Day: July 16, 2026

PM Anwar Urges PTD Cadets to Uphold Integrity and Put the People First

PUTRAJAYA, July 16 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on future civil servants to uphold integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that the nation's future depends on a capable and principled public service. Speaking during a meeting with Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) cadets currently undergoing the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management Programme, Anwar said the role of a civil servant carries a significant responsibility that extends beyond administrative duties. He emphasised that public officers must demonstrate integrity, efficiency, the courage to embrace change, and an unwavering commitment to placing the interests of the people and the nation above all else. According to the Prime Minister, these qualities are essential in ensuring that Malaysia's public service remains responsive, accountable, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the country. Anwar said the future of Malaysia rests on a new generation of leaders and civil servants who are competent, principled, and dedicated to strengthening good governance. He added that a high-performing public service would play a critical role in advancing Malaysia's development while promoting fairness, transparency, and shared prosperity in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the PTD cadets would contribute meaningfully to nation-building by serving with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Malaysians. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 16 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on future civil servants to uphold integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that the nation’s future depends on a capable and principled public service. Speaking during a meeting with Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) cadets currently undergoing the Postgraduate Diploma […]

Sabah JKDM seizes 100kg of pangolin scales worth RM1.3 million

SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully seized 100 kilograms of pangolin scales estimated to be worth RM1.3 million at the air cargo entry point here on July 6. Sabah JKDM director Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said in the 2.30pm incident, JKDM found five polystyrene boxes, each filled with black plastic, containing 20 kilograms (kg) of pangolin scales. "Initial investigations found that the pangolin scales were brought from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan using an express bus service before being sent to air cargo, believed to be an attempt to export without a permit from the Sabah Wildlife Department." "We suspect that the pangolin scales were sent to the Peninsula first, from there they were arranged for export. All the scales were seized and no arrests were made, but we are still conducting further investigations," he told reporters here, today. Ahmad Taufik said the syndicate used the tactic of declaring trade in Customs Form Number 3 by declaring other merchandise for domestic shipment from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The case is being investigated under Section 10 of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686), and if convicted, the offender can be fined up to RM100,000 for each part of the animal or imprisoned for up to seven years or both. Meanwhile, Ahmad Taufik said last month, the JKDM seized 95,080 contraband cigarettes and a vehicle estimated to be worth RM136,129.56 including tax, and seized 2,645 litres of subsidised diesel oil worth RM13,939.15. Any smuggling complaints can be reported by calling 1800-88-8855 and the identity of the informant will be kept confidential. -- BERNAMA

SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully seized 100 kilograms of pangolin scales estimated to be worth RM1.3 million at the air cargo entry point here on July 6. Sabah JKDM director Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said in the 2.30pm incident, JKDM found five polystyrene boxes, each filled with black plastic, containing 20 kilograms (kg) […]

Dewan Rakyat passes National Trust Fund Bill 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today approved the National Trust Fund (KWAN) Bill 2026 which will strengthen the legal basis of the fund by ensuring more consistent inflows, more disciplined disbursements and clearer governance and accountability. The bill, which is based on a clear intention to create long-term financial reserves for future generations of Malaysians, was tabled by Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong, and passed with a majority of votes in favor after being debated by 15 Members of Parliament. Liew said after almost four decades, KWAN group assets amounted to RM22.43 billion at the end of 2024, with PETRONAS remaining the only voluntary contributor, amounting to RM13.5 billion. "During the same period, the experience of administering the Fund, including the RM5 billion withdrawal episode in 2021 that received public attention, showed that the existing framework needed to be improved, with contributions being entirely discretionary, with no withdrawal limits, and with a general purpose of use." "This bill was drafted to strengthen the framework through statutory contributions, production discipline and modern governance," he said when wrapping up the debate on the KWAN 2026 Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today. He said the contribution rate set at 0.1 percent was a minimum rate and the obligation to contribute to intergenerational savings needed to remain robust across fiscal cycles and successive governments. Therefore, the rate can only be changed by Parliament itself through an amendment Act, and any government that wants to change it must return to the Dewan Rakyat, he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today approved the National Trust Fund (KWAN) Bill 2026 which will strengthen the legal basis of the fund by ensuring more consistent inflows, more disciplined disbursements and clearer governance and accountability. The bill, which is based on a clear intention to create long-term financial reserves for future generations of Malaysians, […]

Malaysia targets five gold medals at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian contingent has set a target of five gold medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2. Malaysia's Head of Contingent (CDM) to Glasgow 2026, Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, said that apart from five gold medals, the national contingent is also targeting two silver medals and four bronze medals. He said the target was based on an assessment of the preparation and potential of the athletes who will take on the national challenge in Scotland. "The training camp for athletes who will compete in Glasgow has been underway and we have made a decision on the contingent's target, which we call the 5-2-4 target, which is five gold medals, two silver and four bronze medals this time." "Of the four gold medals that were lost (in Birmingham 2022), our target should be only three golds left. However, perhaps the medals can be obtained through other events, God willing. As a contingent and a team, we are confident in setting that target," he said. He said this at a press conference after the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony for the Malaysian Contingent to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at the National Sports Council (MSN), Bukit Jalil here today. However, Awalan refused to detail the sports or athletes that were specifically targeted to win gold, instead admitting that weightlifting, track cycling, field bowling, judo, powerlifting and para-athletes were among the sports identified as having the potential to contribute medals. He said each sport has its own targets, but overall achievement must be seen as a team effort and not placed entirely on specific athletes or events. A total of 59 athletes, including national para athletes, will participate in eight of the 10 sports to be competed in Glasgow 2026, including swimming, track cycling, athletics, weightlifting and field bowls, in addition to six integrated para sports. For the record, Malaysia won seven gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze medals in the 2022 edition in Birmingham, England, but four of the seven gold medals were contributed through sports that were no longer being contested this time. Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari officiated the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony to national long jump champion Datuk Abdul Latif Romly who was honoured as the national contingent's Jalur Gemilang bearer. Also present were Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (MPM) Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin and Director-General of MSN Jefri Ngadirin. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian contingent has set a target of five gold medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2. Malaysia’s Head of Contingent (CDM) to Glasgow 2026, Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, said that apart from five gold medals, the national contingent is also […]

E-hailing driver fined RM4,000 for spreading false content related to diesel

KOTA KINABALU: An e-hailing driver was fined RM4,000 by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to a charge of posting a fake communication via the TikTok application last April. Judge Monica Linsua handed down the sentence to Shahuddin Gowana, 51, and ordered the accused to be jailed for six months if he failed to pay the fine. According to the charges, Shahuddin on April 14, using the TikTok account @izzyderabbit, uploaded a post with the caption "DIESEL issue sent to the PHILIPPINES STOP MAKING MALAYSIA A CLOWN COUNTRY". Following the transmission, the accused was charged with knowingly transmitting a communication in the form of a false transmission with the intention of offending any individual. The posting was detected at 8.57 am, April 15 at the Content Moderation Department of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Level 8, MCMC Tower 1, Jalan IMPACT, Cyber ​​6, Cyberjaya, Selangor. The accused was charged under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], which provides for a penalty under Section 233(2) of the same act, namely a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both, as well as an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. The prosecution was handled by MCMC Prosecuting Officer, Nurnazhzilah Mohammad Hashim. -- NAMED

KOTA KINABALU: An e-hailing driver was fined RM4,000 by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to a charge of posting a fake communication via the TikTok application last April. Judge Monica Linsua handed down the sentence to Shahuddin Gowana, 51, and ordered the accused to be jailed for six months if he failed […]

PM Anwar Highlights AI Talent Development During Courtesy Visit by Malaysian Professional Council

PUTRAJAYA, July 16 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Malaysia's professional talent ecosystem and preparing the workforce for the era of artificial intelligence (AI) during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Malaysian Professional Council (Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia, BIM). The delegation was led by BIM President, Prof. ChM Dr. Juan Joon Ching, where discussions focused on initiatives to develop professional talent and enhance the readiness of Malaysia's workforce to meet the demands of an increasingly AI-driven economy. Anwar said the exchange of views underscored the importance of equipping professionals with future-ready skills as Malaysia aspires to position itself as a regional hub for professional excellence and innovation. He noted that the government recognises the professional community as a strategic partner in strengthening the nation's competitiveness, driving innovation, and supporting the implementation of the MADANI agenda for the benefit of the people. "The efforts to nurture highly skilled professionals and prepare them for the challenges of the AI era are essential to ensuring Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage," the Prime Minister said. During the meeting, Anwar also received an invitation to attend Hari Ikhtisas Malaysia, an event dedicated to recognising the contributions of professionals across various sectors towards the country's development. He expressed hope that the close collaboration between the government and the professional community would continue to grow, producing more professionals who are competent, ethical, and globally competitive. Anwar added that sustained cooperation between both parties would play a vital role in cultivating future leaders capable of driving Malaysia's progress while contributing to sustainable national development. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 16 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s professional talent ecosystem and preparing the workforce for the era of artificial intelligence (AI) during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Malaysian Professional Council (Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia, BIM). The delegation was led by BIM President, Prof. […]

PM Anwar Pays Tribute to Renowned Islamic Scholar Professor John L. Esposito

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, describing the internationally renowned academic as a close friend and one of the world's foremost scholars of Islam. In a heartfelt tribute, Anwar said he first met Professor Esposito in the early 1970s, with their friendship spanning more than five decades. He described the late scholar as a trusted confidant whose wisdom and counsel he greatly valued throughout the years. Anwar praised Professor Esposito's lifelong commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Islam in the West and promoting dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities. He said the American scholar played a pivotal role in breaking down misconceptions about Islam through his academic work and public engagement. Among Professor Esposito's many achievements were founding Georgetown University's Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, editing the Oxford Encyclopaedia of the Islamic World, serving as President of the Middle East Studies Association of North America, and co-authoring Makers of Contemporary Islam with Professor John Voll. His widely read publications, including What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam and Who Speaks for Islam?, co-authored with Dalia Mogahed, helped broaden public understanding of Islam, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. "John built bridges where others were content to build civilisational barriers," Anwar said, adding that Professor Esposito's scholarship encouraged dialogue, mutual respect, and greater understanding between different faiths and cultures. The Prime Minister also remembered Professor Esposito as a man of great generosity and integrity, saying he remained a steadfast friend through both good and difficult times. On behalf of the Malaysian government and people, Anwar extended his deepest condolences to Professor Esposito's wife, Jean, as well as his family, colleagues, and students. "May his scholarship and the dialogue he spent his life building continue to bear fruit. He was, to the end, a true friend to the Muslim world," Anwar said. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, describing the internationally renowned academic as a close friend and one of the world’s foremost scholars of Islam. In a heartfelt tribute, Anwar said he first met Professor Esposito in the […]