Day: July 17, 2026

US tightens visa restrictions for students, journalists

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) government is tightening limits on the length of time foreign students and media representatives are allowed to stay in the country, under regulations announced on Thursday, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported. Students, including exchange students, will be allowed to stay for four years, while foreign journalists will be limited […]

SARA Achieves 99% Utilisation, Easing Cost-of-Living Pressure on Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – The Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, SARA) programme continues to benefit Malaysians, recording an almost 99% utilisation rate, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted assistance in easing the burden of rising living costs. The high usage rate highlights strong public acceptance of the initiative, particularly in helping recipients meet their daily essential needs. Besides providing support to vulnerable groups, the implementation of SARA has also contributed to the local economy by encouraging spending at participating businesses. The government said the achievement demonstrates that targeted assistance can ensure allocations are delivered more effectively to those who need them most. SARA is among the government’s initiatives under its people’s welfare agenda to address cost-of-living challenges while strengthening the country’s social protection network. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – The Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, SARA) programme continues to benefit Malaysians, recording an almost 99% utilisation rate, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted assistance in easing the burden of rising living costs. The high usage rate highlights strong public acceptance of the initiative, particularly in helping recipients meet their […]

Student Reportedly Hospitalised After Fall at Sabah School

SMK Tun Datu Mustapha

KOTA KINABALU, July 17 2026 — A Form Two student was reportedly rushed to hospital after falling during school hours at SMK Tun Datu Mustapha in Kinarut, Papar, on Wednesday. According to a report by the Daily Express, the student, whose mother is a teacher at the school, was taken to hospital for medical treatment […]

Muhyiddin Denies Bersatu Left Perikatan Nasional

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has strongly rejected allegations by Tan Sri Annuar Musa that Bersatu voluntarily left Perikatan Nasional (PN), insisting that the party remains a legitimate founding member whose rights have been denied. In a statement issued on Friday, Muhyiddin said Bersatu never chose to part ways with PN but was instead sidelined from key decision-making processes, including negotiations over seat allocations for the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election. According to Muhyiddin, discussions on electoral seat distribution involving Bersatu were abruptly halted without reasonable justification. He also claimed that Bersatu was not invited to attend the Special Meeting of the PN Supreme Council, where the coalition finalised seat allocations among its component parties. "How can Bersatu be accused of acting ahead of the coalition's decision when we were not even invited to the meeting?" he questioned. Muhyiddin also addressed recent revelations that PN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had authorised exploratory discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN). While he said he did not object to negotiations, he argued that any proposal involving cooperation with another political coalition should first have been deliberated and approved by the PN Supreme Council. He criticised the process, claiming discussions were conducted without involving all PN component parties or obtaining a formal mandate from the coalition's leadership, describing the approach as contrary to proper governance. Reflecting on his tenure as PN chairman, Muhyiddin said he had always ensured that every component party was included in discussions on policy matters and electoral seat allocations during the coalition's first five years. "Today, everything has become chaotic," he said. Muhyiddin also dismissed Annuar's accusation that Bersatu was obstructing Malay unity, describing the claim as "irresponsible." He stressed that Bersatu was established as a Malay Bumiputera party and maintained that his commitment to Malay unity has never wavered. He recalled that during the formation of Perikatan Nasional, he had envisioned the coalition as a broad political platform that would unite Malay-based parties, including UMNO, alongside multiracial parties. However, he claimed UMNO declined to join PN and later refused to formally become part of the PN-led federal government, despite several UMNO Members of Parliament supporting the administration. Muhyiddin further alleged that UMNO lawmakers later conspired to bring down the PN government, which he described as a Malay-led administration. He claimed a similar political strategy is now being directed at the Unity Government formed by UMNO and Pakatan Harapan. According to Muhyiddin, PAS' decision to pursue cooperation with UMNO—despite UMNO's continued partnership with Pakatan Harapan and DAP—ultimately resulted in Bersatu being excluded from Perikatan Nasional. He argued that the current political realignment should not be portrayed as genuine Malay unity, but rather as a reshuffling of political power. Despite his criticism, Muhyiddin wished Perikatan Nasional well, saying Bersatu would now move forward independently. "Bersatu will not look back. The party will continue to stand firm and move forward, carrying its struggle for the sake of Malaysia and all its people," he said. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has strongly rejected allegations by Tan Sri Annuar Musa that Bersatu voluntarily left Perikatan Nasional (PN), insisting that the party remains a legitimate founding member whose rights have been denied. In a statement issued on Friday, Muhyiddin said Bersatu never […]

Lenovo Launches Legion R9000P with World’s First Inkjet OLED Display

SHENZHEN, China, July 16 2026 — Lenovo and TCL CSOT have marked a major milestone in display technology with the launch of the Legion R9000P, the world’s first laptop to feature an Inkjet-Printed OLED (IJP OLED) display. The collaboration represents the first successful commercial integration of TCL CSOT’s IJP OLED technology into a laptop, advancing […]

Longbridge Launches World’s First AI-Native Investing Platform

Longbridge Launches AI-Native Investing Platform to Transform Investment Experience

HONG KONG, July 17 2026 — Longbridge Group has unveiled a new generation of AI-native investing products designed to simplify and transform the investment journey through artificial intelligence. The AI-powered fintech company said the platform allows investors to interact with AI using natural conversations, whether through Longbridge’s own applications or widely used AI assistants, enabling […]

Over 5,400 Police Personnel to Cast Early Votes in Negeri Sembilan State Election

Over 5,400 Police Personnel to Cast Early Votes in Negeri Sembilan State Election

SEREMBAN, July 17 — A total of 5,455 Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel will cast their ballots as early voters in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election (PRN) on July 28, making them one of the largest groups of early voters in the election. Besides exercising their democratic right, the police personnel will also shoulder […]

15th SSM National Conference Returns With Focus On Navigating Business In The Digital Era

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 July 2026 — The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) will host the 15th edition of the SSM National Conference (SSMNC), reaffirming its commitment to advancing thought leadership on corporate governance, digital transformation and sustainable business practices in Malaysia. The two-day hybrid conference, scheduled on Aug 18 and 19, 2026 at the […]