Former two-term Endau assemblyman Alwiyah Talib PETALING JAYA, 4 June 2024 (FMT) - Former Endau assemblywoman Alwiyah Talib has announced her resignation from Bersatu and rejoined Umno, the party where she began her political career. The ex-Mersing Bersatu chief emphasized that her decision was made voluntarily, stressing it was driven by her commitment to the well-being of her constituents in Endau. Alwiyah first won the Endau seat in 2018 under Umno, securing a majority of

Illustration of Indonesian banknotes. (Shutterstock/devmograph) JAKARTA, 4 June 2026 (CNA) - Indonesia’s currency has plunged beyond 18,000 per US dollar for the first time, underscoring mounting financial strain. The drop reflects a mix of global oil price shocks, shrinking trade surpluses, and investor unease over central bank independence. 📉 Market fallout: The Jakarta stock exchange tumbled nearly 4%, extending losses that have erased a third of its value this year. 🏛️

Former head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana (centre) (Photo: EPA/Mast Irham) (CNA) - Indonesian authorities have arrested Dadan Hindayana, the former head of the National Nutrition Agency, just one day after his dismissal from President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free school meals programme. The initiative, launched in 2024 to provide meals to millions of children and mothers, has been marred by corruption allegations and widespread food poisoning i

Photo generated with AI by The Indian Express U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that he referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “crazy” during a recent phone conversation. The remark came amid ongoing tensions between the two leaders, who have had a complicated relationship over the years. Trump’s confirmation followed reports that he used the term while discussing Netanyahu’s handling of political and security matters. Although the two once enjoyed a

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, BN chairman / Image from Utusan Malaysia JOHOR BAHRU, 3 June 2026 (BERNAMA) - UMNO will officially launch Barisan Nasional’s (BN) election machinery for the upcoming Johor state polls this Sunday, June 7, at Educity Stadium in Johor Bahru. The event is scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, and Johor BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the caretaker Menteri Besar, are

Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor's Chief Minister. JOHOR BAHRU, 1 June 2026 (CNA) - The Johor state assembly has been officially dissolved, paving the way for elections that must take place by July 31, 2026. At a press conference in Johor Bahru, Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the dissolution was signed by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, with the consent of Malaysia’s King and Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. He emphasized that the move was intended to ensure a sta

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25, 2026 — Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has confirmed that three contractors lost their lives and one other was injured during lifeboat maintenance work at the FSO Sepat facility, located off the coast of Terengganu. The incident occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. yesterday. The three victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah in Kuala Terengganu at around 5:57 p.m. The injured worker was evacuated for treatment and rem

Siranudh Bhirombhakdi with his wife Siranudh Bhirombhakdi, a prominent figure in Thailand’s Singha beer dynasty, has been stripped of his role following serious accusations from his younger brother. The allegations claim that Siranudh sexually abused him during childhood, a revelation that has shaken one of Thailand’s most influential business families. The Singha Corporation, which has long been synonymous with Thailand’s brewing industry, announced the decision to remove Si

Pangkor, Perak — A boat carrying 37 undocumented migrants from Indonesia capsized off the coast of Pangkor Island early Monday, leaving 14 people missing. Authorities confirmed that 23 survivors — 16 men and 7 women — were rescued by local fishermen and handed over to police for further investigation. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), marine police, navy, and local fishermen have launched a joint search-and-rescue operation to locate the missing individuals. P

SEPANG, May 4 (BERNAMA) — Ten Malaysian activists who were detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF) humanitarian mission are now safe in Istanbul and in stable health. According to Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr. Sani Araby Abdul Alim, all underwent medical checks upon arrival in Turkiye and were found to have no serious injuries, despite reports of being abducted at sea while en route to Gaza. Datuk Dr. Sani Araby

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30, 2026 – The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) has voiced its objection to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang, warning that such events could lead to moral harm. JAWI Director Hanifuddin Roslan expressed disappointment over the festival’s concept and urged organizers to reconsider, stressing the importance of respecting Malaysia’s cultural and religious sensitivities. He referred to guidance from the Federal Te

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) - Regional analysts have warned that escalating tensions in the Gulf may spill over into Southeast Asia, particularly affecting the Strait of Malacca — one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. The Strait, vital for global energy and goods transport, could face disruptions if instability spreads eastward. ASEAN nations have been urged to strengthen cooperation and preparedness to safeguard shipping lanes and regional stability. Experts

Photo: PBS News WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD April 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday that a deal to end the war in Iran may be close, though the timing remains uncertain. He noted that Tehran appears eager for an agreement, suggesting the current two-week ceasefire might not need to be extended. Talks could resume in Islamabad, where Trump indicated he might attend if a deal is signed. Meanwhile, Britain and France are set to chair a meeting of around 40 nations to

Photo: James Chai's Linkedin (FMT) - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will take a statement from James Chai, a former aide to ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli, on April 28 as part of an ongoing investigation. Chai, who is currently based in the UK, confirmed the arrangement in an Instagram post and thanked his lawyers for providing pro bono assistance. He expressed hope that the process would be handled “fairly and professionally,” adding that he looks forward

Lebanese jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL filed a lawsuit against Rosmah Mansor, seeking the return of 43 pieces of jewellery valued at US$14.6 million. (Photo: Getty Images) KUALA LUMPUR, (FMT) - A former top police officer testified in the High Court that bags and orange boxes were seen being moved from Najib Razak’s residence to a nearby apartment just days after Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the 2018 general election. Amar Singh, then Bukit Aman’s commercial crime chief

Kuala Lumpur, (BLOOMBERG) - Malaysia’s Economy Minister, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, has warned that the country is entering a “critical period” for fuel availability in June and July. The shortages stem from disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The government is rolling out measures to safeguard supplies, not only of fuel but also of essential raw materials derived from oil and gas. These include inputs vital for industries such as pharmaceuticals a

KUALA LUMPUR, (BLOOMBERG) - Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief, Azam Baki, is under investigation following allegations that he holds shares worth 14 million ringgit (about $3.6 million) across nine companies. Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli revealed the claims, citing government sources that suggest the purchases were neither approved nor declared. The controversy has sparked public concern, with critics questioning the integrity of the country’s top anti-graft official.

(The White House) WASHINGTON, Apr 2, 2026 (CNA) — President Donald Trump declared that the United States is “very close” to victory in its war against Iran, pledging that the next two to three weeks would bring “extremely hard” strikes designed to cripple the country’s military and infrastructure. Speaking from the White House, Trump reiterated that the US aims to dismantle Iran’s armed forces, halt its support for regional militias, and prevent it from acquiring nuclear wea

JAKARTA, 31/3/2026 (REUTERS) - Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister, Meutya Hafid, announced that officials from Meta and Google were summoned this week for failing to comply with new regulations aimed at protecting children under 16 on social media. The rules, which took effect last week, require “high-risk” platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to minors. The ministry warned that non-compliance could lead to sanctions or even outright blocking of platforms.

KUALA LUMPUR, 31/3/2026 (FMT) - The Kuala Lumpur High Court has ruled that former prime minister Najib Razak must pay SRC International Sdn Bhd a total of US$1.3 billion . The judgment stems from Najib’s breach of fiduciary duties, which resulted in losses of US$1.18 billion , alongside US$120 million misappropriated into his personal bank account. Justice Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin found that Najib acted in bad faith, abusing his position and deliberately bypassing safeguar