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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PBS, Star likely to contest Sabah polls under GRS logo
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) are likely to contest the 17th Sabah state election using the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) logo. GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that while the matter has yet to be finalised, the leadership of both GRS component parties had indicated a move in that direction. "Our leadership has more or less implied that it is important for us to contest as GRS candidates. That will further emphasise GRS' seriousness in forming the next government. "That is why we must contest using the GRS logo," said the state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister at the launch of the Community-based Tourism Expo at a shopping mall here. PBS and Star are among the seven component parties within GRS. Both parties, whose membership largely comprises the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community, will hold a joint convention on July 20 at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Hall in Penampang. Joniston, who is also PBS information chief, said the convention would follow up on the memorandum of collaboration signed by both parties in April last year. "We felt it was important to hold a convention to bring together members and grassroots leaders from both parties, to further enhance our good understanding and cooperation as we prepare for the general election. "This is to demonstrate the cohesion between both parties, not just at the leadership level, but also at the grassroots. We hope this convention will further strengthen our collaboration at all levels. "To win the election, there must be a close working relationship and mutual understanding with the grassroots. This is all aimed at strengthening GRS." In the 2020 Sabah state election, PBS won seven seats while Star secured six out of the 73 contested.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya'
ON a hot Saturday, after my morning prayers, this writer decided to have a nice Indian breakfast in SS3, Petaling Jaya. It was the utmost pleasant surprise when I bumped into a legendary football face of Malaysia and also the region of South-East Asia. It was Datuk K. Rajagobal himself. Indeed, it was a sight to behold. "Hello Datuk ... It is indeed great to see you... How are you and I do hope you still remember me," said this writer. And the spontaneous answer: "Dear Navalan ... how is it possible to forget S. Navalan from the Star. And how are you good brother," that was the response from the man himself. For me, it is indeed a great honour to be remembered by someone I know as a football fan, student, a football player and then a sports journalist. It has been (many) years since I had stopped writing on sports. My mind has been elsewhere in many other sections these days. And yet to be remembered. That for me is and always will be the highest honour. But today it's all about the man himself Rajagopal, well known as 'King Gobal' in the football fraternity. The 69-year-old Rajagopal, a legend of Malaysian football, a true son of Selangor and this country. Having given his whole career and just about his whole to life to this wonderful game. We call it football and some call it soccer. And many call it the game life. For Rajagobal, football is just that, his life. And at 69, he has now come to the fore writing about football and his experiences in, 'Inilah Saya'. A book that chronicles his life and also the path he took, with never once a regret, and also much about the good old days of football. Those days when many fans in this country talk about Malaysian football first and foreign football in way behind in second place. Unfortunately, that has changed these days (the time we are living in now, I guess). But going through the book, it is one definite fun read when in the good old days, Malaysia, were the kings of the game in South-East Asia. None mattered to us, when we use to tame the likes of Thailand, Indonesia and our heated rival Singapore. None just mattered to us. We also beat the likes of South Korea in the 80s and when Rajagobal was in the thick action of the game in those days for his club, state and country. The twinkling was still in his eyes when we spoke about the good old days, when the Merdeka Staidum was full in the 80s and Shah Alam Stadium was packed to the brim of 80,000 fans for a simple and a mere Malaysia League match -- whether it was against Pahang, Perak or Singapore, it was PACKED. "Brilliant days. I do believe we will see that again. That is my hope too," said a smiling Rajagobal. The former Selangor, PKNS, Sarawak and Kelantan head honcho and Malaysia coach has given it all to the game. These days he simply just loves to sit back and enjoy the game and even watch his boys play now in the veteran tournaments or veteran leagues. As for the book which was encouraged by his eldest son Kanason, Rajagobal's autobiography chronicled his life journey beginning with his childhood days at Air Panas, Setapak, where his love the for sports was planted, right up to his short stint as the chief coach of Brunei as recently as 2020. Rajagobal's personal accounts – from growing up in the heart of the city along with the likes of Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, N. Nallathamby, Avtar Singh Gill, R. Arumugam and the late R. Subramaniam to his role as the architect behind Malaysia's win in the AFF Cup in 2010 – has been candidly captured, divided into 16 chapters. That is the power of 'King Gobal', lovingly nicknamed by fans and local media. Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to be loved by Malaysian football fans, young and old. Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. And now in the autobiography. The book 'Inilah Saya' was recently launched Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre. "This book has been in the works for about 10 years actually. I have been encouraged by my son and also by friends and other family members. It was a fun ride. Just thinking about it all. It has been quite a journey. I'm thankful to God for guiding me this far. Truly, I have been blessed with a memorable career and also a wonderful family," said Rajagobal. In a recent interview, asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.' 'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.' 'I would love to see other Malaysian legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.' Indeed, an incrdible journey by a true Selangor boy who also gave it all to this country and on the way received much adulation from football fans all over the region and as far as Asia too. "You know all that really is something that comes along the way. What is more important is that be honest in everything. Just give your best. That will make you the man you are today. And I'm just glad a lot of good things have come my way. They were many, many tough moments. But love and your family will see it through. That is my honest aspects of my life," said Rajagobal. As for football, Rajagobal said he is happy to see the national team is also doing well now and he hopes they continue to shine in international tournaments. "If it is the national team, then I just want to see them win and win and win. Nothing else matters. The side now seems to be very good. We just want to see them keep on doing well in tournament," he said. These days, Rajagobal also loves talking about his two grandchildren. "They are my prince and princess now -- Ammika Leah and Darshan Liam -- my wonderful joy for me and my wife. I hope they play the game too of course," he smiled. "But it is entirely up to them really." Well for the record, Rajagobal was a speed monster and one of the fastest wingers seen in the game in Malaysia. Imagine the grandson or grand daughter picks up the game and become even better than their legendary grandfather. That is indeed 'A sight to BEHOLD ...' (Note: Priced at RM49, 'Inilah Saya' is available at bookstores and also can be purchased online at Karangkraf Mall.)
India.com
11 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
Watch: Not Virat Kohli! Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Names This Indian Cricketer As Best Suited For His Sport
Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra made a major revelation on Indian cricketer he feels is best suited for his sport-Javelin thrown. Neeraj won a magnificent Gold at 2020 Tokyo Olympics and then later won silver medal at Paris Olympics 2024. Notably, Neeraj is the reigning world champion and also the World No.1 in rankings in javelin. He has earlier lost the top shot to Anderson Peters but later reclaimed his throne. Naturally every cricket fan would feel that the answer for this question is a no brainer as Only one Indian cricketer that comes close to having endurance, stealth and fitness like an athlete is none other than India's Star batter Virat Kohli but Shockingly Neeraj chose an Indian fast bowler for this role. During a Special segment on Star Sports hosted by former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, Neeraj picked Jasprit Bumrah as the one best suited for Javelin. Chopra also shared the reasoning behind the pick, according to him fast bowlers have the required strength, technique, coordination and body needed for this sport. Neeraj also said that Bumrah would have been a successful jaelin Athlete if not for his heroics as an Indian pacer. "I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it," Chopra said on Star Sports. India's Golden Boy @Neeraj_chopra1 spills the beans! Who in the Indian cricket team does he think could dominate the javelin throw? Any guesses before we reveal the name? javelin throw event on July 5, Sat, 7:00 PM, only on Star… — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 27, 2025 Jasprit Bumrah Heroics India lost the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds by five wickets. Despite Indian batter scoring ton of runs with five centurions, Jasprit was the talk of the town as he wrecked havoc with a fifer in the first innings. Bumrah was wicketless in the second innings but kept testing English batters during the chase. Lack of support from other end proved to be fatal for India. Bumrah's fifer helped him break the record for most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in England in Test cricket. Ahead of the Leeds Test, Jasprit Bumrah was tied for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in England, with two fifers joining an elite group that includes Lala Amarnath, Kapil Dev, B. Chandrasekhar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinoo Mankad, Chetan Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Nissar, and Surendranath. In addition, this marked Bumrah's 12th five-wicket haul in overseas Tests, putting him on par with the legendary Kapil Dev for the most fifers by an Indian bowler in away matches.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Bieber's Inner Circle is ‘Deeply Concerned About His Behavior,' Says Source
It was supposed to be a happy occasion filled with gifts, homemade cards and a nice meal. Instead, Justin Bieber spent much of his first Father's Day as a dad flooding his Instagram with cryptic rants on his personal account. His initial post featured a close-up selfie with a middle finger graphic and a caption reading, 'I'm a dad that's not to be f**ked with.' He went on to share images of his wife, Hailey, holding their 10-month-old son, Jack, at a piano, then posted a heated text exchange between him and a former friend in which he cut the pal off, writing, 'this friendship is officially over. I will never accept a man calling my anger lashing out.' In between posts featuring a bong and what appeared to be a marijuana joint, he shared an emotional note that read: 'People keep telling me to heal. Don't you think if I could have fixed myself I would have already? I know I'm broken.' As the rants went on and on, fans continued to express concern in the comments section. But no one is more worried about the 31-year-old 'Peaches' singer than those closest to him, including his wife of nearly seven years. 'Everyone in Justin's world is deeply concerned about his behavior,' a source tells Star. 'It's as unpredictable and worrisome as it's ever been.' Indeed, Justin's flurry of unhinged Instagram messages comes on the heels of his June 12 altercation with paparazzi. In footage obtained by Page Six, the former child star engaged in a yelling match with photographers outside of Malibu hotspot Soho House. As Star previously reported, Hailey, 28 — whose recent $1 billion sale of her beauty brand Rhode has been overshadowed by Justin's behavior — wants him to get professional help, stat. 'It seems inevitable he'll need to seek help and do so fast,' says the source. 'The path he's currently on is toxic and totally untenable.' The Canadian singer began spiraling earlier this year. There was speculation he was on drugs following his February appearance at a Rhode event with Hailey, where he was seen swaying and smiling strangely. (His rep denied the reports to TMZ.) In a March Instagram post, he mused about his 'anger issues' and said, 'I hate myself sometimes when I feel myself start to become inauthentic.' The following month, Page Six reported on a video circulating on social media that showed him looking dazed and smoking what appeared to be marijuana while attending the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif. Also in April, The Hollywood Reporter published a story about his involvement with the non-denominational Christian community Churchome, and TMZ reported his former best friend Ryan Good believes the star is in a cult. (In a since-deleted post shared on Instagram in April via People, Justin announced that he was no longer affiliated with his clothing brand Drew House, which he cofounded with Ryan.) The source says the pressure and isolation that come with fame have worn Justin down. 'He's been performing since he was a kid and used as a vehicle to make money for people in the industry, which has taken a mounting toll on him for years now,' says the source. Justin previously vented about his struggles in a 2019 Instagram post, revealing he suffered from severe depression and that he'd started doing 'pretty heavy drugs' at age 19, writing, 'I was hiding behind a shell of a person that I had become.' Hailey is overwhelmed. 'She's in the middle of this huge business deal and trying to take care of baby Jack,' says the source. 'All she wants right now is a calm and peaceful life.' It's been anything but since they tied the knot. In 2022, she even told Harper's Bazaar their marriage 'does take a lot of work.' Says the source: 'Hailey's strong, but she's finding it hard to keep making excuses for Justin.' It doesn't help that he's shutting everyone out. As Hailey encourages him to get help, she doesn't want to push him too far. 'The way he's turning on people who stand up to him has Hailey worried he'll do the same to her and walk away from their marriage,' says the source, noting that while Justin has checked in with his pastor and spiritual advisor Judah Smith, any words of wisdom are falling on deaf ears. 'Some of Justin's lifestyle choices — like smoking copious amounts of weed — are making it impossible for him to process advice clearly.' They're not giving up on him yet. 'It's a painful time, but Justin has a lot of people in his world who care about him deeply,' says the source, 'and they will be there no matter what.'
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Fans Really Think About Justin Bieber's New Instagram Handle
Justin Bieber has changed his Instagram handle — and fans are making their feelings known. The pop star, 31, changed his username on Thursday, June 26, from his first and last name to @lilbieber. The two-time Grammy Award winner didn't explain his reasoning for the switch up, simply posting a snap of him playing with his son, Jack Blues, afterward. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to weigh in on the new name. 'Only Bieber could make a username switch feel like a cultural reset,' one fan wrote. A second fan commented, 'Name changed, confusion stayed the same.' 'Lol he's so unintentionally funny,' a third fan admitted. Some users felt like the name change is a sign that the 'Baby' singer is trying to venture into a new genre of music. 'I hope he isn't trying to rebrand as a rapper… ' one commenter penned. 'lilbieber sounds like his rap career from an alternate universe,' another pointed out. Justin's new username comes amid his ongoing posting spree on the social media platform as concerns about his well-being from fans continue to mount. On June 16, Justin shared a candid post about his emotional struggles, writing, 'People keep telling me to heal. Don't you think if I could have fixed myself I would have already? 'I know I'm broken. I know I have anger issues. I tried to do the work my whole life to be like the people who told me I needed to be fixed like them. And it just keeps making me more tired and more angry.' A few days prior, the 'Sorry' hitmaker went off on paparazzi outside Soho House in Malibu, telling them, 'It's not clocking to you that I'm standing on business, is it?' The encounter has since gone viral on social media. As Star reported earlier this week, those close to Justin are very worried about him. 'Everyone in Justin's world is deeply concerned about his behavior. It's as unpredictable and worrisome as it's ever been,' the insider shared. 'It seems inevitable he'll need to seek help and do so fast. The path he's currently on is toxic and totally untenable.' Additionally, another source told Star earlier this month that Justin's wife, Hailey Bieber, 'needs Justin to be her partner, not another responsibility.' Back in February, Justin's rep quashed reports that he was using hard drugs, telling TMZ that the rumors about him are 'exhausting and pitiful and shows that despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.'
