cities Network annual meeting yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Law repealed, suicide attempts no longer criminal

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Another user @Scary_Drama9 responded that the provision was originally framed as a deterrent. The idea was that the fear of legal punishment might discourage suicide attempts. However, he added that in reality it had the opposite effect – “instead, it led to fear of seeking professional help”. Many concluded that the change was overdue. “This is a good move. They need help, not jail time,” one user wrote. The repeal is expected to shift Malaysia’s approach from punishment to care, recognising suicide as a public health concern and ensuring those at risk receive the support they need.

Public reaction has been largely positive, with many Malaysians welcoming the move as a compassionate step. User @tobifreakazoid on Reddit said: “This is a good first step. Now those attempting suicide can come forward and seek help without fear of being locked up.” User @momomelty commented: “Nice. Finally something good”, while user @djzeor described it as “a first step towards caring for the rakyat”. Others questioned the rationale of the old law, pointing out how criminalisation did little to prevent suicides. “I can’t even begin to understand the logic for criminalising it in the first place,” said user @Sekhmet_D.

individuals who survived a suicide attempt could face a fine or imprisonment of up to one year. Rights group and mental health advocates had long argued that criminalisation only discouraged vulnerable people from seeking help. Incidentally, World Suicide Prevention Day is today. The repeal aligns with the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2023, which equips police, firefighters, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency personnel, civil defence officers and social welfare officers with powers to forcibly enter premises to rescue individuals in danger of self-harm. Rescued persons must then be referred for psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours.

PETALING JAYA: Attempted suicide will no longer be a crime in Malaysia when Section 309 of the Penal Code is repealed today, marking a major shift in how Malaysia addresses mental health crises. The enforcement of the Penal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2023 [Act A1691] was announced in a federal gazette dated Sept 9, with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said setting the enforcement date under subsection 1(2) of the Act. Under the old provision,

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Bersatu PM candidate nominated himself: Insider

PN yet to decide on prime minister nominee: PAS PETALING JAYA: PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said PN has yet to decide on its prime ministerial candidate for the 16th General Election (GE16). Speaking to theSun , Tuan Ibrahim said the decision lies with the PN Presidential Council, which has not discussed the matter. “Such significant decisions will be made within the PN Presidential Council. However, so far, this issue has not been brought up.” Without directly addressing internal tensions, he added that selecting a “poster boy” is not a longstanding feature of Malaysian politics. “This is a relatively new practice. Traditionally, the coalition that secures the most parliamentary seats will decide among themselves who becomes prime minister.” He also said the candidate would then be formally appointed by the King of Malaysia after demonstrating majority support in Parliament. Tuan Ibrahim’s remarks followed Bersatu’s recent AGM, in which party president and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was endorsed as Bersatu’s choice for the 11th Prime Minister. Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali later announced on Facebook that the party had unanimously agreed to back Muhyiddin. However, the matter does not appear to have been formally deliberated by the PN presidential council, raising questions about internal consensus. Tuan Ibrahim said for now, PAS is focused on strengthening PN’s parliamentary numbers ahead of the election. “Our priority is ensuring we are in a position to form a government. We are working hard on the ground to make this possible. “As for the prime ministerial candidate, PAS leaves that to the PN presidential council,” he said, adding that any decision must have the endorsement of all member parties. PN currently comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party. The coalition has also allied with Muda, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia, Berjasa, the Malaysian Advancement Party, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party and the yet-to-be registered Urimai. Despite Bersatu’s endorsement, Muhyiddin faced dissent at the assembly. He said during his address on Saturday night some members had been collecting signatures in an apparent bid to oust him from the party presidency. The disclosure triggered heckling from a group of grassroots members calling for his resignation, though most delegates responded with chants of “Hidup Tan Sri” in support. Analysts have suggested that Muhyiddin may have overstayed his tenure, arguing his grip on power endures largely due to backing from Bersatu’s supreme council. Seeking to douse speculation of a rift, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin pledged loyalty to Muhyiddin on Sunday. This came amid rumours that as many as 122 Bersatu division chiefs had signed statutory declarations urging Muhyiddin to begin a leadership transition before GE16. Bersatu Women’s Wing chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin downplayed talk of division, saying differences between Muhyiddin and Hamzah did not threaten party stability. “I believe, and hope, both of them can cooperate and strategise to position Bersatu as a champion of the people’s issues,” she told theSun . Attempts to obtain further clarification from Azmin, who also serves as PN secretary general, went unanswered at press time. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

o Muhyiddin worked with Azmin to put name forward, claims source

source told theSun . The insider added that Muhyiddin and Azmin are relying on each other for political survival, despite no longer being seen as the preferred choices among leaders of other PN component parties. “Following the announcement, several PAS leaders expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that the decision was made without consulting PN partners. They stressed there was no immediate need to name a prime ministerial candidate. “What the coalition should be focusing on is winning the election and increasing its representation in Parliament. That is the priority, for both Bersatu and PN.” At Bersatu’s annual general assembly last weekend, Muhyiddin, who is both party president and PN chairman, was formally endorsed as Bersatu’s choice for prime minister. Azmin later released a statement on Facebook saying the decision had been unanimous. However, senior PAS leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim

Tuan Man and election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor voiced concerns, describing the move as premature. At the same time, speculation has emerged that as many as 120 Bersatu division leaders have signed a statutory declaration urging Muhyiddin to step aside and pass the party’s leadership to his successor. Most are believed to be backing deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, despite his public pledge of loyalty to Muhyiddin. When contacted, Bersatu supreme council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said he was not among the signatories and could not comment on the contents of the alleged declaration. However, he confirmed attending a meeting of Bersatu division chiefs organised by Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan before the assembly. “At that meeting, the aim was to reassure division chiefs, most of whom were worried about how certain motions at the general assembly could affect Bersatu and PN. “That was why we gathered. There was no attempt to overthrow anyone.”

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The push to name Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Bersatu’s candidate for the 11th Prime Minister is said to have originated from the Pagoh MP himself, according to a party insider. The source claimed Muhyiddin is determined to return as prime minister, believing he is best positioned to lead if PN manages to form the government after the 16th General Election. “The nomination came directly from Tan Sri. He worked with party secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali to put his name forward, even though it was unnecessary,” the PAS eyes Pahang, Perak for upcoming GE16 PETALING JAYA: PAS believes that two additional states currently under the Madani government, Pahang and Perak, are within reach and could be captured in the next general election. Its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said this optimism stems from Umno’s dwindling number of seats. The party, once the backbone of BN, has been forced to rely on PH to form governments in both states. “Based on current performance and the groundwork we have laid, we are confident of winning two more states, Perak and Pahang. “We have studied the seat composition in both state assemblies and we believe we can defend the constituencies we already hold. With just a few additional gains, we will be able to secure a simple majority and form the government in both states,” said Tuan Ibrahim, who is also opposition leader in the Pahang State Legislative Assembly, when contacted by theSun . He was responding to questions on whether PN could expand its control over more states in the coming polls. In Pahang, a coalition requires at least 23 out of 42 seats to secure a majority in the State Assembly. At present, the Madani government holds 25 seats, 17 won by BN and eight by PH. In Perak, any coalition needs a minimum of 31 out of 59 seats to form the government. Currently, the Madani bloc controls 33 seats, PH with 24 and BN nine. Although PH helped BN establish the state governments in both Pahang and Perak, the position of menteri besar in each state remains with Umno-BN. At present, PN governs four states, Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan, where PAS is the dominant party. Tuan Ibrahim, who is the Cheka assemblyman in Pahang, also said PAS is in the final stages of preparing for its 71st Muktamar (Annual General Assembly), the last before the 16th General Election (GE16), expected next year. He added that the party’s stable leadership would be a crucial factor in strengthening PN’s performance in GE16. The PAS Muktamar 2025, scheduled to take place at Kota Sarang Semut in Kedah, from Sept

Tuan Ibrahim also said PAS is in the final stages of preparing for its 71st Muktamar, the last before GE16. – BERNAMAPIC

11 to 16, would see no contests for nearly all top leadership posts. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim would continue to lead the party for the 2025 to 2027 term unopposed. Similarly, vice presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Idris Ahmad and Datuk Amar

Nik Abdullah were retained without contest. PAS ulama chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya, youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (MP for Alor Setar) and Muslimat (Women’s Wing) chief Dr Nuridah Salleh also face no challengers in the upcoming internal election. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 10, 2025

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MACC unveils latest prominent cases

o Recent ops involve highest levels of politics, business and civil service

Azam also provided an update on Op Sohor, which led to the arrest of five senior army officers and six civilians. Investigations are complete, with four officers set to face charges, one to face disciplinary action by the Defence Ministry and the six civilians still under review. Separately, Op Sky, involving bank officers accused of corruption, has concluded. Azam said about 20 officers would be charged in court by late September or early October. He also said investigations into former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad are ongoing, with assets in the UK under review. He added that while MACC leads investigations, the authority to prosecute lies with the DPP and AGC. “We are the executive officers. Prosecution is independent, and we cannot control their timeline.”

whether any party would face criminal charges. Meanwhile, a Kuala Lumpur City Hall grade JUSA B officer was arrested along with three businessmen over alleged corruption in the sale of assets tied to city hall projects. Investigators seized more than RM17.5 million across 37 accounts, RM1.15 million in cash, foreign currencies, luxury handbags and shoes and two vehicles. “The probe is almost complete and (the findings) will be submitted to the DPP with proposed charges.” On corporate matters, MACC confirmed it reached an agreement with Sapura Energy Berhad’s lawyers to recover RM12 million linked to a 2018 transaction. The sum will be forfeited and returned to the government, while a separate overseas probe continues.

parties before the DPP decided no charges could be pursued under the MACC Act 2009 or the Penal Code. Three Sabah state assemblymen, including Datuk Albert Tei, have been charged, while decisions on others remain pending with the AGC. On another case, he said RM170 million seized in a probe linked to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was declared government property after the High Court on Sept 8 allowed MACC’s forfeiture application, which went uncontested by the respondents. “This means the money has officially become government property and the process to transfer it into the consolidated fund will begin immediately,” he said, adding that the DPP has not decided

underscored progress in asset recovery but also the difficulty of translating investigations into criminal prosecutions, with several cases still awaiting decisions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and DPP. Addressing allegations that a company linked to Datuk Seri Farhash Wafa Salvador obtained approval to explore minerals in Sabah, Azam said an application was conditionally approved by Sabah Mineral Management but subsequently cancelled in March 2025 after the firm failed to submit required documents. “No exploration was carried out and no criminal or governance issues were found. The case is closed,” he said, adding that investigators recorded statements from state officials and relevant “This case involves huge sums of money, with charges spanning corruption, money laundering and misappropriation,” he said, describing it as a landmark investigation. The MEX II project, awarded to Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, has long drawn scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities and questionable transactions. On Monday, Abu Sahid was formally charged in court with four counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM313 million and 13 counts of money laundering totalling RM139.2 million. The CBT charges, filed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, caning and a fine. Yap was separately indicted on 17 counts of submitting falsified documents, progress claims valued between RM9 million and RM28 million each, between June 2017 and April 2018. Both Abu Sahid and Yap pleaded not guilty. Abu Sahid, who arrived in court in a wheelchair, was granted bail of RM1.5 million on one surety, while Yap was released on RM1 million bail. – By Harith Kamal

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has lifted the lid on a string of high-profile probes, detailing millions of ringgit in seized assets, looming prosecutions and investigations reaching into the highest levels of politics, business and the civil service. Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the latest operations The Malaysian

Tycoon to face new charges over highway scandal

PUTRAJAYA: Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is preparing to press fresh charges against business tycoon Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed and several others over the multi-billion ringgit MEX II scandal. Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said Abu Sahid, his wife Puan Sri Noor Azrina Mohd Azmi and former Mex II Sdn Bhd director Datuk Yap Wee Leong had been charged. “The second round of prosecutions will see Abu Sahid face seven additional charges under Section 403 of the Penal Code read together with Section 109,” Azam announced at a press conference at the MACC headquarters yesterday. Yap currently faces 18 charges, nine under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 involving RM209 million and another nine under Section 401 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 involving RM387 million. Azam added that nine more individuals are lined up for prosecution over their alleged role in handling funds linked to Abu Sahid, with charges expected to be filed by the end of September. The Malaysian

CRIME CAR ... Malacca police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar (left) with a luxury vehicle seized from an online syndicate using the state as a hub for scam calls. – BERNAMAPIC

No bruises, signs of abuse found on body of Zara Qairina: Doctor KOTA KINABALU: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department medical officer Dr Janefer Voo told the Coroner’s Court yesterday that no bruises or signs of abuse were found on Zara Qairina Mahathir’s body when she received the teenager for examination on July 16. and internal bleeding. “Due to the victim’s critically low blood pressure, it was suspected that the teenager had sustained internal injuries caused by a high-impact force, which resulted in internal bleeding,” she said while reading out her witness statement on the fourth day of the inquest proceedings into the teenager’s death. Zaman Ahmad regarding the victim’s “survival rate” when brought to the emergency department, Voo said she was unsure at the time but, based on the initial assessment, only knew that the victim was in a very critical condition.

stabilising her. “I did not see any police officers or the victim’s mother at the emergency department on the day of the incident.“ The inquest proceedings before the coroner Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan continued after lunch break. Zara Qairina, 13, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar at 4am. On Aug 8, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) issued an order to exhume Zara Qairina’s body to enable a post-mortem to be conducted and on Aug 13, it ordered an inquest after reviewing the investigation report submitted by police. – Bernama

right leg. “(There was also) an open fracture at the end of the tibia bone, ankle and heel of the left leg. The second, third and fourth lumbar vertebrae were also broken.” Voo said besides herself, several other staff, including paramedics and a superior officer named Dr Rahim, as well as other doctors from the trauma team were involved in the initial treatment. Responding to a question by lawyer Rizwandean M. Borhan, representing Zara Qairina’s family, she said the team did not contact the police when the patient was taken to the emergency department because the victim was in a critical condition and priority was given to

She explained that the patient’s blood test results showed several abnormalities, including a high white blood cell count and a potassium level in the medium-low range, which could have been caused by the body’s physiological stress response to trauma. “The x-ray results found that the patient suffered a closed fracture of the end of the radius bone of the right hand, a closed fracture of the end of the tibia bone and the ankle of the

Voo, 32, said the Form One student was brought to the department by an assistant medical officer and an ambulance team in an unconscious state, but the mechanism of injury was not known at the time. “The examination results found that there were no bruises or signs of abuse on the patient’s body. However, it indicated that she was suspected to have suffered severe brain injuries

She added that a trauma alert was activated at 4.42am to enable an immediate referral to the neurosurgery, orthopaedics, surgery and anaesthesiology departments, while resuscitation procedures were simultaneously carried out on the victim. Questioned by case officer Deputy Chief Prosecutor II Datuk Badius

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Dragons across time and tradition

TAIPING: The dragon is a mythological figure celebrated in ancient cultures worldwide, often seen as a symbol of strength, vitality, harmony and good fortune. Traditionally depicted as a vast, serpent-like creature with mystical powers, the dragon loomed large in the belief systems of civilisations across the ages. Far beyond China, where it became a defining cultural emblem, dragons also appeared in Malay, Japanese, Korean, Indian, European and Latin American traditions, each interpreting the creature in its own way. To shed light on this enduring symbol, the Museums Department has been hosting the “Dragon Exhibition: Images in Material Culture” at the Perak Museum here since April 28. Perak Museum director Mohd Nasrulamiazam Mohd Nasir said the exhibition highlights how dragons, in various forms, have featured across cultures and time. “The exhibition showcases artefacts, photographs and texts featuring dragons in material culture, including wood carvings, textiles, sculptures, ceramics and metalwork o Perak Museum exhibition traces how mythical serpent-beasts shaped cultures from Asia to Europe

from diverse traditions,” Bernama reported. He said the origins of dragon worship in Southeast Asia remain uncertain. Some scholars suggest that local communities adapted the concept from India, although debates continue on when and how Indian dragon motifs merged with indigenous serpent-spirit traditions in the region. “Research shows that dragon worship and belief in serpent spirits already existed in Southeast Asia before the spread of major religions. Clear evidence can be seen in indigenous cults such as the dragon and hornbill traditions of the Dayak Ngadju in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which still endure today. “Later, when rulers became active in maritime trade, they began invoking the ‘dragon spirit’ to assert dominance over sea territories and secure new resources.” However, compared with Indonesia, Mohd Nasrulamiazam said the use of dragon motifs in Malaysia was limited. “Cultural objects such as jars, pottery, ceramics, kettles and gongs show external influences, particularly Javanese, Siamese and Chinese. Still, some locally produced tools carried dragon themes in their carvings. “In woodcarving, Malay craftsmen sometimes used dragon motifs, especially for boat prows, quail traps and weapon hilts. “In metalwork, certain cannons such as the lela rentaka were designed with dragon heads on their barrels or handles.” The artefacts displayed are from both the National Museum (KL) and Perak Museum. The museum expects more than 100,000 visitors before the exhibition ends on Jan 31 next year.

Research shows that dragon worship and belief in serpent spirits already existed in Southeast Asia before the spread of major religions, said Mohd Nasrulamiazam during a tour of the exhibition at Perak Museum yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Fly Jalur Gemilang with respect, experts urge KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s National Day on Aug 31 may be over, but love for the country should be shown all year round. Experts stress that the Jalur Gemilang must be flown proudly, not misused or displayed carelessly. red, white, blue and yellow colours in creative designs. Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Jalur Gemilang –inspired fashion can show patriotism, but only if done respectfully.

warned that turning the flag into fashion risks reducing it to waste once discarded. “Under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 (Act 414), using the Jalur Gemilang without written permission is prohibited. Designs must follow approved specifications, and altering the flag requires formal approval from the Information Department.” She called for a mix of education, digital campaigns and workshops for designers to ensure creative boundaries are respected. Misuse, she reminded, is punishable with fines of up to RM20,000, three years’ jail - or both. – Bernama

among the younger generation. Legal and constitutional expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz echoed the call, saying public awareness of proper flag etiquette remains low despite information being available online. She proposed the Education Ministry to organise school programmes on flag use, with efforts extended to the private sector and businesses producing Jalur Gemilang -themed items. “The flag is a symbol of national identity and sovereignty and it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard and honour it.” Former law lecturer Dr Ainul Jaria Maidin

Too often, the flag has been worn as clothing, used as decoration or even hung upside down – acts that suggest neglect and a lack of awareness. Each stripe, crescent and star carries meaning, collectively symbolising national sovereignty. According to the Information Department, the flag must not be turned into clothing, table covers, umbrellas, hats or masks. What is allowed, however, is drawing inspiration from its

“Using the actual flag to make clothing or accessories is inappropriate and goes against guidelines,” he said, and advised the public to refer to the Information Department’s rules before creating costumes or products based on the national emblem. He also suggested schools and government agencies spread awareness through posters, infographics and social media to instil respect

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 10, 2025

7

Thaksin jailed one year

Nepal PM Oli quits as protests spiral

“Today, I may no longer have freedom, but have freedom of thought to create benefit for the country and people,” Thaksin said in a statement on social media. Thaksin’s immediate family attended the verdict with him. An emotional Paetongtarn said she was concerned about her father, but also proud. “My dad has created history for the country, including useful policies that benefited the people,” she told reporters. “Today is another historic day where he is the first prime minister to go to jail. This is quite heavy.” Kokaew Pikulthong, a Pheu Thai party lawmaker who was in the courtroom, said Thaksin took the verdict well. “He still has the fighting spirit,” Kokaew said. – Reuters

weeks of political chaos that saw the fall of another Thaksin-backed populist government. The 76-year-old power-broker is experiencing a period of political reckoning after his daughter and protege Paetongtarn Shinawatra was sacked as prime minister by a court on Aug 29 – the sixth premier from or backed by the Shinawatra family to be removed. Paetongtarn’s government fell on Friday, outmanoeuvred by challenger Anutin Charnvirakul, who was elected premier by parliament in a humiliating defeat for Thaksin’s once unstoppable Pheu Thai party, which won five of the past six elections. Thaksin is Thailand’s first former premier to be sent to prison. He accepted the verdict and said he would remain strong.

power while premier from 2001 to 2006 was commuted to one year by the king and Thaksin was released on parole after just six months of detention, which he had spent in the VIP wing of a hospital. The judges said Thaksin had no severe illness and could have been treated in jail, adding both he and his doctors had intentionally prolonged his hospital stay. “The defendant knew the facts or was aware the situation was not a critical emergency. The defendant only had a chronic condition that could be treated as an outpatient and did not require hospitalisation,” it said. A corrections department vehicle carrying Thaksin was seen arriving at a Bangkok jail less than an hour after a ruling that has gripped the country, the latest drama in two

BANGKOK: Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was sent to prison yesterday after the Supreme Court ruled his time in hospital detention was an attempt to avoid jail, a major blow for a powerful family that has dominated politics for two decades. The billionaire had spent only a few hours in prison upon his return from 15 years of self-exile in August 2023 before he was hospitalised after complaining of heart trouble and chest pains, prompting widespread scepticism and public outrage. His eight-year sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of o Court rules hospital stay was unnecessary

KATHMANDU: Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned yesterday as demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police, a day after 19 people died in violent protests triggered by a social media ban. Oli’s government lifted the ban after protests intensified on Monday, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament. Nineteen people were killed and more than 100 injured in the unrest. But there was no let up in the protests yesterday, forcing Oli to quit and plunging Nepal into fresh political uncertainty. The unrest is the worst in decades in the poor Himalayan country that is wedged between India and China and has struggled with political instability and economic uncertainty since protests led to the abolition of its monarchy in 2008. “In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” Oli said in his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel. An aide to Paudel said the resignation had been accepted and the president had begun the “process and discussions for a new leader”. The army posted an appeal on X asking people to “exercise restraint” since Oli’s resignation had been accepted. Oli, 73, was sworn in for his fourth term in July last year as the country’s 14th prime minister since 2008. Two of his Cabinet colleagues resigned late on Monday. – Reuters DELHI ELECTS NEW VICE-PRESIDENT NEW DELHI: Indian lawmakers began voting to elect a new vice president yesterday, more than a month after the last incumbent resigned. Jagdeep Dhankar, whose term as vice-president was to expire in 2027, resigned in July citing health reasons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition has nominated as its candidate C P Radhakrishnan, a former lawmaker from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and governor of Maharashtra. Opposition parties have nominated B Sudershan Reddy, a former supreme court judge, as their candidate. – Reuters TWO BRITONS ARRESTED IN BALI JAKARTA: Two British men have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling over a kilogramme of cocaine into Bali. Rudy Ahmad Sudrajat, the head of the Bali Narcotics Agency, said an airport security officer intercepted one of the men, a 29-year-old identified by his initials K.G., during a security check last Wednesday. An X-ray check found around 1.3kg of cocaine in his bag. Police arrested the second man, identified as P.E., at a villa in Bali’s Badung district on Thursday. Rudy said the pair were friends who lived in Thailand and had met in Barcelona. – AFP

BR I E F S

Thaksin being escorted into a police van yesterday. – THAINEWSPIC/AFPPIC

Indonesia switches gear on finance JAKARTA: Indonesia’s new pro growth finance minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said he faced a difficult job as he officially took office yesterday. Destry Damayanti in attendance. “Nobody’s perfect. When one does their job, there are shortcomings ... I humbly apologise,” she said.

The reshuffle comes just under a year since Prabowo took power with promises to lift economic growth to 8% and to introduce some ambitious and expensive social programmes. Growth has largely hovered around the 5% mark with no immediate signs of a spike in economic activity under Prabowo. Purbaya said on Monday it was “not impossible” to grow at 8% and said he would target 6% to 7% in the shorter term, on the back of increased government and private sector participation in the economy. “Mulyani was the safeguard of prudent fiscal policy,” said Hasnain Malik, EM equity and geopolitics strategist at Tellimer. “Her departure will stir up fears of widening deficits under an unconstrained and under pressure Prabowo.” – Reuters

The abrupt removal of Sri Mulyani has stunned markets, as investors fear the hard-fought fiscal credibility could be eroded by the populist spending plans under Prabowo. Yesterday, the central bank said it intervened in the foreign exchange market to ensure the rupiah moved in line with its fundamentals, after the currency fell by more than 1% against the US dollar. The main stock index extended losses made after Sri Mulyani’s departure was announced on Monday, falling more than 1.5% in morning deals, and Indonesia’s international bonds also weakened.

President Prabowo Subianto on Monday replaced Sri Mulyani Indrawati, known for her cautious handling of the economy, with economist Purbaya who has promised accelerated growth, amid fears of an economic slowdown in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. “The task isn’t easy,” Purbaya said at a formal handover ceremony yesterday, citing global challenges in technology and geopolitics. Sri Mulyani said her farewells during the ceremony at the Finance Ministry, with senior Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Bank Indonesia’s senior Deputy Governor

Purbaya said ‘not impossible’to grow at 8%. – REUTERSPIC

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 10, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

8

Macron scrambles to find new prime minister

Apologise for anti-Indian comments, Aussie lawmaker told SYDNEY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday that a right-wing opposition lawmaker should apologise for comments suggesting an unsustainable number of Indians were migrating to the country. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a senator in the centre-right Liberal Party, made the comments about one of Australia’s largest minority groups following anti-immigrant protests that in part blamed Indians for cost-of-living pressures. Price used a radio interview last week to suggest that large numbers of Indians had been allowed to migrate to Australia to vote for Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party. “There is a concern with the Indian community ... and only because there’s been large numbers. And we can see that reflected in the way that the community votes for Labor at the same time,” Price said. Her comments have caused anger among the community, leading to calls for an apology, including from within her own party. “People in the Indian community are hurting,” Albanese said in an interview with state broadcast ABC yesterday. “The comments are not true that the senator made and, of course, she should apologise for the hurt that has been caused and her own colleagues are saying that.” Government statistics show 845,800 Indian born people were living in Australia in 2023, more than doubling over the previous decade. Hundreds of thousands more born in Australia claim some form of Indian ancestry. The New South Wales government yesterday held a meeting of community groups to discuss what it said was rising anti-Australian-Indian sentiment. “Today we stand together with the Australian-Indian community to say unambiguously that the sort of racist rhetoric and divisive false claims we have seen over the last couple of weeks have no place in our state or country,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said. India’s Foreign Ministry said last week it was engaging with Canberra over the rise in anti Indian sentiment. – Reuters

o 64% of French want president to resign: Survey

PARIS: French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was set to submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron after parliament ousted the government, with the French leader rushing to find a successor and stave off a new political crisis. On Monday, Bayrou suffered a crushing loss in a confidence vote he had himself called, plunging France into fresh uncertainty and leaving Macron with the task of finding the seventh premier of his mandate. The French presidency said in a statement that Macron “took note” of the outcome and said he would name a new premier “in the next days”, ending any remaining speculation that the president could instead call snap elections. Macron was scheduled to meet Bayrou “to accept the resignation of his government”, it added. The formal submission of his resignation was expected in the middle of the day. The French president has in the past been notoriously slow in “casting” a new prime minister. But he is widely expected on this occasion not to procrastinate given the risk of financial and political stability. “Emmanuel Macron is now in the front line to find a solution to the political crisis,” said the Liberation daily. France’s borrowing costs, a measure of investor confidence in a country, on Tuesday surged slightly higher than those for Italy, long one of Europe’s debt laggards. Bayrou had blindsided even his allies by calling a confidence vote to end a lengthy standoff over his austerity budget, which foresaw almost €44 billion (RM217.7 billion) of cost savings to reduce France’s debt pile. In the vote in the National Assembly, 364 deputies voted that they had no confidence in the government while just 194 gave it their confidence. Bayrou was the sixth prime minister under Tom Phillips’ days as a fugitive came to a bloody end this week when he was killed in a shootout in the rolling hill country of the North Island’s Waikato region. His three children were safely recovered. Police detailed yesterday their time in the bush and how they were able to stay undetected for so long. “Phillips and his children have been very mobile and moved frequently,” New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said. The family’s mobility made it a “challenge” for authorities to find them, he explained. Authorities also took great caution in dealing with Phillips because they knew he was armed and dangerous. “We have taken time over four years to consider how best to deal with the situation,” Chambers said. “We were confident that, irrespective of how hard we tried to bring it to a peaceful conclusion, that with a motivated person that was always going to be a challenge,” he said.

Bayrou, flanked by Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Minister Annie Genevard leaving the National Assembly yesterday. – AFPPIC

by a figure such as PS leader Olivier Faure could survive. According to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro newspaper, 64% of the French want Macron to resign rather than name a new prime minister, a move he has ruled out. He is forbidden from standing for a third term in 2027. Alongside political upheaval, France is also facing social tensions. A left-wing collective named “Block Everything” is calling for a day of action today, and trade unions have urged workers to strike on Sept 18. – AFP

At Phillips’ bush camp hideout nestled in the scrub, the family had access to two red quad bikes, firearms and ammunition, police said. Strewn across the site was a fuel container, spare tyres and empty bottles, photos showed. But there were touches of small luxuries, including cans of soft drinks. Police also found firearms and ammunition at the site. The camp was just two kilometres from where Monday’s shooting took place, Chambers said, in “deep bush, not an easily found location for anybody”. Authorities have said they believed sympathetic locals were assisting Phillips, and they would investigate whether he had help getting hold of guns and a quad bike. “There is a lot of work to do to try and understand who, if anybody, was assisting Mr Phillips and we will deal with that should that be the case,” Chambers said. Phillips absconded with his three children in December 2021 after a row with his former partner and eluded capture for years despite several sightings. He was killed in a gunfight with police after shooting an officer in the head and shoulder with a high-powered rifle. – AFP Macron since his 2017 election, and the fifth since 2022. His predecessor Michel Barnier was brought down by a no-confidence vote in December and the crisis dates back to legislative elections last year that resulted in a hung parliament. Macron now faces one of the most critical domestic decisions of his presidency over who to appoint as premier. The Socialist Party (PS) has expressed readiness to lead a new government but it is far from clear whether such an administration led

NZ police detail fugitive’s life on the run WELLINGTON: A fugitive father killed in a shootout with New Zealand police after nearly four years on the run with his children maintained a bushland hideout stocked with firearms and ammunition.

A campsite where Phillips and his children were hiding in Waitomo. – NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFPPIC