09/12/2025

Ensure all ongoing projects completed on time, says PM Works Ministry told to tighten oversight on contractors, keep track of their performances and address delays promptly. Report on — page 2

TUESDAY DEC 9, 2025

RM1

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

SCAN ME No. 8998 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Report on h page 4 Fresh polls necessary for Lamag state seat: Analyst Election Commission legally bound to call by election following death of incumbent Bung Moktar. ‘Long court delays erode public trust, undermine rights’ Prolonged justice

one of nation’s most damaging systemic failures, says NGO. High-rise jitters An expert says to truly protect lives of residents in high-rise buildings, we must shift from a “fix after failure” approach to a “fix before failure” philosophy. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN Report on h page 5

Report on h page 3

Recent deadly Hong Kong apartment fire puts spotlight on hidden risks of older residential towers in Malaysia as years of reactive maintenance, chronic underfunding have left fire-safety systems in many buildingsvulnerable.

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

2

Call for stricter oversight on contractors, projects

MH370: MAS ordered to pay over RM13m

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar expresses concern over border clashes PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced concern over renewed armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along their shared border, adding that escalating tensions could undo years of diplomatic progress. “I offer my condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured.” “The renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilising relations between the two neighbours.” He emphasised that both Thailand and Cambodia are close partners of Malaysia and key members of Asean. He urged the governments to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open communication channels and make full use of existing regional mechanisms to manage the situation. “Malaysia stands ready to support steps that could help restore calm and avert further incidents,” he said, adding that Asean cannot afford for long-standing territorial disputes to spiral into repeated confrontations. “The immediate priority is to halt the fighting, safeguard civilians and return to a diplomatic path supported by international law and the neighbourly spirit on which Asean depends.” International media reported that Thai army spokesman Major-Gen Winthai Suvaree confirmed air operations along the disputed frontier, following accusations from both sides of ceasefire violations. He said Thai forces targeted several Cambodian positions to neutralise ongoing cross-border fire. PETALING JAYA: A Beijing court has ordered Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to pay more than 2.9 million yuan (about RM1.69 million) per case to the families of eight missing passengers from flight MH370, Reuters reported. Quoting state broadcaster CCTV, the report said the ruling covers eight cases, while another 47 related cases have already been settled and withdrawn, and 23 remain under trial. MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. Its disappearance remains one of aviation’s greatest unsolved mysteries. China’s state media reported that many plaintiffs initially sought larger sums, between 10 million and 80 million yuan per family, along with moral damage claims of up to 40 million yuan. Earlier settlements for more than 110 families resulted in compensation of up to 3 million yuan each. The Malaysian government approved a new seabed search this year, to be conducted by robotics firm Ocean Infinity over a 15,000sq km area in the southern Indian Ocean under a “no find, no fee” agreement. Operations are set to resume on Dec 30. Previous searches included a multinational effort with 60 ships and 50 aircraft from 26 countries, which ended in 2017, and a 2018 Ocean Infinity search that concluded after three months. MH370 lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour after takeoff and radar showed it had deviated from its planned route. The mystery continues to haunt the families, many of whom have long called for renewed searches to find closure. Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He urged ministry officials to empower low-level officers to provide feedback from the ground, ensuring projects reflect the actual needs of communities. He added that the Works Ministry, which oversees infrastructure development, is a cornerstone of the country’s development agenda. He also said its success is critical for broader state and national growth. “We have major infrastructure projects in Sabah, including roads, water and electricity. Sabahans feel anxious because they are not yet fully confident and I do not blame them, even though we have approved the largest allocation in history. “The overall development and operating expenditure for Sabah is RM17 billion in total, with nearly RM1 billion for water and RM1.2 billion for electricity, yet some projects are still not completed. We understand their frustration, as they have felt neglected for a long time. “That is why I went down to Sabah on Saturday and told them we will monitor the projects and implementation programmes. As minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi will also oversee these projects.” Anwar emphasised that at the state level, in

Sabah, Sarawak, Perlis or Kelantan, projects must be implemented according to schedule and officers on the ground often have a better understanding of local needs than higher-level planners. “I have asked the chief secretary to allow all officers, including low-ranking staff, to provide feedback, not just on projects, but their suggestions as well. “For example, a school project may be approved, but if roads are in poor condition, that might not be included in the project. “Giving officers the chance to submit their observations ensures their input is considered, even if it falls outside existing processes.” He also highlighted that while smaller projects may be handled by other departments, large-scale infrastructure initiatives remain under the remit of the Works Ministry, underlining the its key role in driving development. “Today, I want to express appreciation for what has been done, but also to set high expectations moving forward. “We acknowledge progress made, but there is always room for improvement. Striving for excellence does not mean belittling past achievements, but recognising areas that need further work.”

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry operates under strict governance and standard operating procedures. “Any claims involving the removal of safety barriers must be investigated to identify those responsible. In locations affected by erosion or similar risks, precautionary safety measures are consistently implemented,” he told reporters at the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. He emphasised that the department did not remove the barrier and investigations are already under way, including site inspections following any incident. “We are confident those responsible would be identified. For now, we do not know who removed the barrier, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.” The clarification comes after an SUV travelling to Gua Musang, Kelantan, plunged into a ravine on Friday, killing both the driver and a passenger. Police said warning signs and road barriers at the site were believed to have been removed by irresponsible parties. Preliminary investigations indicate the SUV was not speeding, and the crash was likely due to human negligence. The dash cam of the vehicle was missing, with only its mounting base recovered, and authorities would continue monitoring the site and take legal action. Nanta also highlighted the ministry’s close monitoring of landslide-prone areas during the rainy season through a command centre overseeing risk-prone zones nationwide. “We monitor not only landslides but also floods, and anything that could cause damage to roads or threaten the safety of road users.” On Budget 2026, he expressed gratitude, saying the allocation reflects the confidence of the prime minister and Cabinet in the ministry. He added that the funding comes with a responsibility to maintain world-class, sustainable and safe infrastructure. “The completion of seven hospitals, 14 health and underprivileged clinics, and two specialist centres has expanded healthcare access. In education, 127 projects worth RM88 million and KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Works Ministry to tighten oversight on contractors and closely monitor all ongoing projects nationwide to ensure they are completed on time. Speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said thousands of projects, from state-level initiatives to national developments, must have their performances properly recorded and delays addressed immediately. “Delays in projects, even by a single month, cause hardship for those who depend on them. If a bridge meant to be completed in January is delayed to February, people suffer. Six months, they struggle. Ten months, they are in distress. But if your work is carried out with the right intention, I believe it could be done.” Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Delays cause hardship for those who depend on them, says PM

Ministry denies barrier removal at landslide site KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has hit back at claims that a road barrier was removed at a deadly landslide site in Hulu Terengganu, insisting the Public Works Department was not involved.

Nanta (third from left) officiating at the Skuad Ihsan Madani launch during the Works Ministry monthly assembly. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

92 multipurpose school halls have addressed overcrowding and enhanced learning. “Hybrid solar upgrades in Sabah and Sarawak now provide 24-hour electricity to remote schools, while police lift upgrades benefit over 12,620 personnel and their families.” Highlighting infrastructure success, Nanta cited the Bagan Datuk–Kampung Sejagop Bridge, which improves connectivity and has gained international recognition. “MyJalan remains the government’s key platform for responsive, data-driven road maintenance. From August 2023 to September this year, 95.8% of complaints on ministry

managed roads have been resolved, while 30,527 were forwarded to other agencies under the No Wrong Door policy. “MyJalan 2.0 would bring smart integration, real-time tracking and safety analytics. Upgrades to 67 intersections with smart traffic lights have improved traffic flow and reduced accidents. “The government focuses not only on mega projects but also on initiatives that directly impact lives. We no longer wait for problems to arise; we are present from pre-construction to ensure we are ‘doing it right the first time’ and fully understand the realities on the ground.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

3 Aged apartments, high-rises face Hong Kong-style fire risks o Preventive maintenance, including routine checks and timely replacements, needed to avoid tragedy, says expert

‘Weak oversight exposes older buildings’ PETALING JAYA: Fire safety in Malaysia’s older high-rise buildings is facing an unseen crisis. While new towers meet strict codes, older flats face rising risks from neglected maintenance and unsafe renovations. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia property economics and finance expert Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said the dangers begin as buildings age. “Fire-safety engineering recognises that buildings are living systems in which defences weaken without lifecycle maintenance. “Many older flats, especially the low and medium-cost schemes built before the widespread enforcement of the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL) now show signs of systemic deterioration. “Malfunctioning alarms, corroded hydrants, compromised compartment walls, outdated electrical systems and more. These aren’t design flaws – they’re deep maintenance failures.” Muhammad Najib said renovations often worsen the risk. “Unsafe renovation practices frequently slip through regulatory cracks. Unit owners often modify interiors in ways that undermine compartmentation – a key principle that slows fire and smoke spread. “Removing fire-rated doors, creating wall openings, enclosing balconies, sealing ventilation paths or installing fixed grilles – they all compromise safety. “External works are also hazardous. Repainting and waterproofing projects sometimes use combustible scaffolding nets or insulation without verified fire performance. “Because neither UBBL nor the Fire Services Act provides detailed oversight for temporary works, these hazards often fall outside formal supervision. “This mirrors what happened in Hong Kong, where substandard scaffolding and insulation intensified a fire despite documentation.” Malaysia currently lacks mandatory on-site verification or independent testing for such works. “Retrofits are rarely enforced unless major renovations occur and most apartments aren’t covered by annual fire certificate requirements. Oversight of temporary works is minimal, inspection frequency is inconsistent and residents are often unaware of the risks.” Muhammad Najib said future-proofing Malaysia’s high-rises requires shifting from one-off construction compliance to continuous risk management. He highlighted lessons from abroad: “Singapore has carried out large-scale upgrades for older Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates, strengthening fire doors, risers and common-area systems. South Korea mandates sprinklers and enhanced smoke-control in older towers, while Japan requires approvals for any changes affecting escape routes or structural fire resistance.” – By Harith Kamal

list until a fire occurs.” He stressed that residents and management alike must be proactive. “Building owners and management should be held to high standards, with legal teeth and public accountability. Residents should be empowered and encouraged to voice concerns. If an escape door is locked or a fire extinguisher is missing, it must be reported and fixed immediately.” He added that Malaysia can learn from regional neighbors such as Singapore, where buildings are required to have fire safety managers and regular preventive inspections. “Malaysia has avoided some of the worst high-rise fire disasters seen elsewhere – with concerted effort, we can keep it that way.” – By Harith Kamal residents of ageing flats and high rises are living with an invisible gamble: sprinklers, alarms and fire doors – often neglected and unchecked – may or may not function when they are needed most, as the tragic Hong Kong fire painfully demonstrated. “If you never budget to replace that old pump or rewire that alarm panel, it will eventually fail. By then, it might be too late or tragically, a deadly fire may occur,” he warned. Proactive maintenance, he added, is not just a safety issue – it’s an economic one. “Well-maintained buildings protect residents and preserve property values. Poor maintenance endangers lives and destroys property value. Nobody wants to live in a ‘fire trap’ once word gets out,” he said, adding that public awareness plays a crucial role. “Fire drills and safety training are seldom practised and residents rarely pressure management about fire equipment until an emergency occurs. In countries with established maintenance cultures, fire systems are treated as life critical infrastructure, with regular checks and detailed logs.” Encouragingly, organisations such as the Institution of Engineers and the Fire and Rescue Department have been advocating for preventive maintenance. “Planned preventive maintenance (PPM) reports are slowly becoming more common, but compliance is minimal. Many building owners only meet bare legal requirements, like renewing fire certificates annually, without additional drills or audits.” Mohd Mazhar stressed the urgent need for change. “To truly protect lives, we must shift from a ‘fix after failure’ approach to a ‘fix before failure’ philosophy. Routine inspection of smoke detectors, timely replacement of old fire pumps and regular testing of emergency lighting and exits should become second nature for building management.” Until that shift happens,

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

HOW COUNTRIES UPGRADE FIRE SAFETY IN OLDER BUILDINGS

problems are caught before they become life-threatening emergencies,” Mohd Mazhar said. However, he said enforcement remains a challenge. “Existing laws provide mechanisms to sanction negligence, but inspections are often reactive rather than preventive. Audits of older public housing flats frequently reveal dead alarm panels, non-functional sprinklers and blocked exits – yet legal action is rare until a disaster occurs.” Mohd Mazhar added that legal reform alone is not enough, as cultural and budgetary factors also play a role. “Many public housing blocks and low-cost apartments operate with very limited budgets. Fire safety systems, being out of sight and hopefully never needed, often slip down the priority PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s high rise residents may be living with overlooked structural risks. The recent deadly fire in Hong Kong, which engulfed a residential tower and claimed multiple lives, has thrown a harsh spotlight on the hidden risks in high-rise buildings – risks that many experts warn are mirrored in Malaysia. Years of reactive maintenance and chronic underfunding have left fire safety systems in many buildings vulnerable, failing quietly until disaster strikes. Malaysian Association of Facility Management (MAFM) vice president Dr Mohd Mazhar Mohd Marzuki said the problem stems from how building management is approached. “In many apartments and condominiums, maintenance only happens after a problem becomes obvious. Preventive measures – like regular inspections, testing and timely replacements are too often seen as an unnecessary expense rather than an essential investment.” He said this mindset is especially common in older flats and low-cost high-rises, where limited budgets and technical expertise push fire systems down the priority list. “Leaky pipes, broken lifts and other day-to-day complaints usually take precedence, while alarms, sprinklers and fire pumps are left unchecked. Vandalism can make matters worse – fire extinguishers are stolen and equipment is damaged in some areas.” Mohd Mazhar cited a 2024 facilities surveyor’s report, which found that older buildings frequently under-utilise sinking funds and delay major repairs, compounding risks.

SINGAPORE

Large-scale upgrades for older estates Strengthened fire doors Improved risers Upgraded common-area fire systems Lar old Str Imp Upg sys

SOUTH KOREA

Mandatory sprinklers in older high-rise towers Enhanced smoke-control requirements Man high Enh requ

JAPAN

Requires formal approvals for any changes affecting: - Escape routes - Structural fire resistance Req any - Es - Str

THESUN GRAPHICS BY HARITH KAMAL

Specialist calls for tougher residential-tower safeguards PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s building standards are strong on paper, yet weak enforcement and poor upkeep may expose certain residential towers to avoidable safety issues. regulations largely lose force once the building is occupied. mandating that management corporations maintain common property, does not require preventive inspections or system upgrades.

“It remains possible and indeed, common, for a residential building to go years with inoperative fire systems and face no penalties until a fire or ad-hoc inspection exposes the issue,” Mohd Mazhar said. Under current rules, high-risk premises such as hospitals, schools and very high-rise residential towers must obtain annual fire certificates from the Fire and Rescue Department. “During inspections, any malfunctioning system must be rectified before certification is renewed. However, older or smaller buildings, including many low-cost flats, often fall outside this requirement.” Mohd Mazhar highlighted that the Strata Management Act 2013, while

“None of the current laws give a holistic mandate for preventive maintenance of fire systems with regular verification.” He said upcoming legal reforms could help close the gaps. “Fire and Rescue Department officials have suggested extending legal responsibility for fire safety to contractors, building owners and property managers. “Proposed measures include appointing a ‘fire competent person’ for each high-rise to regularly verify that alarms, pumps, sprinklers and exit routes are operational. Having a qualified fire safety manager ensures systems are routinely checked and

The deadly blaze in Hong Kong is a stark warning of what could happen if fire safety systems fail. Malaysian Association of Facility Management (MAFM) vice president Dr Mohd Mazhar Mohd Marzuki said while laws such as the Uniform Building By Laws 1984 (UBBL), Fire Services Act 1988 and Strata Management Act 2013 set robust design standards, there is no comprehensive legal mandate for ongoing preventive maintenance. “The UBBL and Fire Services Act set stringent requirements for alarms, sprinklers and exit routes during construction, but these

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

4

Lamag must return to polls, says analyst

PETALING JAYA: Tensions within Bersatu flared after its Sabah secretary Yunus Nurdin blamed party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) defeat in the 17th Sabah state election, prompting Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faizal Ismail Aziz to call for leaders to wait for the official post-mortem before assigning responsibility. Tun Faizal said Yunus and others should not rush to conclusions, adding that a proper evaluation must first be presented by Sabah PN chairman Datuk Ronald Kiandee and party election director Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin. “As the state secretary, Yunus should instead assist in preparing the post-mortem report before it is presented to the PN Supreme Council and Bersatu Supreme Council, which are scheduled to meet next week,” he told theSun . Tun Faizal also rejected claims by Yunus and his group that Muhyiddin was responsible for Bersatu’s poor performance. He said many in the party believe accountability lies with Hamzah and Ronald due to their roles in managing preparations for the state election. He also said delays in finalising candidates also affected Bersatu’s prospects, adding that Muhyiddin received the party’s complete candidate list only on the night of the announcement. “This is one of the issues we have recorded. There should have been a dedicated candidate selection committee responsible for this. “The process and procedures for candidate selection must be reported to the PN Supreme Council and Bersatu Supreme Council. “From the beginning, all planning and management for the election were under the responsibility of the Sabah PN chairman and the Sabah election director. It is their duty to report the post-mortem findings.” The media reported on Dec 3 that Sabah Bersatu urged Muhyiddin to resign as party president and PN chairman following the defeat of the coalition in the Sabah election. The call was made by Yunus, who appeared at a press conference with several division heads, defeated candidates and party wing leaders. However, a day later, eight Sabah Bersatu division chiefs defended Muhyiddin, insisting that responsibility for the coalition’s performance rested with Ronald and Hamzah, not the party president. The division chiefs included Ahmad Ali Akbar Khan Gulan (Lahad Datu), Jupri Omar (Kota Belud), Faizal Julaili (Papar), Ekbal Khalid (Kalabakan), Abidin Sahat (Ranau), Amat Yusof (Kimanis), Mazmin Mazin (Kinabatangan) and Ramli AG Said (Sipitang). They said Ronald and Hamzah were the individuals overseeing preparations, strategy and decision making for Bersatu and PN during the state election. In the Nov 29 polls, PN secured only one win out of the 41 seats it contested. The coalition’s sole victory came from PAS candidate Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan in Karambunai, while all 30 Bersatu candidates lost their respective races. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee ‘Proper evaluation of loss needed’

cultivating local support. “Some PN candidates were only informed they were contesting on the very night the candidate list was finalised. So, effectively, they had only two weeks of the official campaign period to introduce themselves.” He added that the timeframe was expected to repair PN’s “damaged brand” in Sabah while promoting late-entry candidates, a task he labelled “impossible”. “Logically, that cannot be achieved. Not when the campaign machinery is already under strain.” He also said PN further weakened its position by contesting 42 seats, stretching its resources and logistics beyond practical limits. “They went into battle against two better-resourced machines, the federal government and the state government, without any electoral arrangement.” He said this time, three-cornered and four-cornered contests became standard. “PN failed to position itself competitively against GRS, BN and Warisan. As a result, it ended up as the weakest performer.” He also criticised the absence of early groundwork, seat popularity studies and candidate profiling. “They did not identify strategic seats or prepare candidates early. “From what I observed in a previous podcast, PN’s internal conflicts overshadowed preparations for the Sabah (polls). Their focus was more on internal polemics than electoral strategy.” In the 17th Sabah state election, Bersatu, contesting under the PN banner, lost in all 33 seats it contested. PN component party Gerakan was defeated in all three of its seats, while PAS secured one win out of the five seats it contested. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee Bung Moktar, who was also the Kinabatangan MP, died just days after the 17th Sabah state election, during which he defended his Lamag seat at the age of 66. His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post, saying Bung died at 1.46am on Dec 5 following complications from a severe lung infection and kidney failure. Under Article 54 of the Federal Constitution, any parliamentary vacancy must be filled within 60 days from the date it is officially declared vacant by the EC. A by-election is not required if the vacancy occurs less than two years before Parliament’s five-year term expires. The current parliamentary term began after the Nov 19, 2022 general election and ends on Dec 19, 2027, meaning the two-year cut off has not been reached. However, even when less than two years remain, a by-election must still be called if the vacancy affects the numerical strength of the government in the Dewan Rakyat.

the winner has yet to be sworn in is not only legally flawed but also democratically dangerous. He added that the oath-taking ceremony is an administrative step and not what confers legitimacy on an elected representative. “Whether the elected representative has taken the oath or not does not change the fact that he was duly elected. “If a vacancy arises afterwards, the law triggers a by-election. The oath is not what gives him legitimacy, the voters do.”

o ‘Once vacancy confirmed, EC is legally bound to call by-election’

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“A fresh mandate from the voters is required. That is what the law demands,” he told theSun via WhatsApp. He said the Election Act 1958 contains no provision that allows the second-highest vote-getter to automatically inherit the seat, adding that the idea is inconsistent with Malaysia’s first-past-the-post system. “This is not permitted under electoral law. “The legal framework only provides for two things; the declaration of a vacancy and the requirement to hold a by-election.” Manimaran said any suggestion that the losing candidate should be awarded the seat simply because

PETALING JAYA: Election analyst Dr G. Manimaran said the Lamag state seat must return to the polls following the death of its incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, adding that there is no room for legal improvisation. He said the law is unequivocal: Once a vacancy is confirmed, whether or not the elected representative has been sworn in, the Election Commission (EC) is legally bound to call a by-election. He also said the electoral framework leaves no space for creative interpretations or political shortcuts.

He also said the constitutional responsibility of the EC is clear-cut, adding that once the speaker officially notifies the commission of a vacancy, the commission must fix an election date within the stipulated time frame. “This is not a discretionary matter. It is a legal obligation. “The EC must act once a vacancy is formally declared.” Bersatu defeat in Sabah result of flawed strategy: Think tank PETALING JAYA: Independent Because Bung Moktar died only days before the point at which a by-election could legally be bypassed, his passing effectively locks in the requirement for a parliamentary by-election in Kinabatangan.

“When we examined our Sabah field data, we found that this was a critical mistake,” he told theSun . He said a survey conducted by Ilham Centre showed a clear voting pattern in Sabah; about 60% of voters made their choices based on the credibility and performance of individual candidates, while 20% voted on issues and the remaining 20% on party identity. “This shows candidate evaluation is the most influential factor.” He added that because of this, PN’s strategy was fundamentally flawed, adding that many of its candidates were unknown to the electorate and were introduced too late in the campaign cycle.

“Sabah voters expect to see individuals who have been working on the ground well in advance. By the time PN entered the race, they were already behind everyone else.” He also said PN should have reorganised immediately after the mass resignation of Sabah Bersatu leaders in December 2022. “Sabah PN chairman Datuk Ronald Kiandee should have restructured the party early on. But preparation only began two months before the election.” Hisommudin said two months was “far too short” to build credibility in a political environment in which even independent candidates had spent more than two years

research firm Ilham Centre said Bersatu’s wipe-out in Sabah was the inevitable result of a fatally flawed campaign strategy, adding that the party entered the state polls with unknown candidates, no machinery and almost no time to build credibility. Its executive director Hisommudin Bakar described the Perikatan Nasional (PN) campaign as one of the coalition’s gravest electoral miscalculations. He said Bersatu and PN entered the polls from a weak position, fielding largely unknown candidates in constituencies in which the coalition had no established grassroots presence.

Hisommudin said many PN candidates were unknown to the electorate and introduced too late in the campaign cycle. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

5

‘Delays in courts eroding public trust, human rights’

Damages for kidnapped pastor held in trust KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday ordered that over RM31 million in damages awarded to pastor Raymond Koh be placed in a trust with Amanah Raya Berhad. Lawyer Datuk Jerald Gomez, representing Koh’s wife Susanna Liew Sow Yoke, said judge Su Tiang Joo issued the order following an agreement with senior federal counsel Nurul Farhana Khalid, representing the government and police. “Amanah Raya Berhad is appointed to hold the money and any interest as trustee for the first plaintiff (Koh) until his whereabouts can be identified or revealed.” He added that the choice of trustee was based on its low management fees and a guarantee to return the money if the ruling is appealed. The move complies with Su’s Nov 5 order to deposit the funds into a trustee account until Koh’s whereabouts are confirmed or disclosed. The sum comprises general damages of RM10,000 per day from Feb 13, 2017 until Koh’s whereabouts are disclosed, RM1 million in damages and RM1 million in exemplary damages. In an application on Nov 28, Liew requested that her law firm Messrs Jerald Gomez and Associates be appointed as the trustee. She also proposed PB Trustee Services Berhad and Amanah Raya Berhad as alternative options should the court not appoint the law firm. Liew had filed the suit against police and the government concerning her husband’s disappearance and authorities’ handling of the investigation. Koh was reported to have been abducted by a group of masked men while driving in Kelana Jaya near here on Feb 13, 2017. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Persistent delays in Malaysia’s courts continue to erode public trust and undermine fundamental human rights, warned Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) president S. Shashi Kumar, describing prolonged justice as one of the nation’s most damaging systemic failures. In the run-up to Human Rights Day on Dec 10, Shashi said delays do more than just postpone justice, as they also inflict ongoing harm on victims, leaving them in prolonged states of fear, vulnerability and emotional distress. “When justice is postponed, victims are left unprotected while perpetrators continue their actions without meaningful consequence. The delay itself becomes a form of harm,” he said. He cited the decades-long legal battle of Indira Gandhi, who remained separated from her abducted daughter for more than a decade despite multiple court rulings in her favour, as a stark example of systemic failure. He also highlighted stalled investigations involving controversial Islamic preachers, which left victims and whistleblowers feeling exposed and reinforced a “culture of fear, silence and impunity”. “These recurring delays erode trust in police, the judiciary and the government.” According to him, the delays often follow predictable patterns, particularly in cases involving race, religion or influential individuals. “This fuels the belief that o Postponed justice leaves victims in prolonged states of fear, vulnerability, emotional distress, says NGO Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Shashi called on civil society and ordinary Malaysians to help improve accountability. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

certain groups receive preferential treatment while others wait indefinitely for justice,” he said, noting that such practices violate Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. Malaysia has seen multiple high-profile cases in which prolonged justice caused severe consequences. Shashi referred to disputes over unilateral conversion, which have torn families apart, and extended investigations involving controversial preachers that traumatised victims further as well as heightened community tensions. He also cited the cyberbullying case of teenager A. Rajeswary, better known as “Esha”, in which repeated reports went unheeded. Esha ultimately died by suicide, most likely feeling she had no protection or recourse. “In all these cases, the pattern is clear. Delayed justice is not merely administrative inefficiency, it is also a direct violation of human rights,” said Shashi. His concerns echo the pledge made by newly appointed Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, who in his oath-of-office

being slowed down by the need to type or write notes. “Judges should not be bogged down by note-taking. It slows witness testimony and contributes to trial delays.” He acknowledged that the chief justice has introduced decisive measures and structural reforms aimed at modernising the system. He expressed hope that these reforms, combined with long-term systematic overhaul, would enable Malaysia’s judiciary to strike a healthy balance between speed and fairness. “Our justice system has long been stretched by overloading. It is crucial that reforms help restore efficiency without compromising justice.” – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH improve accountability. NGOs and community groups should document cases, monitor high-profile cases and assist with police reports to expose delays or selective enforcement, he said. “We must promote a culture of zero tolerance for impunity. Society must reject narratives that excuse perpetrators because of influence, status, race or religion.” In his Human Rights Day message, he emphasised to Malaysians that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and commitment to fairness. “Our Constitution binds everyone. Every citizen, regardless of race or religion, must be protected equally under the law.” He warned that persistent double standards threaten social harmony, economic stability and Malaysia’s international reputation. “No country that violates fundamental human rights based on race or religion has ever achieved true prosperity. “Equality, non-discrimination and justice are not only moral imperatives, but are also essential for social stability and sustainable development.”

judgements faster without having to devote substantial time learning unfamiliar areas of law.” He also recommended early judicial involvement in civil suits, allowing judges to understand contentious issues from the outset and encourage settlement through court-assisted mediation. “Judges must be trained with mediation skills to listen, mediate and resolve disputes without being adversarial,” he said. He added that lawyers often welcome interactive, non-coercive environments that help parties reach amicable settlements without compromising client interests. Salim further recommended that courts employ trained transcribers during trials to prevent judges from address vowed to address the country’s mounting case backlog. “Justice delayed is justice denied. I know many litigants are frustrated that their cases take years to resolve,” he said, adding that the judiciary is working with the government to increase courtrooms, appoint more judicial commissioners and deploy circuit judges to clear ageing cases within set timelines. GHRF also proposed several reforms to ensure timely justice: 0 Strengthen enforcement of court orders with mandatory timelines, improved inter-agency coordination and penalties for non-compliance. 0 Set statutory deadlines for investigations and prosecutions, ensuring high-profile and sensitive cases, especially those involving vulnerable victims, do not stall. 0 Reform laws on unilateral conversions and custody disputes to close loopholes, preventing prolonged and emotionally damaging battles. 0 Eliminate political and religious interference in legal processes, reinforcing judicial independence and impartiality. Shashi also called on civil society and ordinary Malaysians to help

Call for reforms to ensure swift, fair proceedings PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s justice system is faltering under persistent court delays, with public confidence at risk, warned former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir, who called for urgent reforms to ensure swift and fair proceedings. “The courts need mechanisms that allow for efficient disposal of cases without compromising fairness for all parties.” He emphasised that justice must not be perceived as inaccessible or intimidating. civil and criminal cases, chamber work and open-court trials. Transfers further complicate the process, with some judges forced to manage part-heard cases in their new postings while concluding old

matters in their previous stations. “This inevitably leads to delays.” Salim urged the judiciary to appoint more judges with specialised expertise, arguing that subject-matter specialists could adjudicate more efficiently and deliver stronger, faster decisions. “Arbiters who have earned reputations in certain areas of law could demonstrate refined legal acumen and jurisprudence. “A trained and expert adjudicator is able to fast-track trials, regulate proceedings fairly and write sound

He said the justice system has long struggled to cope with growing case backlogs, a problem that has worsened in recent years despite ongoing efforts to accelerate proceedings. He warned that without urgent reforms, civil and criminal cases risk being delayed or mishandled, further undermining public trust in the courts. “It is undeniable that both delayed and rushed hearings defeat justice.

“We do not want the public to walk away with the false notion that the litigation process, whether civil or criminal, is ‘out of reach’. “Access to justice must be seen as a right, not a hurdle.” Backlogs remain a major challenge, echoing global trends. Salim added that despite ongoing efforts to accelerate case disposal, bottlenecks continue to “choke the passageways”. He explained that the causes are multifaceted as judges often juggle

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

6

@thesundaily

RM2.7b lost to online scams

MP denies abetting bribery in farming project case

KUALA LUMPUR: Police recorded 67,735 online crime cases nationwide from January to November, involving losses exceeding RM2.7 billion. According to the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, telecommunications scams topped the list with 28,698 cases, followed by e-commerce fraud with 14,881. Non-existent investment schemes had 9,296 cases reported, non-existent loan scams had 8,029, e-finance fraud had 5,853 and love scams had 978. “Losses from non-existent investments was over RM1.37 billion. This was followed by telecommunications crimes at RM715.7 million, e-finance crimes at RM458.1 million, e-commerce fraud at RM123.7 million, non-existent loans at RM59.1 million and love scams at RM43.7 million,” said police. The statistics reflect a worrying surge in cybercrime cases and the public is urged to act swiftly if they fall victim by immediately contacting their banks to block suspicious transactions. Victims are also advised to lodge a report with the National Scam Response Centre via the 997 hotline and file a police report for further action. – Bernama Teens plead guilty to injuring student SUNGAI PETANI: Two teenage boys pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday to injuring a student at a secondary school last month. The boys, aged 16 and 17, made the plea before magistrate Mohamad Azlan Basri. They are jointly charged with voluntarily causing hurt to the 17-year-old male student at a school hostel at 12.04am on Nov 24. The charge, under Section 323 of the Penal Code, provides up to one year’s jail, a maximum fine of RM2,000 or both, upon conviction. The court granted bail at RM1,000 in one surety each and set Dec 25 for mention for submission of their probationary reports before sentencing. The prosecution was conducted by DPP Nur Hazwani Md Nor while the boys were represented by lawyer Farah Azlinda Zahari from the National Legal Aid Foundation. – Bernama

SHAH ALAM: Padang Serai MP Datuk Azman Nasrudin pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here yesterday to a charge of abetting in a RM400,000 corruption case involving a Kedah-owned cattle farming joint-venture project five years ago. He made the plea after the charge was read out before judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin. According to the charge, the father of five is accused of abetting businessman Amar Assuat Abu Bakar, 41, in accepting a RM400,000 bribe from Mohd Hassanaim Fauzi, 39. The payment was allegedly given as a reward for assisting Mohd Hassanaim in securing a joint-venture beef cattle farming

o Court sets bail at RM75,000 in one local surety, orders accused to surrender passport

Hamid, Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif and Shahid Adli Kamarudin. Muaz Ahmad proposed bail at RM100,000, citing the accused’s position as an MP and the need for his passport to be surrendered to the court for safekeeping. Surendran objected to what he described as an excessive bail amount and opposed the request for the passport to be surrendered, Bernama reported. He argued that his 53-year-old client posed no flight risk, noting that as an MP he is required to attend parliamentary sessions, and he also has a wife and five children. The court set bail at RM75,000 in one local surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport to the court. The case has been fixed for re-mention on Jan 13, 2026. Surendran informed the court that the defence intends to file an application to strike out the charge before the re-mention date. In a separate proceeding before the same court, Amar Assuat pleaded not guilty to two charges of soliciting and receiving a RM400,000 bribe from Mohd Hassanaim to secure the cattle farming project. The offences were allegedly committed at a restaurant and on the roadside near a company in Section 9, Bandar Baru Bangi in Hulu Langat on June 20 and 23, 2020. He is charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries penalties under Section 24(1) of the same law. Mohd Nasir granted bail at RM75,000 in one surety and imposed additional conditions, requiring the accused to report to MACC monthly and surrender his passport to the court. The case has been fixed for mention on Jan 13, 2026.

project at the Ladang Fidlot Kedah Agro, Mukim Sungai Laka in Kubang Pasu, Kedah from Kedah Agro Holding Berhad (KAHB). Azman is accused of directing the KAHB CEO to issue a letter of offer to Mohd Hassanaim for the project. The offence was allegedly committed on June 23, 2020 at 5pm on the roadside opposite the office of Angsa Emas Beaute Sdn Bhd, Section 9 in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The charge is framed under

Section 28(1)(c) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, read together with Section 16(a)(A) of the same law, and is punishable under Section 24(1). If convicted, he faces up to 20 years’ jail and a minimum fine of five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. The prosecution was led by DPPs Muaz Ahmad Khairuddin and Asmaa’ Zamri while the accused was represented by lawyers N. Surendran, Nizamuddin Abdul

If convicted, Azman (left) faces up to 20 years’ jail and a minimum fine of five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. – BERNAMAPIC

TUESDAY | DEC 9, 2025

7 Thailand launches airstrikes

Jakarta frees Dutch inmate

Japan pulls out of power project HANOI: Japan has dropped out of plans to build a major nuclear power plant in Vietnam because the time frame is too tight, said ambassador Naoki Ito. Vietnam has faced major power blackouts as demand from its huge industrial sector and expanding middle class often outpaces supply, strained by increasingly frequent extreme weather, such as droughts and typhoons. “The Japanese side is not in a position to implement the Ninh Thuan 2 project,” the ambassador to Vietnam said, referring to a plant with a planned capacity of 2 to 3.2 gigawatts. The project is part of Vietnam’s strategy to boost power generation. Ninh Thuan 2 is scheduled to come online by 2035 alongside Ninh Thuan 1, a plant with the same capacity, according to the government’s roadmap. The announcement comes amid strains in ties between Hanoi and Tokyo, including from a planned ban on petrol motorcycles in central Hanoi that has angered Honda. – Reuters Dutch deputy ambassador Adriaan Palm said authorities in The Hague would deliberate on whether the men’s sentences will be continued in the Netherlands. – AFP JAKARTA: A 74-year-old Dutchman sentenced to death in Indonesia 17 years ago for drug trafficking was released from a prison here yesterday for repatriation to the Netherlands on humanitarian grounds. Siegfried Mets walked out of Cipinang prison and headed to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Mets was due to fly home later, accompanied by fellow Dutch inmate Ali Tokman, 65, who was serving a life sentence for a similar offence and also was granted a reprieve. The convicted drug smugglers will return home on humanitarian grounds after a deal struck this week between Indonesia and the Dutch government. “Their detention will be transferred to the Netherlands,” said Indonesian official I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram. Mets was sentenced to death in 2008 for smuggling 600,000 ecstasy pills into Indonesia, but his execution had not been carried out. Tokman was handed a death sentence in 2015 for smuggling more than 6kg of the stimulant MDMA. The sentence was later commuted to life.

o Ex-Cambodian head urges restraint

both countries accused the other of breaching a ceasefire. At least one Thai soldier had been killed and eight were wounded in the fresh clashes that intensified around 5am (6am in Malaysia), a Thai army spokesperson said, adding that air support was called in to hit Cambodian military targets.

Thailand’s Air Force said that Cambodia mobilised heavy weaponry, repositioned combat units and prepared support elements that could escalate military operations. “These developments prompted the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodia’s military capabilities,” it said in a statement.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement that the Thai military had launched dawn attacks on its forces at two locations, following days of provocative actions, and added that Cambodian troops had not responded. Cambodia’s influential former longtime leader Hun Sen, father of Prime Minister Hun Manet, said Thailand’s military was seeking to provoke a retaliatory response and urged Cambodian forces to exercise restraint. “The red line for responding has already been set,” Hun Sen said on Facebook, without elaborating. “I urge commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly.” Three Cambodian civilians have been seriously injured in the fighting, according to a senior provincial official. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had not retaliated. A simmering border dispute between the countries erupted into a five-day conflict in July, before a ceasefire deal brokered by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, who also witnessed the signing of an expanded peace agreement between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur in October. Phichet Pholkoet, a resident of Thailand’s Ban Kruat district which adjoins Cambodia, said he heard gunfire since early yesterday. “It startled me. The explosions were very clear. Boom boom!” he said via telephone. “Some are heavy artillery, some are small arms.” In Thailand, more than 385,000 civilians across four border districts were being evacuated, with more than 35,000 already housed in temporary shelters, the Thai military said. Across the border in Cambodia, opposition politician Meach Sovannara said civilians were also moving away from the fighting along the frontier. “I heard the artillery shelling,” he told Reuters in an audio message from Samroang town, the capital of Oddar Meanchey Province, which abuts Thailand. More than 1,100 families in Oddar Meanchey had been evacuated, authorities there said. – Reuters

BANGKOK: Thailand said it launched airstrikes into Cambodia yesterday as fighting broke out along their disputed border, after

A Thai woman carries a dog and a mat as she evacuates to a shelter in Buriram province. – REUTERSPIC

Sumatra needs US$3b in recovery funds JAKARTA: Sumatra will require 51.82 trillion rupiah (US$3.11 billion or RM12.78 billion) in reconstruction and recovery funds following deadly floods, senior government officials said. rupiah, Suharyanto said at a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto in Aceh late on Sunday. North Sumatra and West Sumatra will require 12.88 trillion and 13.52 trillion rupiah respectively. “In the next phase, they will be relocated into permanent houses, built by the Housing Ministry,” he said. Responding to the initial estimated recovery cost, Prabowo said his calculations were “similar”, without elaborating whether he will approve the spending or not.

The death toll from the floods and landslides reached 950 yesterday, with 274 people still missing, according to official data. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said that the recovery funds needed across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra may still increase as the agency continues to calculate how much damage has been done. Among the three provinces affected, Aceh needs the most funds, amounting to a total of 25.41 trillion

The reconstruction process will soon begin in some areas in North Sumatra and West Sumatra, which have recovered relatively well, he said. “So, areas that are already in better condition can start reconstruction. We will relocate people living in evacuation centres to temporary houses,” Suharyanto said. The temporary houses are 40 sq m plywood structures built by the government for people affected by natural disasters.

“The point is we have the capacity and we will do it meticulously and do our best to manage it,” Prabowo said. Prabowo also said that conditions in some areas remained serious, with rice fields, dams and a large number of houses affected. “In some places, there are still challenges,” he said, adding that the distribution of medication and clothes to the residents must also become a priority. – Reuters

Aid is airdropped over isolated Gayo Lues in Aceh on Sunday. – AFPPIC