On the contrary, it began with the United States’ repudiation of negotiations that had already succeeded. Yet on May 8, 2018, three years after the successful UNSC Resolution, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA. In June 2025, following the renewal of negotiations earlier that year, the United States and Iran entered a sixth round of talks. No country is safe if the United States can make brazen threats against Iran and indeed several other states in recent weeks, including Cuba, Denmark, and others. On behalf of We the Peoples, the UN Security Council carries the authority and heavy responsibility to keep the peace.

JUST weeks into 2026, early signals from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) indicate a year defined by tighter digital enforcement such as the rollout of stamp duty self-assessment and the long-awaited improvements in tax refund administration. Strengthening e-invoice implementationA core priority for IRB in 2026 is the continued full-scale implementation of e‑invoicing. Shining a spotlight on tax refund timelinesAmid these various policy and enforcement priorities, a key focus of the first dialogue was improvements in tax refund administration – an issue consistently raised by taxpayers and businesses over the years. A year of acceleration and engagementAs Malaysia’s tax administration continues its digital transformation, IRB’s priorities for 2026 reflect a careful balance between facilitation and enforcement. The renewed focus on timely tax refunds, coupled with IRB’s commitment to resolving pre-2023 outstanding tax refund cases, represents a meaningful step toward a more reliable and effective framework.

CLICK TO ENLARGEThe Star’s analysis of the 222 parliamentary seats for the 2022 election data showed that 86 seats had over 100,000 voters. That being the case, especially with 22.06 million voters registered with the Election Com­mission (EC) as of December 2025, should more seats be created through a redelineation exercise? “Another example is the Tuaran seat in Sabah, the area is said to be five times larger than the state of Perlis, which has three parliamentary seats. Come March 9, it would be eight years since the last redelineation of electoral boundaries for Peninsular Malaysia. When contacted, EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said that while an eight-year period establishes the earliest start date for the exercise, it does not mandate that the exercise must commence then.

(Feb 23): Blue Owl Capital Inc.’s co-chief reeled off all the times he'd seen this type of fear before. Some clients in private credit funds like theirs ask for their cash back in times like these. After years of unfettered growth, the once-niche world of private credit has become a linchpin of global finance. Co-CEO Marc Lipschultz spent more than 20 years at KKR & Co., where he held leadership roles across private equity, private credit and infrastructure investing. These so-called business development companies, however, are the most visible piece of the private credit market.

So if I were at the CEO Roundtable at POC 2026 in Kuala Lumpur – not physically, but intellectually – this is what I would have heard:Not price predictions. Crude palm oil (CPO) is expected to trade somewhere between RM3,800 and RM4,500 per tonne this year. Weather does not consult analysts before arriving – and in palm oil, the sky still holds voting rights. The line-up: Serious weight in the roomPOC 2026’s Panel Session 1 assembled a formidable leadership bench under the banner CEO Roundtable: The Next Decade for Malaysian Palm Oil. Fuel gauges before forecastsIf I were at that POC’s CEO Roundtable 2026, I would have left thinking this:Malaysia does not need more hectares.

BANGKOK, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Meteorological Department on Monday said the country was not affected by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Borneo. Further details will be provided as soon as possible, the department said in a statement. The country's Earthquake Observation Division also said on its official website that there have been no major earthquakes centered in Thailand currently, noting that the Thais should refer only to information from the division.

PETALING JAYA: A PAS leader has questioned the sudden arrest of a Terengganu executive councillor (exco) on suspicion of abusing his position to secure jobs for his two children in state-linked companies. Party information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also said that the exco member in question does not need to resign, as his role in the state government cannot influence the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation under any circumstances. "No one is considered guilty until a court proves otherwise," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 22). It was reported earlier that the exco member in his 60s was detained at 11.15am today when he turned up to give his statement at the MACC office in Kemaman, Terengganu. Terengganu MACC director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid confirmed the arrest when contacted.

With most independent players relying on sponsorship and their own funds to sustain their careers, the changes could pose financial challenges when they take effect next year. BWF will extend the duration of Super 1000 events from the usual six days to 11 days. In addition, the Denmark Open will be elevated to Super 1000 status, joining the Malaysian Open, Indonesian Open, All England and China Open. “I cannot deny that there are pros and cons to this change. “Also, with Super 1000 tournaments now lasting 11 days and rest days built in, senior players like Goh Soon Huat (35-years-old) could benefit.

(Feb 23) : The US and Iran are set to resume talks Thursday in Geneva, Omani mediators said, extending the search for a diplomatic solution to the latest standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program. The US has orchestrated a massive military buildup in the Middle East including two aircraft carriers as President Donald Trump presses Tehran for a new nuclear deal. “First of all, enrichment is our right,” Araghchi said Sunday when asked whether Iran would consider agreeing to zero enrichment. Iran has consistently said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denied seeking nuclear weapons. “Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear and there is no other subject,” Araghchi said.

Located within the Klang Valley, Subang Airport offers something increasingly rare: proximity. Service Designed for Speed and EfficiencyRecent upgrades at Subang Airport reflect a clear focus on service efficiency and passenger convenience. Where Business, Tourism, and Connectivity ConvergeBeyond convenience, Subang Airport plays a broader strategic role. As Visit Malaysia 2026 gains momentum, Subang Airport’s role as a city gateway is becoming increasingly relevant. Today, five airlines—Firefly, Batik Air, Scoot, TransNusa and HK Express—operate from Subang Airport, offering domestic and short-haul regional routes that support business travel and regional commerce across Southeast Asia.

(Feb 23): After boasting for months about its preferential trade deal with US President Donald Trump, the UK is at risk of becoming the biggest loser in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his global tariffs. The UK will see the largest increase as a result, followed by Italy and Singapore, according to Global Trade Alert, while Brazil, China and India stand to benefit the most. UK officials are now anxiously trying to persuade the US administration to exempt it from the higher rate. Trump’s new tariff regime, imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, can apply for a maximum of 150 days unless Congress extends it. The UK has already expended significant diplomatic capital to extract preferential treatment from the White House.

ALSO READ: PAS’ Dr Sam named new Perikatan chairman, replacing MuhyiddinHe said Ahmad Samsuri was the sole nominee. "This means the supreme council can choose anyone... (the candidate) does not necessarily have to be a party president or deputy president. "Based on that, PAS is of the view that Ahmad Samsuri is suitable thanks to his strengths and advantages. "This is why PAS chose Ahmad Samsuri to lead the Perikatan supreme council," he added. "There are several (matters) involving both the presidential council and the supreme council.

MILAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Following is the final medal table at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games after the competitions on Sunday, February 22 (tabulated under delegations, gold, silver, bronze and total medals):Norway 18 12 11 41United States 12 12 9 33Netherlands 10 7 3 20Italy 10 6 14 30Germany 8 10 8 26France 8 9 6 23Sweden 8 6 4 18Switzerland 6 9 8 23Austria 5 8 5 18Japan 5 7 12 24Canada 5 7 9 21China 5 4 6 15South Korea 3 4 3 10Australia 3 2 1 6Britain 3 1 1 5Czech Republic 2 2 1 5Slovenia 2 1 1 4Spain 1 0 2 3Brazil 1 0 0 1Kazakhstan 1 0 0 1Poland 0 3 1 4New Zealand 0 2 1 3Finland 0 1 5 6Latvia 0 1 1 2Denmark 0 1 0 1Estonia 0 1 0 1Georgia 0 1 0 1Bulgaria 0 0 2 2Belgium 0 0 1 1

KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood victims placed in temporary evacuation centres in Sabah, as of 8pm on Sunday (Feb 22), continues to rise to 3,427 people from 1,449 families compared to 3,266 people from 1,401 families at 4pm earlier the same day. In a statement, the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said that all the victims from three districts, namely Pitas, Paitan and Tawau, have been placed in 27 centres. Pitas recorded the highest number of victims, with 2,171 people, followed by Paitan (1,011 people) and Tawau (245 people). The floods in the three districts have affected 70 villages, but no deaths have been reported. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasts thunderstorms in several areas of Sabah's interior on Sunday.

PETALING JAYA: PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has given a glowing tribute to Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his services and sacrifices while helming Perikatan Nasional (Perikatan) as its chairman. In a statement issued hours after the appointment of PAS vice-president and Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to the post, Abdul Hadi said that PAS remains committed to the coalition. May Allah bless all the efforts and sacrifices of Tan Sri," said Abdul Hadi. Abdul Hadi had previously declined to succeed Muhyiddin, citing health issues, after the latter resigned on Jan 1 following calls from several PAS leaders for him to step down. However, hours later, Hamzah was seen visiting Abdul Hadi in Rusila, Terengganu.