BTH: Abduction, Pamela Ling, witness protection and Trump's US tariff [WATCH]
First, we delve into the shocking disappearance of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh, a key witness in a high-profile corruption case, who was abducted in broad daylight outside the MACC headquarters.
How secure are our whistleblowers and witnesses? Are abductions on the rise? How should the public respond?
Criminologist and Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) exco member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat shares her insights on crime prevention.
Then, we shift focus to the economic front: the United States has imposed sweeping tariffs on nearly all Malaysian exports — except semiconductors.
With pressure mounting on Putrajaya to meet US demands on trade barriers, halal certification, and Asean's role, we speak with Prof. Dr. Azmi Hassan, geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, to break down what's at stake for SMEs, bilateral relations, and Malaysia's role as a regional economic leader.
From public safety to economic sovereignty, this episode tackles how prepared is Malaysia to protect its people and its interests?
Watch Beyond the Headlines on NST Online's YouTube channel.
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Borneo Post
5 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysian Armed Forces joins diplomatic military visit to Cambodia-Thailand border
The visit was also joined by representatives from several major world powers and other neighbouring countries. — Photo from Facebook/Angkatan Tentera Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (July 31): The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) yesterday joined a diplomatic military delegation invited to observe the hotspot area along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which has reportedly been experiencing cross-border tensions. In a social media post, the MAF said the visit, specifically to the Anlong Veng-Phnom An Ma (Chong An Ma) zone, reflects Malaysia's commitment to regional defence diplomacy and its active role in fostering confidence and transparency among Asean nations. 'The visit was also joined by representatives from several major world powers and other neighbouring countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. 'According to Cambodian local media reports, the Cambodian government initiated the invitation of foreign military delegations as a show of openness and confidence in its position that no border violation has occurred,' the statement said. The post further stated that Cambodia had instead emphasised that all actions taken were to ensure the security of its own territory. 'The Chong An Ma zone has previously been a point of contention between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly during incidents involving the Preah Vihear Temple. 'In this context, Cambodia's hosting of the observation visit is seen as part of an information warfare strategy and military diplomacy to shape a narrative favourable to them at the international level,' the post added. It also noted that, so far, Thai authorities have not issued any official response regarding the move, and like other invited nations, Malaysia has yet to release any public statement on the findings from the visit. In a related development, Malaysia's Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar is scheduled to make official visits to Thailand and Cambodia as part of regional diplomatic efforts. 'This visit follows the announcement of an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which was achieved through a Special Meeting organised by Malaysia with both neighbouring countries,' the post added. — Bernama Cambodia-Thailand border Chong An Ma malaysian armed forces
The Star
27 minutes ago
- The Star
No impact on Ambalat talks
'Oil tycoon Riza Chalid's case a separate and legal issue' MALAYSIA remains committed to resolving the long-standing Ambalat dispute in the Sulawesi Sea with Indonesia and will not allow legal issues involving Indonesian oil tycoon Riza Chalid to derail ongoing negotiations, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin ( pic ) told Parliament. He stressed that Riza, who is wanted in Indonesia over a corruption case involving fuel imports, will not receive any protection from Malaysian authorities and that the law will be allowed to take its course. 'The Prime Minister has made it clear that the issue involving Riza is a legal matter, and we will not provide any protection for him,' Mohamad said during Question Time yesterday. 'The issue purportedly impacting negotiations on the Sulawesi Sea does not arise.' Riza, who is linked to a high-profile corruption case involving state-owned Pertamina, is believed to be in Malaysia, having entered the country on Feb 6, according to Indonesian immigration. Mohamad was responding to a supplementary question by Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Kamal (PN-Machang), who asked whether the Riza case might affect bilateral talks on the Sulawesi Sea. Earlier, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) had inquired about the status of negotiations over the Ambalat area, a long-disputed maritime zone rich in oil and gas resources. In response, Mohamad said discussions between both countries had addressed multiple issues, including maritime matters and cross-border trade between Sabah and Indonesia. He added that several Sabah state agencies were involved in the Malaysia-Indonesia annual consultative meeting, such as the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, Sabah Attorney General's Chambers and Sabah Marine Department, to ensure state interests are protected during negotiations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently issued a joint statement pledging to explore a proposed joint development in the Sulawesi Sea, including the Ambalat block, in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner. A Wisma Putra statement later explained that the joint statement marks a preliminary effort by both governments to work towards the best solution. The Ambalat block, spanning some 15,000sq km off the coast of Sabah, is believed to contain significant crude oil reserves. In 2004, PETRONAS awarded a concession to Shell to explore the area, sparking protest from Indonesia, which had granted similar rights to Italian energy company Eni. It was reported that in 2009, Indonesia protested Malaysia's military presence in the area, and in the following year, Indonesian navy vessels purportedly came close to opening fire on a Malaysian navy patrol ship for ignoring orders to leave.
Malaysiakini
35 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Freedom not licence to hooliganism
YOURSAY | 'It is not a licence to hooliganism.' Whip of dissent: Waytha condemns arrest over PM effigy flogging Why nab protester if govt respects freedom of assembly, NGO asks EmEmKay: Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy, I do not agree with you. The situation at the Turun Anwar rally took a disturbing turn when some individuals were seen flogging an effigy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In addition, previously, there were incidents where certain protestors stepped on or burned the flags of other countries - acts that sparked outrage both locally and internationally. These kinds of actions are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of a mature democracy. In any functioning democratic society, public protest and dissent are legitimate forms of expression. However, resorting to violent symbolism, personal attacks, or showing disrespect to other nations crosses a line. Such behaviour not only undermines the protesters' credibility but also embarrasses the wider movement and harms Malaysia's reputation on the world stage. Ultimately, protests should be rooted in principle, not hate or provocation. Mature democracies thrive on debate, respect, and responsible activism, not on displays that incite anger or degrade others. Chiakberliao88: Amnesty International Malaysia's freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said it was a peaceful assembly. In that case, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, should adhere to its motto, 'Peaceful', and they should be allowed to express their views freely. Why did he resort to canning an effigy of a leader he disliked, in this case, Anwar? Though it was only an effigy, it was like a provocation which could spark reciprocal actions. I am not a fan of Anwar, but the way Chegubard did it was wrong, in my opinion. As I have said before, the best and ultimate way to determine a government is by the ballot box. If Badrul dislikes Anwar so much, then stand against him in whichever constituency he may stand and let the voters be the judge. BlueCougar1744: Freedom to assemble, freedom of expression as enshrined in our Federal Constitution cannot and must not be misconstrued to the extent of slandering, whipping of a mocked effigy of leaders. These cannot be tolerated. If these are allowed, and if the protestors do not like certain leaders, they can do what they deem is right, then it must be condemned and brought to justice. We cannot allow such a culture in our society, as this is not our culture. I may not like what the government has failed at, and that does not allow me to slander or make effigies out of them to whip them out of my displeasure. We cannot behave like hooligans. Just a Malaysian: I am no longer a fan of the Madani government, but I feel Anwar gave more freedom to air opposing views when compared to previous prime ministers. But many, like Badrul, twist facts and figures to create hatred and fear of the masses towards the government. This is no longer freedom of speech; it borders on sedition, and if this had happened during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rule, Chegubard would have been arrested under the Internal Security Act and sent to Kamunting. Such toxicity must not be allowed to continue. Coward: We need to see the charges before deciding whether the arrest is justified. Freedom of assembly does not mean you can run amok during that assembly and still expect no consequences. One important distinction this time is that the organisers are not questioned by the police. For me, this is significant. So far, those arrested are simply participants in the rally. If they are arrested for canning Anwar, I do not believe their arrest is justified. Nonetheless, I still have to distinguish their arrest from the arrests made at previous rallies. GP2025: This is not a fight between neighbours to make personal comparisons. Besides, PKR did worse things during Mahathir's time. When a public figure misuses his position and upsets large segments of society who protest and express their frustrations, yes, it offends sensibilities, but it's legitimate freedom of expression, as no crime was committed. BlueCougar1744: I disagree with Waythamoorthy 100 percent. We do not need to mirror cultures of hate from other countries. He can move to these countries if he thinks such cultures and practices are welcome there, but in Malaysia, this is not our culture. MAT M DIN: Badrul should protest based on intellect and morals. To whip an effigy of a known person is humiliating and an insult. The protest should be directed at the known immoral behaviour of the person, not to insult him personally. Do you like to be personally insulted? If you do not like it, then do not do it to others. Drngsc: Kiran, freedom of assembly must come with responsibilities. You cannot claim freedom of assembly and then start breaking the law. If you break the law of the land, you must be held responsible and answer for your actions. I cannot assemble outside your house and then start throwing stones and breaking your window. Freedom comes with responsibilities. It is not a licence to hooliganism. Comments frequently deleted: Those currently in power don't realise that if they lose the next election, they will be at the receiving end of the very same laws that they are reluctant to abolish (and use to the hilt) now? The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
