FOREST CITY: It began with allegations that Israeli nationals may have participated in programmes run by Network School in Johor’s Forest City, possibly entering Malaysia using passports issued by other countries.

Within days, what might otherwise have remained a social media controversy escalated into an issue involving the Johor State Government, the Home Ministry, Immigration Department and local authorities — while attracting growing international attention.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi called for a comprehensive investigation. Immigration authorities subsequently inspected 266 foreign nationals and reported that those checked possessed valid travel documents, while further compliance checks continued.

Johor authorities, meanwhile, began examining matters within their own jurisdiction, with the Iskandar Puteri City Council taking enforcement action over licensing issues involving premises linked to Network School.

The distinction between jurisdictions is important. Immigration and the entry of foreign nationals are Federal matters, while business licensing and certain regulatory matters fall within State and local authority powers.

But the controversy has opened the door to a much broader discussion.

What exactly is Network School? What is the Network State philosophy associated with its founder, Balaji Srinivasan? And why did Forest City emerge as the physical home for this ambitious global technology community?

Network School And The Network State Vision

Srinivasan is an American technology entrepreneur and investor, former chief technology officer of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and author of The Network State: How To Start a New Country.

His concept goes considerably beyond building a technology hub, start-up accelerator or international co-living community.

Srinivasan’s Network State website describes an online community capable of collective action that eventually establishes a physical footprint across multiple locations and, at its most ambitious end, seeks diplomatic recognition from existing states.

None of this proves that Network School intends to separate Forest City from Malaysia, nor is there publicly established evidence that Malaysian sovereignty is under imminent threat.

But the philosophy raises legitimate questions.

What is the relationship between Network School as it exists today and Srinivasan’s wider Network State vision?

Is it simply an international technology community inspired by those ideas? Or is Network School intended, over the longer term, to become one of the physical building blocks envisaged by the Network State concept?

The distinction matters — and Malaysia is entitled to understand it.

Why Malaysia — And why Forest City?

Perhaps one of the most fundamental questions has received the least attention.

Why Malaysia?

Southeast Asia offers no shortage of potential locations for international technology entrepreneurs, cryptocurrency enthusiasts and digital nomads.

Indonesia’s Batam, for example, also sits close to Singapore and has long been developed as an industrial and investment hub.

Yet Network School chose Forest City.

There are perfectly rational reasons why.

Forest City offers extensive ready-built infrastructure and accommodation. It sits close to Singapore, one of Asia’s leading financial and technology centres. Malaysia is comparatively affordable and has been actively seeking international technology investment and talent.

And, crucially, Forest City has space.

The development was conceived on an enormous scale but struggled for years with low occupancy.

What was once regarded as Forest City’s greatest weakness could therefore be one of its greatest attractions to a project seeking to assemble an international community in one physical location.

A movement interested in turning a digitally connected community into a geographically concentrated one does not necessarily need to build a city from scratch.

It can find a city with the infrastructure already in place.

Was Forest City selected primarily because of cost and proximity to Singapore? Did its evolving economic and financial incentives add to the attraction? Or did its unusual combination of infrastructure, low occupancy and room for expansion make it particularly suited to experimenting with the physical dimension of the Network State idea?

There is no evidence Network School seriously considered Batam and rejected it.

But the broader question remains:

What made Forest City the right place for Network School?

The Israeli Controversy — And An Important Distinction

It was the Israeli question that propelled Network School into Malaysia’s national consciousness.

Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and remains a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause.

Allegations circulated that Israeli nationals had participated in the Network School community, including claims that individuals holding more than one nationality may have entered Malaysia using non-Israeli passports.

The initial Immigration Department inspection found that the 266 foreigners checked possessed valid travel documents.

But valid travel documents do not necessarily answer the questions that triggered the controversy.

The central issue is whether Israeli nationals were among those participating in the Network School community and, if so, whether they entered Malaysia using passports issued by other countries.

Given Malaysia’s longstanding policy towards Israel and the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries, these are matters that warrant a thorough investigation.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the background and objectives of the individuals and networks involved in the Forest City community, particularly given the wider ideological ambitions associated with the Network State movement.

The issue, therefore, should not end with determining whether 266 individuals possessed valid passports.

It requires establishing who was present, under what nationality they entered Malaysia, the nature of their participation in Network School and whether all activities conducted in the country complied fully with Malaysian laws and policies.

These are questions that can only be answered through a comprehensive investigation by the relevant authorities.

Why was immigration already part of the conversation?

Another development deserves attention.

Months before the current controversy, Srinivasan had reportedly participated in closed-door discussions with Malaysian policymakers where he presented a redesigned prototype of Malaysia’s visa application platform and floated the possibility of fast-track visas for Network School participants.

There is nothing inherently improper about an international investor seeking improved visa arrangements for foreign talent. Countries routinely introduce specialised programmes to attract investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

But in the context of the Network State philosophy, immigration assumes particular significance.

A globally dispersed online community can only establish a meaningful physical community if its members can live together.

Who can enter? Who can stay? For how long? And under what immigration category?

These are legitimate policy questions, particularly when the founder’s own writings envisage a progression from online communities to physical territories and, eventually, political recognition.

From Israeli Nationals To A ‘Purge Of Jews’

The controversy has now travelled beyond Malaysia.

On 18 July, United States Congressman Greg Landsman issued a statement following reports concerning the possible deportation of Israeli nationals.

“They’re kicking Jews out of Malaysia,” Landsman declared, describing the situation as the beginning of a “purge of Jews”.

The language deserves scrutiny.

Malaysia’s controversy concerns Israeli nationals, immigration and the country’s longstanding position towards the State of Israel.

Within days, the issue had been reframed by an elected American politician as the persecution of Jews.

Landsman’s intervention demonstrates how rapidly a controversy originating with a private technology community in Johor can migrate into international politics.

It also presents Malaysia with another challenge: investigating legitimate concerns while ensuring its actions are not misrepresented internationally.

The RM500 Million Question

Then there is the money.

Following the investigation, Srinivasan put further planned investment in Malaysia — reportedly worth around RM500 million — on hold pending assurances, while seeking engagement with the Prime Minister’s Office.

He is entitled to defend his community and reconsider future investments.

Malaysia is equally entitled to enforce its laws.

Those two principles need not be mutually exclusive.

If Network School and its participants have complied fully with Malaysian law, investigations should establish that. If breaches occurred, they should be dealt with through due process.

The more important questions are what assurances Network School is seeking, what regulatory arrangements it requires to expand and how Malaysia can ensure any future arrangement remains consistent with the country’s immigration policies and national interests.

Johor Navigates A Complex Divide

For Johor, the stakes are considerable.

Forest City has spent years attempting to overcome its “ghost city” reputation and reposition itself as an economic and financial hub. An international technology community bringing entrepreneurs, investors and economic activity into an underoccupied development would understandably be viewed as an opportunity.

But the Network School controversy crosses multiple jurisdictions.

Immigration falls under Federal authority. Business licensing and certain local regulatory matters fall within State and local government powers. Technology investment and other activities may involve still more agencies.

Johor’s leadership has moved to address matters within its jurisdiction while calling for Federal authorities to investigate the immigration allegations.

The challenge now is not simply enforcement.

It is clarity.

As allegations, counter-allegations and political narratives spread rapidly across social media, authorities face the difficult task of separating verified facts from speculation while ensuring legitimate public concerns are addressed.

For Johor, that means protecting Malaysian laws and national interests while maintaining confidence in the State as a destination for legitimate international investment and technology talent.

Achieving both requires timely information, coordination between Federal, State and local authorities, and clear public communication.

The Questions Malaysia Must Now Answer

Reducing the Network School controversy to the nationality of 266 foreigners risks overlooking the larger issues now emerging.

A passport inspection can establish whether an individual possesses valid travel documents.

It cannot, by itself, answer questions about the purpose, governance, financing or long-term ambitions of an organisation operating within Malaysian territory.

Malaysia therefore needs clarity.

What is the precise legal and regulatory status of Network School?

What is its relationship with Srinivasan’s wider Network State vision?

Why was Forest City chosen?

What immigration arrangements are envisaged if its international community grows?

And what are Network School’s long-term plans for Malaysia?

These questions need not be interpreted as hostility towards Network School. They are questions any sovereign nation is entitled to ask.

For Johor, the immediate challenge is to navigate the conversation without compromising either national interests or investor confidence.

That requires more than enforcement. It requires knowing what Malaysians are being told, what they believe, where misinformation is spreading, which narratives are gaining traction and which legitimate questions remain unanswered.

Because in a controversy moving this quickly, an information vacuum can become as consequential as the facts themselves.

The real question is therefore not whether Malaysia should remain open to the world. It is how Malaysia remains open — with its laws respected, its sovereignty protected and its people fully informed. – NMH

The post Network School: Beyond the Israeli Controversy, What Exactly Is Taking Shape in Forest City? first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sunday, 12 July 2026 – With Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi now sworn in as Johor Menteri Besar, the election itself has passed into history. What remains, however, is the political message delivered by Johor voters — a message that extends far beyond the state’s borders. This was not merely an election to choose a government. It was a referendum on the leadership, priorities and direction of the Federal Government.

The Johor election was never just about Johor.

It evolved into the clearest referendum yet on the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the direction of the Federal Government.

The message from voters was emphatic.

As commentator Sara Petra aptly observed: “2018, rakyat mengundi harapan. 2026, rakyat memberi hukuman.”

Whether one agrees with that sentiment or not, the scale of Barisan Nasional’s victory cannot simply be dismissed as a routine state election result.

Many BN candidates not only retained their seats but significantly increased their winning majorities, with some doubling or even tripling their previous margins. Even MIC, often portrayed as politically weakened in recent years, won all four seats it contested.

These were not marginal victories.

They represented a decisive shift in voter sentiment.

Johor PRN More Than a Political Contest

For months, the national political conversation had been dominated by personalities, court cases and political narratives.

Johor voters appeared to have other priorities.

Across coffee shops, markets and neighbourhoods, conversations were less about political rhetoric and more about daily survival.

The rising cost of food.

Electricity bills.

School expenses.

Housing.

Running a small business.

The question many ordinary Malaysians asked was remarkably simple:

“How does all this political drama help me pay my bills next month?”

Politics is ultimately won in kitchens, not on social media.

When families struggle with their household budgets, campaign slogans lose their appeal.

Cost of Living Became the Real Campaign

In 2018, Pakatan Harapan successfully convinced Malaysians that change was necessary.

Eight years later, many voters appear to be asking whether that promise has translated into better lives.

Businesses today face increasing compliance obligations, including e-Invoicing implementation, withholding tax issues and additional regulatory requirements. E-hailing drivers have voiced concerns over rising operational costs, while many small and medium enterprises argue that compliance has become increasingly burdensome.

Whether every policy is justified economically is another debate.

Politically, however, perception matters.

Many voters believe government has become more focused on regulations than on reducing the everyday burdens faced by ordinary Malaysians.

That perception proved costly.

Campaign Miscalculations

Another significant factor was the tone adopted during the campaign.

Attempts to portray Onn Hafiz as inexperienced or dismiss him as merely a “budak-budak” appeared to backfire.

Rather than weakening him, such attacks arguably united Johoreans behind their Menteri Besar.

Voters generally dislike what they perceive as arrogance.

Campaigns that underestimate opponents often end up energising their support.

Likewise, repeated attempts to frame the election around Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor appeared increasingly disconnected from the immediate concerns of many Johor voters.

Whether supporters or critics of Najib agree, many Malaysians seem ready to move beyond years of political fixation on personalities and court battles.

Their priorities have shifted.

They are asking about inflation.

Jobs.

Economic security.

Public services.

Perceptions of Arrogance

Perhaps the most damaging political perception confronting Pakatan Harapan—and particularly DAP—is the growing belief among many voters that parts of the coalition have become increasingly dismissive of opposing views and overly confident that public support would remain intact.

Politics punishes complacency.

When voters believe their concerns are being dismissed, elections become opportunities to register dissatisfaction.

Johor appears to have become precisely that.

For many BN supporters, the election result also reflected unease over broader national issues, including debates involving the Malay Rulers, matters affecting Malay-Muslim interests and policies perceived as insufficiently sensitive to longstanding cultural and religious concerns.

Whether these perceptions are entirely accurate is less important politically than the fact that they exist.

Successful governments ignore public sentiment at their own peril.

A Lesson Beyond Johor

Johor should not be viewed as an isolated state election.

It is an early political warning.

Governments that fail to address bread-and-butter issues inevitably face electoral consequences.

The ballot box remains the rakyat’s most powerful instrument.

Johor demonstrated that voters are prepared to travel home, queue for hours and cast their ballots when they believe the stakes are high.

Not because they are instructed to do so.

Not because they are rewarded.

But because they want their voices heard.

The Road Ahead

For Barisan Nasional, victory in Johor is encouraging but should not become an excuse for complacency.

For Pakatan Harapan, the result offers an opportunity for honest reflection.

Election victories and defeats are temporary.

Public trust is not.

If Johor’s message is understood, there remains time for course correction.

If it is dismissed as merely another state election, Putrajaya risks discovering that Johor was not an exception—but the beginning of a larger political trend.

In the end, democracies have a simple way of correcting governments that lose touch with the people.

They vote. – NMH

The post Opinion | Johor PRN Verdict: A Warning Putrajaya Can No Longer Ignore first appeared on NMH.

The opening notes of Circle of Life have long been synonymous with Disney’s The Lion King, but hearing them performed live by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) was an entirely different experience.

Recently, my son Aidel and I were invited by Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng, Chairperson of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Selangor Chapter and Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hotels Malaysia, to attend The Lion King Live in Concert at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall.

What followed was an evening that reminded us of the extraordinary power of music, storytelling and shared experiences.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came even before the first note was played.

As NSO Resident Conductor Eric Lee took to the stage, he surprised the audience by raising a plush Simba toy before taking his bow. The gesture sparked immediate laughter and applause throughout the hall.

I glanced at Aidel and saw him smiling.

It was such a simple, playful moment, yet it perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. Despite the grandeur of the venue, the size of the orchestra and the prestige of a Disney production, the concert never lost the sense of childlike wonder that lies at the heart of The Lion King.

The Lion King Through New Eyes

As the film began and the orchestra launched into the familiar score, The Lion King suddenly took on an entirely new dimension.

The music was no longer simply part of a soundtrack playing through cinema speakers. It was alive.

Every note, every swell of emotion and every dramatic moment unfolded in real time as dozens of musicians performed in perfect synchronisation with the film on screen.

For nearly two hours, the orchestra became an invisible character in the story itself.

Every triumphant scene felt grander. Every emotional moment felt deeper. Songs that I had heard countless times before seemed richer and more powerful when performed live.

Yet what touched me most was watching Aidel.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, Aidel is himself a neurodiverse performer and writer who has spent years developing his talents through music and the creative arts. Throughout the evening, I found myself observing not only the stage and screen, but also my son.

There was a quiet intensity in the way he watched the musicians. At times his eyes followed the conductor. At others, he seemed completely absorbed by the orchestra’s performance.

As a mother, it was a deeply moving sight.

I have seen Aidel perform on stage before and witnessed the confidence that music gives him. Yet this was different. Here was a young man who loves music experiencing an orchestra at the highest level, bringing a story he already knew and loved to life before his eyes.

It was a powerful reminder of how the arts can inspire, uplift and connect people regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

Bringing Communities Together

The evening was made even more meaningful knowing that more than 100 refugee children and orphans from Rumah Charis were also attending through a special initiative jointly organised by MAH Selangor Chapter, the Kiwanis Club of Bukit Kiara and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia.

For many of these children, it was their first opportunity to experience a world-class theatrical production and live orchestral performance.

As Datin Jasmine aptly remarked during the event:

“Giving back to our community is at the very core of what we do. Seeing the sheer excitement, hearing their laughter, and watching their faces light up with pure wonder reminds us exactly why we champion these initiatives. We want to show these children that they belong in these spaces, and we hope this inspires them to dream boldly despite their circumstances.”

Looking around the hall, it was difficult not to see the truth in her words.

The children laughed together, gasped together and applauded together. For a few precious hours, labels, circumstances and hardships seemed to disappear.

What remained was the universal language of storytelling and music.

As I listened to Datin Jasmine speak about creating opportunities for children to dream beyond their circumstances, I could not help reflecting on my own journey with her.

Many years ago, Datin Jasmine was the General Manager of Sheraton Subang, now Dorsett Grand Subang, while I served as the hotel’s Director of Marketing Communications. Among our colleagues then was Mazuin Murtadza, a Sales Manager who, like me, would later become the mother of a son on the autism spectrum.

When I asked Datin Jasmine whether Mazuin and her three offsprings could also attend the concert, she immediately extended the invitation. It was a small gesture, perhaps, but one that reflected the spirit of inclusion that defined the evening.

The Lion King and the Circle of Life

Life eventually took us on different professional paths, and we lost touch over the years. It was only recently, at a Tourism Malaysia-Dorsett Hospitality International event, that Datin Jasmine and I reconnected.

Sitting in the audience that evening with Aidel beside me, I found myself reflecting on the irony of it all. The opening song of The Lion King is, after all, Circle of Life.

Here we were, years later, reunited not through the hospitality industry that first brought us together, but through an initiative dedicated to bringing joy, inspiration and inclusion to children from different walks of life.

In many ways, it felt like our own circle had come full circle.

As the final credits rolled and the orchestra received a well-deserved standing ovation, Aidel and I left with more than memories of an outstanding performance.

We left reminded that the arts have the power to bring people together, open minds and create moments of belonging.

And thanks to the vision of organisations willing to invest in such experiences, more children—including those who might otherwise never have the opportunity—are able to discover that magic for themselves.

For one unforgettable evening, Pride Rock came alive. So too did the hopes, dreams and imagination of every child fortunate enough to be there. – NMH

The post The Lion King Came Alive With the National Symphony Orchestra first appeared on NMH.

On 12 July 2026, the world will mark ten years since the arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) delivered its award in the case initiated by the Philippines against China. Since then, the ruling has frequently been described as a landmark victory for international law and a decisive rejection of China’s claims in the South China Sea. Supporters of the award often portray it as a settled legal matter whose conclusions should be accepted without reservation.

However, a decade later, significant legal questions remain unresolved.

For Malaysia, these questions are not merely academic. As a claimant state with its own maritime interests, sovereign rights and security concerns in the South China Sea, Malaysia should assess the award through the lens of its own national interests rather than through narratives promoted by other claimant states or external powers.

South China Sea – Jurisdiction

One of the most debated issues concerns jurisdiction.

International arbitration is generally founded upon the principle of state consent. While UNCLOS provides compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms in certain circumstances, it also contains important limitations and exceptions. China rejected the arbitration from the outset and argued that the matters raised by the Philippines fell outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

Although the tribunal concluded otherwise, legal scholars continue to debate whether disputes touching upon territorial sovereignty and historic rights can be effectively separated from questions concerning maritime entitlements.

This remains a significant issue because UNCLOS was never intended to function as a mechanism for resolving disputes over territorial sovereignty.

The tribunal repeatedly emphasised that it was not adjudicating sovereignty claims. Nevertheless, critics argue that some of its findings inevitably carried implications for broader territorial disputes by determining the status and maritime entitlements of contested features.

Whether this amounted to an indirect encroachment into matters beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction remains a legitimate legal question.

Principle of Consent

A second issue concerns the principle of consent itself.

The international legal system is built upon respect for sovereign equality among states. While compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms have their place, they must also be balanced against the principle that states cannot ordinarily be compelled to submit sovereignty-related disputes to adjudication without their agreement.

The fact that China neither accepted nor participated in the proceedings continues to raise questions among many observers regarding the extent to which the award can be regarded as politically and legally persuasive beyond those who already support it.

This debate is unlikely to disappear simply because ten years have passed.

Procedural Legitimacy

Another issue concerns procedural legitimacy.

The arbitration proceeded in the absence of one of the principal parties. While international tribunals may continue proceedings where one side declines to participate, the reality remains that many of the legal arguments that might have been advanced by China were never tested through a fully adversarial process.

For supporters of the award, this does not diminish its validity. For critics, however, it remains a factor that affects perceptions of fairness and legitimacy.

The existence of these differing interpretations demonstrates why the award continues to generate debate among international lawyers and policymakers.

Malaysia should also consider the wider implications of adopting another country’s narrative wholesale.

The Philippines has every right to advance arguments that it believes serve its national interests. However, Malaysian interests are not necessarily identical to Philippine interests.

Malaysia possesses its own maritime claims, exclusive economic zones, offshore resources and security considerations. Any legal position adopted by Malaysia should therefore be assessed according to its implications for Malaysia rather than its usefulness to another claimant state.

This is particularly important in a region where legal arguments often intersect with questions of geopolitics, strategic competition and national sovereignty.

South China Sea – Malaysia’s Balanced Approach

Malaysia has consistently pursued a balanced approach towards the South China Sea. We support international law, peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against attempts by any party to frame complex disputes in ways that may not fully reflect Malaysian interests.

The approaching 10th anniversary of the arbitral award presents an opportunity for reflection rather than celebration.

International law is strongest when legal arguments can withstand scrutiny and debate. Revisiting the legal questions surrounding the South China Sea arbitration should not be seen as an attack on international law. Rather, it is an affirmation of the principle that important legal decisions deserve continued examination, especially when they carry significant implications for regional peace, sovereignty and security.

Ten years on, Malaysians should not feel compelled to accept a single narrative about the South China Sea. We should instead approach the issue with the independence, caution and critical thinking that any sovereign nation owes to its own national interests. – NMH

In Part 2, we ask a fundamental question: who should define Malaysia’s position on the South China Sea—foreign capitals or Malaysians themselves? In seeking the answer, we revisit the historical legacy of the “Malayan Sea” and its relevance to contemporary debates over sovereignty, security and national interest.

The post South China Sea Arbitration: 10 Years On, Why Malaysians Should Revisit The Legal Questions first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 June — Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia have launched a nationwide domestic tourism campaign featuring immersive Wira and Manja-themed family rooms, as the agency intensifies efforts to strengthen local travel amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting international tourism.

The “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” campaign, launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), marks a strategic collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia aimed at encouraging Malaysians to rediscover destinations closer to home while supporting the country’s tourism industry.

Speaking at the launch, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Muhammad Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim described domestic tourism as the backbone of Malaysia’s tourism sector, particularly during periods of global instability.

He acknowledged that recent tourism indicators have become less encouraging amid developments in the Middle East and other international markets, making domestic travel an increasingly important buffer for the industry.

Domestic Tourism

“Domestic tourism has always helped sustain the sector during times of crisis. After the Covid-19 pandemic, local travellers played a significant role in supporting hotels and tourism businesses nationwide,” he said.

Amirul added that Tourism Malaysia is recalibrating some of its promotional strategies in response to ongoing uncertainties affecting the Middle East market, while placing greater emphasis on domestic travel and key regional markets such as China, India and Southeast Asia.

He also revealed that initiatives under Visit Malaysia 2026 will continue into 2027 to ensure sustained momentum for the national tourism campaign.

A key highlight of the collaboration is the introduction of specially designed Wira and Manja-themed rooms across Dorsett’s participating hotels nationwide.

Immersive Experience

Inspired by Malaysia’s tropical rainforests and wildlife, the rooms transform conventional hotel stays into an interactive family experience. During a media preview, guests were treated to a room featuring floor-to-ceiling rainforest murals, jungle-inspired furnishings, themed bedding, plush mascots, children’s play corners and educational elements centred on Malaysia’s biodiversity.

The concept draws heavily on the conservation message behind Wira and Manja, the official sun bear mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026.

By incorporating wildlife themes into the guest experience, Tourism Malaysia hopes to strengthen awareness of environmental conservation while making travel more engaging for younger visitors.

Dorsett Malaysia Vice Chairman Datin Jasmine Heng Abdullah said the hotel group was honoured to partner with Tourism Malaysia on an initiative that celebrates local exploration and family togetherness.

“Through ‘Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja’, we hope to inspire Malaysians to create lasting memories while discovering destinations across the country,” she said.

The campaign covers Dorsett’s network of 13 hotels nationwide, including properties in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Putrajaya, Johor Bahru and Labuan.

Participating hotels will offer special promotional packages featuring discounts of up to 30 per cent off standard room rates, RM50 dining vouchers, family-friendly activities and a unique 26-hour stay concept that allows guests greater flexibility in their check-in and check-out times, subject to availability.

During the media briefing, Dorsett representatives said the flagship Sun Bear-themed family room package is currently priced from approximately RM480 nett for a two-day, one-night stay, complete with connecting family rooms, breakfast and themed experiences designed specifically for families with young children.

Effort by Tourism Malaysia to Sustain Tourism Growth

The partnership also forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader efforts to sustain strong tourism growth in the midst of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors in 2025, representing an 11.2 per cent increase compared with 2024. The first quarter of 2026 recorded 10.6 million visitor arrivals, a 5.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.

Tourism Malaysia believes campaigns such as “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” will help maintain momentum by encouraging Malaysians to explore the country’s attractions while supporting local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and tourism-related businesses.

With its combination of affordable family packages, immersive themed accommodation and conservation-focused storytelling, the campaign aims to position domestic travel not merely as an alternative to overseas holidays, but as a compelling experience in its own right. – NMH

The post Tourism Malaysia, Dorsett Join Forces Amid Global Tourism Uncertainty first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR – Dari Pontian ke Michigan, daripada bilik darjah ke menara korporat, dan daripada kanak-kanak berbakat kepada pemimpin masa depan, perjalanan mereka mungkin berbeza, namun ramai daripada lebih 70 alumni PERMATA PINTAR yang berhimpun semula baru-baru ini percaya bahawa program itu telah mengubah haluan hidup mereka. Kisah-kisah yang dikongsikan membuktikan bahawa apabila bakat dikenal pasti lebih awal dan diberi peluang untuk berkembang, impian yang suatu ketika dahulu kelihatan mustahil mampu menjadi kenyataan.

Pertemuan tersebut, yang diadakan di kediaman isteri bekas Perdana Menteri, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor yang merupakan pelopor program tersebut, menghimpunkan alumni daripada pelbagai generasi dan latar belakang yang datang untuk bertemu semula serta berkongsi perkembangan kehidupan masing-masing selepas meninggalkan program itu.

Sepanjang majlis berlangsung, alumni berkongsi pengalaman mengenai biasiswa yang diperoleh, universiti yang mereka hadiri serta kerjaya yang berjaya dibina. Ada yang kini berkhidmat di syarikat korporat terkemuka, manakala ada yang melanjutkan pengajian ke institusi pendidikan bertaraf dunia.

Kisah Alumni PERMATA PINTAR

Antara yang berkongsi kisah kejayaan ialah Tey Kai Yang, alumni PERMATA PINTAR bagi sesi 2014 hingga 2018.

Anak kelahiran Pontian, Johor itu berjaya melanjutkan pengajian dalam bidang Sains Komputer di University of Michigan sebelum memulakan kerjayanya bersama Maybank.

Menurut beliau, sebelum menyertai PERMATA PINTAR, peluang untuk belajar di luar negara hanyalah satu impian yang kelihatan sukar dicapai.

Bagaimanapun, pendedahan dan pengalaman yang diperoleh melalui program tersebut membuka ruang yang tidak pernah dibayangkannya sebelum itu.

“Saya menjadi diri saya hari ini kerana PERMATA PINTAR. Program ini mengubah hidup saya dan membuka peluang yang tidak pernah saya bayangkan sebelum ini,” katanya.

Turut hadir ialah Anis Insyirah Abdul Razak yang kini bertugas dalam bidang insurans dan pengurusan risiko korporat di IOI Corporation Berhad.

Nobelist Mindset

Bekas penerima biasiswa Yayasan Tenaga Nasional (YTN) itu merupakan antara pelajar yang mendapat manfaat daripada pelbagai peluang pendedahan antarabangsa yang disediakan melalui PERMATA PINTAR. Ketika di bangku sekolah, beliau pernah dihantar menyertai program Nobelist Mindset di Royal Society, London, atas inisiatif Datin Seri Rosmah.

Selepas menamatkan pengajian di Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) sebagai pelajar laluan pantas dalam kohortnya, Anis kini bertugas dalam bidang insurans dan pengurusan risiko korporat di IOI Corporation Berhad.

Menurut beliau, program tersebut membantu meningkatkan kemahiran kepimpinan, kecerdasan emosi serta kemahiran sosial yang banyak menyumbang kepada kejayaannya pada hari ini.

Anis turut menyuarakan harapan agar pembangunan bakat pelajar pintar dan berbakat terus diberikan perhatian kerana PERMATA PINTAR merupakan satu-satunya pusat pendidikan khusus untuk golongan tersebut di negara ini.

Beberapa alumni turut merakamkan penghargaan kepada individu yang menjadi penggerak utama program tersebut pada peringkat awal, khususnya mantan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak dan isteri beliau, Rosmah.

Menurut mereka, ketika PERMATA PINTAR berada pada kemuncaknya, program itu mendapat sokongan institusi yang kukuh serta berjaya menjalinkan pelbagai kerjasama, tajaan dan sokongan daripada rakan tempatan mahupun antarabangsa. Keadaan itu membuka pelbagai peluang yang mungkin sukar diperoleh oleh pelajar berbakat sekiranya tidak wujud platform seperti PERMATA PINTAR.

Kontroversi

Sebahagian alumni juga mengakui bahawa program tersebut ada kalanya terheret dalam polemik dan kontroversi politik, menyebabkan perhatian umum lebih tertumpu kepada pelbagai dakwaan dan perdebatan berbanding pencapaian pendidikan yang berjaya dilahirkan.

Bagi mereka, kejayaan yang dicapai oleh alumni PERMATA PINTAR hari ini menjadi bukti nyata keberkesanan program tersebut serta mengingatkan bahawa legasinya jauh melangkaui batas politik.

Turut mencuri perhatian pada majlis itu ialah Izz Imil yang lebih dikenali sebagai “Young Sheldon Malaysia”.

Pencapaiannya sememangnya luar biasa. Beliau memasuki PERMATA Pintar untuk 6 bulan pada usia enam tahun, menamatkan O-Level pada usia lapan tahun, A-Level pada usia 11 tahun dan diterima masuk ke Universiti Malaya ketika berusia hanya 12 tahun. Kini, pada usia 14 tahun, beliau sedang mengikuti Tahun Kedua pengajian universiti.

Bercakap ringkas pada majlis tersebut, Izz berkata beliau berharap dapat menyumbang kepada bidang pendidikan pada masa hadapan serta membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan kanak-kanak pintar dan berbakat.

Keperluan Golongan Pintar

Menurut ibu bapanya pula, perjalanan yang dilalui keluarga mereka bukanlah sentiasa mudah. Mereka berharap lebih ramai pihak dapat memahami keperluan golongan pintar dan berbakat, termasuk mereka yang sering tidak dikenal pasti lebih awal atau tidak menerima sokongan yang bersesuaian.

Bagi ramai alumni yang hadir, kisah Izz bukan sekadar mengenai kecerdasan luar biasa, tetapi juga tentang pentingnya menyediakan ruang dan peluang agar bakat seperti itu dapat berkembang sepenuhnya.

Dalam dunia yang semakin kompetitif, negara memerlukan lebih ramai anak muda yang mampu berfikir di luar kebiasaan, memimpin dengan berkesan dan bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa.

Bagi alumni yang berhimpun pada petang itu, itulah legasi sebenar PERMATA PINTAR.

Bukan sekadar melahirkan pelajar pintar.

Tetapi membuka jalan kepada masa depan yang lebih luas. – NMH

The post Alumni PERMATA PINTAR: Perjalanan Luar Biasa Melangkaui Bilik Darjah first appeared on NMH.

JOHOR BAHRU – Spekulasi yang berlegar sejak beberapa minggu lalu akhirnya terjawab apabila Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Johor secara rasmi dibubarkan hari ini, membuka laluan kepada Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) Johor ke-16.

Pembubaran tersebut tidak mengejutkan ramai pemerhati politik memandangkan pelbagai petanda telah muncul sejak kebelakangan ini, termasuk pemanggilan sidang khas DUN Johor selama sehari yang mencetuskan pelbagai persoalan mengenai hala tuju politik negeri berkenaan.

PRN Johor 2022

Dalam PRN Johor 2022, Barisan Nasional (BN) mencatat kemenangan besar apabila menguasai 40 daripada 56 kerusi DUN, sekali gus membentuk kerajaan negeri dengan majoriti dua pertiga yang selesa. Pakatan Harapan (PH) memenangi 12 kerusi, manakala Perikatan Nasional (PN) memperoleh tiga kerusi dan Muda satu kerusi.

Atas kertas, BN masih dilihat sebagai pilihan utama untuk mempertahankan Johor kali ini. Jentera parti di negeri itu kekal kukuh, manakala Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi turut menikmati tahap populariti yang sangat baik dalam kalangan pengundi.

Namun persoalan yang lebih besar ialah sama ada BN mampu mengulangi kemenangan luar biasa seperti pada tahun 2022.

Ini kerana landskap politik hari ini tidak lagi sama seperti empat tahun lalu.

Kelibat Mantan Perdana Menteri Menarik Perhatian

Ketika PRN Johor 2022 berlangsung, bekas Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak memainkan peranan yang cukup signifikan dalam kempen BN. Kehadiran beliau ketika itu berjaya menarik perhatian rakyat dan mencetuskan gelombang sokongan tersendiri yang akhirnya menyumbang kepada kemenangan besar gabungan tersebut.

Kini keadaan berbeza apabila Najib masih menjalani hukuman penjara, sekali gus menimbulkan persoalan sama ada BN mampu menghasilkan impak kempen yang sama tanpa figura yang pernah dianggap antara aset politik terbesarnya.

Lebih menarik, pembubaran DUN Johor hari ini berlaku serentak dengan sambutan Hari Keputeraan Rasmi Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, yang juga berasal dari Johor.

Kebetulan itu turut mengundang pelbagai spekulasi dalam kalangan penyokong Najib yang sebelum ini berharap akan ada perkembangan berkaitan pengampunan diraja terhadap bekas Presiden UMNO tersebut sempena hari istimewa berkenaan. Namun setakat ini, masih belum ada sebarang pengumuman rasmi mengenainya.

Pada masa yang sama, PH juga dilihat berdepan cabaran tersendiri untuk kembali menjadi pencabar utama BN di Johor.

PH Tidak Sekuat Dahulu

Berbanding beberapa tahun lalu, momentum politik PH dilihat tidak lagi sekuat dahulu, manakala isu-isu nasional dan persepsi terhadap kerajaan perpaduan turut dijangka mempengaruhi sentimen pengundi.

Turut menjadi perhatian ialah sama ada BN akan benar-benar bertanding secara solo di Johor seperti yang pernah dibayangkan beberapa pemimpin UMNO sebelum ini. Cadangan tersebut menerima reaksi kurang senang daripada DAPSY yang melihatnya sebagai isyarat bahawa kerjasama dalam Kerajaan Perpaduan tidak semestinya akan diterjemahkan ke medan pilihan raya. Sekiranya BN memilih untuk bergerak bersendirian, PRN Johor bakal menjadi referendum kecil terhadap kekuatan sebenar parti itu selepas membentuk kerajaan bersama PH di peringkat Persekutuan, selain memberi gambaran awal mengenai kemungkinan penjajaran politik menjelang PRU16.

Bagaimana PAS?

PN pula dijangka mengambil pendekatan yang lebih berhati-hati. Terdapat cakap-cakap politik bahawa PAS mungkin tidak akan bertanding di Johor kali ini, dengan fokus lebih terarah kepada usaha membina ruang kerjasama yang lebih luas bersama UMNO menjelang Pilihan Raya Umum ke-16 (PRU16).

Sekiranya perkembangan tersebut menjadi kenyataan, ia bakal menjadi antara faktor paling menarik untuk diperhatikan sepanjang kempen PRN Johor nanti.

Apa pun, pembubaran DUN Johor menandakan bermulanya satu lagi ujian penting buat parti-parti politik utama negara.

BN mungkin masih berada di kedudukan paling selesa untuk mengekalkan kuasa di negeri itu, tetapi persoalan sama ada ia mampu meraih kemenangan besar seperti 2022 tanpa faktor Najib masih kekal menjadi tanda tanya terbesar menjelang hari pengundian. – NMH

The post PRN Johor 2026: Ujian Pertama BN Tanpa Faktor Najib first appeared on NMH.

Jho Low: The Fugitive — or a Quiet Return?

More than a decade after the 1MDB scandal erupted, Jho Low remains the most wanted man Malaysia has yet to bring to justice.

Billions were siphoned from a sovereign wealth fund. Global investigations followed. Assets were seized. Yet the alleged mastermind continues to evade capture, with little visible evidence of a sustained, high-intensity manhunt in recent years.

But recent claims have complicated the narrative.

Allegations have surfaced that Jho Low may have quietly entered Malaysia at the end of 2025 to meet authorities — with some reports even suggesting high-level engagement. These claims remain unverified, but police have confirmed they are looking into the matter.

If true, the implications would be profound.

Because it would suggest that the country’s most wanted fugitive was not beyond reach — but, at least briefly, within it.

Murray Hunter: The Man Malaysia Chased

By contrast, the pursuit of Murray Hunter was swift, coordinated — and costly.

The Australian academic and commentator was arrested in Bangkok in September 2025 following a complaint by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over alleged criminal defamation linked to his writings.

Authorities are estimated to have spent around RM5 million to secure his arrest, pursue legal action in Thailand, and manage the case across borders.

Although charges were dropped in early 2026 following mediation and an apology, Hunter’s ordeal did not end there.

He is now reportedly pursuing legal action over alleged mistreatment during his detention in Thailand, adding another layer of controversy to a case already criticised by rights groups.

For a single commentator, the machinery of the state moved with notable urgency — and the repercussions are still unfolding.

A Tale of Two Priorities

The contrast is no longer just striking — it is increasingly difficult to defend.

On one hand, a global financial scandal involving billions, and a fugitive whose status remains unresolved — even amid claims he may have been within reach.

On the other, a writer whose criticism triggered cross-border legal action, significant public expenditure, and now potential legal fallout.

Human rights groups have already described the Hunter case as an example of transnational pressure, raising concerns about proportionality and due process.

Critics argue that enforcement appears selective — assertive when dealing with dissent, but inconsistent when confronting large-scale corruption.

Supporters maintain that institutions must act against defamation to protect credibility.

But that argument now collides with a more uncomfortable question: if Jho Low could return — even briefly — why was he not detained?

The Cost of Perception

This is no longer just about Jho Low or Murray Hunter.

It is about credibility.

In an era of tight public budgets, RM5 million spent pursuing a commentator invites unavoidable comparison with the unresolved status of a multi-billion-dollar scandal — and now, with unanswered questions about what authorities knew, and when.

Perception shapes trust. And trust, once eroded, is difficult to rebuild.

Malaysia has shown it can act decisively.

The question now is whether that decisiveness is applied where it matters most. – NMH

Related article:

A Jho Low Pardon Would Make A Mockery of Due Process in 1MDB Case

The post Jho Low vs Murray Hunter: A Question of Priorities first appeared on NMH.

KUCHING: Malaysia will host the Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region (CIFA) Regional Symposium for the first time this November, as concerns grow over rising mental health challenges across the region.

The CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 will take place from Nov 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, bringing together more than 500 delegates from across the Asia Pacific.

The event comes amid increasing pressure on families, with rising cases of anxiety, loneliness and digital dependency among young people reported across Southeast Asia.

In Malaysia, mental health concerns have also intensified. Official data shows that suicide cases rose to more than 1,000 in recent years, reflecting a broader need for early intervention, stronger support systems and reduced stigma around mental wellbeing.

CIFA platform to drive regional action

Co-organised by the National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) Malaysia and CIFA Hong Kong, the symposium aims to move beyond awareness towards practical, coordinated solutions.

Held under the theme “Building Bridges: Mental Health and Resilience Across Generations in the AI Era”, discussions will focus on strengthening resilience among children, adolescents and parents in an increasingly digital environment.

Key areas include improving access to affordable mental health services, expanding community-based support, and exploring financial assistance mechanisms, insurance coverage and workplace protections.

Kuching chosen as host city

Kuching’s selection underscores Sarawak’s growing role as a hub for business events that prioritise long-term social impact alongside economic value.

Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said hosting the CIFA symposium reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive development and community wellbeing.

“Addressing mental health stigma and strengthening suicide prevention must remain key priorities through education, open dialogue and compassionate community responses,” he said.

Call for multi-stakeholder collaboration

CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 co-chair Siti Subaidah Mustaffa said meaningful progress will require collaboration across sectors.

“Policymakers, researchers, corporate partners and communities must work together to shape policies, invest in mental health and create environments where families are supported to build resilience,” she said.

Turning dialogue into real outcomes

Business Events Sarawak acting chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said the symposium highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing mental health and family-related challenges.

He noted that Sarawak offers a platform where discussions can be translated into actionable outcomes aligned with broader development priorities, including social wellbeing and human capital development.

Focus on resilience in a digital era

At the soft launch, speakers highlighted how resilience is shaped by early life experiences and parental influence, as well as the growing impact of digital platforms on emotional wellbeing.

They noted that while technology presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for support and connection, underscoring the need to bridge generational gaps in communication and coping strategies.

The CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 is part of a series of regional engagements and biennial Asian Family Summits, with additional pre-event programmes planned ahead of November. – NMH

The post CIFA to Drive Regional Action on Mental Health at Kuching Symposium first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Skyworth PV has formally entered Malaysia, positioning itself to capitalise on a fast-evolving solar landscape reshaped by policy reforms, pricing pressures and growing demand for energy independence.

The China-based solar solutions provider launched its Malaysian expansion with a partner conference in Kuala Lumpur last week, sealing multiple local collaborations as it moves quickly to build on-the-ground capacity.

But beyond the optics of a market entry, Skyworth’s timing reflects a deeper inflection point in Malaysia’s energy transition.

Policy resets are quietly rewriting the solar playbook

Malaysia’s distributed solar sector is undergoing structural change — and not by accident.

Recent regulatory adjustments — including the removal of capacity caps for non-residential solar installations and refinements to self-consumption mechanisms — are shifting the market away from subsidy dependence towards commercially driven adoption.

At the same time, evolving electricity tariffs are making grid power more expensive for high-usage commercial and industrial players, narrowing the cost gap with solar.

The transition from Net Energy Metering (NEM) to newer frameworks such as Solar ATAP is also nudging consumers towards self-consumption models, where energy savings — rather than export incentives — drive returns.

Taken together, these changes are unlocking a segment long seen as underpenetrated: rooftop solar for businesses.

Industry observers note that Malaysia’s solar capacity has historically lagged regional peers despite strong fundamentals, including high solar irradiation and stable grid infrastructure. The current policy trajectory suggests that gap may now close more rapidly.

The Skyworth strategy: scale, partners, and financing — not just panels

Against this backdrop, Skyworth is not entering as a pure equipment vendor.

Instead, the company is pushing a bundled model — combining solar modules, hybrid inverters, and battery storage with financing, system design and operational support.

This reflects a broader shift in the industry, where execution capability and access to capital are becoming as critical as technology.

Skyworth said its localisation strategy will focus on enabling Malaysian partners to scale quickly through a “one-stop” ecosystem spanning supply chain, branding, digital tools and project delivery.

Such models are increasingly relevant in Malaysia, where fragmented market structures and upfront capital costs remain barriers to wider adoption.

Energy storage, in particular, is emerging as a key battleground. As tariff structures evolve and peak pricing becomes more pronounced, the ability to store and optimise solar energy could significantly improve project economics.

A crowded field — and rising stakes

Skyworth’s entry comes as competition in Malaysia’s solar sector intensifies.

Local engineering firms, regional developers and global manufacturers are all vying for position in a market that is transitioning from policy-led growth to commercial viability.

The next phase of expansion is expected to favour players that can deliver not just hardware, but integrated solutions — including financing models, performance guarantees and long-term asset management.

For foreign entrants like Skyworth, success will likely hinge on how effectively they can localise — navigating regulatory nuances, building trusted partnerships and competing on margins in an increasingly price-sensitive environment.

Race towards 2050 — opportunity and execution risk

Malaysia has set an ambitious target of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy capacity by 2050, placing solar at the centre of its transition strategy.

Yet execution remains uneven.

Grid constraints, policy consistency and financing accessibility continue to shape the pace of adoption. While recent reforms signal stronger intent, the market’s trajectory will depend on how these policies translate into bankable, scalable projects.

Skyworth’s bet is that Malaysia is entering a tipping point — where solar is no longer a policy experiment, but a core component of the country’s energy mix.

Whether that bet pays off will depend less on technology — and more on who can scale fastest, finance smartest, and execute reliably in a market that is finally waking up. – NMH

The post Skyworth PV Enters Malaysia Solar Market as Policy Changes Drive Growth first appeared on NMH.