Wednesday, 22 July 2026 George Town
M Malaysia Brief

The day's essential Malaysian news, briefed.

FS
Political Correspondent

Faridah Salleh

Faridah is the Political Correspondent at the publication, covering politics across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

1310 articles published

Anwar Apologises to Iran for Absence at Khamenei's Funeral

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed regret to Iran's government for his inability to attend the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, conveying the message during a meeting with Iran's ambassador at the Asia-Pacific Roundtable conference.

· · 3 min read

MACC Seeks to Locate Mohamad Faizul for Forfeiture Hearing

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is searching for Mohamad Faizul Kamaruddin, 41, to serve him with legal documents and ensure his presence at a forfeiture hearing scheduled for August 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Sessions Court.

· · 3 min read

Negri Sembilan Poll: The Test That Could Reshape Malaysia's Political Foundations

Malaysia's Negri Sembilan state election on August 1 could fundamentally reshape the nation's political landscape. A new opposition alignment between PAS and Barisan Nasional poses an existential threat to the federal unity government, potentially triggering a cascading collapse of Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition.

· · 5 min read

YADIM Backs Move to Accredit Online Islamic Preachers

Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia supports a government initiative to establish accreditation standards for online Islamic preachers, aiming to safeguard religious authenticity and combat misinformation in digital spaces.

· · 4 min read

Singaporean arrested in Bali over girlfriend's death

Police in Bali have arrested a 26-year-old Singaporean man following the death of his Indonesian girlfriend at a boarding house in Denpasar. The suspect allegedly concealed the body and attempted to flee before being apprehended.

· · 4 min read

MACC Clears Padini Holdings, Unfreezes All Bank Accounts

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has unfrozen all bank accounts belonging to fashion retailer Padini Holdings Bhd following completion of its investigation, with no arrests or charges laid against the company or its personnel.

· · 4 min read

Government To Expand AIM Programme Nationwide, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to strengthening support for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), pledging expanded assistance to underserved communities nationwide, particularly in rural areas left behind by conventional development initiatives.

· · 4 min read

Singapore Ministers Win $230,000 Defamation Damages Each Against Bloomberg

Singapore's Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng have won a defamation case against Bloomberg, each receiving $230,000 in damages. The court found the publication and reporter deliberately published false allegations about their property transactions.

· · 4 min read

2.7 Million Johor Voters Head to Polls in 16th State Election

Johor held its 16th state election with 2.7 million voters choosing representatives for 56 seats. The Election Commission deployed 43,036 workers across 1,076 polling centres, targeting a 70% turnout after the 14-day campaign concluded.

· · 4 min read

Two Malaysians Injured in Narathiwat Blast Return Home

Two Malaysians injured in an improvised explosive device attack in Thailand's Narathiwat province have returned to Malaysia. Both were discharged from hospital and transported to Kelantan for ongoing medical care.

· · 5 min read

Alibaba Wins Temporary Reprieve from US Pentagon Lobbying Ban

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon from enforcing a lobbying ban against Alibaba, allowing the Chinese tech giant to pursue legal challenges to its inclusion on a military-linked companies blacklist amid escalating US-China tech tensions.

· · 4 min read

DAP Does Not Dictate Government, Says Loke

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has rejected accusations that his party dictates government policy, insisting that all federal and state-level decisions are reached through collective discussion among coalition partners.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Rebuts BMW Claims During Johor Campaign Trail

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed social media claims that he purchased a new BMW for personal use, stating the vehicle is an old government asset. He also clarified that his Mercedes-Benz was a gift from the King.

· · 4 min read

Two women arrested at Phuket airport with 32kg of cannabis

Authorities arrested two women at Phuket International Airport after discovering more than 32kg of cannabis flowers hidden in their luggage. The seizure highlights increased enforcement against drug trafficking through Southeast Asian airports.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Pledges Legacy of Inclusive, Honest Governance

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his vision of steering Malaysia towards national success through fair and clean leadership that encompasses all communities, emphasizing inclusive governance as his intended legacy.

· · 3 min read

Anwar's Johor Campaign Trail Energizes Pakatan Harapan Push

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's campaigning across Johor has generated substantial grassroots enthusiasm for Pakatan Harapan, with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil noting spontaneous community responses during recent campaign stops in Batu Pahat district.

· · 4 min read

Government to Amend Act 530 Allowing Multiple Homes on FELDA Plots

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed FELDA to draft amendments to the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 within two months, enabling settlers to build multiple houses on individual residential plots. The move addresses immediate utility needs for 8,000 existing homes.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Extends TAR UMT Tax Exemption for Another Decade

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has greenlit a 10-year extension of tax exemption status for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, recognizing its role in delivering accessible private higher education to Malaysians.

· · 4 min read

KKIA Expansion Awaits Land Resolution Before Works Begin

The nearly RM500 million expansion of Kota Kinabalu International Airport will commence once outstanding land and site issues with the Sabah government are resolved, Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah confirmed.

· · 4 min read

BMW Used by PM Is Existing Government Asset, Says JPM

Malaysia's Prime Minister's Department has clarified that a luxury BMW recently used by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is an existing government asset designed for international security purposes, not a newly acquired vehicle.

· · 4 min read

PH Defends Manifesto Timing as Election Campaign Intensifies in Johor

Pakatan Harapan's communications chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has rebuffed suggestions that the coalition's delayed manifesto launch could undermine its Johor campaign, asserting the document was released only after securing comprehensive endorsement from top party leaders.

· · 4 min read

JS-SEZ Advancing on Schedule, PM Warns Against Political Interference

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is advancing as scheduled, while cautioning political figures against using the initiative as a partisan tool. The project involves coordinated effort between federal and state authorities.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Launches Coordinated Government Task Force to Combat Cyber Scams

Malaysia has established a special cross-agency committee to tackle the surge in online fraud and scams. The initiative involves government ministries, law enforcement, banking, telecommunications companies and major digital platforms working together on enforcement and legislative measures.

· · 3 min read

NSM Missile Payment Justified, Says Defence Ministry

Malaysia's Defence Ministry has defended the RM571.9 million payment to Norway for Naval Strike Missiles, clarifying that the funds were released upon completion and testing, not as advance payment, despite the subsequent export licence revocation.

· · 4 min read

Azam Baki's NFCC Role Independent of MACC Post, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that Tan Sri Azam Baki's membership on the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre Advisory Board operates independently of his previous role as MACC chief commissioner and remains valid until 2027.

· · 4 min read

BN Banks on FELDA Vote as Johor Election Enters Final Push

Barisan Nasional is banking on strong support from nearly 7,000 FELDA voters across four settlements in Kulai as polling approaches on July 11, citing the Johor government's welfare initiatives and resolution of longstanding land title issues.

· · 3 min read

PKR Defections Driven by Position Frustrations, Says Fuziah

PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh has attributed recent party defections to MIC to members' frustration over not securing internal positions, as the party navigates complex political dynamics ahead of Johor's July 11 election.

· · 4 min read

Bersatu Will Not Force PAS Into Support, Says Muhyiddin

Perikatan Nasional president Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled Bersatu's willingness to move forward despite PAS declining to deploy its organisational resources to assist the party, emphasising that voluntary cooperation underpins the coalition.

· · 3 min read

Five Killed in Shooting at German Youth Facility

Five people were killed and multiple others wounded in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in Stade, Lower Saxony in northern Germany. Two suspects, including the alleged gunman, have been arrested.

· · 4 min read

Bersama Malaysia fields diverse lineup for Johor election bid

Parti Bersama Malaysia has unveiled 15 candidates for the Johor state election, representing a cross-section of Malaysian society from entrepreneurs to logistics workers, signalling the party's broader appeal beyond traditional political constituencies.

· · 4 min read

Syed Saddiq Awaits Federal Court Verdict on Political Future

Former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq is awaiting a pivotal Federal Court ruling that will determine whether he can continue his political career. The outcome holds significant implications for Malaysia's opposition landscape.

· · 4 min read

BN Accepts Leaders' Departures Ahead of Johor Election

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said the coalition respects the personal choices of leaders departing the party, including former UMNO members leaving before the Johor state election scheduled for July 11.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Denies Directive Against Onn Hafiz's Felda Visits

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected suggestions that his administration issued instructions to prevent Perikatan Nasional leader Onn Hafiz from visiting Felda settlements, stating no such directive exists.

· · 4 min read

PN Logo Sharing Will Not Cause Confusion, Samsuri Assures

Perikatan Nasional coalition chairman Samsuri has dismissed concerns about voter confusion arising from both PAS and Bersatu contesting under the PN logo, stating that clear seat allocations between the parties prevent any overlap.

· · 4 min read

UMNO Defection Rooted in Candidate Snub, Says Asyraf Wajdi

UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has blamed Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi's sudden departure from the party on the Supreme Council member's frustration that his son was not nominated as the candidate for the Rengit state seat.

· · 5 min read

Anwar Hails Yasmeen's Selection to UN Child Rights Committee

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Datuk Yasmeen Muhamad Shariff on her election as a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for 2027-2031, describing it as recognition of Malaysia's global standing.

· · 5 min read

Government to Align Vape Tax Policy with Court of Appeal Ruling

Malaysia's government has pledged to align all future decisions regarding vape taxation with the Court of Appeal's ruling. The commitment addresses duties and taxes on nicotine-containing vape products, signalling a shift towards judicial consistency.

· · 3 min read

PN Aims to Finalise Johor Seat Allocation by Thursday

Perikatan Nasional has progressed through more than half its seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the Johor state election, with officials aiming to announce final allocations by Thursday following continued discussions.

· · 3 min read

MADANI Government Deepens Commitment to Ziarah Kasih Assistance Programme

The MADANI Government is reinforcing its Ziarah Kasih initiative to provide direct support to vulnerable Malaysians. The programme, coordinated through the Department of Information and Komuniti MADANI, aims to strengthen government engagement with citizens facing financial hardship and health challenges.

· · 4 min read

Bersama Eyes Significant Gains in Johor State Election

The Bersama coalition is preparing to contest 15 seats in the upcoming Johor state election, including eight constituencies currently held by Umno-BN and Puteri Wangsa, which is presently represented by Muda.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia Tables Cybercrime Bill 2026 to Combat Evolving Digital Threats

Malaysia's government has introduced the Cybercrime Bill 2026 to modernise its digital security framework. The legislation replaces the 1997 Computer Crimes Act and aims to address contemporary threats including ransomware, identity theft, and artificial intelligence misuse.

· · 5 min read

King Grants Royal Assent to Eight Parliamentary Bills

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim has granted royal assent to eight bills passed during Parliament's recent sitting, including legislation on government procurement, immigration, and the Johor-Singapore rapid transit link.

· · 3 min read

Bintulu Port Control Transfer Marks Major MA63 Milestone, Says Mustapha

Sarawak has taken regulatory control of Bintulu Port in a landmark Malaysia Agreement 1963 achievement. The transfer, formalized at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari, signals federal recognition of Sarawak's founding partner status and positions the port as a green industrial hub.

· · 4 min read

Former Titi Serong Assemblyman Returns to Amanah After Six-Year Absence

Former Titi Serong state assemblyman Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim has been readmitted to Parti Amanah Negara after leaving the party six years ago. His return was approved at Amanah's national leadership meetings and reflects the party's willingness to accept returning members.

· · 4 min read

Muhyiddin Sought Seat Relocation in Parliament, Speaker Reveals

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has disclosed that former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin requested a change of seating in Parliament, while confirming receipt of official notification designating Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin as the opposition leader.

· · 3 min read

DAP Fields Four Candidates in Johor State Election Bid

The Democratic Action Party has unveiled four candidates for the Johor state election scheduled for July 11, marking the party's first-ever candidacy in the Malay-majority Tiram constituency as part of a broader Pakatan Harapan push.

· · 4 min read

Nallini Brings Judicial Rigour to Malaysia's New Media Watchdog

Newly appointed Malaysian Media Council chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan defended her judicial background as essential to building institutional credibility, emphasising that press regulation must protect editorial freedom while upholding standards.

· · 5 min read

PM Anwar Backs Nallini's Leadership of Malaysian Media Council

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan's appointment as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, believing her distinguished background will enhance public trust in the self-regulatory body.

· · 4 min read

Jamal Settles RM66,600 Debt to Teresa Kok Days Before Auction

Sungai Besar Umno chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos has settled a RM66,600 judgment debt owed to DAP politician Teresa Kok, preventing a scheduled public auction of his personal belongings just three days before the sale was set to commence.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia Navigates Middle Ground Between US, China, India, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored Malaysia's commitment to strategic autonomy, asserting the nation need not choose between the United States, China, or India. His remarks signal Kuala Lumpur's determination to maintain balanced engagement across all major powers.

· · 4 min read

Penang Governor Hosts Regional Media Leaders at HAWANA 2026 Dinner

Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib hosted nearly 350 media professionals from Malaysia and across ASEAN at a dinner celebration for National Journalists' Day 2026, recognising the media's critical contribution to national development and regional cooperation.

· · 4 min read

Anwar's Turkmenistan Visit Opens Energy Cooperation Doors

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has concluded his inaugural official visit to Turkmenistan, emphasising the trip's success in deepening bilateral relations and unlocking fresh opportunities for strategic collaboration, particularly in energy development.

· · 4 min read

PN Tightens Control Over Use of Coalition Name in Activities

Perikatan Nasional has mandated that no activity or meeting using the coalition's name can proceed without explicit approval from chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, following official guidance from the Registrar of Societies.

· · 4 min read

Court of Appeal Overturns Lower Court Ruling on MACC Malicious Probe Claim

Malaysia's Court of Appeal has successfully overturned a lower court ruling that had allowed a company director to pursue a malicious prosecution claim against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, finding the original judgment was based on legal principles inapplicable to criminal cases.

· · 4 min read

Data and AI Essential to 13MP Success, Says Fadillah

Malaysia must harness data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive policy effectiveness under the 13th Malaysia Plan, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has declared, calling for integrated databases and enhanced statistical governance.

· · 4 min read

PAS tightens grip on coalition, says Bersatu deputy

Bersatu's information chief has flagged growing concerns about PAS cementing its control within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, citing recent shifts in the alliance's leadership structure as evidence of the Islamic party's strategic consolidation.

· · 4 min read

DAP Unveils Johor State Election Lineup Tonight

The Democratic Action Party will formally announce its candidates for the Johor state election this evening, a significant moment as the party prepares to contest seats across the southern state.

· · 3 min read

Nancy Shukri's Husband To Be Laid To Rest In Kuching Tomorrow

The remains of Datuk Kamil Misuari, husband of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, will be transferred to Sarawak tomorrow for burial at Samariang Muslim Cemetery following funeral prayers in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

· · 3 min read

Tengku Zafrul Eyes Selangor Comeback After GE15 Defeat

Former minister Tengku Zafrul is eyeing a return to parliamentary politics, keen to contest a Selangor seat in the upcoming GE16. He previously lost Kuala Selangor to Amanah vice-president Dzulkefly Ahmad in GE15.

· · 3 min read

Kelantan Bersatu Takes PN Leadership Changes in Stride

Kelantan Bersatu has reacted calmly to Perikatan Nasional's decision to drop Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin from its leadership positions, signalling internal stability within the coalition.

· · 3 min read

Johor MP Flags Congestion Crisis as e-ART Delays Cloud RTS Launch

A Johor parliamentarian has raised alarm over persistent delays to the e-ART project, citing the Transport Ministry's apparent lack of clarity and urgency. The setbacks threaten to exacerbate traffic congestion ahead of the Johor Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system's anticipated launch.

· · 3 min read

MIC To Field Four Candidates In Johor State Election

The Malaysian Indian Congress will contest four seats in the Johor state election scheduled for July 11, with party officials confirming preparations are underway to mobilise support among the Indian community across all Barisan Nasional-contested constituencies.

· · 4 min read

Teo Backs Nallini's MMC Leadership, Citing Press Freedom Advocacy

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has endorsed former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan's appointment as chairperson of the newly established Malaysian Media Council, highlighting her judicial record on constitutional rights and press freedom.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Calls for National Embrace of Hijrah Spirit

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the nation to embrace the Hijrah spirit, emphasising core values of truth, prosperity and security as foundational principles for national progress and cohesion.

· · 3 min read

DAP's Teo Warns of Doctored Campaign Posters Ahead of Johor Election

Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching has condemned the deliberate alteration of campaign posters portraying potential party candidates as Muslim women wearing headscarves improperly, describing the tactic as an attempt to frighten non-Malay voters and undermine Pakatan Harapan's election prospects.

· · 4 min read

Rengit Assemblyman Mohd Puad Steps Aside Ahead of Johor Election

Rengit assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has decided not to defend his seat in the Johor state election on July 11. The 69-year-old, who also serves as speaker of the state legislature, believes younger candidates should have the opportunity to contest.

· · 4 min read

Ahmad Maslan Rules Out Johor State Election Bid

Johor Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan has ruled out contesting in the forthcoming state election, saying he wants other candidates to have the opportunity.

· · 4 min read

Fahmi Welcomes Nallini Pathmanathan As New MMC Chairman

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has congratulated Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan on her appointment as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, the media industry's self-regulatory body established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025.

· · 3 min read

Najib showed no remorse over 1MDB role, court finds

A court has found that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak demonstrated no contrition regarding his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, instead attributing fault to other individuals and entities.

· · 4 min read