DAP Youth, Johor Umno counterpart in war of words over Pontian flag gaffe

DAP Youth, Johor Umno counterpart in war of words over Pontian flag gaffe


Published: Aug 22, 2025 11:43 AM
Updated: 6:40 PM


Summary

• DAP Youth, Johor Umno Youth are having a war of words over the latest inverted flag incident at a dental clinic in Pontian, which led to the local council ordering a 30-day closure.

• While DAP Youth deems the closure excessive, Johor Umno Youth fully supports the local council’s decision.

DAP Youth and the Johor Umno Youth have entered into a war of words over the latest incident over an upside-down flag in Pontian, which led to the local council ordering a 30-day closure of a dental clinic.

DAP Youth described the Pontian Municipal Council’s (MPPn) punishment against the clinic as excessive and disproportionate.

In a statement today, DAP Youth wing’s national executive council stressed that whilst all businesses must avoid such mistakes and uphold their civic duties, authorities should not be overzealous in enforcing penalties.

“MPPn’s action in exceeding its authority by ordering the clinic to close for 30 days has undermined public confidence in local government governance. Therefore, DAP Youth urges the Johor state government to immediately direct MPPn to withdraw the order.

“During this period, patients who have made appointments, including all those who have arranged for surgery and so forth, are forced to postpone their dates or seek other doctors.

“All enforcement decisions by local authorities should consider the impact or effects on the public, rather than punishing blindly like moral police," the wing said.

It added that the decision to close premises without reasonable discretionary consideration contradicts the principle of proportionality in meting out punishment, and that authorities must not use a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which risks power abuse.

Johor Umno Youth, however, said it fully supports the action taken by the local council.

“This action by MPPn should serve as an important lesson and reminder to all parties to ensure that the Malaysian flag is always displayed properly, especially as the nation celebrates the 68th anniversary of its independence.

“Johor Umno Youth is confident that MPPn has acted in accordance with the law and within the jurisdiction granted to it as a Local Authority,” said its chief, Noor Azleen Ambros.

Double standards

The DAP Youth group also flagged as concerning what it deemed to be double standards practised in enforcing punitive actions over similar issues.

“Even more concerning is the practice of double standards in flag issues, whereby when similar mistakes involve the Education Ministry, Terengganu PAS, and Terengganu Umno Youth, all these entities were not subject to heavy action, but small traders are heavily punished or shamed by extremist groups.

“Such practices have created negative perceptions and increasingly eroded public trust while increasing public dissatisfaction.

“Coercive approaches will only produce false compliance and public rejection of serious matters. Local councils should not add to public anxiety over flag issues.

“Local councils should not abuse their power in flag matters. Patriotism should be built through education and encouragement, not through threats or harsh punishment,” the statement further read.

Yesterday, Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Latheefa Koya similarly expressed dismay over the shuttering of the clinic, slamming the move as “arbitrary and high-handed”.

On Aug 12, Terengganu Umno Youth chief Tengku Haphiz Tengku Putera apologised for a poster featuring an incorrectly designed Malaysian flag.

He attributed the error to the designer being “affected” by recent flag gaffes.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, however, declared that he will continue his campaign against the desecration of the Jalur Gemilang, urging authorities to investigate and prosecute the Youth wing member responsible for the poster.

‘Educate your members’

Urimai pro-tem secretary M Satees reminded DAP Youth that ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse to evade responsibility.

As DAP has many lawyers within its fold, Satees said they should be educating their youth members on such matters.

“For example, in India, any act of disrespecting the national flag, intentional or otherwise, carries a maximum prison sentence of three years.

“However, in Malaysia, we are still debating about whether the individual made a mistake or otherwise,” he said in a statement today.

Urimai pro-tem secretary M Satees


Satees added that if DAP Youth still felt it was a trivial matter, they should step down from their government posts.

“DAP Youth should stop defending the flag blunders and spare the public from this endless debate,” he added.

AGC’s warning, Akmal charged

In a statement on Aug 15, the Attorney-General's Chamber (AGC) warned against the improper display of the Malaysian flag, citing recent incidents in Penang involving a hardware store and in Negeri Sembilan involving a Chinese-medium school.

It also cautioned the public against vigilantism over such matters, emphasising that complaints should be channelled through relevant authorities.

The AGC’s statement, however, appeared not to have acknowledged the flag gaffe involving Terengganu Umno Youth.

This morning, firebrand politician Akmal pleaded not guilty in the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court to a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly threatening public order.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh


The charge is related to an unspecified Facebook post made at about 3pm on Aug 11, likely linked to recent incidents of the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down.

Two days ago, in a statement on Facebook following the AGC’s announcement that he would be charged, Akmal said he was in Mecca for an umrah pilgrimage, but would shorten his pilgrimage to return and face charges.

Last week, Akmal led about 100 protesters, including Umno and Bersatu youth members, in Kepala Batas, Penang, to “educate” a hardware store owner caught on video hanging a Jalur Gemilang upside down.

***

Urimal should join UMNO Youth as a non-Muslim non-Malay associate

300 pages of detailed proof not hearsay, Tei shreds PM

300 pages of detailed proof not hearsay, Tei shreds PM


Published: Aug 22, 2025 2:53 PM
Updated: 11:23 PM


Summary

• Whistleblower Albert Tei rips into PM Anwar Ibrahim for dismissing his evidence against six Sabah assemblypersons as hearsay.

• Tei stresses law must be free of double standards and not be twisted for political convenience.

• Ex-MACC chief Latheefa Koya accuses Anwar’s government of “closing one eye” to corruption.

Albert Tei, who blew the lid off the Sabah mining scandal, has unleashed a blistering attack on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for dismissing his evidence against six Sabah assemblypersons as mere hearsay.

The businessperson shot down Anwar’s claim that only videos were handed to the MACC, stressing that he had submitted a dossier exceeding 300 pages.

“Not just videos, but money trails, bank records, documents, written correspondences, and specific locations. Every detail was painstakingly compiled, cross-verified, and handed to the authorities.

“I also surrendered my mobile phone, which contained WhatsApp conversations with the assemblypersons, to the MACC.

“For you to reduce it all to ‘hearsay’ is beyond irresponsible - it is a betrayal,” he said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

According to Tei (above, right), the dossier submitted for the six assemblypersons is identical in format and strength to the two who were charged.

“Why then the double standards? Why are two charged while six others walk free? Is this because of political influence, party survival, or plain cronyism?” he asked.

‘An insult’

Tei said Anwar’s remarks were not only “deeply disappointing” but amounted to a “direct insult” to him and everyone who dares to expose corruption.

“I risked my life, my future, and even my family’s safety to bring this dossier forward. I was told to shut up. I refused. Because I believed in your call for a clean Malaysia.

“You pleaded with the people to stand with you for reform. I stood up. And now? Your government throws it back in my face, dismissing it as weak,” he added.

Reminding Anwar of his “reformasi” slogan, Tei said the law must be free of double standards and not be twisted for political convenience.

“If you truly believe in the Malaysia you promised, then prove it. Act on the evidence. Charge all of them. End the double standards. End the cronyism. Anything less is a betrayal of the very reform you swore to uphold,” he stressed.

On Tuesday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that MACC was only able to charge two assemblypersons - Andi Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu) and Yusof Yacob (Sindumin) - because the allegations against the other six were hearsay.

“Eight assemblypersons were linked to the video, but according to the MACC, a case must be strong enough before it can be prosecuted,” he said.

“They said only cases that are substantive in facts and law will be referred to the prosecution. If it is not substantive and relies only on a video, it cannot proceed,” he added.

Anwar said that from his own experience, recordings and videos alone are not sufficient without supporting facts and legal grounds.

Apart from the two assemblypersons, Tei himself was charged with offering bribes.

‘We’ve come full circle’

Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya also tore into Anwar’s response, accusing his government of “closing one eye” to corruption.

Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya


“We have come full circle now; the so-called reformists are acting similarly to the old corrupt BN government that ruled till 2018.

“Anwar’s claim that the evidence against the other assemblypersons was based on the video alone is blatantly false. Tei had provided a 300-page dossier against them, over and above the video. It was never the ‘video alone’,” she said in a statement yesterday.

The assemblypersons from the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which is an ally of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan, include Deputy Chief Minister Shahelmey Yahya, state finance minister Masidi Manjun, state science, technology and innovation minister Arifin Arif, who is also Sabah governor Musa Aman’s son-in-law, and state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim Yahya.

The others are Masiung Banah (Kuamut), Rubin Balang (Kemabong), and Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk).

In June, another six top party leaders from GRS were implicated in the scandal. However, the MACC has not commented on this revelation despite opposition parties in Sabah calling for an investigation.

MyBurgerLab sacks COO over 'offensive' social media post

MyBurgerLab sacks COO over 'offensive' social media post


Published: Aug 22, 2025 5:51 PM
Updated: 8:07 PM


Homegrown burger chain myBurgerLab has sacked its chief operating officer (COO), Andrew Chong, after a social media post by him sparked public anger for allegedly disrespecting Islamic values.

In a statement today, the company said Chong’s personal post had caused “rightful anger, disappointment, and pain, especially among our Muslim friends,” and stressed that it did not reflect the brand’s principles of respect, unity, and inclusivity.

“Chong’s post contradicted our values, and we take responsibility for this oversight. We condemn any discrimination or disrespect toward religion and stand in solidarity with our Muslim community. To those affected, we offer our sincerest apologies,” the management said.

Yesterday, Chong, in a now-deleted post on X, said: “Wow… Slowly but surely, if Malaysia is taken over by extremism, we will become Iran after the revolution, ie, what you see today, and that should scare everyone.”

The post, which garnered more than 42,000 views, was met with widespread criticism, particularly from Muslims who saw it as insulting to Islam.

MyBurgerLab confirmed that Chong’s employment and all affiliations with the company were terminated effective Aug 22.

Mandatory cultural sensitivity training

The company also pledged to tighten internal measures, including introducing mandatory cultural sensitivity training with guidance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, to be completed within 30 days and refreshed annually.

“We pledge greater vigilance to ensure myBurgerLab remains a symbol of Malaysian harmony where everyone feels respected,” the statement read.

The company added it was “profoundly sorry” and humbly sought forgiveness from those affected, saying it would work to rebuild public trust.

In response to his sacking, Chong said he accepted and respected the company’s decision, reiterating that his comments were his personal views and were not related to myBurgerLab.

“This is my way of taking full accountability and making amends for dragging everyone else into this mess. Again, I’m truly sorry for all the hurt I’ve caused.”

Chong also said he deleted his original post criticising the Terengganu government’s fine to avoid causing more hurt or anger, maintaining that he was not running from his misstep.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Muslim men in Terengganu who skip the Friday prayers and do not have a valid reason for doing so could face a maximum RM3,000 fine and a prison term of up to two years.

This followed amendments passed to the east coast state’s syariah enactment several years ago.

I’ll fight you in court, Tajuddin tells Guan Eng

FMT:

I’ll fight you in court, Tajuddin tells Guan Eng


5 hours ago
'Ainin Wan Salleh


The Umno veteran questions the timing of the defamation suit over remarks he allegedly made in 2022

Umno veteran Tajuddin Abdul Rahman quipped that maybe DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng ‘has nothing to do now’.

PETALING JAYA: Umno veteran Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is ready to face Lim Guan Eng in court to defend his claim that the DAP adviser turned the finance ministry into a “Chinese temple” during his tenure as minister.

Tajuddin confirmed being notified about the suit several days ago and said he will see the Bagan MP in court.

“If he thinks he has something to claim, let’s fight in court,” the former Pasir Salak MP and ex-Umno Supreme Council member told FMT.


He also questioned the timing of the suit as the remarks were alleged to have been made in 2022.

He quipped that perhaps Lim “has nothing to do” now that he was no longer a minister or a top leader in DAP.


In his defamation suit, Lim said that on Oct 18, 2022, Tajuddin took part in a forum organised by Sinar Harian which focused on the 15th general election.

He claimed that Tajuddin had accused him of sidelining the Malays during his tenure as the finance minister from 2018 to 2020, and further alleging that he had “turned the ministry into a Chinese temple”.

Lim said Tajuddin had implied that he carried out his ministerial duties recklessly and was unfit to hold public office.

He said it also gave the impression that he had abused his power by dismissing Malay civil servants from the Treasury.


The former Penang chief minister is seeking damages, a retraction of the impugned remarks, and a public apology to be published on Tajuddin’s social media accounts, as well as in the media.

Six cases of upside-down flags reported nationwide, said authorities

Six cases of upside-down flags reported nationwide, said authorities

THE police have submitted five investigation papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in relation to cases involving the hoisting and display of the national flag upside down ahead of National Day celebrations.


Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, said that so far, six cases have been reported, involving two cases in Johor, two in Penang, and one each in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.


Mohd Khalid urged all parties not to attempt to create disharmony following the incident.

“So far, six cases have been acted upon, involving two cases in Johor, two in Penang, and one case each in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Of that number, investigation papers have been opened for five cases, and the process of recording statements has also been carried out,” he said at a press conference in Bukit Aman today.

Mohd Khalid added that the five investigation papers had been submitted to the AGC for further action, while one case remains under investigation.


“Here, I would like to remind everyone to always respect the law and safeguard harmony, especially as the country prepares to celebrate National Day. Avoid doing anything that could disrupt harmony and unity among the races,” he said.

He further commented that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will continue to carry out enforcement measures against any party acting outside the boundaries of the law. —Aug 22, 2025

Still no leads on whereabouts of Pamela, Indira’s daughter, says IGP

FMT:

Still no leads on whereabouts of Pamela, Indira’s daughter, says IGP


7 hours ago
Elill Easwaran


Khalid Ismail says more time is needed to probe Pamela Ling's abduction and whereabouts

Pamela Ling was allegedly abducted while on her way to the MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya on April 9, while M Indira Gandhi is still waiting to be reunited with her daughter, who is believed to be with her missing ex-husband.

KUALA LUMPUR: Police still have no leads on the whereabouts of Pamela Ling and the daughter of M Indira Gandhi, says Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail.

Khalid said police needed more time for further investigations to be held into Ling’s alleged abduction in April to determine her whereabouts.

“I am still waiting for the results of further investigations into her location. I believe that in this case, we need more time to determine her whereabouts,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman here today.


Ling, 42, was reported missing on April 9 while on her way to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s headquarters to give a statement as a witness in an investigation.

MACC had launched an investigation into Ling and her husband, Sarawakian businessman Thomas Hah, in May last year for alleged corruption and money laundering.


Police previously said five vehicles and “around eight suspects” were involved in the alleged abduction. Three of the vehicles had cloned number plates.

Can’t track down Indira’s ex-husband, daughter

In Indira’s case, Khalid said police have been unable to trace her former husband, K Pathmanathan, who converted to Islam and took the name Riduan Abdullah, and their daughter, Prasana Diksa, who is believed to be with her missing ex-husband.

Riduan fled the country with Prasana in 2009 when she was just 11 months old. He had converted her to Islam without Indira’s consent.


A landmark Federal Court decision in 2018 ruled in Indira’s favour, declaring the unilateral conversion of her three children to Islam by Riduan null and void. However, despite the court’s decision, police have yet to locate Prasana.

The Federal Court had ordered police to execute a warrant of committal on Riduan for contempt of court over his refusal to return Prasana to Indira, who was given full custody over their three children.

Indira has sued former IGP Abdul Hamid Bador and the government for failing to arrest Riduan and return her daughter. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision on Aug 11.

***

Sad to say, in all likelihood Pamela is dead.

Ukrainian held in Italy over Nord Stream gas pipelines blast mystery

BBC:

Ukrainian held in Italy over Nord Stream gas pipelines blast mystery

19 hours ago
Paul Kirby
Europe digital editor

Danish Defence handout
Three of the four pipelines under the Baltic Sea near Bornholm were damaged by the blasts


German prosecutors say a Ukrainian man has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea, several months after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The man, identified only as Serhii K, was arrested in the province of Rimini and was part of a group who planted explosives under the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany, federal prosecutors say.

The blasts severed a key source of natural gas for Europe when leaders were facing an energy crisis triggered by Russia's war.

No-one admitted carrying out the attack, and Ukraine has denied involvement.

The Ukrainian, who was detained by Italy's carabinieri military police stationed in the northern coastal resort of Misano Adriatico, is suspected of being one of the masterminds of the operation.

Prosecutors said he was part of a team that had chartered a yacht and sailed from the German port of Rostock to an area of the Baltic near the Danish island of Bornholm.

Although Nord Stream 2 never went into operation, Nord Stream 1's two pipelines had provided a steady supply 1,200km (745 miles) under the Baltic from the Russian coast to north-eastern Germany.

Shortly before Russia's invasion, Germany had cancelled its process to approve Nord Stream 2, which was 100% owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom. Months later, Russia shut down Nord Stream 1, blaming problems with equipment.

Then, on 26 September 2022, several explosions were recorded that ruptured three of the four pipelines.

Mystery surrounded the identity of the saboteurs, with Russia coming under Western suspicion and Moscow blaming the US and UK.

Last year German reports suggested a team of Ukrainian divers had hired a yacht and sailed out into the Baltic to attack the pipelines.

German prosecutors issued a warrant for the arrest of a diver named Volodymyr Z last August.

They said on Thursday that the suspect held in Rimini would be brought before an investigating judge after he was extradited from Italy.

The prosecutors said the man was "strongly suspected of jointly causing an explosion and of sabotage undermining the constitution".

There is no evidence so far linking Ukraine, Russia or any other state to the attacks.

Sun-rich, but opportunity poor?

Sun-rich, but opportunity poor?

By Laverson Bagah & Suzana Ariff Azizan

SHORTAGE of sunlight in Malaysia is like a durian with no smell—unthinkable. The country’s equatorial location gives it consistent, year-round solar exposure, making it one of the most solar-rich nations in the region.


On paper, we have everything we need to lead a solar revolution: consistent irradiance, national targets, and profound incentive schemes.


But while the sun shines generously, solar adoption among small medium enterprises (SMEs)—the heart of Malaysia’s economy—continues to lag behind.

Accounting for over 97% of registered businesses and 38% of GDP, SMEs are often hailed as the “backbone” of the Malaysian economy. But in the transition to clean energy, they have largely been left in the dark.

Residential homes and large corporations have taken the lead in rooftop solar adoption. SMEs, meanwhile, face structural and systemic barriers that prevent them from tapping into this opportunity.


High upfront costs, fragmented information, technical uncertainty and regulatory red tape are among the most significant challenges. These issues have created hesitation among business owners, many of whom are eager to reduce long-term energy costs and contribute to sustainability goals.

In other words, while Malaysia’s solar future shines brightly in policy documents, it often dims in practice.


For most SMEs, solar take-up is beyond their budgets. While in the longer term there will be cost savings, the initial cost of RM50,000 to RM200,000 is difficult to justify without inexpensive finance.

Leasing opportunities and third-party offers exist but are not promoted well and carry high entry barriers. Even if finance is available, SMEs struggle to meet terms of offers or understand technical mumbo-jumbo on contracts.

Then there’s the issue of infrastructure. Many SMEs in the Klang Valley operate from rented buildings or old shop lots with limited rooftop access.

The result is a “split incentive” where landlords are not motivated to invest in solar panels when the tenants are paying the bills, and tenants have no authority to install systems themselves. These are not new problems, but they remain largely unaddressed.

More than just economic or structural, there is a gap in confidence. Many SME owners are aware of solar energy, but few feel equipped to make the leap.

The sense that solar is “not for businesses like mine” is a common refrain that rooted not in apathy, but in lack of targeted outreach and peer support. And while some community-led initiatives and industrial cluster projects have emerged, they are still too few to shift the tide.

Yet, change is possible.

There are SMEs that have successfully pooled resources to develop shared solar facilities, cutting installation costs by up to 30% and enabling collective ownership models.

Some SMEs have reported significant savings after switching to solar energy, with annual reductions in electricity costs reaching up to RM150,000.

These are real instances that challenge the narrative that solar is solely for large corporations or the environmental elites only. The probable impact is not insignificant.

Large-scale SME adoption of solar power can significantly push Malaysia’s renewable energy agenda, reduce carbon emissions, and increase business resiliency.


It directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

But to achieve this, systemic change is needed. First, policies must go beyond the use of incentives. Policy must consider the realities of SMEs with their size, shape, and limitations.

That means simplifying application processes, offering pre-approved packages for solar installations, and encouraging shared infrastructure paradigms in industrial estates.

Second, the financing aspect itself must be curtailed to SME capabilities. Microloans, rent-to-own deals, or even peer-financing arrangements facilitated by trade associations are examples.

GTFS-type programmes must not only be technically available but also made more salient and accessible.

Third, awareness must become action. Solar education can’t stop at roadshows. It must enter everyday conversations among business groups, chambers of commerce, and supplier networks. Public agencies must work closely with SME associations to bridge the information gap and create trust.

The truth is, many SMEs are not waiting for change. They are waiting for a chance of a fair and realistic entry point into a cleaner energy future. And in the face of climate uncertainty and rising energy costs, we cannot afford to leave them behind.

Malaysia’s solar future cannot be built by large corporations alone. If we are serious about achieving our renewable energy ambitions, we must bring SMEs into the fold—not as afterthoughts, but as essential partners in the transition.

The sun shines on all of us. The question is: Who gets to use it? ‒ Aug 22, 2025



Laverson Bagah and Dr Suzana Ariff Azizan are with the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.

The US Navy is building a drone fleet to take on China — it’s not going well

The US Navy is building a drone fleet to take on China — it’s not going well



Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby visits BlackSea Technology facilities to view the US Navy’s Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) programme, in Baltimore, Maryland, June 18, 2025. — US Navy/Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Joe J. Cardona Gonzalez/Handout via Reuters

Thursday, 21 Aug 2025 9:00 PM MYT


NEW YORK, Aug 21 — During a US naval test off the California coast last month, which was designed to showcase the Pentagon’s top autonomous drone boats, one vessel stalled unexpectedly.

As officials scrambled to fix a software glitch, another drone vessel smashed into the idling boat’s starboard side, vaulted over the deck, and crashed back into the water — an incident captured in videos obtained by Reuters.


The previously unreported episode, which involved two vessels built by US defence tech rivals Saronic and BlackSea Technologies, is one of a series of recent setbacks in the Pentagon’s push to build a fleet of autonomous vessels, according to a dozen people familiar with the programme.

Weeks earlier, during a separate Navy test, the captain of a support boat was thrown into the water after another autonomous BlackSea vessel it was towing suddenly accelerated, capsizing the support boat, according to four people familiar with the matter. The captain was rescued and declined medical attention. The incident was first reported by Defence Scoop.


Both incidents stemmed from a combination of software failures and human error, including breakdowns in communication between onboard systems and external autonomous software, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, who requested anonymity to share sensitive information.


The Navy, Saronic and BlackSea declined to comment on the incidents.

The videos showing the drone crash were verified by two Reuters sources, the landscape matching terrain imagery, the GARC-096 name ID and structure of the boat matching file imagery of Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC).


US military leaders, seeing the outsized impact of maritime drones in the Ukraine war, have repeatedly said they need autonomous swarms of aerial and maritime drones to hinder a potential advance by China across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan itself has begun acquiring its own maritime drones.

The drones being developed in Ukraine, which often look like speedboats without seats, and are capable of carrying weapons, explosives and surveillance equipment, are primarily remote-controlled and cost close to US$250,000 (RM1 million) — making them optimal for kamikaze missions that have effectively neutralized Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The US, meanwhile, is aiming to build an autonomous naval fleet that can move in swarms and without human command — a more ambitious task at a higher price point; as much as a few million dollars per speedboat.

The recent test failures highlight the challenges facing the Navy’s effort to deploy the nascent technologies, said Bryan Clark, an autonomous warfare expert at the Hudson Institute. It will need to adapt its “tactics as it better understands what the systems can do and what they can’t do.”

But the Navy’s problems go beyond getting the boats to work: its autonomous maritime drone acquisition unit has also been rocked by the firing of its top admiral, and a top Pentagon official voiced concerns about the programme in a candid meeting with Navy brass last month, Reuters found.

Since the most recent incident, the Pentagon’s Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), which had acquired technology for the tests, has indefinitely paused a contract — valued close to US$20 million — with L3Harris, one of the companies providing autonomous software used to control some of the vessels, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The Pentagon did not respond to questions about the cause of the accidents or the L3Harris contract being paused, which has not been previously reported.

A Pentagon spokesman said it conducted drone tests as part of a “competitive and iterative approach, between operators and industry.”

L3Harris declined to comment on the contract and directed questions to the DIU. The DIU declined to comment.

“L3Harris stands behind the safety, integrity and capability of our autonomy command-and-control product,” said Toby Magsig, who oversees L3Harris’ autonomous software products.

Rise of sea drones

To accelerate its drone effort, the Pentagon in 2023 launched the US$1 billion Replicator programme, through which branches like the US Navy and the DIU planned to acquire thousands of aerial and maritime drones, along with the software to control them. The first systems from this programme are due to be announced this month.

The Navy has committed at least US$160 million to BlackSea, which is producing dozens of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft boats a month, according to procurement records.

Saronic, which was recently valued at US$4 billion in a funding round backed by Andreessen Horowitz and 8VC, makes the competitive sea drone Corsair, but is yet to announce a major contract. Federal procurement records show the company has generated at least US$20 million from prototype agreements.

“These systems will play a critical role in the future of naval warfare by extending fleet reach, improving situational awareness, and increasing combat effectiveness,” acting chief of naval operations Jim Kilby said during a visit to BlackSea’s facility in June.

Navy turmoil

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has made fielding swarms of drones a top military priority. Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” passed last month included almost US$5 billion for maritime autonomous systems.

But, so far, the Navy’s approach has faced scepticism under the new administration.

In April, the Navy’s key drone boat procurement unit — known as Programme Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) — touted a successful demonstration of the software used to control BlackSea’s vessels in a post on LinkedIn, hailing it as “a major step forward in advancing #maritime autonomy.”

In response, Colin Carroll, then-chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of Defence Steven Feinberg, suggested the programme was duplicating other efforts within the Pentagon. “I have a feeling that there are changes in this programme’s future,” he replied to the LinkedIn post. Carroll, who is no longer with the Pentagon, declined to comment further.

The PEO USC was recently placed under review, according to four people familiar with the matter, due to a series of setbacks, and could be restructured or shut down.

This comes two months after the Navy said it had sacked the unit’s leader, Rear Admiral Kevin Smith, due to a loss of confidence in his leadership after the Naval Inspector General substantiated a complaint against him. Reuters was unable to contact Smith.

During a meeting last month, Feinberg grilled Navy officials about their autonomous vessel capabilities, including those being fielded by the PEO USC, according to three people briefed on the meeting. Feinberg was unimpressed by some of the capabilities being acquired by the Navy and questioned whether they were cost-effective, the people said.

A Pentagon spokesman said, “we’re not going to comment on private internal meetings” and directed questions about PEO USC to the Navy.

The Navy declined to comment on the meeting or the acquisition unit being put under review. Spokesman Timothy Hawkins said the PEO USC stands by its mission, including its role as acquisition authority for the maintenance and modernization of unmanned maritime systems.

The turmoil comes as shipbuilders and software providers are angling to secure even larger autonomous maritime projects, such as unmanned submarines and cargo-carrying ships.

Last week, the PEO USC started accepting proposals for the Modular Attack Surface Craft, to acquire medium and large vessels capable of carrying containers, surveillance equipment, and conducting strikes.

T.X. Hammes, an autonomous weapons expert and Atlantic Council fellow, said the Navy is in uncharted waters, trying to overhaul decades of tradition at high speed.

“You’ve got a system that’s used to building big things, taking years to make a decision, and now suddenly you’re asking them to move fast,” he said. — Reuters

Ex-cop who committed incest against sister-in-law during Covid lockdown loses final appeal bid

Ex-cop who committed incest against sister-in-law during Covid lockdown loses final appeal bid



An undated illustrative photograph shows a person holding a gavel. — Reuters pic

Friday, 22 Aug 2025 6:08 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 — The Court of Appeal today upheld a 15-year prison term and three strokes of the cane imposed on a former police officer for committing incest with his sister-in-law.

A three-judge panel, chaired by Justice Datuk Azman Abdullah, sitting with Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, dismissed the 32-year-old appellant’s challenge to his conviction and sentence.


Delivering the court’s unanimous judgment, Justice Azman held that the Sessions Court had committed no error of law or fact.

“It must be noted that SP1 (prosecution witness), the victim, was a young woman living in the home of the appellant and her sister, where the appellant was her brother-in-law,” he said.


He added that the sentence imposed by the Sessions Court, and later upheld by the High Court, was not manifestly excessive, given that the appellant’s actions had irrevocably ruined the future of his sister-in-law.



“Furthermore, at the time of the incident, the appellant was serving in the Royal Malaysia Police,” Justice Azman said.

On Aug 28, 2023, the Sessions Court convicted the appellant and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane.


The High Court dismissed his appeal on Nov 26 last year, leading him to file a further appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The offence took place at an apartment in Selangor on March 23, 2020. The victim, then 19, was a college student who had been ordered to vacate her dormitory during the Covid-19 Movement Control Order.

Unable to return to her hometown, she was taken in by her elder sister, who lived with the appellant, her newly married husband.

The appellant was charged under Section 376A of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 376B(1), which prescribes up to 30 years’ imprisonment and caning.

At today’s hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Shamala Jaganathan appeared for the prosecution, while the appellant was represented by counsel Shaharuddin Mohamed. — Bernama

All air force assets maintained on schedule, says chief

FMT:

All air force assets maintained on schedule, says chief


Norazlan Aris says the F/A-18D Hornet that crashed in Kuantan last night had undergone major servicing with seven other fighter jets in April

RMAF chief Norazlan Aris observing the clearing of debris from the crash site at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: All Royal Malaysian Air Force assets, including its aircraft, are maintained according to schedule, says RMAF chief Norazlan Aris following last night’s crash of an F/A-18D Hornet in Kuantan, Pahang.

Norazlan said the Hornet had been in service since 1997 and was one of eight such fighter jets in the RMAF fleet, Berita Harian reported.

He said all the fighter jets had undergone major servicing in April as part of their 12-year maintenance cycle.


Norazlan also said the crash had not affected the country’s air defence, pointing out that defence strength was not about the number of aircraft, but the quality and readiness.

“Even if we have 100 aircraft but only two can fly, it means nothing. What matters is that our assets remain of high quality and are always ready,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference at the Kuantan airbase today.


Yesterday, the RMAF said the crash occurred at 9.05pm on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang, which shares facilities with the airbase.

A video showing what is believed to be a fighter jet catching fire shortly after takeoff has been widely shared on social media.

Both pilots – Major Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, and weapons system officer Captain Izzuddin Salleh, 28 – managed to eject safely. Azhar sustained back injuries and minor burns, while Izzuddin escaped with bruises.

Norazlan also said the incident has not dampened the spirit of the two officers.


“I met both of them, and they only suffered minor injuries and remain in high spirits. Yesterday’s incident also proved the effectiveness of RMAF’s training.

“Both officers knew exactly what action to take during an emergency,” he said.

***

Jangan cakap ayam, numbers matter in an air defense situation

‘Billions of ringgit spent, yet no ships’: Anwar slams opaque defence deals, warns against political meddling

Malay Mail:

‘Billions of ringgit spent, yet no ships’: Anwar slams opaque defence deals, warns against political meddling

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned against political interference in defence procurement. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Tuesday, 19 Aug 2025 11:45 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised the need for transparency in defence procurement, warning against political interference and over-reliance on agents.


Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar recalled his recent visit to Langkawi where he was shown vessels still in service despite their age.


“I went to Langkawi to see the ships. It’s true, even a ship from 1976 was included because we don’t have enough ships.

“Just imagine how I felt. Spending billions of ringgit, yet there are no ships. In 1976, I was still resting in Kamunting, and that ship was already in service,” he said.

Anwar was responding to Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who asked about replacing ships that are 30 years old and above.

“In developed countries, ships that are 30 years old are replaced,” Shahidan said.

Anwar said officials had told him the older vessel was still in use simply because no other ships were available, which he described as a lesson for the government.

“This is a lesson for us. That is why I say that procurement matters must be transparent, we must put an end to excessive reliance on agents, and as far as possible, it should be G2G,” he said, referring to government-to-government deals.

“Negotiate properly, check the costs, and do not mix in political considerations or the interests of certain individuals.”

The prime minister’s remark follows Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s decree for the Defence Ministry to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over three decades old — describing them as “flying coffins”.

As the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), His Majesty also reminded the ministry not to repeat past mistakes.

The MAF has since announced that it has cancelled the purchase of four Black Hawk helicopters worth around RM187 million following the King’s criticism.

Datuks, doctors among owners of 38 luxury cars seized for no road tax or insurance, says Penang JPJ

Datuks, doctors among owners of 38 luxury cars seized for no road tax or insurance, says Penang JPJ



Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Zulkifli Ismail (3rd right) with the 38 luxury vehicles worth over RM10 million that were seized during ‘Ops Luxury’ for road tax and insurance offences. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 21 Aug 2025 5:48 PM MYT


BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 21 — The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized 38 luxury vehicles valued at more than RM10 million in ‘Ops Luxury’ for not having valid road tax (LKM) and vehicle insurance.

Penang JPJ Director Zulkifli Ismail said that the operation, which has been carried out since June, focused on luxury vehicles used on the road without complying with the stipulated legal requirements.


“The seized luxury vehicles include Rolls Royce, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Ferrari, all of which had no LKM and insurance for between six months and more than two years but were still used on the road.

“Based on the inspection, it was found that the Rolls Royce, valued at more than RM3 million, had the highest road tax value at RM54,000 per year and had not been paid for a year. The total amount of unpaid road tax for all the seized vehicles is RM77,400,” he said during a press conference at the Penang JPJ office here today.


He said the owners of the luxury cars were companies and individuals, including company owners, corporate members, businessmen with ‘datuk’ titles, and doctors and when flagged down, some of the vehicles were being driven by family members or company employees.


Zulkifli said that these actions not only result in a loss of national revenue but also affect other road users in the event of an accident. He added that the most common reason given was forgetting to renew the road tax.

He said all the luxury vehicles were being held at the state JPJ office until the owners paid the summonses and renewed their road tax and insurance, even if they had complete and valid ownership documents.


“They were seized and are being investigated under Sections 23 and 90 of the Road Transport Act 1987. The operation will be continued to ensure all vehicles comply with the regulations.

“We are not fighting against luxury vehicles, but this enforcement is important for the safety of road users because if an accident occurs involving a vehicle without insurance, it will cause problems for both the owner and the third party,” he said. — Bernama

***

Bangsat - should CONFISCATE the vehicles

Appeals Court lowers 24-year jail term to 16 years for Perlis welder who sexually assaulted stepdaughter

Appeals Court lowers 24-year jail term to 16 years for Perlis welder who sexually assaulted stepdaughter



The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today reduced a 57-year-old welder’s prison sentence from 24 years to 16 years for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Thursday, 21 Aug 2025 6:37 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 — The Court of Appeal today reduced a welder’s prison term from 24 years to 16 years for four counts of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

A three-member bench led by Justice Datuk Azman Abdullah allowed the 57-year-old man’s appeal, varying the sentence from six years to four years on each charge.

The court ordered the sentences to run consecutively from the date of his arrest on March 21, 2022. Justices Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin sat with Justice Azman on the panel.

In delivering the court’s decision, Justice Azman said while the gravity of the offences was not in doubt, the Sessions Court’s original sentence of 24 years would have a “crushing effect.”


He said the bench accepted the defence counsel’s submission that the principle of totality must be applied.


In April 2022, the Sessions Court sentenced the man to 24 years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepdaughter, who is now 15.

The offences were committed at a house in Padang Besar, Perlis, on several occasions — July 2021, early and late December 2021, and March 5, 2022.


Both the accused and the prosecution filed cross-appeals to the High Court challenging the sentence, but the High Court dismissed them in January last year.

At today’s hearing, defence counsel Mohamad Zaidan Daud urged the appellate court to consider his client’s age, contending that a lengthy custodial term would have a “crushing effect.”

He further requested that the sentences run concurrently, which would have resulted in a six-year term.

Zaidan also argued that under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the maximum penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment, and therefore the 24-year sentence imposed by the Sessions Court exceeded the statutory limit.

Deputy public prosecutor Iznina Hanim Hashim opposed the request, stressing that the offences were distinct acts committed on different occasions and therefore warranted consecutive sentences.

She urged the court to impose a stiffer punishment, describing his acts as repugnant. — Bernama

***

The maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment is for ONE charge, but the S-Whole had 4 charges - he deserves 24 years considering it was only 6 (not 20) years per charge, An evil man like the rapist should indeed be 'crushed' kaukau.

al Jazeera:

Israeli attacks kill 40 across Gaza as military escalates Gaza City assault

Israel steps up attacks on Gaza City neighbourhoods in first stage of controversial plan to take enclave’s urban centre.

Published On 21 Aug 202521 Aug 2025

Israel’s military has intensified its attacks on Gaza City with air strikes on heavily populated areas, as it pushes ahead with the initial stage of an operation to seize the enclave’s main urban centre that could forcibly displace close to one million Palestinians.

Among the victims of the Israeli assault on Gaza City on Thursday were six people, including four children, killed in the southern Sabra neighbourhood, a source at the nearby al-Ahli Hospital told Al Jazeera.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 items

list 1 of 4

UN staff members hold vigil for aid workers killed in Gaza

list 2 of 4

Abdullah left Gaza for treatment in Turkiye, but it was too late

list 3 of 4

Israel begins planned Gaza City assault as it calls up 60,000 reservists

list 4 of 4

Israel pounds Gaza, killing 81, as it begins assault to seize Gaza City

end of list

Footage from the scene of one of the attacks east of Sheikh Radwan showed the bodies of the dead and badly wounded strewn across the street amid flames and wreckage from the attack.

1:01

The victims in Gaza City were among at least 40 Palestinians killed across the territory since dawn, hospital sources in Gaza told Al Jazeera, eight of whom were reportedly seeking aid.

Among the other victims were five Palestinians killed by an Israeli drone strike northwest of Khan Younis, and at least three killed by Israeli forces near an aid centre north of Rafah, sources told Al Jazeera. In the north of the enclave, four people were killed and 10 injured in Israeli shelling of Jabalia al-Balad, emergency sources told Al Jazeera, while in central Gaza, five people, including two children, were killed while waiting for aid near the so-called Netzarim axis, a source at Al-Awda Hospital said.

In Gaza City, where Israeli troops are posted on the outskirts, thousands of Palestinians continued to flee their homes in a bid to escape the escalating offensive, amid heavy shelling of densely populated neighbourhoods like Sabra and Tuffah.

“We are facing a bitter, bitter situation, to die at home or leave and die somewhere else; as long as this war continues, survival is uncertain,” Rabah Abu Elias, a 67-year-old father of seven, told the Reuters news agency.

“In the news, they speak about a possible truce. On the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths. To leave Gaza City or not isn’t an easy decision to make.”

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud said the Israeli military was repeating a strategy it had used previously in Gaza, “targeting densely populated neighbourhoods to depopulate them”.

Israeli troops had previously taken the same approach in the eastern Gaza City neighbourhoods of Tuffah and Shujayea, he said, and were now deploying the tactics in the Zeitoun and Sabra districts in the southeast of the city.

Nowhere is safe

Reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum said that for those fleeing the Israeli offensive on Gaza City, there were no safe havens in the enclave, as places that had been supposedly deemed safe by the Israeli military had repeatedly been targeted.

“They feel they have been hunted without any safe place to go to,” he said.

Abu Azzoum was nearby when a makeshift camp housing displaced Palestinians in Deir el-Balah was struck in an Israeli bombardment on Thursday, close to the city’s al-Aqsa Hospital. Footage he captured at the site of the attack showed chaotic scenes, as huge plumes of smoke rose from the attacked area.

“It’s only 9am … and the Israeli military is already scaling up attacks in Gaza,” he said.

Hannah Yeoh: Exorbitant cost to bring back F1 better spent on other sports

Hannah Yeoh: Exorbitant cost to bring back F1 better spent on other sports



Redbull’s Max Verstappen takes part in the F1 Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang October 1, 2017. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 21 Aug 2025 12:30 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — Malaysia has no plan to renew hosting the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix due to the high costs involved and the number of races already in the region, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh told Parliament today.

She was responding to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yiew, who asked if Malaysia was planning to do so and how the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could be put to better use.

“Hosting fees payable to Liberty Media are estimated at around RM300 million annually, with contracts typically lasting three to five years.

“This would amount to a financial commitment of between RM900 million and RM1.5 billion,” she told the Dewan Rakyat, adding that maintaining the Sepang track to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards costs a further RM10 million each year.

Yeoh said the ministry must weigh the value of such spending against the benefits for Malaysian athletes, highlighting that RM10 million spent on circuit maintenance could instead fund the Road to Gold programme for a full year or provide RM30 million in matching sports grants over ten years.

She added that RM300 million could support sports development programmes across 20 disciplines, benefiting 363 podium athletes and nearly 10,000 talent development athletes annually.

She also pointed out the number of races in the season, including those that will be held in countries around Malaysia.


“The 2025 calendar begins in February in Bahrain, with the first race on March 16 in Australia, followed by 23 other destinations. Malaysia would also face stiff competition from regional neighbours, including Singapore, which has hosted F1 since 2008, and Thailand, which is set to join in 2028.

“These factors combined mean that bringing F1 back to Malaysia is not in our current plans,” Yeoh said.

However, the minister clarified that Malaysia has not closed the door on F1’s return, and corporate sponsors interested in covering the hosting costs may reach out to the SIC for further discussions.

At present, she said that SIC is focusing its efforts on hosting the MotoGP, which provides greater economic value at only a quarter of the hosting fee required for F1.

Malaysia first hosted the F1 race in 1999, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to stage the prestigious event, with the SIC remaining a fixture for 19 years until the final race on September 1, 2017, when the government ended its involvement due to rising fees and declining spectator numbers.

***

O Hannah,some VVIP may be enormously upset you have deprived his son from his fave sport.