ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY Now - Judicial Crisis - for an INDEPENDENT Judiciary, where the PM has no power to pick and choose judges? ONLY Parliament can effectively resolve this matter

We need an urgent ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY for the Malaysian Judicial Crisis...

What is the ISSUE?

The ISSUE is to determine whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advised the KIng to persons/Judges to the High Court, Court of Appeal, Federal Court and to high Judicial Office like the Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, etc - persons/judges not recommended by the Judicial Appointments Commission.

The  law before the Judicial Appointments Commission - the Prime Minister had the absolute power to pick and chose, and advice the King to appoint who soever the Prime Minister wanted as Judges or to High Judicial Office.

WHY and what changed after the Judicial Appointments Commission Act?

In 2007, there was the Lingam Tape Scandal - what arose was the possibility of 3rd parties (lawyers, judges, corporate personalities, politicians and others) being able to INFLUENCE the Prime Minister when he advised the King to appoint/elevate Judges or appoint persons to Judicial High Office. 

So after a RCI and much discussion - the decision was made to RESOLVE this possibility - and so, thereafter, the Judicial Appointments Commission will vet and decide who are suitable, qualified persons who ought to be appointed Judges and to Judicial High Office. The JAC will give the recommended names to the Prime Minister, and the PM will choose from the names given. If the PM wants additional recommendations, ask the JAC and the JAC will give. SO, Prime Minister's choice of persons/judges he should advice the KING to appoint/elevate as Judges or Judicial High Office is LIMITED to the persons recommended by the JAC.

Thus, the possibility of any 3rd parties influencing the PM on judicial appointments was ELIMINATED. Likewise the possibility of the PM choosing whoever he wants was ELIMINATED. The Prime Minister still had some choice BUT now it was limited to the persons recommended by the JAC only.

What happened that led to this 'Judicial Crisis'?

Well, the problem that the Prime Minister may not be following the recommendation and appointing Judges as he pleases has come up. The former Chief Justice in several speeches have 'hinted' the possibility of PM and/or executive interference in Judicial Appointments - does this mean that Judges have been appointed/elevated or appointed to Judicial High Office had been persons not recommended by the Judicial Appointments Commission?  

Proof would have been there if not for obligation of secrecy imposed by law - and breaking it is an '...offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both...' This applies to members of the JAC and others.

Hence, we are stuck, and evidence of any wrongdoing cannot be accessed - Now, there are people who went to Court to get access to the JAC's minutes ...it will be difficult.

If we had the JAC Minutes, we will know if the Prime Minister dutifully followed the recommendation of the JAC with regard to Judicial Appointments? IF YES - then, there is no issue or wrongdoing on the part of the Prime Minister..

We also want to know if after receiving the JAC's recommendation/s, did the PM intentionally DELAY in advising the King. Why was there a 9 Month Delay in appointing the Chief Judge of the High Court of Malaya? What was there so many vacancies for High Court Judges, Court of Appeal Judges..

WAS the JAC to blame for the delay? The question is whether there is a need LAW to prevent delay, requiring the PM to forthwith advice the King on Judicial apopointments, maybe not more than 30 days of receipt of such recommendations.  

 

32  Obligation of secrecy [JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS COMMISSION ACT 2009]  

(1) No member of the Commission and officers and servants of the Commission, whether during or after his tenure of office or employment, shall disclose any information or document obtained by him in the course of his duties.

(2) No other person who has by any means access to any information or documents relating to the affairs of the Commission shall disclose such information or document.

(3) Where any person ceases to be a member of the Commission, he shall return to the Secretary all papers and documents entrusted to him by virtue of his membership of the Commission.

(4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1), (2) or (3) commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

ANOTHER issue that has come up - is that WHETHER the Prime Minister can choose to IGNORE the JAC's recommendation, and still can pick and choose judges on his own.

There is also the issue of whether the Judicial Appointments Commission Act is ULTRA VIRES the Federal Constitution... and thus need not be complied with?

Now, the Prime Minister, Ministers and even the Government of Malaysia are parties in various court cases - would people be confident that Justice will be done if the JUDGES are picked by the Prime Minister or the Executive... Mind you, before the new Chief Justice was named, the Prime Minister had meetings with Cabinet, and others... 

In sports, would it it be fair is ONE side played a part in picking the REFEREEs? NO it is not right - Likewise when it comes to picking Judges, on making Judicial appointments, the Prime Minister and/or the Executive should have NO ROLE in picking Judges. 

We need an INDEPENDENT Judicial Appointments Commission - and the JAC we have now also need to be improved, as the current 9 person JAC has 5 members who are appointed by the Prime Minister -  '

(e) a Federal Court judge to be appointed by the Prime Minister; and

(f) four eminent persons, who are not members of the executive or other public service, appointed by the Prime Minister after consulting the Bar Council of Malaysia, the Sabah Law Association, the Advocates Association of Sarawak, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of a State legal service or any other relevant bodies.

The Ruler's Conference wants to remove the PM's power of appointment of JAC members

The Conference of Rulers is proposing that five of the nine members of the Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) no longer be appointed by the prime minister so that its composition is more balanced and does not carry the interest of any party.

The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who chaired the 260th Conference of Rulers meeting today, said in terms of the judicial system, the Conference of Rulers is responsible for the appointment of judges in Malaysia, and at present, this process is seen as having weaknesses that can be improved, JAC's membership included.

His Highness said JAC plays a key role in proposing judicial nominations, and therefore its membership was critical in ensuring that the committee continued to be looked up to and is capable of nominating judges of calibre and integrity.

"Instead, it (power to appoint JAC members) should be given to several other institutions such as the Malaysian Bar, the Sabah Law Society, Advocates Association of Sarawak and Parliament's Select Committee.

"Currently, JAC has nine members, four of whom are senior judges while five more are individuals appointed by the Prime Minister," Tuanku Muhriz said in his message in conjunction with the two-day 260th Conference of Rulers meeting that began yesterday at Istana Negara.- Astro Awani, 30/11/2022

Now we have a NEW Chief Justice - but the question is whether the person appointed was recommended by the then JAC that included the former Chief Justice - or NOT.

Wan Ahmad Farid’s political ties to 1MDB scandal-hit Najib have raised concerns about judicial independence - South China Morning Post, 18/7/2025

Which JAC recommended the name of the current Chief Justice, etc...Did not a previous JAC already make recommendations of who is qualified to be appointed Chief Justice? 

Now, after the appointment of the NEW Chief Justice, new President of the Court of Appeal, etc - there has been a 'sudden acceleration' in judicial appointments. 

In what is considered one of the largest intakes in recent years, 23 judicial commissioners (JCs) were sworn in on Wednesday by Chief Justice of Malaysia Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. - Edge, 13/8/2025 

So, a possible question is whether:-

a) The previous JAC failed in their jobs in making speedy recommendation when a judicial vacancy wan imminent?  REASONABLY the JAC ought to make recomendation when a vacancy is due, so judicial appointments can be made speedily - as soon as the vacancies happens.

b) OR did the JAC make the needed recommendations, but the Prime Minister procrastinated and did not act on the said recommendations maybe because the PM was unhappy with those recommended...What happened? Did the PM just wait until he had a JAC that he could influence who would make recommendation that the PM desired?  

When the DOUBTS arose, all that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim needed to do was to simply state that the persons appointed/elevated as Judges were all persons recommended by the Judicial Appointments Commission(JAC) - but sadly, Anwar did not as the doubts grew and festered.

Sadly, there is STILL confusion as to whether the Prime Minister has the power to IGNORE the recommendation of the JAC - and pick some other to be appointed/elevated judge or appointed to Judicial High Office - if the PM can ignore the recommendations of the JAC, we are back to SQUARE ONE and the problems that were highlighted in the Lingam Tape scandal can still happen and others, including the PM, can influence Judicial Appointments in Malaysia.

Even the Attorney General seems confused:-

According to the statement, the AGC recognises the importance of public confidence in the judicial selection process and affirms the principle of independence of the judiciary as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

The appointment of superior court judges is provided for under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution which states that judges shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister, after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 [Act 695] is a law that details the process for selecting prospective judges, but the power to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong lies exclusively with the prime minister. - Vibes, 8/7/2025

Can this problem be solved by the Courts? I do not think so ....

It is best to go back to a ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY(RCI), and other consultations - and finally back to Parliament to settle this issue once and for all...The RCI should have the power to see the minutes of the JAC - to determine the facts as to what happened, and to suggest proposals how we can really have an INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT procedure in Malaysia, where the PM and the Executive will have NO POWER when it comes to appointments or elevations or promotion within the Judiciary.

The Rulers Conference seems to be in favour of a Independent JAC - where there is no way a Prime Minister can decide appointments... 

Consider the case of Yusoff Rawther vs Anwar Ibrahim - there was a JUDGE change - will the new Judge be INDEPENDENT when one of the party is Anwar Ibrahim.

Roz Mawar Rozain must recuse herself from Yusoff Rawther - Anwar Ibrahim case for justice to be seen to be done. Will judges 'picked' by Anwar be INDEPENDENT in cases involving Anwar, family/friends or even his government?

In the Anwar vs Mahathir case, there also has been a change a Judge...

A new judge will preside over former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following a reassignment of the case. - Malay Mail, 12/8/2025

Justice Must Be Seen To Be Done - Will that happen when the Prime Minister can still choose, elevate and appoint whoever he wants to be JUDGE? For so long as the Prime Minister and/or Executive has the power to choose Judges - will there be FAIR TRIAL when one of the party is the Prime Minister, some Minister, some party leader, a GLC or the Government of Malaysia?

As it is, many foreign companies when they sign agreements with local companies - they remove the jurisdiction of Malaysian courts to hear any disputes. A show of no confidence on Malaysian courts ???

This must change - the Malaysian JUdiciary must RE-CLAIM its independence, integrity and competence..

Now, PM Anwar and his MADANI government is trying to avoid this issue of "judicial Crisis' - STOP and set up a truly independent ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY 

 

 

After two judges promoted to Federal Court, six set to be elevated to appellate court, 14 JCs confirmed as judges

By Hafiz Yatim / theedgemalaysia.com

28 Jul 2025, 09:51 am

PUTRAJAYA (July 28): Malaysia's judicial leadership saw significant changes with the promotion of two senior judges to the Federal Court, along with significant elevations across other courts.

Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh and Datuk Azizah Nawawi will be sworn in as Federal Court judges, assuming the critical roles of Chief Justice and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, respectively.

Sources familiar with the matter have informed The Edge that six judges are slated for elevation to the Court of Appeal on Monday, while 14 Judicial Commissioners (JCs) will be confirmed as permanent High Court judges.

The newly appointed judges are expected to receive their instruments of appointment on Monday morning in a ceremony before the Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. They will then take their oaths of office later in the afternoon.

Federal Court judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais will also take his oath as the new President of the Court of Appeal.

Unlike permanent High Court judges who enjoy security of tenure, JCs serve on a probationary basis pending confirmation. As such, Monday's appointments mark a significant step in solidifying Malaysia's judicial leadership structure.

The promotion of six High Court judges to the Court of Appeal is expected to exacerbate existing vacancies in the High Court, potentially leaving nearly 30 positions unfilled. 

This shortage has raised concerns among legal practitioners and the public about potential delays in case hearings, said observers.

While the 14 JCs will be confirmed as permanent High Court judges on Monday, the total number of High Court judges and JCs will remain at 70, failing to address the current shortfall.

Currently, according to the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC) website, there are 24 vacancies for High Court judges or JCs to fill up the 94 posts nationwide. Hence, the six judges slated to be elevated to the appellate court would further increase the gap.

These vacancies would have to be handled by Wan Ahmad Farid, Abu Bakar, along with Azizah, who replaces the retired Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, and Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohamed Hashim. Hasnah is expected to retire in November with another three Federal Court judges.

JAC has also put up advertisements on its website for lawyers and those from the Attorney General's Chambers to fill up the posts.

The Malaysian Bar had highlighted the vacancies when its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab had said in a statement earlier this month that the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” was to voice grave institutional concerns regarding the state of the judiciary, the pressing issue of prolonged vacancies, the need for leadership continuity, and to urge reforms to safeguard the independence of one of the nation's most vital democratic institutions.

The Bar noted that court cases are scheduled for hearing as late as 2030 due to these vacancies in the judiciary. These delays, it added, are seen as a denial of justice and a looming crisis that needs to be addressed, read the statement.

Following the walk held on July 14, the legal eagles had also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office expressing this concern.

 

MADANI foolishness - RON95, RM100 - Focus in REAL development and peoples' needs - rather than 'wooing voters' or 'vote buying' efforts?

Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI government seemed to foolishly believe that subsidy for RON95 for 300 liters of petrol is a smart move that will benefit all in Malaysia - NO, it's NOT because it does not solve the TRANSPORT problems of all in Malaysia - only reduces burden for car and motorbike owners with driving license - what about the others that do not own and drive motor vehicles - including children, elderly, and many of the poor > the only solution is affordable PUBLIC TRANSPORT that is easily accessible(meaning the consumer should not be required to walk more than 500 meters to get into the public transport) - Key to public transport is that it must be efficient and dependable - if it is a bus, then it should arrive at bus-stops at a regular predictable frequency/time - no more than a 30 minute wait for a bus/tram/train/LRT.

We are talking about CLIMATE CHANGE and reducing pollution and carbon foot-prints - so the necessary strategy must be to reduce private cars/vehicles - and the way to go is affordable public transport....  

Problem faced by private vehicle owners in most places in Malaysia now - the difficulty in finding parking spaces and rising parking fees - 3 to 7 rounds around the block, and still fail to find a parking space - resulting in one not being able to park, and maybe going home. If one parks just beside the road, one ends up being caught and penalized - FINES. In a town like Temerloh, nowadays we may end up stuck in traffic lights, having to wait for 3-4 traffic light changes before we can go on our way...

Parking Fees set by the Local Council - if it is 63 cents an hour, a worker needing to work will end up parking the car, and that roughly will be about 10 hours - making daily parking fees of RM6.30, and for 25 days, it will be RM157-50 per month Add in fuel and tols, what then will a worker's monthly cost for just transport. What happened to PH promise to ABOLISH TOLS? 

Now, if workers are parking close to where they work - how will customers access business premises or even government offices? Would it not affect businesses??

Why de-prioritization of Public Transport?  

In the past, the government(i.e. the Federal Government) controlled the issuance of bus/taxi license...Then, one GLC seem to have acquired smaller bus companies - only to then shut down bus routes by reason that it was not profitable.

During the Mahathir era, when Malaysia started producing cars - some believe public transport was ignored, and maybe even killed, so that more would buy these Malaysian cars...

Focus on improving public transport only in certain places - NOT the whole of Malaysia 

YES, the Federal Government started to re-focus on public transport - and also started bus services, but sadly this has been only in Klang Valley, Penang and big towns - Our new Transport Minister from Negeri Sembilan also focussed on his State. But what about the rest of Malaysia - minding that development has broaden the residential areas from town centres - and all those Malay kampungs who were already 10-40 Kms from the town and the commercial centres(including supermarkets) - So, if the MADANI government does not speedily restore free or affordable Public Transport that is regular and efficient, can we say that PM Anwar Ibrahim, Transport Minister Anthony Loke(head of DAP), Ministers... are NOT CONCERNED about the Malays and Malaysians transport needs. 

Transport Minister - Priority provision of efficient affordable public transport for ALL Malaysians?

Children, Senior Citizens, Those Without Driving Licence or Owns Cars/Motorbikes, The Poor and also the middle class NEEDS PUBLIC TRANSPORT - not subsidy for RON95. In most developed countries, we see very few private cars on the road - for most use PUBLIC TRANSPORT most of the times for work, school, access to hospital/clinics, to get to supermarkets and commercial areas ....they may have cars/motor bikes, which they may use for leisure after working/schooling hours and for 'balik kampung' and visiting friends...

GRAB - a public transport service. It is certainly not affordable. The rates vary. For a trip to the government clinic/hospital, it can cost RM10-RM20 one way or even more - it is simply NOT AFFORDABLE, how many minimum wage workers earning RM1,700 can afford to use GRAB? In Klang Valley, to travel 2 km, it can cost RM10, and at times RM50...

SO, in conclusion I find that PM Anwar Ibrahim and his MADANI Government(that includes DAP - once seen as a brave party that will speak up and fight for justice for people without fear or favour) has today FAILED THE PEOPLE - After GE15, it seems that Anwar Ibrahim is trying to 'buy votes' - RM100 for all, RON95 subsidy, Increase of Public Service salary, Absolving FELDA Settlers DEBTS, ...but the FOCUS should be improving the livelihood of all Malaysians - and that means ensuring there is affordable Public Transport, ensuring monthly income for everyone that is needed for decent living, ...

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - is a public service, and it is not really a profit making business, as it implies providing the service for everyone, including routes with a few passengers like kampungs and distant housing areas...thus, this service should best be provided by the government - maybe the LOCAL GOVERNMENT(Local Council) with regard to public transport all around its area, the district and the towns...DO NOT JUST FOCUS on BIG TOWNS like Klang Valley and Penang - but all places of Malaysia. If Public Transport is reliable, efficient - the number of users will definitely increase in time... People will use public transport more and more not just to save on fuel consumption, but also because the difficulty in finding parking, the traffic jams, etc...

OVERCOMING the Government Culture of BORROWING, and increasing DEBTS 

During the post-Mahathir BN era, subsequent Prime Ministers have been BORROWING more and more (Now about RM1.5 trillion debt, and so much spent annually for debt servicing) giving the impression that Malaysia is 'RICH" and the PM is good because he/she spends so much for Malaysia, and the Malaysian people - SPEND based on REALITY, No more spending more than Malaysia earns...

Malaysia’s national debt has surged from approximately RM31 billion in 1978 to around RM1.5 trillion today, an incredible 48-fold increase in a mere 46 years.- FMT, 12/8/2024 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysia's DEBT is increasing - and one wonders whether our Prime Minister and his current government is simply being irresponsible - do not care about the BURDEN that will befall Malaysians after this government leaves. It is interesting to note that Anwar's 1st year increased Malaysian DEBT by about RM90 Billion(and that is less that our countries total debt in 1978 which was only RM31 Billion.

IRRESPONSIBLE Debtors - Paying Back Try To Avoid because 'government will cancel debts?' thinking.. 

Many Malaysians have the 'tidak apa' attitude - borrow now, do not worry about the future including the responsibility to pay back the debt. We see this in Malaysian graduates, who is now not even paying back the government student loan - PTPN

The loans only require 5-6% of monthly salary (around RM150-180 for a RM3,000 earner), but these borrowers treat repayment as optional. Well, 400,000 Malaysian borrowers apparently skipped that life lesson and decided to keep RM5 billion of taxpayer money instead. Here’s what happened: The government provided student loans through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to help students attend university.- Rakyat Post, 13/6/2025

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim insists that he personally signed off on an RM8.3 billion loan waiver programme for the loans taken by Felda settlers. - FMT, 8/7/2023

Growing HOUSEHOLD DEBTS - Many are buying with loans - and that includes expensive cars/bikes - But RON95 subsidy for all. Would it not be BETTER if it was only for owners of cheaper vehicles, maybe below 150 c.c.?? Or is the Government encouraging citizens to take out loans - and when you cannot repay the loan, the Banks come after you taking your land/house/cars/etc - and you may still have a DEBT payable back to the Bank.... 

Malaysians have racked up RM1.65 trillion in household debts as of end-March 2025, latest data showed. At nearly 83% of gross domestic product, Malaysia’s household debt is among the highest in Asia. The debts, however, are backed by assets more than twice as large at RM3.45 trillion, according to Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying in Parliament on Wednesday. More than 61% of household debts comprised loans for the purchase of residential properties, she added. - EDGE, 15/8/2025

We have to LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE - and solve the Malaysian peoples' problems. Jobs are decreasing. Most Malaysians do not even have regular permanent employment - just short-term contract employment - meaning have to look and find for new jobs or sources of income - but BANKS still insist on regular monthly repayment...so what happens to the people - will they lose their cars/bikes - The government must address this bad 'consumerist culture' that results in the taking of loans (and then not having the capacity to pay back). The Malaysian should END THE CULTURE/PRACTICE of cancelling DEBTs beit for individuals or even GLCs...

Thus, the GOVERNMENT should set the EXAMPLE - spending only what you have, NOT BORROWING and ending up with DEBT obligations...? Focus on DEBT REDUCTION - if not Malaysia would continue to still spend a big portion just on debt servicing annually...

PM ANWAR and this MADANI government should stop 'VOTE BUYING" or trying to woo support of the people by giving them RM100, RON95 Subsidy - and best focus on doing things that will really and TRULY benefit the people - like ensuring AFFORDABLE Public Transport for ALL, Increasing Minimum Wages or Supplementing Income so that everyone has a LIVING INCOME every month, ensuring free and affordable education, healthcare and a good welfare system so no Malaysian will be forced to resort to CRIME to just survive in Malaysia...note the number of theft is on the rise....

Then, there is the DISCRIMINATION question - what about Foreign Spouses of Malaysians, Documented Migrant Workers in Malaysia, REFUGEES in Malaysia including also Palestinian and Rohingya refugees. Remember, migrant workers in Malaysia also suffer the unjust low Minimum Wage in Malaysia of RM1,700 - which was in fact a REDUCTION in REAL WAGES.. do they not get subsidized RON95? Remember, our Federal Constitution talks about equality of persons - not just citizens - Art. 8 (1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

Should foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens have to produce their Marriage Certificate to get subsidized RON95 - these are family members of Malaysians, so they should similarly be entitled. They are not only spouses, but also mother or father of Malaysian children...

Without MIGRANT WORKERS, Malaysia's economy may collapse - they too need to travel from work to home, to buy food,etc - and many use motorbikes or 2nd hand cars - so, should they also not be entitled to subsidized petrol > or will employers be required to pay an ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT allowance for their migrant workers? 

WHY subsidize people who have very expensive cars? If they can buy and use expensive cars, they can very well pay for UNsubsidized petrol... 

SIDE ISSUE - Have you seen Anwar Ibrahim's FB Post - oddly most(if not all) comments seems to be comments of praise - and it is ODD since there are so many critics and those unhappy with Anwar too. Is there censorship of these comments - to give the 'false' impression that everyone is very happy with Anwar...or are the comments 'generated' by AI or people who are working for Anwar? Maybe, someone should investigate this and reveal the TRUTH.  

 

Anwar: RON95 subsidy for all Malaysian drivers with MyKad, license from Sept 30

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering in Putrajaya this morning. — Picture by Yusof Isa

By Muhammad Yusry

Monday, 22 Sep 2025 8:52 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol will cover all Malaysians, removing the previously discussed income-based categories.

Anwar said the only requirements to qualify for subsidised RON95 fuel are a valid MyKad with an active chip and a valid Malaysian driving licence.

“We have decided to set the price of RON95 petrol from the current RM2.05 per litre to RM1.99 per litre starting September 30, 2025.

“This benefit is a gesture of appreciation, inspired by the spirit of Independence Day and Malaysia Day, as a token of gratitude to all Malaysians,” he said in his speech addressing the Prime Minister’s Department staff at the monthly assembly.

Anwar stressed that non-citizens and large companies will not be eligible for the subsidy and will instead have to pay the unsubsidised price of around RM2.60 per litre.

300 litres per month

Anwar said each eligible Malaysian will qualify for 300 litres of subsidised fuel per month.

“We set it at 300 litres because, on average, it’s about 150, mostly 200. At most 250. None go beyond 300,” Anwar explained.

“Unless the first wife is in Gombak and the second wife is in Seremban. That kind of back-and-forth maybe, but not many people,” he added in jest.

Anwar said, however, that those in the e-hailing sector will be exempted from the limit, with registration to be announced by the Finance Ministry later.

How it works

According to him, the process of accessing the subsidised price has been designed to be straightforward and familiar for users.

Dubbed Budi95, no registration is required for the mechanism, similar to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah or SARA.

All Malaysians will be required to verify their MyKad before making payment, with MyKad readers to be installed at fuel pumps and inside convenience stores to ease congestion.

Based on data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Registration Department (JPN), it is estimated that more than 16 million people will benefit from Budi95.

“I hope Malaysians can be a little patient, don’t all rush in on the 30th. You can do it on October 2, or even October 4 — just wait a little. I want to avoid too many people at the same time,” he said.

For Malaysians who prefer digital solutions, Anwar said options such as Touch ‘n Go eWallet and petrol company apps like Setel will also be available so that drivers will not need to present their MyKad for every transaction.

Step-by-step rollout

As a gesture of recognition ahead of the official roll-out, Anwar said police and military personnel will begin enjoying the RM1.99 per litre price from Saturday, September 27, 2025.

This will be followed by Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients from the B40 group, who will be able to access the same price starting Sunday, September 28, 2025.

He said the staggered implementation was to give the public time to familiarise themselves with the new system before the official nationwide launch on September 30.

The Finance Ministry is expected to provide further details on the RON95 subsidy targeting mechanism soon. - Malay Mail, 22/9/2025

 

 

 

 

Can PM Anwar Ibrahim(also ASEAN head) and the MADANI government save Malaysians from execution in Singapore? Moratorium on execution is a call of more than 2/3 of all UN member States - Will not Singapore respect this? Speech about Mary Jane Veloso who was saved from execution included..

Can Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani Government save Malaysians from being executed in Singapore?

Can Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia, the current leader of ASEAN manage to stop the execution in Singapore, a ASEAN member State?

Singapore has granted clemency to Tristan Tan Yi Rui, an inmate on death row for drug trafficking, and commuted his sentence to life imprisonment instead. The 33-year-old’s case is believed to be the first time since 1998 that the city state, known for its zero tolerance for drugs, has commuted the death sentence of an inmate on death row. Tan was convicted in 2023 of trafficking not less than 337.6 grams of methamphetamine. In a letter from Julius Lim, principal private secretary to the president, and seen by This Week in Asia, Tan was granted clemency by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on behalf of the cabinet. - SCMP, 15/8/2025

Similarly, Philippines also managed to save its citizen from death row in Indonesia - in the case of Mary Jane Velloso

Filipina who spent nearly 15 years on Indonesia's death row tearfully reunited with family members Wednesday after arriving in Manila, where she now awaits a hoped-for pardon in a women's prison. Mother of two Mary Jane Veloso landed at daybreak, then was immediately transferred to prison following a repatriation deal between the two countries over a decade in the making. Technically still serving a life sentence, how long she remains behind bars is now in the hands of President Ferdinand Marcos.This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title "". Click to read: https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2024/12/18/mary-jane-veloso-arrives-home-to-new-life.html. "Mary Jane Veloso is coming home," Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said.

Will PM Anwar Ibrahim and his Madani Government also be able to do the same for Malaysians about to be executed in Singapore? Maybe not released but repatriated to be imprisoned in Malaysian prisons.

Malaysia, like more than two thirds of UN Member states are now committed to imposing a MORATORIUM on execution pending abolition of the death penalty. This was achieved in a UN General Assembly Resolution

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted its tenth resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty on December 17, 2024, with 130 countries voting in favor, a record high, and 32 against, and 22 abstaining. The non-legally binding resolution calls on all States to establish a moratorium on executions, with the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty.

Malaysia votes in favour again in 2024 UNGA Resolution for moratorium on executions pending abolition of death penalty

Malaysians are watching - Will PMX succeed in saving the lives of Malaysians facing execution in Singapore? What are the efforts Anwar and his government did to save Malaysians in being killed - executed in other countries?  

TWELVE Malaysian Members of Parliament have jointly appealed to the Singaporean government to delay the imminent execution of Malaysian national Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, who is currently on death row for a 2017 drug trafficking conviction....They further requested that the Home Minister formally appeal to the Singaporean government for a stay of execution while investigations continue.

GOOD, note that some of these MPs are in parties that form the Madani Government - but sadly, their political parties have still NOT COME OUT calling for Singapore not to execute these Malaysians. What about the Malaysian Government, the Home Minister,... what have they done?

HOW MANY MALAYSIANS HAVE MALAYSIA SAVED FROM EXECUTIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES? 

See also below the KEYNOTE SPEECH at the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) Regional Conference 2025 by Edre U. Olalia, 6 June 2025 - Edre was one of the lawyers that helped Mary Jane Veloso, who escaped execution in Indonesia, and was repatriated back to Philippines. 

Malaysian MPs urge Singapore to delay Pannir Selvam execution amid calls for further investigation

Lawmakers noted that the Singapore Court of Appeal rejected Pannir’s most recent legal challenge on 5 September 2025, leaving him at “high risk of execution in the coming weeks, if not days

Updated 3 days ago · Published on 18 Sep 2025 2:21PM

Sister leads a prolonged clemency campaign seeking to commute his sentence to life imprisonment with support from human rights organisations - September 18, 2025

 

TWELVE Malaysian Members of Parliament have jointly appealed to the Singaporean government to delay the imminent execution of Malaysian national Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, who is currently on death row for a 2017 drug trafficking conviction.

 

The MPs made the appeal following a meeting with Angelia Pranthaman, Pannir’s sister, who has been leading a prolonged clemency campaign seeking to commute his sentence to life imprisonment with support from human rights organisations.

“Pannir is a Malaysian, currently incarcerated in Singapore and on death row for the crime of trafficking 52 grams of drugs. He was sentenced to death in May 2017,” the MPs said in a statement today.

“Since then, his siblings have started a clemency campaign to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment with the assistance of various human rights NGOs.”

They noted that the Singapore Court of Appeal rejected Pannir’s most recent legal challenge on 5 September 2025, leaving him at “high risk of execution in the coming weeks, if not days.”

The MPs contrasted Singapore’s continued use of the death penalty with Malaysia’s recent legal reforms. “In April 2023, the Madani Government took the positive step of abolishing the mandatory death penalty, allowing the Malaysian judiciary greater discretion to convert death sentences to jail terms,” they said. “Since then, Malaysia has halted all executions, earning international goodwill and recognition.”

By comparison, Amnesty International reports that Singapore has executed 16 individuals since October 2024.

The MPs voiced their strong opposition to the mandatory death penalty, stressing its “inherent risk of disproportionately executing minor drug mules, as in Pannir’s case, and its overall incompatibility with human rights.”

They also revealed that in March 2025, Pannir’s family persuaded an independent witness to file a police report in Johor Bahru, implicating two senior figures in a Malaysian drug syndicate who allegedly recruited Pannir as a drug mule.

“We call upon our police to carry out further investigations based on the said police report and urgently update Datuk Seri Panglima Saifuddin Nasution, the Home Minister,” the MPs urged.

They further requested that the Home Minister formally appeal to the Singaporean government for a stay of execution while investigations continue.

“We sincerely hope that these latest efforts will result in the arrests of these leaders of the drug syndicate and convince the Singapore Government to issue to Pannir a Certificate of Substantive Assistance, thus converting his death sentence to life imprisonment.”

The statement was signed by MPs Wong Chen (Subang), Dato’ Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Yuneswaran Ramaraj (Segamat), Kesavan a/l Subramaniam (Sungai Siput), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng), Haji Onn Abdul Bakar (Batu Pahat), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Ir. Ts. Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), and Puan Hajah Rodziah Ismail (Ampang). - Vibes, September 18, 2025

 

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) Regional Conference 2025

Edre U. Olalia 1
6 June 2025, Bellevue Manila, Philippines

Hope, Justice and Solidarity.

These are the very elements that saved Mary Jane Veloso who was spared from the firing squad practically at the last minute of her scheduled execution.

Who is Mary Jane?

Mary Jane is the youngest among five children. Due to poverty, she only made it to first year high school. Her father used to be a seasonal worker in a vast sugar plantation while her mother was an overseas Filipino worker from Saudi Arabia who was a victim of abuse by her employer.

Mary Jane has two children, both boys. Desiring to escape poverty, she went to Dubai to work as a maid but was forced to return before her work contract was completed because her employer attempted to rape her.

In April 2010, Mary Jane was approached by the partner of her kinakapatid(distant relative) in their hometown in Nueva Ecija north of Manila and was told that the latter’s Malaysian friend purportedly needs a domestic worker. Mary Jane paid her P20,000, a motorcycle and her cell phone to supposedly cover employment costs. With only two t-shirts and pants, they left their sleepy hometown for Malaysia.

But in Malaysia, the recruiter informed her that her job was no longer available but she was reassured that she will look for a job for her. After a few days, she was told to pack her things as she will be sent to Indonesia to work. She was given an empty suitcase to put her clothes in and was given money.

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta, airport personnel detected suspicious items in her suitcase through the x-ray machine. Her luggage was inspected and emptied but they found nothing. The luggage was placed back in the x-ray machine but it again detected something which prompted airport personnel to destroy her luggage. To her utter surprise, they found neatly packed in the inner part of the suitcase given to her US$500,000 worth of heroin weighing 2.6 kilograms.

Six months after she was arrested, Mary Jane was convicted and handed down a death sentence by firing squad. All legal remedies then in Indonesia appeared to be exhausted.

1 Lead counsel, Philippine Legal Team of Mary Jane Veloso; Chairperson of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) and Transitional President of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL). Olalia is also the 1 st Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Human Rights Awardee (Luzon).

In April 2015, when news of Mary Jane’s scheduled execution was made public to the Filipino people, Migrante International, the Church Task Force to Save Mary Jane and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) launched a global campaign to save her life. The campaign launched a global petition signing calling on the Indonesia to spare Mary Jane’s life as a victim of human trafficking.

The petition became the fastest-growing Change.org petition in history. The campaign was supported by numerous organizations and human rights advocates in the Philippines, Indonesia and worldwide. Human rights advocates, faith leaders and supporters from Indonesia, including the Indonesian Women’s Commission also played an instrumental role in lobbying and advocating for the grant of clemency for her.

Migrante International and the NUPL posthaste flew to Indonesia in a last ditch political and legal effort to feverishly save her life. They linked up with Indonesian groups and advocates, conversed with the international media and closely coordinated with her Indonesian private lawyers. Mass actions were held and media publicity was utilized by various groups in Manila.

Hours before her execution together with eight other nationals who were all males, Mary Jane’s recruiters were taken into custody by Philippine authorities and a case was filed against them for illegal recruitment, human trafficking and estafa(swindling) in a Philippine trial court.

This, together with the unflinching clamor up to the last minute of Indonesian women migrant groups reportedly prompted Indonesia to grant her a temporary reprieve from execution to allow her to testify in the said court case. That case remains pending to this date and for various procedural reasons and legal challenges, her testimony is yet to be taken.

Meanwhile, in January 2020, her recruiters were found guilty of large scale illegal recruitment for a separate case involving three young Filipino women also based in their hometown. The recruiters are now serving life imprisonment sentences.

In December last year, after almost 15 years in Indonesia death row, Mary Jane was finally repatriated to the Philippines. This was a result of the cumulation of all efforts from different initiatives and the persistent campaigns and clamors for her freedom. And it culminated through discreet diplomatic moves by the present Philippine government.

The Transfer Agreement between the Indonesian and Philippine governments did not set any preconditions for the transfer of physical custody of Mary Jane. Indonesian authorities clearly said that the responsibility for her rehabilitation is “handed over to the Philippines, including decisions whether to grant remission or clemency.” Indonesia has categorically expressed that it will respect any such decisions.

The only “condition” requested by the Indonesian authorities is that the final conviction of Mary Jane for drug trafficking should not be questioned anymore and that the Philippines should respect the Indonesian legal and judicial system and process.

Hence, the legal jurisdiction over the drug trafficking case remains with Indonesia but the physical custody is passed on to the Philippine government under a bilateral transfer of sentenced prisoner executive agreement. 

It is in this context that we are again earnestly clamoring for the immediate grant of absolute pardon to her. After all, absolute pardon is within the sole power and prerogative of the Philippine President especially if this is primarily based, as in the case of Mary Jane, on humanitarian and not on legal grounds.

How was Mary Jane Saved?

On hindsight, what worked for Mary Jane?

She has consistently and credibly asserted out of court that she was a mere victim who was duped by an international drug trafficking syndicate. This served as the pivotal legal argument that served as additional basis for further appeals before Indonesia courts, and which in turn made her lawyers sue for time and also contributed to the international attention to her case.

Quite importantly, the mass campaigns and appeals to save her by and large carried a non-adversarial rather than a hostile tone for Indonesia to exercise “mercy and compassion” and this approach was beneficial to her cause.

Her experience and the circumstances she found herself resonated with the experience of Indonesian migrant workers similarly situated in other countries. This shared experience galvanized efforts that eventually led to her suspended execution, prompted no doubt by strong clamor from international rights groups, lawyers organizations, and even international celebrities.

Her family’s dogged and earnest efforts to save her was very significant. They only had hope to seek justice to get by. They knocked on several doors and persistently went the rounds of government offices only to be frustrated and disappointed. The Philippine government eventually fell all over itself to pull out all the stops in the face of overwhelming public clamor and pressure.

Her father, mother, children and siblings actively took part in the mass campaigns to save her from the gallows. That a poor single mother with two small children slated for execution by firing squad along with eight others of various nationalities who were all males also attracted global media attention and overwhelming sympathy. Her two young sons appearing and appealing before the media pulled the heartstrings of the public.

It must be noted too that her case emerged during the proliferation of social media and benefited from it, including the online petition that gathered thousands of signatures in the span of only a few days from people in different countries. This amplified the calls of activists and religious groups involved in mass campaigns on the ground.

The collaboration and cooperation between her Indonesian private lawyers and her Filipino private lawyers – albeit at the late appeal stage – was active, transparent and direct, particularly in preparing the last ditch petition for a failed second judicial review. The framework and tactics of people’s lawyering also provided direction to all these.

Undoubtedly, the national and international attention and sustained media coverage – and the Philippine government’s latest political and diplomatic efforts - was precipitated by mass actions, appeals and even protests of progressive people’s organizations as well as the involvement and concern of church and lawyers organizations over time.

Legal Basis for Protection

The human trafficking angle – which under international law and treaty obligations (UN Protocol on Human Trafficking of 2000 or Palermo Protocol I) entitled distressed migrant workers like Mary Jane to protection rather than prosecution – also somehow probably factored in Indonesia’s grant of a temporary last reprieve on the eve of her execution after information that her alleged recruiters were already in the custody of Philippine authorities.

In the opinion of her private lawyers, the elephant in the room is the distinct but not unrelated intersection to the drug trafficking charges of several applicable laws, namely, 1) the UN Trafficking Protocol of 2000 or the Palermo Protocol I, 2) the Philippine Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and 3) the Law of the Republic of Indonesia on the Eradication of the Criminal Act of Trafficking in Persons.

Human trafficking occurs across national borders as victims are transported, sent and received within different jurisdictions. Hence, our view is that once a person becomes a victim in one state, she/he remains a victim in another state, even if she/he allegedly commits illegal acts in any of the states. To view otherwise would defeat the whole intent of the law to combat trafficking and protect its victims.

Under said applicable international and domestic laws, victims of human trafficking, therefore, should not be punished for crimes they were made to commit in the course of their exploitation. The laws provided that these victims are entitled to mandatory legal protection and other services. Their explicit non-punishment clauses prohibit the prosecution of victims of trafficking for crimes which they may have allegedly committed in the course of being trafficked.

But all these are neither here nor there now. Yet this legal perspective must be seriously taken into account in similar cases in the future.

Reflections
As a sad commentary that rings true to this day, Mary Jane is but one of millions of Filipinos who sought or are compelled by circumstances to seek what seem to be better opportunities beyond Philippine shores. Again, she is a single mother that comes from a very poor family and managed only to finish first high school and was forced to work abroad as a domestic helper to support her family.

Calls for her clemency at this stage, though anchored principally on humanitarian considerations, has a subtext: that she is a victim of human trafficking and is a migrant worker in distress that not only needs protection but deserves justice.

Her case highlighted the importance of solidarity through collective actions both in the sending and receiving state, along with the genuine legal efforts and political commentary that ensured that the public discourse would be elevated to a holistic view, nay critique, of the phenomenon and problem of forced migration and the death penalty.

Indeed, today, Mary Jane’s miserable journey – as in many others - persists as she continues to languish in jail, not in Indonesia no more but ironically, in her very own country where she did not commit any crime. And that speaks volumes of what kind of society we have.

The attention generated by the emotive and emblematic case of Mary Jane should be translated to rescue other migrants on death row abroad. In the long view, the same calls should be aligned with the broader political framework of decisively ending the root causes of poverty in the country in the quest towards brighter societal trajectories for the poor, oppressed, deprived and vulnerable.

Her case reinforces once again the imperative for death penalty reform if not the abolition of the death penalty altogether everywhere as well as in ensuring that the rights on those in death row are respected, concerns which ADPAN has taken up as a noble cause.

Otherwise, we will have more Mary Janes of 2015, if not more FlorContemplacions who was hanged in Singapore way back in 1995. 2

Hope, Justice and Solidarity

We are heartened that ADPAN advocates for clemency and mobilizes public support to help safeguard lives, the very thrust especially for victims like Mary Jane.

We are one with you in your goal to raise ““awareness about the social, legal and political dimensions of the death penalty and shedding light on its inherent flaws, human rights concerns, and broader societal implications and to challenge outdated notions and pave the way for change.”

It is indeed laudatory that ADPAN seeks to “build a society that values human dignity, uphold justice and embrace the fundamental rights of all individuals.”

2 For related literature, please see “From Flor to Mary Jane: Divergences, Intersection and Trajectories,” Atty. Edre U. Olalia, Monograph Series No. 1, UP Diliman Gender Office, May 2017.

As the continuing saga of Mary Jane unfolds, her unfortunate journey has demonstrated that with solidarity, there will be hope for justice for those who are now already dying even before their impending deaths.# 

NOTE:- I would like to thank Edre U. Olalia for sending me the written text of his speech, and allowing me to share with others.  

'Permanent Flood Evacuation Centres' - Foolishness? Speak out when government does wrong things...?

I wanted to laugh when I read that the Government plan to build permanent flood evacuation centres - it will, in my opinion, be an exercise of WASTING MONEY, money that we do not have since Malaysia's DEBT is about RM1.5 Trillion(as said by some), and not that the DEBT has not been reduced or stagnated. Since Anwar Ibrahim has become Prime Minister, the government is increasing its DEBT - and Anwar seems proud that the DEBTS are increasing slower than before BUT still increasing...

Malaysia may need a staggering RM392bil allocation for flood mitigation projects but with limited resources, the government will prioritise projects based on urgency and needs, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. - Star, 6/12/2024 

Today, whenever there is a flood, we have been using schools and other existing facilities to house flood victims temporarily - and when flood recide in a week or so, they return back home. SO, WHY DO WE NEED A PERMANENT FLOOD EVACUATION CENTER... if they were saying they would be providing people who are regularly or annually affected by flood with new land and homes - to end the annual sufferings they endure from flood, that would have been better...[What do you do with such buildings when there is no flood or flood victims - which might become a reality after flood mitigation plans succeed?) Better to invest the money in building more police station or booths...repairing/raising roads that get flooded regularly,...

Then, the Malaysian Government has spend a lot of money on FLOOD MITIGATION project to end certain areas from flooding - well, the Malaysians still do not all know what this projects are (is it a canal to divert water from rivers to some large reservoirs, or directly to main deeper rivers? Is it the building of a drainage system?, Is it building of dams?) Tell us what is it, and how is it going AND if already completed, has it effectively prevented flooding??

A friend once told me that what the government should do is to identify roads that are often flooded, and just raise the HEIGHT of the roads (or even railroads) so that it will never be flooded again - roads/railways are important to transport supplies to people in TEMPORARY flood evacuation centers, and also to allow people to move to HIGHER grounds...

WE DO NOT NEED PERMANENT FLOOD EVACUATION CENTERS - WE ALREADY HAVE ADEQUATE SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY HALLS, MOSQUES/CHURCHES AND OTHER FACILITIES TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTER DURING FLOODS..

Longer stay however will be needed if an earthquake destroys one's housing or a gas pipe explosion displaces people who will have to spend some time away until their homes are rebuild..but still we do not need PERMANENT temporary shelters - spend the money for hospitals, ambulances,... this are real needs.

Some places never flooded before but now are getting flooded. Ask the question why? Was natural swamps that prevented flooding been now filled with the approval of government the cause? OR maybe the government failed to maintain the depth and flow of river - which have become shallower because of forest and other debries - river cleaning/deepening must be prioritized. Was it POOR PLANNING by government that is causing floods in areas never affected by floods before?

For flashed floods - are the drains clogged, or do we need DEEPER drains considering that of late, when it rains, the amount of water has increased making current drains inadequate to speedily disperse the rain waters... Have you seen the government even cleaning and/or unclogging drains before - when really, this must be done at least once a month...How did the government approve drains around commercial and residential areas that do not ultimately flow to rivers, big drainage out of the area - Poor planning, lack of enforcement, CORRUPTION..???

ANYWAY - the idea of building PERMANENT flood evacuation centers is rather foolish, in my opinion, to house people usually once a year for a week to 10 days or less. YES, occasionally we have very BIG FLOODS, but that happens once in a while every several decades...

In Chiangmai, once a regular flood prone area, a system of large drains/canals and water catchment areas ended its flood problems - Maybe Malaysia should look at such successful flood mitigation - avoidance projects...

Chiang Mai is employing multiple flood mitigation efforts, including infrastructure improvements like dredging waterways, installing and maintaining flood barriers along the Ping River, and increasing water management capacity in reservoirs and retention ponds to control water flow. The province is also focusing on real-time monitoring, using AI-powered systems like FloodBoy, and implementing community-based preparedness through local government autonomy and the formal establishment of resilience groups.

Note that in Malaysia, to deal with flood victims, our Jabatan Pertahanan Awam, the Army, ... are already pretty ready and efficient in dealing with the flood victims issue...  

 

 

Zahid: Permanent evacuation centres planned for flood-prone areas in Sabah

Federal government to build permanent evacuation centres in flood-prone Sabah, starting with Bongawan and expanding elsewhere.

Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 18 Sep 2025 3:59PM

Zahid speaks to reporters in Kampung Mook in Kinarut, Papar - September 18, 2025

by Jason Santos

PLANS are being drawn up to build several permanent evacuation centres in flood-prone areas of Sabah, with one confirmed facility to be built in Bongawan, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday.

Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will construct the Bongawan centre this year.

He added that proposals for other districts are being considered and will depend on the availability of funds.

“I found that Bongawan is one of the areas that is constantly flooded… The need to build a permanent relocation centre there is very important,” he said.

Bongawan, a coastal town located about 70km south of Kota Kinabalu, is among Sabah’s most flood-prone areas.

“We will also hold discussions on other areas in Sabah where permanent relocation centres can be built.

“The decision will depend on recommendations from the Finance Ministry and local officials,” he told reporters after visiting the Kampung Mook community centre in Kinarut, where he had earlier paid his respects to the family of Jude Joseph.

Joseph lost his wife and son when a landslide tore through his village and destroyed their home during the floods and landslides on September 15.

The Umno president, who arrived in Kota Kinabalu late Wednesday, had toured seven temporary shelters in flood-hit districts.

Also accompanying him were Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.

Zahid said the centre in Bongawan will include kitchens, bathrooms and communal facilities, and will also serve as a community hub outside of the disaster season.

“We already have the design template for such a centre, and we will improve it in terms of size and facilities,” he said.

He added that funds to build the new evacuation centre in Bongawan are already available, but disbursement must follow existing procedures. However, he pledged to expedite the process.

When asked about measures to prevent future disasters, Zahid said his ministry is working closely with the Minerals and Geoscience Department to identify landslide-prone areas.

“This matter can be addressed when the federal and state governments deliberate on the department’s advice,” he said.

Housing assistance

On another matter, Zahid said he had also taken note of victims requesting their homes be rebuilt under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) housing programme and the federal People’s Housing Project (PPRS). His ministry will meet soon to decide allocations and provide funding for repairs to damaged houses.

“They have asked for SMJ houses and PPRS houses. We will have a meeting to decide which, under KKDW, and we are ready to help repair houses,” he said.

Condolences to victims’ families

Zahid said he had also met the families of three child victims whose bodies were laid to rest on Thursday, offering condolences on behalf of the federal government.

He thanked the state government, district offices, NGOs and emergency personnel for their efforts, and said flood relief funds have already been allocated this year and would be distributed to victims soon.

As of September 18, a total of 13 people have died in the floods and landslides across Sabah, while one person remains missing in Keningau.

Evacuation efforts are ongoing, with 3,299 residents displaced in seven districts and housed at 28 relief centres.

The highest number of evacuees are in Membakut with 1,085 people, followed by Penampang (610),  Putatan (566), Papar (369), Sipitang (324), Beaufort (286) and Tawau (59). - September 18, 2025, Vibes