Sunday, March 29, 2026

Change name of Residents Representative Council(MPP) to Governments Area Representatives - because if people did not chose/elect you - you cannot be a Peoples/Resident Representative - you are just political appointees? Will the 2 PKR political appointees be CHARGED?

Hannah Yeoh - Change the NAME of  Residents Representative Council (MPP) - when in fact it is really a government appointed committee to look after some area - so should we call it for what it is - Government Representative Council or DBKL Representative Council or MADANI Representative Council > IT IS CERTAINLY NOT A RESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL - because such a council would be democratically elected by the people/the residents - how can political appointees be true RESIDENT's Representatives.. 

Why is this Anwar Ibrahim-led (Pakatan Harapan led MADANI goverment) continuing the 'LIES' started by the then BN REGIME? Political Appointee Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman or Residents Representative Council (MPP)/Community/ 'leaders' are misrepresented as PEOPLES' REPRESENTATIVES - they are no more than representatives of the 'incumbent government'.

When will Malaysian get genuine PEOPLES' PARTICIPATION and genuine people chosen leaders of community - Malaysia do not need 'REGIME CHANGE" because this kind of  local leadership are already 'chosen' by government - not by the people.

Peoples' Representative like MPs and ADUNs - are peoples' representative because they are chosen by the people through a Free and Fair Elections...so, they can be called peoples' representatives...

Residents Representative Council (MPP) is NOT democratically elected by the PEOPLE or in this case the RESIDENTS of the particular area... so they are NOT Residents' Representatives - they are Government Representatives - political appointees, and in the recent 'scandal' they were Anwar Ibrahim's PKR party representatives - political appointees of PKR??? 

Residents Representative Council (MPP), in my opinion, is nothing but a POLITICAL APPARATUS of the incumbent government to get and maintain support for the party in the next elections. 

It is an ABUSE OF POWER by the government, denying genuine peoples' representatives.

By the appointment of 'THEIR' people/supporters to be Residents Representative Council (MPP), JKKK, Ketua Kampung, Ketua Kampung - also insulates them from CRITICISMS from the people of the failings/wrongdoings of the government >> because quickly the 'political appointee' so called 'heads of the community', the kampung, etc comes out against the 'voices of the people' claiming that they are the TRUE representative of the village/community/etc...

WORSE, when these 'political appointees' ABUSE THEIR POWER - giving approvals without the knowledge or agreement of the people they represent...WHY? For money but usually because that is what the people/party that appointed wants - even if such consent was NOT in the BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE they allegedly represent...Take LYNAS and the Lynas Permanent Depository Facility - did the people living close by approve the factory of the PDF? Probably NOT - but maybe the 'political appointee' leaders, claiming to represent the people in these communities, may have APPROVED on behalf of the people. 

NOW, a viral video alleging 2 PKR 'political appointees' in Residents Representative Council (MPP) solicited protection money from a business premises. If found GUILTY of such CRIME - should also Anwar Ibrahim and PKR also be responsible - after all, was it not PKR who picked these 2 to be appointed in the MPP? Anwar, as it is, has a BAD track record of choosing people - remember his then political secretary has been charged in December 2025 with four counts of corruption? Now these 2 PKR members - even for 'political appointees', Anwar should ensure that they a CLEAN GOOD people - not people who may 'abuse powers' for their own benefit???

Remember, LYNAS factory could not have begun and/or continue in operation WITHOUT the approval of the LOCAL COUNCIL, in this case  Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan (MBK) (Kuantan City Council) - and who makes up this Local Government > it is again 'political appointees' of the incumbent State government - not democratically elected by people LOCAL COUNCILLORS. 

The MBK can just approved the planning permission of the Permanent Depository Facility > Do the people of KUANTAN and also the community really approve of Lynas and the PDF - which by the way is about 10 Km... 

These local chieftains have titles such as tuai rumah (in the longhouses), ketua kampung in the Malay villages and pemanca and penghulu for the urban residents. These local chieftains preside over community welfare matters and they have the authority to sign supporting documents and official letters to government agencies and political offices.  

Wonder whether the people in  Felda Neram Satu, Felda Bukit Kuantan, Felda Bukit Sagu and Felda Bukit Goh were even consulted b4 they soon will have to live so close to the Lynas PDF - or was the 'no objections' merely given by political appointee leaders of the affected community. 

It is strange that the people of Kuantan and nearby areas seems 'UNCONCERNED' about the possible RISK to health and environment of a RARE EARTH processing plant, and soon a PDF so close to where they live... IF THEY DON'T CARE - SHOULD OTHERS CARE? 

...rare earth firm's toxic byproducts will be just three kilometres away from the nearest Felda settlement - Felda Neram Satu. Other Felda settlements within a 10km radius of the waste facility include Felda Bukit Kuantan, Felda Bukit Sagu and Felda Bukit Goh.

People's REPRESENTATIVE MP Fuziah Salleh was once a strong ADVOCATE against Lynas - but these days, we hear very little from her. Did she ONLY object to Lynas when she was MP - and now no more?? 

Is PM Anwar Ibrahim 'compromised' when it comes to Trump/US - do we need a new PM who will be STRONG to speak out against US when it does WRONG?

Recently, Anwar appeared in Al Jazeera(follow link below) - what was shocking was that Anwar blamed ISRAEL only for the ILLEGAL WAR on Iran - and did not name US - WHY? We all know that it was the US and Israel that are guilty of commencing this WRONGFUL War on Iran - against the principles in the United Nations Charter, and against International Law - was the Al-Jazeera VDO edited? Anwar must clarify. 

 https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/3/26/malaysias-prime-minister-says-iran-talks-should-end-war#flips-6391706308112:0

 





Then, worry also arises, in a recent media report that came after the Al-Jazeera report - where Anwar again says 'United States-backed Israeli attacks on Iran - GOOD that this time he points the finger to US - but what does he mean ''United States-backed Israeli' - because both US and Israel attacked IRAN - so better to state the FACTS rather than using terms like ''United States-backed Israeli' or 'Israel=backed United States'..

Malaysia's Attorney General Dusuki and Communication Minister Fahmi must spend time with PM Anwar Ibrahim to educate him on the LAWS about this WAR..international law.

1. The US and Israel STARTED this ILLEGAL War against IRAN;

2. IRAN used its 'RIGHT TO DEFEND', which seems to be in accordance with UN Charter Principles, and International Law.

3.  Iran has NOT COMMENCED War against any of the Middle Eastern nation states, and NEITHER has these nation states declared war against IRAN. What has been targeted by IRAN has been armed forces bases of the US(or maybe Israel) in these countries... and other facilities used by the US/Israel - ports, airports, etc...

4. After some of these US bases have been destroyed - some US forces is making using of other spaces like Hotels and other premises, where civilians also stay, to continue to carry out military action - which UNFORTUNATELY turns these premises also into legitimate military targets for IRAN --- and US/Israel may also be accused of using HUMAN SHIELDS. Armed forces establishment should be distinct - and free of civilian population.

5. Israel is NOW attacking Lebanon, this a wrong ACT OF WAR - the say that their target is Hezbollah - but Hezbollah is a legitimate political party in Lebanon - just because US and/or Israel calls them a terrorist group does not make them a terrorist organization - Wonder whether Malaysia also classifies the Hezbollah as terrorist - following US's position?

LEBANON - democratic system - 64 seats for Muslims (27 for Shi'ite and 27 for Sunni,...) and 64 for Christians - INTERESTING SYSTEM  

Lebanon is a parliamentary democratic republic operating under a confessionalist system that distributes political power among its various religious communities. After the Taif Agreement of 1989 are set out in the table below:
Parliament of Lebanon seat allocation
Confession Before Taif After Taif
Maronite Catholic 30 34
Eastern Orthodox 11 14
Melkite Catholic 6 8
Armenian Orthodox 4 5
Armenian Catholic 1 1
Protestant 1 1
Other Christian minorities 1 1
Total Christians 54 64
Sunni 20 27
Shi'ite 19 27
Alawite 0 2
Druze 6 8
Total Muslims + Druze 45 64
Total 99 128

 

Under Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system (confessionalism), top government positions are reserved by religion. Based on the 1943 National Pact, the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim.
 Following the 2022 Lebanese general elections, Hezbollah holds
13 seats in the 128-member Parliament.

ANWAR must ACT without FEAR or FAVOUR - if US did WRONG, say it clearly.... 

If Anwar (and Malaysia) takes the position that they will NOT CRITICIZE US AND/OR TRUMP for their illegal acts against IRAN, Lebanon and Gaza - then better SAY NOTHING... not just condemn Israel (and leave out US) - After the Al-Jazeera interview, Anwar tries to make things 'right' - by naming US as the CO-PERPETRATOR of the illegal war against IRAN   - but do not just say 'United States-backed Israeli attacks on Iran' - when it was a JOINT attach of US and Israel...ANWAR IS EMBARRASSING MALAYSIA - Should we consider getting a STRONGER Prime Minister who will act without fear or favour - If the US did WRONG - then SAY that US and TRUMP violated UN Charter and International Law - Full STOP. Most of the countries in the world know it is SO...

With regard to TRUMP and the US - our Prime Minister have been found 'wanting'

# When US threatened to increase Tariff to 24% - PM Anwar ran to get US to reduce tariff - not to even 10%(like Singapore) but to ONLY 19%; To get US to agree, our PM agreed to invest/buy US a sum of about RM1 Trillion. So, Malaysia   

Malaysia has committed to US$242.56 billion (RM1.14 trillion) in purchases and investments in the United States as part of efforts to narrow the trade imbalance between the two countries...The deals made between Malaysia and the US include the procurement of Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) worth US$19 billion as part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and expand its fleet capacity.Multinational companies are set to procure goods in the semiconductor, aerospace, and data centre sectors worth a total of US$150 billion over five years.Petronas has committed to the annual procurement of liquefied natural gas valued at US$3.4 billion.Telekom Malaysia Bhd will procure telecommunications products amounting to US$119 million, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd will buy coal valued at US$42.6 million annually.Furthermore, Malaysia will undertake cross-border investments in the United States amounting to US$70 billion over 10 years. - NST, 4/8/2025

PROBLEM is all these RM1.4 trillion deals is NOT specifically linked to the US-Malaysia Trade Agreement (see White House Website for the agreement)  - because the QUESTION is whether the cancellation/termination of the US-Malaysia Agreement - will also NULIFY the other RM1.14 Trillion agreement # since the RM1.14 Trillion deals/commitments/agreements are NOT mentioned AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND MALAYSIA ON RECIPROCAL TRADE - I doubt we can cancel the RM1.14 Trillion deals - Malaysia may have to continue to spend RM1.14 Trillion even if the Trade Agreement is CANCELLED - This foolishness or 'mistake' by PM Anwar Ibrahim could be said to add on RM1.14 Trillion to Malaysia's financial liabilities, which may have to be fulfilled within 10 years > DID ANWAR IBRAHIM JUST INCREASE MALAYSIA'S DEBT AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES ???

Note, that as of mid-2025, Malaysia’s total government debt and liabilities stood at RM1.69 trillion, did Anwar (both PM and Finance Minister) just increase it by RM1.14 Trillion by reason of the commitment to spend US$242.56 billion (RM1.14 trillion) in purchases and investments in the United States? IF YES, then has ANWAR managed to put Malaysia in a far worst state of affairs in less than 4 years compared to Najib whose IMDB cost about RM50 Billion? Can Malaysia go back on this commitment to spend RM1.14 Trillion in US?

Investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani has confirmed that the reciprocal trade agreement (ART) signed between Malaysia and the US has been nullified. He said the US Supreme Court ruling that struck down the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump rendered the deal null and void, New Straits Times reported.(FMT, 15/3/2026) - ODD - because when Malaysia entered into that Agreement, the US Courts had already struck down Trump's tariff - the case in the Supreme Court that Johari is referring to, was an appeal only. So, the Supreme Court ruling, in my opinion, cannot be used to 'nullify' the agreement? So, JOHARI, has the US acknowledged yet that the Agreement has been TERMINATED? Has Malaysia got back the part of the RM1.14 Trillion already spent or committed to? 
 
If Anwar Ibrahim was 'smarter', he should have immediately prevented US military vessels access to Malaysian ports/airports after the commencement of the UNLAWFUL US-Israel war on Iran..RISK to Malaysia when US armed forces vessels are allowed to use Malaysian ports/waters? Will Malaysia be a reasonable target for IRAN in this US-Israel IRAN war?
 
IS the smart solution now, in the best interest of Malaysia, to get RID of PM Anwar Ibrahim and appoint a NEW Prime Minister - who can then ACTIVELY reverse the 'mistakes' of Anwar - restoring Malaysia's position as a NON-ALIGNED nation state not a State aligned to Trump/US, who will without FEAR uphold the cause of JUSTICE and HUMAN RIGHTS without fear or favour. 
 
What Anwar said in the Al-Jazeera interview and later to the local media (first laying blame only on Israel, and NOT mentioning US, and then again 'diminishing' US's role by saying it was a  'United States-backed Israeli attacks on Iran' - the perpetrators was BOTH US and Israel - and listening to Trump, one may even say that US maybe the bigger perpetrator..
 
Anwar may be 'compromised' when it comes to US and/or TRUMP - time to change PM?
 
With Anwar as PM, Trump would most likely not consider Malaysia as a country that needs NO 'REGIME CHANGE' - and that is not good, because Trump seems to want regime change for all countries where leaders are NOT LOYAL to Trump or does not do as Trump wants...  
 
REGIME Change is ONLY up to the people in the Country - and not up to some other country --- I wonder whether US and even some Malaysia believe that REGIME CHANGE agenda of TRUMP is RIGHT? 


 

 

  

After call with Pezeshkian, Anwar denounces ‘US-backed Israeli attacks’ on Iran

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is pictured in a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. — PMO pic
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is pictured in a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. — PMO pic

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denounced in the strongest terms the United States-backed Israeli attacks on Iran, following a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement released today, Anwar said he conveyed Malaysia’s deepest condolences to the people of Iran for the significant losses suffered, including high-level political and military figures as well as innocent civilians, children, and other non-combatants.

“Malaysia condemns any action targeting civilians, as it clearly violates international law, humanitarian principles and the values of justice,” Anwar said.

He said that during their conversation, Pezeshkian had indicated Iran’s willingness to negotiate, but only on the condition of a permanent cessation of the war.

Anwar stressed that any peace efforts must be grounded in justice and accountability, warning that past experience in Gaza and Lebanon has shown that ceasefires without firm guarantees only lead to a repeated cycle of violence.

“Malaysia believes that true peace demands a comprehensive resolution, in order to guarantee the safety of all parties and restore human dignity in the West Asia region,” he said.

Anwar also expressed concern for friendly nations in the Gulf that have been negatively affected by the widening conflict.

He reaffirmed Malaysia’s solidarity with Iran and expressed appreciation for Pezeshkian’s recognition of Malaysia’s support. - Malay Mail, 27/3/2026

 

COMMENT | Are Iran's attacks against the US bases located in Gulf states legal?
Hanipa Maidin
Published:  Mar 29, 2026 11:35 AM
Updated: 10:35 A

COMMENT | United States President Donald Trump reportedly told New York Times journalists that he “did not feel constrained by any international laws, norms, checks, or balances”.

And by saying the only limits on his ability to use American military might were “my (his) own morality” and “my (his) own mind”, this prompted a response from the Iranian Foreign Minister who said, “international law is dead!”.

It is therefore extremely challenging, at least at this juncture, to discuss this conflict strictly from the international law paradigm.

Nonetheless, one of the lingering questions revolves around the legality of Iran’s strikes on US bases located in Gulf states under international law.

It’s definitely a legal minefield. When people ask me if these strikes violate the sovereignty of the Gulf states, the answer seems to depend on which lens you’re looking through. It also depends on who pulled the trigger first.

Yes, the answer is not as straightforward as it may appear in political rhetoric.

On Feb 28, 2026, tensions between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance erupted into a direct military confrontation after coordinated strikes targeted Iranian infrastructure, military facilities, and civilian targets. In response, Tehran launched a large-scale counter-offensive.

Iranian operations, nonetheless, have not been confined to Israeli or US forces, which directly engaged in the illegal aggression against Iran.

The expansion of the battlefield beyond the immediate combatants has duly triggered a major legal debate: If US forces launch attacks on Iran from bases located in other countries, does international law permit Iran to strike those bases in return?

Legally speaking, the US-Israel attack against Iran is clearly illegal and unlawful under international law as it violates Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. It is a slam-dunk case of aggression, thus violating the Rome Statute.

To be fair, Iran has every right to be utterly frustrated with Trump because the state was attacked while still holding a negotiation with the US.

The Omani foreign minister rightly remarked, “Whatever your view of Iran, this war is not of their own making.”

Even former CIA chief John Brennan defended Iran by saying, “Iran was not a threat to America for which a war should be started. The Trump administration started the war by lying.”

Enabling acts of aggression

Let us dive into the issue by referring to the UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974), which defines acts of aggression in several forms.

Article 3(f) states that aggression includes: “The action of a State in allowing its territory, which it has placed at the disposal of another State, to be used by that other State for perpetrating an act of aggression against a third State.”

Needless to say, from a legal standpoint, this provision carries significant implications. If a Gulf state allows its territory to be used as a launch platform for attacks on Iran, legal experts believe it is not simply hosting foreign forces.

Au contraire, it may be considered legally responsible for enabling an act of aggression. In such a scenario, the host state may risk losing the legal protections normally associated with neutrality. Instead, it could be seen as a participant in the conflict, even if indirectly.

Another relevant concept envisaged by international law is that of co-belligerency. Once a state knowingly allows its territory to be used for offensive military operations against another country, it may be considered to have effectively entered the conflict itself.

And under such circumstances, its legal status as a neutral party - under the legal framework established by the Hague Conventions governing neutrality in war - may be seriously challenged.

This is because by providing bases, airspace, or logistical infrastructure for military operations, the host state may be seen as placing its territory and resources at the disposal of one side of the conflict. Ergo, once that threshold is crossed, the theatre of war may legally extend into that state’s territory.

Becoming legitimate targets

It seems to me that the aforesaid interpretation significantly complicates the narrative that Gulf states are merely passive hosts for foreign military deployments.

Some lawyers argue that the responsibility for the widening battlefield does not lie solely with Tehran. They are of the view that the expanding war between Iran, the US, and Israel is raising complex legal questions about sovereignty, neutrality, and the limits of self-defence.

It is a trite that under international law, states cannot provide their territory as platforms for military operations against any sovereign state while simultaneously claiming the protections reserved for neutral actors.

Hence, if foreign military forces are allowed to conduct attacks from bases located within their borders, those bases may become legitimate targets at least under the logic of self-defence.

And as duly expected, Iran has sought to argue that its military attacks against the US, including some US military bases located in Gulf states, are legally justified under the doctrine of self-defence duly enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Iran has taken a position that, under the strict lens of international law, several Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, cannot be allowed to supply the instruments of war while expecting the privileges of peace.


HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy minister of law. - Malaysiakini, 29/3/2026

Friday, March 27, 2026

Anwar's do not 'obstruct' law enforcement work warning applies to PM as well? Highlight police failures as well - not just praise them? Percentage of CLEAN police officers in Malaysia?

Call 999, and the police turn up. A home break in and the house has been robbed. A neighbour with the key calls the police. Nobody enters the crime scene before the police arrives. Then the police tells the neighbor to ask the owner to check what was stolen and make a police report. Rightly, as soon as the police gets information of the crime, the police lodges a police report (First Information Report) which starts the Investigation. The Investigation Officer will proceed to the crime scene to start the investigations. Photographs are taken, and even the crime scene will be dusted for fingerprints... and this is material evidence to help identify the criminals.

BUT, here we find the police, eventhough they have information of the crime, and had seen the crime scene to confirm that a CRIME did indeed happen fails to make the POLICE REPORT that would have started the criminal investigations.

When it comes to police receiving information of crime, the POLICE must make an immediate report - that will start the investigation > Because the police did not report the crime, investigation did not start immediately - and the crime scene gets 'contaminated' and decreases the chance of identifying the perpetrator...and finding needed evidence to convict

WRONG for law enforcement to say that they will NOT investigate until they get a police report - The law imposes a duty on police/law enforcement to file a police report themselves as soon as they get information of a CRIME...

Section 107  Information of offences {Criminal Procedure Code} 

(3) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (1), information given by a person relating to the commission of an offence to a police officer, who at the time of receiving the information is not in a police station, shall be deemed to be received at a police station;

(b) A police officer receiving such information under paragraph (a) where practicable shall record or cause to be recorded the name and address of the informant, the date and time of the receipt of such information, and shall convey such information to an officer in charge of a police station or any police officer whose duty is to receive such information; and
(c) Such information shall be reduced in writing and entered in a book in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) and shall subsequently be signed by the person who gave the information.

(4) A police officer shall be duty bound to receive any information in relation to any offence committed anywhere in Malaysia.

Another case, person makes police report about a neighbour shouting and threatening violence and even sexual abuse... After the report, it happens again, and victim calls the police station, and the officer allegedly told the victim - wait for the perpetrator to beat/strike you and only then, the police can take action. > What NONSENSE, in my opinion,? The police should have immediately acted on the threats - and should not wait to take action  only after the victim has been beaten or there has been actual sexual abuse.

A person files a police report on LAND encroachment/trespass by people - Police takes NO Action - and after repeated calls to the police, the police tells the VICTIM to file a CASE in the Courts? Again, the crime has been reported, and investigation would reveal that the crime happened - then the police should arrest, investigate and CHARGE the perpetrator for the CRIME, and ensure that the encroachment/trespass ends - In Malaysia, SELF HELP is not encouraged - should the VICTIM get a Tractor and clear the area trespassed? Should he hire 'gangsters' to end the encroachment? 

Recently another friend informed me, that a person had been DEFRAUDED by his/her business partner, who had taken monies of the common business > this again was a CRIME that police/law enforcement should have acted on. And again, after all police reports have been filed - the police tells the victim to FILE a case in the CIVIL COURT??? A crime has been committed, and the police/law enforcement must take criminal action against the perpetrator - Later, if the victim wants, he can go further civil action against the perpetrator if he/she wants to recover damages/compensation. 

(By the way, being a lawyer, I am bound by solicitor-client privilege - so I cannot reveal names or more details about the cases above.) 

THESE kinds of allegations of POLICE failure is rising - why is the police taking action for these crimes. 

Do NOT tell me, it is a DISCRIMINATORY practice - if it was some Minister or even a 'Datuk' who reports, action is taken FAST - but if it is some ordinary citizen, ... then maybe... OR maybe it was just 'LAZINESS' - just avoid doing work of investigating, etc... 

Malaysia has seen a 6.4% drop in index crime thanks to an increase in security operations nationwide.The achievement reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police, in ensuring public safety, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail- Star, 26/3/2026

VERY ODD - because in Temerloh, the number of house/shop break in and thefts seems to have INCREASED - So, what exactly is the CRIMES being considered in this CRIME INDEX. Some crimes, is dependent on law enforcement like DRUG Crimes, if poor law enforcement, they will detect LESSER crimes - some CRIMES cannot be hidden like MURDER, robberies and theft... But then, with regard to many CRIMES - has people completely LOST FAITH in the police so that many are not even interested in making Police REPORTS - sometimes, they now make police reports for some other reason - NOT expecting our police to promptly investigate, find and charge the perpetrator in courts. What are some of the OTHER reasons, people make police reports - INSURANCE claims, reported needed to apply for new Bank Credit/Debit Cards, and maybe some other documents. 

So, looks like there is an INCREASED of crimes - and interestingly committed by LOCALS - Low Minimum Wage, Higher QUIT rents in Penang, Loss of jobs and difficult to find jobs ...INCREASED cost of LIVING... and LAST YEAR, our Malaysian STATISTIC department reported a 11.1 percent increase in the CRIME INDEX? Now, IGP tells us it dropped 6.4%??? WHO TO BELIEVE??

Malaysia’s Crime Index rose by 11.1 per cent in 2024, with a total of 58,255 cases reported compared to 52,444 cases in 2023, according to the latest report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). - Business Today, 16/10/2025 

HOW DO MALAYSIANS THINK ABOUT MALAYSIAN POLICE? WHEN YOU SEE A POLICE OFFICER APPROACHING, what goes through your mind even when you verily believe you did not commit any crime? Do you think how much will it 'cost me' - if not, what will be consequence even if we did no CRIME? 

PM's timely warning NOT to obstruct or interfere with police and/or law enforcement - should equally apply to the PM and his members of government, even the royalty.. 

 

PM warns influential parties not to meddle in police work...Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to influential parties, urging them not to interfere in police operations, particularly cases involving large-scale criminal syndicates.He highlighted that past attempts by certain quarters to shield powerful individuals or groups only hindered the enforcement of the law.“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by 'I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he added during his speech at the 219th Police Day commemoration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur today.

 

For information, the charges against Anwar Ibrahim then in 1998/1999 was as follows:

(English translation of the charges) from High Court Judgment [1999] 2 CLJ 215

First Charge

That you, from 12 August 1997 until 18 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Azizan bin Abu Bakar addressed to YAB Prime Minister denying his allegation of sodomy as contained in his "Pengakuan Bersumpah" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a written statement dated 18 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, to save yourself from embarrassment, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Second Charge

That you, on 27 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Azizan bin Abu Bakar to deny the allegation of sodomy as contained in his "Pengakuan Bersumpah" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a Kenyataan Umum, for your advantage, to wit, you used it for the purpose of protecting yourself from any criminal action, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Third Charge

That you, from 12 August 1997 until 18 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Ummi Hafilda bt Ali addressed to YAB Prime Minister denying the allegations of sexual misconduct and sodomy as contained in her confidential report entitled "Perihal Salah Laku Timbalan Perdana Menteri" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a written statement dated 18 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, to save yourself from embarrassment, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Fourth Charge

That you, on 27 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the SpecialBranch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the SpecialBranch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain written statements fromUmmi Hafilda bt Ali denying the allegations of sexual misconductand sodomy as contained in her confidential report entitled"Perihal Salah Laku Timbalan Perdana Menteri" dated 5 August1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a Kenyataan Umum dated 29 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, you used it for the purpose of protecting yourself from any criminalaction, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

The Court, after trial, found him GUILTY and convicted him. Federal Court confirmed the Conviction. Some believe since the King Pardoned him, that conviction was overturned. NOT true, the King has no power to OVERTURN a Court conviction - only the Courts can. 

Then, of late, we read in Bloomberg

On Thursday, Bloomberg cited three informed sources as saying that Anwar had instructed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Azam Baki, not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador over the controversial purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.

The report also claimed that Azam had told MACC officials that the investigations into former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his three sons and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin were launched on Anwar's instructions.

To date, it seems that these serious allegations, implicating the PM of wrongdoings,  were never investigated - only that Malaysia investigated Bloomberg for possibly 'criminal defamation' and ended up with a NFA - meaning that Bloomberg was never even charged.

DANGER if Bloomberg was charged - because, in their defence Bloomberg may adduce evidence to show that their REPORT was true, or there was good reasons for Bloomberg saying this. The media would have covered the case - and the Malaysian public may form their own belief even if the Court convicted Bloomberg > that is the RISK when you sue someone for defamation or charge someone for criminal defamation. And, mind you, Anwar himself did NOT SUE Bloomberg for defamation either in Malaysia, or in US - and Anwar certainly could afford the cost.

HOPEFULLY, if a RCI is set up to look into Bloomberg that told us about the 'corporate mafia' - it will also look into the allegations of Anwar's attempt to 'obstruct' the proper working of what must be INDEPENDENT law enforcement agencies... I hope, ANWAR is repentant, and will never again do anything that will OBSTRUCT the workings of law enforcement in Malaysia after his 'abuse of power' and 'obstruction of law enforcement' conviction...Remember, Courts will ONLY convict if there is sufficient evidence to prove GUILT beyond REASONABLE DOUBT...

“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama. “I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) added...

The MOST URGENT MATTER now, after the 1MDB scandal/crimes is ensure that all Malaysian Law Enforcement Agencies, the Attorney General/Public Prosecutor are INDEPENDENT and professional, and NO Prime Minister or government can 'obstruct' or interfere...

MACC did not REVEAL the crimes of Najib then - and finally only investigated, charged and got Najib convicted after Najib was no longer Prime Minister... Was MACC not free to act - because of the PM or the government?

WHO picks the head of LAW ENFORCEMENT in Malaysia > it cannot remain the PM or a Minister-Cabinet member chosen by the PM - It must be an INDEPENDENT body...and with regard to reporting, these law enforcement bodies must directly report to the people - Parliament and the Cabinet... 

See my Astro Awani interview in CONSIDER THIS - where I also highlighted the PM's power's in MACC, from the power to decide who the MACC Chief is, and..  https://international.astroawani.com/video/taxonomyterm124029/should-there-be-rci-macc-part-2

Malaysia’s Crime Rate Jumps 11.1% In 2024, Led By Property Related: DOSM


Malaysia’s Crime Index rose by 11.1 per cent in 2024, with a total of 58,255 cases reported compared to 52,444 cases in 2023, according to the latest report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

The increase was largely attributed to a rise in property-related crimes, which climbed by 12.4 per cent to 47,188 cases, while assault crimes also saw a moderate increase of 5.9 per cent to 11,067 cases.

Decline in Homicide and Kidnapping Cases

Despite the overall increase, homicide cases recorded a significant drop. Intentional homicides fell 9.5 per cent to 237 cases, while non-intentional homicides remained unchanged at two cases.


Kidnapping cases also declined slightly to 17 incidents, with children accounting for 11 of those cases.

Mixed Trends in Sexual and Robbery Offences

Sexual offences showed a divergent pattern. Total rape cases rose by 12.1 per cent to 1,899 cases, driven by a 29.3 per cent increase in rape without force, while rape with force declined by 15.3 per cent — a shift that may reflect evolving reporting trends or patterns of perpetration.

Meanwhile, robbery cases fell by 6.8 per cent, totalling 4,276 cases. Most involved robbery from the person (41.7%), followed by other types (38.2%), robbery of establishments or institutions (13.5%), and vehicle robberies (6.7%).

House break-in and theft also recorded a 1.8 per cent decline, with 77.6 per cent of these incidents occurring at night.

Drug Offences Continue to Climb

Drug-related offences continued their upward trend, rising 10.6 per cent to 81,090 cases in 2024.
Cases involving drug supply increased 4.6 per cent, while drug possession jumped 12.7 per cent, indicating intensified enforcement and possibly higher rates of substance use.

Bribery and Misappropriation Cases on the Rise

Arrests for bribery-related offences rose sharply by 24.6 per cent, with 764 individuals apprehended.
Cases involving giving bribes surged 51.2 per cent, while accepting bribes rose 20.3 per cent, underscoring continued efforts by enforcement agencies to combat corruption.

Similarly, misappropriation of controlled goods increased by 19.1 per cent to 2,243 cases.
The most misappropriated items were diesel (30%), petrol (26.7%), cooking oil (19.8%), sugar (10.1%), liquefied petroleum gas (9.1%), and wheat flour (4.4%).

Workplace Safety Offences Surge

Offences related to health and safety at work recorded the steepest rise — up 71.1 per cent to 296 cases.
The manufacturing sector accounted for the majority of cases (57.4%), followed by construction (27.4%) and business services (8.1%).

Animal Cruelty and Sea Robbery Remain Low

Animal-related offences dropped to 12 cases in 2024, comprising cruelty and welfare violations.
Sea robbery, once an occasional concern, was completely absent in 2024, compared to just one reported case in 2023.

Sharp Rise in Prison Population

Malaysia’s correctional statistics reflected a significant 28.4 per cent increase in convicted prisoners, totalling 128,916 individuals in 2024.
Male prisoners represented 90.9 per cent of the total, while female prisoners accounted for 9.1 per cent. - Business Today, 16/10/2025 

Malaysia sees 6.4% drop in index crime due to increased security

Thursday, 26/3/2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has seen a 6.4% drop in index crime thanks to an increase in security operations nationwide.

The achievement reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police, in ensuring public safety, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail (pic) said.

“Despite several incidents recorded during the review period from March 2025 to March 2026, the overall security situation in the country remains good and under control,” he said at the 219th Police Day celebration at Pulapol Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

Index crimes are serious offences that are used to measure the annual crime index.

The IGP said the police are facing major challenges in remaining relevant amid increasingly complex and evolving security threats.

He said the force must continue to adapt and meet the expectations of both the government and the public without compromising its core responsibility to uphold the law.

“However, pressures and public perception will not undermine the police’s firmness in upholding justice based on the rule of law,” he said.

He also recalled several attacks on police personnel, including the 2017 shooting at the Pinggiran Subang police station and the 2024 attack at the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, which left two officers dead and another seriously injured.

“We need improvements to infrastructure at critical premises, as well as amendments to existing laws, to ensure they remain progressive and relevant in addressing the complexity of current security threats,” he added.

Meanwhile, the IGP expressed appreciation for the government’s continued support, including a total allocation of RM12.063bil for 2026.

He said the government has also approved RM200mil to expand information and communications technology (ICT) facilities at police stations and quarters nationwide.

“This shows the government’s commitment is not merely rhetoric but translated into tangible action in strengthening national security,” he said.- - Star, 26/3/2026

PM warns influential parties not to meddle in police work, praises cops for courage
Published:  Mar 25, 2026 5:24 PM
Updated: 4:24 P

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to influential parties, urging them not to interfere in police operations, particularly cases involving large-scale criminal syndicates.

He highlighted that past attempts by certain quarters to shield powerful individuals or groups only hindered the enforcement of the law.

“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he added during his speech at the 219th Police Day commemoration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar also praised the courage of the police department, noting their increasingly assertive approach in dismantling major illegal syndicates and against corrupt figures who had long seemed “immune” to the law.

“I am grateful because I see firmness and courage in taking action, not only against minor corruptors but also against major ones who have operated for decades yet were never dared to be touched.

“These large illegal syndicates have long been embedded in our system, and I congratulate (the police) for successfully breaking them through professionalism, determination, and courage,” he said.

Under the Madani framework, the prime minister stressed, the government is committed to ensuring the law is no longer drafted or enforced to favour certain powerful and wealthy groups.

He said the public now recognises the dedication and sacrifices of the police, which has helped Malaysia maintain its status as one of the safest countries in the world, despite facing a range of domestic and global security challenges.

Highest appreciation for the police

Anwar urged police personnel to continue strengthening professionalism and integrity, which he described as essential pillars for driving national transformation.

“The peace achieved through the sacrifices of security forces is a fundamental foundation that allows the government to focus on economic reforms, information technology agendas, and digital transformation.

“Our duty is to honour past service and set a new guideline for enhancing the professionalism and integrity of the police force.

“In any renewal or reform, the agenda begins with the prerequisite of peace. As citizens, we must express our highest appreciation for the service, sacrifice, and loyalty of the police, which has enabled Malaysia to be recognised as one of the safest countries in the world,” he added.

Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Other dignitaries included Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail and his deputy Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, along with directors of the police. - Malaysiakini, 25/3/2026

 

  

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Rare Earth - Anwar, what is the Government Position? Is mining/processing Rare Earth allowed despite environmental health risk?

Rare Earth Mining and Processing in Malaysia - What is PM Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan(DAP,PKR and Amanah) led Madani Coalition's position NOW - remember it a MOST DANGEROUS industry - with possibility of affecting the environment and also human health.

Pakatan Rakyat is definitely shutting down Lynas if the opposition coalition takes over the government. It would take a "miracle" for Pakatan to reverse its earlier stance of vowing to stop the operations of the rare earth processing plant if  it comes to power, PKR's strategy director Rafizi Ramli said at a press conference this morning - Edge, 14/3/2013
 

Then DAP/PKR/Amanah(now Pakatan Harapan) is in power with Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister > and recently, LYNAS was 'gifted' a 10 year contract.

Malaysia has solidified a strategic partnership with the U.S. to supply critical minerals and rare earth elements (REE), aimed at diversifying supply chains away from China . Through a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, Malaysia has committed to providing the US with consistent, non-restricted access to rare earths, facilitating investment from US companies in Malaysian mining, processing, and high-value downstream, including magnets.(Bangkok Post, 21/8/2025)

After Trump visited Malaysia, and gave Anwar a car ride - Malaysia signed an agreement with US 

Malaysia has committed to refrain from banning, or imposing quotas on, exports to the United States of critical minerals or rare earth elements.  Malaysia has committed to the expedient development of its critical minerals and rare earths sectors in partnership with U.S. companies, including granting extended operating licenses to create certainty for businesses to increase production capacity.  Malaysia has committed to ensure no restrictions are imposed on the sale of rare earth magnets to U.S. companies. - Joint Statement US-Malaysia Agreement, 26/1o/2025

Then, the 10 year licence for LYNAS.

Then, Lynas agree to supply US Department of Defence

Lynas, the largest rare earth refiner outside of China, has signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise an agreement to supply the country’s defence sector with rare earth minerals for four years.“Through this agreement, the US defence industrial base will continue to have access to light and heavy rare earth oxides that are essential for modern manufacturing,” its CEO and managing director, Amanda Lacaze, said in a statement from the company today....Under this arrangement, the Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas. - Malaysiakini, 16/3/2026

Now, with this supply agreement with US Department of Defence, can Malaysia NOW cancel Lynas operating license - can it kick out LYNAS from Malaysia....US and TRUMP may not be happy with Anwar and Malaysia????

Guess WHAT, Malaysia may now be 'helping' US - for these weapons may be used to kill Palestinians, Iranians, Lebanese, etc..

What is the status of the 

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the United States and Malaysia is now null and void, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.Johari said this follows a United States Supreme Court ruling that struck down the majority of US President Donald Trump's earlier broad tariff measures, rendering the arrangement inapplicable."It is not on hold. It is no longer there, it's null and void. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that if you want to impose tariffs, you must have reasons," he said.- NST, 15/3/2026

BUT, our Minister said TERMINATED????  - if it has been TERMINATED or is NULL and VOID - Why is that Agreement still on the US White House Website?

Remember Malaysia entered into that agreement when the US Court already ruled that that the Tariff imposed by Trump was ILLEGAL and void...Malaysia still knowingly entered into that agreement - SO, how can a US Supreme Court confirming that the TARIFF action was illegal affect the Malaysia-US Agreement?

Malaysia MUST ACTIVELY terminate that US-Malaysia agreement... 

On February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. > but then, on 5/3/2026, MITI talks as though the Agreement is still valid - 'Both of Malaysia's commitments regarding Licensing Certainty as contained in the Joint Statement on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) (Article 5.2) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Critical Minerals (Areas of Cooperation, Section 3) do not affect the government's decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth elements (REE) companies that are about to be approved to operate in Malaysia.'
 
So, ANWAR IBRAHIM - has Malaysia terminated that TRADE AGREEMENT between US-Malaysia? Malaysians are confused...
 
Does this mean that Malaysia also cancels its commitment to INVEST about RM1 Trillion in US - can we cancel the Boeing purchase deals, and the other deals .... that Anwar 'foolishly' entered to convince US to reduce TARIFFs which resulted in that Trade Agreement between US and Malaysia? DON'T LIE - TELL US THE TRUTH??
 
Back to RARE EARTH - why are we opening NEW rare earth mines...
 
Malaysia has suspended operations at a rare earth site and two tin mines in western Perak state following an investigation into complaints that a stretch of a major river had turned bright blue, the natural resources and environment ministry said. Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told parliament on Wednesday that authorities had launched a probe after public reports about discoloured water in a part of the Perak River, the second-longest on the Malaysian peninsula. Initial investigations found discharges at the rare earths mining site, operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd, which matched the colour of the water in the river, Johari said. . he added. - Reuters, 20/11/2025
PM Anwar - how many RARE EARTH mines are there in Malaysia? Where is the mined RARE Earth being processed? LYNAS or some other Rare Earth processing plants > REMEMBER that the danger to Environment and Health arises both during MINING as well as during PROCESSING - WHY ARE MALAYSIANS KEPT IN THE DARK?
 
Minister Chang Lih Kang tried to assure Malaysians - When it comes to RARE EARTH - we are talking about Radioactive material - Thorium-232 has a half-life of 14 billion years, while the most common isotope of Uranium (U-238) has a half-life of 4.5 billion years. It is easy to weed out dangerous chemicals - BUT how exactly is radioactive half-life dealt with to make it safe, Mr Minister?
 
 
Naturally occurring thorium and uranium isotopes have extremely long half-lives, often comparable to or exceeding the age of the Earth. Specifically,Thorium-232 has a half-life of 14 billion years, while the most common isotope of Uranium (U-238) has a half-life of 4.5 billion years.These radioactive elements are a significant production challenge in rare earth element (REE) mining because they often coexist in the same ore deposits, such as monazite and bastnasite.
 
The Minister also assures of  Real-time monitoring and transparency   - BUT how come in November 2025, '..Radiation readings at the site were also found to be as high as 13 becquerels, far above the 1 becquerel limit permitted under the project's initial environmental impact assessment report,' and this was when the river water in Sungai Perak changed colour - and it was suspected to be linked to a RARE EARTH MINE operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd. This happens about 4 MONTHS ago....
 
Malaysians are not interested in HOPES of the MINISTER - but assurance that people are safe all the time. Remember, MANY COUNTRIES shut down rare earth mining and processing...because it was VERY DANGEROUS... 
 
Wonder whether it a GOOD IDEA to extract soil samples beside RARE EARTH Mines, Processing Installations and even PDF - and sent it to the Minister and PM's offices to be placed there TO ASSURE the Malaysian public that ALL IS SAFE. Should we also get vegetables, fishes, farm animals from the area(maybe less than 5 Km away) to be served in the Parliament cafeteria - since the Government says now that is safe...
 
IT is easy for Ministers/MPs to say that RARE EARTH Mining and Processing is SAFE when they LIVE far away from the dangers of MINES and processing plants...SO, CONVINCE us with your action..
 
Of course, it is VERY DIFFICULT to show that illness are DIRECTLY caused by Rare Earth Mining/Processing - just like it is difficult to prove the direct connection between CIGARETTES and health problems > So, should we be monitoring all adjacent health clinics/hospitals and IF the occurrence of any health problems, including miscarriages or deformation of new born, is HIGHER than the national average - the PRESUMPTION is that it is caused by RARE EARTH Mining unless proven otherwise... 
 
It was SAD that the attempt to JUDICIAL REVIEW the planning permission given by the Kuantan Local Government for the Lynas Permanent Depository Facility(PDF) was never dealt with by the Courts on the MERITS - Yes, Minister, many do not TRUST the government - the law may be GOOD but the problem sometimes is the ENFORCEMENT - and now with the 'corporate mafia" issue - one wonders whether a 'little money' may convince public officers to APPROVE projects/plans that fail to meet our Malaysian legal standards.
 
If the RIVER did not change colour - would the high RADIATION levels be detected - THEN, what happened to the RIVER case - did not hear anyone being CHARGED in court - did not hear action being taken against any perpetrator, any action being taken against PUBLIC officers who should have been monitoring 24 hours - how come the authorities did not detect it? Minister, you are from PERAK - explain what actions have been taken? HOW many RARE Earth mines have been issued licences?
 
TRANSPARENCY PM Anwar - tell us - Is RARE EARTH mining now allowed under your MADANI government? Should there be a PUBLIC REFERENDUM of people living within 20KM of the mining site and/or processing plants be a MANDATORY requirement - OH, it has to be the people directly - because all LOCAL COUNCIL members, Ketua Kampung, Ketua Kampung Baru, etc --- are all POLITICAL APPOINTEES (not directly elected by the people) - and these political appointees  most likely will 'loyally' say OK to mines and rare earth processing... most times the ordinary people XDO NOT KNOW  of the consent letters their 'leaders'(the political appointees signed) - sad, that we still do not have Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman elections in Malaysia - so people can directly choose their own community leaders DEMOCRATICALLY - and DAP and PKR who now RULES has 'FORGOTTEN' about restoring Local Council Elections ??? 
 
See also:-
 

Miti: Malaysia-US minerals deal will not affect conditions imposed on Lynas
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said Malaysia’s commitments under the ART agreement and Critical Minerals MoU with the US will not affect the government’s enforcement of technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth companies. — Reuters pic
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said Malaysia’s commitments under the ART agreement and Critical Minerals MoU with the US will not affect the government’s enforcement of technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth companies. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — Both of Malaysia's commitments regarding Licensing Certainty as contained in the Joint Statement on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) (Article 5.2) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Critical Minerals (Areas of Cooperation, Section 3) do not affect the government's decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth elements (REE) companies that are about to be approved to operate in Malaysia.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) said the Critical Minerals MoU signed by Malaysia and the United States clearly states that areas of cooperation between the two countries include topics related to good regulatory practices, such as facilitating the process of issuing permits related to the REE industry, including mining permits, land purchase and manufacturing licences.

“This agreement includes fair and equitable treatment for investors, as well as the implementation of sustainable projects that comply with environmental, social and governance practices.

“In addition, both countries are committed to working together in strengthening the critical minerals sector and ensuring that the sale of REE products is determined by the respective authorities or governments,” the ministry said in a written reply to the Dewan Negara yesterday to a question from Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven who wanted to know whether the two commitments affected the government’s decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or the rare earth industry.

The Licensing Certainty commitment is enshrined in the Joint Statement on ART (Article 5.2), while the Critical Minerals MoU has the Areas-of-Cooperation, Section 3.

Regarding the status of negotiations between Khazanah Nasional Bhd and companies from China in the development of the REE industry, Miti said that until now the discussions are still at an early stage and no final agreement has been signed.

“This is because the Chinese government has not yet named the party that will represent the country to implement the cooperation,” he said.

The ministry also explained that the government has mandated Khazanah Nasional as a focal point to comprehensively examine potential strategic collaboration models.

“The research covers aspects of commercial viability, technology safeguarding, strategic governance and control structures, as well as alignment with national interests,” it said.

Regarding the heavy rare-earth element (HREE) separation technology, Miti said that so far no technology transfer has been finalised either in terms of scope, form of implementation or timeline.

“Currently, HREE production at a commercial level in the world is only done by processing plants in China and the Lynas company in Kuantan,” it said. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 5/3/2026

 

Lynas signs US$96m rare earth supply deal with Pentagon
Published:  Mar 16, 2026 3:23 PM
Updated: 5:52 P

Lynas, the largest rare earth refiner outside of China, has signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise an agreement to supply the country’s defence sector with rare earth minerals for four years.

“Through this agreement, the US defence industrial base will continue to have access to light and heavy rare earth oxides that are essential for modern manufacturing,” its CEO and managing director, Amanda Lacaze, said in a statement from the company today.

Lynas said the letter of intent establishes a framework to finalise an agreement for the supply of light and heavy rare earth oxides to support US national security and supply chain resilience objectives.

Under this arrangement, the Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas.

Lynas said the agreement followed a mutual decision with the Pentagon to modify an earlier agreement, due to “significant uncertainty” on whether plans to build a heavy rare earth processing facility in Seadrif, Texas, would proceed.

The statement also mentions that neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxides will have a floor price of US$110 per kg under the arrangement.

For comparison, its benchmark price generally hovered around US$60 to US$80 per kg last year, though it briefly reached as high as US$128 per kg this year.

Market dominated by China

The mineral is a crucial raw ingredient for making powerful magnets needed for electric motors, actuators, and other applications.

Bloomberg Intelligence reported on March 2 that China dominates 90 percent of the world’s NdPr supply, but upcoming supplies from Australia and the US are likely to slash China’s market share to 69 percent by 2030.

Lynas mines rare earth minerals from Mt Weld, West Australia, processes them, and then ships them for refining and separation into rare earth oxides at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

The facility in Gebeng is not only capable of producing light rare earth elements, but is also the only significant producer of heavy rare earth elements outside China, and therefore the only producer not subject to China’s export controls on critical minerals.

10-year licence extension, with strings attached

However, the facility has faced significant opposition from environmental activists, particularly for issues surrounding the disposal of radioactive residue from its water leach purification (WLP) process.

The Malaysian government granted the facility a 10-year extension of its licence beginning March 3, but on the condition that it reduces the radioactivity of the WLP residue below regulatory limits by extracting the radioactive element thorium from the waste.

Moving forward, Lynas will also be required to complete the thorium extraction process in Australia before shipping it for further processing in Malaysia. - Malaysiakini, 16/3/2026

Impose restrictions on Lynas for US defence supply deal: Pro-Palestine advocates
Yiswaree Palansamy
Published:  Mar 19, 2026 10:05 AM
Updated: 9:05 A

Two pro-Palestine advocates have called for Malaysia to impose restrictions on the export of rare earth materials processed by Lynas Rare Earths.

This came after the company signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise a four-year agreement to supply the US defence sector with rare earth minerals.

Boycott Divestment & Sanctions Malaysia (BDS) chairperson Nazari Ismail argued that the business deal is also a challenge to Malaysia's spirit of non-aligned foreign policy.

"Yes, the Malaysian government should impose some form of restriction on the export of Lynas' output. It should not supply countries that use them for illegal military operations.

ADS

"Clearly, the US is now engaged in military operations after it carried out an unprovoked attack on Iran," the academic told Malaysiakini.

Nazari concurred that while this could lead to diplomatic repercussions, he said it was "normal when you stand up for justice and hold on to moral principles”.

BDS chairperson Nazari Ismail

He added that Putrajaya should be concerned about the Lynas deal, given the US' role in the deadly bomb strike on two schools in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 schoolchildren.

Nazari said that since Lynas holds an operating licence issued by Putrajaya, the terms of that licence should be revisited to include restrictions on the end buyers of the processed materials.

"As stated earlier, the output should not be sold to buyers who plan to use it for illegal military campaigns," he emphasised.

Weaponry production

Former PKR vice-president and fellow pro-Palestine activist Tian Chua echoed Nazari's sentiments.

"It is quite clear that the supply of rare earth elements to the US Department of Defense for security purposes would include weaponry production.

“This agreement could potentially drag Malaysia into the US supply and production chain of war machinery.

"Malaysia could impose some additional export conditions to prevent rare earth products from being shipped to US defence industries," Chua said when contacted.

Ex-PKR veep Tian Chua

He acknowledged that while the law may not provide a clear legal mechanism to prevent Lynas - a private, foreign-listed company - from entering into a commercial agreement with the US defence establishment, Malaysia is not absolved of responsibility.

"Malaysia has a lot of leverage as the US is a country committing war crimes. Our refusal to allow Lynas to support the military complex will earn us international and domestic credit.

"Our neutrality means we are open in the rare earth market, and we will continue to prevent China's monopoly on rare earth. However, the bottom line is that our industrial production and resources should not be supplying to a mass murder industry," Chua stressed.

‘Public deserves answers’

In a statement yesterday, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar urged Lynas and Putrajaya to provide "clear, responsible explanations" to the public about the agreement.

He said the agreement raises legitimate concerns because rare earths are strategic materials used in modern military technology, including radar systems, missile systems, satellites, defence electronics, and various components of high-technology arms industries.

Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar

"The public has the right to know whether the rare earth processed through Lynas' operations in Malaysia will form part of the supply chain for the US defence sector.

"Lynas must also clarify the source of the raw materials involved in the contract, the locations where processing takes place, and whether its processing facility in Malaysia is directly or indirectly involved in supplying the American military industry.

"As a foreign company operating in Malaysia and benefiting from this country's resources and ecosystem, Lynas bears both a moral and corporate responsibility to ensure that its operations do not give rise to sensitive geopolitical implications for its host nation," Sukri added.

He said an explanation from the government was equally necessary, stressing that the rare earth issue was not a routine trade concern but one deeply tied to strategic security, global geopolitics, and the country’s standing on the international stage.

"The government must clarify whether any policy or control mechanism exists to ensure that strategic resources processed in Malaysia are not channelled to the military industries of any major power involved in international conflict," Sukri said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Lynas for comments.

What the deal is about

On March 16, Lynas said the letter of intent establishes a framework to finalise an agreement for the supply of light and heavy rare earth oxides to support US national security and supply chain resilience objectives.

Under this arrangement, the US Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas.

Lynas said the agreement followed a mutual decision with the Pentagon to modify an earlier agreement, due to “significant uncertainty” on whether plans to build a heavy rare earth processing facility in Seadrif, Texas, would proceed.

The statement also stated that neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxides will have a floor price of US$110 per kg under the arrangement.

For comparison, its benchmark price generally hovered between US$60 and US$80 per kg last year, though it briefly reached as high as US$128 per kg this year.

The mineral is a crucial raw ingredient for making powerful magnets needed for electric motors, actuators, and other applications.

Bloomberg Intelligence reported on March 2 that China dominates 90 percent of the world’s NdPr supply, but upcoming supplies from Australia and the US are likely to slash China’s market share to 69 percent by 2030.

Lynas mines rare earth minerals from Mt Weld, West Australia, processes them, and then ships them for refining and separation into rare earth oxides at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

The facility in Gebeng is not only capable of producing light rare earth elements but is also the only significant producer of heavy rare earth elements outside China, and therefore the only producer not subject to China’s export controls on critical minerals.

However, the facility has faced significant opposition from environmental activists, particularly on issues surrounding the disposal of radioactive residue from its water leach purification (WLP) process.

Putrajaya granted the facility a 10-year extension of its licence beginning March 3, but on the condition that it reduces the radioactivity of the WLP residue below regulatory limits by extracting the radioactive element thorium from the waste.

Lynas will also be required to complete the thorium extraction process in Australia before shipping it for further processing in Malaysia. - Malaysiakini, 19/3/2026

 

MP SPEAKS | Lynas' 10-year licence renewal: Addressing four key areas of concern
Chang Lih Kang
Published:  Mar 24, 2026 3:00 PM
Updated: 2:21 PMP SPEAKS | The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry remains committed to a transparent and responsible approach. We have outlined responses to the four key areas of concern on Lynas’ 10-year licence extension below:

1. Safety of the permanent disposal facility

The facility’s design strictly adheres to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under IAEA General Safety Guide No GSG-1 (Classification of Radioactive Waste), Water Leach Purification (WLP) residue is classified as Very Low Level Waste (VLLW). This category of waste can be safely managed through engineered surface landfill facilities.

These facilities are specifically designed to safely contain waste with radioactivity levels above “exempted” limits. WLP residue, which contains natural radionuclides, has a radioactivity level of approximately six Bq/g, well within the safety threshold for VLLW.

In addition, a flood risk assessment was incorporated into the environmental impact assessment (EIA). The findings confirmed that, due to appropriate ground elevation and land treatment during project development, the site is not exposed to significant flood risks.

2. Timeline for thorium extraction

Scaling thorium extraction from laboratory to industrial level is a complex engineering process that typically takes up to seven years. However, the government has mandated that Lynas complete this transition within five years.

The licence will be subject to a comprehensive review after this initial five-year period. During this time, Lynas must meet the following milestones:

  • By June 3, 2026: Submit the upgrade plan for the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng, Pahang;

  • From March 3, 2028: Begin physical construction and facility modification;

  • By March 2, 2031: Cease all production of new WLP radioactive residue.

The Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia) will strictly monitor compliance through continuous enforcement, including performance checks and environmental sampling.

The Environment Department will also oversee compliance under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Failure to meet these conditions may result in licence revocation.

3. Management of radioactive waste

The “cracking and leaching” process has been a longstanding concern, as it generates WLP residue. Previous approaches focused on the long-term storage of this waste through permanent disposal facilities.

Under the current licence conditions, a clear end-point has been established: Lynas must stop producing WLP residue by March 2, 2031. All WLP generated between March 2026 and March 2031 must undergo thorium extraction, reducing its radioactivity from approximately six Bq/g to below one Bq/g, effectively rendering it non-radioactive.

Importantly, Lynas is no longer permitted to construct any new permanent disposal facilities. This ensures that, beyond 2031, no additional radioactive waste will accumulate in Malaysia, providing a long-term resolution to this issue.

The cracking and leaching process is also carried out in Kalgoorlie, Australia, where it produces iron phosphate residue. Mastery of this process is critical for Malaysia’s advancement in the rare earth value chain, enabling a shift from raw extraction to high-value processing and refining.

4. Real-time monitoring and transparency

To enhance transparency, the ministry and the Atomic Energy Department have made the Environmental Radiation Monitoring System (ERMS) accessible to the public. Real-time environmental radiation data can be viewed here and here.

The government remains committed to strict oversight, ensuring that radioactive waste does not continue to accumulate in Malaysia.


CHANG LIH KANG is the MP for Tanjung Malim and science, technology and innovation minister.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. - Malaysiakini, 24/3/2026