HIGHLIGHTS

Bersatu MP calls for consistent education policies to protect children’s welfare. KUALA LUMPUR : A Bersatu lawmaker has strongly criticised the government’s frequent changes in education policies, urging authorities to stop treating children like “lab rats” as they struggle to adapt to shifting rules and requirements. Speaking in Parliament today, the MP expressed concern over the impact of inconsistent policies on students’ learning outcomes and overall wellbeing. “Children

PN Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during a party event earlier this month. KUALA LUMPUR : The scheduled Supreme Council meeting of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition was abruptly cancelled today, with top leaders instead set to hold a private gathering at the residence of PN Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. According to insider sources, the decision to cancel the official meeting was made to allow for a more focused and confidential discussion in a less formal settin

Firefighters at the scene after an air-conditioning unit exploded, injuring two individuals and triggering a brief fire. JOHOR BAHRU : Two people were injured after an air-conditioning unit suddenly exploded, causing a brief fire and panic at the location. The incident occurred in the late afternoon, drawing an immediate response from emergency services. Firefighters arrived shortly after receiving a distress call and found that the flames had already been contained using a

PAS says it is open to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin leading the proposed Perikatan Nasional presidential council, stressing unity and stability within the coalition. KUALA LUMPUR:  PAS has no objection to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin chairing the proposed Perikatan Nasional (PN) presidential council, as discussions continue over the coalition’s leadership restructuring. Party leaders said PAS remains focused on preserving unity and political stability within PN, emphasising that lead

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan says Perikatan Nasional is open to appointing a chairman who is not necessarily a party president, as leadership restructuring talks continue. KUALA LUMPUR:  Perikatan Nasional (PN) does not necessarily need to appoint its chairman from among the presidents of its component parties, according to PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, amid ongoing discussions on restructuring the coalition’s leadership. Takiyuddin

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to continue playing a central leadership role within Perikatan Nasional through the formation of a new presidential council, following internal restructuring talks. KUALA LUMPUR:  Perikatan Nasional (PN) is reportedly considering the establishment of a presidential council as part of a leadership restructuring exercise, a move widely seen as a way to maintain Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s influence within the coalition after his resignation a

Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching announces the upcoming enforcement of a minimum age requirement for social media users. KUALA LUMPUR :  Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching confirmed that a minimum age limit of 16 years for registering and using social media platforms is expected to be enforced starting July 2026. Teo said the move aims to protect young people from exposure to inappropriate content and to ensure a safer online experience. “Child

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlights the need for a dedicated team to enhance transparency and accountability in the country’s audit processes. KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced plans to establish a special task force aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s national audit system, in a move to improve transparency and accountability in public financial management. Anwar said the task force would focus on monitoring and enhancing exi

The wife of a former army chief arrives at the Sessions Court to face charges linked to alleged unlawful financial transactions. KUALA LUMPUR : The wife of a former Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief was charged in the Sessions Court today with receiving RM5,000 believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities. The accused, who appeared before the court this morning, was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlaw

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz attends a PKR leadership gathering after being named as a member of the party’s political bureau. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 :  Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has appointed Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as an ex-officio member of its political bureau, marking another significant step in his political journey since joining the party last year. The decision was made during PKR’s monthly Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting, whi

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli urges the government to prioritise early childhood education reforms before implementing changes to school entry age. KUALA LUMPUR:  Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has called on the government to establish a universal and free preschool system before implementing the policy to allow children to enter Year One at the age of six, stressing that early childhood education is crucial to ensuring fairness and long-term learning success. Rafizi said lowe

The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) signals a possible review of its political alignment, sparking discussions on coalition dynamics ahead of upcoming elections. KUALA LUMPUR:  The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is set to discuss the possibility of joining Perikatan Nasional (PN), despite having previously given approval for a different political alignment, party sources said. The move has raised questions about coalition strategies and political positioning ahead of the nex

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlights the cost-saving impact of adopting generic medicines in the national healthcare system. PUTRAJAYA:  The government has saved approximately RM1 billion by procuring generic drugs instead of branded medicines, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today, emphasizing that this move strengthens the sustainability of Malaysia’s healthcare system while maintaining quality patient care. Anwar explained that generic medicines

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) intensifies investigations into alleged misuse of funds involving a large-scale investment scheme. PUTRAJAYA:  The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 14 bank accounts containing funds linked to an estimated RM300 million investment scheme as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption, abuse of power and financial misappropriation. Sources said the accounts belong to several individuals and cor

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says uncovering cartels is vital to restoring integrity, transparency and public trust in national institutions. PUTRAJAYA:  Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he welcomes the exposure of cartels operating within various sectors, stressing that dismantling entrenched networks of corruption is crucial to strengthening governance, accountability and public confidence. Anwar said the government remains firm in its commitment to c

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the postponement aims to ensure comprehensive evaluation and public interest protection. PUTRAJAYA:  The tabling of the Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been postponed to allow the government sufficient time to carefully study and evaluate 14 proposals submitted by various stakeholders, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said t

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a holistic education approach that prioritises students’ overall development over exam-centric learning. KUALA LUMPUR:  The Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) will not be reinstated, as the government remains committed to strengthening a more holistic and student-centred education system, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the decision reflects the ministry’s long-term vision to move

Educators and child development experts warn that rushing the Year 1 entry age to six may affect children’s social, emotional, and academic readiness. KUALA LUMPUR : A prominent education group has voiced concerns over the government’s plan to implement Year 1 enrolment at age six, warning that the move is being rushed without adequate preparation. According to child development specialists, forcing children into formal schooling at a younger age without proper readiness pro

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong delivers a firm message during the opening of Parliament, stressing accountability, unity, and adherence to democratic principles. KUALA LUMPUR : The first week of the Dewan Rakyat’s parliamentary session was marked by a firm and solemn titah from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, highlighting the need for integrity, accountability, and unity among lawmakers. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the Agong reminded all members that public office is a t

Penang MP Wan Saiful Shamsuddin calls on PKR’s Rafizi Ramli to collaborate on reintroducing legislation to prevent the prime minister from holding the finance portfolio simultaneously. KUALA LUMPUR : Penang MP Wan Saiful Shamsuddin has invited PKR strategist Rafizi Ramli to jointly revive a parliamentary bill aimed at separating the roles of prime minister and finance minister, arguing that concentrating both powers in one office undermines checks and balances in government.