Myanmar elections only possible when unrest settles, says Tok Mat

KUALA LUMPUR: Any elections being held in conflict-stricken Myanmar must be impartial and inclusive, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said peace and the cessation of hostilities must be a priority before any elections take place. "Elections have to be inclusive, including everybody and all political parties. All stakeholders must be able to participate. "Any elections...

Thanks, but no thanks: Perikatan won’t back Rafizi’s bid for RCI into judicial appointments, says Takiyuddin

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional MPs will not back Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for MPs to support the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the judicial appointments issue. Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that some MPs from the bloc had received a letter from Rafizi on...

Malaysian confirmed dead in Bali Strait ferry tragedy

JAKARTA: A Malaysian national has been confirmed among the three bodies recovered during a search and rescue (SAR) operation following the ferry capsizing tragedy in the Bali Strait late on the night of July 2. Fauzey Awang, 55, was found in the waters off Perancak Beach, Bali, according to Eko Suyatno, Deputy of Operations and Preparedness...

Australia reaffirms commitment to regional sovereignty and stability, says Penny Wong

KUALA LUMPUR: Australia will continue collaborating with Asean countries and other international partners to ensure a region where sovereignty is protected, stated Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. She emphasised that Australia aims for a region with a balance of power and strategic stability, allowing countries to make their own choices without coercion or duress. "That is Australia’s...

Cops probing traffic accident involving officer and civilian

PETALING JAYA: Police are investigating a traffic accident involving one of their own and a member of the public. Following a video of the incident, Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri confirmed that investigations are underway and that the exact location of the accident and personnel involved...

Man fined RM120,000 for crypto mining linked power theft, wife fails to turn up for trial

MIRI: A 49-year-old man has been fined RM120,000 by the Sessions Court for electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining. The accused Hii King Lee on Friday (July 11) pleaded guilty to two separate charges under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50). The first offence involved the dishonest abstraction of electricity at a row of commercial...

Chip firms in Malaysia pause investment plans on tariff angst

Chip firms in Malaysia are holding back on investment and expansion as they await clarity on tariffs from the US, according to Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association President Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai. The companies are hoping that the US government would continue to exempt semiconductors from tariffs beyond Aug. 1, the deadline for higher levies announced...

Family of police officer involved in chopper crash relieved he’s on path to recovery

JOHOR BARU: The family of Supt Ahmad Bustamin Baharom, who was among five injured in a police helicopter crash at Sungai Pulai during a mock nuclear training exercise yesterday, is relieved that he is on track for recovery. Following the accident on Thursday (July 10), his 82-year-old father, Baharum Mohammed, and mother, Che Ma Abu Bakar,...

Germany plans to buy additional 15 F-35 fighter jets, Politico reports

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany plans to buy 15 additional F-35 fighter jets, Politico reported on Friday citing several people familiar with the matter, a move that would increase the country's planned fleet of the U.S.-made jet to 50. The report comes amid tensions between Germany and France on the joint Franco-German fighter jet FCAS partnership, after a...

China, Australia among seven nations in bilateral talks with Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (July 11) held a series of bilateral meetings with senior leaders and representatives from seven countries and international entities, on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place here. The meetings, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, involved China,...