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Rosmah sues Harith Iskander over remarks in stand-up show

Former PM’s wife seeks damages and injunction, alleging malicious attacks on her public dignity.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY After Johor setback, will ‘Green Wave’ make inroads in N9? All eyes are on PAS’s next electoral test beyond its strongholds.

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 9213 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

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State celebrates vital, late-night contributions of frontline cleaners who keep city councils running. Eight Penang municipal workers honoured for 3D duties

Three of the honoured council workers (from left) Mohamed Noor Ismail, Asmadi Ishak and Mohamed Rasull Sultan share their joy with Penang Executive Councillor H’ng Mooi Lye (2nd right) and Penang Island City Council Mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony. – PIC COURTESY OF PENANG ISLAND CITY COUNCIL

Give us time: PM Report on h page 3 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim defends fuel policies and rejects Opposition calls for early polls, urging political stability.

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15, 2026

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Queen, Singapore first lady visit autism centre

KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, accompanied Singapore First Lady Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam on a visit to the Bangi Autism Service Centre yesterday. The visit was held in conjunction with the state visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Malaysia, which began on Monday, according to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page. Jane Ittogi was received on arrival by Her Majesty and Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were the wife of the prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Raja Zarith Sofiah and Jane Ittogi later toured the centre’s key

facilities, the Activities of Daily Living Room, Occupational Therapy Room and gymnasium, where they observed its holistic approach and daily living skills training for individuals with autism. In her welcoming remarks, Nancy said 93,199 individuals with autism had been registered with the Social Welfare Department as of last June. She added that the number was expected to continue rising with growing public awareness and better access to screening and diagnostic services. The Bangi Autism Service Centre is operated through a strategic partnership between the public sector and NGOs, namely the National Autism Society of Malaysia and the Damansara Damai Community Based Rehabilitation Centre. – Bernama including

Raja Zarith Sofiah (2nd left) and Jane Ittogi (3rd left), accompanied by Tunku Tun Aminah, observe staff members of the centre interacting with an autistic child. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDARFACEBOOK PAGE

‘Green Wave’ to face fresh test in Negeri Sembilan

‘Rumah Bangsa helped draw Malay voters to BN’ PETALING JAYA: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s Rumah Bangsa initiative has helped draw Malay voters back to BN, according to a political analyst. Viewfinder Global Affairs managing director Dr Adib Zalkapli said the initiative is bearing fruit as seen in the recent two-thirds majority garnered by the BN coalition. “Rumah Bangsa appears to be working. Malay voters are returning to BN,” he told theSun . Adib said BN also benefited from running a stronger campaign than its rivals and was “rewarded by the voters of Johor”. He added that Johor had never been an easy state for PH, which struggled to present a compelling alternative. “PH did not have credible leaders to challenge BN or a clear narrative for their campaign.” International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said BN’s victory also reflected voters’ confidence in Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Umno’s leadership in the state. “People have been talking a lot about frustration with PH, but I think the decisive win shows that people have confidence in Onn Hafiz and Umno’s leadership in Johor. “I think people want continuity, and they don’t see the need to change the state government at this point. We could even say Umno’s dominance in Johor is confirmed and that 2018 was just a deviation.” She added that PH’s campaign strategy had failed to resonate because it focused more on national issues instead of state concerns. “I think PH’s weakness in terms of strategy was focusing on national issues. “We understand that it is their strength, but the result shows that voters are looking at local issues for the state election.” – By T.C. Khor government bloc and one from the Opposition. Malacca Opposition leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub, during the debate, said the Opposition supported the Bill as it could strengthen the state legislative institution if implemented properly through a transparent mechanism focused on the people’s interests. Using the appointment of members of the Dewan Negara at the federal level as an example, he said individuals with expertise, experience and contributions to the country could play a role in the legislative process. – Bernama

established base than it possessed in many Johor constituencies, but they cannot be considered automatically safe.” Mohammad Tawfik said the Johor result also pointed to a limitation in the PAS campaign approach. “It shows that PAS cannot depend solely on religious and Malay unity narratives in a state where voters also prioritise administrative performance, local leadership and economic delivery.” He added that the coalition’s greatest challenge was continued uncertainty over the relationship between PAS, Bersatu and Umno. “Voters may hesitate to support candidates who contest under one coalition but appear prepared to cooperate with another after the election.” He said the Johor outcome suggested that when PAS supporters were offered a credible Umno candidate, some could return directly to Barisan Nasional rather than continue supporting PN. “Negeri Sembilan will not necessarily reproduce Johor’s result. Candidate quality, incumbency, seat negotiations and local Malay voting patterns will be decisive.” He also said PAS and Umno were already in discussions, with PAS accepting that Umno would remain the dominant force and indicating it would not demand the menteri besar position.

He added that while state elections inevitably had some bearing on one another, each contest was shaped primarily by state issues. “State elections typically concern more state than national issues, and each state has its peculiar political configuration.” Oh said Negeri Sembilan presented a different political landscape from Johor, where PAS was still seeking to expand its support. “Negeri Sembilan is one state where PAS is trying to make inroads and where the economy is not performing as spectacularly as Johor, on top of the seemingly incessant power struggles among various levels of elite. “It would be interesting to observe how much further PAS could penetrate.” PN currently holds five of the 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly. PAS holds Serting, Paroi and Bagan Pinang, while Bersatu represents Labu and Gemas. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub described Johor’s outcome as a warning for PN but emphasised that Negeri Sembilan would not necessarily produce the same result. He added that while PAS failed to win any of the 11 seats it contested in Johor, its 2,143-vote defeat in Maharani indicated the party still possessed a meaningful local base in selected areas. “These seats provide PN with a more

o Poor performance of PAS in Johor not sign of national decline: Analyst

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

PETALING JAYA: After failing to gain traction in Johor, Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) “Green Wave” will face its next electoral test in the Negeri Sembilan state election, as political analysts view it as a measure of the coalition’s ability to expand beyond its traditional strongholds. Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principle adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said Johor had shown that the Green Wave did not materialise as some had anticipated. “It would have been a worrying resurgence of the Green Wave if, for example, PAS had won more seats than before, but that ultimately did not materialise.” However, he cautioned against reading PAS’s poor Johor showing as a sign of national decline, adding that the party retained considerable strength in its traditional heartland states as well as in more urbanised states.

Malacca passes amendment to appoint more assemblymen MALACCA: The Malacca State Legislative Assembly passed a Bill to amend the state constitution to pave the way for the appointment of up to seven nominated state assemblymen. The Malacca State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed with the support of 23 assemblymen, while five voted against it yesterday. Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin. Ab Rauf said the amendment aims to strengthen representation in the state assembly by allowing the appointment of individuals with expertise and experience in fields such as law, economics, education, investment, technology and state development to contribute directly to policymaking and legislative debates. He added that the move would also create opportunities for underrepresented groups. communities, professionals and industry representatives who may not succeed through the electoral process but could contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.” He also said the amendment would also improve the quality of debates in the state assembly by strengthening checks and balances, with appointed members able to provide more technical and objective views on Bills, policies and state administration issues.

The Bill was brought forth by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and seconded by Senior State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and

The amendment was subsequently debated by three assemblymen, two of whom were from the

“The appointments could enhance the participation of women, youth, Orang Asli , minority

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15, 2026

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Allow time for govt to complete mandate: Anwar

Benefit-sharing funds for resource extraction urged STATE governments should consider setting up community development funds to ensure residents affected by natural resource extraction share in the benefits, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup. Yesterday, he highlighted that the distribution of royalties, particularly from minerals, remain under state jurisdiction and the federal government cannot dictate how the proceeds should be allocated. “A more appropriate approach is not for the federal government to prescribe a formula for the use of royalties, but to discuss and encourage willing states to adopt suitable measures. “The proposed funds could be financed by mechanisms determined by state governments and used for community development, environmental rehabilitation and mitigating the impact of mining activities,” he told the Dewan Rakyat. Arthur was replying to Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar), who asked how the government would ensure communities bearing the social and ecological costs of extraction benefit from royalty payments. He said the government remains open to sharing international best practices while respecting the division of powers between federal and state governments under the Federal Constitution. Arthur said at the federal level, the government would continue using incentives, legislation and policy to promote fairer benefit-sharing.

should be lower than Saudi Arabia’s, that has been fulfilled.” Anwar said comparisons with previous administrations must take into account the higher overall assistance now provided through Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, targeted RON95 support and Budi Diesel. “The overall assistance is far higher than before, although I do not want to make a direct comparison because the circumstances may have been different.” He emphasised that the government remains open to alternative proposals for lowering prices and has never claimed to possess every solution to the country’s economic challenges.

when crude prices climbed as high as US$139. He also asked whether Anwar would dissolve Parliament amid economic and political uncertainty and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Defending the government’s fuel policy, Anwar said he has fulfilled his earlier pledge to keep Malaysian pump prices below those in oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “Today, our price is

o ‘Comparisons with previous administrations must take into account higher overall assistance now provided by subsidies and aid’

Ű ALL STORIES BY FAIZ RUZMAN

can contest again. I have no problem with that,” he said. “Just do not be too confident.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday told the Opposition to give the government time to complete its mandate until the next general election after he was challenged over fuel prices and asked whether Parliament would be dissolved. “I believe the people want stability and they want the economy to grow. They do not want us to be engaged in politics all the time. So, give us time. We have a mandate until the next election and then we TOUGHER penalties alone will not eliminate illegal racing without behavioural change and wider involvement from families, community leaders and government agencies, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook yesterday. He said even severe laws would be challenged by some offenders, making public awareness and early intervention equally important. “Whatever the law, even if it is strict and carries heavy punishment, there will still be people who challenge it. “That is why other approaches are also needed. Elected representatives, community leaders and MPs must play their part by organising awareness campaigns and explaining to young people and the public that racing on public roads is extremely dangerous,” he told the Dewan Rakyat. Loke was responding to Datuk Yusuf Abdul Wahab (GPS-Tanjong Manis), who questioned whether existing penalties are sufficient after a Saturday crash near the Jabur toll plaza on the East Coast Expressway 1 claimed four lives. Yusuf said the collision comes about a month after five people, including four members of a family, were killed near Simpang Renggam. Loke said recent amendments would allow illegal racers to be prosecuted even before a crash occurs, instead of action being taken only after the fact. Replying to Khairil Nizam Khirudin should be determined according to local incomes and development costs rather than subjected to a single nationwide ceiling, said Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu yesterday. She said the approach is being considered under the National Housing Policy 2026–2035, which the ministry is finalising.

I do not want to be overconfident, and I think Hulu Terengganu should not be too confident.” Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) had earlier questioned why non-subsidised diesel has reached RM4.70 a litre

RM1.99 while the price in Saudi Arabia is more than RM2.40. Qatar and even the United Arab Emirates (UAE) raised fuel prices two months ago, although the UAE is a major oil and

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

when Brent crude is around US$80 (RM326) a barrel, compared with the administration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak “If Hulu Terengganu has another proposal on how prices can be reduced, I can consider it. I have no problem listening.” ‘Road safety requires national, cross-ministry effort’ gas producer,” he stressed. “This is the economic reality that has changed. If it is said that I once promised Malaysia’s fuel prices

GOVT PROPOSES RAIL LINK INTO THAILAND THE government will extend the East Coast Rail Link from Tumpat to Rantau Panjang and is proposing a rail connection into Thailand using the same gauge, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The move aims to boost Malaysia-Thailand trade links and economic opportunities under the border economic zone. UNHCR RECORDS OVER 200,000 REFUGEES A TOTAL of 219,472 refugees and asylum seekers were registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Malaysia as of April, comprising 152,979 refugees and 66,493 asylum seekers, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He added that several fraudulent UNHCR card syndicates have been uncovered since 2023, including cases in Johor and Penang. NEW SYSTEM MULLED FOR FINANCIAL AID THE government is considering replacing the B40, M40 and T20 classification system with a Net Disposable Income framework to better target financial aid, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The proposed approach would consider household commitments, living costs and demographics, while existing classifications remain in use pending further studies.

BR I E F S

Loke said recent amendments would allow illegal racers to be prosecuted even before a crash occurs, instead of action being taken only after the fact. – BERNAMAPIC

Rakyat on June 24, creates a specific offence for illegal racing under a new Section 42A. First-time offenders face fines of between RM2,000 and RM10,000, up to two years’ jail or both, while repeat offenders face a maximum fine of RM20,000 and up to five years’ jail. abandoned housing projects, involving 190,422 units with a combined gross development value of RM150.86 billion, were revived between December 2022 and May this year. The total comprised 1,446 troubled projects that obtained Certificates of Completion and Compliance, 133 that returned to normal progress and 36 abandoned developments that were fully restored.

why someone becomes involved in illegal racing.” He said more than 6,000 people die on Malaysian roads each year and urged all parties not to politicise road safety. The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, passed by the Dewan (Muar), who asked how the government plans to curb rising house prices and excessive construction that do not match local demand. She said the ministry has mapped affordable housing prices using median household income data by state and district from the Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey 2024. She also said 1,615 troubled and

(PN-Jerantut), he said road safety calls for a national, cross-ministry effort. “It does not only require political will, but also the will of the whole of society,” he stressed. “Behavioural change is also needed. There are psychological and other factors that may explain “The approach takes into account household income, development costs, land prices, market conditions and socioeconomic differences between states and districts. “It is more practical than setting a uniform national ceiling because homebuying affordability and development costs differ according to locality.” Aiman Athirah was replying to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

Local incomes should determine housing prices, says minister AFFORDABLE housing prices

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Penang honours unsung frontline municipal workers

Animal Welfare Forum to enhance governance PUTRAJAYA: The two-day Animal Welfare Forum here is a platform to strengthen governance, knowledge-sharing and strategic collaboration between various stakeholders from home and abroad to improve animal welfare standards in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. The Veterinary Services Department said the forum, which began yesterday, was organised by the Veterinary Regulatory Division in strategic collaboration with A World of Good Initiative Inc. “The forum brings together representatives of government agencies, academic institutions and international organisations to discuss current developments, new challenges and approaches to sustainably improving animal welfare,” it shared. “Among the main topics discussed are the importance of effective animal welfare governance, the implementation of animal welfare strategies in the Asia Pacific region, the One Welfare concept, community wellbeing as well as challenges in livestock welfare, poultry welfare and welfare in the aquaculture sector.” The department said the forum also features a line-up of speakers from home and abroad, including experts from Australia, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Federation for Animals, as well as local and international higher education institutions. It also said the forum is in line with the aspirations of the Malaysian Animal Welfare Strategic Plan 2021–2030, which is expected to support improvement efforts in the governance, compliance and implementation of animal welfare in the country through a strategic science, innovation and collaboration approach. Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron said animal welfare is no longer a side issue but rather an important component in the development of a society based on the values of sustainability and shared responsibility. He said the implementation of good animal welfare practices is closely linked to public health, food safety and security, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing. “In line with WOAH standards, good animal welfare practices not only improve animal welfare, but also contribute to a more sustainable, productive and resilient food production system, especially as Malaysia continues to face high demand for animal-based protein sources.” A World of Good Initiative Inc. CEO Dr Michelle Sinclair said efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 requires policymakers and stakeholders to be constantly exposed to the latest developments and best practices at the global level. – Bernama

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

o ‘Recognition acknowledges workers whose sacrifices often go unnoticed despite important role they play in serving public’

dedication, professionalism and integrity while strengthening teamwork and maintaining high standards in public service. Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony said he is proud that the state government has recognised the contributions of the council’s staff, especially its frontline personnel. He said the conferment was a great honour that reflected the dedication and service of city council employees, especially those working in challenging conditions, highlighting that the recognition would inspire them to continue delivering excellent service to the people. The investiture ceremony is held annually in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, during which state orders, decorations and medals are conferred on individuals in recognition of their contributions and service to Penang. A total of 1,221 individuals were named to receive this year’s state honours. Of the total, 463 received the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat, including the eight municipal workers honoured for their frontline service.

GEORGE TOWN: Eight frontline municipal workers from the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council have been conferred the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat during this year’s Penang Investiture Ceremony in recognition of their dedication to public service. The awards, presented in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on Saturday, were to honour the workers whose efforts often go unnoticed despite playing an essential role in keeping Penang’s city councils running. “When people wake up to clean streets every morning, they seldom think about the men and women who worked through the night. “This award is our way of saying that Penang sees them, values them and thanks them,” said state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye. He stressed that the recognition acknowledges workers whose commitment and sacrifices often go unnoticed despite the important role they play in serving the public. six categories – durian kampung registered varieties, Hor Lor, Red Prawn, Musang King and Black Thorn – with growers from the southwest district dominating most of the top honours. Two-time state durian competition champion Tan Chee Keat claimed the Musang King title while Md Rahmat emerged as champion in the Black Thorn category. Veteran grower Tan Eow Chong and his family also enjoyed another successful outing, winning multiple awards across several categories. He had previously won the Hor Lor (D163) category at the 2023 Penang durian competition before adding the Musang King crown this year. “Winning today is an honour and I will keep looking at how to improve our fruit and orchard at Durian Hill Plantation.” Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that the festival serves as more than a celebration of the state’s prized fruit. “Organising the durian festival not only helps promote Penang durians and the state’s agro-food industry, but also prepares us for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition while strengthening the Penang durian brand, expanding markets for agricultural products and increasing

H’ng said the success of a local authority depends not only on its leadership, but also on the commitment, teamwork and dedication of employees at every level. “The conferment is a high recognition of their service, sacrifice and dedication in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them. It also proves that every contribution to the public service is appreciated regardless of position or job scope.” He added that the award also recognises the recipients’ integrity, discipline, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice throughout their years of service. The recipients are Grade H1 staff from the Urban Services Department, frontline operational workers who carry out 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) duties for the local authorities. The Penang Island City Council recipients are Asmadi Ishak, Mohamed Noor Ismail, Mohamed

Rasull Sultan and Pathmanathan Balakrishnan, all from the Municipal Services Department. Pathmanathan was unable to attend the investiture ceremony as he was on medical leave following an accident. The Seberang Perai City Council recipients are Azizul Abdul Rahim and Basri Haron from the Municipal Services Department, Shafizal Mahmud from the Engineering Department, and Mohd Shamsol Shamsuddin from the Landscaping Department. H’ng said the state government appreciates the contribution of every public servant regardless of rank or field of work, adding that every employee plays a part in Penang’s development and the delivery of public services. He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage the recipients and other public servants to continue serving with

Durian competition crowns state’s finest growers GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s top durian growers were recognised at the Penang Durian Competition, an annual showcase of the state’s finest cultivars, held in conjunction with Pesta Durian. The competition featured

Chow said Penang remains one of Malaysia’s leading producers of premium quality durians, with production increasing from 17,910 metric tonnes in 2024 to 18,870 metric tonnes in 2025. – T.C. KHOR/THESUN

RM5.93 million under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s National Agro-Food Strengthening Programme. A total of RM400,000 of the state allocation has been earmarked for fruit cultivation, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the fruit industry, said Agro-Technology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol. He said the state would continue improving irrigation and agricultural infrastructure while working with the Agriculture Department to boost fruit exports and expand into overseas markets. – By T.C. Khor

He said the southwest district on Penang Island, Central Seberang Perai and South Seberang Perai continue to be the state’s main durian-producing areas, producing premium varieties that are highly sought after in domestic and international markets. He added that the Penang and federal governments allocated RM14.53 million this year to support the state’s agriculture and agro-food industries, including initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of Penang’s premium durian industry. The allocation comprised RM6.37 million from the Penang government, RM2.23 million from federal agriculture allocations and

the incomes of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.” Pesta Durian, held in Nibong Tebal, featured agricultural exhibitions, vendor booths, agro-tourism promotions and a free durian feast, bringing together growers, industry players and the public to celebrate Penang’s annual durian season. Chow said Penang remains one of Malaysia’s leading producers of premium quality durians, with production increasing from 17,910 metric tonnes in 2024 to 18,870 metric tonnes in 2025. The state’s durian cultivation area is expected to expand to 2,220ha this year.

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15, 2026

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Rosmah sues comedian over remarks

o Lawsuit concerns alleged defamatory statements made during stand-up show

In his statement of defence filed on July 9, Harith denied that the performance portrayed Rosmah as a supernatural creature, frightening, evil, ugly, repulsive or inhumane, or carried any of the defamatory meanings alleged. He further argued that the TikTok videos were uploaded without his knowledge or consent and did not reflect the full context of the comedy performance. Rosmah’s counsel Mohamed Baharudeen Mohamed Ariff and Nur-Diana Ezlyn Hashim confirmed the lawsuit when contacted on Monday, adding that the next case management had been fixed online for July 31. Harith’s lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo also confirmed the matter.

shaming remarks. “The alleged defamation had tarnished my dignity and public standing as the wife of Malaysia’s sixth prime minister, patron of several charitable organisations and associations, and a recipient of various domestic and international honours,” she said. Rosmah is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as an injunction to restrain Harith or his representatives from republishing the alleged defamatory statements. She is also seeking a written apology and retraction, to be published in two mainstream newspapers and on social media platforms approved by her or her solicitors.

frightening, before showing her image and implying that she was the frightening figure being referred to. Rosmah contended that the remarks suggested she was more frightening than a supernatural creature, capable of instilling fear in the public and deserving of ridicule and humiliation. She also claimed that two recordings of the performance were uploaded to TikTok by a user identified as @mayychan0303. One video received about 219,700 views and 3,354 likes, while the second attracted about 12,500 views and 145 likes. Rosmah alleged that the statements were made maliciously to damage her reputation and humiliate her through body

KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has filed a lawsuit against comedian and actor Harith Iskander, alleging that she was defamed and subjected to body shaming during a stand-up comedy performance at a hotel in Malacca in January. Rosmah, 74, filed the suit through Messrs Hafarizam & Aisha Mubarak at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 9, naming Harith Iskander Musa, 60, as the defendant. According to Rosmah’s statement of claim, the suit concerns Harith’s

stand-up show “Harith Iskander: The Outspoken Comedy Tour”, held on Jan 17, during which he allegedly displayed her image and made defamatory remarks before a large audience for comedic effect. Rosmah claimed Harith first showed an image of a mythical supernatural creature commonly associated with Malaysian folklore before displaying her photograph. She alleged that Harith told the audience anyone looking into their rear-view mirror while driving along a dark road would see something

Former IGP fails final appeal bid

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court yesterday dismissed former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan’s application for leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling ordering him to pay RM250,000 in damages to Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh in a defamation suit. A three-member panel comprising Justices Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang, Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Azmi Ariffin unanimously rejected the application, holding that the nine proposed questions of law raised by Musa did not raise novel points warranting the apex court’s determination. “The leave is rejected as it failed to meet the high threshold required, was fact-sensitive and was not of public importance,”Justice Rhodzariah said. The panel also ordered Musa to pay RM50,000 in costs to Yeoh. To obtain leave to appeal to the Federal Court, an applicant must show that the proposed appeal raises novel legal or constitutional questions of public importance that have not been previously addressed and require further argument. In January, the Court of Appeal ruled in Yeoh’s favour and set aside the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s Dec 23, 2024 decision, which had dismissed her suit against Musa and ordered her to pay RM40,000 in costs. – Bernama Trader held over alleged sexual abuse MALACCA: A trader has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in 10 sexual abuse cases involving children between March and Monday. State police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the 36-year-old man was apprehended by members of the public at the Taman Desa Duyong community hall at about 6pm yesterday before being handed over to police. He said the cases involved 10 boys aged between eight and 13 from Duyong and Telok Mas. “The first investigation paper involves eight boys aged between eight and 12, with the incidents believed to have occurred between May and early this month at a playground near Duyong. “The suspect’s modus operandi was to approach the victims while they were at the playground or after prayers at a surau before committing the alleged acts,” he said in a statement. Dzulkhairi added that the suspect had been remanded for seven days from Monday, and the case is being investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. – Bernama

ENFORCEMENT OPERATION ... Terengganu Immigration Department director Mohd Yusri Mohd Nor (fourth from left) and his officers questioning undocumented migrants during an integrated operation around Kuala Terengganu yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Kedah police bust fake work permit syndicate ALOR SETAR: Kedah police have busted a syndicate believed to have been issuing fake work permits and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cards, allegedly masterminded by foreigners. The suspect was believed to have taken advantage of foreigners by issuing fake work permits and UNHCR cards to those willing to pay between RM80 and RM250 for each document.

before preparing documents to enable them to work in the country. “All those arrested have been remanded until July 21 to assist investigations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, while police are also looking into further action, including under anti-money laundering laws.” In a related development, Adzli said there had been an increase in criminal cases involving Rohingya and Myanmar nationals in Kedah last year and in the first six months of this year. He said most of the reported cases involved disputes among members of the communities themselves and did not involve the local community. “In 2023, 17 cases involving 18 arrests were recorded, while in 2024, 14 cases with 23 arrests were recorded. “However, the number increased to 65 cases involving 75 arrests last year, while 39 cases were recorded in the first six months of this year. “The criminal cases involved murder and causing injury. For example, there were murder cases that stemmed from fights after drinking alcohol, as well as disputes that resulted in death.” – Bernama

“During the operation, police also seized 40 passports, 10 mobile phones, four laptops and one fake work permit. “Another main suspect, a Bangladeshi national who owns four computer shops in Kulim, Sungai Petani and Butterworth in Penang, has fled and is being tracked down by police. “Checks on the seized laptops found documents related to UNHCR applications, blank templates and software used to modify and produce fake documents for other foreigners,” he said. Adzli added that checks found the syndicate had used different identities on passports and UNHCR cards, although the photographs used were of the same individuals. “This syndicate is believed to have been operating since 2018. They were found to have brought in foreigners through illegal routes to avoid detection by enforcement authorities,

Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said several raids were carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department around Kulim last month, leading to the arrest of 19 Bangladeshi men, three Rohingya men, a Rohingya woman and a local woman. The suspects are aged between 20 and 52. “The raids were carried out at four locations, namely a retail shop, a computer shop and a house used as temporary accommodation for foreigners. “Investigations found that the syndicate was run by a Bangladeshi national with valid travel documents, who is married to a 69-year-old local woman. “The main suspect is also believed to own a G7 construction company and a retail shop under his wife’s name, which were used to qualify for foreign worker applications legally,” he said at a press conference at the Kedah police contingent headquarters yesterday.

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15, 2026

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Visually impaired pianist plays from memory

KUALA LUMPUR: Seated before a piano, Natalia Lee does not need sheet music to produce captivating melodies. Instead, the visually impaired teenager draws entirely on memory, years of practice and the finely tuned sense of touch she has developed since childhood. Having started piano lessons at the age of five, every note she mastered became another step towards proving that physical limitations need not stand in the way of pursuing one’s dreams. For the 14-year-old, the piano is not just a musical instrument but also a medium for building her self-confidence. After nearly a decade of learning music, Lee admitted that the journey has not been without challenges as she must rely entirely on memory o Music proves instrumental to building self-confidence for dedicated teenager

enabling them to reflect on their eating habits and daily activities. “The app also enables teachers to monitor pupils’ participation through data such as rankings and badge achievements, while recognition is given every one or two months to the most active pupils. “The response has been very encouraging, although its use is not compulsory and some pupils face constraints such as limited access to smartphones or the internet. “Even pupils who do not use the app continue to practise the healthy routines introduced at school, demonstrating that the programme’s objective has been achieved.” – Bernama It can become a source of income for me through performances or part-time work to support my studies and daily living. “To everyone, especially my fellow visually impaired friends and persons with disabilities who want to learn music, never stop learning because anyone can succeed in this field.” Meanwhile, Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) deputy president Datin Fauziah Mohd Ramly said providing opportunities for visually impaired individuals to showcase their talents is essential in helping them gain wider public recognition. She added that many individuals within the visually impaired community possess remarkable talent but have yet to be given the opportunity to shine. “There are many more with extraordinary talent who remain unknown to the public. What they need is an opportunity.” The “Suaramu, Syairku” concert, jointly organised with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), was among the programmes held to commemorate MAB’s 75th anniversary.

“Feedback from parents has also been very positive. They have informed us that their children are now drinking more plain water, consuming fewer sugary drinks and making healthier food choices.” She added that the school planned to develop the app further so that it would be available on the Google Play Store in future to broaden its usage. Najjah Salaamah said during the initial implementation of the programme, pupils recorded their food intake and physical activities manually before the data was transferred into the app. She said pupils were encouraged to update their records at home using their parents’ mobile phones, without the support of my parents and teachers, who have always encouraged me. Never give up on your dreams. Always stay positive and keep working towards what you want to achieve.” The concert also featured the Setapak Ukulele Crew from Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Setapak, comprising five visually impaired performers aged between 13 and 20, who entertained the audience with a medley of three songs. For 20-year-old Mohammad Azeem Ikhwan Mahadi, a member of the group, his musical journey began after teachers and classmates encouraged him to join music lessons and learn to play the ukulele. “At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it because I had never played an instrument before. But as I learned step by step, I gradually began to enjoy it and eventually developed a passion for it.” Mohamad Azeem expressed belief that despite the limited availability of learning materials tailored for individuals with visual impairments, the challenge would not stop him from pursuing a career in music. “Music is more than just a hobby.

Lee performing her piece at the concert. – BERNAMAPIC

when performing a piece. “The biggest challenge for me is memorising complex musical works, especially when I have to jump from one part of the keyboard to another. I need to judge precisely where my fingers should land,” she told Bernama after the “Suaramu, Syairku” concert at the Seri Angkasa

Auditorium at Angkasapuri recently. Her dedication and perseverance eventually earned her a place at the event, where she represented her school with a medley arranged together with her teacher Christine Chin, after just two weeks of intensive rehearsals. “I would not have achieved this

Teachers develop app to encourage healthy living KUALA TERENGGANU: Two teachers at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Manir have developed an app; the Sihat, Aktif Manirian (SAM) programme, to encourage healthy living among pupils. Salaamah Jusoh, 37. Zuraidah said the school had introduced aerobics sessions, installed water dispensers to encourage pupils to drink plain water, promoted the consumption of prebiotic drinks and worked with health clinics to educate pupils on healthy eating.

internally by the school. She said through SAM, pupils record their daily intake of plain water and healthy food, as well as the duration of their physical activities. She also said the app currently involves about 300 Year Four, Year Five and Year Six pupils, while supporting programmes such as aerobics sessions, nutrition talks and the consumption of prebiotic drinks for all pupils and teachers at the school. Zuraidah said most pupils access the app using their parents’ smartphones via a link provided by the school, making parental involvement crucial as they help monitor their children’s records and provide healthier meals at home.

This follows growing concern over the increasing number of overweight children and their consumption of sugary food and drinks. The initiative earned SK Manir the AIA Outstanding Active Lifestyles Award 2026, worth US$15,000, at the Asia Pacific-level AIA Healthiest Schools Competition held in Bangkok, Thailand on July 8. The app was developed in January by Science teacher Zuraidah Hassim, 45, and English teacher Najjah

“However, we did not want the practices to stop at school. We wanted the healthy lifestyle to continue at home as well. So, Najjah Salaamah and I developed SAM as a platform to educate pupils while recording their daily healthy lifestyle habits.” She added that the app was developed using Canva Code, a platform that generates web-based applications, and is currently used

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15, 2026 7 Activists file judicial review request over immunity clause JAKARTA: A coalition of Indonesian social activist groups and think tanks yesterday filed a request for a judicial review of the government’s plan to offer legal immunity to buyers of bonds issued by Danantara, saying it could weaken efforts to fight corruption, money laundering and tax crimes. The coalition, which includes the Centre of Economic and Law Studies, Transparency International Indonesia and Paramadina Public Policy Institute, said in a statement that they submitted the request at the Constitutional Court yesterday. “No group of citizens should be allowed to receive treatment that places them above the law. When laws are created to close the doors on investigations, inquiries, courtroom evidence, or even tax oversight, it is not only law enforcement that is being weakened, but the constitution itself,” said Muhamad Saleh, legal counsel for the petitioners. The coalition is challenging provisions in a revised financial sector law, which was passed last month, related to the Patriot bonds and “merah putih” bonds of the sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia. The “immunity” clause guarantees that purchases of Danantara’s special bonds will be protected from potential criminal and tax related prosecution, as well as civil lawsuits. Danantara did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the review filing. The provisions have drawn criticism from legal and economic experts, who warned they could create a channel for holders of illicit or undeclared funds to enter the formal financial system without sufficient scrutiny. Jakarta has defended the rules, saying they would allow more money to flow into the financial system and be used for development. Another coalition of civil society groups urged a global financial crime watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force, to review the bonds’ legal protections. – Reuters Asean envoy meets Myanmar groups BANGKOK: Asean’s special envoy on Myanmar held talks with ethnic minority rebel groups and a government-backed negotiation committee, the Philippines said yesterday. The talks took place in Thailand on Monday and followed a separate meeting a day earlier between Asean foreign ministers and their Myanmar counterpart. Myanmar’s leadership has been barred from top-level Asean meetings over their failure to comply with Asean’s five-year-old “Five-Point Consensus” peace initiative, but some members of the bloc hope Sunday’s meeting can lead to progress. Asean special envoy Maria Theresa Lazaro, the foreign minister of the Philippines, met “to discuss the way forward on an inclusive national political dialogue” with representatives of some groups and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee, according to a Philippine Foreign Ministry statement. “All sides expressed openness to the dialogue process and emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue,” it said. Several ethnic armed groups contacted by Reuters declined to comment. The National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel administration in exile formed by remnants of the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose elected government was toppled in the coup, said it was not invited and expressed concern over the talks. “We have major questions about whether this meeting is intended to implement the Asean Five-Point Consensus, or if it is based on the government’s 100-day project and their own peace plan,” the NUG’s Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung told Reuters.

Bangkok governor vows tighter regulations

o Pub Facebook apology stirs angry comments

BANGKOK: The death toll from a devastating fire at a live music pub here climbed to 30 yesterday, officials said, as Bangkok’s governor vowed stricter inspections. The blaze, one of the deadliest in recent years in Thailand, tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the city’s northern Chatuchak area close to midnight on Sunday, with witnesses describing an explosion, a horizontal burst of fire and smoke engulfing the single-storey venue. There were 24 people in critical condition yesterday and dozens more who were treated had been discharged. Three people hospitalised after the fire had since died, according to officials. The pub, located at a busy intersection next to train stations and two shopping malls, is one of a cluster of similar bars often crowded on weekend nights, serving food, alcohol and offering live music and televised football. Authorities say an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air-conditioner could have triggered the fire in the pub, which underwent a safety inspection in April. “We’ve set up a committee to investigate the truth, what should be improved and what rules should be changed,” Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt told a press conference. “We will do more random checks.”

A Buddhist monk accompanying relatives of a victim, Sitthiphong Chaiyo, 23, from Ubon Ratchathani, at the scene of the tragedy yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

“I felt terrible,” he said, full of regret that he did not tell patrons to evacuate at the first sign of fire. The venue had power outages before due to electrical problems, so he had assumed it was just another power glitch. “I still feel I reacted too slowly. I should have shouted to warn everyone, but everything happened so fast and there was so much chaos that I didn’t have time.” Bassist Anan “Tor” Prasert, 37, said he received minor burns but escaped the blaze relatively quickly with his bass guitar still slung over his shoulder. “At first I thought it was just the stage smoke, you know?” Anan told reporters. “Then smoke started coming out from the ceiling. He told a guitarist next to him to run. “At that point, I wasn’t thinking about anything else. I just ripped out my jack cable and ran.” – AFP Outside Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, some of relatives were mourning those killed as forensics personnel gathered evidence from the scene. The pub on its Facebook page apologised over the fire and said it was cooperating fully with the investigation. “We apologise deeply over the very sad events that took place and express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and send our support to those injured,” it said in a post that had hundreds of comments, many expressing anger and questioning its safety measures. The pub did not answer calls or respond to a request for comment on preliminary findings in the investigation. In Bangkok’s famous Khaosan Road backpacker district packed with pubs and nightclubs and about 10km from the site of the fire, visitors expressed sadness over the incident but said they had no concerns about safety. “It doesn’t worry us. All the places that we’ve been have been very safe,” said Connor McLernon, 30, a tourist from Boston. His travel companion, Patricia Bello McLernon, 31, said the fire was likely a one off. “It’s just an unfortunate accident that happened and I don’t think that should stop anybody from visiting,” she said. – Reuters

Police said 34 people had been interviewed so far and charges would be considered after facts and evidence had been gathered. The owner is among those being treated in an intensive care unit. At a Bangkok morgue yesterday, rescue workers were seen moving a coffin of one of the victims, surrounded by television cameras and a throng of reporters as emotional family members and friends arrived to collect the body.

Distraught relatives of Sitthiphong at the site. – REUTERSPIC

Thai bandmates recount chaos BANGKOK: First the band saw smoke. Then the lights went out and an explosive fire ripped through the Bangkok bar and restaurant, spraying flames from the entrance into the street. happened are still etched in my mind,” said singer and band leader Athipat “Ice”Wijarn. Some members of his 11-person group, which plays Thai and international cover songs, were on stage when the fire broke out, Athipat said in a talk show interview. He sustained a head injury and his drummer was in critical condition.

The inferno left at least 28 people dead, including two members of the cover band on Sunday night’s bill. At least two other bandmates were injured, among around 70 people who suffered from burns, smoke inhalation and other injuries, authorities said. Two members of the group Tosakan recounted on Monday the chaos of the blaze that raged through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant, claiming the lives of their keyboardist, Kwang, and a singer, Breeze. “The sight of my girlfriend’s body being carried out, the sight of my friend who was burned in the fire and everything that

“Our keyboard player spotted the smoke first and shouted at me to run,” Athipat later recalled. “When I realised there was a fire, I could smell smoke ... I shouted for my girlfriend (Breeze), but then the power went out,”he said. The pitch-black venue was also clouded in thick smoke, and the singer could not find Breeze, despite shouting her name, he said. “Just as I got outside, the explosion suddenly erupted,” Athipat said, showing his injuries.