Day: May 7, 2026

MetMalaysia Issues Level One Hot Weather Alert For Three States

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 2026– The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) today issued a Level One hot weather status, or alert category, for two areas in Peninsular Malaysia involving Kelantan and Pahang, as well as one area in Sabah. In a statement, MetMalaysia said the affected areas are Jeli in Kelantan and Jerantut in Pahang, while […]

MTUC Temporarily Dissolved For Failing To Submit Financial Records – ROS

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 2026– The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has received a temporary dissolution order from the Registrar of Societies (ROS), effective today, following its failure to submit several requested documents and financial records. According to the notice, dated May 7, 2026, and issued under Section 14(5) of the Societies Act 1966, the organisation […]

Staying Relevant Across Platforms Key To Modern Journalism – Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 2026– Journalism today requires practitioners to move beyond conventional reporting and adapt to the demands of digital platforms and algorithm-driven audiences, former Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said. He said journalists must remain relevant across multiple platforms to stay competitive and shape public discourse. “When you are relevant, […]

Aspiring Journalists Told To Strengthen AI, Data Journalism Skills

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 2026– The rapidly changing media landscape in the digital era, increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), is pushing future media practitioners to adapt quickly to the latest technologies to remain relevant. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bachelor of Communication student Syafiqah Izzaty Syamsul Ikram, 21, said those preparing to enter the journalism […]

Media Organisations Urged To Tap AI For Data Monetisation, Not Just Automation – Specialist

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (2026 — Media organisations should leverage artificial intelligence (AI) beyond newsroom automation by monetising decades of archived data and audience insights to strengthen long-term business sustainability. AI and digital transformation specialist Charles Gregory said media companies possess valuable datasets that can be repackaged for advertisers, businesses and specialised industries, giving them […]

From Cinema’s Underdog to Political Challenger: The Rise of TVK Leader Vijay

Vijay also known as 'THALAPATHY' has spent most of his life proving people wrong. His journey — from a struggling young actor facing ridicule to becoming one of Tamil cinema’s biggest superstars, and now a political leader attempting to reshape Tamil Nadu politics — is built on persistence more than privilege. When Vijay entered the film industry in the early 1990s, he was heavily criticised. Despite being the son of filmmaker S. A. Chandrasekhar, he did not receive automatic acceptance from audiences. Many mocked his looks, dialogue delivery, and screen presence. At a time when Tamil cinema was dominated by larger-than-life personalities, Vijay appeared quiet and ordinary. Several critics believed he lacked the charisma needed to become a hero. But Vijay survived because he kept improving. Instead of responding emotionally to criticism, he focused on hard work. Film after film, he sharpened his acting, dancing, and action performances. Movies like Poove Unakkaga gave him recognition, while later blockbusters such as Ghilli, Thuppakki, Mersal, and Leo turned him into a mass icon. His films increasingly included social themes about corruption, inequality, education, and governance, which helped strengthen his image beyond entertainment. Over time, Vijay’s fan clubs became more organised and socially active. They conducted welfare programmes, blood donation drives, flood relief efforts, and educational assistance. These activities quietly laid the groundwork for his future political movement. When Vijay officially launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, expectations were enormous. Supporters viewed him as a fresh alternative in Tamil Nadu politics, especially for younger voters seeking change. However, politics quickly exposed him to a different kind of challenge. Unlike cinema, where popularity guarantees applause, politics demands constant accountability. Vijay now faces criticism from rival parties, political analysts, and even sections of the public who question whether a film star can truly govern. Some critics argue that he has yet to present detailed policy frameworks on the economy, employment, rural development, and national issues. Others believe he still lacks the grassroots political machinery needed to compete against established Dravidian parties with decades of organisational strength. His political journey has also been complicated by intense media scrutiny. Every speech, silence, public appearance, and political decision is analysed. Opponents accuse him of relying too much on celebrity influence, while supporters counter that his clean public image and disciplined approach make him different from traditional politicians. Yet Vijay has already achieved something significant politically — he has created momentum. In a state where politics has historically been dominated by powerful established parties, building a new political movement itself is a major achievement. His rallies attract massive crowds, his speeches generate wide discussion, and his appeal among youth remains strong. Even critics acknowledge that he has become an important political figure whose influence cannot be ignored. What makes Vijay’s story compelling is that his struggles never truly ended — they simply evolved. In cinema, he fought for acceptance as an actor. Today, in politics, he is fighting for acceptance as a leader. The battlefield has changed, but the challenge remains the same: proving that he belongs at the top. Whether Vijay eventually succeeds politically or not, his journey already reflects resilience, patience, and reinvention. Few public figures manage to survive criticism in one field and willingly enter an even harsher arena. Vijay did exactly that, and that courage itself explains why millions continue to follow his journey closely. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Vijay also known as ‘THALAPATHY’ has spent most of his life proving people wrong. His journey — from a struggling young actor facing ridicule to becoming one of Tamil cinema’s biggest superstars, and now a political leader attempting to reshape Tamil Nadu politics — is built on persistence more than privilege. When Vijay entered the […]

Malaysian Bar Wins Bid To Challenge Prosecution’s Halt Of Zahid’s Case

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 -- The Court of Appeal today allowed the Malaysian Bar's bid to challenge the prosecution’s decision to halt all further proceedings against Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case. A three-member bench comprising Justice Datuk Faizah Jamaludin, presiding with Justices Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng and Datuk Nadzarin Wok Nordin, ruled that the Bar’s application was not frivolous and had raised arguable points of law that warranted a full hearing at the substantive stage. “This is an appropriate, rare and exceptional case that warrants a full judicial review. Leave is granted to the appellant to commence judicial review against the Attorney-General’s impugned decision. Thus, the High Court’s decision dated June 27, 2024, is set aside. “The matter is remitted to the High Court for the substantive hearing of the judicial review. There shall be no order as to costs,” Justice Faizah said in the unanimous decision. On June 27, 2024, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed the Malaysian Bar’s application for leave to initiate judicial review proceedings, ruling that the application failed to meet the requisite threshold for judicial review. The Bar subsequently filed the present appeal.

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 — The Court of Appeal today allowed the Malaysian Bar’s bid to challenge the prosecution’s decision to halt all further proceedings against Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case. A three-member bench comprising Justice Datuk Faizah Jamaludin, presiding with Justices Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng and Datuk […]

Taimei Technology and C&R Research Announce Strategic Partnership to Build AI-Powered Clinical Trial Innovation

SEOUL, South Korea and SHANGHAI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taimei Technology (HK.02576), a leading AI-powered drug clinical development platform company, and C&R Research (A359090), a top-tier CRO in South Korea, signed an enterprise-level strategic partnership agreement, officially launching the development of an AI-based clinical trial operations system. Under this partnership, C&R Research will deploy Taimei Technology’s […]