Archive - 8 July 2020

Minister says action taken after Bernama TV host name-calls Al Jazeera on air

Minister says action taken after Bernama TV host name-calls Al Jazeera on air

The host called Al Jazeera "Al Jahiliyah" and told it to "shut up".
Glovemaker workers to be reimbursed following 'forced labour' claim

Glovemaker workers to be reimbursed following 'forced labour' claim

The company's foreign workers are being repaid a sum of between RM4,547 to RM16,054 over 30 months.
JB rep steps in to help unite Singaporean man with ailing wife

JB rep steps in to help unite Singaporean man with ailing wife

This is after 58-year-old Mahendran pleaded with Putrajaya for permission to enter Malaysia.
What new party? Azmin downplays speculation about future plans

What new party? Azmin downplays speculation about future plans

Asked if the new political party is facing delays in being registered, Azmin maintains that no application has ever been made.
Universities, colleges to fully reopen by October - minister

Universities, colleges to fully reopen by October - minister

Noraini says the four categories include 30 percent of local students at private institutions of higher learning.
Health DG refutes ‘discrimination against migrants’ claims

Health DG refutes ‘discrimination against migrants’ claims

He also defends move to detain undocumented migrants as it helped contain eventual Covid-19 outbreaks in detention centres.
CIJ urges govt to empower media freedom

CIJ urges govt to empower media freedom

In relation to the Al Jazeera documentary, it says the government should have adopted measures aimed at providing the public with an explanation.
MACC just stores asset declaration info, only will use if cases arise

MACC just stores asset declaration info, only will use if cases arise

But the commission cannot act against those who don't declare their assets.

Largest Covid-19 cluster declared over, no new local transmission today

Largest Covid-19 cluster declared over, no new local transmission today

CORONAVIRUS | Health DG says no new cases from the Sri Petaling cluster detected for 28 days.
Loan repayment moratorium valued at RM51.4bln as of July 6

Loan repayment moratorium valued at RM51.4bln as of July 6

Finance minister says RM17.9 billion was utilised by the business sector while RM33.38 billion was utilised by the public.
Covid-19: Selangor Sultan expresses concern about ignorance of SOPs

Covid-19: Selangor Sultan expresses concern about ignorance of SOPs

CORONAVIRUS | The Selangor Sultan says that many people are seen to be no longer following guidelines such as wearing face masks in public.

Govt subsidy for MY30 pass at RM13.2m as of June 30 - minister

Govt subsidy for MY30 pass at RM13.2m as of June 30 - minister

Sales of MY30 pass, which offers commuters unlimited rides for 30 days on certain public transports, have hit 77,790.

Amanah confirms MACC raid of KL headquarters

Amanah confirms MACC raid of KL headquarters

The party claims no warrant was shown to the building's caretaker when the raid happened.

Kanye West breaks ranks with Trump, vows to win presidential race

Kanye West breaks ranks with Trump, vows to win presidential race

In an interview, rapper takes off 'Make America Great Again' cap signalling he no longer supports the Republican president.

LETTER | Workplace violence: Time to heal our healers?

LETTER | Workplace violence: Time to heal our healers?

LETTER | Violence against healthcare workers will certainly not help them to provide better care for the public.

Police probe sexual assault claim against prominent activist, NGO members resign

Police probe sexual assault claim against prominent activist, NGO members resign

The doctor is accused of sexually assaulting a trainee doctor on his first day of work.

Amanah Youth invites Syed Saddiq to join them

Amanah Youth invites Syed Saddiq to join them

Amanah will definitely be open to accepting him to fight for a better Malaysia, says its Youth chief Shazni Munir.

Nazri wants Muhyiddin to return and take over as Umno president

Nazri wants Muhyiddin to return and take over as Umno president

The MP says as Malays, they should be forgiving in the name of religion, race, and country.

S'porean man can visit ailing wife in JB, says minister

S'porean man can visit ailing wife in JB, says minister

Ismail advises him to submit his wife's medical report to the Immigration Department when applying to enter M'sia.

Criminals cash in on rush to buy Covid-19 protective gear: UN

Criminals cash in on rush to buy Covid-19 protective gear: UN

CORONAVIRUS | They have adapted quickly, peddling sub-standard PPE and running scams where no supplies are sent at all.

Students, teachers get 20 pct off on domestic flights with M'sia Airlines

Students, teachers get 20 pct off on domestic flights with M'sia Airlines

This is to help them travel, especially between the peninsula and East Malaysia, says a minister.

LETTER | Unmasking potential of fabric face masks

LETTER | Unmasking potential of fabric face masks

With the rising popularity of fabric face masks, standards need to be set to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Minister apologises to Umno over 'unpopular in Sabah' remark

Minister apologises to Umno over 'unpopular in Sabah' remark

Abdul Latiff Ahmad has made the remark while commenting on how changing political parties was a norm in Sabah.

No Merdeka parade for now, says Ismail Sabri

No Merdeka parade for now, says Ismail Sabri

Traditional celebrations will be hard to control and violate social distancing protocols.

COMMENT | Shattered dreams of reformasi?

COMMENT | Shattered dreams of reformasi?

COMMENT | To say this is failing to understand reformasi and underestimates the sentiments and political shifts taking place on the ground.

MACC allowed to forfeit alleged 1MDB-linked RM835k from Pahang MCA

MACC allowed to forfeit alleged 1MDB-linked RM835k from Pahang MCA

UPDATED 3.55PM | Justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin made the ruling during open-court proceedings this afternoon.

AirAsia in trading halt after auditor flags 'going concern' doubts

AirAsia in trading halt after auditor flags 'going concern' doubts

There are material uncertainties that cast doubt on the budget carrier's ability to continue as a going concern.

Yayasan PETRONAS contributes hand sanitisers, dispensers to 104 schools

Yayasan PETRONAS contributes hand sanitisers, dispensers to 104 schools

Yayasan PETRONAS hopes to encourage the practice of proper hand hygiene amongst students, teachers, staff as well as visitors to the schools.

Scientific insights into pandemics, people & nature

Scientific insights into pandemics, people & nature

Disease Ecologist Dr. Peter Daszak Featured on 1st Episode of new Biodiversity Podcast

Bukit Gasing rep submits motion on anti-party-hopping law

Bukit Gasing rep submits motion on anti-party-hopping law

Those who wish to switch political allegiances should immediately vacate their seats, says Rajiv Rishyakaran.
Important HIV research unveiled at AIDS 2020: Virtual

Important HIV research unveiled at AIDS 2020: Virtual

New data provides insights with potential real-world implications for people living with HIV – including a promising long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug.

Sime Darby to look into report of forced labour in call for US import ban

Sime Darby to look into report of forced labour in call for US import ban

Hong Kong-based group Liberty Shared claims it found the presence of labour abuse after conducting interviews with workers, civil society and checking reports.

Syed Saddiq to withdraw legal challenge against removal from Bersatu

Syed Saddiq to withdraw legal challenge against removal from Bersatu

Ex-minister seeks the withdrawal because he wished to focus on his political struggles, his lawyer confirms.

Control durian prices, save buyers from being cheated - PPMM

Control durian prices, save buyers from being cheated - PPMM

Its president calls on govt to introduce a ceiling price for durian clones according to their grades.

Bersatu minister told to resign after calling Sabah Umno 'unpopular'

Bersatu minister told to resign after calling Sabah Umno 'unpopular'

Umno leaders are demanding for an explanation and for Abdul Latiff's resignation.

MACC detains Mat Sabu's ex-aide over kickbacks in RM56m defence contract

MACC detains Mat Sabu's ex-aide over kickbacks in RM56m defence contract

Sources allege the aide received millions in exchange for securing the defence systems maintenance project.

Why probe Al Jazeera instead of investigating claims? - activists

Why probe Al Jazeera instead of investigating claims? - activists

UPDATED 12PM | Groups say govt should not be complicit in alleged human rights abuses against migrant workers.

Malaysian pepper board set to spice things up

Malaysian pepper board set to spice things up

Employing technology and marketing rebranding to boost production and sales of the 200-year-old crop.

Jamal seeks to strike out ex-minister's defamation suit

Jamal seeks to strike out ex-minister's defamation suit

The Sungai Besar Umno chief's application is on the ground that the suit was premature.

COMMENT | On migrants, mistreatment and Malaysia

COMMENT | On migrants, mistreatment and Malaysia

Perhaps it is wise to ask them - how long have they been here, who have they been working for and just why they do not wish to go back?

US will restrict visas for some Chinese officials over Tibet: Pompeo

US will restrict visas for some Chinese officials over Tibet: Pompeo

US-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the US hard.

Singapore's would-be leader tests electability in unsafe seat

Singapore's would-be leader tests electability in unsafe seat

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is in line to succeed PM Lee Hsien Loong but first he must win a difficult seat.

Separated by Johor Straits, red tape: Husband begs to be united with ailing wife

Separated by Johor Straits, red tape: Husband begs to be united with ailing wife

His wife Kavitha is ill, and S'porean Mahendran pleads M'sian govt to grant him permission to return home to her.

Philippines' Duterte tells citizens not to fear anti-terror bill

Philippines' Duterte tells citizens not to fear anti-terror bill

Rights groups have staged protests and lawyers have questioned the law before the nation's Supreme Court.

2020-07-08

2020-07-08

Not too late to present your side of Al Jazeera report - Ambiga tells ministers

Not too late to present your side of Al Jazeera report - Ambiga tells ministers

This follows their refusal to respond to news outlet's calls to them for its documentary on undocumented migrants aired on July 3.

Beijing converts Hong Kong hotel into new national security office

Beijing converts Hong Kong hotel into new national security office

The office will oversee Hong Kong govt's enforcement of China’s sweeping national security legislation.

WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of Covid-19

WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of Covid-19

Any change in the WHO’s assessment of risk of transmission could affect its current advice on keeping 1m of physical distancing.
Felda task force to study shortcomings revealed in White Paper - Idris Jusoh

Felda task force to study shortcomings revealed in White Paper - Idris Jusoh

This is to find the best ways to consolidate its finances and sustainability for settlers' benefit, says Felda chief.

Over 30 pct of population expected to use e-Census

Over 30 pct of population expected to use e-Census

Chief statistician says the online system allows people to fill a survey for Census 2020 starting yesterday to Sept 30.

YOURSAY | ‘Ku Li is right, Umno does not need Bersatu’

YOURSAY | ‘Ku Li is right, Umno does not need Bersatu’

'Umno and PAS will insist on polls… Bersatu will certainly be left out in the cold.'
Scientists warn of potential wave of Covid-19-linked brain damage

Scientists warn of potential wave of Covid-19-linked brain damage

CORONAVIRUS | New evidence suggests it can lead to severe neurological issues such as inflammation, psychosis and delirium.

Sabah asks Putrajaya to allocate RM2.5b for flood mitigation projects

Sabah asks Putrajaya to allocate RM2.5b for flood mitigation projects

Sabah's political alignment should not be an issue for Putrajaya to look into the request for funds, says minister.

'Harapan has right to keep state assemblies if Parliament dissolved'

'Harapan has right to keep state assemblies if Parliament dissolved'

The coalition will not be violating the Constitution if it decides not to dissolve state assemblies, says BN sec-gen Annuar Musa.

Khazanah still reviewing potential partners for ailing MAB

Khazanah still reviewing potential partners for ailing MAB

Four proposals made on the partnership plans have been shortlisted, the wealth fund says in its 2019 annual report.

YOURSAY | ‘With Anwar as official Harapan head, time to prepare for GE15’

YOURSAY | ‘With Anwar as official Harapan head, time to prepare for GE15’

‘The trust deficit is something Harapan has to strive hard to restore.’
Malaysia faces distinct challenges in achieving WKB 2030 - Redzuan

Malaysia faces distinct challenges in achieving WKB 2030 - Redzuan

Among these are enhancing economic growth and encouraging the use of technology in the industries, adds the minister.

Brazil's Bolsonaro catches coronavirus, shrugs off health risks

Brazil's Bolsonaro catches coronavirus, shrugs off health risks

CORONAVIRUS | After months minimising the severity of the pandemic, the Brazilian president says he tested positive for Covid-19.

US coronavirus cases hit 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals

US coronavirus cases hit 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals

CORONAVIRUS | Rising numbers have stocked fears that hospitals in the US, which has the highest Covid-19 deaths in the world, will run out of beds.

Opposition leaders fear clean sweep in Singapore polls

Opposition leaders fear clean sweep in Singapore polls

With PAP’s impressive economic track record and campaign restrictions in force, a total wipeout of the opposition is a real possibility.

Authorities go after journalists, interviewees and 10 news you may have missed

Authorities go after journalists, interviewees and 10 news you may have missed

KINI ROUNDUP | Key headlines you may have missed, in brief.