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PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The Court of Appeal has fixed Sept 4 to deliver its decision on the appeals brought by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, who are seeking to stay bankruptcy proceedings against them. A three-member bench comprising Datuk Dr. Alwi Abdul Wahab, Datuk Dr. Shahnaz Sulaiman and Datuk Ong Chee Kwan heard submissions today from counsel for the appellants, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, and Senior Revenue Counsel Norhisham Ahmad, who appeared for the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Following the hearing, the bench reserved its judgment. Najib and Nazifuddin are appealing against the High Court’s decision on Nov 17, 2025, which dismissed their application for a stay of the bankruptcy proceedings. The stay is sought pending the resolution of their appeals before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (SCIT), which challenge the additional tax assessments issued by the IRB. The bankruptcy proceedings arise from separate High Court decisions granting the IRB’s applications for summary judgment against the father and son in respect of unpaid tax arrears for the assessment years 2011 to 2017. The IRB is seeking to recover RM1.69 billion from Najib and RM37.6 million from Nazifuddin in respect of the outstanding tax arrears. Both Najib and Nazifuddin had previously challenged the summary judgments entered against them, but their appeals to the Court of Appeal and subsequently to the Federal Court were dismissed. Following those dismissals, bankruptcy notices were issued against each of them. In response, they applied for a stay of the bankruptcy proceedings. However, on July 29, 2024, High Court Deputy Registrar Kamarul Aris Kamalluddin dismissed their stay applications. They appealed that decision to the High Court, but were again unsuccessful, prompting the present appeals before the Court of Appeal. At today's hearing, Muhammad Shafee submitted that special circumstances warranted the grant of a stay, as the appeals filed by Najib and Nazifuddin before the SCIT, which challenge the underlying additional tax assessments, have yet to be finally determined. He informed the bench that the SCIT hearing for Najib's case is scheduled for September, while Nazifuddin's case is fixed for October. He submitted that the outcome of the SCIT appeals would directly determine the appellants' underlying liability for the additional tax assessments, and that refusing a stay would effectively render those appeals nugatory. He further argued that permitting the bankruptcy proceedings to continue could result in Najib being adjudged bankrupt due to his inability to satisfy the sums demanded, thereby causing irreparable harm to his financial standing. In response, Norhisham submitted that under the Income Tax Act 1967, Najib is required to settle the tax debt as a precondition, notwithstanding the pending appeal. He contended that no special circumstances existed to justify a stay, as the law mandates payment of the tax liability regardless of ongoing appellate proceedings before the SCIT. — BERNAMA

Sept 4 Verdict For Najib, Son In Bankruptcy Stay Appeal

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The Court of Appeal has fixed Sept 4 to deliver its decision on the appeals brought by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are tracking the whereabouts of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin's widow, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, and her children, who are believed to be in Europe, to assist in an ongoing police investigation. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said intelligence and preliminary checks by the authorities indicated that they are currently overseas. "At this stage, PDRM is actively working to locate the late Tun Daim's widow, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, and her children to assist in completing the ongoing police investigation. "Based on intelligence and preliminary checks by the authorities, the individuals in question are believed to be overseas, specifically in Europe," he said in a written parliamentary reply posted on the Dewan Rakyat website on Thursday. He was responding to a question from Lim Lip Eng (PH–Kepong), who wanted to know whether members of the late Tun Daim's family were being sought by police due to their presence abroad, and what measures the government was taking to bring them back to Malaysia. Saifuddin Nasution said PDRM had opened an investigation paper following Sentul Police Report No. 4034/26, with the case being investigated under Section 124B of the Penal Code, which relates to activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy. He said PDRM, through its International Relations Division and the Interpol Kuala Lumpur National Central Bureau (NCB), is working closely with its counterparts to determine the family's exact whereabouts as part of efforts to facilitate their return to Malaysia. "The government wishes to emphasise that all actions taken by PDRM are based on the rule of law, without prejudice or selective agendas, and are carried out to safeguard national security and uphold the integrity of the legal system," he said. On May 26, Bernama reported that Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that Na'imah and her two sons, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin and Muhammed Amin Zainuddin, had been abroad since investigations into an alleged plot to topple the government began earlier this year. He said police had recorded statements from 17 individuals to assist investigations under Section 124B of the Penal Code, and that the investigation paper had since been referred to the Attorney General's Chambers for further action. -- BERNAMA 

PDRM Tracing Na’imah, Children In Europe To Complete Investigation – Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are tracking the whereabouts of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin’s widow, Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, and her children, who .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- From dangerous confrontations to motorists being chased or forced to stop, images of road rage have surfaced on social media with growing frequency in recent months, raising concerns over an alarming pattern of aggressive driving on Malaysian roads. The growing use of dashboard cameras (dashcams) has made such incidents more visible, with footage capturing dangerous behaviour such as sudden braking, blocking other vehicles and chasing motorists. While such videos often attract public attention, they also reveal a less visible reality - victims who continue to live with fear and, in some cases, trauma long after the incident has ended. An entrepreneur, Silver Low Yue Seng, 29, said he still vividly remembers the terrifying ordeal of narrowly escaping a road accident while driving to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recently. Low said he was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to KLIA via the E6 North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) when he encountered an older woman who he believed was having difficulty driving. He then signalled to the right to ask her to give way, but she did not respond, prompting him to flash his high beam. “Suddenly, she slowed down instead of giving way. I flashed my high beam again because there was a line of cars behind me doing the same. When I eventually overtook her from the left, she switched lanes, turned on her high beam and followed me all the way to the airport toll. “I had friends with kids in the car, so I avoided any confrontation. When I signalled to overtake again, she suddenly slammed on her brakes, nearly causing a three-car pile-up,” he told Bernama. Low said the situation escalated when another driver honked at the woman, prompting her to brake suddenly again before swerving towards the other driver's vehicle. “After that, I overtook her and sped away. The last thing I saw was her making a dangerous four-to-five-lane swerve into the Mitsui Outlet Park exit from the overtaking lane,” he said. Another victim, who wished to be known only as Syira, said witnessing her father's aggressive behaviour behind the wheel since childhood had left a lasting psychological impact, leaving her afraid to drive. “My father is a hot-tempered man, and I've known that since I was a kid. If someone used the high beam on the highway, he would race that car to provoke the other driver. It terrified my siblings, my mum and me because, regardless of the road conditions or the rain, he still drove above the speed limit. “One incident I still remember involved someone provoking my father on the highway, leading both drivers to race on the wet road. Our car spun around, and we almost hit the divider, but fortunately, nothing happened,” she said, adding that years of witnessing such incidents had left her traumatised. She said the trauma continued to affect her even after obtaining her driving licence, recalling several emotional breakdowns during driving lessons, including a panic attack on the road. Meanwhile, Safe Community Alliance chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said road rage incidents should not be taken lightly, as what begins as a minor dispute can escalate into a fight and physical assault that could claim lives. "We need to view this issue not merely as a traffic problem, but as a matter of public safety and social behaviour," he said, adding that such behaviour may stem from life pressures, traffic congestion, impatience, a lack of discipline and respect for other road users, as well as a failure to control emotions while driving. As such, Lee said driver education should place greater emphasis on emotional control, patience and fostering a culture of mutual respect among road users. Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said tackling road rage requires a coordinated national strategy involving the Ministry of Transport, police, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), employers, insurers and road safety organisations. He said enforcement should be strengthened through greater use of dashcam and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify aggressive drivers, coupled with heavier penalties and mandatory anger management or defensive driving courses for offenders to prevent repeat offences. “Driver training should place greater emphasis on emotional control, conflict management and defensive driving, while nationwide public awareness campaigns carrying messages such as 'Stay Calm, Arrive Safe' should be intensified,” he said, adding that real-life stories should be shared to highlight the potentially tragic consequences of road rage. He added that wider adoption of technology, including dashcams, AI-powered traffic cameras and an online reporting platform, alongside better traffic management and greater awareness of stress management and adequate rest, could help reduce aggressive behaviour on the roads. According to him, fatigue, stress and alcohol or drug use could contribute to road rage. Suret also stressed the need to improve traffic flow through better road design, clearer lane markings and signage, as well as the prompt repair of potholes and removal of traffic bottlenecks to help reduce driver frustration. -- BERNAMA 

Road Rage Takes Its Toll Beyond The Roads

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — From dangerous confrontations to motorists being chased or forced to stop, images of road rage have surfaced on social media with growing frequency in recent .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck Halmahera, Indonesia, at 10.31 am today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department said in a statement that the earthquake occurred at coordinates 1.8 degrees North and 127.4 degrees East, about 116 km north of Ternate, Indonesia. According to the department, the earthquake struck at a depth of 127 km. "An initial assessment found that there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia," the statement said. -- BERNAMA 

Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Halmahera, Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck Halmahera, Indonesia, at 10.31 am today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department said in a statement that the earthquake occurred .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- A new hospital will be built in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to meet the healthcare needs of residents in the Seremban district while easing congestion at the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital (HTJ). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposed hospital in the northern Seremban corridor was appropriate in view of the area's rapid development, which had directly contributed to a sharp increase in population. He said the decision to build the new hospital followed the Health Ministry (MOH)'s review of the proposed Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital 2 (HTJ2) project in Rasah, as well as discussions with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun on June 16. "The state government has also identified two 50-acre (20-hectare) parcels of land owned by the Federal Lands Commissioner in the area. "Accordingly, MOH will inspect both sites in the near future to determine the most suitable location before submitting an application for land-use conversion to the Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines," he said. Dr Dzulkefly said this in a written parliamentary reply uploaded to the Dewan Rakyat website in response to a question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) on the latest developments concerning the proposed HTJ2 project. He said that upon approval of the land-use conversion application, preliminary works on the project would commence immediately, including land surveying, soil investigation, preparation of the conceptual design, project cost estimation and the Value Assessment (VA) exercise. According to him, Aminuddin had also agreed for a 36.748 acres (about 14 hectares) Federal Reserve land in Bandar Seremban to be alienated for future healthcare projects, including an additional block for the existing Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital and a Centre of Excellence (COE). To a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) on the government's initiatives to attract Malaysian medical and healthcare professionals working abroad to return and serve in the country, Dr Dzulkefly said the government through TalentCorp had implemented the Returning Expert Programme (REP). “The REP provides special incentives, including exemptions from income tax and excise duty on the purchase of locally manufactured vehicles,” he said. Dr Dzulkefly said the highest number of REP applications in the healthcare sector came from Malaysians working in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia, with medical specialists and doctors accounting for the largest group of applicants. On the recruitment of foreign healthcare personnel, he said foreign doctors and nurses had long been allowed to serve in Malaysia, subject to strict regulation by the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Nursing Board to ensure the quality of healthcare services. He said MOH currently appoints non-citizen medical specialists to meet service needs in critical disciplines and specific locations, while also engaging non-citizen graduate medical officers who are permanent residents and spouses of Malaysian citizens to undergo housemanship training at the ministry’s facilities. "As for the recruitment of foreign nurses to serve in MOH, the matter is still being studied in terms of its feasibility with the relevant ministries and agencies," he added. -- BERNAMA 

New Hospital To Be Built In Bandar Enstek To Ease HTJ Congestion — Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — A new hospital will be built in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to meet the healthcare needs of residents in the Seremban district while easing .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) has clarified that Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki remains a legitimate member of the NFCC Advisory Board, with his appointment valid for a three-year term from Sept 20, 2024, to Sept 19, 2027. In a statement today, the NFCC said Azam's appointment was made in his individual capacity with the consent of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The centre stressed that his membership on the Advisory Board is not linked to his position as the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and will remain in effect until the expiry of the appointment period unless terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The clarification follows feedback regarding Azam's participation in the NFCC Advisory Board Meeting held on June 30. According to the NFCC, Azam's attendance at the meeting was fully in accordance with the National Financial Crime Centre Act 2024 (Act 822), as he is a duly appointed member of the Advisory Board. The statement was issued by the Director-General of the National Financial Crime Centre, Prime Minister's Department. -- MINUTESMY

NFCC Clarifies Azam Baki’s Advisory Board Membership Valid Until 2027

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) has clarified that Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki remains a legitimate member of the NFCC Advisory Board, with .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- The implementation of the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) initiative, which provides diesel at RM2.10 per litre through the MyKad verification mechanism from July 1, is expected to reduce subsidy leakages while ensuring government assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. Putra Business School (PBS) economic analyst Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said a targeted subsidy mechanism is more sustainable than blanket subsidies as it enables the government to channel assistance more accurately to eligible groups. “Through the targeted price subsidy approach, those who depend on diesel for work or business, including operators of diesel-powered machinery and equipment, can directly benefit from lower operating costs,” he told Bernama. He explained that targeted fuel subsidies serve a different purpose from direct cash assistance. While cash aid provides households with greater flexibility in managing daily expenses, fuel subsidies help contain production, logistics and transportation costs. However, Ahmed Razman said the success of the BUDI Diesel initiative depends on the accuracy of recipient data and the technological capacity to support the distribution system, particularly in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. “The key challenge is ensuring that the database of eligible recipients is continuously updated to avoid complaints from those who may be left out. A transparent and efficient feedback and appeal mechanism is also essential because the effectiveness of the BUDI Diesel programme depends on accurate data,” he said. He added that targeted subsidies could also ease the government's fiscal burden by limiting benefits to eligible recipients and preventing higher-income groups and foreign nationals from enjoying subsidised fuel. “The savings generated can be redirected to high-impact sectors such as education, healthcare, public transport and infrastructure. The success of this approach can be measured through controlled inflation and a more manageable cost of living,” he said. Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid described the use of MyKad as the primary verification mechanism for subsidy distribution as a systematic and proven approach. We have already seen this mechanism successfully implemented for RON95 fuel. Applying the same approach to diesel is expected to generate savings of about RM2 billion while ensuring the subsidy is distributed in a more targeted and efficient manner,” he said. He said efforts to curb fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse would enable the government to manage subsidy expenditure more effectively and sustainably. “If fuel prices remain stable and the economy continues to grow, the government could eventually consider distributing subsidies based on income levels, further reducing future fuel subsidy expenditure,” he said. Mohd Afzanizam also stressed that fuel subsidies should be viewed as a temporary measure and called for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to be accelerated as part of Malaysia's green mobility agenda. “The shift to EVs must continue. To support this transition, charging infrastructure needs to be expanded and fast-charging technology further developed to address range anxiety,” he said. Meanwhile, the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to strengthen enforcement to prevent traders from exploiting the implementation of the BUDI Diesel initiative by imposing unjustified price increases. Its chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan, said changes in fuel prices often trigger a chain reaction that drives up the prices of goods and services, ultimately burdening consumers. “When diesel prices increase, the prices of many other goods tend to rise as well. Once prices go up, they rarely come down. Therefore, strict enforcement is essential to prevent irresponsible parties from taking advantage of the situation,” he said. He also encouraged consumers to act as the government's eyes and ears by reporting unreasonable price increases, accompanied by supporting evidence such as purchase receipts and location. Besides monitoring prices, Nadzim urged the government to tighten controls on imported products to protect local producers and introduce policies to reduce food waste, including promoting the use of retort packaging technology to strengthen the country's food security. -- BERNAMA 

BUDI Diesel Expected To Reduce Leakages, Ensure Targeted Distribution To Elegible Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The implementation of the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) initiative, which provides diesel at RM2.10 per litre through the MyKad verification mechanism from July 1, .... read more

SHAH ALAM, 2 July — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today visited Datuk Ismail Yusop, fondly known as Tok Abah, the former Director-General of the Department of Special Affairs (JKOM), who is currently receiving treatment at Shah Alam Hospital. During the visit, Fahmi conveyed his well-wishes for Tok Abah’s continued strength and expressed hope that he would be granted ease in all medical treatment and a swift recovery, Insya-Allah. He also acknowledged Tok Abah’s long-standing service and contributions during his tenure in public service, noting that his dedication will continue to be remembered and appreciated. Fahmi further extended his appreciation to the management and staff of Shah Alam Hospital for their commitment, care, and professionalism in providing the best possible treatment to patients. -- MINUTESMY

FahmiYB Datuk Fadzil Visits Former JKOM DG Datuk Ismail Yusop at Shah Alam Hospital

SHAH ALAM, 2 July — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today visited Datuk Ismail Yusop, fondly known as Tok Abah, the former Director-General of the Department of Special Affairs (JKOM), who .... read more

LABIS, July 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged more Johoreans to take advantage of skills training programmes organised by KEMAS to enhance their capabilities, generate sustainable income, and nurture a new generation of competitive rural entrepreneurs. He made the call while attending the Johor State-Level KEMAS Skills Day celebration at Dataran Labis, which drew strong community participation and featured exhibitions showcasing a wide range of skills-based products and services. During the event, Zahid officiated the flag-off of the KEMAS Barberpreneur Motorised Convoy, an initiative that delivers barbering services directly to local communities while creating entrepreneurship opportunities for participants of KEMAS skills programmes. According to him, KEMAS has successfully produced 273 Barberpreneurs nationwide to date, demonstrating that quality skills training can create employment opportunities and enable individuals to build sustainable careers and earn an independent income. "When a person masters a skill, they gain the opportunity not only to earn a living but also to establish their own business and improve their family's standard of living," he said. Zahid stressed that KEMAS will continue to strengthen its skills training initiatives to produce more resilient and competitive rural entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the nation's economic development. Touching on Johor's economic progress, he said the state is emerging as one of Malaysia's key economic drivers and encouraged more Johoreans to equip themselves with knowledge and practical skills through programmes offered by KEMAS. He noted that individuals with the right skills are not only better positioned to secure employment but are also capable of creating job opportunities for others, thereby contributing to economic growth and community development. Zahid added that KEMAS will continue to serve as a platform for developing a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to the progress of Johor and Malaysia as a whole. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Urges Johoreans to Take Advantage of KEMAS Skills Training, Empower Rural Entrepreneurs

LABIS, July 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged more Johoreans to take advantage of skills training programmes organised by KEMAS to enhance their capabilities, generate sustainable .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held talks with Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Secretary-General Zhang Jun today, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. During the meeting, Anwar and Zhang exchanged views on the increasingly challenging regional and global landscape, including geopolitical tensions, economic pressures and the rapid pace of technological change. The Prime Minister stressed that closer, more inclusive and sustained regional cooperation remains essential to ensuring stability, prosperity and shared well-being across Asia. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to working closely with the Boao Forum for Asia in key areas such as trade and investment, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, food security, education and talent development. According to Anwar, these collaborative efforts are expected to enhance the region's resilience while creating broader opportunities for cooperation that deliver tangible benefits to the people. He expressed hope that Malaysia's partnership with the Boao Forum for Asia would continue to deepen and contribute meaningfully to regional development and long-term economic growth. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar, Boao Forum Secretary-General Discuss Regional Cooperation Amid Global Challenges

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held talks with Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Secretary-General Zhang Jun today, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation amid growing .... read more

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