Adam Adli & Hannah Yeoh: Time to deliver on old promises?

 

ANALYSTS have defended high public expectations for newly appointed Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli, dismissing suggestions that civil society should temper demands given his junior role.

A Universiti Sains Malaysia analyst Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid in comments to Free Malaysia Today, said activists like Adam, known for opposing the Universities and University Colleges Act and advocating student loan waivers, must face scrutiny as part of political maturity.

He said, Adam, as a former activist-turned politician is now learning the ropes the hard and bitter way. But he added that the experience would aid Adam’s long-term growth, similar to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s trajectory.

Meanwhile, MCA Urban Affairs Bureau chairman Tan Gim Tuan issued a pointed statement on Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan’s appointment as Federal Territories Minister.

In a rather sarcastic post, the politician said “never judge a book by its cover” and urged Yeoh to immediately deliver on local government elections, sustainable urban development, and separating the prime minister’s role from finance minister.

He stressed credibility depends on keeping promises, warning Malaysians deserve results-driven leaders paid by taxpayers.

“Also, as a Minister within the Prime Minister’s Department, it is now the best opportunity for Yeoh who has previously pledged support for the separation of powers to ensure that the Prime Minister does not concurrently hold the position of Finance Minister.

“Malaysians require Ministers who paid by taxpayers are serious about reform and not merely making political statements. Credibility is built through keeping promises,” Tan Gim Tuan wrote on Facebook.

Both appointments stem from Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle. 

- Focus Malaysia

Beyond facades: What truly determines long-term property value

 

WHEN people consider purchasing a property, the first things that often catch their attention are the visible elements — the façade, layout, size, or perceived status of the building.

These features may influence an initial decision, but they rarely determine how fulfilling a place feels in the long run.

What ultimately defines long-term satisfaction and value is where a property is located, how well it is planned, and the environment that surrounds it.

These factors shape everyday experiences in ways that architecture alone cannot. Increasingly, buyers are becoming more deliberate about the spaces they occupy. Property choices are no longer judged solely on design or scale.

The overall living experience now carries equal, if not greater, weight. Elements such as ease of access, greenery, safety, and the simple ability to move through daily routines without friction have become key considerations in how developments are perceived and valued.

A strong location remains the cornerstone of any sensible property investment. Developments that are strategically placed help minimise commuting fatigue, preserve personal time, and remain accessible despite changing lifestyle needs or economic cycles.

Close proximity to transport links, essential services, and lifestyle amenities ensures a development stays relevant and attractive over time. When location and planning work in tandem, daily life feels more organised and balanced.

Thoughtful planning transforms a site into a complete ecosystem. Integrated developments that blend education, workspaces, leisure, and daily conveniences allow people to transition smoothly between activities.

This approach is evident in HCK Capital Group’s Education City projects, including edumetro in USJ 1, edusphere in Cyberjaya, and edusentral in Setia Alam. Anchored by established educational institutions, these developments create environments where learning and everyday living naturally intersect.

With cafés, service outlets, and lifestyle amenities nearby, residents and users are able to maintain momentum throughout the day without unnecessary disruption. The result is a setting that supports both individual progress and collective growth.

Equally important is the surrounding atmosphere. Green spaces, intentional landscaping, and well-designed shared areas contribute significantly to comfort and emotional well-being — qualities that are becoming increasingly important in urban environments.

At e.Sentral SmartCity in Damansara West, this philosophy is expanded further. Nestled near natural greenery, the development includes a 12,600-square-foot landscaped podium sanctuary designed to provide shade, serenity, and a cooler microclimate.

Safety and peace of mind are integral to the experience. Features such as controlled lobby access, car plate recognition systems, CCTV monitoring, and motion sensors are carefully integrated throughout key access points, creating an environment that feels both secure and considered.

Convenience also plays a defining role in modern living. Platinum Premium Suites at HCK Tower, situated directly above Hextar World Mall, demonstrates how connectivity enhances everyday efficiency.

With retail, dining, wellness, and social spaces just moments away, residents can manage daily needs without long commutes. This reflects a growing recognition that time and energy are valuable assets that contribute directly to quality of life.

Across all these developments, connectivity remains a unifying theme. Direct links to major highways and primary transport routes allow for smooth travel across the Klang Valley and beyond.

Reduced travel times translate into better work-life balance and more predictable daily schedules.

In the end, location, planning, and surroundings are deeply interconnected. Together, they influence how a property functions and how it feels to inhabit.

HCK Capital Group’s developments consistently aim to create spaces that support how people live, learn, connect, and unwind — environments where comfort, accessibility, and thoughtful design come together naturally.

When a place is designed to work with its occupants, it does more than meet practical needs. It subtly enhances the rhythm of everyday life. — Focus Malaysia

Porsche owners tops list as luxury vehicles fail road tax renewal in Malaysia

 

THE Road Transport Department (JPJ) has revealed that 2,685 owners of luxury vehicles have failed to renew their Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM) as of Dec 18, with Porsche drivers leading the non-compliance at 1,887 vehicles.

Other brands include Ferrari (223), Lamborghini (195), Bentley (172), Maserati (88), Rolls-Royce (64), and Aston Martin (56).

JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan warned that operating without valid LKM violates the Road Transport Act 1987 and voids insurance coverage, risking severe financial liabilities in accidents.

Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan (Photo credit: NST Online)

 

“Of the 2,685 luxury vehicles that failed to renew their licences, Porsche accounted for the highest number with 1,887 vehicles, followed by Ferrari (223), Lamborghini (195), Bentley (172), Maserati (88), Rolls-Royce (64) and Aston Martin (56),” he told reporters, as reported by The Borneo Post.

Since Op Luxury began in July, 855 luxury vehicles have been seized, while the operation spurred 12,921 renewals, collecting RM34.47mil – led by Porsche at RM17.94mil from 10,142 vehicles.

The 2,685 delinquent vehicles are under surveillance for immediate seizure. Separately, JPJ noted 4.841 million unpaid summonses totalling RM1.45bil, with discounts up to 70% available until Dec 30. —  Focus Malaysia

Everything points to a turbulent year 2026 for PM Anwar

 

WITH various reports of deep dissatisfaction in Pakatan Harapan (PH) following the resounding defeat in Sabah, it appears that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will have a turbulent year in 2026.

Last week, he ruled out any possibility of holding snap general elections in 2026, saying that his priority now is to implement reforms and to address the rising cost of living faced by the people.

“The election still has a long way to go. I have not thought about it. I am focussing on how we continue to implement reforms and alleviate the problems people face regarding the higher cost of living.

“Those are the two central focuses for next year. Although things are relatively better now, they will be better later, God-willing, thank you,” he said on Dec 17.

Three years down the road, PH is now facing extreme criticism on the lack of reforms, added by economic hardship for entrepreneurs and businessmen.

This led DAP stalwart Lim Guan Eng to issue a missive to Anwar on what he expects the Prime Minister – along with his Cabinet – to deliver next year.

In an analysis of the letter from Lim (posted on Lim’s Facebook page), WawasanWire did not mince their words on how crucial it will be for Anwar to follow up on what is expected of him now.

WawasanWire highlighted the significance of the DAP adviser’s detailed letter, describing it as a major political move with great significance.

They noted the letter’s gravity, as Lim copied key DAP leaders Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Gobind Singh Deo, making it a public signal rather than a private communication.

The hosts emphasised the urgent language, pointing to a developing trust crisis among PH supporters that requires swift government action to restore confidence.

Any new policies, the podcasters said, must protect all Malaysians without prejudice, walking a delicate tightrope.

Breaking down the 10 demands, they called the first foundational: immediate fulfilment of the 15th General Election manifesto promises with no delays, to honour the coalition’s mandate and rebuild credibility.

The second demand drew the most attention as politically explosive – a call for an additional 10% allocation to non-Bumiputera groups, currently around 3% despite comprising 30% of the population.

The hosts stressed this is framed as additive, growing the pie without reducing Bumiputera funds, promoting national unity and avoiding zero-sum perceptions, though funding remains a challenge.

Demand eight addresses Sabah and Sarawak, urging quick resolution of longstanding issues like

Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, warning further delays appear intentional.

Much of the discussion focused on economic relief for small and medium enterprises:

• Allocating RM20bil in January for full corporate tax refunds to boost liquidity before Lunar New Year;
• Reviewing or freezing the expanded Sales and Services Tax; mandating 50 percent local procurement in government projects with targeted adjustments like taxing imported raw materials while exempting local scrap;
• Abolishing disproportionate job vacancy fines; easing e-invoicing and foreign worker EPF burdens; and creating a taxpayer tribunal.

They viewed the package as comprehensive, blending political, economic, and regulatory reforms, with a short window to avert worsening the trust crisis.

They also identified the non-Bumiputera allocation as the most polarising, posing risks to the unity government regardless of acceptance or rejection.

The question is whether Anwar will follow suit and deliver as he once again promised? —  Focus Malaysia

A rarity of rightist Akmal, DAP on same page: Opposing Christmas décor ban at halal premises

 

RIDDING vernacular schools, upside down Jalur Gemilang and the KK Mart sock-gate outburst – those would be the first images that set firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh on warring path with DAP despite both being supposedly allies in the ruling Madani government.

But for once – a very rare instance indeed – the self-proclaimed fierce defender of race and religion is seemingly aligned in thought with DAP Melaka which happens to be his home state when the latter cried foul over the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) ban on Christmas decorations at halal premises in the state.

In this instance, DAP Melaka in the name of “Malaysia being a plural society” has boldly pointed out a 2023 incident whereby JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) stated that there was no obstacle for any halal-certified bakery/patisserie to have “Merry Christmas” greetings on cakes and the likes.

“DAP Melaka calls on the state’s Chief Minister to clarify this matter immediately and take appropriate action to avoid issues that could affect community harmony, investor confidence and Melaka’s image as a tourism state,” it hit out on its official Facebook page.

When one thought that the Merlimau state assemblyman would seize the moment to bombard his political rival for turning a blind eye on Muslim’s sensitivity, he shockingly ‘toe the line’ by contending that halal-ness “of food and beverages are 100% determined by their source and preparation method”.

“(Halal stature) doesn’t depend on (Christmas) décor in the kitchen nor in the dining area,” he penned on his FB page in reaction to anger of Muslims at DAP for what they see as insulting Islam by opposing the JAIM décor directive.

“I request that JAIM review the directive prohibiting decoration in kitchens and outlets that have obtained halal certificates.”

In his FB post which has generated 3.5K likes, 446 comments and 284 shares at the time of writing, opinions are somewhat divided on the issue.

Not everyone was in agreement with the fiery Melaka state EXCO for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security with some being on the side of JAIM on the matter to which Akmal acknowledged with an advice of “not to complicate simple things for fear of we become a slander to the religion”.

Another concerned commenter feared that the good Russia-trained doctor may have erred on this issue, hence urging him to consult with relevant experts or “take the Halal Executive course from MISDEC (Melaka Industrial Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Centre) in your state”.

It was nevertheless pointed out by another commenter that Akmal had indeed done the necessary consultations.

On the other side of the fence were a number of pleasantly surprised commenters by Akmal’s take on the topic at a time when too many seem to be overly eager to be agent provocateurs.

One commenter professed he was utterly confused by this apparent volte face from a politician often seen as pandering to the right-leaning nationalists’ demographic. It was countered that this confusion was the result of DAP brainwashing.

Another commenter snidely enquired if DAP were going to raise a furore as it usually does with regards to Akmal’s usually fiery pronouncements.

It would appear that for once, DAP and Akmal are reading from the same hymn sheet (no pun intended). Whatever next, snow in Malaysia? Now, that would really usher in the Christmas spirit. –  Focus Malaysia