Texas court upholds voter ID law for mail-in ballots amid political tensions
The ruling intensifies political clashes in Texas, where Republicans are pushing to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously supported the provision under SB1, a 2021 election law, stating the ID requirement helps verify voter eligibility.
Judge James Ho, appointed by Trump, wrote that the rule ensures mail-in voters 'are indeed who they claim to be.'
The decision reverses a 2023 block by US District Judge Xavier Rodriguez, who argued ID numbers were unnecessary for determining voter eligibility.
Texas Republicans celebrated the ruling, while Democrats and civil rights groups warn it could disenfranchise voters over minor errors.
Trump hailed the verdict on Truth Social, calling it 'GREAT NEWS' and suggesting it should apply nationwide.
Meanwhile, Texas Democrats face escalating penalties, including fines and arrest warrants, after fleeing the state to block redistricting efforts. - AFP
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New Straits Times
39 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
The 13th Malaysia Plan: Strategic clarity in an age of disruption
LETTERS: As economic certainties are breaking apart at the seams by fragmentation, digital disruption and rising protectionism, the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) under the Madani government could not have come at a more critical juncture. Where once there was predictability and stability, bolstered by robust competition, the global landscape is now dominated by intense strategic rivalry and geo-economic uncertainty. Long a trading nation and a highly open economy, Malaysia must navigate these treacherous waters, exposed to global headwinds, not least the Trump administration's re-imposition of tariffs. The current 19 per cent duty on most Malaysian exports to the US, though a reduction from earlier announcements, reflects a difficult compromise. Exemptions for key sectors such as semiconductors soften the blow, but the overall message is clear: trade is becoming more politicised, and diversification is no longer optional but essential. Some have suggested that Malaysia's arrangement with the US bears little distinction from those secured by its regional peers, or worse, represents a form of quiet capitulation. Such critiques overlook a key reality: economic diplomacy in today's climate is no longer about extracting perfect outcomes, but about managing asymmetries wisely. Malaysia's approach has been guided by strategic calculus, not submission, and herein lies the difference. Malaysia has safeguarded critical policy space, including Bumiputera affirmative action, protective tariffs for strategic industries such as automotive, and the continued issuance of Approved Permits (APs), all while ensuring continued dialogue with Washington. The 13MP responds to these realities with a forward-looking framework that positions the country for resilience and renewal. It outlines a vision of strategic autonomy rooted in structural reform, domestic capacity-building and constructive global engagement. Building Strength for a Digital and Industrial Future A central theme of the 13MP is the development of Made by Malaysia products, anchored in existing policy documents such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. In addition to prioritising research, commercialisation and innovation, the 13MP supports high-growth sectors, aims to attract high-impact investments, and strengthens the nation's talent base. This ambition is writ large in the commitment to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Malaysia must move beyond backend assembly in global value chains. The RM10 billion investment by Nvidia, partnering Khazanah Nasional, reflects international confidence in Malaysia's capacity to become a regional pivot for high-performance computing, AI infrastructure and data governance. Yet, this is only the beginning. The 13MP envisions nurturing home-grown innovation, making domestic firms more competitive and equipping Malaysians for the technological frontier. It advances these goals by strengthening industry-academia collaboration, supporting the AI ecosystem under the National AI Roadmap, and promoting agile governance through regulatory sandboxes. At its core, the 13MP is about economic, institutional and societal resilience. The focus is on value creation and long-term quality investment, where public spending and policy incentives serve strategic objectives, not the least being boosting domestic value capture and supporting high-impact sectors. As for the National Energy Transition Roadmap, gearing the nation towards a low-carbon, high-value economy, the kicker is in catalytic projects and investment opportunities in green hydrogen, solar manufacturing and grid modernisation. Energy resilience and environmental stewardship are crucial to ensure we aren't left at the starting block in the global green economy race while laying the foundation for new industrial ecosystems that align with long-term national interests. Reclaiming Global Relevance Through Economic Diplomacy Malaysia's tradition of non-alignment remains a key advantage. Our credibility with both East and West, combined with a reputation for moderation and consistency, positions us to bridge divides in a fractured global order. The 13MP builds on this by encouraging deeper engagement with emerging markets, reinforcing commitment to multilateral platforms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and reaffirming Malaysia's leadership role in Asean as well as participation in BRICS. Economic diplomacy, in this regard, is not incidental but a core pillar of the 13MP, demonstrating the inextricable link between domestic reform and global positioning. By expanding trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and leveraging existing trade agreements, the 13MP seeks to fortify resilience in an era of shifting power and contested norms. 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It is not about managing scarcity or distributing subsidies, but about unlocking potential, building strategic capacity and preparing for a future that will not wait. If we approach the implementation of the 13MP with the same earnestness and clarity with which it was conceived, Malaysia can do more than weather the global storm. We can reclaim our agency, shape our regional future and advance a model of shared prosperity rooted in resilience, inclusion and innovation. A tall order, no doubt, but by no means unattainable
New Straits Times
39 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Oil prices rebound from 5-week low on Trump threats on Russian crude buyers
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Malay Mail
39 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Facing 20 years' jail, Diddy asks Trump for pardon, but US president says ‘he was very hostile' during campaigning
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