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Johor Barisan Nasional chairman sworn in as menteri besar amid celebrations over massive victory in polls, with state public holiday declared today. p 25 Incel horror emerges as movie sub-genre 2nd term for Onn Hafiz p 23 Will robots beat humans at football someday? p 24 AI actress Tilly Norwood to star in first feature film

Onn Hafiz said the landslide win by BN must not be celebrated with arrogance, and pledged to serve the people of Johor better. – PIC FROM HAFIZ GHAZI FACEBOOK PAGE

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Voter behaviour may differ in GE16, say analysts ‘BN success in Johor driven by factors unlike dynamics of general elections.’

Apex court to deliver verdict on Syed Saddiq today Appeal by prosecution had sought to overturn acquittal granted to Muar MP on June 25 last year.

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‘Polls outcome no indicator of how votes will swing in GE16’

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

PETALING Barisan Nasional’s (BN) resounding victory in the Johor state election should not be taken as an indicator of how Malaysians will vote in the 16th general election (GE16), said political observers. They pointed out that state and general elections are driven by different dynamics. Political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the outcome should not be interpreted either as public acceptance or rejection of the BN-Pakatan Harapan (PH) cooperation at the federal level. JAYA:

o State and general elections driven by different dynamics, say political analysts

its state-level performance while remaining ambivalent about the federal arrangement.” Ivanpal added that state election victories should not be treated as a reliable forecast of a general election. “It shows that the political landscape remains fluid. BN has reason to be encouraged, particularly in Johor, but it cannot afford to become complacent. “We have seen this before. Previously, BN performed strongly in the Malacca and Johor state elections, only to suffer a disappointing result during GE15. “A general election involves a much broader electorate, different issues and a national contest over who should govern the country. “BN must therefore treat this result as evidence that recovery is possible, not as proof that recovery has already been achieved.” The Johor state election, held on Saturday, saw BN increase its tally to 48 seats from 40 in 2022, securing a two-thirds majority in the 56-seat assembly. Of these, Umno won 36 seats, up from 33 in 2022, MCA doubled its representation from four to eight seats while MIC increased its tally from three to four seats. Among BN’s notable gains were the former PH-held seats of Jementah, Tangkak, Johor Jaya, Perling and Bukit Batu. and local issues. The result could offer a clearer indication of whether the Johor wave can extend beyond the southern state. Beyond state politics, BN’s victory will inevitably fuel speculation over the wider political landscape, including the timing of the 16th general election. Although the federal Unity government remains intact and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has maintained that it will serve its full term, another strong performance by BN could reshape political calculations within the ruling coalition. Ultimately, Johor showed that voters are becoming less focused on race or religious rhetoric and more concerned with governance, stability and delivery. The message from Johoreans is simple – governments that perform will be rewarded. The challenge now is whether BN can justify its larger mandate, whether PH can regroup and whether newer political players can convince voters that they deserve a place in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape. Johor may have voted first but its political aftershocks are unlikely to stop at the state’s borders.

Syaza said the election outcome in Johor, nevertheless, suggests that PH, despite having been in government for four years, could face a tougher contest during GE16. “PH has been leading the government for four years and, as with any government, has fumbled here and there. As in any democracy, people start looking for alternatives.” Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Oh Ei Sun shared a similar view, saying BN and PH are likely to contest GE16 independently before deciding on any post-election cooperation. “The main component coalitions, namely BN and PH, will go their separate ways in the upcoming GE16. “That does not, of course, preclude them from working again together after the election if either party does not win an outright parliamentary majority.” He pointed out that BN “won stunningly” in Johor and therefore, could govern the state on its own. “But at the federal level, I’m not sure they can repeat the same feat.” Political observer Ivanpal Singh Grewal likewise cautioned against drawing broad national conclusions from the Johor polls result. “Voters are capable of supporting BN in Johor because of coalition will need to reassess its strategy, local messaging and candidate selection. The result also exposed the challenges facing Perikatan Nasional, with internal disagreements and a lack of opposition cohesion appearing to have limited its ability to capitalise on dissatisfaction with the government. For newcomer Bersama (Parti Bersama Malaysia), the outcome is a setback but not necessarily the end. Although the party failed to win any seat, securing thousands of votes across several constituencies less than two months after its formation suggests that there is some appetite for a new political alternative. Johor, however, may not have been the ideal battleground for a movement still building its identity, particularly outside urban centres. The political spotlight now shifts almost immediately. In less than a week, attention will turn to Negeri Sembilan, where another state election will test whether Johor was a one-off reaffirmation of BN’s traditional strength or the beginning of a broader political trend. While BN enters the contest with renewed confidence, Negeri Sembilan has its own unique political dynamics, demographics

If anything, it shows that voters may support BN more on its own than when working together with PH,” she told theSun .

“I don’t think we can read anything about the Unity government because this election saw each coalition on its own.

PH election machinery director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari during a media conference at the Pulai Spring Resort in Johor after the state election results were announced. – BERNAMAPIC

Onn Tak Onn ? Johor answers with resounding ‘Yes’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

became shorthand for BN’s central message that Onn Hafiz’s leadership deserved another term. Many voters credited the 46-year old with bringing energy and accessibility to the state administration, turning the election into as much a referendum on his leadership as it was on BN itself. That “Onn factor” should not be underestimated. It helped BN retain its rural strongholds while making gains in urban constituencies around Johor Bahru where competition has traditionally been tougher. The coalition’s component parties, including MCA and MIC, also performed better than many had expected. Perhaps the biggest surprise was voter turnout. Conventional wisdom suggested that a higher turnout, driven by outstation Johoreans returning home to vote, would benefit the Opposition. Instead, despite heavy traffic and congested highways on polling day, the higher turnout translated into an even stronger mandate for BN. The message was clear – many voters returning home were not seeking change but endorsing continuity. Stability emerged as one of the

defining themes of the election. Some had questioned the need for an early dissolution of the state assembly but the result showed that BN had successfully convinced voters that continuity under Onn Hafiz offered certainty at a time of economic challenges. But electoral victories are easier won than sustained. The harder task begins now. A landslide victory brings political capital but it also raises expectations. Throughout the campaign period, Johoreans repeatedly highlighted bread-and-butter issues such as the rising cost of living, quality jobs, public transport, affordable housing and better public services. It was evident that while investment announcements remain important, voters ultimately want to see how they translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives. Onn Hafiz now has the political capital to pursue reforms more decisively. Whether he can convert that mandate into tangible results will define his second term. For Pakatan Harapan (PH), the defeat is likely to trigger a period of reflection. Johor has historically been BN’s strongest base but PH’s inability to defend several of its previous strongholds suggests that the

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor has spoken, and it has spoken emphatically. Barisan Nasional’s (BN) commanding victory in the state’s 16th election was hardly unexpected. What surprised many, however, was the scale of the mandate. Winning 48 out of the 56 state seats, BN did not merely retain power, it also expanded its dominance in what has long been regarded as its traditional fortress. For a coalition already governing the state, it was a rare feat – convincing voters to return it with an even stronger endorsement. After spending a week travelling across Johor reporting on campaign activities, from Muar and Tangkak in the north to the southern suburbs of Johor Bahru, one observation stood out consistently. People spoke positively about BN. More often than not, however, conversations quickly turned to one man – Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. It was difficult to escape the campaign slogan, Onn Tak Onn ? which appeared on banners, across social media and at ceramah throughout the state. More than just a catchy tagline, it

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Onn Hafiz takes helmagain o Machap assemblyman sworn in as Johor menteri besar for second term; announces ‘special holiday’ today as token of appreciation to Johoreans

Anwar congratulates Barisan on win The Johor state election concluded on July 11 with BN securing 48 of the 56 seats in the state assembly. PH’s representation fell from 12 seats to eight and DAP lost four seats – Jementah, Tangkak and Johor Jaya to MCA, and Perling to MIC. KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Barisan Nasional (BN) on retaining its mandate to form the state government. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the trust given to BN by Johor voters comes with a responsibility that must be discharged with integrity and in the best interests of the state and its people. “The election and democratic process have come to an end. It is now time for us to move forward, prioritise service and our responsibility to the people, and work together to build a more prosperous and progressive Johor.” Anwar, who chairs Pakatan Harapan (PH), thanked Johor voters for fulfilling their democratic duty and expressed appreciation to election workers and party machinery for their efforts throughout the campaign. He said all PH candidates – whether elected or not – have been asked to continue serving their constituents and championing their concerns. He added that the federal government remains committed to strengthening Johor’s development agenda and improving residents’ wellbeing. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN)’s decisive win in the state election came as no surprise given the coalition’s long-standing dominance in Johor, says political observer Martin Vengadesan. Vengadesan, a former news editor now serving as a strategic communications consultant to the Communications Ministry, said the result reflected BN’s deeply entrenched grassroots machinery rather than any dramatic shift in Johor’s political landscape. “In Johor the BN machinery is entrenched and they have won every state election with the exception of 2018,“ he told theSun, noting that BN ran a deliberately low-key campaign built around its ground network – a strategy that paid off. He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) should treat the loss as a wake-up call, given how quickly Malaysia’s political landscape continues to shift. “PH will have to go back to the drawing board and come up with more detailed data-driven policies and strategies to win the hearts and minds of the people. They have to do some soul searching about the efficiency of their machinery, the quality of messaging and the ability to appeal to the voters with fresh ideas and fresh faces.” He noted that despite leading the federal government as the largest coalition since 2022, PH still lacks strong representation in roughly half the country’s state assemblies. “So there is still room to learn and improve,“ he said, urging the coalition to lean into its strengths – multiracialism, progressive reform, economic development and equitable wealth distribution – while rebuilding its grassroots presence. With Negeri Sembilan heading to the polls in three weeks, followed by Malacca and Sarawak later this year and probably a general election next year, Vengadesan said PH has a narrow window to regroup. “PH needs to build on their core principles and strengthen their grassroots network.” PH urged to refine strategy after losses Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

JOHOR BAHRU: Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi yesterday took the oath of office as Johor menteri besar for a second consecutive term after Barisan Nasional’s (BN) emphatic victory in the 16th Johor state election, securing a fresh mandate to lead the state for the next five years. The 46-year-old took his oath of office before the Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim during a ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene at 4pm. Onn Hafiz arrived at the palace at 3.41pm in a black Audi before taking the oath and later left the premises at 4.50pm after the ceremony. Earlier in the day, His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Istana Pasir Pelangi. The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was also attended by Onn Hafiz who serves as Johor BN chairman. Onn Hafiz’s reappointment follows BN’s resounding performance in Saturday’s state election where the coalition won 48 of the 56 seats contested – surpassing the 40 seats it secured in the 2022 election to retain its two thirds majority and strengthen its grip on the state administration. The result also cements Onn Hafiz’s standing within Johor politics after leading BN into one of its strongest electoral performances in the state in recent years. He also retained the Machap state seat

for consenting to his appointment, and to the regent for his trust and confidence in allowing him to continue carrying the responsibility. Onn Hafiz was first appointed Johor’s 19th menteri besar on March 15, 2022, following BN’s victory in the previous state election. He succeeded Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad and took his oath of office before the then Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar who is now the king. His second appointment ensures continuity in the state administration as the new government prepares to form the state executive council and begin its new five-year term with one of the strongest electoral mandates in Johor’s recent history.

with a commanding majority of more than 15,000 votes, extending his tenure as the assemblyman for the constituency since 2022. In a statement, Onn Hafiz pledged to continue leading Johor with integrity and fairness. He also announced that today would be declared a state special holiday as a token of appreciation to Johoreans who fulfilled their civic duty in the Johor state election. He said the declaration was made with the consent of the regent. He also called on Johoreans to continue supporting the state administration, pledging that every decision would be made with sincerity, integrity and in the best interest of the people. He expressed his gratitude to His Majesty

DETERMINED VOTER ... Lia Isabella Iskandar, 20, who has cerebral palsy, exercising her right to vote at SJK (C) Kulai Besar during the Saturday, assisted by her caregiver Salihaton Awang. – BERNAMAPIC Johor state election on

MCA gains open door to reconnect with Chinese voters

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

DAP sentiment, with more voters choosing parties they believed had a realistic chance of forming the government. “MCA is riding anti-DAP sentiment. I think it gained support vis-a-vis Bersama and Muda because voters want to vote for those they know have a chance to form a government. So MCA is that bridge as part of BN in this anti-DAP scenario.” Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Oh Ei Sun said the result also reflected growing dissatisfaction among many of DAP’s traditional supporters. “I think it’s a general nationwide disillusionment and disappointment of DAP’s traditional supporters. They perceive DAP as no longer championing the cause of reforms and various forms of equality. They don’t see DAP as effective and are punishing DAP, just as they did in Sabah,” he said, adding that the party was considered “lucky” for not suffering a total defeat.

alternatives available.” However, he cautioned MCA against reading too much into the result. “MCA should not overread the result. A gain in one electoral contest does not by itself establish a broad or permanent realignment of Chinese support. “It gives MCA an opening but the party must now demonstrate a clear political identity, sustained constituency work and a credible reason for voters to return. This is an opportunity, not yet a revival.” International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the more significant development was DAP’s declining ability to rely on its traditional support base. “I was quite surprised by MCA’s gains. I’m not sure if MCA is truly gaining momentum, but no doubt DAP is losing support. “DAP really cannot depend on its so-called base. It’s no longer guaranteed.” She said MCA had benefited from growing anti

PETALING JAYA: MCA’s improved showing in the polls has given the party an opportunity to reconnect with Chinese voters, but it must build on the momentum if it hopes to regain lasting support, says a political observer. Former political secretary Ivanpal Singh Grewal said MCA’s stronger performance suggested Chinese voters were becoming more willing to judge parties based on performance and local circumstances rather than longstanding political loyalties. “MCA’s improved standing is significant because it suggests that Chinese voters are no longer moving in lockstep with DAP. “There may be a growing willingness to assess parties and candidates according to performance, local circumstances and the

MONDAY | JULY 13, 2026

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Beyond the ballot box

JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in Johor may have settled the political contest, but for many Johoreans, the real test begins after the ballot boxes are closed. While some voters credited BN’s performance and the leadership of Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for the coalition’s strong mandate, others said the new state government must now focus on delivering improvements that directly affect daily life. For many, the election was not only about who won, but what the next government would do with the confidence placed in it. At the BN command centre late Saturday, Ahmad Rozslan, 38, described BN’s victory as a “remarkable feat”, saying Onn Hafiz had demonstrated why he deserved another term as menteri besar. “Congratulations to BN. This is a remarkable feat. It was a fair fight for everyone, but now the political battle is over. The focus must return to addressing the problems faced

22 out of 61 People’s Housing Project upgrades completed KUALA LUMPUR: Upgrading works at the Desa Tun Razak People’s Housing Project (PPR), costing RM9.6 million, have been completed, making it one of 22 out of 61 upgrade projects in the capital completed so far. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the project is part of an additional RM300 million approved by the government this year to systematically upgrade all PPR in Kuala Lumpur. She said the allocation had been agreed to by all Kuala Lumpur MPs to ensure comprehensive maintenance works at PPR, while enhancing the safety and comfort of more than 8,000 residents at the Desa Tun Razak PPR, which has been operating since 1998. “We do not want maintenance work to be done on an ad hoc basis. We want to have special maintenance fund because it is easy to develop a project, but if there is no provision for maintenance, the safety aspect will be compromised,” she told reporters when inspecting the completed upgrading works at Desa Tun Razak PPR here yesterday. She said among the works carried out were replacing electrical wiring, resurfacing roads and improving fire safety facilities following several fire incidents that occurred at PPR last year. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadhlun Mak Ujud said of the RM9.6 million spent on the Desa Tun Razak PPR upgrading project, RM7 million was allocated for repainting works, RM1.68 million for fire prevention systems and electrical wiring upgrades, and nearly RM1 million for road resufrfacing. He said the fire riser and drainage systems had also been upgraded. “We have completed nearly 22 projects and expect all the upgrading projects under the RM300 million allocation to be completed by the end of this year.” – Bernama As Farah put it, the next chapter is not about who won the race, but whether the government can deliver on the trust it has received. from different backgrounds. “The strength of Johor has always been its people. Everyone contributes and the government must ensure everyone feels included and represented,” she said. BN’s 48-seat victory gives the coalition a stronger mandate than its previous win in 2022, but voters said the size of the majority should not become a measure of success by itself. Instead, they want the new administration to focus on issues that have long shaped daily life in the state. The election may have delivered a clear political outcome, but Johoreans are already looking beyond the results.

development must also reach ordinary people. “Young people want better-paying jobs, affordable housing and reliable public transport. We want to see Johor become a place where young people can build their future, not just a state people leave to find opportunities elsewhere.” He said while Johor Bahru is developing well, focus must also be at other cities and districts. Beyond economic concerns, some voters highlighted the importance of maintaining Johor’s reputation as a state built on diversity and cooperation. Farah Nadia, 33, said the election should mark a new chapter focused on unity rather than division. “With this victory, I hope Johor continues to move away from racial sentiments. Johor is a developed and well-rounded state built by people

come with governing. Roadside stall operator Siti Aisyah Mohd Noor, 34, said Johoreans were increasingly judging governments based on their ability to deliver rather than political rhetoric. “People want to see results. At the end of the day, politics will come and go, but the issues affecting families every day remain. “The government must focus on things people feel directly – prices, income, business opportunities and the quality of public services. “Winning with a big majority means expectations are also higher. The government now has to prove that the trust given by the people is justified.” Young voter Sean Loh, 27 said the next administration must ensure Johor’s economic growth benefits younger generations. “Johor has a lot of potential, but

o Johoreans say landslide win brings greater responsibility, with cost of living, jobs and public services now in focus by Johoreans. “The people have given the government a stronger mandate, but with that comes greater responsibility. I hope they focus on the cost of living, job opportunities and improving facilities for ordinary people,” he said. However, other voters said the victory should not only be viewed as an endorsement, but also a reminder of the responsibilities that

DAP respects polls result, vows full review of losses JOHOR BAHRU: Johor DAP will conduct a comprehensive review to determine why it lost several seats in the 16th Johor election, including Jementah and Tangkak. message: we must do better,“ she said in a Facebook post. showed that support for candidates in Johor Jaya and Perling during the 2022 state election had swung to BN this time. DAP lost 11 of the 17 seats it contested, including four previously held seats in Johor Jaya, Tangkak, Jementah and Perling.

Teo, who is also Communications deputy minister, said DAP will press on with its nation-building efforts and continue fighting for the people’s rights. On the results, she noted that Barisan Nasional (BN) successfully retained all the seats it had previously held. She noted that voting trends

BN retained its grip on Johor, sweeping 48 of 56 state seats, while PH secured just eight. PN, Parti Bersama Malaysia, Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Muda, Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI), and six independents failed to win any seats. - Bernama

“Although PH’s vote share increased in both seats, it still fell short,“ she said, adding that DAP respects the mandate given by Johor voters and congratulated BN on its victory. “We also thank all voters who turned out. We deeply appreciate every bit of support given,“ she said.

State party chairman Teo Nie Ching said DAP will dissect the factors behind each defeat and other contested areas, before drawing lessons and addressing its weaknesses. “Clearly, we have shortcomings to fix. The outcome sends a clear

Village adoption programme not linked to Johor election: Loke JELEBU: The implementation of the Kampung Angkat Madani

programme is not held in conjunction with the ongoing state election but is part of a nationwide government initiative launched two years ago, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said. He said the programme is being rolled out in phases to ensure rural communities, particularly villages requiring improvements in basic infrastructure and socio-economic development, receive more comprehensive assistance. “This is not a new programme. I implemented it last year, including in an Orang Asli village in Lenggeng. We have covered many areas through various agencies and we had already planned to carry out this programme in July. “The objective is to identify the needs of villages, especially those located far from urban centres, so that the necessary development projects and facilities can be provided to residents,“ he told reporters after launching the Land Public Transport Agency’s (APAD)Kampung Angkat Madani programme at Kampung Chennah yesterday. Loke stressed that the government is complying with the policy prohibiting official government programmes from being held during the election campaign period. “We need to implement these programmes before nomination day because throughout the official campaign period, no government programmes or official events are allowed in constituencies involved in

Loke interacting with visitors while touring the exhibition booths after launching the Kampung Angkat Madani programme in Kampung Chennah yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

recipient because of its remote location and the community’s need for better basic amenities and infrastructure. He said the government has allocated RM500,000 to implement five projects in the village, including upgrading the library, refurbishing the futsal court and improving the drainage system around the mosque. The projects, which are expected

the election. “Although I continue to perform my duties as Transport minister, I will not attend official government programmes in constituencies during the campaign period. This directive was introduced by the prime minister as part of a new administrative culture.” Loke said Kampung Chennah was selected by APAD as this year’s

to be completed within two to three months, will directly benefit residents, he said, adding that his ministry would closely monitor their implementation to ensure they remain on schedule. Loke said the programme reflects the ministry’s broader commitment to community development alongside its core responsibilities. – Bernama

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Final decision on Muar MP case today

o Federal Court to rule on appeal of prosecution against Syed Saddiq’s acquittal on charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering

maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction, Bernama reported. He was also charged with misappropriating RM120,000 belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise under Section 403 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment of between six months and five years, whipping and a fine. In addition, Syed Saddiq was charged with two counts of money laundering for allegedly transferring RM50,000 into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account. The money laundering charges are under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ jail and fine.

general had directed the prosecution to proceed with the appeal and would abide by the court’s decision. On June 25, 2025, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged the 33-year-old after allowing his appeal against the High Court’s Nov 9, 2023 conviction and sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine. The Attorney-General’s Chambers filed its appeal to the Federal Court the following day. Syed Saddiq is accused of abetting Rafiq Hakim Razali, then Armada’s assistant treasurer, in committing criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million in Armada funds at CIMB Bank Berhad, KL Sentral, on March 6, 2020. The charge, framed under Section 406 of the Penal Code, carries a

KUALA LUMPUR: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will know his fate today when the Federal Court delivers its decision on the prosecution’s final appeal against his acquittal on four charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds belonging to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s youth wing, Armada. A three-member Federal Court bench comprising Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais

by DPPs Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, while lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik represented Syed Saddiq In an unusual move during the hearing on Dec 12, Abu Bakar granted the prosecution one week to review its position after both parties had completed their submissions. However, on Dec 17, 2025, the Attorney-General’s Chambers informed the Federal Court Deputy Registrar by letter that the attorney

and Justices Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah is scheduled to deliver the judgment at 9am. The ruling was initially fixed for June 30 but was postponed after Justice Che Mohd Ruzima went on medical leave. The appeal was heard over two days, with both the prosecution and defence concluding their submissions before the three member panel on Dec 12, 2025. The prosecution was represented

7 Bills to be tabled in Dewan Rakyat for first reading

Move to better manage citizenship applications PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will review the findings and recommendations submitted by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) together with relevant agencies, including the National Registration Department, the Immigration Department and police, to identify areas for improvement in the management of citizenship applications through naturalisation. In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the review would focus on strengthening SOPs, documentation, coordination of work processes and governance mechanisms in line with public service best practices. It said continuous training would also be provided to officers and staff involved to ensure that they possess the necessary knowledge. “The Home Ministry wishes to emphasise that the power to consider citizenship applications is subject to the provisions of the Federal Constitution and is exercised with due caution, taking into account various factors, including public interest, national security and the facts of each case. “It will also extend full cooperation to any agency with the jurisdiction to conduct further investigations should there be matters requiring legal action.” It said citizenship applications under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution are processed through a comprehensive assessment of each application based on constitutional provisions, relevant laws and the interests of national security and sovereignty. “The ministry also obtains scrutiny and vetting from various related agencies according to their respective jurisdictions before any application is considered.” It added that it remains committed to strengthening the integrity, transparency and efficiency of its delivery to ensure that all citizenship-related matters are handled professionally and with accountability. “The ministry takes note of the EAIC report and consistently respects the check-and-balance function of institutions established under the law, and will examine every recommendation submitted to strengthen the ministry’s service delivery system and governance.” The EAIC Special Task Force recently submitted six recommendations to the ministry, including a review of the entire process and citizenship documents granted to seven naturalised Malaysian footballers. Another recommendation was for the ministry to establish guidelines of discretionary powers under the law, taking into account constitutional provisions that emphasise the period of residence in the country as a basis for citizenship. – Bernama

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newdesk@thesundaily.com

which proposes separating the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor. The Bill was previously referred to a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further scrutiny, and the Cabinet has since agreed to amendments, including a provision requiring public prosecutor candidates to be vetted by a select committee before their names are forwarded to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consideration. As it involves changes to the Federal Constitution, the Bill will require two-thirds support in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to pass. The current session has already seen the Dewan Rakyat pass the Cybercrimes Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening enforcement against increasingly sophisticated online crime, as well as debate on amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 targeting illegal street racing.

Also on the order paper is the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s Social Work Profession Bill 2026, another long-delayed piece of legislation. Drafting on this Bill began back in 2010, and had at one point been expected to reach the Dewan Rakyat by 2024. Advocacy groups have said the repeated delays have hampered efforts to regulate the social work profession and build up the manpower needed to support the sector. Rounding out the list, the Communications Ministry is expected to table the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026. Monday’s sitting comes as the current meeting of the Dewan Rakyat, which runs until July 16, enters a busy final stretch. The same day is also set to see debates on the Constitution (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 2026

PETALING JAYA: Seven Bills, including the long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill, are due for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today as the current parliamentary sitting heads into its final week. According to the order paper for the day, the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 is among four Bills falling under the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. The proposed legislation was originally one of Pakatan Harapan’s election pledges in 2018, with Penang and Selangor having already passed their own state-level freedom of information enactments in the interim. The same ministry is also set to table the Admiralty Jurisdiction Bill 2026, along with two amendment Bills – the Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Courts of Judicature (Amendment) Bill 2026.

CURIOS GALORE ... Visitors browsing through vintage and locally crafted accessories during the MAA.KET pop-up event at Kongsi Kreatif, Old General Post Office at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Former Mida DG dies, aged 86 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) former director-general Datuk N. Sadasivan Pillay died yesterday morning after a brief illness. He was 86. The news was confirmed by a close family relative. He said Sadasivan is survived by his two

During his tenure, he led efforts to promote and facilitate domestic and foreign investment in Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Sadasivan was awarded the Bintang Kesatria Mangku Negara in 1979, the Johan Setia Mahkota in 1987 and the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak in 1988. – Bernama

sons, Deepak and Navin. Born in Ipoh on Feb 29, 1940, Sadasivan joined the then Malaysian Industrial Development Authority, now known as Mida, in 1968 as director of investment promotion. He became its deputy director-general in 1976 and director-general in 1984, serving until his retirement in 1995.

MONDAY | JULY 13, 2026

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Radiant tunes from world without light

Buddhism event on sacred scriptures runs until July 19

PETALING JAYA: Tenaganita has welcomed the government decision to recognise 78 Rohingya refugees under the Refugee Registration Document pilot programme, describing it as an important first step towards granting refugees protection, dignity and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. “Under the pilot programme, 25 of the 78 recognised refugees have been approved to participate in an employment scheme,” it said. “Allowing refugees to work legally would benefit both refugees and Malaysia, as it enables them to become self-reliant, contribute to the PASIR PUTEH: The soulful sound of the traditional seruling (flute) propelled visually impaired musician Mohd Azhar Zulkifli onto the international stage, where he showcased his talent in Beijing about a decade ago. Known widely as “Azhar Seruling Emas,“ the 40-year-old calls the Beijing performance one of the most meaningful moments of his life, remarkable given he had never even known what a seruling looked like before taking it up, having been born blind. His journey began when actor Sabri Yunos invited him to join the Astro Karoot Komedia programme. “At the time, I had never played the seruling . However, I saw the offer as a form of encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and explore something new,“ he told Bernama, recounting intensive training from 8am to 7pm. Unable to read musical notes or watch the finger techniques of other musicians, Mohd Azhar taught himself entirely by ear. “I learnt on my own. While others can see and refer to musical notes or guidebooks, I relied entirely on my hearing. I listened over and over again before trying to reproduce the sounds until I became skilled at it,“ he said, adding that it took roughly a week to grasp the basics. He described the instrument’s soothing tones as a form of therapy. Mohd Azhar plays two types of seruling – the six- petik , known for its fuller, more melodious sound, and the seven- petik , favoured for P. Ramlee-style songs for its rougher, louder tone. His repertoire spans Al Baladi, Ulek Mayang, Ya Habibi, Gadis dan Bunga and Hindi songs, although he considers patriotic tunes the hardest to master given their demands on note control, tone shifts and key changes. “To master the seruling , one needs not only a strong interest but also good breathing control techniques and precise finger movements to produce the correct melody,“ he said. A recipient of RM450 in monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department, Mohd Azhar hopes to pass on the seruling tradition, currently mentoring his 22-year-old nephew, Mohamad Aidil Ashraf Azizi. He has also composed original music, including Membiru Langit Terbentang , proving that blindness is no obstacle to creativity. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Tripitaka recital led by monk aims to promote compassion, mindfulness, wisdom

playing a stronger leadership role within Asean by advocating an end to the conflict, persecution and atrocities in Myanmar. “Lasting solutions for refugees will only be possible when peace, justice and accountability are restored in their country of origin.“ The organisation expressed hope that the pilot programme would eventually evolve into a comprehensive refugee protection framework that is transparent, rights based and developed in consultation with civil society, employers and refugee communities. “Malaysia has an opportunity to demonstrate that protecting refugees and advancing the country’s social and economic interests can go hand in hand,“ it added. encouraging people to meet their needs without becoming consumed by material desires. “The teachings never say don’t be involved in economics or business. They say you need what is necessary in your life, but you don’t need more than necessary.” He likened the principle to taking medicine only when needed. “If something is necessary, you should have it. But overload, you don’t need. If everyone followed this path, I think we wouldn’t have these turbulent issues.” Rinpoche also highlighted meditation as an effective way of coping with stress, saying it has become one of the most valuable practices in his own life despite the demands of leading religious institutions and teaching around the world. “I think, seriously, we have more stress than you,” he joked. “For me, meditation has been my best helper,” he said, adding that even a short session brings calmness and mental clarity. Rinpoche also urged parents and religious communities to rethink how they introduce spirituality to children, saying traditional methods may no longer resonate with young generations. Instead of requiring children to sit through lengthy prayers or chanting sessions, he encouraged presenting religious teachings through stories, cartoons and other creative content. He pointed to animated adaptations of religious stories as an example of how spiritual teachings could be made more engaging while still conveying the values of kindness, compassion and love. The Malaysia Grand Tripitaka (Kangyur) Recital, being held for non-Muslims from July 11 to 19 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, features teachings and retreats led by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche and aims to promote the values of compassion, mindfulness and wisdom in contemporary society.

KUALA LUMPUR: Buddhist monk and teacher Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche has urged people to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) rather than fear it, describing the technology as an inevitable part of modern life that should be used to advance knowledge, compassion and positive values. Speaking during a question and-answer session at the Malaysia Grand Tripitaka (Kangyur) Recital yesterday, Rinpoche said people should adapt to technological advancements rather than resist them while ensuring AI is guided by wisdom and good intentions. “I think people should learn AI. When I say this as a monk, maybe someone thinks it’s funny but it’s reality,” he said. “If you ignore it fully, I think it’s very difficult. Even among monks and teachers, those who are more

Abhidhamma Pitaka, which focus on moral discipline, meditation and wisdom respectively. Rinpoche said the teachings, compiled by senior monks after the passing of Buddha, are timeless. “These three things are not changing for the new generation or the old generation. We always need these three things.” He said the scriptures continue to provide practical guidance for everyday life, adding that wisdom is essential in directing awareness while supporting moral discipline and mindfulness. Addressing questions on economic uncertainty and the pressures of modern living, Rinpoche said Buddhist teachings advocate the “middle path”,

involved with AI can deliver their message much more than others. “Those who have a lot of knowledge but don’t have a connection with the media are now being isolated.” He stressed that technology itself is neither inherently good nor bad but the outcomes depend on how it is used. “We have to deal with it and with good mental motivation,” he added. Rinpoche also discussed the enduring relevance of the sacred scriptures in Buddhism, known as the Tripitaka or the “Three Baskets” of teachings, in helping people navigate an increasingly complex and digital world. The Tripitaka comprises the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and

Rinpoche (left) leading the Tripitaka recital during the event at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

NGO lauds initiative to recognise Rohingya refugees

to work, and an explanation over reports that the transfer to the Special Refugee and Asylum Seeker Isolation Centre involved 127 men and only one woman. “Greater transparency is essential to strengthen public confidence in the programme,“ it said, adding that refugee registration must be accompanied by policy coherence, stressing that continued immigration raids, arrests and evictions targeting refugee communities could undermine trust in the registration process and discourage refugees from coming forward. “Beyond the pilot programme, Malaysia has to move towards a comprehensive refugee policy that provides a clear framework for refugee management

formal economy, help address labour shortages and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.” However, the organisation urged the government to ensure that the programme is implemented in a transparent, fair and rights-based manner. It called on the government to publicly clarify the criteria for refugee recognition and work eligibility, the duration and conditions of the temporary stay document, sectors in which refugees may work, application timelines, appeal mechanisms and pathways for those who are not recognised or approved for employment. Tenaganita is also seeking clarification on why only 25 of the 78 recognised refugees were approved

and protection. “Such a framework should include orientation programmes to help refugees understand Malaysian laws, culture and social norms and access to education for all refugee children, in line with Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Child Act, and sustained efforts towards durable solutions.” It also urged the government to develop a national action plan to address growing hate campaigns targeting refugees, particularly the Rohingya, saying misinformation, xenophobia and incitement must be addressed decisively to prevent hate crimes, discrimination and further social division. Tenaganita said at the regional level, Malaysia should continue

MONDAY | JULY 13, 2026

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14 nations reaffirm ruling on maritime claims TOKYO: China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis, Japan, the Philippines, the United States and 11 other countries said in a joint statement yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling. The Philippines won the 2016 case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration that found China’s sweeping claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea had no basis under international law, a decision Beijing rejects. “We reaffirm that the award rendered 10 years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone and is final, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines,” the joint statement said. The Philippines and China have been involved in a series of maritime confrontations in recent years, with Manila accusing Beijing of “dangerous manoeuvres” inside its exclusive economic zone, including the use of water cannons to interfere with resupply missions to Philippine-held features. Apart from Japan, the Philippines and the United States, parties to the joint statement include Australia, Britain, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania and Slovenia. Asean chair Philippines said concluding an effective and substantive South China Sea Code of Conduct has become increasingly urgent. Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro said the Philippines remain concerned about coercive actions at sea, including dangerous manoeuvres, harassment of fisherfolk, the use of fire-control radar and other actions that increase the risk of escalation and threaten lives and regional stability. “The code of conduct is seen as an important mechanism to manage tensions, build confidence and ensure that the South China Sea remains an area of peace, stability and prosperity,” she told Bernama in a written interview. On the biggest obstacles to reaching an agreement, Lazaro said the key challenge was ensuring that the code of conduct was truly “effective and substantive”. “At the same time, the Philippines believes diplomacy and constructive engagement must continue, including through Asean-led mechanisms, practical cooperation and candid dialogue, as these remain essential to achieving meaningful progress towards the code of conduct’s conclusion within the year,” Lazaro said. Asean aims to conclude a substantive and effective code of conduct by the end of the year, incorporating legally binding mechanisms to enhance confidence-building and facilitate the peaceful management of disputes. Since early this year, Asean and China have stepped up efforts to finalise the long-delayed code of conduct, including through monthly face-to-face technical meetings, as both sides push to meet the 2026 target after years of slow progress. – Reuters/Bernama

A woman walks past a vehicle knocked over by winds in Wenling,

Zhejiang province. – AFPPIC

Bavi batters eastern China

o Forecasters warn of prolonged rainfall

WENZHOU: Typhoon Bavi , the most powerful storm to strike mainland China this year, brought heavy rainfall to the eastern coast yesterday and lashed densely populated cities with violent winds, testing the country’s ability to cope with extreme weather. Bavi had weakened by yesterday morning to a tropical storm as it pushed inland, but forecasters warned that the France-sized storm system could unleash prolonged and widespread rainfall across eastern and northern China in the coming days. Nearly two million people were evacuated ahead of Bavi’s arrival, mostly in Zhejiang province, an economic and technological powerhouse in the world’s second-largest economy. Bavi struck Zhejiang’s coastal city of Yuhuan at about 11.20pm (same time in Malaysia) on Saturday before making a second landfall in Yueqing, part of the city of Wenzhou, at about midnight. “When it made landfall last night, the winds were very strong. We could hear roof tiles and tree branches falling. “Of course, we were scared, but we live by the sea, so we’re used to it,” said Yueqing resident Li Liangxing. Gesturing toward a flooded canal beside his residential compound, Li said he had never seen the water rise so high. “There used to be a walkway there, but now it’s underwater,” he said. More than 1,300 trees fell across Yueqing, with more than 700 of them uprooted entirely, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The deepest flooding reached roughly half

A resident sits beside a collapsed wall in Dongsha village, Taizhou, Zhejiang province. – REUTERSPIC

yesterday, along with 62 domestic trips. The disruption also extended to China’s transport networks. In Zhejiang’s provincial capital Hangzhou, two major train stations suspended all services and 327 flights were cancelled at Xiaoshan International Airport. In neighbouring Shanghai, a total of 1,620 train trips and 684 flights were cancelled, state-backed The Pape r reported. As Bavi churns further across China, regions near its path could receive several hundred millimetres of rain in a matter of days, raising the risk of flooding and landslides, said Benjamin Horton, the dean of the School of Energy and Environment at the City University of Hong Kong. “Even if the storm weakens after landfall, its large circulation could continue to generate destructive weather hundreds of kilometres inland,” he said. – Reuters

the height of a vehicle tyre. Emergency crews yesterday deployed excavators and chainsaws to clear waterlogged streets littered with fallen trees. In the city’s mountainous north, CCTV footage showed a landslide that sent large boulders tumbling onto a road, while swollen river waters submerged nearby trees. As it approached China, Bavi passed northern Taiwan on Saturday, bringing strong winds and driving rain across much of the island. The storm dumped nearly 80cm of rain in one area in the northern county of Miaoli. Taiwan’s fire department said yesterday that 134 people had been injured, mainly due to falling off motorcycles, slipping or being struck by objects. It reported no deaths. The Transport Ministry said 137 international flights had been cancelled

Suu Kyi will be looked after, Myanmar tells Asean special envoy BANGKOK: Asean foreign ministers were told yesterday by their Myanmar counterpart that detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health and would be looked after, Asean’s special envoy to Myanmar said. kick-start a five-year-old peace initiative that has failed to end a civil war gripping the country. Myanmar’s leadership has been banned from top-level Asean meetings since the military seized power because of their failure to implement a “five-point consensus” peace plan agreed with the bloc.

health and that the premise of how he said this is that she is a relative, she’s a sister and therefore we will take care of her,” Lazaro told a press conference. Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence, recently commuted by one third, on a series of charges that her allies said were fabricated to keep her out of politics, including incitement, corruption, election fraud and violations of the state secrets law. He has denied wrongdoing. The top Asean diplomats met in person with their Myanmar counterpart yesterday for the first time since the coup, in an effort to

Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, the Philippine foreign minister, has been seeking access to Suu Kyi, 81, who has been detained since her elected government was ousted in a 2021 military coup. “My recollection of the statement of the Myanmar foreign minister on Aung San Suu Kyi is that she’s in good

Lazaro attends a press conference with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow (not pictured) in Bangkok yesterday. – AFPPIC

The country has since April been led by a civilian government following an election earlier this year. Former government leader Min Aung Hlaing is now president and has sought to normalise relations with Asean. – Reuters