Day: June 22, 2026

MACC Probes Alleged Irregularities, Misconduct In Elephant Transfer Deal

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the transfer of three elephants - Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) - from the Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan. In a statement today, the MACC said the probe follows allegations of irregularities and misconduct in the transfer process. The investigation is focusing on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and agents involved in the relocation of the elephants. According to the commission, investigators are examining claims that payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government, as well as whether elements of corruption, abuse of power or misappropriation were involved. “The investigation is still at an early stage and is being conducted comprehensively,” the statement said. On June 18, a wildlife advocacy group, Hidup, called on the MACC to investigate the transfer. The group alleged that payments linked to the transaction had not been remitted to the government and implicated several individuals in dealings estimated to be worth RM53 million. The MACC urged the public to refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions that could interfere with the ongoing investigation. -- BERNAMA  

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the transfer of three elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) – from the Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan. In a statement today, the MACC said the probe follows allegations of irregularities and misconduct in […]

New Bar Course to Replace CLP Examination, Emphasis On practical Skills – Kulasegaran

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22  -- The ‘New Bar Course’ (NBC) will be introduced to replace the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination under a new approach that places greater emphasis on practical training and professional skills. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, said the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) had completed its review of the Common Bar Course (CBC) curriculum on March 31 through a dedicated committee. He said the committee had proposed that the CBC be renamed the New Bar Course and be applied to individuals who are not qualified persons under the Legal Profession Act 1976, whether they obtained their law degrees locally or abroad. “Under the NBC, which will replace the CLP examination, the LPQB will introduce two programmes known as the Conversion Course and the Legal Practice Postgraduate Certificate (LPPC),” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on the latest status of the NBC and the articled clerkship pathway review undertaken by the LPQB. Kulasegaran said the Conversion Course would be a three-month online programme for overseas graduates requiring a structured introduction to Malaysia's legal system, including core substantive laws. He said the course would be conducted through a Learning Management System (LMS) developed by the LPQB and assessed through Computer-Based Assessment (CBA). Meanwhile, the LPPC would be a six-month vocational programme for both local and overseas graduates, focusing on legal practice before they undergo pupillage. “The LPPC is conceived as a new approach that places greater emphasis on practical skills development than the CLP examination, with a more relevant assessment method,” he said. Meanwhile, he said the LPQB had established an NBC Task Force on April 27 to undertake a study titled "A Study to Develop the Operational Framework for the New Bar Course (Conversion Course and Legal Practice Postgraduate Certificate): From Policy to Practice". Kulasegaran said the study is aimed at developing the operational framework for the NBC and ensuring the smooth implementation of the proposed course. He said the task force comprises experts from public universities, private higher education institutions and members of the Malaysian Bar, with the 12-month study running from May 1 this year until April 30, 2027. On the articled clerkship pathway, Kulasegaran said the LPQB had also established a special committee to undertake a Strategic Review and Enhancement of the Articled Clerk Pathway, with the nine-month study scheduled to run from March 1 to Nov 30, 2026. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22  — The ‘New Bar Course’ (NBC) will be introduced to replace the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination under a new approach that places greater emphasis on practical training and professional skills. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, said the Legal Profession Qualifying Board […]

PAS considers contesting traditional DAP seats in Negeri Sembilan polls

PETALING JAYA, JUNE 22 -- The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS has not ruled out contesting several seats traditionally held by the Democratic Action Party DAP in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1. Negeri Sembilan PAS chief Fairuz Isa said the party is preparing to contest more than 10 seats, similar to its strategy in the 2023 state election, while also aiming to defend the three seats it currently holds. He said final seat allocations will depend on negotiations with other political partners, especially in the event of continued cooperation within the opposition bloc. “There are parties willing to work with us, and during seat negotiations, we may face limited Malay-majority seats to contest,” he was quoted as saying in Seremban. He added that PAS is considering seats currently held by Pakatan Harapan and DAP where Malay voters make up about 40% of the electorate. Fairuz said the party’s candidate selection process is about 90% complete, with emphasis on integrity, service capability, and candidates aged below 60. He also urged party members and machinery to respect and accept any final decision made by the leadership. In the 2023 state election, the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional won five of the 36 seats it contested. Within the coalition, PAS secured Paroi, Serting and Bagan Pinang, while Bersatu won Labu and Gemencheh. The Election Commission has set Aug 1 as polling day for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, with nomination day on July 18 and early voting on July 28. -- MINUTESMY

PETALING JAYA, JUNE 22 — The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS has not ruled out contesting several seats traditionally held by the Democratic Action Party DAP in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1. Negeri Sembilan PAS chief Fairuz Isa said the party is preparing to contest more than 10 seats, similar to its […]

Speaker Confirms Hamzah’s Return As Opposition Leader

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. Based on developments since the previous First Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat and notifications that had been considered, Johari said Hamzah was the Opposition Leader as of May 20, 2026. He said Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was subsequently appointed to the post from May 21 to June 10, before Hamzah returned as Opposition Leader on June 18. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Honourable Member for Kemaman for his service as Opposition Leader during that period and welcome the Honourable Member for Larut back to serve as Opposition Leader,” he said. Johari announced the status of the Opposition Leader under Standing Order 4A(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders in his opening remarks before today’s Oral Question Time. In a separate development, Johari also confirmed the casual vacancies in the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats after their incumbents, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, submitted letters relinquishing their memberships as Members of Parliament on May 18. Johari said he had notified the Election Commission of the vacancies in both seats in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution. -- BERNAMA  

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. Based on developments since the previous First Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat and notifications that had been considered, Johari said Hamzah was the Opposition Leader […]

Neymar Returns To Full Brazil Training

NEW JERSEY, June 22 -- Neymar trained fully with Brazil's World Cup squad on Sunday as he prepares for his first international appearance in almost three years, reported Xinhua. The Santos forward, who had partially resumed training last week, completed his first full session with Brazil's squad since it assembled in Terespolis, near Rio de Janeiro, on May 27. On Friday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said the 34-year-old had recovered from a grade two calf strain and would be included in the matchday squad for Wednesday's final Group C match against Scotland in Miami. Teammate Lucas Paqueta said Neymar's availability had provided a morale boost to the five-time world champion. "We're all very happy about Neymar's return," the midfielder told reporters on Sunday. "He's an extremely important player for our national team, someone with a wonderful history who can help us a lot. I hope he can be on the field helping us again as soon as possible." Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. Brazil currently leads Group C with four points, ahead of second-placed Morocco on goal difference. Scotland is third with three points and Haiti last, having yet to register a point.  -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

NEW JERSEY, June 22 — Neymar trained fully with Brazil’s World Cup squad on Sunday as he prepares for his first international appearance in almost three years, reported Xinhua. The Santos forward, who had partially resumed training last week, completed his first full session with Brazil’s squad since it assembled in Terespolis, near Rio de […]

Haier Cup Boosts Grassroots Badminton Development, Promotes Healthy Lifestyles

JOHOR BAHRU, June 22 -- Haier Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing the national sporting landscape through the organisation of the fourth edition of the Haier Cup 2026, which has grown into a national platform for nurturing emerging badminton talent at the grassroots level.  Haier Malaysia brand marketing manager Audree Fam said the annual tournament serves as a platform for young players to hone their talent and improve their skills. “The main objective of organising this tournament is to strengthen the development of badminton at the grassroots level,” she said when met at the Haier Cup 2026 Johor Series tournament at Sports Hub @ Austin Heights here on Saturday (June 20). According to Fam, Haier Malaysia has expanded its reach for this edition by adding Sabah as a new host destination, alongside existing venues in Sarawak, Johor, Penang and Selangor. This year's tournament also offers a more dynamic challenge, with prizes worth RM90,000 comprising cash, Haier products and Maxx merchandise. In addition to the open category, Haier's commitment to the sporting ecosystem is reflected through the organisation of the Haier Cup Junior for the second consecutive year, catering to participants as young as seven. The initiative is complemented by the Haier Junior Development 2.0 programme, which aims to train 10,000 students from 20 schools nationwide through a structured year-long training framework. “Haier Malaysia believes sport plays an important role in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among Malaysians,” said Fam. She said that through the Haier Cup, the company hopes to encourage the public to remain active while instilling discipline and a strong spirit of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, one of the tournament participants, Lai Wei Chung, 27, said the championship provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience by competing against players from various backgrounds and levels. Lai said this was not his first time participating in the Haier Cup and viewed the platform as highly beneficial for the long-term development of players. Another participant, Ng Jiajun, 32, believed that expanding the tournament across more states would help unearth more talents. “Through competitions like this, we are able to bring together talented players to compete with one another, providing valuable experience that greatly contributes to the development of badminton at this level,” he said. Ng also praised the management of player scheduling and the smooth running of matches, describing it as excellent throughout the tournament. In a separate statement, Haier Malaysia managing director Fan Jing said the Haier Cup continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and partners. “What began as a competitive initiative has evolved into a strong engagement platform, with participation and interest continuing to grow year after year,” he said. He said such initiatives have proven highly valuable in supporting badminton enthusiasts by providing opportunities to compete, enhance their skills and remain active in the sport. For the 2026 edition, Haier is also focusing on rising talent Lim Ming Hong through the Haier Elite Player Sponsorship Programme to support his professional journey on both the local and international stages. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 22 — Haier Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing the national sporting landscape through the organisation of the fourth edition of the Haier Cup 2026, which has grown into a national platform for nurturing emerging badminton talent at the grassroots level. Haier Malaysia brand marketing manager Audree Fam said the […]

Two Rooms At SK Parit Serong Damaged In Fire

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no casualties were reported. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 12.50 am, and a team from the Tanjung Karang station arrived at the scene at 1.01 am. He said the operation was also assisted by personnel from the Kuala Selangor and Sungai Besar stations, involving a total of 13 personnel and three fire engines. "The fire involved an administration office and the resource unit room measuring 18.3 by 7.6 metres. It was brought under control at 1.13 am," he said in a statement. The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, he said. -- BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no casualties were reported. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 12.50 am, […]

Impact Study Shows PLKN 3.0 Delivers Positive Outcomes – Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements of human capital development among participants, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said trainees were required to attain at least 80 per cent achievement in six key areas: patriotism, unity, discipline and self-transformation, mental resilience and preparedness, military knowledge, and volunteerism. He said the KPI assessment was conducted through surveys and impact studies before and after training, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). “Overall, the objectives and KPIs set for all PLKN 3.0 training series have been achieved, with all indicators showing positive improvement based on findings from the second series this year. “Military knowledge recorded the most significant increase, rising from 56 per cent before training to 84 per cent after training, while volunteerism increased from 75 per cent to 83 per cent,” he said in reply to a question from Sekijang MP Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Adly said patriotism levels rose from 82 per cent to 88.98 per cent after training, while unity scores increased by nine per cent. Discipline and self-transformation improved from 77.36 per cent to 92.6 per cent, and mental resilience rose from 71 per cent to 83 per cent. Although PLKN is not an employment programme, he said former participants would receive added value after five public sector appointing authorities agreed to award additional merit points to eligible trainees during recruitment and interview processes. On access for B40 and rural youths, Adly said PLKN 3.0 was designed to involve young people from all backgrounds, including through the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) elements into its training modules. He said a total of 3,404 trainees had participated in PLKN 3.0 so far, comprising 1,202 last year and 2,202 in the second series this year. The ministry is targeting 4,200 trainees by year-end through its three existing camps, while preparations are underway for nine additional camps that are expected to increase capacity to 9,200 trainees next year. He added that health issues and continuing studies were among the main reasons cited by individuals who failed to report after being selected for training. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements of human capital development among participants, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said trainees were required to attain at least […]

PM Anwar Conveys Condolences Over Francisco Guterres’ Passing

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his nation's struggle for independence and democratic development. In a statement, Anwar said Malaysia joins the people of Timor-Leste in mourning the loss of a statesman whose life was dedicated to the freedom and progress of his country. “On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Timor-Leste,” Anwar said. Francisco Guterres, widely known by his resistance name “Lú-Olo”, was among the generation of leaders who helped secure Timor-Leste’s independence. He spent years in the resistance movement before going on to serve as President of the National Parliament and later as the country's Head of State. Anwar noted that throughout his public service, Guterres remained steadfast in his commitment to the freedom of the Timorese people and the building of a democratic nation. “Malaysia mourns his passing alongside the people of Timor-Leste. He will be remembered here with respect and affection,” he said. Guterres’ contributions to Timor-Leste’s independence and nation-building have left a lasting legacy, earning him admiration both at home and abroad.  -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his nation’s struggle for independence and democratic development. In a statement, Anwar said Malaysia joins the people of Timor-Leste […]