Day: July 16, 2026

DBKL implements 16 reform initiatives after recording low corruption score – Hannah

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has implemented 16 governance and code of conduct reform initiatives within the past six months, after recording a low score for the Corruption in Public Service Ranking under the Local Authority Star Rating System 2025. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh said that DBKL only obtained 0.08 percent of the five percent marks set, thus prompting the local authority to take drastic steps to realise the reality of the scores obtained. He said, based on the findings of a study by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) after an engagement session with Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament on March 2, four main recommendations were identified to strengthen DBKL's administration, governance, integrity and service delivery system. The Segambut MP said, among other things, taking action against five procedural weaknesses identified by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). "It is the management of the implementation of the radio studio broadcast content production project, the management and distribution of the Ramadan Bazaar site, the management and monitoring of the contract implementation of various business license management services, the governance of the Malaysian Statutory Bodies Association Sports Championship, and the management of rental collection for People's Housing and Public Housing projects by DBKL. "In addition, we have also abolished the Special One-Stop Service Centre (OSC) Committee to ensure the separation of powers and avoid political interference in the development process and decisions," he said in response to a question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding the list of DBKL governance reforms during Ministerial Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. Hannah said that access to the OSC 3.0 Plus Portal is now also open to all Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament to enable them to review development applications and submit their views to the Mayor before any approval is given. He said that DBKL also limited the Mayor's authority to approve donations to a maximum of RM3,000, while applications exceeding that amount must be decided by the Supreme Management Committee. Hannah said several new committees, including the Audit Committee, the Governance and Integrity Committee and the Mayor's Contribution Committee, were also established to strengthen checks and balances and avoid conflicts of interest. Responding to Tan's additional question, Hannah said the reform aimed to change the decision-making culture at DBKL from a model focused on individuals to a system based on good governance, collective decisions and integrity. Meanwhile, he said that the Audit Committee is no longer chaired by the Mayor, in addition to DBKL implementing work rotation for officers holding sensitive positions, introducing the use of body cameras in phases starting in the fourth quarter of this year, and expanding the digitalization of services. "A total of 170 online application services have been established as of July and DBKL is targeting 180 end-to-end services by the end of the year to ensure more transparent, fast and accurate service delivery. By 2030, all applications will be carried out online." "With the e-License system, we no longer need to rely on runners and we have also integrated e-License and SPJ (Department Enforcement System). "Through the renewal of the license period implemented starting July 1, we are extending the license period to three years to ensure that all licensees can deal easily with DBKL," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has implemented 16 governance and code of conduct reform initiatives within the past six months, after recording a low score for the Corruption in Public Service Ranking under the Local Authority Star Rating System 2025. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh […]

Lionel Messi’s Final World Cup Mission Is About Legacy, Not Just Another Trophy

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its defining moments, one name continues to dominate football conversations across the globe — Lionel Messi. At 39 years old, Messi has once again proven why he is regarded as one of football's greatest players. Many believed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would mark the perfect ending to his international career after lifting the trophy. Instead, Messi returned for one more campaign, not to prove doubters wrong, but to inspire a new generation while leading Argentina's title defence. What makes Messi special is no longer just his goals. His influence extends far beyond statistics. Throughout the tournament, he has dictated the tempo, created opportunities, and demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Even when he is not the fastest player on the pitch, he remains the smartest, constantly finding space and making teammates better. His performances have been central to Argentina's run to another World Cup final. The 2026 World Cup has also become a symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment. On one side stands Messi, representing an era that has defined football for nearly two decades. On the other are emerging superstars such as Spain's Lamine Yamal, who represent the future of the sport. The prospect of a World Cup final between these generations highlights football's natural evolution while reinforcing Messi's enduring brilliance. Critics often focus on Messi's age, suggesting that Argentina depends too heavily on him. Yet this tournament has shown something different. Argentina is no longer a one-man team. Players like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez have consistently stepped up, while Messi has embraced a more creative leadership role. Rather than carrying Argentina alone, he has become the conductor of an orchestra filled with world-class talent. There is also a broader lesson in Messi's journey. Modern football often celebrates speed, athleticism and physical dominance. Messi reminds the world that intelligence, vision, discipline and experience remain equally valuable. His performances show that greatness is not defined by age but by the ability to influence the biggest matches when they matter most. Whether Argentina successfully defends its World Cup crown or falls short in the final, Messi's legacy is already secure. Another trophy would undoubtedly strengthen his place in football history, but it is not essential to define his greatness. His career has transcended records and silverware. The 2026 World Cup may well be remembered as Messi's final dance on football's biggest stage. If that proves to be the case, fans around the world should appreciate every remaining moment. Football may produce many great players in the years ahead, but there may never be another Lionel Messi. -- SUGAN BALAN

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its defining moments, one name continues to dominate football conversations across the globe — Lionel Messi. At 39 years old, Messi has once again proven why he is regarded as one of football’s greatest players. Many believed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would mark the perfect ending […]

Another individual arrested to assist in Sunway Mentari murder investigation

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 -- Police have arrested another individual to assist in investigations into the murder of a man at a hotel in Sunway Mentari, Petaling Jaya on July 8. Petaling Jaya District Police Chief, ACP Shamsudin Mamat said the man, in his 40s, was arrested last Monday and remanded for four days until tomorrow to assist in the investigation. He said the remand period of two men in their 20s and 30s who were previously detained expired today, and would be extended to assist with investigations. "The investigation papers regarding this case will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor this week," he said in a statement today. Previously, the media reported that a man in his 30s was found unconscious in a hotel before being reported dead at 11.23pm. Initial examination found signs of injury on the victim's body, and the results of the autopsy at the University Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) confirmed the cause of death was severe injuries due to the impact of a blunt object. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 — Police have arrested another individual to assist in investigations into the murder of a man at a hotel in Sunway Mentari, Petaling Jaya on July 8. Petaling Jaya District Police Chief, ACP Shamsudin Mamat said the man, in his 40s, was arrested last Monday and remanded for four days until […]

‘Jana Nayagan’ Release Faces Political Controversy After Alleged Delay in Tamil Nadu

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 -- The much-awaited Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan’, starring actor-turned-politician Vijay, has sparked controversy following reports that its theatrical release was allegedly delayed due to political concerns in Tamil Nadu. The poster circulating online indicates that the film was scheduled for a worldwide cinema release on 23 July 2026, with the arrival of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay — a reference to Vijay’s political journey and his leadership role outside the film industry. Produced by Malik Streams Corporation, Jana Nayagan is being promoted as a major milestone project as it marks Vijay’s final film appearance before fully focusing on politics. The film has attracted significant attention due to the actor’s transition from cinema to public life. However, claims have emerged that the movie faced obstacles in Tamil Nadu allegedly linked to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. Supporters of Vijay’s political movement have alleged that the delay was politically motivated, while no official confirmation has been provided by the state government regarding such claims. The controversy has intensified discussions surrounding the relationship between cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, where popular actors have historically played influential roles in shaping public opinion and political movements. Industry observers believe that the release of Jana Nayagan carries significance beyond entertainment, as it arrives at a time when Vijay’s political ambitions are drawing nationwide attention. The film is expected to become one of the most closely watched Tamil releases due to both its cinematic appeal and political backdrop. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting official updates from the production team and cinema authorities regarding the final release schedule and distribution plans across Tamil Nadu and other regions. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 16 — The much-awaited Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan’, starring actor-turned-politician Vijay, has sparked controversy following reports that its theatrical release was allegedly delayed due to political concerns in Tamil Nadu. The poster circulating online indicates that the film was scheduled for a worldwide cinema release on 23 July 2026, with the arrival […]

IBM Introduces AI-Powered Autonomous Operations to Strengthen Enterprise Infrastructure

ARMONK, New York, July 16 – IBM has unveiled new artificial intelligence (AI)-driven capabilities for its IBM Power platform, designed to help enterprises automate system operations, modernise applications and improve business resilience in the era of agentic AI. The company announced IBM Power Autonomous Operations, an AI agent that can continuously monitor Power systems and autonomously resolve issues to help maintain smooth operations. The technology is aimed at reducing manual system management and enabling businesses to focus more on innovation. IBM also introduced the IBM Bob™ Premium Package for i, an AI-powered development assistant designed to accelerate application development and modernisation on IBM i platforms, allowing more engineers to work on enterprise applications. IBM said the new capabilities are part of its broader strategy to embed autonomous IT across its Power platform, from application development to runtime operations, while maintaining security, control and reliability. According to the IBM Institute for Business Value's 2026 Tech Leader Study, enterprises expect to deploy an average of 1,661 AI agents by 2027, representing a 38 per cent increase. IBM said this growing adoption of AI agents requires a stronger IT foundation capable of managing large-scale autonomous operations. IBM Infrastructure General Manager and CTO Hillery Hunter said businesses should not have to choose between adopting AI at speed and maintaining stable, secure systems. The company also introduced the IBM Power S1112, a compact one-socket Power11 server designed for businesses seeking local AI capabilities. The system supports AI workloads through Power11 on-chip Matrix Math Acceleration technology, offering improved performance and energy efficiency. IBM said the Power S1112 delivers up to twice the core performance compared with the Power S914 and up to three times better core performance than the Power S814, while providing up to 69 per cent greater energy efficiency. The company added that IBM Power Autonomous Operations can help resolve capacity-related issues up to 15 times faster than manual intervention by using AI agents capable of managing systems through conversational prompts. Meanwhile, IBM Bob Premium Package for i aims to simplify IBM i application modernisation by helping developers understand complex code, generate documentation and accelerate software development processes. IBM said several clients and partners have already begun adopting its AI-powered solutions, highlighting improved system reliability, faster development processes and greater flexibility for modern business operations. The latest announcements reinforce IBM's focus on combining artificial intelligence with enterprise infrastructure to help organisations scale innovation while maintaining operational stability and security. -- MINUTESMY

ARMONK, New York, July 16 – IBM has unveiled new artificial intelligence (AI)-driven capabilities for its IBM Power platform, designed to help enterprises automate system operations, modernise applications and improve business resilience in the era of agentic AI. The company announced IBM Power Autonomous Operations, an AI agent that can continuously monitor Power systems and […]

Fair pay isn’t enough anymore, say Malaysian workers

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Competitive salaries alone are no longer enough to make Malaysian employees feel valued, with many workers now placing greater importance on recognition, career growth and workplace culture, according to Jobstreet by SEEK's latest Salary Pulse 2026 report. The study, based on responses from 1,010 employed Malaysians aged between 18 and 64, found that while 81 per cent of employees believe they are paid fairly for their current roles, only 49 per cent said they were satisfied with their salaries. The findings highlight a growing gap between perceived pay fairness and overall job satisfaction. Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia Managing Director Nicholas Lam said employees today view salary as more than just a reflection of market rates, but also as an indication of how much they are recognised, supported and valued by their employers. "Our research shows employees are making an important distinction between being paid fairly and feeling genuinely valued. Competitive salaries remain important, but workers also expect remuneration to reflect their contributions and career progression," he said. The report found that employees who were satisfied with their salaries were nearly three times more likely to feel motivated and willing to go beyond their job responsibilities. In contrast, those dissatisfied with their pay were 2.5 times more likely to be considering a new job. Beyond salary, workers were found to evaluate their compensation based on workload, recognition, career advancement opportunities and whether their income supports their desired lifestyle. The survey also revealed that Malaysian employees are unwilling to compromise on workplace values for higher pay. While 19 per cent would accept a lower job title for a 10 per cent salary increase and 21 per cent would agree to remain on call outside working hours, only three per cent said they would work in a toxic workplace for the same pay increase, while just eight per cent would join an organisation whose values did not align with their own. More than half (56 per cent) of respondents received salary increases over the past year, although most increments were modest, with 56 per cent receiving increases of up to five per cent and 30 per cent receiving between six and 10 per cent. The report also found that performance-based salary increments generated higher levels of satisfaction, with 65 per cent of recipients expressing satisfaction compared with 52 per cent of employees who received company-wide pay adjustments. Despite recognising the importance of salary discussions, only 40 per cent of respondents said they were comfortable asking for a pay rise. However, among those who did request an increase, 78 per cent were successful. Based on the findings, Jobstreet by SEEK encouraged employers to go beyond offering competitive salaries by improving transparency in pay decisions, recognising individual contributions, creating more opportunities for salary discussions and providing clearer career progression pathways to strengthen employee engagement and retention. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Competitive salaries alone are no longer enough to make Malaysian employees feel valued, with many workers now placing greater importance on recognition, career growth and workplace culture, according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest Salary Pulse 2026 report. The study, based on responses from 1,010 employed Malaysians aged between 18 and […]

Late Martinez Header Sends Argentina Into World Cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Lautaro Martinez struck deep into stoppage time as Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final at Atlanta Stadium in the United States on Wednesday. The dramatic semi-final appeared to be slipping away from the defending champions after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 54th minute. However, Argentina mounted a late comeback, with Enzo Fernandez levelling the score in the 85th minute before Martinez rose highest to head home the winner in added time, sealing a memorable victory for Lionel Scaloni's side. The win sends La Albiceleste into Sunday's World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium, where they will face 2010 champions Spain in a blockbuster clash for football's biggest prize. Argentina will now be aiming to successfully defend the World Cup title, while Spain will be seeking to lift the trophy for the second time in the nation's history. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Lautaro Martinez struck deep into stoppage time as Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final at Atlanta Stadium in the United States on Wednesday. The dramatic semi-final appeared to be slipping away from the defending champions after […]

Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Remain Closed Until US Accepts Its Terms

ISTANBUL, July 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iran said early Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States (US) accepts Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strategic waterway, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing local media. According to the semi-official Mehr News Agency, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akrami-Nia said control of the strait must be brought under Iran’s authority before it can be reopened. He said Washington must comply with the terms of last month's framework peace deal, halt what he called hostile actions, and accept Iranian rules governing the strait. Akrami-Nia added that continued US military action would not force Iran to reopen the waterway. His remarks came after a fresh wave of explosions was reported across several Iranian cities as the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced additional strikes on the country. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities linked to threats on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global trade. The attacks came amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with American forces striking Iran and Tehran responding with attacks on US military bases across the region despite a Pakistani-mediated framework agreement towards reaching a lasting settlement. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, July 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) — Iran said early Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States (US) accepts Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strategic waterway, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing local media. According to the semi-official Mehr News Agency, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akrami-Nia said control of the strait must […]

US Approves Potential Arms Deals For Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

WASHINGTON, July 16 -- The United States (US) State Department has approved a potential US$1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia and a separate US$484 million sustainment package for Kuwait, it said in a statement on Wednesday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. The proposed sale to Saudi Arabia includes up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance sections and up to 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-ground guidance sections. The package also includes launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuses, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, training equipment and logistics support services, according to the State Department. The principal contractor for the Saudi sale would be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire. Separately, Washington approved a possible US$484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment. The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training and logistics services. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WASHINGTON, July 16 — The United States (US) State Department has approved a potential US$1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia and a separate US$484 million sustainment package for Kuwait, it said in a statement on Wednesday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. The proposed sale to Saudi Arabia includes up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon […]