11/02/2026

Unlike doctors, chatbots cannot examine patients or interpret subtle signs such as skin tone, breathing patterns or other non-verbal cues: Experts Public warned of high risks in AI-generated medical advice

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Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah firmly against rearing of the livestock in Selangor, citing serious environmental risks including foul odours and river contamination from pig waste. Ruler says ‘No’ to swine farming

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Isa Samad being taken to the Sungai Buloh Prison to begin his six-year jail term yesterday after the Federal Court verdict. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia target of e-waste shipments, says minister

Jail for Isa as Federal Court reinstates corruption conviction Apex court restores ex-Felda chief’s six-year prison term, RM15m fine, saying Court of Appeal had erred in acquitting him in 2024. Report on — page 5

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More than half of 1,241 containers inspected between 2021 and 2025 found to contain electronic garbage.

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Sultan makes firm stand against swine farming

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has made a firm stand against pig farming in the state, declaring that he does not consent to its operation in any district. In a statement from the Selangor Royal Office, His Royal Highness warned that pig farming poses serious environmental risks, including foul odours and river contamination from pig waste. He proposed that the government consider issuing licences for pork importation to meet the needs of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community. “This approach would not only resolve the long-standing pig farming issue but also enable the state government to optimise land use for development, housing and other productive purposes,” the statement said. He added that large-scale and small-scale pig farms are unsuitable for Selangor, citing limited land resources and high property values that would be better used for ventures benefiting the wider community.

o Ruler proposes govt consider issuing licences for pork importation to meet needs of non-Muslims The statement comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 23 urged the Selangor government to cancel the proposed large-scale pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor. The matter was also discussed during a meeting between Anwar and Sultan Sharafuddin on Sunday.

historically posed significant public health concerns. The country experienced a major Nipah virus outbreak between 1998 and 1999, a zoonotic disease transmitted from pigs to humans. The outbreak affected about 265 people, resulted in dozens of deaths and prompted the culling of over a million pigs to contain the spread. The virus, which can cause severe neurological and respiratory illness, had a mortality rate of roughly 40%. No new human cases have been reported and Malaysia was officially declared free of Nipah virus in 2001. Recently, the Veterinary Services Department approved the import of pork from Thailand and Brazil to help meet local demand. processes remain transparent, fair and orderly. He emphasised the need to resolve illegal temple constructions, which have long caused unease and disrupted community cohesion. Anwar, speaking at the National Unity Ministry on Monday, said Malaysia is a nation governed by the rule of law. “Local councils have been given the authority to remove illegal structures so that this issue could be resolved properly.” He dismissed requests for exceptions, including a temple built beneath a 200-year-old sacred tree. “A temple’s long-standing presence does not justify illegal construction.” Without naming individuals, Anwar criticised previous attempts by politicians to exploit the issue to stir racial tensions, alluding to claims that Hindus face restrictions in practising their faith. Enforcement has already begun. Following a rally against alleged illegal temples on Saturday, preacher Zamri Vinoth and TanahMalaya.com founder Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak were remanded for two days. Police said about 100 people had gathered in front of Sogo in Kuala Lumpur, demanding action on illegal structures. Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus stressed that police response applies to all parties. which stipulates that civil servants are prohibited from owning shares worth more than RM100,000 in any single company. He urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to suspend Azam to allow for a probe into the allegations of misconduct, specifically relating to share ownership exceeding the prescribed limit. At the time of writing, the Prime Minister’s Office had yet to issue a response.

PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance against unauthorised places of worship, warning that illegal constructions could threaten community harmony and state security. He reaffirmed his position during an audience with Anwar on Sunday, a day after Anwar declared that no place of worship should be built outside the law. He said development in Selangor, including Hindu temples, must be lawful, orderly and in line with urban planning standards. The state government told Sultan Sharafuddin that as of Jan 31, there are 687 unauthorised Hindu temples in the state, with 388 on government land and 299 on private land. The figure is significant, given that the Hindu Indian community makes up roughly 11.3% of Selangor’s population. These numbers do not include temples that have followed proper legal authorisation. “Unauthorised constructions, particularly on government or private land, risk sparking disputes and threaten the security of the state and nation,” said Sultan Sharafuddin. He called for authorities to scrutinise all applications for places of worship carefully, ensuring the Klang Valley population.” He said the pig farming issue should be paused and considered resolved, while noting it has implications for public peace and harmony. All parties have been urged to respect Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree and work together to maintain unity within the state. Following Anwar’s advice, the Selangor government recently scrapped plans to centralise the state’s pig farming industry in Bukit Tagar. Reports indicate that the state is actively phasing out pig farms, with just over 30 remaining in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, down from 115. Pig farming in Malaysia has It said the shareholding was disclosed in the company’s annual return lodged on Feb 3 last year. Based on Velocity Capital’s share price at Monday’s close, the stake would be valued at about RM800,000. The issue has drawn political scrutiny, with Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli questioning whether the reported shareholding contravenes public service regulations. Rafizi said the matter appears to breach Service Circular No. 3 of 2002, Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

In his Monday address, Anwar reiterated his stance, saying pig farming should not proceed in areas in which it is opposed by local residents or locations likely to spark public controversy. Sultan Sharafuddin said the Bukit Tagar project, located within a Malay settlement and Felda area, could raise issues among the local community. “Even if air and water pollution could be managed through modern farming methods, such methods require significant investment and are unlikely to be financially viable for operators supplying pork solely to Selangor. “There is also no guarantee that modern farming would not pollute rivers and water catchments serving

Selangor Ruler opposes illegal places of worship

SET TO SAIL ... Sarawak Head of State Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (fourth, left), his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah (fifth, left), Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari (third, left) and navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain (left) at the naming and launching ceremony of the navy’s littoral combat ship at the Lumut Naval Shipyard yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC MACC defends chief against claims of misconduct

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

with all applicable asset declaration requirements, including declarations made through the Human Resource Management Information System to the Public Service Department, covering sources of income as well as the acquisition and disposal of assets, including shares. The Bloomberg report cites corporate filings with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, which listed Azam as holding 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Bhd.

In a statement yesterday, it said the report has affected Azam’s image and reputation, and unjustifiably linked MACC to allegations of wrongdoing, potentially undermining public confidence in the anti-graft agency. It stressed that asset declarations by public officers are governed by established administrative and governance procedures, and must be submitted through official channels to the relevant authorities. It said Azam had fully complied

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has strongly rejected what it described as “misleading statements and unfounded allegations” in a Bloomberg report on its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholdings, insisting that all asset declarations were made in compliance with public service regulations.

WEDNESDAY | FEB 11, 2026 3 Putrajaya, New Delhi coordinate on Myanmar MALAYSIA and India are stepping up cooperation on tourism and regional security amid mounting instability in Myanmar that continues to trigger refugee spillover affecting both countries, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat. Responding to Lim Guan Eng (Bagan–PH) on the outcomes of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit and bilateral cooperation on trade and regional issues, Mohamad said people-to-people ties remained the bedrock of Malaysia–India relations. “In 2025, 1.56 million tourists from India visited Malaysia. Overall, Malaysia received 40 million tourists, surpassing Thailand and tourism has become a major contributor to our economy. We are working to make it easier for tourists from both countries by improving facilitation and basic travel conveniences because people-to-people links are the strength of our relationship.” On regional security, Mohamad said stability remained a shared priority, particularly amid the prolonged crisis in Myanmar. “Malaysia is currently hosting more than 200,000 Rohingya refugees and instability in Myanmar has a direct impact on us. “India shares a 1,648km border with Myanmar and is also affected by refugee spillover, so India must be involved in any discussions on peace and security concerning Myanmar.” He said both countries regularly exchange views on managing the situation and continue engaging Myanmar authorities through diplomatic channels. “We cannot force Myanmar and engagement must be handled carefully because external pressure alone has not been effective. Instability in Myanmar must not be allowed to spill beyond its borders because it affects neighbouring states directly. “Malaysia, as part of Asean, cannot fully support the elections in Myanmar because they were not inclusive and not transparent.” On economic cooperation, Mohamad said bilateral trade between Malaysia and India is approaching US$19 billion (RM74.68 billion) and remains in Malaysia’s favour, with palm oil and electrical and electronic goods among key exports. On tariff issues involving the United States, he said Malaysia and India shared views but negotiated separately due to differing conditions. “The US prefers bilateral negotiations rather than multilateral discussions. Malaysia and India exchange views, but we negotiate with the US separately.” He said India had been offered a reduction from 50% to 18% but could not utilise the lower rate until its agreement is ratified, while Malaysia’s rate had shifted from 25% to 19%, with negotiations on specific terms ongoing. “The conditions faced by India and Malaysia are not the same. India, for example, faces pressure over its purchases of Russian oil, which has major implications for its economy.” Mohamad said Malaysia–India ties now span tourism, security, trade, technology and cultural cooperation, with both sides looking to deepen collaboration following Modi’s visit. “The relationship between Malaysia and India is not new. It has long existed, especially through strong people-to people ties, even before formal diplomatic relations were established in 1957. The official visit by Modi was aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and building on the official visit by our prime minister to India in 2024.”

M’sia intensifies crackdown on illegal e-waste shipments

schoolchildren, has prompted intensified health surveillance, with the Health Ministry confirming it reflects a broader national pattern of TB cluster outbreaks. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the cluster began on Jan 25 and expanded following extensive contact tracing. “It started with a 72-year-old Quran teacher as the index case. As of Feb 7, there are 37 cases – 29 children and eight adults. “A total of 903 close contacts have been identified and screened. Most cases were detected through active case detection.” Local reports earlier indicated the cluster involved communities around Felda Sungai Mas with schools sanitised after infections were detected among students while health teams screened hundreds of close contacts. All identified cases are receiving treatment PETALING JAYA: Illegal electronic waste continues to flow into Malaysia with hundreds of containers intercepted over the past five years as traffickers seek to dump their shipments here, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Kurup was responding to Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong and Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim who had asked about enforcement guarantees, the shutdown of illegal premises and integrity within the Department of Environment (DOE). He said more than half of the 1,241 containers inspected between 2021 and 2025 were found to contain e-waste. A total of 701 containers were detained, with 428 already repatriated to their countries of origin, he added. “Repatriation orders have been issued for the remaining cases under Section 31 of the Environmental Quality Act, based on customs manifests and bills of lading. “If repatriation cannot be carried out, such as when the owner cannot be identified, e-waste will be managed and disposed of safely using the environmentally sound management method at licensed DOE-recognised facilities.” Kurup said disposal follows full legal procedures including court proceedings under laws such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla), to ensure actions are lawful and orderly. The minister also highlighted a crackdown on illegal processing factories. “Through Ops Hazard 1 and Ops Hazard 2, 85 cases were acted upon – 21 premises were issued compounds while 64 cases were brought to court. To date, 11 cases have been concluded,” he said. Closures were carried out under Act 171 which governs licensing and enforcement of premises. Kurup said a special committee chaired by the inspector-general of police has been established while the chief secretary to the government has met local authorities in industrial zones to coordinate enforcement. Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Minister outlines repatriation orders, factory closures and inter-agency enforcement efforts

Kurup says disposal of e-waste will be managed using the environmentally sound management method at licensed DOE-recognised facilities. – SUNPIC

anti-TB treatment and monitored daily under directly observed therapy.” He also warned of the risks posed by latent infections. “Latent TB is dangerous because the bacteria can remain in the body without symptoms and reactivate when a person’s immunity drops.” Dzulkefly said vaccination coverage among newborns remains high. “Bacille calmette–guerin (BCG) vaccination coverage for newborns in Malaysia is around 99%. However, there is still no effective TB vaccine for adults.” He added that antimicrobial resistance is an emerging global threat. “What we are facing today is antimicrobial resistance – resistance to antibiotics, including TB drugs. This is a major global challenge and a serious future threat when antibiotics can no longer effectively treat infections that were once easily cured.” power or corruption will not be tolerated,” Kurup assured, adding that DOE operations will continue smoothly, with manpower reinforced as needed. The discussion comes after the recent arrests of DOE director-general and deputy director general by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the MACC Act 2009. The arrests, which also involved company directors and other DOE officers, are part of an ongoing investigation into bribery and abuse of power linked to illegal e-waste processing and disposal. Separately, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who chaired the federal and state governments’ liaison meeting yesterday, said the federal government will intensify enforcement against e waste smuggling, particularly at major entry points, through a “whole-of-nation” approach that emphasises close coordination with state governments. He added that integrated cooperation is vital, as tackling cross-border economic crimes requires action in two areas under state authority – ports and local authorities. “At the local authority level, this includes the issuance of premises licences, such as those for scrap metal shops and businesses dealing with used or worn-out materials. “Cooperation between the federal and state governments is essential to ensure enforcement measures are carried out smoothly and effectively.” Shamsul Azri added that the federal and state governments have begun collecting data from local authorities on licensed premises nationwide to support enforcement against operators found flouting regulations.

The said Malaysia has become a target for e-waste shipments due to tighter import restrictions in China and high demand from illegal, unlicensed processing factories. minister

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

“In 2025, a total of 88 TB clusters were reported nationwide, involving 254 TB cases. Of these, 35 clusters are still active. As of Feb 7, 10 new clusters have been reported, with Selangor recording four.” He was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (Kuala Langat–PH) who sought the latest status by state, active monitored cases and control measures in high-risk institutions. On control measures, Dzulkefly outlined screening and treatment protocols in settings such as boarding schools, prisons and worker dormitories. “Screening in high-risk institutions such as boarding schools, prisons and worker dormitories includes symptom checks, chest X rays, sputum tests and rapid molecular testing. “Confirmed patients are given immediate “False declarations of imported goods and the valuable metals contained in e-waste have also attracted illegal operators. “To combat this, we have strengthened control mechanisms at border entry points and enhanced enforcement with Customs, port authorities, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency and the police. “The ministry is also working with international organisations, including the Basel Convention Secretariat, to curb illegal imports.” Kurup said Malaysia’s ban on e-waste imports, effective Feb 4, aligns with the Basel Convention and domestic law. Under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, any placement or transit of scheduled waste into Malaysia without approval carries penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from RM100,000 to RM10 million. Enforcement will target all parties involved, including importers, logistics agents and carriers. “For e-waste that enters the country illegally, the primary course of action is repatriation to the country of origin, in line with Malaysia’s commitments under the Basel Convention.” Kurup said the ministry has also set up a special task force to strengthen governance, improve enforcement and oversee staff. “Investigations will be conducted transparently and independently. Any abuse of

Health Ministry steps up monitoring after TB cluster detected A TUBERCULOSIS (TB) cluster in Kota Tinggi that has infected dozens, including and are being closely monitored, Dzulkefly said. He later told Dewan Rakyat that the outbreak reflects wider TB transmission nationwide.

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‘Relying on AI for medical advice carries serious risks’

Rising concerns over using chatbots for self-diagnosis PETALING JAYA: As artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT gain popularity, concerns are mounting over people relying on chatbots for self-diagnosis instead of consulting qualified doctors. The debate was ignited by an online post asking whether users trust ChatGPT to diagnose health problems and whether its advice is safe. Responses from the online community were largely critical, speaking against placing trust in AI for medical decisions. Natural-You4322 sarcastically highlighted the danger of online symptom checks and said: “Search anything and you can end up with cancer as a diagnosis.” InterestingSir1866 said they avoid using ChatGPT for health issues, preferring cautious online searches. “AI often makes mistakes and exaggerates, so I would not want to put my life in its hands.” mrpokealot called the idea of using ChatGPT as a doctor “terrifying” while awx10 said asking Google and ChatGPT should be avoided in the early stages of illness as they often leap to extreme conclusions. Some acknowledged AI’s appeal in providing reassurance. Alexisreddit516 noted that ChatGPT’s calm, confident tone could reduce panic compared with standard search engines, but stressed that responses are not gospel. Concerns were also raised about“AI hallucinations”, in which chatbots confidently generate false or misleading information. RotiPisang_ said such responses could mislead users while ponyponyta highlighted examples of AI presenting dangerous inaccuracies as fact. In their critique, ponyponyta said chatbots lack genuine understanding and merely stitch patterns from unverified sources. The user spoke against treating AI as a replacement for professional judgement or therapy, noting that it could fail at even basic tasks, such as mathematics. They claimed that some chatbots might respond inappropriately to vulnerable users discussing personal struggles, posing risks if AI is mistaken for professional support. “AI may be useful for creative writing or storytelling, but it is poorly suited for situations in which factual accuracy matters.” They added that much of AI’s appeal lies in its conversational “personality” while companies benefit from user interactions to collect data and market their technology. “This is just my understanding,” they concluded, urging scepticism when using AI for health, safety or personal wellbeing.” yoonpples highlighted ethical risks, saying chatbots may affirm harmful behaviour because they are designed to sound supportive rather than judge right from wrong. Overall, users agreed that AI could provide general information but cannot replace trained medical professionals, particularly when health and safety are on the line. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

o Possibility of errors grows with complexity of queries, model used, phrasing: Educator

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has endorsed several AI-driven radiological and diagnostic tools, reflecting the growing acceptance of AI in healthcare under strong regulatory oversight. “These developments are timely and crucial, but they also highlight the need for strong governance frameworks. Without oversight, AI could unintentionally widen health inequalities or undermine patient trust.” Ultimately, Sharifa stressed that human oversight must remain at the centre of healthcare, even as AI transforms delivery. “AI should enhance clinical practice, not replace it. Ethical use, proper regulation and continuous human involvement are essential to ensure patient safety and maintain trust in our healthcare system.” – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH may improve, but without human judgement, fairness and safety are compromised,” he added. Ainuddin stressed that certain aspects of healthcare must remain in human hands. “Tasks requiring complex judgement, emotional support and physical intervention, such as surgery or delivering difficult news, cannot be delegated to AI.” Humans can understand a patient’s context, values and needs in a way AI cannot replicate. However, AI could serve as a powerful support tool as it excels at processing large volumes of data, recognising patterns, summarising medical records, highlighting drug interactions or flagging areas of concern in imaging scans. “Think of AI as a high-powered microscope. It allows doctors to see what is invisible to the naked eye, however the microscope cannot make treatment decisions. The doctor remains the ultimate decision-maker,” he noted. He warned against using AI for self-diagnosis or treatment as misinterpretation may cause unnecessary anxiety or a false sense of security, delaying proper medical attention. “AI should be treated as a supplementary tool. Use it to generate questions for discussion with healthcare professionals and always verify information with trusted, peer-reviewed sources. “AI has enormous potential to enhance healthcare by supporting doctors and improving access to information. But it should never replace the human judgement and expertise essential for safe, accurate and ethical medical care.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by the public for health advice but experts say it cannot replace doctors and carries serious risks if relied on blindly. Universiti Malaya Computer Systems and Technology Department Prof Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab said AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are fundamentally limited because they rely on statistical patterns rather than genuine clinical understanding. “AI is essentially a language tool, not a doctor. It predicts which words should come next based on patterns in the data. This means it could sound confident even when it is wrong,” he said. Unlike human doctors, AI cannot examine patients or interpret subtle signs, such as skin tone, breathing patterns or other non-verbal cues. “It is like using a highly advanced dictionary to interpret a poem. AI can define every word but it may miss the deeper meaning, in this case, the actual health condition.” He said AI could produce plausible-sounding but inaccurate medical information. “The system is designed to be helpful and conversational, not JAYA:

Ainuddin warned against using AI for self-diagnosis or treatment as misinterpretation may cause unnecessary anxiety or a false sense of security, delaying proper medical attention. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THE SUN

AI provides medical guidance directly to the public, he added. Safety is a major issue because chatbots may fail to recognise emergencies or serious conditions, delaying critical care. Accountability is also unclear. “If AI advice causes harm, it is uncertain whether responsibility falls on the user, the developer or the platform.” Data privacy and fairness are also at stake. He said patients may share sensitive information without knowing how it is used and AI could unintentionally provide lower-quality guidance to certain groups because of biases in its training data. “It is like replacing a physical courtroom with an automated system. The speed and accessibility

“Using AI as a support tool is acceptable, but relying fully on AI to make medical diagnoses or management decisions could be hazardous,” she said. “The recommended investigations, treatments or procedures suggested by AI may be inaccurate, especially in complex, severe or uncommon cases.” She highlighted that AI systems often rely on clinical algorithms that may not account for individual patient differences. Biases in training data could influence AI recommendations, potentially leading to uncertain or even harmful outcomes, she added. Nonetheless, she said AI could play a constructive role in treatment and patient management. “AI tools could flag medication changes, support personalised nutrition plans for patients with chronic diseases and assist with strictly factual. It is similar to asking a very good writer to fix a car engine. The words may sound right, but without hands-on checks, mistakes are easy and potentially dangerous.” The risk of errors grows with the complexity of medical queries, the model used and how questions are phrased. “While AI could reliably explain general medical concepts, it may mislead in complicated cases. Errors usually stem from biased or incomplete training data. “If the data lacks information on certain demographics or rare conditions, the AI’s advice may not apply to every patient.” Ainuddin said without human oversight, such gaps could lead to harmful or even fatal conclusions. Ethical concerns also arise when

Healthcare must be centred on human oversight: Specialist PETALING JAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise medical diagnosis and healthcare delivery but it must never replace human clinical judgement, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh. effective when used to assist and automate existing healthcare services, particularly in diagnostics and pharmaceutical processes. Full reliance on AI for medical decision-making could be dangerous, said Sharifa. screening decisions, but always under the supervision of healthcare professionals,” she emphasised. The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has issued ethical guidelines to govern AI in medical practice, emphasising safe, responsible and equitable application. training before using AI, secure informed consent by explaining the tool’s use and limitations, maintain strict data confidentiality, and retain the ability to override AI suggestions whenever necessary.

The guidelines stress bias-free systems, evidence-based practices, ethical safeguards as well as the importance of fairness, underscoring that AI must support, not replace, professional clinical judgement. Aligned with international standards, including the World Health Organisation and Malaysia’s National AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines, the MMC directives maintain that registered medical practitioners remain fully accountable for patient outcomes, even when AI tools are used in clinical decision-making. Key principles include protecting patient autonomy, promoting wellbeing, ensuring transparency and explainability of AI systems, clarifying accountability, and safeguarding privacy and data protection. The directives also outline that doctors must receive appropriate

She said AI could serve as a tool to assist doctors in identifying potential diagnoses and narrowing down differential conditions, but stressed that final decisions must always be confirmed by medical professionals. “AI may help suggest possible conditions and, in some cases, guide clinicians towards more accurate diagnoses. However, many diseases are complex and require a human touch. A final diagnosis must still be made by a medical professional.” She said AI systems could overdiagnose or underdiagnose conditions, leading to false positives or negatives. She added that such errors could trigger unnecessary investigations or procedures, inflating healthcare costs and exposing patients to avoidable risks. She also said AI is most

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Call for Muhyiddin to step down PETALING JAYA: Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee has openly urged party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down, warning that the party is heading towards an irreversible internal crisis. The call came after Bersatu’s Disciplinary Board summoned deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin over a series of old and new allegations, a move Ronald described as regressive and contradictory to efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election. “Disciplinary action against Hamzah not only undermines the top leadership but also sends the wrong signal to grassroots members and supporters at a time when Bersatu should be focusing on unity and preparation to face current political challenges,” Ronald said. He also criticised the board’s decision to summon several division chiefs, including MPs and state assemblymen backing Hamzah, calling it a desperate misuse of disciplinary procedures. “This action appears to be an attempt to silence key leaders from expressing views, criticisms and feedback that are vital to Bersatu’s survival and future.” Ronald also said such developments have left Bersatu appearing increasingly directionless, straying from the party’s founding objectives. He added that the party’s political efforts now seem focused on safeguarding Muhyiddin’s position and protecting certain leadership factions, without due consideration for the impact on relationships and trust among PN component parties. “The crisis not only damages Bersatu’s image but also has a direct impact on the confidence of coalition partners and the overall readiness of PN.” He emphasised that Muhyiddin has failed to manage the party’s internal divisions, allowing disputes to fester to a point that is increasingly difficult to repair. He alleged that the Bersatu president is now using his remaining influence solely to defend his position, including blocking Hamzah’s emergence as a future leader. “These actions give the impression that personal interests, including the agenda to return as prime minister, have taken precedence over the party’s needs and the interests of the coalition.” Ronald said the time has come for Muhyiddin to step down honourably to restore and rebuild Bersatu’s strength, including reinforcing strategic ties with PN component parties. He added that such a move would open the door to leadership renewal, ease internal tensions and restore confidence among party members, supporters and coalition partners. Hamzah is scheduled to appear before the Bersatu Disciplinary Board at 12pm on Thursday at the party’s headquarters to assist in investigations into alleged disruptions during the party’s annual general assembly and attacks against Muhyiddin. Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Former Felda chairman sent to jail

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o Six-year sentence, RM15.45m fine for Isa Samad after court reinstates conviction

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the the evidence of solicitation or demand for the grant money. “As the special officer of the respondent, it was highly improbable that Zahid would solicit or demand the grant money for himself. “It requires a person in authority to solicit or demand such a substantial amount. “In the present case, the respondent is that person,” Nordin said. The court also ruled that all elements of the offences were proven beyond reasonable doubt and that Isa failed to rebut the presumption under Section 50(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, adding that the Court of Appeal had misapplied the law. “We reiterate that corruption is a heinous act that could destroy a nation. “The sentence of six years’ imprisonment for each charge, to be served concurrently, and a total fine of RM15.45 million imposed by the trial judge is appropriate and in accordance with the law.” Following the decision, the court issued a committal warrant, ordering Isa to be taken into custody. Isa will serve his sentence at the Sungai Buloh Prison. He was first charged on Dec 14, 2018, with one count of criminal breach of trust and nine counts of receiving gratification exceeding RM3 million, linked to his approval of FICSB’s hotel purchase in Kuching. The offences were allegedly committed on the 49th floor of Menara Felda at Persiaran KLCC, between July 21, 2014, and Dec 11, 2015. Isa faced charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher. However, on March 6, 2024, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged him of all charges after allowing his appeal. ‘salam’, supported

PETALING JAYA: Former Felda chairman Isa Samad, 76, began serving his six-year prison sentence yesterday after the Federal Court reinstated his conviction and RM15.45 million fine for corruption, overturning a Court of Appeal ruling that had acquitted him of all charges previously. A three-member bench led by Datuk Nordin Hassan, with Datuk Lee Swee Seng and Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali, allowed the prosecution’s appeal. Nordin, in delivering the unanimous decision, said the trial judge’s conviction was supported by evidence and that the Court of Appeal had erred in its reversal. The case involved RM3.09 million linked to Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd’s (FICSB) purchase of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites (MPHS) in Kuching. Nordin said Isa had used an intermediary to solicit political funds from a businessman whose company stood to benefit from the purchase. “In the present case, the respondent, the chairman of FICSB, who was involved in the approval of the purchase of MPHS from Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn Bhd (GAPSB), conveyed ‘salam’ several times to Ikhwan Zaidel.” Ikhwan was the director and shareholder of GAPSB, the company that sold MPHS to FICSB. The court observed that while conveying “salam” is a common practice among Muslims, the context in this case indicated solicitation, rejecting the defence claim that Isa’s former special political officer, Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, acted independently. “That spreads a different connotation. “In the context of the present case, the respondent’s communication, together with ۬

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Six held for false airline ticket claims worth more than RM1 million KOTA KINABALU: Four federal statutory body officers and two travel agency employees were arrested by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) in Sabah on Monday to assist in investigations into false claims involving airline tickets amounting to about RM1.3 million. their 30s and 50s – were detained at about 9.30pm at the Sabah MACC office when they turned up to give their statements. The arrests were made following investigations into their alleged involvement in submitting false claims related to the purchase of airline tickets using air travel warrants. to have been falsified, while no actual airline tickets were supplied by the company concerned to the officers and staff of the department.” Sabah MACC director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah confirmed the arrests. “An application for remand against all the suspects will be made today (yesterday) at the Kota Kinabalu Magistrate’s Court to allow further investigations to be carried out.” submitting documents containing false particulars.

He also said several follow-up arrests might be made in the future based on developments in the investigation. – Bernama

He said the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for

According to a source, all six suspects – comprising two men and four women aged between

“Initial investigations found that the flight details are believed

WEDNESDAY | FEB 11, 2026

6

Biography chronicles life and vision of Ananda Krishnan

KUALA LUMPUR: A vision for Kuala Lumpur by the late Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan in the 1950s is now a reality, with the Petronas Twin Towers standing as its most enduring symbol, according to “Inspiring Billionaire”, the first comprehensive biography of the business tycoon. Bestselling author and adjunct professor M. Krishnamoorthy told Bernama that Ananda, then aged 14, shared his vision during a family gathering. “With youthful conviction, he painted a picture of the future, a vision that seemed almost impossible. He declared: Kuala Lumpur will become a great city, filled with towering buildings that touch the sky!” he said, adding that Ananda’s parents reacted with amusement, responding with: “May your dreams come true.” The 300-page book was launched on Sunday by Lotus Group founder and group CEO Tan Sri R. Doraisingam Pillai in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with more than 100 guests in attendance and approximately 200 copies sold. Krishnamoorthy said Ananda had established several foundations to provide scholarships, and aid the poor and needy. “Ananda’s true greatness lies in giving, sharing joy and creating opportunities for others. The book is an inspiring call to embrace the spirit of philanthropy and make our mark on the world.” Meanwhile, Doraisingam said the book detailed Ananda’s life beyond business, focusing on his philanthropic contributions and societal impact. “It unveils the extraordinary life of

o Book explores philosophy, philanthropy and legacy of late entrepreneur

ambition, grounded in humanity and humility,” Azman, who is now Berjaya Media Bhd executive director, said in his recollections of Ananda, whom he interviewed during the planning and construction of the Petronas Twin Towers.” The book also highlights Ananda’s business philosophy, which guided his rise to billionaire status through strategic long-term investments. “The businesses I chose were not the businesses of today, but of tomorrow. We don’t do the things that everybody else is doing,” Ananda was quoted as saying in past interviews. In another quote, he says: “To make money, “you have to find tomorrow’s business and make tomorrow’s money. Today’s businesses have small margins. Tomorrow’s businesses require patience, but the margins are big.” Inspiring Billionaire will be available in bookstores and online soon. Ananda Krishnan passed away on Nov 28, 2024, in Switzerland.

T. Ananda Krishnan, a man whose legacy transcended wealth to touch the hearts of millions. Author M. Krishnamoorthy and Malaysian writers capture the essence of a visionary philanthropist and business mogul, whose unwavering commitment to uplifting others transformed lives and communities. “His story is a testament to the power of generosity and compassion,” he said, adding that Ananda’s ventures in oil, telecommunications, satellites, media, entertainment and education have reshaped Malaysia’s landscape and paved the way for future generations to thrive. Former Bernama chairman and editor-in-chief Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, who contributed three articles to the book, said it offers insights into Ananda’s life and thinking. “The book reveals uncharted facets of his inspirational life. He was a visionary who will inspire your imagination. “His story is one of towering

Doraisingam said Ananda’s ventures in oil, telecommunications, satellites, media, entertainment and education have reshaped Malaysia’s landscape and paved the way for future generations to thrive.

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WEDNESDAY | FEB 11, 2026

7

China to support ‘reunification forces’

described this law as a “legal shield” that had “neutralised this major threat” and restored order. The paper said Hong Kong’s practice of safeguarding national security had “consolidated the security foundation” of the city’s “one country, two systems” governance model and “further enriched China’s national security system”. Such white papers on Hong Kong are released periodically by China, outlining Beijing’s latest policy stance towards the China-ruled city that returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The previous white paper in 2021 outlined Hong Kong’s democratic development after a revamp of the electoral system to ensure only “patriots” could run for public office – a move criticised by some countries as an erosion of democratic freedoms by marginalising opposition democrats. – Reuters increase the number of female candidates,” said Yuki Tsuji, professor of Tokai University and politics expert, as election campaigning began. Of the 68 women elected to parliament, 39 came from the LDP, just over 12% of their 315 lawmakers. Takaichi’s views on gender place her on the right of an already conservative LDP, and she opposes revising a 19th-century law requiring married couples to share the same surname. Yu Uchiyama, political science professor at the University of Tokyo, said that “Takaichi is so famous for her conservative stance that it is unlikely she will devote her energies to policies” like promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. – AFP South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has suggested the drone incursion may have involved government officials still loyal to former hardline leader Yoon. Three civilians have already been charged for their alleged role in the drone scandal. One of them has publicly claimed responsibility, saying he acted to detect radiation levels from North Korea’s Pyongsan uranium processing facility. – AFP after meeting a delegation from Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), who were in Beijing for a meeting of party think tanks. Speaking to reporters earlier yesterday in Taipei, KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen, who led the delegation to Beijing, said there had been no discussion of political topics when they met Wang, as the trip there was to discuss topics like tourism. The KMT has been eyeing a meeting between its new chairwoman Cheng Li-wun and Xi. Hsiao said if there was any “confirmed news” about that, the party would announce it. – Reuters

against meddling in Taiwan issue, which it said is its internal affair. In a call with President Donald Trump last week, President Xi Jinping said Taiwan is the most important issue in China-US relations and Washington must handle arms sales to Taiwan with prudence. The Trump administration announced in December the largest ever US weapons package for the island worth US$11.1 billion (RM43.6 billion). China refuses to speak to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and has rebuffed his repeated offers of talks, saying he is a “separatist” who must accept that Taiwan is part of China. Wang was speaking just a week

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underscoring how China sees Taiwan as an issue it needs to promote its agenda for on the international stage. Taiwan holds mayoral and county magistrate elections at the end of the year. While they focus mostly on local issues, they are an important sign of party support ahead of the next presidential and parliamentary elections in early 2028. There was no immediate response to Wang Huning’s comments from Taiwan’s government, which says only the island’s people can decide their future. Beijing has repeatedly warned other countries, including the US

Addressing this year’s “Taiwan Work Conference”, the Communist Party’s fourth-ranked leader Wang Huning said officials must advance the “great cause of national reunification”, Xinhua news agency reported. It is necessary to “firmly support the patriotic pro-unification forces on the island, resolutely strike against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, oppose interference by external forces, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”, Xinhua paraphrased him as saying. China has long offered Taiwan a “one country, two systems” model of autonomy, though no major Taiwanese party supports that.

BEIJING: China will offer firm support for “patriotic pro reunification forces” in Taiwan and strike hard against “separatists”, the top Chinese official in charge of policy towards the island said in comments published yesterday. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory despite the objections of the government in Taipei, has ramped up its military and political pressure against the island as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims. o Kuomintang steers clear of ‘hot potato’

HK national security paper released HONG KONG: China released yesterday a policy white paper on Hong Kong’s practice of safeguarding national security to ensure stability in a volatile world, emphasising Beijing has “fundamental responsibility” for national security affairs in the city. The white paper said Hong Kong would continue to improve its legal system to safeguard national security. “Hong Kong, enjoying high standard security, is bound to overcome all risks and challenges on the journey forward, and remain as steady as a rock in a turbulent world,” it read.

This white paper was released by China’s State Council, or Cabinet, a day after a Hong Kong court sentenced leading China critic and former media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment in a landmark foreign collusion case under the city’s national security law. Lai’s sentence, the heaviest so far under a China-imposed national security law, drew international criticism from the US, Britain, Taiwan, European Union, Japan and rights groups. UN rights chief Volker Turk “deplored” the sentence of the 78 year-old and said it was “incompatible with international law”.

Hong Kong leader John Lee yesterday welcomed the white paper, saying authorities needed to remain vigilant against national security risks. He said Lai’s sentence sent a “solemn warning against malicious plots of collusion with external elements and endangering national security”. Critics say the sweeping national security law has been used to clamp down on dissent and the city’s opposition pro-democracy movement after mass protests in 2019. The white paper, however, lawmaker, securing nearly half the votes in her district. During her campaign in the central province of Nagano, she promised to support young people and women, and was personally endorsed by Takaichi when she announced her pregnancy. In Japan, gender roles are rigid, with women expected to look after the home and family, even if they work. Takaichi named a male-dominated Cabinet when she took the helm in October, despite pledging to boost female representation. “The inauguration of Prime Minister Takaichi doesn’t appear to have sparked a strong movement within the LDP to significantly his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, who was accused of using unmanned drones to scatter propaganda leaflets over North Korea in 2024. Lee has vowed to mend ties with North Korea by stamping out provocations, and has even suggested a rare apology may be warranted. “I feel I should apologise, but I hesitate to say it out loud,” he said in December. “I worry that if I do, it could be used as fodder for ideological battles.”

Japan elects fewer women MPs TOKYO: The number of women in Japan’s powerful lower house has fallen after snap elections, dealing a blow to underrepresented women in male-dominated Japanese politics. Sanae Takaichi tightened her grip on power on Sunday but has shown little appetite for framing her leadership around gender.

Women make up 15% of lawmakers, winning 68 of 465 seats in the house of representatives – down from 73 elected in 2024. A record 24% of candidates were women on Sunday, but that figure was just one percentage point up from 2024. Hikaru Fujita stood for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) while pregnant and won against a veteran

UNDERWATER BALLET ... Divers wearing traditional Korean costume hanbok swim with stingrays during an event in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year at an aquarium in Seoul. – REUTERSPIC

South Korean police raid spy agency over drone flight SEOUL: Investigators raided South Korea’s spy agency yesterday as they probed possible government links to a drone incursion over the North Korean border. would amount to“firing a shot into the North”. A joint military-police task force said it was investigating three soldiers and one spy agency staff to “thoroughly establish the truth”. according to a statement published by the Korean Central News Agency. Photos showed the wreckage of a winged craft scattered across the ground next to a collection of grey and blue components that allegedly included cameras.

Pyongyang says it shot down a surveillance drone near the industrial hub of Kaesong last month, accusing Seoul of dispatching the aircraft to glean intelligence. South Korea initially denied any official involvement, with President Lee Jae Myung saying such an act

Investigators raided 18 locations of interest, including the Defence Intelligence Command and the National Intelligence Service. The North Korean military downed a drone carrying “surveillance equipment” early last month,

The drone had stored footage of “important targets” including border areas, a military spokesman said in the statement. Seoul’s President Lee has taken a softer approach to North Korea than