A Singapore judge dismissed legal efforts to recover assets linked to the 1MDB scandal through two banks, ruling that the nation's cross-border insolvency statute does not apply to pre-2018 transactions. Justice Aidan Xu ruled that foreign liquidators cannot pursue Standard Chartered and BSI Bank over suspicious money transfers connected to the Malaysian state fund. The decision restricts recovery options despite evidence of questionable financial activity during one of history's largest fraud cases.
Parliament deliberately set the 2018 cutoff when adopting international insolvency rules that prevent challenges to earlier deals. Liquidators wanted to use avoidance claims against Blackstone Asia Real Estate Partners and Brazen Sky to...
Malaysia's film development agency denied cartel claims after a director's association leader alleged hidden forces control cinema success factors. Chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said Finas follows transparent procedures for mandatory screenings while updating regulations to ensure producer equality. The agency contacted accuser Datuk Afdlin Shauki for clarification after he suggested invisible hands determine screening times and promotional support regardless of quality.
Hans welcomed alternative distribution platforms like director Erma Fatima's new application as beneficial competition. Finas supports independent ventures that comply with industry standards and licensing requirements. The chairman emphasized procedural integrity during...
Malaysia will complete registration procedures for ride-hailing drivers seeking expanded fuel subsidies under the Budi95 program by week's end. Finance Ministry officials coordinate with transportation companies to verify driver qualifications while studying subsidy extensions for maritime vessel operators in eastern states. The government collects boat ownership records through state agencies to distribute benefits equitably across transportation sectors.
Nearly 912,000 military personnel and cash assistance recipients purchased 21.8 million liters of discounted gasoline worth 43.7 million ringgit through September 29. Qualified consumers pay 1.99 ringgit per liter instead of October's unsubsidized 2.60 ringgit rate. The 61-sen...
Attorney Hamid Ismail joined the judiciary as a commissioner after representing families in prominent legal battles throughout his 24-year career. The 49-year-old handled corruption and criminal matters while defending political figures such as former Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal and opposition leaders. He served as lead counsel for the late student Zara Qairina Mahathir's relatives until August, when he secured an inquest into her contested death. Sessions Court judge Steve Ritikos and Sarawak lawyer Ratanah Devi Yusof Perumal received identical appointments.
Hamid previously held positions within PAS and campaigned for state legislature seats in 2013 and 2018. His legal team pressed authorities to reopen investigations and...
The Malaysian government's Budi95 fuel subsidy program generated 21.8 million liters in sales worth 43.7 million ringgit through yesterday evening. Nearly 912,000 eligible participants purchased discounted RON95 gasoline at 1.99 ringgit per liter instead of the standard 2.60 ringgit rate for October. Military personnel and police accessed the benefit first on September 27, before it was expanded to cash aid recipients and eventually 16 million qualified citizens by September 30.
Finance Ministry officials negotiate with ride-hailing companies to provide additional fuel allocations for drivers who meet program requirements. Authorities also discuss extending subsidized quotas to boat operators in Sabah and Sarawak. The 61-sen discount...
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying Malaysian aid workers toward Gaza. The convoy includes 34 activists from Malaysia among participants from 45 nations currently navigating waters near Greece. Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said any interference would deepen hardship for Palestinians trapped in the besieged territory.
The government tracks the mission closely as volunteers face potential Israeli military action. Anwar urged citizens to pray for the crew while supporting humanitarian efforts aligned with national values of justice and solidarity. Malaysia became the first nation to formally endorse the Mediterranean voyage delivering food and medicine to the...
Prosecutors announced readiness to challenge a Court of Appeal ruling that cleared Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman of financial crimes related to youth wing funds. The Chief Justice scheduled the Federal Court appeal for late November or early December despite defense requests to postpone until January. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin confirmed submissions were complete while lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik must provide written justification for the delay request.
The Court of Appeal acquitted Syed Saddiq in June after the High Court had sentenced him to seven years imprisonment, caning, and a substantial fine. Charges involved criminal breach of trust with RM1 million, misuse of RM120,000, and money...
Police will close roads across eight Selangor districts starting Thursday to accommodate three stages of the Le Tour de Langkawi cycling race. The closures affect Hulu Selangor, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Shah Alam, North Klang, South Klang, Kuala Langat, and Sepang over 162 kilometers of racing routes. Stage 5 begins Thursday afternoon on Jalan Gap toward Fraser's Hill, while Stage 6 departs Friday from Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam through multiple towns before finishing in Port Dickson. Stage 8 runs Sunday from Beranang through Semenyih and Ampang to KLCC with road restrictions beginning at 2:55 p.m.
Police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said 392 officers and 235 Team Sahabat members will manage traffic throughout the event. Authorities urged...
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected calls to disinvite US President Donald Trump from the 47th ASEAN Summit despite criticism of American policy toward Palestine. The Malaysian leader said authentic diplomacy requires direct confrontation rather than avoidance when addressing disagreements. Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah confirmed that Malaysia will use the gathering to advocate for Gaza while pursuing economic partnerships and regional integration. Trump's attendance reflects Malaysia's position as Asean chair rather than approval of his administration's actions.
The government plans to balance vocal support for oppressed populations with pragmatic international relations during the summit. Local politicians had urged...
