Bersatu axes Hamzah, supporters
PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic), three other MPs and two state assemblymen were among 17 Bersatu members who have been sacked in a shocking move. Board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said yesterday that Larut MP Hamzah, who is also deputy president, was dismissed under the Clause 22.5 of the party’s constitution. “The dismissal is due to the actions of Datuk Seri violating Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu constitution,” Mohd Radzi said in the notice issued yesterday. Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the party’s top leadership had been informed of Hamzah’s sacking. Prior to the mass dismissal, Bersatu also expelled Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah in October last year and in January, respectively.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 05:03 UTC
BAM keep cards close to chest ahead of 15x3 vote
PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have opted to keep their stance under wraps ahead of the April 25 vote on the proposed 15x3 scoring system. BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh said the association have taken note of the announcement made by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday (Feb 12). As such, BAM will hold further internal discussions to gather more collective feedback from players and coaches. As one of the powerhouses in the badminton world, BAM will have five votes at the upcoming BWF annual general meeting that will be held in Horsens, Denmark, during the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals. "For me personally, it is difficult to say whether the 15 point system is suitable because the trials were mainly conducted at lower level tournaments.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 04:25 UTC
PAS shocked by Hamzah's sacking, hopes PN partner Bersatu sorts out internal rift soon
PETALING JAYA: The expulsion of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from Bersatu is shocking, says PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. However, he hoped that Bersatu could quell its internal strife as soon as possible. PAS is a component of opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, with Bersatu, Gerakan and MIPP. "PAS will soon discuss the Opposition Leader's position with our parliament bureau. "(The dismissal is) due to Datuk Seri's actions violating Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu constitution," he added.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:59 UTC
Malaysian detainee in Japan already charged, MHO raises consular notification issue
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station in Japan for allegedly being involved in an online fraud syndicate was charged in a Japanese court last month and pleaded guilty to two charges. Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the charges against Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, 23, were brought under Articles 246 and 60 of the Japanese Penal Code. Accordingly, Hishamuddin said MHO is seeking the intervention of the Malaysian government, particularly Wisma Putra, to help obtain a detailed explanation of the legal process being faced by Muhammad Faiq Zafran. He said the intervention is not intended to challenge Japan’s legal system, but to ensure that consular rights and access to proper legal defence are upheld. Efforts to trace the youth eventually led to the discovery that Muhammad Faiq was being detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station in Japan for his alleged involvement in an online fraud syndicate.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:56 UTC
Disciplinary board a sham, president's tool, says Kiandee hitting out at Muhyiddin
PETALING JAYA: The Bersatu disciplinary board is "a sham" for expelling deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, says Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee. Kiandee stated this immediately after Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan announced that the Larut MP had been expelled from the party and stripped of his membership rights under Clause 22.5, effective today (Feb 13). "The Bersatu disciplinary board is a sham because it merely follows the orders of the president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin). The president of the party is already out of touch with the wants of the majority of its members," said Kiandee. Mohd Radzi said that Hamzah may submit an appeal to the party’s appeal board for consideration starting from the date of the notice.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:53 UTC
Shoppers hail price stability
PETALING JAYA: Customers stocking up for the Chinese New Year are pleased with the festive season-controlled price scheme. Accountant Wong Mei Ling, 42, said there was a slight difference in pricing compared with prices last week. Wong added that while the prices were reasonable, festive preparations inevitably resulted in higher spending. Restaurant supervisor Lim Jun Hao, 35, said price stability was more important than large discounts. “At least with the price control, we can plan instead of worrying whether prices will increase again.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:53 UTC
Experts back panel investigating Azam
“The credibility of the process is just as important as its eventual findings,” he said. “Who sits on the committee, and are its members independent of both the executive and MACC itself? He also said that Azam should be placed under garden leave during the course of an investigation, as that would be consistent with the practice of good governance. Malaysia Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said the establishment of a special committee should be seen as an institutional process and not one due to political pressure. “Undermining leadership while major cases are ongoing could directly impact enforcement momentum.”
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:53 UTC
Salon bookings surge as more primary schoolgirls opt for manicures
JOHOR BARU: Nail salons here are seeing a rise in primary schoolgirls booking manicures ahead of Chinese New Year, with many arriving alongside their mothers for the makeover. Nail technician Lew Bao Hui observed an increase in younger customers visiting her salon since the end of last year. “The trend of children, including those in primary school, getting their nails done has been on the rise since Christmas. “The interesting thing is the young customers come in, and they know exactly what design and style they want. “Many of my young customers prefer long acrylic nails; some opt for sleek and simple designs, while others go for more elaborate 3D nail art.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:51 UTC
Love has no Valentine’s price tag
PETALING JAYA: For couples celebrating Valentine’s Day today, the occasion is not just about meaningful gifts but also about spending quality time together. However, she feels that the message of Valentine’s Day often gets lost in gift-giving. “Valentine’s Day to me is about celebrating love and not giving each other expensive bouquets,” she said. Likewise, while Scottish married couple Liz, 61, and Roth Tate, 56, will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Malaysia for a change, there will be no grand celebrations. “The whole year is like Valentine’s Day with her around!” he joked.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:32 UTC
Sacking could lead to an upheaval in Opposition
PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s decision to expel deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 others has been slammed as a “sham” although it was not unexpected. Political analysts said that it could lead to an upheaval in the Opposition. ALSO READ: Bersatu disciplinary board hauls up Hamzah, four others on Feb 12, says notice“Armada respects the decision of the disciplinary board. Political expert Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysiasaid Hamzah was still Opposition Leader until decided otherwise. “He can remain Opposition Leader as long as he retains the majority support from opposition MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:26 UTC
Biography details life beyond business of billionaire Ananda Krishnan
The iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers stand as a testament to Ananda, the boy whose “impossible” dream reshaped Malaysia’s skyline. Doraisingam said the book detailed Ananda’s life beyond business, focusing on his philanthropic contributions and societal impact. “The book unveils the extraordinary life of Ananda, a man whose legacy transcended wealth to touch the hearts of millions. The book also highlights Ananda’s business philosophy, which guided his rise to billionaire status through strategic long-term investments. To make money, he added: “You have to find tomorrow’s business and make tomorrow’s money.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:21 UTC
Malaysia's economy grows 6.3% in 4Q, above forecast
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy beat expectations with 6.3% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 on the back of positive labour market conditions and income-related policy support. The 4Q economic print, the country's highest quarterly growth in three years, came in above the official advance estimate of 5.7%. Over full-year 2025, the Malaysian economy grew 5.2%, above the previous year's 5.1% expansion and exceeding the forecast range of 4-4.8%. READ ALSO: Matrade steps up export drive in 2026 after record trade yearMeanwhile, headline inflation in 4Q2025 was stable at 1.3% while core inflation rose to 2.3% from 2% in 3Q2025. Nonetheless, resilient domestic fundamentals are expected to provide enduring support to the ringgit," said Bank Negara.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:13 UTC
Man detained for allegedly murdering pregnant wife in Kota Tinggi
KOTA TINGGI: Police detained a foreign man for allegedly causing the death of a foreign woman at a house in Kampung Makam near here. Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Yusof Othman said the suspect, in his 30s, believed to be the victim’s husband, was arrested at the crime scene on Friday (Feb 13) at 7.42am. “The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the medical officer from the Kota Tinggi Hospital and the body has been sent to the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Baru for autopsy,’’ he said. He said the application for a seven-day remand for the suspect will be read out at the Kota Tinggi Magistrate Court on Saturday (Feb 14). “Police also discovered a mortar believed to be used by the suspect as a weapon to hit the victim,’’ he said.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 03:09 UTC
Queen calls for greater focus on online safety for children, adolescents
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah (Centre), Queen of Malaysia, has called for greater attention to be given to the online safety of children and adolescents, warning that digital spaces can become highly toxic and cause long-term harm if left unchecked. — PIC FROM SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR’S FBKUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has called for greater attention to be given to the online safety of children and adolescents, warning that digital spaces can become highly toxic and cause long-term harm if left unchecked. "Authorities and society must give serious attention and take action to protect the younger generation from online safety threats." Her Majesty said this to the Royal Press Office after receiving a delegation from the Oxford Alumni Malaysia Club at Istana Negara yesterday, where issues of cybersecurity and online safety were discussed. The initiative aims to provide B40 students with activities through the arts, promote good mental health and prevent involvement in social ills.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 03:06 UTC
MMEA assures maritime tourism safety ahead of VM2026
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has given its assurances that the country's maritime tourism safety is under control and fully prepared to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. "MMEA aims to prevent a rise in maritime accidents caused by negligence or poor safety awareness, especially among maritime tourists and operators," he said in a statement today. He said MMEA is on high alert to ensure maritime tourism activities are safe, secure, and standards-compliant year-round. Rosli said maritime safety requires the commitment of boat operators, tourism agencies, and all involved, not just the MMEA. He said the celebration also strengthens ties among the MMEA, maritime communities, tourism and shipping industry players, and related agencies, while promoting maritime safety and public awareness of the agency's role in protecting national waters.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 03:06 UTC