KUALA LUMPUR, 23 August — The BRICS-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce has announced the establishment of an independent commission for trade and economy, with its president Thayalan Nathan describing the initiative as a step towards strengthening economic links between BRICS and ASEAN.

The announcement was made at the BRICS-ASEAN Business Round Table 2026 at Mines Beach Resort today, where business leaders, diplomats and trade representatives discussed opportunities spanning trade, investment, tourism, technology and economic development.

While details of the commission’s structure and mandate were not disclosed at the event, the announcement came against a backdrop of calls for closer commercial links between ASEAN, BRICS and emerging markets.

BRICS and the Opportunity Beyond Tourism

One of the more substantive proposals came from Kapten Mahadzir Tan Sri Mansor, president of the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association (MITDA), who argued that tourism should be viewed not simply as an industry but as an economic engine.

He challenged the conventional focus on tourist arrival numbers, asking instead what economic activity is activated by each visitor.

A tourist does not simply purchase a flight, hotel room or meal, he said. The visitor creates demand across airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retail, technology companies and other businesses, and may subsequently return, bring family members, recommend a destination or even become a business partner or investor.

“One tourist is not one transaction,” was the central message of his presentation, which argued that each visitor can activate an entire economic ecosystem.

Mahadzir said the economic cycle begins with tourism creating demand, which drives business activity, trade and investment, eventually generating employment and income.

He also highlighted technology as an increasingly important part of that cycle, with modern tourism driven by digital booking, artificial intelligence and data, cybersecurity, digital payments, smart destinations, mobility and digital marketing.

“Tourism connects the physical and digital economy,” he argued.

MITDA Proposes BRICS-ASEAN Tourism Bridge

Against this backdrop, Mahadzir proposed a BRICS-ASEAN Tourism Bridge, describing it as a potential mechanism for connecting the tourism ecosystems of the two groupings.

The concept goes beyond connecting destinations, he said, bringing together people, cultures, businesses, markets, investment, technology and economies.

He also proposed a broader BRICS Tourism Economic Alliance, bringing together government, the tourism industry, businesses, investors, technology companies and SMEs.

Under the model, government provides the enabling environment, industry develops products and experiences, businesses create transactions, while investors build capacity.

Mahadzir said the opportunity was not merely about increasing tourist flows but about asking a more fundamental question: how much economic value does each tourist activate?

He also linked tourism to wider regional cooperation, arguing that when people travel, they meet; when they meet, they develop greater understanding; and when businesses connect, they trade.

The proposed tourism bridge was therefore presented not only as an economic initiative but also as a potential platform for greater people-to-people engagement between BRICS and ASEAN.

Mauritius Sees Malaysia as Gateway to Africa

The broader push for stronger cross-regional economic links was echoed by Mauritius High Commissioner to Malaysia Rabin Gungoo, who positioned Mauritius as a potential gateway for Malaysian businesses, education providers and investors seeking access to Africa.

Gungoo said there were already strong education links between Mauritius and Malaysia, noting that about 3,000 Mauritian students are currently studying in Malaysia.

He called for more Malaysian educational institutions to establish campuses in Mauritius, saying they could serve not only Mauritian students but also students from other African countries, including Madagascar and Seychelles.

The High Commissioner also highlighted Mauritius’ French- and English-speaking environment as an advantage for businesses and students seeking to operate across different markets.

Beyond education, Gungoo encouraged Malaysian investors to use Mauritius as a platform to penetrate the wider African market, pointing to the country’s existing links and trade arrangements with African countries.

He also noted existing Malaysia-Mauritius trade in areas including automotive products, dried fruits and water, suggesting that the relationship could be expanded further.

The remarks provided a practical dimension to the broader BRICS-ASEAN discussion, with Mauritius presenting itself as a bridge through which Malaysian education, trade and investment could reach African markets.

From Tourism to Wider Economic Connectivity

The discussions at the round table pointed towards a broader interpretation of regional economic cooperation — one in which tourism, education, technology, trade and investment are interconnected rather than treated as separate sectors.

For Malaysia, the emerging opportunity lies not only in attracting visitors or promoting destinations, but in using tourism and business connectivity to activate wider economic relationships across ASEAN, BRICS and markets beyond the two blocs.

The BRICS-ASEAN Business Round Table brought together diplomatic representatives, business leaders and trade stakeholders to explore these opportunities, with the day’s programme also featuring networking and business pitching sessions. – NMH

The post BRICS-ASEAN Chamber Unveils Independent Commission To Strengthen Trade and Economic Ties first appeared on NMH.

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.

NILAI, Dec 7 — Malaysia has taken a bold step in asserting its leadership in space governance with the conclusion of the Space Law Moot Court Competition 2025 (PMPA 2025), held at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The event marked the country’s first national-level moot dedicated to space law, drawing participation from 12 teams across nine universities, and underscoring the nation’s commitment to cultivating legal expertise in this emerging field.

Organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with USIM and the Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM), the competition served as a strategic platform to strengthen Malaysia’s legal literacy in space-related matters. The initiative aligns with the National Space Policy 2030 (DAN2030), which aims to grow the space sector’s contribution to 1% of GDP and develop 5,000 specialised experts by the end of the decade.

Importance of Space Law

MOSTI’s Deputy Secretary-General (Planning and Science Culture), Datuk Ruziah Shafei, in her closing address highlighted the urgency of space law as a national and global security imperative. “Space law is no longer a theoretical discipline; it has become a necessity. Nations that fail to understand their international obligations risk facing major liabilities and severe security threats,” she said.

The competition embraced a multidisciplinary approach, integrating civil law, Shariah principles, space policy, and technological applications. This reflects USIM’s dual mandate as a reference centre for both civil and Islamic legal studies. The event also featured side programmes including the National Space Law Conference 2025, webinars, podcasts, and an exclusive interview with the MOSTI Minister, Mr Chang Lih Kang further enriching the educational experience.

MOSTI’s Space Regulator, Dr Mhd Fairos Asillam, noted that the competition was designed not only to test advocacy skills but also to nurture future space lawyers capable of representing Malaysia in international forums such as the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Oral Advanced Rounds, held from 5-7 December, saw six finalist teams selected from the initial twelve. While the names of the finalist institutions remain confidential under competition rules, the winning team will represent Malaysia at the Asia-Pacific round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition in Gujerat, India, in 2026, with professional training sponsored by MOSTI.

Space Governance and Legislation

The PMPA 2025 also spotlighted Malaysia’s legislative progress in space governance, including the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 [Act 834], the Space Object Accident Investigation Guidelines, and Malaysia’s participation in key UN treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and the Registration Convention 1975.

Minister Chang Lih Kang praised the initiative as a milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a regional centre for space law and policy. “This competition can produce a generation of young lawyers ready to safeguard national interests as we compete on the global stage,” he said.

This year’s competition showcased outstanding performances from all teams, with the official results as follows:

Champion: Universiti Malaya (UM)

Runner-Up: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

Best Mooter (Individual): Universiti Malaya (UM)

Best Memorial (Two Teams): Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

The closing ceremony brought together academics, legal practitioners, industry representatives, and government officials, all of whom contributed to the success of this landmark event. With its blend of legal rigor, policy relevance, and youth engagement, PMPA 2025 has set a new benchmark for space law education in Southeast Asia. – NMH

The post Space Law: Malaysia Showcases Strong Leadership At Moot Court Competition first appeared on NMH.

PENANG, 12 Aug – The Penang Signature Gold, Gems & Jewellery (PSG) Fair 2025 is set to dazzle the region from 15–17 August, positioning itself as ASEAN’s largest gold-focused B2B jewellery exhibition. The event, now in its ninth edition, will take place at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre and is expected to attract over 5,000 trade buyers and delegates from across the globe.

Organised by Elite Expo Sdn Bhd and co-organised by the Penang Goldsmith & Jewellers Association (PGJA), the fair will host more than 120 booths from eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Thailand, India, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia – along with major players from Dubai, Indonesia and Brunei.

“Malaysia used to be among the top three gold exporters in the world, and 80% of its gold manufacturing is based right here in Penang,” said Datuk Johnson Lim, CEO of Elite Expo, at the press conference. “We have exceptional craftsmanship, competitive labour costs, and a tax-free jewellery market – advantages that make Malaysia an ideal international hub for jewellery trade and exchange.”

Lim noted that Malaysia’s multilingual, friendly business environment, combined with its accessibility and rich cultural appeal, gives it an edge over other ASEAN destinations for hosting such an event.

Global Insights and New Platforms

This year’s fair features a packed programme of seminars and networking opportunities, including:

• Market Development Grant (MDG) Seminar by MATRADE (15 Aug) – guiding Malaysian SMEs on tapping financial assistance for export promotion activities.
• Gold Price Forecast & Trend Analysis (16 Aug) – featuring experts from the World Gold Council and Metals Focus, providing high-value market insights.
• Platinum Jewellery: New Era of Demand – with Platinum Guild International exploring fresh trends and markets for the precious metal.
• ASEAN Market Panel – industry leaders from Thailand, Laos and the UAE discussing regional challenges and opportunities.

“Buying research papers from Metals Focus can cost as much as RM100,000, even more, but our participants will get these insights first-hand,” Lim said.

A Regional Showcase, ASEAN’s Pride

PGJA President Datuk Ivan Chee said PSG 2025 will also debut Malaysia’s first dedicated jewellery fashion show, the Penang Jewellery Fashion Week (PJFW), during the association’s 37th gala dinner on 16 August.

“This concept will set a new benchmark in presenting our jewellery craftsmanship – blending haute couture with fine jewellery for industry leaders, buyers and international guests,” Chee added.

For Penang, the event is more than a trade fair – it’s a statement of heritage and capability. “For over a century, Penang has been home to master craftsmen whose skills have been passed down through generations,” Lim said. “Today, our industry is thriving – with gold-related exports in the first quarter of 2025 alone reaching RM 2.34 billion, nearly 10% higher than the same period last year.”

With the ASEAN Summit also taking place in Malaysia this year, the PSG Fair 2025 is poised to shine as a symbol of Penang’s role in the global gold and jewellery trade – one that blends tradition, innovation, and a touch of glamour. – NMH

The post ASEAN’s Largest Gold and Jewellery Fair Planned For Penang, Drawing Global Industry Leaders first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 June 2025: When MCA Pahang Youth Chief Wong Siew Mun posted a TikTok video on 6 June questioning the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) quiet move to collect mobile data from telecommunications companies, she never imagined she’d end up summoned by police.

But that’s exactly what happened.

This morning, flanked by her legal team led by lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad and about 20 MCA Youth members in a show of solidarity, the Pahang MCA Youth chief walked into Bukit Aman federal police headquarters to have her statement recorded.

The allegation? She dared to publicly voice what many Malaysians are already worried about — the creeping overreach of government surveillance and the shrinking space for dissent.

“The video I posted is based on facts reported by mainstream media and official statements made by a minister and a government agency,” Wong told reporters outside Bukit Aman, just before going in.

“I feel the government should not abuse the law to mute the voice of the people. I was merely voicing out the concerns of the public. I have no intention to instigate or disrupt public order.”

But the investigation against her suggests otherwise.

Weaponising the Law to Intimidate

Wong’s statement has put the spotlight on a broader issue: how Malaysian authorities have increasingly turned to the legal system to silence uncomfortable questions — particularly those raised on social media.

Lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad was blunt in his assessment:

“She did nothing wrong. She exercised her constitutional right to free speech,” he said, adding that there was no criminal intent in Wong’s post.

He called on the MCMC to withdraw its police report and urged authorities to stop what he described as “intimidation tactics.”

“This is a democratic country. Why should raising a concern based on public information be treated like a crime?”

Muzzling the Messenger, Ignoring the Message

Wong’s video, which went viral across TikTok and Facebook, questioned why the MCMC would require telcos to hand over mobile data of users — and under what legal framework this was being done.

Instead of addressing those valid questions, the government responded with silence — and now, apparent retaliation.

“When the public voices out its grievances, I urge the government to look into its weaknesses and enhance its policies, not find ways to silence us,” Wong said.

Her statement resonates with many Malaysians who have watched with unease as voices of dissent — from students to journalists to opposition leaders — are increasingly being hauled up for questioning over online content.

Present at the scene were other MCA figures including publicity bureau head Chan Quin Er, deputy Ivone Low, and Selangor Youth representative Tan Jie Sen — underscoring that Wong is not standing alone.

A Dangerous Precedent Voiced By Many, Not Just MCA

Civil society organisations have raised alarms about the implications of the government’s actions.

According to Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), the government has yet to provide transparent legal justification for mass data collection initiatives. “If there is no opt-in mechanism or proper legislative oversight, this is a violation of privacy rights enshrined in our Constitution,” a recent SUARAM statement read.

Similarly, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) issued a reminder: “Investigating a person for citing public information and expressing concern sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a chilling message to others — speak up, and you could be next.”

As of now, the MCMC has not issued a public comment on the investigation into Wong Siew Mun.

What’s Next?

Wong has vowed not to back down.

“I will cooperate with the police, but I will not be cowed into silence,” she said defiantly.

Whether the government chooses to escalate the case further — or quietly withdraws after public pressure mounts — remains to be seen. But the message has already been sent: in today’s Malaysia, questioning authority, even based on facts, can come at a personal cost.

And for many watching this unfold, the real issue isn’t Wong’s video — it’s the system’s reaction to it. – NMH

* this article is supported by Ai

The post MCA Youth Leader’s Call For Accountability Met with Intimidation first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 June — Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has launched a scathing legal assault on former Attorney General Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, accusing him of serious criminal misconduct in suppressing a royal Addendum Order that could have seen the former premier serving his prison sentence under house arrest.

The explosive allegations were contained in a police report filed on Najib’s behalf by his lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, after repeated requests to lodge the report from within Kajang Prison were reportedly denied by both the Prisons Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Najib, who is currently serving a reduced six-year sentence in Kajang Prison following a partial royal pardon, claims that a second, Addendum Order issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong granted him the right to serve his sentence under home detention. However, this royal decree was never executed, allegedly due to deliberate suppression by the former AG.

“Despite having direct knowledge of the Addendum Order, Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin deliberately misled the High Court,” the report states.

Malaysia’s 6th Prime Minister alleges that the Addendum Order, dated 29 January 2024, was withheld from public knowledge and deliberately buried by authorities, including the Attorney General’s Chambers. Najib claims his legal team had written to the AG’s office in February requesting confirmation of the Order’s existence — a request that was ignored.

Najib Filed Judicial Review

When Najib filed for judicial review in April, seeking to confirm and enforce the Addendum Order, Ahmad Terrirudin, through his Federal Counsel, objected to the application on the grounds that it was “speculative” — despite, according to Najib, being in possession of the very document in question.

“This was not merely an administrative lapse, but a clear and wilful act of deceiving the judiciary,” Najib’s report contends, adding that such actions amount to criminal offences under Sections 204 and 209 of the Penal Code, for hiding evidence and dishonestly making a false claim before the court.

Najib further states that the Addendum Order was later obtained through his son from the Royal Household of the Sultan of Pahang — the former Agong — confirming both its existence and authenticity. A subsequent letter from the Royal Household dated 4 January 2025 reaffirmed that Najib was, in fact, granted home imprisonment, effective from the same date as the main pardon.

Obstructing Royal Authority

The police report paints a damning picture of a top legal officer allegedly obstructing royal authority and interfering with justice by:

• Suppressing a legitimate Addendum Order issued by the monarch;
• Instructing government lawyers to argue in court that the document did not exist;
• Misleading the judiciary into rejecting Najib’s request for leave to review the matter.

Najib asserts that the former AG’s actions were not only in contempt of the royal pardon process but also amount to serious criminal breaches that call for an immediate and thorough police investigation.

“Justice must be upheld, and the decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must be respected and executed in full,” the report concludes.

Legal Saga

This latest move adds another explosive layer to Najib’s ongoing legal saga, coming at a time when questions over prosecutorial conduct and institutional transparency continue to dominate national discourse.

Efforts are now expected to shift towards whether law enforcement will act on this report — and what consequences may follow for the former AG if found to have deliberately misled the courts and obstructed royal justice. – NMH

*This article has been supported by AI

The post Najib Lodges Police Report Over Former AG’s Alleged Criminal Misconduct first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR – Projek SAMA, a BERSIH offshoot, may have hoped to rally public opposition against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for royal pardon. Instead, the group’s latest press briefing raised serious questions about bias, accuracy, and fairness—particularly when its own data showed strong support from Indian and Malay communities.

The Merdeka Center survey, commissioned under Projek SAMA’s “No Dua Darjat” campaign, polled just 1,200 people nationwide. Still, the group repeatedly claimed that a “majority of Malaysians” opposed clemency — despite contradictory findings picked up by media outlets such as Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today, both of which highlighted that a majority of Indian respondents favoured Najib’s pardon.

BERSIH Legacy, Same Obsession?

Although Projek SAMA promotes itself as an independent civil initiative, its roots trace back to the BERSIH electoral reform movement. Much like its predecessor, the group seems to retain a singular focus—Najib Razak. Even as Najib serves time behind bars, Projek SAMA continues to campaign against any form of clemency for him, portraying both a royal pardon and even house arrest — despite the existence of a Royal Addendum — as unacceptable.

Ironically, the group’s own commissioned survey appeared to undermine its stance. Results indicated that many Indian and Malay Malaysians supported Najib’s bid for clemency. This data point, highlighted by several media outlets, contradicted the group’s overall narrative and raised doubts about its credibility and intent.

The Numbers Don’t Add Up

Polling 1,200 respondents in a country of over 36 million may be statistically acceptable under some research conditions—but it does not justify broad claims such as “most Malaysians” or “national consensus.” Presenting such a narrow data sample as a reflection of nationwide opinion is, at best, misleading.

Moreover, while Projek SAMA leaned into results that aligned with its goals, it downplayed or ignored those that didn’t—such as the apparent support among Indian and Malay communities for Najib’s royal pardon.

Additionally, the group’s briefing materials referred to Najib as having “embezzled” public funds. In fact, embezzlement was not among the charges brought against him. Najib was convicted of criminal breach of trust (CBT), money laundering under AMLA, and abuse of power. The term “embezzlement” carries a specific legal meaning and using it inaccurately casts doubt on Projek SAMA’s integrity and grasp of legal facts.

Selective Advocacy

Projek SAMA claims to stand for stability and accountability. Yet, little was said during the briefing about present-day challenges that affect millions of Malaysians — rising living costs, stagnant wages, growing inequality, or even the systemic gaps in the current administration. The disproportionate focus on Najib appears more like an extension of old political vendettas rather than a genuine civil society concern.

True reform groups must scrutinise all levels of power — past and present. When the spotlight is so tightly fixed on a single individual, it’s hard not to question whether there is a broader political motive at play.

BERSIH, But Not Balanced

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the briefing was the way it implicitly cast doubt on the Royal Pardon process itself. Article 42 of the Federal Constitution grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the authority to pardon convicted individuals. By questioning Najib’s right to appeal for mercy and framing a possible pardon as unjust, Projek SAMA risks undermining the constitutional monarchy and the legal rights of all prisoners.

Criticism is fair game—but it must be based on accurate data, legal precision, and a fair application of principles. Otherwise, groups like Projek SAMA risk becoming the very thing they claim to stand against: unaccountable, biased, and unbalanced.

There’s a difference between questioning a legal system and vilifying a lawful constitutional right. Projek SAMA’s messaging seems to blur that line — again, raising the question of intent.- NMH

The post BERSIH Splinter Group Undermines Its Own Case With Questionable Survey first appeared on NMH.

Malaysia bade a solemn farewell to its fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in a state funeral that drew dignitaries, royalty, and Malaysians from all walks of life. Known affectionately as Pak Lah, the former statesman was laid to rest with full honours at the Heroes’ Mausoleum, located next to the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, leaving behind a legacy of humility, reform, and quiet strength.

Foreign dignitaries including Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Hollywood star Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, and various heads of state were in attendance. Also present were Malaysian Sultans, cabinet ministers past and present, and former Prime Ministers, underscoring the respect Pak Lah commanded across political divides.

Pak Lah and Najib

But what truly captured the nation’s attention was the presence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was granted rare leave by the courts to pay his final respects. Najib, who served as Deputy Prime Minister under Pak Lah’s administration, had often referred to him as a mentor and political abang (brother). The quiet exchange of respect between Najib and Pak Lah’s family at the National Mosque added a deeply emotional note to the ceremony.

Another moment that moved many was a spontaneous gesture between Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Rosmah was seen embracing and kissing Dr Siti Hasmah — a scene that was both touching and unexpected, given the long-standing political rivalry between their husbands.

Najib’s attendance at the funeral lit up social media. Footage and photos of his arrival quickly went viral, with many Malaysians expressing their sentiments online. His official Facebook post on his attendance at Pak Lah’s funeral garnered over 2 million views, reflecting not only public curiosity but also his enduring popularity despite his current incarceration.

Pak Lah’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Malaysia’s political history—one defined by his soft-spoken leadership and efforts at administrative reform. Yet, in many ways, the scenes at his funeral reflected a deeper yearning among Malaysians: for unity, dignity, and respect across even the most bitter of divides. – NMH

The post Farewell Pak Lah, An Emotional Journey For Many first appeared on NMH.

Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be buried at Makam Pahlawan (Warriors’ Mausoleum), at Masjid Negara, after Zohor tomorrow. His son-in-law and former health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had spoken with the late Tun’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah, regarding the burial arrangements.

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia mourns the loss of its 5th Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away at 7:10 PM at the National Heart Institute (IJN) here.

Tun Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, had been receiving treatment at IJN since April 2024 following a serious heart attack. He led Malaysia from 2003 to 2009 and is remembered for his gentle leadership and emphasis on civilizational Islam and anti-corruption efforts.

Following his retirement from politics, Abdullah continued to contribute to public life and was honored with the title “Tun” in 2009 for his services to the nation.

May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah. – NMH

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KUALA LUMPUR, Wed – In a significant development in the ongoing 1MDB trial, the defence team of former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak today called their 13th witness, Senior Assistant Commissioner Rajagopal a/l Ramadass. Rajagopal, a former Head of the Corporate Crime Investigation Unit at Bukit Aman, identified four individuals responsible for siphoning off approximately USD 1.367 billion from 1MDB.

He was tasked with investigating the alleged mismanagement at 1MDB following a report lodged by Datuk Seri Khairuddin Bin Abu Hassan on 12 December 2014 and during his testimony, SAC Rajagopal exposed the names of Datuk Shahrol Azral bin Ibrahim Halmi, Azmi Bin Tahir, Jasmine Loo, and Terrence Geh. Notably, Shahrol Azral (former 1MDB CEO), Azmi Tahir (former 1MDB CFO), and Jasmine Loo (1MDB General Legal Counsel) testified against Najib for the MACC’s prosecution team, together with Terrence Geh who remains a fugitive.

1MDB Funds Diversion Instructed By Shahrol

Rajagopal highlighted that the initial diversion of USD 700 million to Good Star Limited, a company beneficially owned by Low Taek Jho, was executed by Casey Tang on the instruction of 1MDB’s CEO, Shahrol Azral. He also found it peculiar that Shahrol had only seen the purported “Loan Agreement” with PetroSaudi International Limited for the first time when shown by the police during his statement recording. This loan agreement supposedly justified the diversion of USD 700 million of 1MDB’s investment to another entity not disclosed to the Board of Directors.

Rajagopal’s testimony will continue next Tuesday.

Earlier in the proceedings, Tan Sri Che Lodin bin Lok Kamaruddin, Chairman of 1MDB’s Board of Directors, maintained that there was no “top-down” approach practiced at 1MDB, contradicting the testimonies of prosecution witnesses, particularly Shahrol. Tan Sri Lodin emphasised that he was never a proxy of Najib and had always maintained a formal relationship with him, even stating that he did not have Najib’s phone number.

Appointed By Mahathir

Lodin corrected the misconception that Najib had appointed him to his positions at Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera and Boustead Holdings, clarifying that his appointment to LTAT was made by another former Defence Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir.

He also refuted the prosecution’s narrative that Najib’s approvals for the company’s ventures always preceded the Board of Directors’ decisions. Lodin, the Board of Directors would seek shareholder approval for substantial acquisitions or dispositions before proceeding, as required under the Companies Act.

Additionally, Lodin debunked the theory that Najib wanted to terminate KPMG’s services as 1MDB’s auditors. He explained that the issue between KPMG and the company had been discussed for a long time before their services were terminated by mutual agreement. The former Prime Minister had held meetings with KPMG’s representatives to resolve the impasse, but to no avail. The issue with KPMG’s valuation of 1MDB’s subsidiary, Brazen Sky Limited, was later resolved by its successor, Deloitte Kassim Chan.

Corporate Governance

Regarding Najib’s roles in 1MDB, Tan Sri Lodin testified that there was no confusion within 1MDB about Najib’s three capacities — as Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Prime Minister, and representative of the shareholder (Minister of Finance Inc.). The Board of Directors consistently adhered to corporate governance procedures in compliance with the Companies Act, requiring shareholder approval for substantial acquisitions and disposals. Board minutes and shareholder resolutions confirmed that when approvals were sought, Najib executed the resolutions in his capacity as the representative of MOF Inc., not as the Prime Minister or Chairman of the Board of Advisors.

Lodin confirmed that Article 117 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association was never invoked, as none of its elements were deemed applicable by the Board. This reinforces that all key decisions were made within the legal framework of the Companies Act, without reliance on Article 117 or Najib’s position as Chairman of the Board of Advisors. – NMH

The post 1MDB Siphoning By Shahrol and Cohorts, Not Najib, Senior Cop Testifies first appeared on NMH.