NATIONAL

The former army chief arrives at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, where he pleaded not guilty to two new money laundering charges linked to alleged illicit financial activities. KUALA LUMPUR : A former Malaysian army chief today denied two additional charges of money laundering, intensifying legal proceedings against him in a high-profile case involving alleged financial misconduct and abuse of authority. The accused, who is already facing multiple corruption-related charges,

Every education reform must prioritise children’s well-being, emotional stability, and holistic development — not turn young lives into policy experiments KUALA LUMPUR : In the rush to reform education systems, policymakers must resist the temptation to turn children into subjects of policy experimentation. Their future is far too precious to be risked through rushed, inconsistent, and poorly evaluated reforms. Malaysia’s education history is filled with cycles of change: cu

Former Malaysian Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar arrives at the Kuala Lumpur Special Corruption Court to face multiple corruption-related charges linked to the Armed Forces Welfare Fund and defence procurement contracts. KUALA LUMPUR : A former chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces has been formally charged in court over an alleged corruption case involving assets and financial transactions amounting to RM4.7 million, marking one of the most serious scandals to hit

Authorities have launched a probe into claims that an autistic child was mistreated at a local childcare facility. KUALA LUMPUR :  Authorities are investigating a childcare centre following allegations that an autistic boy was subjected to abuse while under the centre’s care. The investigation comes amid growing concerns over the safety and welfare of children with special needs in early learning facilities. According to sources, the incident allegedly occurred over a period

Political observers say Umno’s future role in a potential grand coalition with Perikatan Nasional remains uncertain amid trust deficits and competing interests. KUALA LUMPUR :  Political analysts are split over Umno’s chances of successfully aligning with Perikatan Nasional (PN) under a proposed “grand coalition”, with differing views on whether such an arrangement would strengthen the opposition or deepen existing fractures within Malay-based politics. Some analysts argue th

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been named as a witness in a high-value civil lawsuit involving alleged financial disputes. KUALA LUMPUR:  Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been subpoenaed to testify as a witness in a RM30 million civil lawsuit filed against a prominent businessperson, a move that has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the case. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the subpoena was issued as part of ongoi

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says MPM focuses on continuous learning and student development rather than exam pressure. KUALA LUMPUR :  The Student Assessment (MPM) system should not be viewed as a high-stakes examination, as its primary purpose is to support learning and improve students’ overall achievement, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She explained that MPM was introduced to move Malaysia’s education system away from an overly exam-centred culture towards

Anti-graft agency moves forward with prosecution following completion of investigations into alleged corruption involving senior military figures. KUALA LUMPUR :  The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has received official approval to proceed with charges against a former top-ranking military officer, marking a significant development in one of the most closely watched corruption investigations involving the defence sector. Sources familiar with the matter said the

Prime Minister stresses that the credibility of the Malaysian Armed Forces must be preserved despite isolated cases of misconduct. KUALA LUMPUR :  Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the integrity and credibility of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) should not be undermined due to acts of corruption and breach of trust involving only a small number of individuals. He said the actions of a few must not be allowed to overshadow the dedication and profession

The government launches the National Education Strategic Plan 2026–2035 to strengthen human capital and prepare students for future challenges. KUALA LUMPUR : The Prime Minister of Malaysia today officially launched the National Education Strategic Plan (RPN) 2026–2035, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing the nation’s education system and developing high-quality human capital capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. According to the Prime Minister,

Prime Minister emphasizes transparency and accountability as the guiding principles for all temporarily frozen defense procurements. KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that all defense procurements currently frozen temporarily must go through the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance in the acquisition of military equipment and security assets. According to Anwar, this m

Anti-graft officers conducted coordinated raids linked to IJM Corporation as authorities widened investigations into alleged financial irregularities. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has intensified its investigation into IJM Corporation Bhd after carrying out a series of coordinated raids and freezing 55 bank accounts with a combined value of RM15.8 million, signalling a significant escalation in one of the most closely watched corporate probes in recent mont

Children would begin Year 1 at six years old and complete compulsory education at 16 under a proposed restructuring of the national schooling system. A proposed education reform outlining a clear schooling journey—from entering Year 1 at the age of six to completing compulsory education at 16—has drawn national attention, sparking debate among parents, educators, and policymakers about how best to prepare children for the future. Under the proposed structure, children would b

The National Education Plan sets Malaysia’s education priorities for the next decade, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and future-ready skills. KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officially launched the National Education Plan (NEP) 2026–2035, outlining a strategic roadmap for Malaysia’s education system over the next decade. In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that the plan aims to make the country’s education system more competitive

The rollout of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 1 marks the government’s first major cash assistance programme for 2026. KUALA LUMPUR : The government today began distributing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 1 for 2026 to approximately five million eligible recipients nationwide, Prime Minister announced. The Prime Minister said the first phase of the cash assistance programme targets low- and middle-income groups, including households, senior citizens and single individ

The Court of Appeal’s latest ruling reshapes one of Malaysia’s most closely watched civil cases, reducing compensation awarded to Altantuya Shaariibuu’s family and removing government responsibility for the 2006 killing. PUTRAJAYA : Nearly two decades after the brutal killing of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, the Court of Appeal has delivered a landmark decision that significantly alters the outcome of the long-running civil lawsuit filed by her family. In a unanimo

Tan Teik Cheng has lashed out at the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman for contradicting his earlier remarks over the alleged existence of a so-called “Team B” faction within the Democratic Action Party (DAP). Tan Teik Cheng today criticised the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman for going back on his earlier remarks regarding the alleged existence of a so-called “Team B” faction within the Democratic Action Party (DAP). Tan said the BN chairman’s apparent reversal raises serious co

"Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate — Home Minister urges Malaysians to stop online harassment of ex-journalist Rex Tan." KUALA LUMPUR : The Home Minister today called on Malaysians to cease online and offline harassment of former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan, emphasizing that personal attacks and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Speaking at a press briefing, the minister said the government is aware of the growing harass

"Beautiful symbols are not enough: Malaysia wants a Parliament that acts, not just a political performance." KUALA LUMPUR   : Today, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong officially opened the Parliamentary session, marking the start of a new term for both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. As usual, the ceremony was full of pomp, protocol, and symbolism, but behind the grandeur, a pressing question arises: does this annual event truly reflect the aspirations of the people, o

“When fear replaces facts, obsession starts to look like leadership — and Malaysia deserves better.” KUALA LUMPUR : In Malaysian politics, opposition is expected. Obsession, however, is something else entirely. Lately, Akmal’s relentless focus on the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has crossed the line from political critique into political fixation, raising an uncomfortable question: is DAP really the problem, or is it simply the easiest distraction? Every speech, warning, or