Day: June 30, 2026

ANALYSIS: Calm DUN Expected to Witness Fierce Four-Corner Competition

TENANG, JOHOR: Seat N.05 of the Tenang State Assembly is expected to be one of the areas that will attract attention in this year's Johor State Election (PRN) when it sees a four-cornered contest involving Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and an Independent candidate. Based on the results of previous elections, Tenang can no longer be considered a seat that has an absolute advantage for any party. Although BN managed to recapture the seat in the 2022 Johor state election through Haslinda Salleh's victory with a majority of 1,706 votes, the voting pattern in this area shows an increasingly competitive competition. Tenang's political landscape is also influenced by its position in the Sekijang Parliament, which is currently represented by Pakatan Harapan. This situation shows that some voters are willing to make different choices between the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly levels based on candidates, local issues and current performance. From a demographic perspective, Tenang has a diverse voter composition with Malay voters as the largest group, alongside the Chinese and Indian communities who also play an important role. In a contest involving more than two candidates, support from on-the-fence voters as well as non-Malay voters has the potential to influence the final outcome. Perikatan Nasional has fielded Normala Sudirman, former head of the PAS Muslimat Dewan Labis, as its candidate for the seat. Her nomination reflects PN's confidence in female leadership and efforts to expand the party's influence in areas previously controlled by BN. As a female candidate with experience in party organization, Normala is expected to focus on issues of people's welfare, cost of living and community development. However, he also faces the challenge of maintaining and expanding PN's support in a competition involving four corners. On the BN side, Mohd Azahar Ibrahim brings the strength of the party machinery that has long been established in the area, especially among rural voters and the FELDA community. The advantages of the organization and grassroots network are still BN's main assets in maintaining its influence in Tenang. Pakatan Harapan, through Amanah candidate Elia Nadira Sabudin, is expected to work to strengthen support in settlement centres and among voters who are inclined towards the reform and governance agenda. PH's performance at the Parliamentary level shows that the party still has a support base that it can leverage, even though the voting pattern at the DUN level is not necessarily the same. Meanwhile, the presence of Independent candidate, Siti Aisyah Zobir, has the potential to add a new dimension to the competition. Although Independent candidates typically face challenges in terms of machinery and resources, such candidacies can influence vote distribution depending on the level of voter acceptance of the issues brought forward. Overall, the Tenang state constituency is expected to be a competitive field influenced by several key factors, including the strength of the party machinery, candidate profiles, cost of living issues, local development, the performance of elected representatives and voter turnout rates. In a four-cornered contest, each party's ability to retain traditional supporters while attracting the support of voters on the fence is expected to be a key factor determining the election outcome. Based on observations of previous voting patterns, the Tenang seat can be considered a competitive area. While BN has a winning record at the state assembly level, PN and PH each have a support base that allows them to compete. Therefore, the final result is likely to depend on the dynamics of the current campaign, the effectiveness of voter mobilization and voter sentiment on polling day. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: PRESSKL

TENANG, JOHOR: Seat N.05 of the Tenang State Assembly is expected to be one of the areas that will attract attention in this year’s Johor State Election (PRN) when it sees a four-cornered contest involving Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and an Independent candidate. Based on the results of previous elections, […]

No New Project Or Policy Announcements Allowed During Election Campaigns – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30  -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the announcement of new projects or policies during election campaigns is prohibited under election laws. He said the restriction is in line with Section 24B of the Election Offences Act 1954. “Our position remains unchanged. Once nomination day has been announced, campaigning may proceed, but there must be no announcement or promise of new projects or new policies for the state concerned. “Government machinery must not be used to announce new projects during the campaign period, whether by city councils, state governments or the Federal Government,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. The Prime Minister said this in reply to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who wanted to know whether the prohibition on announcing government allocations or projects after nomination day remains in force and how compliance will be enforced ahead of the Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Anwar said, however, that announcing projects that had already been approved or allocated funding under a previous federal budget does not breach election regulations. On Shahidan's supplementary question about an allocation announced in Johor by the Housing and Local Government Minister, Anwar said the project had already been approved, and the ministry was merely reiterating an earlier decision. The same goes for the government’s announcement to reduce the price of subsidised diesel for Malaysians to RM2.10 per litre, the move which he said formed part of the planned implementation of the targeted fuel subsidy programme, covering both RON95 petrol and diesel. “That policy had already been announced. The targeted subsidy programme begins with RON95, followed by diesel. It is a nationwide policy, so I do not see any contradiction,” he said. To another supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) on the use of government assets and facilities during election campaigns, Anwar said existing guidelines remain in force. “The government decided on these guidelines long before I became prime minister. It would not be appropriate for any prime minister to travel without official security arrangements or government vehicles. “The decision was reaffirmed during the tenure of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. The same principle applies to chief ministers and menteri besar, but they must remember they are serving in a caretaker capacity. “A caretaker government cannot announce new policies or make policy decisions, particularly those with financial implications. If there are any breaches, I have been informed by the Election Commission that action will be taken,” he added. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30  — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the announcement of new projects or policies during election campaigns is prohibited under election laws. He said the restriction is in line with Section 24B of the Election Offences Act 1954. “Our position remains unchanged. Once nomination day has been announced, […]

UN concerned about latest Afghan, Pakistan hostilities

HAMILTON (CANADA): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the latest hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan that have resulted in civilian casualties, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a press conference that the UN chief "urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians." Urging Afghanistan and Pakistan to "resolve their differences through diplomacy", Dujarric said: "We continue to urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and continue to insist that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times." Dujarric also referred to a statement from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) which confirmed that "many civilians were killed and injured in airstrikes launched by Pakistan in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces, all of which took place last night." "Our humanitarian partners also reported that the latest attacks are believed to have triggered displacement, while humanitarian partners on the ground are assessing needs and preparing to deliver emergency assistance," Dujarric added. Pakistan on Monday said it was targeting hideouts of armed groups in Afghanistan following several "terrorist" incidents in its territory, while Kabul claimed the latest attacks had killed dozens of civilians. The attack came after a group of gunmen stormed a security facility in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Saturday, killing three paramilitary personnel and three attackers. Another attacker was captured and injured. Relations between the two neighboring countries remain tense following a series of attacks by armed groups in Pakistan in recent years, which have sparked several clashes in the border area. Islamabad accuses Kabul of allowing its territory to be used by militant groups, but Afghanistan denies the allegations. -- BERNAMA-ANATOLIA

HAMILTON (CANADA): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the latest hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan that have resulted in civilian casualties, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a press conference that the UN chief “urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians.” Urging […]

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Extends Birthday Greetings to Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 -- — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has conveyed his highest congratulations and respectful salutations to His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, in conjunction with His Royal Highness’s Birthday on 30 June 2026. In his statement, Zahid expressed his prayers for Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s continued good health and well-being, wishing that he be blessed with sustained grace and divine protection. He also prayed for the Regent to be endowed with wisdom in governing Johor Darul Ta’zim and serving the Bangsa Johor. Zahid concluded his message with heartfelt respect and loyal greetings, reflecting the nation’s appreciation and esteem for the Johor royal institution. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has conveyed his highest congratulations and respectful salutations to His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, in conjunction with His Royal Highness’s Birthday on 30 June 2026. In his statement, Zahid expressed his prayers for Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s continued good […]

PM Anwar Launches New Malaysian International Passport with Enhanced Security Features

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 30 -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has officiated the launch of the new Malaysian International Passport (PMA) at the Parliament of Malaysia, introducing a significantly upgraded document designed to strengthen national security and curb forgery and misuse. The newly designed passport features 94 advanced security elements, an increase from 49 in the previous version, making it more resistant to tampering and counterfeiting. Beginning 1 July, Malaysians will also have the option to choose their passport validity period of either five or ten years, offering greater flexibility to applicants. Authorities emphasized that there is no need for the public to rush to replace existing passports, as current documents remain valid until six months before their expiration date. The rollout of the new passport will be implemented gradually nationwide to ensure a smooth transition. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: SABAH MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 30 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has officiated the launch of the new Malaysian International Passport (PMA) at the Parliament of Malaysia, introducing a significantly upgraded document designed to strengthen national security and curb forgery and misuse. The newly designed passport features 94 advanced security elements, an increase from 49 in the […]

Johor’s Mega Infrastructure Agenda Requires State-federal Alignment – Mohamad

MUAR, June 30 -- The development of mega infrastructure projects in Johor to match regional growth, including that of neighbouring Singapore, requires close coordination between the state and Federal Governments to ensure the smooth implementation and allocation of billions of ringgit in investments. Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said alignment between both levels of administration is crucial, as major components of Johor’s transportation, logistics and border infrastructure fall under the direct jurisdiction of the federal government. He said strong cooperation between Putrajaya and Johor would serve as a key catalyst for delivering large-scale development projects that ultimately benefit the people of the state. “The railway system, roads, border facilities and immigration all fall under federal government jurisdiction. That is why Johor’s administration needs to move in tandem with the federal government so that development can be implemented more smoothly and harmoniously,” he told Bernama here last night. Earlier, Mohamad accompanied Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Simpang Jeram state seat, Nazri Abd Rahman, to a voter engagement session at the Gemilang Bakri Commercial Centre. Commenting on the four-cornered contest in Simpang Jeram, Mohamad expressed confidence in the political maturity of local voters, saying they tend to support coalitions viewed as capable of forming a stable government. “I am confident that regardless of the number of candidates contesting, voters will prioritise parties that are seen as capable of securing a governing majority,” he said, while expressing optimism that PH could maintain its momentum in the mixed constituency. He added that achieving victory in constituencies with diverse demographics depends on candidates’ ability to gain broad-based support across communities while preserving the agenda of unity and inclusivity. Welcoming the positive response from rural communities, Mohamad also called on PH machinery across Johor to intensify campaign efforts ahead of polling day. He described the encouraging reception towards grassroots engagement programmes and public outreach activities as a positive indication of continued support for political stability in the state. The Johor state election features 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting set for July 7. To get the latest news on the 16th Johor General Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.  -- BERNAMA 

MUAR, June 30 — The development of mega infrastructure projects in Johor to match regional growth, including that of neighbouring Singapore, requires close coordination between the state and Federal Governments to ensure the smooth implementation and allocation of billions of ringgit in investments. Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said alignment between […]

Dewan Rakyat Records Condolences Over Passing of Takiyuddin’s Brother

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today expressed its condolences to Kota Bharu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan on the passing of his biological brother Md Shahdin, who was in his 80s, last night. Condolences were delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, before the start of the Ministerial Questions (MQT) session at this morning's sitting. "Honorable Members, with great sadness and sorrow, I would like to announce that the biological brother of the Honorable Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan passed away last night. "On behalf of the Members of this House and on behalf of the entire Parliament, I would like to express my condolences to Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Takiyuddin on the passing of his biological brother," he said. Ramli also invited Members of Parliament to pray that Allah SWT would shower blessings on the deceased's soul and place him among the righteous and faithful. ​-- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today expressed its condolences to Kota Bharu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan on the passing of his biological brother Md Shahdin, who was in his 80s, last night. Condolences were delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, before the start of […]

Distribution Of Federal Allocations Based On Needs, Not Tax Revenue – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30  -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that almost all states received higher allocations from the federal government compared to their tax revenue contributions, except for Selangor and Penang,  which recorded higher revenue collection. He said the allocations were made based on development needs and the well-being of the people, thus rejecting claims that certain states were being ignored or marginalised. Anwar said the government determined the allocations based on the urgent needs in each state, including flood mitigation projects, upgrading the Pan Borneo highway and new roads, water drainage systems, poverty eradication and the development of schools and other infrastructure facilities. “If I want to compare, I want to emphasise here that it is the MADANI Government that provides the highest allocations for states such as Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan, compared to the previous one,” he said during the Ministerial Question Time session at the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman) regarding allegations that the federal government's allocation to state governments is unfair and insufficient compared to the revenue collected, in addition to the efforts of the MADANI Government in improving the distribution of these allocations. Anwar said for the period 2023 to 2025, Selangor contributed RM43.6 billion in tax revenue to the federal government, while the federal expenditure in the state amounted to RM15 billion. For Penang, he said, the average revenue contributed to the federal government in the same period was RM10.7 billion, while the expenditure in the state amounted to RM7.9 billion. He said that for other states, the total federal expenditure was much higher than the tax revenue contributed. According to him, for the period 2023 to 2025, Kelantan recorded an average revenue of RM946 million with federal expenditure reaching RM8.9 billion, while Kedah recorded a revenue of RM3.7 billion with an expenditure of RM9.5 billion. For Terengganu, he said, the revenue received by the federal government, including petroleum revenue, was about RM2 billion, while the federal expenditure amounted to RM7.8 billion, and Johor recorded a revenue of about RM14 billion with a federal expenditure of RM16 billion. Meanwhile, in response to Doris Sophia's supplementary question on the special grant to Sarawak, Anwar said negotiations were still ongoing in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He explained that the matter was not announced during his recent meetings with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in Bintulu and Kuching, as the government had prioritised resolving issues related to the handover of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government and the payment of RM1.8 billion by Sarawak to the federal government, a development he described as unprecedented. “I have given assurances that negotiations are continuing and that an increase should be granted based on the spirit of MA63. Therefore, this will be approved as soon as possible,” he said. At the same time, the prime minister described the handover of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government as a milestone worth celebrating, noting that it marked the first time in history that a solution was achieved through negotiations recognising the state’s rights under the Constitution. “This is the first time in history that negotiations have fulfilled constitutional requirements in recognising the rights of states in matters concerning ports, and it symbolises the importance of conducting constructive and healthy negotiations,” he said. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30  — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that almost all states received higher allocations from the federal government compared to their tax revenue contributions, except for Selangor and Penang,  which recorded higher revenue collection. He said the allocations were made based on development needs and the well-being of the people, […]

Elderly, Family And Community Take Centre Stage In Kartiyaini’s Skudai Campaign

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 -- Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the local heartbeat, especially when it comes to the needs of senior citizens. The 37-year-old lawyer says growing up in Taman Sri Skudai has deeply shaped her vision: to ensure that infrastructure development in the area builds a community that is genuinely more elderly-friendly and family-oriented. "I still live in Skudai, and my parents are still here too. That's why I often ask myself, when we build new facilities, are we really thinking about their needs? "When we upgrade housing areas, are we putting them first? I want to see Skudai become a place that truly welcomes and supports its elderly residents," she told Bernama. As the eldest of two siblings, she pointed out that nearly 30 per cent of Skudai's population, about 31,722 people, are now aged 55 and above. That statistic, she says, makes it all the more urgent to provide more public amenities and programmes tailored specifically to their needs. A law graduate from Universiti Malaya, Kartiyaini says her top priority is to take a holistic look at public facilities, starting with upgrading bus stops to make them more comfortable and accessible for everyone. Beyond infrastructure, she also aims to roll out more weekly activities to keep senior citizens active and living purposefully long after retirement. Affectionately known as "Karti" among locals, she wants to expand community programmes like carnivals and leisure spaces near residential areas, not just for fun, but to bring families closer together. "It's not only about strengthening community ties. It also helps parents provide meaningful activities for their children during free time and school holidays, without having to rely purely on shopping malls as the go-to recreational spot," she explained. Although the Skudai state seat is traditionally a Pakatan Harapan stronghold, Kartiyaini acknowledges that today's political landscape demands that elected representatives consistently deliver strong performance to maintain voter trust. Drawing from her experience serving at the Perling State Assembly office and as political secretary to the Buntong assemblyman in Perak from 2022 to 2024, Kartiyaini is confident in her ability to deliver more effective service to the people of Skudai. She intends to continue the grassroots, walk-about approach and provide cross-community services that have long been the bedrock of PH's strength, while also introducing a more structured complaint management system to ensure every issue is tracked and followed through to resolution. The Skudai seat, which has 106,805 registered voters, sees Kartiyaini facing a four-cornered fight against Tan Hiang Kee from Barisan Nasional (BN), Eugene Chua Meng Chong from Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), and Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre from the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). The Johor state election features 172 candidates vying for 56 state assembly seats, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the local heartbeat, especially when it comes to the needs of senior citizens. The 37-year-old lawyer says growing up in Taman Sri Skudai has deeply shaped […]

Dr Kjey Dedicates Third World Record To Late Father

KUALA LIPIS, June 30 -- Fitness athlete K. Jey Prabakaran Thevar or better known as Dr Kjey dedicated his third world record-breaking feat in the 18-hour non-stop cardio and weightlifting event to his late father. Last Sunday, the 29-year-old athlete successfully set his third world record through the event, thus cementing his name in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) and Influencer Book of World Records. The historic attempt began as early as 4 am and ended at 11 pm at Healthland Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Jey Prabakaran also described the feat as having a special meaning for him who lost his father, Kunasigaran Suppiya Thevar, who passed away on March 3, 1999. "Despite growing up without a father's love, the loss was a source of inspiration and strength that motivated me to continue fighting until I succeeded in bringing glory to the country on the world stage," he told reporters here yesterday. Dr Kjey has previously set records in MBOR and Guinness World Records (GWR) through the 12-hour and 15-hour cardio and weightlifting non-stop challenge in 2023 and 2024, in addition to also breaking the Asian record with a time of 13 hours. The Kuala Lipis, Pahang native said preparations for creating the new world record began immediately after he completed the national record challenge in conjunction with National Sports Day in October last year. Commenting on the attempt, Jey Prabakaran said he faced various challenges including having to lose weight, in addition to struggling to overcome fatigue and drowsiness throughout the attempt to break the record. "For this challenge, I completely changed my eating pattern to a vegetarian diet and managed to lose 32 kilogrammes before making the record attempt," he said. Meanwhile, Dr Kjey, who is also the president of the Malaysian India Fitness Association, hopes his achievement can inspire more youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and venture into fitness. He also plans to attempt a national record of 5,000 jumping jacks in five hours in conjunction with National Sports Day scheduled to be held next October. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LIPIS, June 30 — Fitness athlete K. Jey Prabakaran Thevar or better known as Dr Kjey dedicated his third world record-breaking feat in the 18-hour non-stop cardio and weightlifting event to his late father. Last Sunday, the 29-year-old athlete successfully set his third world record through the event, thus cementing his name in the […]