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Govt to tackle housing mismatch

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Developers should align supply with affordability: Deputy minister.

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Report on — page 3 Charting nation’s defence course

Missile setback should spur

Respect the Rukun Negara Sultan Selangor issues stern reminder on courtesy, unity; urges leaders to honour monarchy and embrace guiding principles. Disturbing upward trend Putrajaya ramps up efforts against sexual harassment cases following sharp rise in govt to accelerate strategic weapons capability and local expertise, says analyst. Report on — page 2

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reports: Minister

Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who visited Dataran Selangor to inspect the Rukun Negara Monument recently, said the monument is meant to remind Malaysians of the importance of unity and harmony. – PIC COURTESY OF THE SELANGOR ROYAL OFFICE FACEBOOK .

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Selangor Sultan rebukes assemblyman, former state executive councillor PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has issued a rare public rebuke against a state assemblyman and a former state exco member, urging them to better understand the principles of the Rukun Negara and respect the sovereignty of the monarchy. “In particular, I urge them to come to Dataran Selangor once a week to better understand and appreciate the meaning of the Rukun Negara, so as to become citizens who respect the sovereignty of the Royal Institution and uphold courtesy and morality.” both figures having been associated with public criticism and comments on the matter. Sultan Sharafuddin also said he had personally visited Dataran Selangor to inspect a newly completed Rukun Negara Monument plaque installed facing the Selangor state flagpole. aftermath of the May 13, 1969 racial riots to strengthen unity among the country’s multiracial society.

“The National Operations Council, established as the governing body at the time, formulated the Rukun Negara as a manifestation of the national ideology aimed at strengthening unity among the races in this country.” The Sultan expressed hope that visitors to Dataran Selangor would read and appreciate the five principles of the Rukun Negara. – By Harith Kamal

Their remarks had previously sparked backlash from several quarters, particularly within the Malay and Muslim communities, with critics alleging that the statements were disrespectful towards Sultan Sharafuddin’s position and views on pig farming in the state. The Ruler has maintained that he does not consent to pig farming activities being carried out in any district in Selangor.

The plaque and accompanying public benches were constructed by the Selangor Public Works Department, with the project fully funded by the Sultan himself. He said the monument was intended to remind Malaysians of the importance of the Rukun Negara, which was formulated in the

The Sultan did not elaborate on why the remarks were directed at Wong and Liu. However, the statement is widely understood to be linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding pig farming issues in Selangor, with

In a strongly worded statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page yesterday, the ruler named Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and former Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew.

‘Existing legislation covers offence of insulting royalty’ o Acts of hatred or contempt of Rulers already addressed under Sedition Act 1948, says academic

Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Housing is no longer merely a development issue but a defining test of political will, economic resilience and global cooperation, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Delivering his opening address as United Nations Habitat Assembly president, Nga warned that governments risk “breaking a promise to our children” if they fail to provide adequate housing amid escalating climate and urban pressures. “When we fail to provide housing, we are breaking a promise to our children. “Hence, the theme of this global forum, ‘Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities’, is not merely a slogan but also a call to immediate action,” he said at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday. Nga said aspirations alone, without concrete policies and strong economic foundations, would not solve the worsening global housing crisis. “It might be aspirational to want to house the world, but we will only be boiling the ocean if we do not have PETALING JAYA: Calls for a new law to specifically criminalise insults against Malaysia’s royal institution are unnecessary as existing legislation already covers such offences, said analysts. Inconsistent enforcement and the rise of AI-driven content are complicating efforts to curb provocative online discourse, they said. University of Tasmania Asian Studies Professor Dr James Chin said such acts are already addressed under the Sedition Act 1948, specifically Section 3(1)(f), which defines a “seditious tendency” as any act that brings “hatred or contempt or excites disaffection against any Ruler or against any government”. On May 16, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia president Datuk Ibrahim Ali called for a special law to address insults against the royal institution following the circulation of a caricature allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. He proposed a Sovereignty of the Rulers Bill to curb acts deemed Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

most of the time.” Azeem said social media has also encouraged impulsive behaviour when discussing sensitive issues. “Keyboard warriors have an illusion that their true identity is not revealed online, and this would in turn lead to them becoming more reckless.” He said enforcement alone could not resolve the problem, describing hate speech as a global phenomenon driven by bias and prejudice. “The key is to be able to respect differences of opinion and to keep political debate civil and within permissible boundaries.”

environment, shaped by race and religion, makes it difficult to fully resolve such tensions. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk said 3R-related issues continue to surface online because cyberspace offers greater freedom and weaker regulatory oversight. He said such content is often amplified by Malaysia’s racially and religiously charged political landscape, combined with the openness of digital platforms. “These provocations will at times catch the eyes of the regulators but perpetrators will be able to get away

extreme but the anonymity it provides has emboldened such behaviour. “So, before social media, if you could be anonymous, people would also behave this way. In the old days, we had anonymous flying letters.” He added that enforcement remains complicated because public perception of selective action has weakened trust in authorities. Chin said Malaysia could still balance free speech and respect for sensitive institutions but only if laws are enforced consistently and without bias. He said Malaysia’s political

insulting or provocative towards the monarchy. Chin said 3R (race, religion and royalty) provocations are becoming more frequent, partly driven by AI tools that make manipulation easier. “That is getting very dangerous because for ordinary people it is very difficult to tell whether AI pictures are real or fake,” he told theSun . He said AI-generated visuals could easily inflame public sentiments as most people lack the ability to distinguish authentic material from fabricated content. Chin said social media has not necessarily made people more the political will, the right policy and the economic resilience to build and house all our citizens.” Citing UN-Habitat data, Nga said nearly 2.9 billion people worldwide are affected by the global housing crisis, with one in four living in informal settlements. He added that more than two billion people are expected to be impacted by rising global temperatures by 2040. “For those trapped in inadequate housing, these are not just numbers. They represent a critical threat to survival.” Nga said urban challenges confronting nations today, from housing shortages to climate risks, require stronger multilateral cooperation and accelerated implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). “As president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, I see these pressures converging. “All of us, in our own way, are grappling with similar urban challenges. “However, if we unite in common shared purpose we shall overcome together.” He highlighted the role of the

Adequate housing vital amid climate, urban pressures: Minister

Nga speaking at the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF NGA KOR MING FACEBOOK PAGE

infrastructure but also on vulnerable communities affected by poverty and climate change. “When you look at your city maps, do not just look at roads and zones. See the faces. “See the young entrepreneur in a slum who needs a legal address to start a business. See the families in coastal cities at risk from rising sea levels.”

ownership rate. He said Malaysia had exceeded environmental targets through the planting of over 150 million trees while 60% of local authorities had completed voluntary local reviews linked to SDG implementation. Nga urged world leaders to adopt a more human-centred approach to urban planning, adding that policymakers should focus not only on

Intergovernmental Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, describing it as “a historic platform for multilateral cooperation” that bridges global policy with local delivery. Drawing from Malaysia’s own experience under the Malaysia Madani framework, Nga said the country had delivered more than 1.1 million affordable homes while achieving a 77% home

WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2026

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Bid to boost defence blocked by Norway

Navy challenged by unfair missile flip-flop

PETALING Norway’s unscrupulous move to revoke export licences for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system meant for Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme has triggered fresh concerns over the navy’s future combat capability, while also revealing how access to advanced defence technology is increasingly shaped by geopolitical alignment. Defence analysts said the fallout goes far beyond the loss of a missile system, adding that the absence of the NSM could affect the LCS’s deterrence capability, delay full operational readiness, and force Malaysia into costly and time-consuming integration work should a replacement weapon system be chosen. The latest setback also adds pressure on the long-delayed LCS programme, signed in 2011, with the first vessel expected to be delivered later this year. The project cost has ballooned to RM11.2 billion from the original RM9 billion, despite the number of ships being reduced from six to five. National Defence University of Malaysia Maritime Technology Department lecturer Lieutenant Mohamad Azrin Abd Aziz said the timing of Norway’s move is significant, given that the NSM procurement agreement has been in place since 2018 before being halted this year. He said most NSM operators are countries aligned with Nato or the United States, whereas Malaysia has consistently maintained a neutral foreign policy stance. He also said recent tensions involving Iran and the United States, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, may have influenced how supplier nations view Malaysia despite its non-aligned position. “Malaysia is not on their side. Malaysia is totally neutral. But from there, they may have taken the position that this technology must be kept within their own interest group or friendly countries,” said the retired navy veteran. Azrin said the NSM is regarded as highly sensitive due to its advanced operational capability, including its ability to strike naval and land targets using terrain-following flight profiles. He added that the setback revives a long-standing concern within the navy about operating sophisticated warships equipped with advanced sensors and combat systems without the primary weapon needed for long-range strike missions. He drew parallels with the navy’s Kedah-class new generation patrol vessels (NGPV), which entered service from 2006 with provisions for missile systems that were never installed. “I was part of the first crew on KD Terengganu , one of the navy’s NGPVs. The ship was sophisticated in many ways but because it was ‘fitted for but not with’, it was not supplied with missiles. “So, what happens? We lose firepower. We lose the ‘fang’.” JAYA:

He stressed that while the LCS would retain operational functions, its combat effectiveness would be lessened if deployed without its intended primary strike weapon. International Islamic University Malaysia defence systems and aerospace engineering expert Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Hanafi Azami echoed the concern, saying the loss of the NSM risks creating a critical capability gap as the LCS was designed around the missile system as its main surface-to-surface strike weapon. He said the ships would need their intended long-range strike role unless Malaysia successfully integrates a replacement system. However, he added that replacing the NSM would be technologically complex and financially demanding. “Changing a missile is not like changing a car tyre. “It involves highly complex technology integration. The LCS combat management system has been configured to communicate with the NSM. “If Malaysia chooses other options, such as Atmaca (Turkiye’s domestically developed anti-ship missile) or Exocet MM40 Block 3 (France’s anti-ship missile), the software may need to be reworked, which will take time and incur high costs.” Hanafi said the first LCS could still be delivered on schedule, but it might not achieve full operational capability if the missile issue remains unresolved. “The navy is racing against time to ensure the LCS does not become an expensive patrol vessel without the proper destructive ‘fang’ it was meant to have.” The issue came to light on Thursday after Norway revoked export licences for the Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace-produced NSM system procured for Malaysia’s LCS programme. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim criticised Norway’s move, saying it could undermine confidence in European defence suppliers. He said he has raised Malaysia’s “vehement objection” during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store after Oslo blocked the delivery of the naval missile system and launcher components intended for the LCS programme. “The security policy landscape in Europe and globally has changed significantly in recent years,” Norway’s Foreign Ministry said in an email. “The government has, over time, worked to strengthen controls on defence technology developed in Norway.” Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia signed the contract in 2018 and paid nearly 95% of its value before the export licences were revoked in March. The Defence Ministry has since established three committees to examine contractual action, alternative systems as well as diplomatic options. – By Faiz Ruzman

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Development highlights need for coordinated industrial ecosystem, clearer policy direction

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s legitimate efforts to strengthen its long-term defence capabilities have come into focus following Norway’s decision to block the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) deal, which some defence observers have described as a flagrant breach of contract. The development highlights the need for a more coordinated industrial ecosystem, clearer policy direction and stronger local expertise in strategic weapons development. They said it also presents an opportunity for Malaysia to speed up efforts in building a more integrated and resilient defence industrial base capable of supporting advanced technologies in the future. National Defence University of Malaysia Maritime Technology Department lecturer Lieutenant Mohamad Azrin Abd Aziz said the issue goes beyond the absence of a local missile manufacturer, pointing instead to the importance of aligning national talent, research institutions and industry under a clearer long-term strategy. He said Malaysia’s defence industry has yet to reach the technological threshold required for guided missile development. “There is no Malaysian company that makes missiles. Rockets, maybe, but even so, it is still at the research stage. “But missiles are different from rockets because missiles are guided. LUMUT: The Defence Ministry has issued a notice of demand to a Norwegian manufacturer following the cancellation of an export licence for the Naval Strike Missile system. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the claim covers direct and indirect losses, totalling about RM1 billion. “The direct cost amounts to €126 million (RM583.47 million), which has already been paid, and we are also seeking substantial indirect costs, bringing the total claim to about RM1 billion,” he told reporters after a working visit to the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project at the Lumut Naval Shipyard at the navy base yesterday. Also present was navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain. Mohamed Khaled said the €126 million represents 95% of payments made under a RM634.7 million contract involving weapons systems for the LCS fleet as well as two other naval vessels, KD Jebat and KD Lekiu. He said Norway’s government has revoked the export licence without prior consultation, despite Malaysia meeting its contractual obligations. “We have paid 95% of the contract value. But at the final stage, based on the chronology of events, the Norwegian government cancelled the export licence for the system unilaterally.” He added that the decision was driven by a shift in Norway’s policy restricting exports of sensitive defence

practitioner Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Juani Sujana said Malaysia should avoid reacting to the NSM setback by expecting a single local company to develop a complete missile system. He added that advanced weapons development requires the government to identify different domestic capabilities, integrate them systematically and build a functioning ecosystem rather than treating localisation as a one-company project. “For a system such as this, you need many types of expertise to be brought together to produce one technology.” Juani noted that Malaysian companies exist across parts of the defence supply chain, including trading, manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, engineering and research. However, he said those capabilities have never been integrated into a proven end-to-end missile development system. “There is no local industry yet with that full capability. If there are companies involved, many are more like traders or brokers. “You cannot simply appoint one company and ask it to develop the product. The government must orchestrate the effort.”

They have sensors in front. So, there is no Malaysian company or local industry yet that can build a missile at that level.” Azrin said the country’s main weakness is not a shortage of expertise but an absence of a clear national mission to channel universities, defence agencies, industry players and research funding towards a single strategic objective. “To focus on a guided missile programme, the amount of research and development required is huge. But there is no clear objective from the government. “Even though we have the Defence White Paper and other documents, we still do not have a direction in which we say we want to produce an industry capable of making missiles. “That objective, or government policy direction, has not yet supported this.” He said the Defence Ministry’s RM21.7 billion allocation under Budget 2026 should be viewed in perspective, arguing that the figure remains insufficient for building a sustainable defence industrial base despite being the government’s third-largest allocation after education and health. Meanwhile, retired air force veteran and defence industry

Ministry claims RM1b from Norwegian firm

Mohamed Khaled said the move has raised concerns over the reliability of international defence commitments and should serve as a lesson for Malaysia and Asean partners. – BERNAMAPIC

cancelled unilaterally, confidence in the entire system will begin to erode. We hope Asean countries and nations that are not close allies of Norway will learn from Malaysia’s experience and avoid purchasing or dealing with Norway.” He added that the ministry will exercise greater caution in future procurement, including avoiding sourcing from countries with similar risks. – Bernama

technology to allies and close strategic partners. “Meaning that the export is limited to members of Nato and countries regarded by Norway as strategic partners.” Mohamed Khaled said the move has raised concerns over the reliability of international defence commitments and should serve as a lesson for Malaysia and Asean partners. “When commitments can be

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Over 1,000 sexual harassment cases in 2025

‘Universities falling behind industry needs’ PETALING JAYA: Universities are struggling to keep pace with rapid shifts in the job market driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and global economic uncertainty, leaving graduates increasingly exposed to a widening skill gap, said Berjaya University College acting chief executive Asst Prof Aw Yoke Cheng. He said the core weakness in higher education lies in the growing divide between classroom theory and workplace realities, with employers reporting that fresh graduates often lack practical exposure, decision-making experience and adaptability. “Industry cannot just be a guest speaker at the end of a semester. Employers need to be sitting at the table when curriculum is being designed, not clapping politely at the end.” He also said universities and policymakers have begun responding through initiatives such as MyMahir, the national AI agenda and TalentCorp workforce studies, but added that the pace of change remains the central challenge. TalentCorp has estimated that about 620,000 jobs or 18% of the formal sector would be disrupted by AI within five years. “Many of today’s graduates will enter a market that barely resembles what they prepared for,” said Aw, pointing to geopolitical shocks such as the Middle East conflict, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, tightened supply chains and pushed oil prices above US$100 (RM397) a barrel. He said such disruptions trigger economic reactions, including hiring slowdowns, rising costs and shifts in investment priorities. “The graduates I worry about most are not the ones who lack talent. They are the ones who think a degree is the finish line, because in this environment, the moment you stop learning, you start losing ground.” Aw said resilience is not built during a crisis but long before it arrives, through discipline and preparation. “The world does not simply need graduates who can perform when everything is easy. It needs people who can stay calm when plans change, people who can solve problems responsibly and who can lead with integrity when pressure is high.” He added that employers today struggle most to find character under pressure rather than technical competence. A 2025 Malaysian study found that soft skills such as communication, teamwork and adaptability accounted for nearly half of the variation in graduate employability. “What employers really want is someone who can stay calm when the plan falls apart, who treats the people around them with respect even when things are hard and who has the humility to say, ‘I do not know, but I will find out’, rather than bluffing their way through.” Aw urged graduates not only to be good at their work but to also be good in it. He said technical skills alone are no longer sufficient as values have become increasingly important in the workplace. He said sustainability is no longer an abstract concept but a factor embedded in business decision-making and long-term planning. According to him, accountability means owning the full consequences of decisions, not just what appears in monthly reports. “For a young professional starting their career right now, sustainability is not a module you ticked off in your second year. “It is a lens you need to apply to every business decision you make because employers, investors and regulators are all asking for it. “If you only do the right thing when someone is watching, that is not accountability, that is performance.” Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Minister calls for stronger collective action, greater public awareness to prevent normalisation of issue

Nancy also highlighted the importance of advocacy and education programmes in changing public attitudes and building a culture based on mutual respect, safety and inclusivity. She said the Women Development Department is actively implementing advocacy initiatives under the Women, Peace and Security agenda to strengthen awareness on the role of women in peace-building, national security and sustainable development. The programme is also aligned with the National Action Plan: Women, Peace and Security 2025–2030, which reinforces Malaysia’s commitment to empowering women as drivers of peace and social progress. Calling for a whole-of-society approach, Nancy urged parents, educators, employers, colleagues and students to play their part in fostering a zero-tolerance culture against sexual harassment. “Early education, the courage to speak up and stronger support systems for victims must continue to be strengthened and expanded.” She encouraged victims to report harassment through proper channels such as the tribunal and authorities, preserve evidence and seek support from trusted individuals. “Do not suffer in silence. Survivors should never have to face these experiences alone.” She also reminded the public, particularly women, to be aware of their rights to prevent exploitation or mistreatment by irresponsible parties.

including the implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022. According to her, the act is supported by comprehensive guidelines focusing on prevention, reporting procedures and protection mechanisms for victims to ensure cases are handled more systematically and effectively. “The issue of sexual harassment is not something new or trivial. It leaves deep emotional, psychological and social impacts on victims.” Nancy added that the establishment of the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment has strengthened access to justice for victims by providing a faster, simpler and more affordable platform for complaints to be resolved. As of April 26, a total of 92 complaints had been filed through the tribunal, with 69 cases successfully resolved. “This achievement proves that the tribunal is effective in expediting justice for victims.” At the same time, she noted that the increase in reported cases could indicate growing awareness and confidence among victims to come forward and report abuse. She said society is becoming more willing to reject the normalisation of harassment and recognise the importance of reporting misconduct to authorities. “Previously, many victims remained silent because they feared they would not be protected,” she noted. “We must ensure there is no space for perpetrators to hide behind jokes or excuses.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded a sharp rise in sexual harassment cases last year, with reports surpassing 1,000 for the first time, prompting the government to intensify enforcement, advocacy and public education efforts to address what authorities describe as an increasingly serious social issue. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said statistics from police showed that sexual harassment cases rose from 477 in 2022 to 522 in 2023, before climbing significantly to 788 in 2024 and reaching 1,038 cases in 2025. She added that the alarming trend reflects the urgent need for stronger collective action and greater public awareness to prevent sexual harassment from becoming normalised in society. Speaking at the Program Toleransi Sifar Keganasan: Say No To Sexual Harassment yesterday, Nancy said the government has taken firm measures to address the issue, Varsity admission still based on SPM, says minister KUALA BERANG: Admission to public higher education institutions through the Unit Pusat Universiti Online is still based on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He said the government, through a Cabinet decision, has decided that the basic requirement for admission to higher education institutions via the online unit is SPM, regardless of the stream or type of school attended. “We need to understand that schools are managed by the Education Ministry while university admissions are handled through the online unit. The requirements are based on SPM. We do not base admissions on other results, subjects or certificates,” he said after the launch of the Higher Education Roadshow @ Terengganu, held in conjunction with the handing over of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Kampung Angkat Madani here yesterday. Zambry said the ministry does not base university admissions on certificates or systems outside the existing framework. “I believe that is the position I have consistently stated, but this issue has become controversial among certain groups, with some feeling that the opportunities provided are still insufficient. “For me, what is most important is the foundation of our education policy, that entry into university must be based on SPM.” Commenting on allegations of discrimination against students from religious and pondok schools, he said the government does not discriminate against any group, but instead sets the same basic requirement for all

Zambry mingling with students at the roadshow launch at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Menerong Ajil yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

schools, which is not the case. We are not making comparisons or equating them as both operate under different systems.” He added that although there are differing views on the policy, the government stands firm that SPM is the primary basis for university admission in the country. – Bernama

students, namely sitting for the SPM examination to enable them to pursue tertiary education. “We do not discriminate against any party. The basis we have set is clear. However, some have portrayed this as a form of manipulation by comparing religious schools with other

WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2026 5 Court acquits former Perlis MB’s son KANGAR: The Sessions Court yesterday acquitted and discharged the son of former Perlis menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli from a charge of submitting a false claim amounting to RM19,505.10 in February 2024. Judge Datuk Nu’aman Mahmud Zuhudi ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Mohd Syafeeq Mohd Shukri, 37, after evaluating the testimony of witnesses. As a result, the accused was not called to enter his defence. “Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged, and the bail money of RM20,000 is to be returned,” the judge said. On May 23, 2024, Mohd Syafeeq pleaded not guilty in the same court to a charge of submitting a government order to Nurul Nabilah Mohd Sukri, an administrative assistant at the District Administration Division of the Perlis State Secretary’s Office, with intent to deceive his principal. He was accused of having reason to believe that the claim document dated Feb 14, 2024, involving RM19,505.10 in the name of Mohd Farid Abdul Hamid for beverage supply services for the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, at Tuanku Fauziah Hospital contained false particulars. The charge was framed under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. Meanwhile, speaking after proceedings, MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Fariz Abdul Hamid said the prosecution had called 11 witnesses throughout the two-year trial. He said the prosecution would file a notice of appeal at the Kangar High Court within 14 days against the decision. Mohd Syafeeq was represented by lawyer Mohd Fadhly Yaacob. – Bernama Woman e-hailing driver assaulted by teens ALOR GAJAH: A female e-hailing driver was injured after allegedly being assaulted and choked by three teenage passengers who claimed they could not afford the fare upon arriving near a forested area in Kuala Sungai Baru on May 14. Alor Gajah police chief Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar said the 41-year-old victim had accepted a booking involving four passengers – two girls aged 14 and two boys aged 15 and 17 – from Bukit Rambai to Pekan Kuala Sungai Baru at about 12.30am that day. “Investigations found that upon arriving near a forested area in Kuala Sungai Baru, one of the suspects asked the victim to stop the vehicle on the pretext of looking for someone and also claimed they had no money to make an online payment. “A few minutes later, three of the suspects – two girls and one boy – turned aggressive and attacked the victim using a hard object, besides choking her from behind the driver’s seat and threatening her not to seek help,” he said in a statement yesterday. Ahmad said the fourth suspect did not return to the vehicle as he had fled the scene. He said the e-hailing driver managed to escape before lodging a police report on the same day. The victim sustained swelling and bruises on several parts of her body as well as compression marks on her neck. Ahmad said medical examinations confirmed the injuries were consistent with assault, and the case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code. He added that all four teenagers were arrested on the same afternoon and remanded until today to assist investigations. – Bernama

Doctors urge government not to appeal vape decision

o Putrajaya should restore poison controls immediately instead of repeating mistakes driven by fiscal interests: MMA

The exemption created a regulatory gap lasting one year and seven months until the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 came into force on Oct 1 last year. The ruling has also reignited debate over how the government should recover the revenue it had expected from vape nicotine excise duties. Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy founder and chief executive officer Azrul Mohd Khalib argued that the government has a clearer alternative – increasing cigarette excise duties instead of challenging the ruling. “What the government should do now is increase cigarette excise duties to at least RM0.77 per stick. It requires very little administrative or regulatory effort. The collection mechanism is already in place. The government simply needs to amend the excise rate,” Azrul wrote in an opinion piece published on the Galen Centre website. He noted that the Galen Centre estimated in 2025 that such an increase could generate an additional RM771.8 million in tax revenue, significantly higher than the approximately RM209.5 million collected from nicotine vape excise duties since 2023.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

there for all to see,” Thirunavukarasu said. He added that the ruling exposed a broader pattern of health policy being shaped by revenue considerations rather than medical evidence. “The Poisons Board gave unanimous expert advice. It was overruled. The court has confirmed that was wrong. MMA urges the government not to appeal this ruling. Accept it. Learn from it. The health of our children is not a budget line item,” he said. On May 15, the High Court ruled that the government acted unlawfully when it removed vape-related liquid and gel nicotine from the Poisons List in March 2023, a decision signed by then health minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Judge Datuk Aliza Sulaiman found the move irrational and made without adequate consultation with the Poisons Board, which had unanimously opposed the exemption. The court also ruled that the decision was primarily driven by economic considerations, noting it followed Budget 2023’s proposal to impose excise duties on nicotine vape products.

PETALING JAYA: Medical practitioners have firmly urged the government not to appeal the High Court’s ruling on liquid nicotine, warning against repeating the 2023 mistake of allowing fiscal considerations to override medical advice. Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the government should immediately relist liquid nicotine under the Poisons Act 1952 and restore public health safeguards following the court ruling. The MMA, which appeared as amicus curiae in the case, said its position has remained unchanged since the exemption was gazetted in March 2023. “Since March 2023, MMA has repeatedly issued statements opposing this decision. We warned that removing nicotine from the Poisons Act before any tobacco control law was in place was reckless. We called on the government to relist it. We asked the prime minister to reverse the decision. The record is KOTA KINABALU: The Sessions Court has convicted a former director of the Sabah Water Department on 12 money laundering charges involving more than RM45 million in a case linked to offences committed a decade ago. Judge Abu Bakar Manat ruled yesterday that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 63. The charges comprised 11 counts under Section 4(1)(b) and one count under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), involving offences committed in Sabah and Kuala Lumpur between October and November 2016. The massive cash seizure became a key factor in the conviction. Investigators discovered more than RM23 million at Ag Mohd Tahir’s office, over RM13 million inside two of his vehicles and more than RM8 million at his home. Luxury items including watches, handbags and vehicles were also seized. The judge noted that the defence failed to dispute the discovery of the cash or provide a convincing explanation for its source, dismissing the accused’s claim that the money came from profits earned through a business venture with a friend rather than from bribery proceeds. The court also found that insufficient documentary evidence had been submitted to support the claim. “The court is satisfied that the accused used his position as director to carry out a centralised collection scheme. The evidence was overwhelming, yet the accused failed to explain the source of the money,” Abu Bakar said, while clarifying that the case concerned money laundering under Amla and not corruption. Meanwhile, Ag Mohd Tahir’s wife, Fauziah Piut, 61, was acquitted of 19 similar charges after the court ruled that a marital relationship alone was insufficient to establish her as an accomplice. The court also found that the prosecution failed to prove any common intention between

However, Azrul cautioned that higher tobacco taxes must be accompanied by stronger Customs enforcement, tighter border controls and action against corruption to effectively curb the illicit cigarette trade. Ex-Sabah water director guilty of money laundering

Ag Mohd Tahir (left) arriving at the court for the ruling. – BERNAMAPIC the couple.

directly linking cash found to money laundering activities involving Lim. Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah were represented by a legal team led by Datuk Ansari Abdullah, while Lim was represented by a team led by Datuk Tan Hock Chuan. – Bernama

Former deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 72, who faced four charges under the same Act, was likewise acquitted after the defence successfully raised reasonable doubt. The court found there was no evidence

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Guitar maintenance made affordable

o Penang-based luthier services instruments from across country at lower prices

The current store has been operating since 2016, although the business previously ran in Gelugor for about two years. Ishamudin said proper servicing involves far more than changing strings. He added that the process could include removing fungus and dirt, polishing fretboards and hardware, cleaning electronic components, and resetting alignment and intonation. He also said some metal parts are cleaned using ultrasonic cleaning equipment. He said even small details are able to affect sound quality, including worn frets, string type and how a guitar is held. “Sometimes people use clip-on tuners, but when the battery becomes weak, the reading becomes inaccurate.” Apart from repairs and upgrades, Ishamudin also hosts TikTok live sessions where he shares guitar maintenance tips and answers viewers’ questions. “I prefer guitar talk more than performing.” The workshop also offers music lessons conducted by instructors teaching guitar, bass and vocals. Ishamudin said many of today’s customers are hobbyists who play at home using backing tracks from YouTube rather than performing in bands. He added that more younger players are now using amp simulators and digital software instead of traditional amplifiers when practising at home. “Now you can plug directly into a computer or interface and get many different guitar sounds without using a real amplifier,” he said, adding that the method is especially convenient for recording and performances.

applies to both electric and acoustic guitars. He also said one of the more complex modifications involves installing tremolo systems and resetting the guitar afterwards, which could cost about RM450. However, Ishamudin said many beginners rush into upgrades simply because they want to “follow the trend and have similar setups”. “Often, they don’t know how to maintain it properly,” he said, referring to certain locking systems that prevent players from tuning guitars in the usual way after installation. “When the strings are locked, tuning adjustments must be done from below. Beginners sometimes don’t realise this.” Ishamudin first developed an interest in guitars at the age of 15 while studying at Sekolah Menengah Sungai Ara. He said at the time, students were exposed to practical subjects such as woodworking, electrical work and engine-related classes. “That was where I first learned to use tools. At first, I only wanted to make my own guitar more comfortable to play.” He added that although rock music was popular in the 1980s, he was more drawn to the technical side of guitars than performing. He later learnt repair and modification techniques from the late Din, who worked at Art Tune and was also a member of the band Crosstown. Over the years, Ishamudin refined his repair and modification skills before turning them into a full-time business. He also said musicians from Penang’s local scene, including Haider of Mutiara, have visited his workshop over the years for repairs and setup work.

Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: Guitars from across Malaysia are making their way to a modest workshop in Sungai Dua where repairs and upgrades are carried out at nearly half the cost charged in Kuala Lumpur. Ardean Guitar Workshop Penang owner Ishamudin Ahmad Naina Merican, 53, handles everything from pickup replacements and tremolo system installations to full servicing and setup work. Customers from multiple states now routinely send their instruments by post for repairs, servicing and modifications. “A guitar service here typically costs about RM150 to RM180. In KL, it could be almost double.” He added that among the most common requests are pickup replacements, tremolo system modifications and tuning upgrades. He said many players begin with entry-level guitars before gradually upgrading their instruments instead of immediately buying expensive ones. “Many times, a mid-range guitar that costs about RM800 to RM1,000 is good enough. But with the right modifications, it could perform even better,” he said, adding that the price range

Ishamudin said musicians from Penang’s local scene, including Haider of Mutiara, have visited his workshop over the years for repairs and setup work. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

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Xi hosts ‘old friend’ Putin

BEIJING: President Xi Jinping hosts his “old friend” Vladimir Putin less than a week after Donald Trump’s high-profile visit, as Beijing seeks to project itself as a stable and predictable power in a world shaken by trade tensions, wars and an energy crisis. China and Russia have cast Putin’s two-day trip this week, his 25th visit to China, as further evidence of their “all-weather” partnership, even as the West urges Beijing to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine. While China presents itself as a peace mediator in the conflict and a neutral party, Putin says China and Russia support each other’s “core interests” as he pursues additional energy deals with the world’s second largest economy in the face of Western sanctions. “The Xi-Putin summit telegraphs to the world that the China-Russia

government, said an Amnesty press statement. “In the 18 months since Prabowo took power, online disinformation has emerged as a key tactic to systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate and justify repression,” it said. And this while “social media companies sit back and let it happen”. AFP has requested comment from the government and tech companies, but they still have to review the report. In replies published in the Amnesty report, TikTok insisted it was working with “global safety partners” on content moderation, while Meta said it continued to update its annual human rights reporting. Meta and TikTok pay AFP to fact check posts with potentially false information. Amnesty regional researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said the report identified state actors involved in spreading false “foreign agent” claims, including members of Prabowo’s Gerindra party and at least one member of the presidential staff. “Under international human rights law, the government has an obligation to refrain from spreading disinformation, to prevent state actors from doing so, and to stop and address such campaigns when they occur,” Chanatip said. “That failure to uphold the human rights of those targeted with these disinformation campaigns is what we are holding the government responsible for.” – AFP said the two countries had established a major defence cooperation partnership and listed a number of ways in which they would build defence ties. Sjafrie said the partnership includes the modernisation of Indonesia’s military, but “it does not mention any military equipment”. He said the US would help train Indonesian soldiers. – Reuters strictly controls exports of dual-use items. China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil, including pipeline supplies and sea-borne shipments. Despite Western sanctions on Russia’s oil exports, Chinese independent refiners are regular customers, with transactions settled largely in Chinese yuan. State oil refiners also recently resumed purchases following a brief US sanction waiver. “In principle, we have reached a high degree of consensus regarding the taking of a serious, indeed, very substantial, step forward in our cooperation within the oil and gas sectors,” Putin told reporters on May 9. – Reuters

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s government is taking an “authoritarian” turn under President Prabowo Subianto, allowing disinformation to discredit critics and justify repression, Amnesty International said yesterday. In a report titled Building up Imaginary Enemies , the rights watchdog highlighted a trend of branding critics “foreign agents”. One of them, human rights activist Andrie Yunus, became the victim in March of an acid attack that left him blind in one eye. Andrie, 27, has been a vocal critic of what many perceive as the military’s expanding role in government, and was attacked shortly after recording a podcast on the topic. Amnesty said its investigations found “a growing pattern in which authorities, including the military, deploy online disinformation to target journalists, activists, academics and protesters in retaliation for their legitimate activism and expression”. It also alleged tech companies Meta, TikTok, X and YouTube “have allowed harmful disinformation to remain online”. The report said Prabowo and senior officials have repeatedly accused critics of being paid, manipulated or controlled by foreign interests, claims then amplified on social media with posts branding people “foreign agents”. Online slurs sometimes preceded violent attacks such as the one on Andrie, said Amnesty in its report. “Authoritarian practices have accelerated under Prabowo’s reasons when he asked for the access, Sjafrie said without providing further details. A request for comment was sent to the Pentagon. There was no immediate reply, and when the request was sent from Jakarta it was early morning Washington time and outside business hours. After Hegseth and Sjafrie met in Washington last month, the Pentagon countries such as Russia also reinforces its message that its diplomacy is consistent and not swayed by the actions of strategic partners, despite Western pressure. “It’s unrealistic to expect Xi to put pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Xi doesn’t wield that kind of influence over Putin and in any case the Chinese understand how a defeat for Russia in Ukraine would weaken Putin’s political standing,” said Storey. “As such, Beijing will continue to provide Moscow with diplomatic cover at the UN, economic assistance and dual-use technologies for Russia’s armed forces,” he said. China says it has never provided lethal weapons to either side of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and that it

o Leaders seek closer energy cooperation

is seeking to strengthen its image as a pillar of global stability, in contrast to US struggles to end the war in Ukraine and contain a separate conflict with Iran that has disrupted energy flows. During state visits, Beijing tries to reassure Western trading partners, including the US, about its rise as an economic and technological power while downplaying risks in their ties. The White House said after Trump’s visit that a consensus had been reached on issues that will enhance “stability” for businesses and consumers. China’s engagement with

strategic partnership remains the cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policies and that any attempt by the US to drive a wedge between them is destined to fail,” said Ian Storey, principal fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The visit follows Trump’s trip last week, which generated positive optics but few major commercial agreements. Xi described Sino-US ties as a relationship of “strategic stability”, challenging the “strategic competition” framework associated with former president Joe Biden. By hosting foreign leaders, China

Indonesian govt critics targeted, says Amnesty

PASSING THROUGH ... USS Boxe r, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship carrying Osprey aircraft, passing the Serangoon harbour into Johor Strait in northeastern Singapore yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

Activist defends advocacy at HK trial HONG KONG: An activist told a court here yesterday that she “totally embraced” actions the prosecution deemed crimes, as closing arguments in her national security trial entered their second day. following year and have been behind bars since. Chow, a Cambridge

protects,” she said.

In their closing arguments on Monday, prosecutors accused Chow and Lee of “endangering national security in the name of human rights”, adding that freedom of speech and association are “not absolute rights”.

educated barrister who is representing herself, smiled widely at supporters in the gallery as she entered the courtroom. Standing in front of a three-judge panel, she said it

Chow Hang-tung (pic) , 41, is standing trial for “incitement to subversion” along with her former colleague Lee Cheuk-yan, 69. They face years behind bars if convicted. The pair were leaders of the now defunct Hong Kong Alliance, a group that used to organise candlelight vigils to mark China’s 1989 crackdown on demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Beijing imposed a national security law on the financial hub in 2020, and the Alliance’s leaders were charged the

The Foreign Ministry warned the Defence Ministry that the proposal to give the US military ‘blanket’ permission to fly over Indonesian territory could risk entangling Jakarta in potential South China Sea conflicts, Reuters reported. Sjafrie said Hegseth had made the request for the overflight access last year during an Asean meeting. Hegseth had cited emergency Chow said the Chinese constitution “exists to restrain those in power, not to restrain ordinary people”. “The constitution itself is a tool ... to put an end to various forms of autocracy,” she said, adding that the prosecution’s allegations that the group incited people to contravene the constitution were “completely absurd”. – AFP

agreed to airspace access, and respect for local laws, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told a parliamentary hearing. “We made not a single commitment with the US on airspace. We uphold the constitution and our national interests,” Sjafrie said. The issue of overflight access created controversy in Indonesia last month. was a “weird” criminal case because the defendants did not dispute the facts. “The defendants fully embraced the actions that the prosecution alleged to be crimes,” Chow told the court, adding that their efforts were an expression of their beliefs. “What is really at dispute is what the law suppresses and what it

Defence minister clarifies letter granting US military aircraft overflight access JAKARTA: Indonesia’s defence

minister said yesterday that he had signed a letter of intent last month with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on granting US military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace, but said no commitment was made. The letter of intent signed in Washington mentioned respecting each country’s territorial integrity, the need for a mechanism if Indonesia