news and current affairs.
Graduate employment surges as unemployment drops to 3.2%
Malaysia's graduate workforce expanded to 5.98 million people in 2024 while joblessness among degree and diploma holders dropped to 3.2 percent, government figures released on Sunday showed. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin attributed the gains to robust economic conditions and stronger hiring throughout the year, with educated workers representing 22.3 percent of the population aged 15 and older. About 5.14 million graduates participated in the labor market, producing a participation rate of 86 percent. Degree recipients made up 54.9 percent of this group at 3.28 million workers, while diploma holders accounted for 45.1 percent at 2.7 million. Employment among credentialed workers climbed 4.6 percent to 4.98 million...
Top judge warns AI can't replace human justice in courts
Malaysia's chief justice on Sunday compared artificial intelligence to a chainsaw, calling it a powerful tool that becomes hazardous when mishandled. Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh told legal professionals that while AI already assists with research, contract reviews and case predictions, the technology cannot substitute for human judgment in courtrooms. Speaking at the Malaysia Legal Forum 2025, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid emphasized that jurisprudence demands more than algorithmic processing of statutes and precedents. He said legal work requires compassion, contextual awareness and insight drawn from lived experiences that bring people into litigation. The senior jurist stressed that courts must interpret both legislative text...
MCMC slams false claim on US trade deal, local content rules
Malaysia's communications regulator has rejected assertions that the country must eliminate an 80 percent domestic content requirement for broadcasters under a United States trade deal. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said on Sunday that accusations from a former editor-in-chief were inaccurate and do not represent how broadcasting permits actually work in the nation. The commission explained that licenses issued to private broadcasters under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carry no such quota for homegrown programming. Stations holding Content Applications Service Provider Individual permits may choose their own material while following commission guidelines and content standards, the regulator said...
US backs Asean on South China Sea, with strings attached
Washington pledged its backing for Southeast Asian nations confronting regional tensions, especially disputes in the South China Sea, Malaysia's defense chief said on Sunday. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin told reporters that American officials outlined their philosophy of peace through strength during an informal gathering with ASEAN defense leaders following the 12th Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus in Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian minister explained that U.S. representatives clearly articulated their belief that security cannot exist without military capability. He noted that American support aims to strengthen Asean members' ability to handle difficulties in contested maritime areas. However, Khaled emphasized that any...
Khaled hints at Pentagon trip if Cabinet agrees
Malaysia's defense minister may travel to the Pentagon next year after receiving an invitation from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though cabinet approval is required first. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin told reporters on Sunday that potential discussions could address defense partnerships and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations. The minister noted that pending military acquisitions requiring American authorization might be on the agenda, particularly Malaysia's FA-50 light combat aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft. Both purchases involve U.S.-made components that need clearance from Washington, and delays could occur without proper approvals, he explained. Khaled also suggested that talks might explore...
Woman finds husband's headless body after brutal fight with brother-in-law
A Malaysian woman discovered her husband's decapitated remains after he left their home to retrieve a wandering goat and never returned. Marliana Awang, 39, told reporters she became alarmed when Nasir Md Nanyan failed to come back by evening and learned from neighbors that violence had erupted near her mother's residence. She found his body separated from his head and screamed for assistance before holding him while massaging his chest. Nasir Md Nanyan, 45, died following an altercation with his brother-in-law at Kampung Pida 3. Authorities received notification about the dispute around 7:05 p.m. and located the victim with his head positioned approximately one meter from his torso. Additional slash marks covered other parts of his...
Anwar hailed for Malaysia's leadership, Asean success at Apec
World leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit personally commended Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully chairing the 47th ASEAN Summit, which wrapped up on Tuesday. Chinese President Xi Jinping joined nearly all APEC participants in praising Malaysia's diplomatic achievements, particularly its mediation efforts between Cambodia and Thailand. Officials from the United States, Mexico and other nations expressed curiosity about how ASEAN maintains equilibrium between Washington and Beijing while supporting developing economies. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Anwar became a focal point when entering the leaders' waiting area, with numerous heads of state approaching him for discussion. This attention...
Anwar warns AI must balance progress with ethics, sustainability
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that artificial intelligence advancement must not undermine ethical standards or environmental protection as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members pursue digital transformation. Speaking on the final day of meetings in South Korea, he acknowledged his country embraces AI and semiconductor development aggressively, but stressed technology should elevate civilization without compromising human values. Anwar referenced German philosopher Martin Heidegger's observation that technology fundamentally alters human thought and behavior rather than simply providing tools. He urged APEC nations to address accessibility gaps and prevent discriminatory technology use while supporting AI...
Malaysia mulls Roblox, UMI ban over safety concerns
Malaysian authorities may prohibit access to gaming applications Roblox and UMI following safety concerns and worries about harmful content reaching children, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri. She said officials continue evaluating the situation while observing regulatory measures Australia plans to implement in December. Malaysia will determine whether comparable restrictions suit local circumstances and cultural values after studying how Australian authorities enforce their upcoming policies, which remain under development. Shukri addressed reporters following her participation in training exercises for temporary relief centers. She responded to questions about an attack on Monday in Kampung...
Top