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Call comes from Asean foreign ministers following meeting to defuse escalating border tensions.

Najib leaves the High Court after it ruled that a purported royal addendum allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest was invalid. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

No house arrest Report on h page 2 Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak must remain in Kajang Prison after court rejects the former PM’s judicial review, ruling that the purported royal addendum authorising him to serve out his jail term at home is invalid.

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Najib’s house arrest bid dismissed

o Alleged addendum was neither deliberated upon nor approved by Pardons Board, says judge

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the Pardons Board meeting showed the only action taken by the Yang di Pertuan Agong was the reduction of Najib’s prison term and fine, with no discussion or recommendation recorded on house arrest. Loke stressed that the Yang di Pertuan Agong acts as a constitutional monarch and must exercise the prerogative of mercy within the legal framework. “Any exercise of this power must comply with safeguards set out in the Constitution. The alleged addendum does not meet these requirements and cannot be considered valid,” she said. She also rejected arguments that the order could be treated as a “respite” independent of the Pardons Board. The judge said Malaysian law vests discretion over release on licence solely in the commissioner general of prisons, rendering house arrest under the alleged addendum unenforceable. Najib’s legal team, led by Tan Sri Mohamed Shafee Abdullah, said they would appeal the High Court decision. Speaking after the ruling, Mohamed Shafee said the defence would seek an early written judgment

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday rejected Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s bid to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, ruling that the alleged addendum authorising such a move was invalid. Justice Alice Loke Yee Ching said the purported addendum dated Jan 29, 2024 was neither deliberated upon nor approved during the 61st meeting of the Pardons Board, according to Bernama. As a result, Najib must continue serving his sentence at Kajang Prison. “The respondents have no power and no duty to obey or enforce it. Conversely, the applicant has no right to the relief of mandamus . “The judicial review is therefore dismissed. I make no order as to costs.” Najib, 72, had sought a mandamus order to compel the home minister, the commissioner general of prisons, the attorney general, the Federal Territories Pardons Board and several other officials to confirm and enforce the alleged addendum. The court noted that minutes of PETALING JAYA: The High Court was bound by law to dismiss Najib’s application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest because the bid was legally flawed from the outset, said former de facto law minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. Nazri said the outcome was inevitable as the purported royal addendum relied upon by Najib failed to comply with mandatory procedures governing decisions of the Pardons Board. The former Umno vice-president said any decision involving a royal pardon or conditions attached to it must be deliberated and approved by a full quorum of the Pardons Board during a properly convened meeting. “All decisions must be made by a full quorum of the Pardons Board. It cannot be an afterthought,” Nazri told theSun when contacted. He explained that the alleged addendum allowing Najib to serve his sentence under house arrest did not meet this basic legal requirement. “The addendum given to Najib was added after the sentence reduction, making it an afterthought,” he said, adding that such a process is not recognised under the law. Asked whether Najib could pursue the matter at the Court of Appeal, Nazri said the decision now rested entirely with the former prime minister. “That is up to Najib. He has the right to appeal but he must first seek Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

A supporter looking dejected following the High Court’s decision. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

petition for a royal pardon. Present in court were Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, his brother Tan Sri Nazir Razak and his children Datuk Mohd Nizar, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin and Puteri Norlis.

International case involving the misappropriation of RM42 million. His original 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine were reduced by the Pardons Board in September 2022 to six years’ imprisonment and a RM50 million fine after his

and prepare the appeal record promptly to move the case to the Court of Appeal and potentially the Federal Court. Najib has been serving his sentence since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction in the SRC

‘Flawed process sealed court outcome’

Court ruling triggers divided political responses PETALING JAYA: The High Court’s rejection of Najib’s bid to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest drew mixed reactions, with Umno leaders questioning the fairness

“I believe Najib can only be freed through a new royal pardon,” Lokman told theSun via WhatsApp. “His future depends on His Majesty.” The ruling also drew criticism from MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong, who condemned a Facebook post by DAP’s Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin celebrating the High Court’s decision. “As human beings, we should never rejoice in the suffering and hardship of others. “The prayers of those who are oppressed are often answered, sooner or later,” he wrote. Meanwhile, Pekan Umno Youth deputy chief Mohd Hazwan Md Ghazali said support for Najib remains unwavering. “Our support remains firm and will not change. We deeply miss him. It has been nearly three years since his imprisonment. We and the local community are saddened and disappointed by today’s decision.” He declined to comment on whether Pekan Umno would table a motion to withdraw support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government. Meanwhile, criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim said Najib still has the option of appealing the High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal, subject to proper legal procedures. While the ruling may disappoint Najib and his supporters, Shahul Hamid said the judiciary’s decision must be respected, noting that the judge’s grounds appeared to have legal merit. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

of his trial and the court’s reasoning. Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the outcome was “widely expected” but insisted that Najib had not received a fair trial in his criminal breach of trust and money laundering conviction involving RM42 million linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd. In a Facebook post yesterday, Puad questioned whether there were parties intent on keeping Najib behind bars. “This drama has dragged on for two years. The addendum decree was concealed. The Court of Appeal’s decision was appealed by the attorney general. Who advised the AG to file the appeal?”he wrote. Puad also challenged the court’s reasoning, referring to High Court Judge Datuk Alice Loke’s finding that the alleged addendum decree was issued outside a Pardons Board meeting. “But why was the pardon of PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) considered valid even though, at the time, the attorney-general and the federal territories minister had yet to be appointed?”he added. Umno is expected to discuss its next steps in defending Najib at the party’s general assembly on Jan 15. Another Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam suggested that Najib should submit a fresh royal pardon petition.

Supporters gathered at the High Court during proceedings. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

court after being concealed for such a long time,” Akmal wrote on his Facebook page. He pointed to what he described as an inconsistency in how royal decrees have been treated, noting that in the past, a decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had been used as the principal basis for the formation of a government. “But when it comes to this issue today, the decree is suddenly said to be invalid,” he said, adding that such contradictions would not go unnoticed by the public. “The people are able to assess and judge for themselves.” However, Akmal declined to comment further when contacted.

leave from the court to do so,” he said. Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the public was capable of judging the controversy surrounding the alleged addendum decree, which the court has now ruled invalid, despite it having remained out of public knowledge for a prolonged period. He said this was notwithstanding an earlier statement by the Pahang Palace confirming that the addendum decree had been issued by the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah when he was serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. “A decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is now said to be invalid by the

TUESDAY | DEC 23, 2025

3 Asean presses for peaceful resolution of border tensions

Courage of M’sian volunteers symbolises bravery, collective spirit: PM KUALA LUMPUR: The courage of Malaysian humanitarian volunteers championing the plight of Palestinians in Gaza has become a symbol of the nation’s steadfast commitment to universal humanitarian principles on the international stage. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as major world powers remained silent and penalised those who spoke out against the atrocities of the Zionist regime, Malaysia openly supported the Global Sumud Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza. “When the flotilla was attacked by Israel forces on Oct 2 and the humanitarian volunteers, including 23 Malaysians, were detained, we acted swiftly without delay. “Every moment was used to devise strategies, mobilise diplomatic channels and ensure their safety as the nation’s absolute priority,” he posted on Facebook. He said high-level negotiations with Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan and the United States led to the safe release of all Malaysian volunteers, who returned home on Oct 7, bringing relief and joy to Malaysians closely following the developments. “Their bravery in crossing the seas and their steadfast resolve in defending our brothers and sisters in Palestine, despite being treated harshly in Israeli detention, reflect the strength of Malaysia’s solidarity. “May this courage continue to burn brightly and guide us to stand firmly with Gaza until justice is upheld on the soil of a free Palestine,” he said. The Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission, involving more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, began its voyage to Gaza in late August and early September as a show of solidarity and an effort to break Israel’s blockade by delivering essential supplies. However, the flotilla was

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Foreign ministers emphasise dialogue, urge Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation

Committee (GBC) meeting on Aug 7 and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct 26, urging full implementation. Mohamad stressed the need to allow displaced civilians to return home safely and with dignity. “Asean underscores the importance of ensuring displaced communities can resume their lives without obstruction and in safety.” The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international boundaries and adherence to international law, in line with the UN Charter, Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. They welcomed discussions on resuming the ceasefire, noting that the GBC is scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss its implementation and verification, expressing hope for swift de escalation. Meanwhile, it was reported that Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow urged caution on ceasefire declarations, saying any agreement must be “workable and sustainable”. “The earlier the better but sometimes we really need to sit down and thrash things out so that what we agree on will really hold and be respected,” he told reporters after the meeting. Sihasak raised concerns over alleged ceasefire violations, including newly planted landmines confirmed by the AOT and noted that Bangkok had yet to receive an acceptance of responsibility from the Cambodian side. He added that a ceasefire must be backed by a detailed plan covering heavy weapons withdrawal, humanitarian demining, transnational crime prevention and border management. “On Thailand’s side, we are approaching this in a very constructive way and want a true ceasefire.” living paycheque to paycheque and more than 80% receiving some form of government financial assistance, this points to weak disposable income,” he said, adding that Malaysia must diversify its trading partners. He further cautioned that Malaysia should not lose sight of its policy of active neutrality, Asean centrality and the World Trade Organisation’s consistent non-discrimination stance, warning that the ART could place the country in a bilateral alignment that contradicts its neutral position. “Clause 7.3 of the agreement should be invoked without delay and structured negotiations undertaken to realign this agreement with Malaysia’s sovereign and developmental priorities.” Rais added that agreements of this magnitude require rigorous legal scrutiny, economic impact assessments and parliamentary oversight.

PETALING JAYA: Asean foreign ministers yesterday urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and immediately halt hostilities along their shared border, amid rising civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and community displacement on both sides. The call came during a Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, convened to address the escalating tensions following a decision earlier this month by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand. Reading the Asean Chair’s statement after the meeting, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the bloc remained “seriously concerned” and

He also said the ministers welcomed the willingness of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to continue engaging with Asean to ease tensions. Asean also acknowledged the proactive involvement of external partners, including the United States and China, in supporting a peaceful resolution, he added. The meeting recalled previous commitments, including the July 28 ceasefire, decisions from the extraordinary General Border

reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability. “Asean urges both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint, cease all forms of hostilities immediately and return to dialogue in order to prevent further escalation,” Mohamad said at a press conference. He highlighted diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Asean Chair, to encourage both sides to end hostilities and get updates from the Asean Observer Team (AOT) deployed along the border.

Asean foreign ministers stand in solidarity, reaffirming commitment to regional peace and stability at the Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC intercepted by Israeli forces in a restricted zone of the Mediterranean Sea on Oct 2, with all volunteers forcibly taken to the Port of Ashdod. – Bernama Renegotiating US trade pact may hurt Malaysia, warns economist

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

more than 2,000 tariff lines relevant to bilateral trade were zero-rated or abolished by both sides. This reduced Malaysia’s effective exposure to US tariffs to just 4.6%. “This is one of the best exemption performances in Asean,” he told theSun. He added that Malaysia also reduced tariffs on 6,911 products under the agreement, improving the overall tariff regime for both countries. Williams said renegotiating the ART signals a return to “protectionist policies”. “This does not help Malaysian businesses or consumers. It helps only vested interests,” he said, adding that such a move could discourage trade and foreign direct investment. He also questioned the emphasis on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in discussions surrounding the ART, arguing that SMEs are largely

He said agreements already signed could not be reversed, but provisions deemed inequitable could be identified for renegotiation. In contrast, Emir Research president and CEO Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff supports a review of the ART, arguing that the agreement “extends beyond conventional tariff facilitation” into wider policy domains. “The agreement, while framed as reciprocal, reaches deeply into Malaysia’s regulatory, fiscal, digital, industrial and security architecture. The small gain in tariff of about 6% does not commensurate with what we have to let go.” Rais also pointed out that the US market accounts for only about 4.2% of the global market, referring to its population of roughly 348 million compared with an estimated global population of 8.2 billion. “With about 60% of its population

domestically focused due to the nature of their products and services. “Furthermore, SME development falls under other ministries, not Miti, so this would be a duplication of effort,” he said. Malaysia’s total trade nearly doubled from RM1.2 trillion in 2015 to RM2.2 trillion in 2024. However, SME contribution to GDP rose only marginally over the same period, from 37% to 39%. Newly appointed Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia may want to review its trade agreements with the United States and renegotiate any terms found to be unfair. In his inaugural speech at the ministry on Dec 17, Johari cited uneven economic indicators, particularly those involving SMEs, as a reason for reassessing trade arrangements.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s exposure to United States tariffs under the Malaysia–United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) has already been substantially reduced, making a review or renegotiation unnecessary, said an economist, even as others argue that the pact compromises broader national policy interests. Dr Geoffrey Williams said Malaysia secured significant tariff exemptions under the agreement and reopening negotiations could imply that the original talks were poorly handled by the then Investment, Trade and Industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. Citing data from CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Williams said 62.8% of Malaysian exports to the US were exempted from tariffs when measured by actual export value, after

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Concerns raised over ‘duplicate’ union registration

unions had acted together. Failures in representation can carry serious consequences for workers and companies alike,” he said. Pereira was responding to the approval by the Department of Trade Unions of a newly registered union bearing a name identical to that of an existing union. Separately, he said trade unions play a critical role in safeguarding workers’ rights, particularly those of foreign workers, through union monitoring and membership that enable access to collective agreements and additional social protections. “Hopefully, one day, foreign workers may also form their own trade unions and play an active role in the workplace.” Official data show that unionisation among foreign workers remains extremely limited. – by T.C Khor KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s inflation rose to 1.4% in November 2025, up from 1.3% in October, with the consumer price index at 135.1 points compared with 133.3 a year earlier, as reported by the Statistics Department (DOSM). Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the increase was mainly driven by faster price growth in education, which rose 2.6% from 2.4% in October. He said this was followed by alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which climbed 2.4% from 0.3% previously, while transport prices increased 0.2% after contracting 0.1% in October. Meanwhile, personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services rose 5.6%, down from 6.0% in October. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased 0.7%, compared with 1.1% previously, while furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance edged up 0.2%, slower than the 0.3% recorded a month earlier. Mohd Uzir said 61.1% of items, or 350 out of 573, recorded price increases in November. Of these, 342 items, or 97.7%, registered increases of 10% or less, while eight items recorded rises of more than 10%. A further 184 items, or 32.1%, posted declines and prices of 39 items remained unchanged. He said the average price of RON97 petrol rose to RM3.24 per litre in November from RM3.18 in October, compared with RM3.19 in November 2024. The average price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia increased to RM3.05 per litre from RM2.92 in October, while diesel prices in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan remained unchanged at RM2.15 per litre. At the state level, Johor and Negeri Sembilan recorded inflation of 1.9% each, above the national rate. Kuala Lumpur posted 1.7%, while Selangor recorded 1.6%. The remaining 12 states registered inflation at or below the national rate, with Kelantan recording the lowest increase at 0.2%. Compared with selected regional peers, Malaysia’s inflation was lower than Viet Nam at 3.6%, Indonesia at 2.7% and the Republic of Korea at 2.4%, but higher than China at 0.7% and Thailand, which recorded deflation of 0.5%. – Bernama ‘M’sia’s inflation up 1.4% in November’

strengthening

trade

union

independently or in the interests of groups opposed to collective representation. However, Veeriah stressed that he fully supported the principle of freedom of association. “Freedom of association must be upheld, but setting newly registered unions against existing ones runs counter to the objective of

o Veteran trade unionist warns move could split membership and weaken collective bargaining

membership,” he said. theSun has contacted the department for comment and, as at press time, had yet to receive a response. The newspaper has sighted an official registration certificate confirming the union’s registration under Malaysian law.

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

collective bargaining power. He said amendments to the Trade Union Act 1959 were intended to broaden union membership by removing restrictive definitions, not to enable the formation of rival unions with identical names and coverage. “That could not have been Parliament’s intention when the Act was amended,” he said. The amended law was gazetted on Jan 12, 2024, and came into force on Sept 15. Veeriah also pointed to provisions requiring the Director-General of Trade Unions to refuse registration if a proposed union’s name is identical to, or closely resembles, that of an existing union in a way that could mislead or confuse. He said Section 12(3)(e)(i) should have guided the assessment of the application. “In allowing the registration of a union with both an identical name and identical scope of membership, the authorities have effectively opened the door to the division of an existing union’s membership,” he said. Veeriah warned that the move could set a precedent with far reaching implications for the labour movement. “What has happened could easily be repeated with other established unions. All it would take is to replicate an existing union’s name, add numerals and a long-standing union could suddenly face a rival body,” he said. He added that such fragmentation could weaken organised labour and create space for unscrupulous parties to undermine unions, whether acting Pereira said the use of identical or similar names could point to an intention to confuse workers but added that competition between unions could also be viewed as part of a democratic system that allows workers to choose their representation freely in line with freedom of association. He said freedom of association should remain central to trade unionism and rejected the idea that the emergence of new unions would automatically weaken the labour movement. Instead, Pereira said competition could push unions to organise more effectively and offer stronger solutions for workers. “I don’t think it’s going to cause fragmentation,” he said. At the same time, he questioned the labour regulator’s decision to approve the registration of unions with

PETALING JAYA: A labour rights group has urged that debates over the registration of similarly named trade unions should not lose sight of how effectively unions organise and represent workers. Labour rights activist Adrian Pereira of the North–South Initiative said while the registration of unions with identical or similar names could cause confusion, the issue should also prompt scrutiny of how well unions serve their members. “This includes organising efforts, information services and the ability to secure meaningful collective agreements. “If a union is providing the best service, the best response, the best organising and the best collective agreement, then the confusion will not arise,” he said, describing the issue as having “two sides of the coin”. PETALING JAYA: A veteran trade unionist has raised concerns over the registration of what he described as a “duplicate” trade union, warning that recent amendments to the Trade Union Act 1959 may have been misapplied in a move that risks fragmenting organised labour. K. Veeriah said the approval of a new union bearing a name and scope of membership almost identical to that of a long-established union had unsettled the labour movement. He was referring to the National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products, which was registered in 1962 under Registration No. 314. On April 17 this year, the Department of Trade Unions registered another body under the name National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products (2) 2024, assigned Registration No. 1285. Veeriah said the near-identical naming, differing only by the addition of numerals, had the potential to cause widespread confusion among workers and employers. “To worsen the situation, the scope of membership approved for the newly registered union mirrors that of the existing union,” he told theSun . He added that the new union had begun seeking recognition from companies that have long recognised the original body. Veeriah described the development as a form of union busting, arguing that the existence of two unions with identical identities would divide worker representation and weaken

SACRED LEGACY ...

A visitor viewing

Khatib’s Chair at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, which was presented by the Indian government to former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1965 for use in the national mosque. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THE SUN

Debate over names highlights deeper organising gaps

in the sector remains weak. “The question that needs to be asked is why no one has successfully organised the rubber glove industry all these years. Where is the union in all this?” Pereira also referred to an incident in the tyre industry, where long established unions existed but workers were still found to be experiencing indicators of forced labour. He said the workers took the matter to court in 2019 and won, but the manufacturer later shut down its operations, causing migrant workers to lose their jobs. Such cases raise questions about the gap between the presence of unions and actual worker protection. “These instances show the need for unions to examine their own role and effectiveness. The situation could have been avoided if both workers and

overlapping names. “We need to understand what the rationale and the logic are, and then check whether it is against the law or not.” Pereira added that there may be a gap between existing rules and how registrations are being approved, warranting closer scrutiny. He said the debate had also highlighted long-standing questions about union effectiveness in labour intensive industries that have faced repeated labour issues. As an example, Pereira pointed to the rubber glove sector, which he said has experienced problems before, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that Malaysia has one of the world’s largest rubber glove industries, employing tens of thousands of workers, yet unionisation

TUESDAY | DEC 23, 2025 5 ‘Revival of local council elections remains unlikely’ PETALING JAYA: The revival of local council elections in Malaysia remains “mission impossible,” experts say, despite renewed discussion following the appointment of a new Federal Territories (FT) minister. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said attention turned to the issue after Hannah Yeoh was transferred from Youth and Sports minister to FT minister, making her the first non-Malay to hold the post. Yeoh’s party, the DAP, has long advocated local council elections as part of broader decentralisation reforms. “DAP has been championing local council elections since taking control of Penang in 2008,” Mazlan said. “The issue was raised again during the formation of the Pakatan Harapan 1.0 government in 2018, and the party has remained consistent in its stance since then.” However, he stressed that the appointment of DAP ministers does not guarantee policy implementation. “Ministers do not have absolute power. Any proposal must first be deliberated at Cabinet and receive collective agreement before a Bill can be submitted for parliamentary approval. “In this case, I do not think that will happen, as the proposal is likely to be rejected at the Cabinet stage,” he said. Several political hurdles remain. “Opposition from Malay-based parties is a major obstacle. “PN, PAS and Bersatu are strongly against local government elections. Even non-Malay parties within PN, such as Gerakan, lack the influence to counter them,” Mazlan said. He added that Umno is unlikely to support the proposal, while PKR and Amanah would probably refrain from endorsing it. He also highlighted the political sensitivity of the issue. “Historical political narratives influence how some segments of society view local government elections. “There is a perception they could shift existing political dynamics, particularly given differences between urban and rural constituencies. “Although this perception is not necessarily accurate, some groups may use it for political leverage.” Despite the renewed discussion, Mazlan does not expect Yeoh to prioritise local government elections. “She would be aware of the sensitivities surrounding the issue. Her position as FT minister does not automatically provide the space to champion it, given the broader political implications and potential opposition response,” he said. As such, the proposal is likely to remain largely theoretical. “In the current political climate, where no party holds a clear majority, few parties, particularly Malay-based ones, are interested in reopening discussions on local government elections. “It is difficult to predict when, or if, this proposal will gain broad acceptance,” Mazlan added. Local government elections were practised in Malaysia prior to 1965 but were suspended during the Indonesia– Malaysia Confrontation and later abolished, replaced by state-appointed councillors. Calls to revive them, especially in Kuala Lumpur, have resurfaced periodically, driven by concerns over accountability, service delivery and urban governance. Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Remote engagement to tackle brain drain

o Experts say move helps but warn wage gaps, governance and rigid labour markets must be addressed

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

confidence in domestic career opportunities and the country’s ability to build a competitive, future-ready talent ecosystem. TalentCorp Group CEO Edward Ling said global mobility remains a defining feature of today’s workforce, with an estimated 2.43 million Malaysians – about 7.1% of the population – living abroad. However, frequent cross-border commuting with Singapore means diaspora figures do not always reflect permanent emigration. Ling said the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone is expected to attract Malaysian professionals globally, offering high-value jobs, competitive wages, modern work environments and attractive tax policies. “In line with these developments, REP applications increased by 26% this year, signalling stronger intent among Malaysians PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is rethinking how it taps its overseas talent. Rather than relying solely on the permanent return of skilled Malaysians, the country is increasingly encouraging remote and flexible contributions – a necessary evolution, experts say but one that cannot replace deeper structural reforms at home. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia international relations and strategy studies senior lecturer Dr Aizat Khairi said Malaysia’s diaspora – estimated at 1 to 1.2 million, many highly skilled – makes relying on physical return alone unrealistic. Initiatives such as TalentCorp’s “brain circulation”, the Returning Expert Programme (REP) and the MyHeart portal reflect a more pragmatic approach, allowing Malaysians abroad to contribute without relocating. “Remote contribution is most effective for mentoring, short advisory roles, market access, research collaboration and project-based work, which don’t require relocating,” he said. However, Aizat cautioned that without addressing domestic issues such as wage gaps, governance and rigid labour markets, the impact remains limited. He described remote engagement as a useful tool to maintain professional and emotional ties to Malaysia and slow talent loss – but not a complete solution. He urged policymakers to recognise that migration today is increasingly circular. “Malaysians may leave, return and leave again at different stages of life, and policies should be designed with this flexibility in mind,” he said. He recommended clearer pathways for short-term return, such as visiting fellowships, sabbaticals and fixed-term postings, and called for modernising tax and social protection rules to let remote workers contribute without penalties. “Attracting global firms that support hybrid work could allow Malaysians to work locally for

Aizat said Malaysians may leave, return and leave again at different stages of life, and policies should be designed with this flexibility in mind. – SUNPIC

“These examples show Malaysians abroad want to contribute back to the country, even if they are not ready for a permanent return,” Ling said. Performance metrics go beyond return numbers, tracking career progression, leadership impact and long-term retention. Under MyHeart, success is measured by the number and depth of collaborations, including knowledge transfer, mentoring, innovation projects and investment linkages. “Over the past five years, TalentCorp facilitated over 1,200 returns through REP. In 2025 alone, nine collaboration projects involved 15 diaspora members from Japan, the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand, benefiting around 2,000 local talents,” Ling said. – By KIRTINEE RAMESH “What Malaysia needs is a clear, long-term diaspora strategy with measurable goals, tiered engagement and professionalised institutions closely linked to economic and foreign policy priorities,” Aizat said. Economist Doris Liew added that while Malaysia’s labour market appears strong, structural weaknesses such as stagnant wages, limited career growth and a mid-skilled workforce are driving top talent abroad. “Chronic low wages and weak career ladders mean Malaysia increasingly retains average performers, while its more productive workers leave,” she said, noting that rigid workplaces and low flexibility are out of step with global standards. She said these constraints directly affect industrial competitiveness, with domestic firms struggling to move into higher-value production and foreign investors reconsidering Malaysia. Compounding the problem is an education and training system that fails to meet modern industry needs, leading to persistent skill shortages in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and digital services. While diaspora-driven investment and knowledge transfer can accelerate upskilling, Liew said broad-based reform in education, workforce development and TVET is essential for sustaining Malaysia’s economic ambitions.

“Improving global talent rankings reflect growing confidence in Malaysia’s economic prospects and career opportunities,” Ling said. He also highlighted brain gain initiatives, attracting highly skilled foreign talent through Employment and Resident Passes. Industry trends among REP returnees align with Malaysia’s economic priorities, with top sectors including oil and gas, financial services, ICT, global business services, electrical and electronics and healthcare. “Returning Malaysians fill critical skills gaps while bringing international experience, leadership capabilities and global networks,” Ling said. TalentCorp’s Malaysia@Heart (MyHeart) initiative enables Malaysians abroad to contribute without relocating. foreign employers,” he added. He also suggested more robust digital platforms linking diaspora skills to national needs, measuring success through mentorships, joint ventures and co-authored research. Aizat identified wage and opportunity gaps – especially compared with Singapore, limited career progression, perceptions of weak meritocracy and dissatisfaction with governance, cost of living and public services as key drivers pushing Malaysians abroad. Pull factors overseas include higher salaries and stronger professional ecosystems in countries such as Singapore, Australia, the US, and the UK. Despite this, many Malaysians remain closely connected to home through family, remittances, property investments and diaspora networks. He also said Malaysia’s single-citizenship policy limits long-term diaspora engagement, forcing skilled migrants to choose between foreign citizenship and ties to Malaysia. “Easing re-entry for former citizens with special residence visas or flexible tax and property rules would help,” he said. Citing international examples, he pointed to India’s Overseas Citizenship scheme, China’s high-impact expert programmes and Ireland’s Global Irish strategy, which leverages diaspora networks for investment and market access.

Return of Malaysians signals confidence in growth PETALING JAYA: More than 1,200 highly skilled Malaysians have returned home over the past five years through the Returning Expert Programme (REP), signalling growing abroad to participate in Malaysia’s next phase of economic development,” he said. TalentCorp supports both permanent return and overseas contribution, ensuring Malaysians remain connected. Examples include a London partnership that trained 60 Sabah schoolteachers in robotics and AI, benefiting over 120 students and a Malaysia– Japan Visionaries Conference led by researcher Dr Amy Poh, drawing over 300 participants.

TUESDAY | DEC 23, 2025

6

Probe urged into alleged military financial abuses

Namewee acquitted of drug charge KUALA LUMPUR: The Magistrate’s Court yesterday acquitted and discharged rapper Wee Meng Chee, better known as Namewee, of the charge of administering drugs into his body. Magistrate S. Arunjothy ruled this after deputy public prosecutor Amritpreet Kaur Randhawa informed that the pathology results were negative and the prosecution had withdrawn the charge. “The court acquits and discharges the accused from the charge and the bail money (RM2,000) is returned.” Earlier, lawyer Joshua Tay representing Namewee said since the pathology report was negative, there was no prospect of prosecuting the accused and his client should be discharged and acquitted of the charge. According to the charge, through a urine test, it was found that the accused had administered drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, 11-Nor-Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carbolic Acid (THC) and ketamine into his body at the toilet of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division office of the Dang Wangi district police headquarters at 7.15pm on Oct 22. He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a maximum prison sentence of two years and supervision for two years and not more than three years, if convicted. However, Namewee still faces a charge of possessing drugs suspected to be ecstasy weighing approximately 5.12gm in a hotel room at Jalan Conlay here, at 4.30pm on Oct 22.

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Activist submits forensic accounting report citing unusual cash flows and procurement concerns

believe warrant investigation by the police and the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC),” he said, noting that reports and supporting documents had also been submitted to the MACC, Defence Ministry and the ministry’s internal audit division. Badrul emphasised that Peta’s concerns stemmed from potential risks to the welfare and safety of military personnel if procurement processes were compromised. “Defence procurement requires strict oversight due to its implications for operational readiness, national security and public confidence in the armed forces. “These matters should be examined carefully and through the proper legal channels,” he said, reiterating that the allegations did not constitute a determination of wrongdoing but were a call for investigation. He also called on authorities to consider temporarily freezing the accounts under scrutiny and reviewing the officer’s eligibility for promotion or new appointments while investigations proceed. “Alleged misconduct within the defence sector could have wider implications for national security. “Officials facing integrity issues may be exposed to undue pressure or external influence,” Badrul warned.

KUALA LUMPUR: An activist has filed a police report alleging financial irregularities involving a senior military officer, urging authorities to probe unusually large cash flows and potential procurement misconduct. Pembela Tanah Air (Peta) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, said the group had submitted a detailed financial intelligence report,

occurring repeatedly over months. “We have handed over what we call a forensic accounting report to assist investigations. It is now up to the authorities to act,” he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters yesterday. Badrul said the report highlighted multiple bank transactions linked not only to the officer but also to close associates and family members. While he refrained from disclosing full account details due to banking secrecy laws, he said the information had been provided to the relevant authorities. “We are not here to declare anyone guilty. We are asking for a proper investigation.” Chegubard also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in defence procurement, claiming that certain companies repeatedly won army contracts despite higher pricing or limited experience. He suggested some firms may have personal or familial ties to senior figures, though no specifics were disclosed. “These are allegations which we

including forensic accounting findings, to assist the police in their investigations. “The transactions cited involved sums ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand ringgit per transaction,

The charge was brought under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and is punishable under Section 39A(1) of the same act. – Bernama Paramotor pilot injured after cable collision

Badrul said Peta had submitted a detailed financial intelligence report to assist police in their investigations. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

MALACCA: A paramotor pilot fell from a height of 30m after his aircraft struck a Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) electric cable while flying over a padi field in Kampungku Sayang, Bukit Baru, here on Sunday. Melaka Tengah district police chief

Patit added that a TNB team inspected the affected cable and found no damage. A video of the incident, lasting over 10 seconds and recorded by event participants, has since been circulated on social media. – Bernama

sports segment, had taken part in the programme at Tun Fatimah Stadium. “While flying near the stadium, one of the paramotors had a technical malfunction, collided with an electric cable and plunged into the padi field,” he said in a statement yesterday.

minor facial injuries, while the paramotor suffered minor damage. No members of the public were injured in the incident. “It was reported that four paramotor pilots from a Selangor-based club, along with their equipment for the extreme

ACP Christopher Patit said the incident occurred at 8.40am and was believed to have been caused by a technical malfunction involving the paramotor during the Duyong International Cultural Run 2025. He said the pilot sustained only

TUESDAY | DEC 23, 2025

7 Swiss court to hear landmark suit against cement giant

Hanoi looks for new leaders HANOI: Senior officials of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party began a two-day meeting yesterday to select candidates for leadership positions. The gathering precedes the five yearly party congress next month, which will formally nominate leaders and set key policy and economic targets. Party chief To Lam opened the meeting saying the plenum of the party’s central committee is tasked with finalising the selection of state and party leaders, according to his speech published on the government portal. “I propose that you focus your intellect and responsibility to select personnel to be nominated for the 14th Party Congress in a straightforward, objective and impartial manner,”Lam told the roughly 200 party members at the meeting. The names of candidates shortlisted at previous party meetings have not been disclosed. The party said in its portal the meeting will conclude today but authorities did not say whether the plenum’s decisions will be made public after its conclusion. Lam, 68, is seeking a second term as party chief, the country’s most powerful job which he assumed in August last year after his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong died. The sweeping administrative and economic reforms that Lam introduced during his roughly 18 months at the helm have earned him admirers but also stirred discontent. Alongside the party chief, delegates will also select candidates for the other four “pillars” of the state: president, prime minister, chairman of the parliament and the standing member of the party’s secretariat. – Reuters Chinese national hurt in shelling PHNOM PENH: A Chinese national was wounded by Thai military shelling into Cambodia yesterday, Phnom Penh’s Interior Ministry said. Thai forces fired “artillery shells into civilian areas” of Cambodia’s border province of Battambang, resulting in “one civilian house being destroyed and one Chinese national being injured”, the ministry said in a statement. In the Cambodian border city of Poipet, the ministry said Thailand’s military fired into “civilian areas inhabited by both Cambodian nationals and foreign residents on the Cambodian side of the border”, causing property damage. Fighting broke out again this month, including with tanks, drones and artillery, and has killed at least 23 people in Thailand and 20 in Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he met Chinese envoy Deng Xijun yesterday to discuss the border conflict. “China, as a neutral country, does not want to see conflicts in this region,“ Anutin told reporters in Bangkok. “(Deng) does not come to ask us to agree on something. He expresses the country’s intention that they want to see peace, and Thailand has a firm stance on our requirements for peace.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was hoping for a ceasefire as soon as possible. “As a friend and close neighbour of Cambodia and Thailand, China sincerely hopes that both sides will proceed from maintaining peace and stability along the border of the two countries,” Lin told a news briefing yesterday. – AFP

o Four plaintiffs seek 3,600 Swiss francs each

by 2050, but has argued that lawmakers should decide how those goals are met. “Holcim remains convinced that the courtroom is not the appropriate forum to address the global challenge of climate change,” it said. The NGOs said the Zug court had rejected that argument. Holcim has not owned any cement plants in Indonesia since 2019, but the islanders argue that the company shares the blame for rising temperatures and sea levels. Environmentalists say Holcim ranks among the world’s 100 biggest corporate CO2 emitters, and so bears significant responsibility for climate-related loss and damage. The four plaintiffs are seeking 3,600 Swiss francs (RM18,361) each from Holcim for damages and for protection measures such as planting mangroves and constructing breakwater barriers. HEKS has said the amount is equivalent to 0.42% of the actual costs in line with estimates that Holcim is responsible for 0.42% of global industrial CO2 emissions since 1750. In addition, the plaintiffs are demanding a 43% reduction in Holcim’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 69% reduction by 2040. – AFP

millions, especially in developing countries. Oil companies have been the main target, but activists are hoping the Swiss case will highlight the role of the cement industry. Four residents of Pari island filed the case in January 2023, demanding compensation from the world’s largest cement firm and help to fund protection measures. Two of the islanders travelled to Switzerland for a September hearing at the court in Zug, where Holcim is headquartered, to determine whether it would consider the complaint. “The court has now made its ruling: the complaint must be admitted in its entirety,” the NGOs said. Holcim said in a statement it had “anticipated this as a potential outcome and intend to appeal”. Environmentalists have said 11% of the 42ha island of Pari has disappeared in recent years, and it could be completely under water by 2050. One of the plaintiffs, Asmania, hailed yesterday’s decision. “We are very pleased. This decision gives us the strength to continue our fight,” she said in the NGO’s statement. Holcim has repeatedly stressed it is committed to reaching net zero

against cement giant Holcim, NGOs said yesterday. “For the first time ever in Switzerland, a court has admitted climate litigation brought against a large corporation,” said a statement from NGOs including Swiss Church Aid (HEKS). The case is part of an international movement seeking to hold major companies responsible for climate damage that imperils

GENEVA: A Swiss court has decided to hear a landmark case pitting residents of a tiny Indonesian island being swallowed by rising sea levels

Pari island residents Edi (left) and Asmania near a Holcim plant on June 11, 2023. – AFPFILEPIC

Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant NIIGATA: Japan took the final step to allow the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant yesterday as the region of Niigata voted to resume operations, a watershed moment in the country’s return to nuclear energy nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, located

about 220km northwest of Tokyo, was among 54 reactors shut down after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Since then, Japan has restarted 14 of the 33 that remain operable, as it tries to wean itself off imported fossil fuels. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa will be the first operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco), which ran the doomed Fukushima plant. Niigata prefecture’s assembly yesterday passed a vote of confidence on Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who backed the restart last month, effectively allowing for the plant to restart operations. Ahead of the vote, around 300 protesters, mostly older people, holding banners reading “No Nukes”, “We oppose the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa” and “Support Fukushima” gathered in front of the Niigata prefecture assembly. As the rally started, the crowd sang Furusato, a national song about connection to a birthplace, meaning “homeland” in Japanese. “Is Tepco qualified to run Kashiwazaki-Kariwa?”, a protester asked, with the crowd yelling: “No!”

A woman holds a banner that reads, ‘Against Restart’ near auditors as Niigata Prefectural Assembly lawmakers take part in a vote of confidence yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

160,000 other evacuees. Her old home was inside the 20km irradiated exclusion zone. The farmer and anti-nuclear activist has now joined protests against what she sees as a new threat. “We know firsthand the risk of a nuclear accident and cannot dismiss it,” said Oga, adding that she still struggles with post-traumatic stress like symptoms from what happened at Fukushima. – Reuters

years as it sought to win the support of Niigata residents. But many locals remain wary. A survey published by the prefecture in October found 60% of residents did not think conditions for the restart had been met. Nearly 70% were worried about Tepco operating the plant. Ayako Oga, 52, settled in Niigata after fleeing the area around the Fukushima plant in 2011 with

Tepco is considering reactivating the first of seven reactors at the plant on Jan 20. “We remain firmly committed to never repeating such an accident and ensuring Niigata residents never experience anything similar,” said Tepco spokesperson Masakatsu Takata. Tepco earlier this year pledged to inject ¥100 billion (RM2.6 billion) into the prefecture over the next 10