Lee Shuyi
- World News
Malaysia urged to ratify ICERD and end LGBT persecution in post-pandemic recovery
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia) has called on the Malaysian government to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). In collaboration with Malaysian civil society organisations (CSOs), Forum-Asia also recommended that the government put an end to the persecution of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. These…
- World News
Malaysia’s NIMP2030 to boost economic complexity, targeting key sectors
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in Malaysia is working on the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) to drive industrial development and increase the nation’s economic complexity. Set to launch in August, NIMP2030 aims to align with the New Investment Policy (NIP), which has identified five key sectors for enhancing future exports of complex products. These sectors include…
- World News
Malaysia’s river pollution hits 4% in 2021, government tackles causes
A recent report revealed that four per cent of Malaysia’s 672 rivers were polluted in 2021, according to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC). The data was gathered by the Department of Environment (DOE) through monitoring the Water Quality Index (IKA) of these rivers during that period. The primary causes of river…
- World News
Malaysia seeks Interpol help to locate comedian over controversial remarks
Malaysian authorities are seeking assistance from Interpol to locate Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia, who is believed to be based in New York, following her controversial remarks about Malaysia during a recent comedy performance. Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani announced that the application to obtain Chia’s identity and location will be made as soon as possible to commence investigations.…
- World News
Malaysia identifies 190 election hotspots, launches Op PRN 6N for security
Authorities in Malaysia have identified 190 hotspots in six states ahead of the upcoming state elections, with the highest number found in Selangor, according to Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. Terengganu follows with 66 hotspots, while Kedah has 20, Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan each have 16, and Penang has two. These areas are considered hotspots due to their…
- World News
Malaysia denies sale of Iskandar film complex, sells operator shares
The Malaysian Finance Ministry has refuted claims that a 49-acre film and television production complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru, has been sold. Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim clarified that the land remains under the ownership of state investment firm Khazanah Nasional Bhd through special-purpose vehicle Tanjung Bidara Ventures Sdn Bhd. Instead, the shares of studio operator company Iskandar Malaysia…
- World News
Online scam syndicate members deny abusing teen employee, face prison and fines
Four individuals, including two minors aged 15 and 17, have pleaded not guilty to charges of ill-treatment, voluntarily causing harm to a 15-year-old teenager, and possession of pornographic materials. Soh Sun Hung, 20 years old, and Yap Kah Seng, 22 years old, along with the two minors, are believed to be part of an online scam syndicate and were the…
- World News
Malaysia to review health workforce needs amid oversupply concerns
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Malaysia is set to conduct a study this year to review the country’s actual needs for different categories of human resources for health, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The study will consider the impact of new policies introduced after 2016 and the health needs of the population, enabling the distribution and requirement…
- World News
Anwar Ibrahim defends U-turns on healthcare scholarships, egg and chicken subsidies
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his willingness to reconsider previous decisions if it would alleviate the public’s burden. He argued that there is no reason to avoid changing a decision if it initially caused inconvenience. “The old decision was to stop, our decision is to continue. What is the flip-flop? If the decision burdens the people Tanjong Karang should raise…
- World News
Malaysia’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement bypassed Attorney General’s approval
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, has disclosed that certain sections of the Covid-19 vaccine procurement agreement were not referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC). Anwar’s statement comes after he previously mentioned “irregularities” in Malaysia’s multi-billion-ringgit purchase of Covid-19 vaccines. The Prime Minister addressed the issue during a parliamentary session, in response to a question raised by Tanjong…
- World News
Malaysia’s Covid restrictions slammed for political control, rights violations
Restrictions implemented by the former Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration to combat Covid-19 have been criticised by human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) for helping the government maintain control of Putrajaya. Ilaiya Barathi Panneerselvam, from the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), presented the report’s findings and accused Muhyiddin and his Cabinet of using the state of emergency…
- World News
Malaysia comedy club owner awaits decision on improper network use charges
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in Malaysia is still considering the third representation submitted by Crackhouse comedy club owner Mohamad Rizal Van Geyzel, who is facing three charges of improper use of network facilities. Deputy public prosecutor Noor Haslinda Che Seman informed Sessions Court Judge Priscilla Hemamalini Nadarajan that the AGC had received the representation on June 7, but a…
- World News
Pure Life Society appoints human rights advocate Ambiga Sreenevasan president
The Pure Life Society has announced the appointment of Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan as its new president, following the recent death of Datin Paduka Dr A. Mangalam. The news was shared by Hindu Sevai Sangam in a congratulatory Facebook post, which wished Ambiga strength and determination in her new role. Ambiga, 67 years old, has an impressive background as a lawyer…
- World News
Malaysia PM defends Allah statements, seeks Rulers’ Council audience
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has defended his recent statements in Parliament regarding the usage of the word “Allah” and his government’s request for an audience with the Conference of Rulers on the matter. This comes after an Opposition MP accused him of misleading Parliament and attempted to refer him for disciplinary action. Anwar clarified that…
- World News
Sarawak launches major offshore carbon capture project, eyes 3.3m tonne reduction
The Sarawak government in Malaysia has announced the launch of a carbon capture storage (CCS) project in the Kasawari fields, off the coast of Sarawak, through the state-owned Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg stated that the project is expected to reduce up to 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making it one of…
- World News
Malaysia thwarts buffalo meat import with misleading halal certificate
An attempt to import approximately 740 kilograms of buffalo meat valued at US$2,800 was thwarted by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Department (Maqis) at Pasir Gudang Port. The meat, originating from India, was discovered in 37 boxes during an inspection. Upon further examination, Maqis officers found discrepancies between the information on the halal certificate and the actual details of…
- World News
Malaysia greenlights AI ChatGPT in universities with strict guidelines
Malaysia has decided not to ban the use of AI-driven ChatGPT in higher education institutions, as long as its usage complies with the established guidelines. Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that a set of guidelines has been issued and distributed to local universities, outlining the appropriate and inappropriate situations for ChatGPT usage. The minister acknowledged that the use…
- World News
Malaysia’s PN coalition nears agreement for six state elections
Negotiations among the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition’s component parties for the upcoming six state elections in Malaysia are nearly complete, with 97% of the seats agreed upon. PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar revealed that only five to six seats remain undecided out of the 245 they plan to contest in Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, and Penang. “There is…
- World News
Selangor considers banning pet shop sales to promote animal shelter adoptions
A potential ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Selangor is being considered, as authorities aim to encourage adoption from animal shelters and reduce the number of abandoned pets. State executive councillor Ng Sze Han has suggested that pet stores focus on selling pet food instead, citing the success of a weekly pet adoption programme…
- World News
Umno deputy denies 2 million member exodus, questions Annuar’s claims
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has denied claims made by former Umno information chief Annuar Musa that two million members have left the party. Mohamad, who is also the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, urged Annuar to be cautious when making statements about Umno, even though he has the right to do so. “I don’t know where he got the numbers…
- World News
PN coalition may seize control in Malaysia with ex-Umno members’ support
Perikatan Nasional (PN), a Malaysian political coalition, may seize control of Negeri Sembilan and Selangor from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the upcoming state elections, according to PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Hashim Jasin. He suggests that this could be achieved if former Umno members Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Noh Omar join PN. Hashim also claimed that another suspended…
- World News
PM Anwar urges faster repairs for dilapidated schools, health clinics
In Putrajaya, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of small-scale projects, such as the repair of dilapidated schools and health clinics, urging for the process to be accelerated. In November last year, the government announced that all such facilities should be repaired, with work to be completed this year. However, the implementation has been less…
- World News
Anwar Ibrahim addresses maritime border deal, hydrogen economy in Parliament
Today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to address the Malaysian Parliament regarding the recently signed maritime border agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia. The Prime Minister will be responding to questions from Takiyuddin Hassan, who is seeking assurance that the agreement will not negatively affect Malaysia’s sovereignty or long-term maritime economic activities. In addition, Noraini Ahmad will be questioning the…
- World News
Malaysia to replace nearly expired Covid vaccines with 2.7m new doses
Malaysia is set to receive 2.7 million doses of the new generation bivalent Covid-19 vaccines to replace the nearly expired stock held by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that, based on current data, only 2.5% of the population have received the second booster shot, leading to the possibility of having to dispose of…
- World News
Personal assistant charged with salesgirl murder in Kota Kinabalu
A personal assistant working for an international company has been charged with the murder of a salesgirl in Kota Kinabalu last month. Chung King Fung, 30, appeared before magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles, but no plea was recorded. He is accused of murdering Nurul Ain Silien, 21, at a shop within a shopping complex between noon and 12:20pm on May 29.…
- World News
Sarawak deputy minister proposes film academy to boost local talent
The possibility of establishing a film academy in Sarawak has been proposed by the deputy minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Sebastian Ting. The idea aims to encourage skilled Sarawakians to venture into the film industry and provide them with diplomas or certificates upon graduation. During a press conference on the Sixth Asean International Film Festival and…
- World News
Family slams police inaction before daughter’s murder by ex-partner
The family of Nurul Ain Silien, who was tragically killed by her ex-partner in a shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu, has expressed their disappointment with the police’s handling of the case prior to the murder. Nurul’s mother, Siti Aminah Jabar Khan, a Warisan supreme council member, reported that they had lodged a complaint at the Alamesra police station on May…
- World News
Malaysia ranks second worst globally for transgender rights, study reveals
A recent Global Trans Rights Index revealed that Malaysia is ranked as the second worst country in the world for transgender rights. The study, conducted by researchers Asher and Lyric Fergusson, gave Malaysia a score of -105 and a danger rating of F, highlighting that transgender individuals face significant obstacles and are often targeted by the police. The report stated,…
- World News
Malaysia’s Parliament debates Human Rights Commission report for first time
For the first time, the Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) was debated by Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, stated that the purpose of the debate was to enable a mature discussion to strengthen human rights protection. Azalina…
- World News
Malaysia deputy minister stresses media literacy amid citizen journalism surge
Media literacy is an essential skill for today’s news consumers, according to Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Teo Nie Ching. As information is now widely accessible, and individuals can easily become citizen journalists or content creators on social media platforms, the ability to discern accurate information is crucial. Teo Nie Ching emphasised the importance of the public learning how…
