NILAI: Police have found three objects suspected to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) following a blast at Desa Palma here this morning.
Negri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said police received a report at 7.08 am after members of the public alerted authorities to a blast and the presence of scattered nails in a shoplot area via the Next Generation Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS 999) system.
In a statement today, he said a police team was immediately dispatched to the scene, with witnesses reporting that the blast was believed to have originated from a car.
Subsequent checks at nearby residential units led to the discovery of three objects suspected to be IEDs at one of the premises.
"Police then located a suspected vehicle about 250 metres from the blast site. An inspection of the vehicle uncovered several devices, including one believed to be the source of the blast," he said.
Alzafny said police are currently tracking down the suspect involved and urged the public not to speculate, as this could hamper the investigation. He also called on anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist the police.
The case is being investigated under Section 4 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 and Section 435 of the Penal Code. - NST
KTM Berhad (KTMB) has announced service disruptions on the Komuter and ETS lines following a fallen tree that affected the power supply. FILE PIC
KUALA LUMPUR: KTM Berhad (KTMB) has announced service disruptions on the Komuter and ETS lines following a fallen tree that affected the power supply.
In a post via its X account (@ktm_berhad), KTMB said the Komuter service on the KL Sentral–Tanjung Malim route will now terminate and originate from Kuala Kubu Baru Station.
Shuttle buses have been arranged to transport passengers between Kuala Kubu Baru and Tanjung Malim stations.
Meanwhile, ETS services on the affected route will terminate at Tapah and Kuala Kubu Baru stations. Bus services are also provided for passengers travelling between these stations.
Passengers are advised to approach duty station staff for further assistance.
KTMB said it will provide updates on the situation as they become available and apologised for any inconvenience caused. - NST
Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli’s press secretary, Mohamad Azreen Jumri, said Mohd Shukri initially complained of chest pain before being taken for further examination. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 — Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli was rushed to a hospital here today after returning from an overseas trip.
His press secretary, Mohamad Azreen Jumri, said Mohd Shukri initially complained of chest pain before being taken for further examination, reported Kosmo! Online.
“So far, his condition is stable, and we ask all people of Perlis to pray for his good health and protection from any misfortune,” he said briefly.
Mohd Shukri had attended the Malaysia International Halal Carnival in Shanghai, China, as part of efforts to attract investment and strengthen the competitiveness of local enterprises.
The carnival serves as an important platform to bolster bilateral economic ties between Malaysia and China, particularly in expanding networks and access to global halal markets. - malaymail
JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested eight individuals, including a woman, in connection with a riot involving dangerous objects at a restaurant in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Masai, on Saturday (Dec 20).
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the incident occurred around 11.05pm at a Chinese restaurant and was believed to have been triggered by personal issues and jealousy.
"Initial investigations revealed that a group of about 20 men attacked two victims using plastic chairs and glass bottles, injuring one victim in the face and body.
"The suspects, aged between 17 and 46 years old, were arrested, with one having a prior criminal record," he said in a statement Monday (Dec 22).
ACP Raub added that police had seized seven mobile phones for investigation, and urine tests on all the suspects showed no traces of drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which covers rioting with weapons or dangerous objects, carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both, if convicted.
The suspects have been remanded for three days starting today to assist in further investigations.
Raub said police are still hunting down other suspects involved in the incident and have urged the public not to speculate on the case, as it could interfere with the investigation.
Earlier, a one-minute 29-second video of the incident went viral on Facebook, showing a group of men in black attacking two men at the restaurant with objects like chairs. The incident was eventually stopped by members of the public. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: A constitutional expert says that the Kuala Lumpur High Court acted in line with the Federal Constitution by dismissing Datuk Seri Najib Razak's judicial review bid over a royal addendum for house arrest.
Assoc Prof Dr Khairil Azmin Mokhtar, a law lecturer at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM), said the ruling should also not be interpreted as a rejection or repudiation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree.
He clarified that the court's decision upholds the principle that the power of pardon must be exercised with the consideration and advice of the Pardons Board, as stipulated under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.
"However, this court decision does not negate the power or discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Sultan.
"What it affirms is that the power of pardon is exercised through the Pardons Board and must follow the procedure provided for in the Constitution," he told Bernama.
Khairil Azmin explained that Article 42(4)(b), read together with Article 42(11), stipulates that this power is exercised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong upon the advice of the Pardons Board.
"Article 42(8), read together with Article 42(11), states that the Pardons Board shall meet in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall chair the meeting," he added.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court on Monday (Dec 22) dismissed Najib's application for a mandamus order to verify and enforce an addendum decree allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
In her judgment, Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching found that the decree in question was neither discussed nor decided upon at the 61st Meeting of the Pardons Board on Jan 29, 2024.
She further stated that the addendum did not comply with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and was therefore invalid.
In the ruling, Judge Loke also affirmed that a house arrest order could not be enforced under Malaysian law, as the legislation governing parole grants full discretionary power to the Commissioner General of Prisons.
Commenting on the matter, Khairil Azmin said this clearly demonstrates that the High Court also examined the legal feasibility of enforcing such a sentence.
He emphasised that Malaysia's existing legal framework does not recognise house arrest as a form of custodial sentence.
He said this finding also reinforces the view that the house arrest sentence was not formally deliberated by the Pardons Board.
"Had the matter been discussed and recommended by the Pardons Board, it would certainly have been supported by a clear legal basis," he said. – Bernama
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded Malaysia’s performance at the Thailand SEA Games, highlighting the vital role of sports in fostering national unity.
He stressed the importance of bringing people together across races, regions, and backgrounds in a spirit of shared pride.
“This is the true strength of Malaysia that must continue to be nurtured and strengthened,” he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar noted that the country’s success at the SEA Games should inspire even stronger preparations for future major sporting events, ensuring Malaysia remains competitive and respected both regionally and internationally.
He also extended his congratulations and appreciation to all athletes, coaches, and team officials for their dedication, sacrifices, and fighting spirit.
“This success is the result of high discipline, continuous sacrifices, and the unwavering fighting spirit of our athletes, coaches, and team officials in bringing honour to the nation on the regional stage,” he added.
The prime minister further emphasised that preparations for Malaysia’s hosting of the 2027 SEA Games will be conducted comprehensively, systematically, and competently, not only in infrastructure and organisation but also in developing a sustainable sports ecosystem and nurturing world-class talent.
The 2025 SEA Games, which concluded on Dec 20, saw Malaysia finish fourth with 57 gold, 57 silver, and 117 bronze medals, while host Thailand led the medal table with 233 gold, 154 silver, and 112 bronze medals.
Badminton legend receives special contribution
In a related development, Bernama reported that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has presented a special contribution to national badminton legend Sylvia Ng as a mark of respect and appreciation for her service and legacy in the development of Malaysian badminton.
BAM president Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that this extraordinary contribution was presented to recognise her as a two-time National Sportswoman of the Year (1975 and 1978), further cementing her position as a national sports icon.
Zafrul noted that Ng made history as the first Asian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in badminton singles, as well as the first Malaysian female athlete to secure a Commonwealth gold medal at the 1978 Edmonton Games in Canada.
Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz
He added that he and BAM welfare committee chairperson Ng Chin Chai were honoured to visit and exchange stories with the legend, whom he described as one of the pioneers of Malaysian women’s badminton success.
“May Ng’s legacy continue to inspire the younger generation to value history, respect pioneers, and continue the struggle to bring glory to Malaysia. Legacy is not measured by medals alone, but by the path cleared for the next generation,” he said.
Zafrul clarified that the visit was made in light of media reports regarding issues with National Sportsman and Sportswoman rewards that went unreceived by several athletes from various sports, including for the years 1975 and 1978.
“While the matter falls outside the jurisdiction of BAM, the association has stepped forward to present this special contribution as a sign of recognition for Ng’s service and legacy to national sports,” he said. - Mkini
The courage of Malaysian humanitarian volunteers championing the plight of Palestinians in Gaza has become a symbol of the nation’s steadfast commitment to universal humanitarian principles on the international stage.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that, as major world powers remained silent and penalised those who spoke out against the atrocities of the Zionist regime, Malaysia openly supported the Global Sumud Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza.
“When the flotilla was attacked by Israeli forces on Oct 2, and the humanitarian volunteers, including 23 Malaysians, were detained, we acted swiftly without delay.
“Every moment was used to devise strategies, mobilise diplomatic channels, and ensure their safety as the nation’s absolute priority,” he posted on Facebook.
He said high-level negotiations with Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and the United States led to the safe release of all Malaysian volunteers, who returned home on Oct 7, bringing relief and joy to Malaysians closely following the developments.
“Their bravery in crossing the seas and their steadfast resolve in defending our brothers and sisters in Palestine, despite being treated harshly in Israeli detention, reflect the strength of Malaysia’s solidarity.
“May this courage continue to burn brightly and guide us to stand firmly with Gaza until justice is upheld on the soil of a free Palestine,” he said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission, involving more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, began its voyage to Gaza in late August and early September as a show of solidarity and an effort to break Israel’s blockade by delivering essential supplies.
However, the aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in a restricted zone of the Mediterranean Sea on Oct 2, with all volunteers forcibly taken to the Port of Ashdod.
Threats made by Umno figures to abandon the government will eventually decrease in impact if such warnings are not acted upon, said former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
Commenting on remarks issued by several Umno representatives following the High Court’s rejection of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s bid for home detention, Rafizi said it is only natural for Umno leaders to express their disappointment over the court’s decision.
“Some (Umno members) are so angry that they have threatened to withdraw support from the unity government, if I understand what was meant by the Umno Youth chief (Dr Akmal Saleh),” Rafizi said in a social media post today.
“Umno has a right to take political action (and) has the option to withdraw from the government… but, if threats to leave are made repeatedly and yet no one actually leaves, over time, such threats will lose their effects.”
Recounting his own experience, the former economy minister said he dislikes making threats, preferring instead to set “red lines” early on and act once such lines have been crossed.
Umno’s actions following the court’s decision today, Rafizi said, will demonstrate to its supporters how much emphasis the BN linchpin places on issues associated with Najib, a former Umno president.
“No need to threaten, no need to mobilise supporters - if the red line is crossed, then resign. That is how the Umno leadership will be watched by the public: is (Najib’s) pardon a red line?
“If threats to leave the government are made, but in the end no one leaves, then it means the issue of (Najib’s) pardon is not a red line,” Rafizi asserted.
The PKR elections earlier this year saw Rafizi losing his bid to retain the party’s deputy presidency. He then tendered his resignation as economy minister, citing a loss of the party’s mandate to translate the people’s agenda.
Umno holds 27 parliamentary seats in Dewan Rakyat, with MCA contributing two, while MIC has one. Within the Pakatan Harapan coalition, DAP oversees 40 seats, followed by PKR’s 31 lawmakers.
Umno’sfire and fury
In a series of posts on Facebook today, Akmal had called for Umno’s exit from the government, fanned racial sentiments, and appeared to imply political machinations behind today’s court ruling.
Dr Akmal Saleh
In the comments replying to Akmal’s posts, netizens prodded the Merlimau assemblyperson and other Umno leaders to exert pressure on party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the verdict, or for Umno to withdraw support from the Madani coalition.
Tensions also flared over DAP MP Yeo Bee Yin’s one-liner comment applauding the court’s decision, with Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki suggesting that it may be time for the Malay nationalist party to reassess relationships with its government allies.
Zahid, who is also the BN chairperson, had issued a terse and cryptic message on social media - “Jangan menyimbah minyak pada api yang sedang marak (don’t pour fuel on a raging fire).”
Yeo, who is also DAP’s national publicity secretary, had responded to the court ruling by briefly saying in a Facebook post: “Another reason to celebrate this year-end.”
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Najib, 72, has been in prison since August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International case.
A day after Christmas, Najib will learn his fate over his 1MDB-related case involving RM2.3 billion, in which judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah is scheduled to deliver his verdict at 9am at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya. - Mkini
