PUTRAJAYA (March 1): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) recorded nearly 5,000 new members recently, reflecting the people's continued confidence in the party's struggle. Its president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said support for PKR remained solid despite facing a political situation described as "chaotic". "We have good news… that even in this chaotic situation, our membership has grown by about 5,000. Meanwhile, he urged PKR leaders at all levels to continue strengthening the party's machinery and to clarify issues that could cause unease among the people. Anwar said comprehensive and factual explanations are important for continuing to strengthen the people's confidence in the party.

(March 2): Liquefied natural gas tankers set to load shipments in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates appear to be temporarily abandoning those plans, as most shipowners and traders avoid the Strait of Hormuz. At least 13 empty LNG tankers that were on the eastern side of the chokepoint have diverted away, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. LNG vessels and other ships stopped crossing the waterway over the weekend following the initial strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Exports from Qatar, the world’s largest LNG supplier after the US, must go through Hormuz to reach customers in Asia and Europe. “We are in uncharted territory.”There was a string of mixed messages around Hormuz over the weekend, as well as attacks on oil tankers.

GEORGE TOWN (March 1): The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Central Leadership Council has decided to suspend Penang state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol from all party posts with immediate effect. PKR secretary general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the decision was made at the council meeting on Sunday. She said the suspension from all party posts will be in force until the conclusion of his court case. Fuziah said the party has received his reply, and noted that Rafizi remains a party member, and reminded him to always adhere to the party's constitution, code of ethics and disciplinary rules. Meanwhile, the council said PKR received 14,225 new members between October 2025 and January 2026.

They say staggered state polls and a GE would waste time and moneyPETALING JAYA: With Malaysia facing staggered state polls this year and a looming general election, federal lawmakers across party lines are calling for simulta­neous elections to curb non-stop politicking and ensure national stability. CLICK TO ENLARGEDrawing comparisons with Indonesia, Hassan, said that Malaysia could emulate its neighbour’s model of simultaneous elections. “If the current full-term tenures are maintained, there will be five elections within an 18-month period namely Melaka, Sarawak, Johor, the general election and six state elections. He noted that one of the main advantages of simultaneous elections would be reducing the near-continuous cycle of politicking from one state to another. He noted that separate elections force people to vote multiple times, which can be particularly burdensome for those living far.

Tensions are high as missiles and drones fly overheadPETALING JAYA: With the war against Iran escalating past its borders, Malaysians living in neighbouring countries are suffering from fear and anxiety. Many spoke about the sound of missiles and drones filling the skies on Saturday. Ahmad said Farish sent him a video of the sky with puffs of smoke, with explosions audible. “He is a bit worried but still wants to complete his six-month internship at the hotel which ends in April. “We got mass official warnings on our phones as Iran fired missiles and deployed drones,” he said.

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The usually bustling 1km stretch near the Malaysia-Thailand border here fell eerily quiet after the early morning shooting incident involving the Malaysian border force commander. Local traders and families are on edge amid heightened security and ongoing police investigations into the case. On Wednesday, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Bukit Kayu Hitam commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir was shot at in a pre-dawn incident near the border. For resident Fatehah Zakaria, 44, the atmosphere after the shooting incident was tense, especially at night. Another resident, Adam Zahir, 43, said the incident had cast a shadow over the township’s reputation as a key northern gateway.

(Mar 2) : US equity-index futures opened lower and crude oil jumped as the escalating war in the Middle East jolted global markets. Shares in Australia also opened lower as traders shifted away from risk. Brent crude oil surged 13% to $82 a barrel at the open. The US dollar surged and the Swiss franc edged higher against major peers in early trading, while the Australian dollar led risk-sensitive currencies lower. Australian and New Zealand government bonds rallied when their respective markets opened.

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has launched Malaysia's 30-Container Humanitarian Aid Mission to Gaza, which is expected to benefit more than 100,000 Palestinians in the besieged enclave. According to Mapim, the mission will be implemented in phases, with an advance team scheduled to be deployed to Cairo on March 3. "This mission demonstrates that the solidarity of the Malaysian people transcends race, religion and political background. In the same statement, Anwar said the Sumud Land Mission reflects Malaysia's unwavering commitment to defending the rights, dignity and survival of the Palestinian people. Also present were several Cabinet members, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

All of this led to me thinking that he, too, wanted something more out of our relationship. But to me, it is a great source of emotional turmoil, to the point where seeing him at work feels unbearable. Worse, if you keep on seeing this man, you will miss opportunities for meeting men who do want to commit. Stop texting, stop talking except for where you have to for your work, and start dating. Just remember: Staying won’t just end up with more hurt, it will stop you from finding the match you yearn for.

PETALING JAYA: Do not be surprised if this year’s All-England men’s singles produces an unlikely champion. The contrast is stark compared to the era ruled by Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan. Only a few were dominant during that era," said Chong Wei. Malaysia will be represented solely by Leong Jun Hao, and Chong Wei was candid about the youngster’s chances. "I know our men's singles is under pressure, even the coaches are feeling the heat.

WASHINGTON, March ⁠1 (Reuters) - The U.S. military ⁠said on Sunday it ‌has sunk an Iranian warship and called on Iranian forces ​to lay down ⁠their arms ⁠and leave their posts. The U.S. ⁠Central Command, ‌which is overseeing ongoing U.S. ⁠attacks on Iran, said it ​sunk ‌an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette ⁠in the ​Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar ⁠pier. "As the President said, ​members of Iran's armed forces, IRGC and police 'must lay ⁠down your weapons.' Abandon ship," Central Command said in a post on X, ​referring to ⁠remarks on Saturday by ​President Donald Trump. (Reporting ‌by Phil Stewart ​and Idrees Ali; Editing by Paul Simao)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warning that the act could push the Middle East into a period of grave and prolonged instability. The Prime Minister has also extended his condolences to the Iranian government and people but urged the Iranian authorities to respond with the utmost restraint. Anwar said his foremost concern remained the welfare and safety of Malaysians in Iran, the Gulf States and the wider Middle East. The news of Khamenei's death was confirmed this morning when the state-owned broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), announced that "Iran's Supreme Leader has been martyred". Earlier, US President Donald Trump and Israel claimed that Khamenei was killed in a joint attack on Iran.

PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has advised that recent airspace closures in parts of the Middle East may disrupt certain international flight services. "Such measures are undertaken in the interest of safety and in compliance with international aviation requirements. "CAAM is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with the relevant airlines to ensure passenger interests continue to be safeguarded," the statement said. Airlines were also urged to provide appropriate care, assistance and alternative travel options to affected passengers in accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC). CAAM said it will continue to monitor developments and work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure safe operations and protect consumer rights.

DUBAI: A Malaysian chef working in Dubai endured a tense and sleepless night when explosions rocked the city, heard as early as 6pm on Saturday (Feb 28) and continuing into early Sunday. They were from the UAE air defence intercepting incoming threats," he told The Star on Sunday. Syafiq said his family back in Malaysia has been constantly contacting him to get updates on the latest developments here. Syafiq said the Malaysian Consulate in Dubai, led by Consul General Riaz Razak, played a key role in keeping the community calm throughout the night. He urged Malaysians in the region to remain vigilant and maintain contact with the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate, while cautioning against spreading unverified information.

KUALA LUMPUR: The monthly Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid has been credited into the MyKad accounts of eligible recipients starting on Sunday (March 1). For recipients under both the STR and eKasih categories, the assistance credited is RM200 for households, RM150 for senior citizens, and RM100 for single individuals. According to the official website, sara.gov.my, Sara 2026 recipients will automatically receive cashless assistance for basic necessities through an account opened using the recipient's MyKad. Basic grocery items from approved product categories can be purchased at selected supermarkets or retail shops nationwide using the MyKad. Sara is a targeted assistance programme for Malaysians most affected by the rising cost of living and aims to improve the economic standing of vulnerable groups under Budget 2026.