US-Malaysia Agreement - Take it to COURT - let the Court decide whether the PM alone decides, or whether in Malaysia it ought toi get approval of Parliament, States, Rulers and King? Matter of public interest

The US-MALAYSIA Agreement is of great concern, as it will have many NEGATIVE impacts on Malaysia ...many have HIGHLIGHTED the problems. BUT PM Anwar still seems like he is going to put the Agreement into FORCE without getting PRIOR approval from Parliament, the States and even the Rulers Conference. It seems he believes, that as PM, he has the power to do as he wants...

Interestingly, this SOLE DISCRETION of the PM to enter into agreements with other countries, other entities is NOT CLEARLY stated in our Federal Constitution or any LAWS currently, thus making it something that maybe OUR COURTS should decide on....

Too many have raised the 'problems' with this rather ONE-SIDED Agreements that also will put pressure on Malaysia to do the needful to 

US has sanctions now on so many countries like IRAN, North Korea, ... and many of these countries of the NON-ALLIGNED Movement(NAM) - so will Malaysia also 'implement' US Sanctions against these countries...  

' The U.S. imposes sanctions on countries like Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela, with some facing comprehensive embargoes (Cuba, Iran, NK, Syria) and others targeted measures (Russia, Belarus, Venezuela). Sanctions also exist for ... China (military), Belarus, Burma, Afghanistan, and others,' So, will Malaysia also now adopt and maintain a measure with equivalent restrictive effect as the measure adopted by the United States???

A clause in the current US-Malaysia Agreement says this - Article 5.1 

'.         If the United States imposes a customs duty, quota, prohibition, fee, charge, or other import restriction on a good or service of a third country and considers that such measure is relevant to protecting the economic or national security of the United States, the United States intends to notify such measure to Malaysia for the purpose of economic and national security alignment. Upon receiving such notification from the United States, Malaysia shall adopt or maintain a measure with equivalent restrictive effect as the measure adopted by the United States or agree to a timeline for implementation that is acceptable to both Parties, to address a shared economic or national security concern, guided by principles of goodwill and a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the United States and Malaysia.'

But, what about Malaysia - if it imposes similar 'customs duty, quota, prohibition, fee, charge, or other import restriction on a good or service of a third country ' - Is US bound to follow? If Malaysia imposes such economic 'sanctions' on Israel, or countries that are pro-Israel that supply arms or monies to Israel that end up being used to kill Palestinians and destroy Palestine?  

Then, there is that is another clause - the FREEDOM to enter into agreements ... 

(b)        Malaysia shall not enter into agreements or understandings with third countries that include non-scientific, discriminatory, or preferential technical standards or third-country SPS measures that are incompatible with U.S. or international standards; or otherwise disadvantage U.S. exports. 

WHY TAKE IT TO COURT?

Malaysia is a Parliamentary Democracy - a Prime Minister is decided by the Members of Parliament. Parliament has the duty of 'CHECK and BALANCE' to prevent PM or Executive wrongdoings and abuses ...

HENCE, should not in be RIGHT to secure Parliamentary Approval before the PM can enter into any agreement on behalf of Malaysia, more so whose effect will last beyond the tenure of said Prime Minister?

Malaysia is a FEDERATION OF STATES/REGIONS - should not the approval of the said States/Regions be needed before any Federal Prime Minister enters into any agreement which naturally will affect all States and its citizens too..

Malaysia has a King and Conference of Rulers - the HEAD OF STATE is the KING, not the Prime Minister > and, as such, should not also the CONSENT of the King and the individual Rulers be obtained before any sitting PM enters into any agreement on behalf of Malaysia with any other countries and entitities?

These are, I believe, our Malaysian Courts should consider and decide - more so, since there is NO provisions in our Federal Constitution and/or LAWS that clearly state that the PM has full AUTHORITY to sign any such agreements, that will bind Malaysia even beyond the term of this Prime Minister. 

THESE ARE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THAT MAYBE THE MALAYSIAN COURTS SHOULD CONSIDER AND DECIDE ON...

So, should someone, maybe some politician or a political party or OTHERS take this matter to court, applying also maybe for an INTERIM INJUNCTION preventing the PM from putting this Agreement into FORCE on behalf of Malaysia??? 

Of late, our former Prime Minister also filed a POLICE REPORT - but no news still whether the police is even going to investigate?

Was the US-Malaysia Agreement even legal - Was it NOT a THREAT by Trump to increase TARIFFS the reason why Malaysia, in fear of the Threat and the consequences of the threat if carried out, 'FORCE" Malaysia into such an agreement?

There is still TIME - Will anyone take this Agreement to COURT? 

The said AGREEMENT from the White House website 

Preamble

The Government of the United States of America (“United States”) and the Government of Malaysia (“Malaysia”) (hereinafter referred to individually as “a Party” and collectively as
“the Parties”),

EMPHASIZING their shared values, including their shared commitment to sovereignty, economic prosperity, and resilient supply chains;

RECOGNIZING the bonds of friendship and cooperation between them, in particular in their trade and investment relations, as reflected in the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Malaysia;

INTENDING to enhance reciprocity in their bilateral trade relationship by addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers; and

SEEKING to strengthen their commercial relationship through increased alignment on national and regional economic security matters,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Section 1. Tariffs and Quotas

Article 1.1: Tariffs

1.         Malaysia shall apply a rate of customs duty[1] on originating goods of the United States as set out in Schedule 1 to Annex I.

2.         The United States shall apply a revised reciprocal tariff rate on originating goods of Malaysia as set out in Schedule 2 of Annex I.

Article 1.2: Quantitative Restrictions

Malaysia shall not impose quantitative restrictions on imports of originating goods of the United States except in accordance with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994).

Section 2. Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters

Article 2.1: Import Licensing

Malaysia shall not apply import licensing[2] to U.S. originating goods in a manner that restricts the importation of such goods. Malaysia shall ensure that any non-automatic import licensing that it applies is applied only to administer an underlying measure, and in a manner that is transparent, nondiscriminatory, and not unduly burdensome, and that does not reduce the competitiveness of U.S. exports.

Article 2.2: Technical Regulations, Standards, and Conformity Assessment

1.         The Parties recognize their existing rights and obligations with respect to each other under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. Malaysia shall allow U.S. originating goods that comply with applicable U.S. or international standards, U.S. technical regulations, or U.S. or international conformity assessment procedures to enter its territory without additional conformity assessment requirements. In doing so─

(a)        Malaysia shall accord to the conformity assessment bodies of the United States treatment no less favorable than that it accords to its own bodies; and

(b)       Malaysia shall facilitate the acceptance of U.S. compliance procedures for goods that are not subject to third-party conformity assessment in the U.S. regulatory framework.

2.         Malaysia shall ensure that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures are applied in a non-discriminatory manner and do not operate as disguised restrictions on bilateral trade, and shall remove existing technical barriers to trade in areas that undermine reciprocity, including requirements for duplicative or unnecessary testing or conformity assessment.

Article 2.3: Agriculture

Malaysia shall provide non-discriminatory or preferential market access for U.S. agricultural goods as set forth in this Agreement. In doing so─

(a)        Malaysia shall ensure that its sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are science- and risk-based and do not operate as disguised restrictions on bilateral trade, and shall remove unjustified SPS barriers in areas that undermine reciprocity.

(b)        Malaysia shall not enter into agreements or understandings with third countries that include non-scientific, discriminatory, or preferential technical standards or third-country SPS measures that are incompatible with U.S. or international standards; or otherwise disadvantage U.S. exports.

Article 2.4: Geographical Indications

Malaysia shall ensure transparency and fairness with respect to the protection or recognition[3] of geographical indications, including pursuant to an international agreement to which Malaysia is a party. Malaysia shall only protect or recognize a term that identifies a good as a geographical indication where there is a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good that is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

Article 2.5: Cheese and Meat Terms

Malaysia shall not restrict U.S. market access due to the mere use of the individual cheese and meat terms listed in Annex II.

Article 2.6: Intellectual Property

Malaysia shall provide a robust standard of protection for intellectual property.[4] Malaysia shall provide effective systems for civil, criminal, and border enforcement of intellectual property rights and shall ensure that such systems combat and deter the infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property, including in the online environment. Malaysia shall prioritize and shall take effective criminal and border enforcement actions against copyright and trademark infringements.

Article 2.7: Services

This Agreement incorporates, mutatis mutandis, any commitment concerning trade in services that Malaysia has made or hereafter makes in a trade agreement to any third country, jurisdiction, or economy. This Article shall not apply to any commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under any ASEAN trade or investment agreement.

Article 2.8: Good Regulatory Practices

Malaysia shall adopt and implement good regulatory practices as set out in Article 2.21 of Annex III that ensure greater transparency, predictability, and participation throughout the regulatory lifecycle.

Article 2.9: Labor

1.         Malaysia shall adopt and implement a prohibition on the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced or compulsory labor. Malaysia may acknowledge U.S. government determinations on entities under Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and shall take appropriate action to prohibit importation of goods from those companies. The Parties shall cooperate by sharing best practices on the development and enforcement of forced labor import prohibitions, as appropriate. Malaysia shall implement the obligations in this paragraph within two years of the date of entry into force of this Agreement.

2.         Malaysia shall protect internationally recognized labor rights.[5] This includes by adopting or maintaining such rights in its domestic law and practice, and effectively enforcing its labor laws, including by creating or maintaining necessary institutions to protect labor rights. Malaysia shall establish and effectively apply appropriate legal sanctions for violations of those laws. Malaysia shall not weaken or reduce the protections in its labor laws and shall address any such weakening or reduction that has been made to encourage trade or investment to date.[6] In addition, Malaysia shall address issues related to labor rights that contribute to non-reciprocal trade.

Article 2.10: Environment

Malaysia shall adopt and maintain environmental protections, effectively enforce its environmental laws, uphold or institute, as necessary, strong environmental governance structures, and address environment-related issues that contribute to non-reciprocal trade.

Article 2.11: Customs and Trade Facilitation

Malaysia shall facilitate technology solutions that allow for full pre-arrival processing, paperless trade, and digitalized procedures for the cross-border movement of goods.

Article 2.12: Border Measures and Taxes

1.         Malaysia shall coordinate and endeavor to align its border measures applicable to third-country imports with relevant border measures that the United States may adopt in the future, such as border-adjusted tax measures or other border measures, to combat regulatory arbitrage that would disadvantage U.S. workers and businesses.

2.         No Party shall contest at the WTO a measure adopted by the other Party to rebate or to refrain from imposing direct taxes in relation to exports from that Party.

3.         Malaysia shall not impose value-added taxes that discriminate against U.S. companies in law or in fact. 

Section 3. Digital Trade and Technology

Article 3.1: Digital Services Tax

Malaysia shall not impose digital services taxes, or similar taxes, that discriminate against U.S. companies in law or in fact.

Article 3.2: Facilitation of Digital Trade

Malaysiashall facilitate digital trade with the United States, including by─

(a)        refraining from measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or U.S. products distributed digitally;[7]

(b)        ensuring the cross-border transfer of data by electronic means across trusted borders, with appropriate protections, for the conduct of business; and

(c)        endeavoring to collaborate with the United States to address cybersecurity challenges and matters of mutual interest, which may include exchanging information on threats and best practices, promoting the use of relevant international standards, and understanding capacity-building activities.

Article 3.3: Digital Trade Agreements

Malaysia shall consult with the United States before entering into a new digital trade agreement with another country that jeopardizes essential U.S. interests.

Article 3.4: Market Entry Conditions

1.         Malaysia shall not impose any condition or enforce any undertaking requiring U.S. persons to transfer or provide access to a particular technology, production process, source code, or other proprietary knowledge, or to purchase, utilize, or accord a preference to a particular technology, as a condition for doing business in its territory.

2.         Nothing in this Article shall─

(a)        preclude the inclusion or implementation of terms and conditions related to the provision of source code in commercially negotiated contracts;

(b)        preclude a Party from requiring that access be provided to software used for critical infrastructure, to the extent required to ensure the effective functioning of critical infrastructure, subject to safeguards against unauthorized disclosure;

(c)        preclude a Party from requiring the modification of source code of software necessary for that software to comply with laws or regulations which are not inconsistent with this Agreement;

(d)       apply to government procurement;

(e)        preclude a regulatory body or judicial authority of a Party from requiring a person of another Party to preserve and make available the source code of software, or an algorithm expressed in that source code, to the regulatory body for a specific investigation, inspection, examination, enforcement action, or judicial proceeding, subject to safeguards against unauthorized disclosure; or

(f)        apply to a Party’s measures adopted or maintained for prudential reasons.[8]

Article 3.5: Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions

Each Partyshall not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions, including content transmitted electronically, and shall support multilateral adoption of a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO. For greater certainty, this Article does not preclude a Party from imposing internal taxes, fees, or other charges on electronic transmissions, including content transmitted electronically, provided that those taxes, fees, or charges are imposed in a manner consistent with Articles I and III of the GATT 1994 or Articles II and XVII of the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Section 4. Rules of Origin

Article 4.1: General Provision

The Parties intend for the benefits of this Agreement to accrue substantially to them and their nationals. If benefits of this Agreement are accruing substantially to third countries or third-country nationals, a Party may establish rules of origin necessary to achieve the Parties’ intention for this Agreement.

Section 5. Economic and National Security

Article 5.1: Complementary Actions

1.         If the United States imposes a customs duty, quota, prohibition, fee, charge, or other import restriction on a good or service of a third country and considers that such measure is relevant to protecting the economic or national security of the United States, the United States intends to notify such measure to Malaysia for the purpose of economic and national security alignment. Upon receiving such notification from the United States, Malaysia shall adopt or maintain a measure with equivalent restrictive effect as the measure adopted by the United States or agree to a timeline for implementation that is acceptable to both Parties, to address a shared economic or national security concern, guided by principles of goodwill and a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the United States and Malaysia.

2.         Malaysia shalladopt and implement measures, in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations, to address unfair practices of companies owned or controlled by third countries operating in Malaysia’s jurisdiction that result in─

(a)        the export of below-market price goods to the United States;

(b)        increased exports of such goods to the United States;

(c)        a reduction in U.S. exports to Malaysia; or

(d)       a reduction in U.S. exports to third-country markets.

3.         Malaysia shall adopt, through its domestic regulatory process, similar measures of equivalent restrictive effect as those adopted by the United States to encourage shipbuilding and shipping by market economy countries. The Parties shall discuss the structure and effect of such measures, recognizing the Parties’ commitment to address shared economic or national security concerns in the shipbuilding and shipping sector.

Article 5.2: Export Controls, Sanctions, Investment Security, and Related Matters

1.         Malaysia shall, through its domestic regulatory process, cooperate with the United States to regulate the trade in national security-sensitive technologies and goods through existing multilateral export control regimes, align with all unilateral export controls in force by the United States, and ensure that its companies do not backfill or undermine these controls.

2.         Malaysia shall cooperate with the United States, in a manner consistent with applicable requirements of domestic laws and regulations, with a view to restricting transactions of its nationals with individuals and entities included in the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List (Supplement 4 of Part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations), as well as the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control Lists of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) and the Non-SDN Consolidated Sanctions List.

3.         Malaysia shall explore the establishment of a mechanism to review inbound investment for national security risks, including in connection with critical minerals and critical infrastructure, consistent with widely accepted international best practices, and shall cooperate with the United States on matters related to investment security.

4.         If the United States determines that Malaysia is cooperating to address shared national and economic security issues, the United States may take such cooperation into account in administering its domestic laws and regulations pertaining to export controls, investment reviews, and other measures.

Article 5.3: Other Measures

1.         The United States shall work with Malaysia to streamline and enhance defense trade.

2.         Malaysia shall, in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations,adopt and effectively enforce measures to combat transshipment and other practices to evade or circumvent duties applied by the United States. Malaysia shall enter into a duty evasion cooperation agreement with the United States.

3.         If Malaysia enters into a new bilateral free trade agreement or preferential economic agreement with a country that jeopardizes essential U.S. interests, the United States may, if consultations with Malaysia fail to resolve its concerns, terminate this Agreement and reimpose the applicable reciprocal tariff rate set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025.

4.         Malaysia shall not purchase any nuclear reactors, fuel rods, or enriched uranium from certain countries, except where there are no alternative suppliers on comparable terms and conditions.

Section 6. Commercial Considerations and Opportunities

Article 6.1: Investment 

1.         With respect to the central level of government, Malaysia shall, in accordance with its laws and regulations, facilitate and promote investment by the United States in sectors including critical minerals, energy resources, power generation, telecommunications, transportation, and infrastructure services.

2.         The United States shall work through U.S. institutions such as the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), if eligible, to consider supporting investment financing in critical sectors in Malaysia in collaboration with U.S. private sector partners, consistent with applicable law.

3.         Malaysia shall facilitate, to the extent practicable, approximately USD70 billion in job-creating investment, including greenfield investment, in the United States over the next 10 years.

Article 6.2: Commercial Considerations

1.         Malaysia shall ensure that its State-Owned or -Controlled Enterprises (SOEs) operating in its market, when engaging in commercial activities─

(a)        act in accordance with commercial considerations in their purchase or sale of goods or services; and

(b)       refrain from discriminating against U.S. goods or services.

Malaysia shall refrain from providing non-commercial assistance or otherwise subsidizing its goods-producing SOEs, except for the achievement of their public service obligations. Malaysia shall ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies in Malaysia’s market with respect to SOEs of third countries.

2.         Upon the written request of the United States, Malaysia shall provide non-confidential[9] information regarding all forms of non-commercial assistance or subsidies that it provides to a manufacturing enterprise in its territory, and shall take action to address the distortive impacts of those subsidies and support mechanisms that may materially affect bilateral trade and investment with the United States.

Article 6.3: Purchases

Malaysia intends to purchase, or to facilitate the purchase by Malaysian companies, of originating goods of United States, as set out in Annex IV.

Section 7. Implementation, Enforcement, and Final Provisions

Article 7.1: Recognition of Existing Rights and Obligations

The Parties recognize their rights and obligations under the WTO agreements, including provisions of those agreements that reflect a WTO member’s sovereign rights to protect essential security, address unfair trade practices, and pursue other public policy objectives.

Article 7.2: Entry into Force

This Agreement shall enter into force 60 days after the date on which the Parties have exchanged written notifications certifying completion of their applicable legal procedures or on such other date as the Parties may agree.

Article 7.3: Modifications and Amendments

Either Party may request reasonable modifications to any provision of this Agreement. The other Party shall consider such modifications in good faith. The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Agreement. An amendment to this Agreement shall enter into force 60 days after the date on which the Parties exchange written notification of the completion of their respective applicable legal procedures or on such other date as the Parties may agree. An amendment shall not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties provided for under this Agreement until the amendment enters into force.

Article 7.4: Enforcement

1.         Nothing in this Agreement shall constrain, or otherwise prevent, a Party from imposing additional tariffs to remedy unfair trade practices, to address import surges, to protect its economic or national security, or for other similar reasons consistent with its domestic law.

2.         If a Party considers that the other Party has not complied with a provision of this Agreement, the Party may review the terms of this Agreement and take action in accordance with applicable domestic law. A Party shall, when practicable, with a view to finding a mutually satisfactory solution, notify and seek consultations in good faith with the other Party prior to taking any action.

Article 7.5: Termination

Either Party may terminate this Agreement by written notification to the other Party. Termination shall take effect 180 days after the date of the notification.

Article 7.6: Annexes, Appendices, and Footnotes

The annexes, appendices, and footnotes to this Agreement constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

DONE in duplicate at Kuala Lumpur, this 26th day of October, 2025.

________________________________                    _______________________________

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF                                FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   MALAYSIA

---

[1] Customs duty includes any duty or charge of any kind imposed on or in connection with the importation of a good, and any surtax or surcharge imposed in connection with such importation, but does not include any─

(a)           charge equivalent to an internal tax imposed consistently with Article III:2 of GATT 1994;

(b)           fee or other charge in connection with the importation commensurate with the cost of services rendered; or

(c)           antidumping or countervailing duty applied pursuant to a Party’s law.

[2] For greater certainty, “import licensing”, “automatic import licensing”, and “non-automatic import licensing” have the same meanings as provided in the WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures.

[3] For greater certainty, Malaysia shall not protect or recognize a predetermined list of geographical indications.

[4] For purposes of this Agreement, “intellectual property” refers to all categories of intellectual property that are the subject of Sections 1 through 7 of Part II of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Further, for purposes of this Agreement, the protection of intellectual property includes matters related to technological protection measures and rights management information.

[5] For purposes of this paragraph, internationally recognized labor rights include those in the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-Up (1998), as amended in 2022; a prohibition on the worst forms of child labor; and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages and hours of work.

[6] For greater certainty, the scope of this paragraph includes special economic zones, including export processing zones, or sector-specific laws or regulations that have lesser labor protections than the overall economy.

[7] For greater certainty, Malaysia has the right to regulate in the public interest. [1] The Parties understand that the term “prudential reasons” includes the maintenance of the safety, soundness, and integrity or financial responsibility of individual financial service suppliers as well as the safety and financial and operational integrity of payment and clearing systems.

[8] For purposes of this paragraph, “non-confidential information” means information other than confidential information, and “confidential information” means information that relates to a specific enterprise and is protected under the laws and regulations of Malaysia.

[9] For purposes of this paragraph, “non-confidential information” means information other than confidential information, and “confidential information” means information that relates to a specific enterprise and is protected under the laws and regulations of Malaysia.

'I, Mahathir bin Mohamad, wish to report sabotage': Historic police report filed against Anwar over Trump deal

The former leader also urges that everyone involved in the preparation, negotiation and finalisation of the Oct 26 trade agreement be questioned.

MalaysiaNow

December 2, 2025 11:32 AM

Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Putrajaya police headquarters accompanied by his lawyer Rafique Rashid.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad today called on authorities to investigate Anwar Ibrahim for economic sabotage and undermining the country's sovereignty over an agreement signed with the US, in a historic police report lodged by one of Malaysia's best-known post-independence figures against a sitting prime minister.

In his report lodged at the Putrajaya police headquarters this morning, accompanied by lawyer Rafique Rashid, the centenarian said the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar with President Donald Trump in October could harm Malaysia's position and undermine its economic and political sovereignty.

"I believe that the action was taken without fully considering the national interest and, in my opinion, can be considered an act by someone who disregards the sovereignty of Malaysia as a sovereign country, and has the potential to drag the country into a situation where it is mortgaged to the influence of foreign powers," Mahathir said in his police report seen by MalaysiaNow.

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He cited breaches under various sections of the Penal Code, namely sections 124B, 124C and 124K, dealing with acts of sabotage and activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Mahathir also listed at least four major clauses in the agreement which he said effectively surrender Malaysia's sovereignty and trade independence to a foreign power.

They include clauses obliging Malaysia to follow any unilateral sanctions by the US against other countries, and to reveal Malaysia's cross-border data, which has "potential to interfere with the country's regulatory policy".

He also listed 14 negative implications for Malaysia, including those related to regulation of the halal industry, Bumiputera economic empowerment, national strategies for the high-tech sector, and export of critical minerals such as rare earth elements.

"All of these matters raise serious concerns, as in my opinion, they eliminate Malaysia's power to determine foreign policy, economic policy and the use of national strategic resources independently and sovereignly," said Mahathir.

'Probe MITI, AG and everyone involved'

He said any investigation should also probe elements of power abuse and negligence in discharging official duties, including breach of trust regarding decisions involving rare earths and critical minerals.

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He said that besides Anwar, police should also question officials of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), the attorney-general, and all parties involved in the preparation and negotiation of the agreement.

Today's police report comes four days after  Mahathir said Anwar should face charges of treason for signing the agreement.

"It is now clear that the statement by the government on the agreement with the US hid many serious undertakings by Malaysia to submit to the US," said Mahathir, the man widely credited with Malaysia's rapid economic growth throughout the eighties and nineties.

The agreement, which has been hailed by Anwar and government leaders, has sparked public outrage and criticism from experts and politicians over clauses seen as overwhelmingly favouring Washington's interests.

Among them is former attorney-general Tommy Thomas, who said the various commitments imposed on Malaysia showed that those involved in the negotiations – from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Attorney-General’s Chambers – "did not negotiate at all".

"The US handed them their draft. And it was signed lamely by Anwar, who had Trump’s pen to show for it, and a ride in Trump’s car," he said, referring to Trump's gift of a White House pen to Anwar shortly after the latter signed the agreement in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the Asean Summit on Oct 26.

Details of the deal only emerged to the Malaysian public after the White House published them on its official website hours later.

At the heart of the outrage is a provision that obliges Malaysia to become a direct participant in US economic conflicts.

It states that if Washington imposes sanctions or tariffs on any third country for national security reasons, Malaysia "shall adopt or maintain a measure with equivalent restrictive effect", effectively ending Malaysia’s long-held foreign policy of non-alignment and mirroring US sanctions against other nations.

Anwar's defence of the agreement has renewed accusations of the Pakatan Harapan chairman's leaning towards US and Western policies, a claim cited by Mahathir as far back as 1998 when he sacked Anwar from the government during the height of the Asian financial crisis. - Malaysia Now, 2/12/2025

 

Malaysian HEALTHCARE at risk? Private Hospitals Pinch Government Hospital staff - shortange of doctors/nurses/...? Stop approving NEW Private Hospitals? Focus on Malaysians NOT Medical Tourism?

Malaysia has always used 'cheap labour' to attract foreign investors or foreign companies to open factories in Malaysia...Malaysians did not make a big deal about that because the Malaysian government did things that ensured our COST of LIVING was kept low - affordable HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION and social welfare protection.... for us to still live a good life with the low incomes and wages. Even there was PRICE CONTROL that ensured we could buy needed food, cooking oil, cooking gas and even other materials. There was affordable PUBLIC TRANSPORT ...fuel subsidies, low parking fees... BUT NOW things are changing fast - subsidies are being removed, public transport dissappeared in most places, BUT wages are still LOW > minimum wages RM1,700(despite the fact that even Bank Negara said that minimally we need double that Minimum wage for a simple lifestyle).

The entry of migrant workers DECREASED wages to the extend that many local workers with the needed skills are not foolish to do the work with such a LOW PAY. Is Malaysian adopting neo-liberalism(or Capitalism) - which means 'if you want it, PAY for it' - and, if no MONEY, too bad for you...? NOW, Malaysia seems to be pro-business and interested in making monies > no more it seems the primary concern is welfare and well-being of ALL Malaysians, even the poorest? MLAYSIANS need to speak up now...as we all know that US that practices capitalism is a FAILED STATE with so many poor being left out. US also was most concerned about HEALTHCARE - and Obama tried to make it affordable and accessible to ALL - not just those who had monies...though it FAILED. 

Most Malaysians are also MOST concern about HEALTHCARE (Public Healthcare that is Free and/or Affordable), EDUCATION (the right to FREE education until University), and SOCIAL WELFARE protection by government (more so now with the growing number of Senior Citizens - where there is a question of Income for Survival, Healthcare Needs and even OLD-AGE care - which requires many a time for the elderly to be placed in old-care homes - which is very expensive if we depend on private sector establishments...). Related to this is Affordable PUBLIC TRANSPORT to go to Hospital, etc...paying maybe RM1-2 > GRAB is not affordable public transport Minister Anthony Loke??? Anwar Ibrahim's government failed to restore LOCAL affordable PUBLIC Transport in almost all the Districts in Malaysia to date. Towns have grown - but how do people move around without some PUBLIC BUS SERVICES - yes, they have it in Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan and Penang - what about the rest of Malaysia...

We are LOSING Doctors and Healthcare Personnel - so not enough for the Public Healthcare?

WHY? Many are being 'PINCHED' by the Private Sector - who attract government public heathcare personnel with better wages and conditions >>> WORSE, the government is AGAIN at fault as it is still approving NEW PRIVATE Hospitals and Healthcare facilities - and where do these private facilities get their doctors and nurses, etc - YES - they take the staff from PUBLIC HEALTHCARE facilities...SO, that is why some are calling for the Government to stop APPROVING new PRIVATE Hospitals...

PM Anwar and many of them politicians/MPs are RICH ENOUGH to use private healthcare facilities - they have the MONEY but most Malaysians depend on government hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities >> they cannot afford the LUXURY to pay for PRIVATE HOSPITALS, etc 

Should we CRIMINALIZE private hospitals from taking healthcare personnel like Doctors, Nurses, other personnel from PUBLIC hospitals. clinics, etc?

When there is a PRIVATE hospital - the government also tend to not build a Government Hospital in the area? Are there government hospitals in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya or even Shah Alam? 

What are the other things that the government should do, besides increasing the number of trained medical personnel? INCREASE wages, eliminate perception of race-based discrimination when it comes to promotion, provide FREE housing for all medical personnel, ensure they are not denied Government PENSIONS (now the Government is employing many as 'contract' personnel and placing them under the EPF/KWSP scheme - no more PENSIONs - but still have not removed PENSION rights for MPs/Senators/Ministers??? which must happen?)

In Thailand - all you need to pay is 30 Baht(less than RM3) - and that covers consultation, medicine, ward charges, surgery, etc... 

Thailand has also expanded their HEALTHCARE - so you can go to private hospitals/clinics and still pay the same RATE, 30 Baht - for healthcare - and so, the non-availability of a government hospital nearby is solved...

Many years ago in Subang Jaya, a child was injured and the parent had no choice but to rush to a nearby PRIVATE hospital, as there was no nearby government hospital and ended paying about RM2,000 for treatment - Malaysia has a minimum wage of RM1,700 and thus it is really UNAFFORDABLE for Malaysians to use PRIVATE healthcare facilities...???

In Thailand, another scheme is to allow government medical personnel to take a 2nd JOB at private healthcare facilities during their free time...That also help increase INCOME legally for medical personnel..whilst they continue to be PUBLIC HEALTHCARE personnel...

Now, in Temerloh, where previously in the middle of the night, when one needed immediate medical care/treatment, one could go to the Mentakab government Health Centre - as there was a 24-hour unit there with needed doctors, nurses, pharmacist, etc with the needed equipment to deal with EMERGENCY medical patients - now it is closed down...WHY? And everyone will have to rush to the SPECIALIST hospital 15 - 50 plus KM away for all kinds of medical emergencies...(but a SPECIALIST Hospital is not a General Hospital and it covers a much wider area in Pahang receiving patients needing Specialist attention from various government Hospitals in the State....)

HEALTHCARE is a MOST IMPORTANT concern for VOTERS, where the majority simply cannot afford to PAY SO MUCH unlike our PM, Ministers and MPs(basic allowance RM16K, plus allowance comes to RM40-50K a month???)

Malaysia  seems to focusing on MEDICAL TOURISM - but Malaysia cannot even provide PROMPT and good healthcare to Malaysians - how many are in QUEUE for so long before the Malaysian Heart Institute is able to provide heart healthcare services at an affordable rate. 

Even during COVID-19, how many PRIVATE government linked hospitals OPENED their DOORS to provide healthcare at government rates?  

READ why the call to stop building PRIVATE Hospitals > how many NEW Hospitals is this government building? What is the government doing to deal with already overcrowding hospitals/clinics? 

 

 

 

'Medical brain drain': PSM seeks 5-year halt on private hospitals

Published:  Dec 11, 2025 12:52 PM

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Updated: 11:53 A

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has urged the government to impose a five-year moratorium on the construction and commissioning of new private hospitals.

It warned that unchecked private sector expansion is siphoning off healthcare workers from an already overstretched public system.

In a statement today, PSM’s Save Our Public Healthcare Campaign member Dr Cecilia Anthonysamy said the rapid growth of private healthcare, including that driven by medical tourism, is “poaching” doctors, nurses, and specialists from government facilities facing critical shortages.

“Poaching refers to the aggressive recruitment of healthcare professionals from systems already struggling with shortages,” she said, noting that the trend echoes a long-standing global pattern where richer countries pull talent away from poorer ones.

“Not unlike the global health workforce crisis, our ‘poorer’ public healthcare system is losing its healthcare workforce to the wealthy private healthcare sector,” she added.

Kuala Lumpur Hospital, a major public hospital in the capital

Cecilia said PSM is rallying public support to sign a petition and join a rally tomorrow (Dec 12), outlining demands including:

• A moratorium on new private hospitals

• Measures to stem the brain drain from public hospitals

• Policies to strengthen the public healthcare workforce

• A firm commitment to universal access to quality care

“We need (a larger) healthcare workforce for our public healthcare system.

“Stop the brain drain. Stop the poaching,” she stressed.

The rally will be held at 11am at the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council in Kuala Lumpur.

Far below international standards

Citing figures revealed by Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, she noted that 6,919 public healthcare workers resigned and moved to the private sector between 2020 and 2024, including 2,141 nurses.

Dzulkefly had also warned that Malaysia could face a nursing shortage of nearly 60 percent by 2030.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad

Cecilia also highlighted data from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which found that only five percent of public healthcare facilities reported adequate staffing in 2024, with acute shortages of specialists.

“The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia estimates that the country has only four specialists per 10,000 population, far below the OECD average of 14.3.

“Only 15.7 percent of doctors in the public sector are specialists, according to MMA data, compared to 41–60 percent in developed countries such as Singapore, Canada, and Australia,” she said.

She added that the Health Ministry’s Medical Development Division previously estimated that Malaysia needs between 18,912 and 23,979 specialists by 2030 to ensure at least 30 percent of all public-sector doctors are specialists - still below benchmarks in higher-income countries.

Fewer public hospitals but higher workload

Cecilia also cited research highlighting the imbalance between the public and private healthcare workforce, with private hospital bed capacity projected to sharply increase in the coming years.

According to CIMB Research, she said total private hospital bed capacity stood at 18,779 beds in 2023 and is expected to rise to between 23,000-24,000 beds by 2028, driven by expansions and new facilities aided by tax exemptions.

Generic hospital photo

“Malaysia now has more private hospitals (207) than public hospitals (160).

“Where will the additional healthcare workforce for these expanding private hospitals come from, especially medical officers and specialists?” she asked.

Despite this, she said, public hospitals continue to shoulder most of the national caseload - handling between 64-94 percent of major healthcare services - while still struggling with insufficient beds.

Cecilia warned that long waiting times, overcrowding, and worsening working conditions pose a threat to Malaysia’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC).

“Policymakers cannot continue to ignore the contradiction between claiming to uphold UHC and simultaneously promoting medical tourism,” she said.

She further cited the World Health Organization’s assertion that the highest attainable standard of healthcare is a fundamental human right.

“To uphold this right, policymakers must take immediate action to impose a moratorium on private hospitals for the next five years,” she stressed. - Malaysiakini, 11/12/2025

Health Club Raid - SUHAKAM raises concerns about PRIVACY, legality of the Raid/Arrest/Detention/Disciplinary Actions, Pre-Conviction 'defamation' of patrons and business?

Recently, there was a police raid on what the police allegedly said was 'a health club believed to have been used for unnatural sexual activities'. Pictures of men in towels were circulated ... 

Was not the premises a LEGAL business operation - which had the needed permits by the Local Government/Council, and all other needed permits/licenses by relevant authorities - unfortunately no mention of the name of said establishment, or these relevant facts. If they were carrying out any 'illegal activities' - then naturally the premises and the business would be de-registered > to date no mention of this.

If the police/authorities raid a LEGAL massage parlour - and ask customers getting a massage to step out, not giving them time to bathe or change into their clothes - they too will end up just with towels.

No body used a SAUNA fully clothed..Nobody uses a Jacuzzi fully clothed...Nobody uses a hot bath, or even a swimming pool fully clothed - and if the authorities did not allow them to change into their normal clothes - and made them come out in their towels... it will end up with a group of towel clad men..and sometimes even women. DOES this mean that they are involved in 'illegal' or unnatural sexual activities?

At the end of the day - there was NO EVIDENCE of any illegal or unnatural sexual activities. Even if there was, it would definitely not involve ALL the patrons in a LEGAL Business establishment..

After the raid, all the patrons were arrested indiscriminately and the police then went to apply for REMAND so they could detain them for more than 24 hours - and guess what, we had a GOOD Majistrate, who did not blindly give the remand order simply based on the police/authorities allegations...

WHY did this happen? Our PM Anwar Ibrahim was previously tried and convicted for SODOMY - and the convictions was affirmed by both appellate courts - including the Federal Court, and he was sentenced to imprisonment -Months before he completed serving his sentence, after PH won the GE, he was released from incarceration by reason of a ROYAL PARDON. 

However, Anwar has always insisted on his INNOCENCE - and, after he became Prime Minister, there has been these crackdowns - was it to prove that Anwar Ibrahim was straight - and not a gay, bisexual or one with other sexual preferences?

* A concert was stopped because 2 of the male performers kissed one another on stage - but NO charges was levied against them - WHY? Was it because they were popular foreign artists? 

* There was a crackdown where 172 rainbow-coloured SWATCH watches were illegally seized, because that 'rainbow colour' was identified with other kinds of sexual preferences > 

* Then, there was a crackdown on GISBH -  were allegations of human trafficking, exploiting children....- children were asked to sodomise other, etc ... BUT since the crackdown that happened more than a year ago, there has still been NO court convictions proving the truth of these allegations. Even, if there 1 or 2 cases of Sodomy, the only crime of any leader, officer or GISBH is not reporting the crime >> and even then, whether SODOMY occurred and whether the perpetrator ought to be charged is up to the police after investigation and the Public Prosecutor.. to date, I believe there is still NO charges..

* The health club crackdown follows a 'similar mindset' - a crackdown on unnatural sexual activities?

One wonders is it all about the IMAGE of the PM Anwar Ibrahim - a demonstration that he is against all forms of 'unnatural' sexual activities, and other sexual preferences other than the traditional man-woman sexual activity? 

Then, the IMPORTANT question, as to whether Malaysia should CRIMINALIZE sexual activities different from man-woman sexual activities? Should Malaysia decide what is permitted sexual activity between man and woman? I THINK NOT - the law should NEVER criminalize sexual preferences and/or sexual activity between consenting adults..unless it is done in PUBLIC? 

Even SODOMY should be de-CRIMINALIZED - save for Sodomy without CONSENT, which is equivalent to RAPE.

It is OK if the various religions have their own religious rules that criminalize certain sexual behaviour - but NOT the STATE. 

DANGER...danger - a perusal of the current SODOMY offences makes criminals of even husbands if they do certain crimes.. The definition of 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature' NEED to be amended - if not how many husbands within a lawful marriage may also be guilty of the CRIME?

377A  Carnal intercourse against the order of nature

Any person who has sexual connection with another person by the introduction of the penis into the anus or mouth of the other person is said to commit carnal intercourse against the order of nature.

Explanation Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual connection necessary to the offence described in this section.

LGBTQ - What consensus of the Malaysian people? Did Anwar misrepresent to the world? Repeal Section 377B Penal Code - decriminalize consensual sexual acts between man and wife, and consenting adults?

Back to the RAID on the Health CLUB - there are other issues - like PRIVACY, and also the 'defamation' of the patrons? Presumption of INNOCENCE?

If the premises are LEGAL - then it is wrong also to target Public Officers caught in the RAID - Is there a LAW preventing Public Officers going for masssage, sauna, hot baths, jacuzzi or even health centres? NO - there is NOT at the moment.

Is there any ISLAMIC law prohibiting Muslims from going for a massage, sauna, jacuzzi, public baths, etc...? 

WHO made the police report - should he/she also be investigated? Was there some other ULTERIOR motive on the part of the maker of the report?

If someone makes a police report of immoral and illegal sexual activities happening at the PM's residence/premises or some Minister's or some political party premises, would the police have acted in a similar manner? 

Consider, some OTHER possible reasons for such a RAID on massage centres and health clubs?

# CORRUPTION - would some premises to prevent such raids, that can seriously impact their businesses now be willing to "BRIBE" the police or others to prevent such publicized raids? How many of such establishments will be open to giving police MONIES so that their premises not be subjected to similar or 'publicized raids' - or even PRIOR notification so that they can get their patrons out b4 such raids?

# ELIMINATION OF BUSINESS COMPETITION - did some competing business try to get rid of a competitor? After all customers tend to avoid premises that have been raided by the authorities, and patrons end up being arrested or taken in for questioning? WORSE if it is reported in media, as people tend to blindly believe on reported allegations...and so the victims, although later proven innocent or the report/allegations baseless do suffer the prejudice caused...

This is NOT the first time - for we often read of arrest of WOMEN, usually foreigners, on premises allegedly providing illegal sexual services - here too, we then do not see any trial or convictions for the said charges... so, everyone would have got the impression that they are prostitutes or sex-workers breaking Malaysian laws > when they may be just INNOCENT persons. Many of the foreigners may later find themselves being sent back after their social visit passes expire... and once, they are out of Malaysia, they cannot even easily take action against the law enforcement officers... Are these women victims of human trafficking - was this even considered? 

Are victims of Human Trafficking wrongly being arrested as undicumented migrants and criminal suspects in Malaysia? 

 Non-Liability and Non-Punishment for Crimes Committed by Victims of Human Trafficking - A Defence to Criminal Charges and a Mitigating Factor?

As SUHAKAM pointed out - law enforcement cannot simply raid/arrest/detain based on just some police report -  

SUHAKAM notes reports that the raid was conducted and arrests hastily effected without the presence or identification of victims. Enforcement actions, especially involving personal conduct and arrest, must be based on verified information and credible evidence. In the instant case, the absence of identifiable victims and evidence, as clarified by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Officer (CPO), raises concerns about the basis of the mass arrests and any ensuing disciplinary measures.

READ a recent SUHAKAM media statement on this raid... 

 

 

 

Media Statement No. 56-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Transparent and Fair Process Following Raid at Wellness Centre

December 11, 2025

by Media

KUALA LUMPUR (10 DECEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) views with grave concern the recent enforcement raid at a wellness centre involving several individuals, including public officers. SUHAKAM acknowledges the role of enforcement agencies in upholding the law and the responsibility of the Public Service Department (PSD) to address allegations of misconduct within the civil service. However, these actions must be carried out in a manner that is consistent with constitutional and legal safeguards, due process, and respect for human dignity.

SUHAKAM notes reports that the raid was conducted and arrests hastily effected without the presence or identification of victims. Enforcement actions, especially involving personal conduct and arrest, must be based on verified information and credible evidence. In the instant case, the absence of identifiable victims and evidence, as clarified by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Officer (CPO), raises concerns about the basis of the mass arrests and any ensuing disciplinary measures. SUHAKAM is also concerned by the fact that the individuals arrested were not promptly released despite the magistrate’s refusal to grant the police’s remand application. Any delay in release, let alone a prolonged delay, as is the case here, after the court’s refusal of the remand application raises serious questions about compliance with judicial directions and respect for personal liberty and may undermine due process and constitutional protections.

Credit must be given to the Kuala Lumpur CPO, for being candid in clarifying that ‘All those arrested were investigated under Sections 377/372 of the Penal Code, but there was no evidence to help police pursue the case in that direction.’ (Sunday Malay Mail Nov. 30.) However, this clarification begs the question: If there was no evidence, then, why the mass arrests in the first place? Aren’t the hasty mass arrests constituted violations of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution that no person shall be deprived of his life or liberty saved in accordance with the law?

Where public officers are concerned, SUHAKAM stresses the need to strictly follow the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, which outline fair, transparent and impartial procedures for investigations, show-cause processes and disciplinary inquiries. Officers must be clearly informed of the allegations and given a meaningful opportunity to respond before any action is taken. These requirements are reinforced by Article 135(2) of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits dismissing or demoting an officer without a reasonable opportunity to be heard. These safeguards ensure disciplinary decisions are made fairly, based on facts and law, and not on premature assumptions or prejudices.

SUHAKAM also expresses concern regarding reports of the exposure of personal identities of individuals involved. The right to privacy and dignity must be protected throughout any investigation. Public disclosure prior to the establishment of facts may cause undue harm and is inconsistent with human dignity and human rights standards, including the principles reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In light of these concerns, SUHAKAM calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that:

i.          All investigations are conducted transparently, objectively, and based on verified evidence;

ii.         The rights of individuals involved, including public officers, are fully upheld in accordance with the 1993 Regulations and constitutional guarantees;

iii.        Personal identities are protected until due process has been completed and findings are established; and

iv.        Any disciplinary processes are not initiated or concluded prematurely before all facts are properly assessed.

SUHAKAM reiterates that safeguarding due process is essential not only to protect individual rights but also to maintain public confidence in enforcement and disciplinary institutions. Fair and transparent investigations and adherence to due process strengthen the rule of law and uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s public service.

-END–

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 December 2025

Media Statement No. 56-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Transparent and Fair Process Following Raid at Wellness Centre

 

 

Police detain over 200 including civil servants in raid on suspected Chow Kit gay sex club

The Kuala Lumpur Strike Force conducts a raid at a health centre used as a location for homosexual activity in Chow Kit on November 28, 2025. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 29 Nov 2025 10:30 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 — Seventeen civil servants were among 208 people arrested by police last night in a raid on a health club believed to have been used for unnatural sexual activities.

Kuala Lumpur police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Azani Omar said the 8pm operation in Chow Kit was carried out by the KL Strike Force, with the cooperation of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), following two weeks of intelligence-gathering and surveillance.

“We detained 201 patrons and seven employees aged between 19 and 60, including 24 foreigners.

“We also seized condoms and several other items believed to have been used for immoral purposes,” he told a press conference at the scene after the nearly four-hour operation.

He said the two-storey premises had been operating for the past eight to ten months, from 5pm to 11pm on weekdays and 3pm to 11pm on weekends.

According to Mohd Azani, the health club promoted its premises on social media platforms such as TikTok, as well as through word of mouth from regular customers.

People are detained during a raid at a health centre used as a location for homosexual activity in Chow Kit on November 28, 2025. — Bernama pic

“Visitors were charged RM35 per entry, while new customers had to pay RM10 as a registration fee before receiving a membership card,” he said.

All those arrested were taken to the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD Dang Wangi) for urine screening and further investigation.

“The case is being investigated under Section 377B of the Penal Code,” he said.

A check by Bernama at the scene found that the visitors came from various backgrounds, including professionals, students and foreign tourists, with most admitting they had learnt about the premises through social media.

The premises had several enclosed spaces, including small rooms and semi-dark areas, in addition to sauna and jacuzzi facilities believed to be the main attractions.

A commotion ensued as some visitors tried to cover their faces and leave to avoid being identified, but they were unable to escape. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 29/11/2025

Deputy minister’s officer ordered to resign

9 days ago

FMT Reporters

Deputy higher education minister Mustapha Sakmud says this follows news reports about the administrative and diplomatic officer's arrest.

Deputy higher education minister Mustapha Sakmud said an internal investigation has been launched to decide on disciplinary action against the officer.

PETALING JAYA:

 

An administrative and diplomatic officer serving in the office of the deputy higher education minister, who was reportedly arrested by police, has been ordered to resign immediately.

Mustapha Sakmud said he was aware of his officer’s arrest, which was reported in the media, and that the ministry’s integrity unit had launched an internal investigation to determine disciplinary action in line with civil service regulations.

He urged the public not to speculate in ways that could undermine the investigation.

“The ministry emphasises that no one is above the law and governance. Any further action will be decided based on the findings of the integrity unit and in cooperation with the authorities,” Mustapha said in a statement late last night.

While he did not specify the case in which the officer was arrested, the media recently reported that 208 individuals were detained at a two-storey gym and sauna in Chow Kit, which authorities said had become a hotspot for immoral conduct.

Among those arrested were 17 civil servants, including doctors, teachers, a deputy public prosecutor, and an administrative diplomatic officer.

Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Azani Omar said the premises had allegedly been operating daily for the past eight to 10 months, and was believed to be a meeting spot for men to pair up and engage in same-sex relationships.

Of those arrested, 171 were released after the court rejected the police’s applications for remand.The federal territories Islamic religious department is still investigating the incident under Section 25 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 for sodomy, and Section 47 of the same law for attempting to commit an offence under the Act. - FMT, 2/12/2025