GEORGE TOWN: Tengku Panglima Perang Pahang Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah visited the family of the late soldier, Trooper K. Indiran, at the family's residence in Taman Sri Nibong here. The royal, who arrived at 12.55pm Saturday (Feb 21), was received by Indiran's family members as well as Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) senior officers. Indiran's mother, S. Usha, 52, said that Tengku Ahmad's presence at their home helped provide strength and encouragement to the family in facing the loss. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased, accompanied by family members, arrived at the Batu Lanchang Indian Cemetery here at around 4.15pm Saturday. About 100 people attended Indiran's funeral.

KUALA LUMPUR: The special congress of DAP slated to be held on July 12 is part of the party’s internal process to ensure organisational decisions are upheld, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said DAP had informed its partners in the Government in advance about the congress. "This is DAP’s internal process to ensure that decisions taken are complied with within the party. According to Fahmi, the Government’s primary focus is to strengthen the national economy and advance institutional reforms. I believe the Government’s efforts are on the right track, and all component parties understand the initiatives being undertaken, including our colleagues from DAP,” he said.

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks during the launch of the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035 (pic) reflect a clear and forward-looking vision for the nation’s education system. His emphasis on strengthening English proficiency while continuing to uphold Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as the national language is both timely and necessary in today’s globalised and digitally-driven world.

CHINA’S largest jewellery retailer, Chow Tai Fook, which competes with Tiffany and Cartier and is in the middle of its biggest makeover in decades, is introducing new products and store formats as it moves into overseas markets. As its 100th anniversary looms in 2029, Hong Kong-listed Chow Tai Fook is setting its sights on China’s fickle younger spenders as it seeks to retain its traditional higher-end customers.

Having swept the film, television and video game industries, it is also a winning formula in the world of comics. "The benefit of the horror genre is that there are stories in which there are actual monsters. "I think a lot of American horror comics are quite dreary in terms of their aesthetic," said Walsh. Multi-mediaTynion previously worked at DC Comics, which owns the Batman and Superman superhero franchises that are the bedrock of the American comics industry, alongside Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and Captain America. He is also franchising his intellectual property, creating other products such as a card game inspired by Exquisite Corpses while holding talks with video game developers.

JOHOR BARU: No element of abuse or bullying has been found in the death of Trooper K. Indiran, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The Defence Minister said this was based on the conclusion of a post-mortem conducted on Saturday (Feb 21) morning. "I have not received the report yet, but there are no elements of abuse or bullying," he said after handing over aid during a back-to-school programme here Saturday. Mohamed Khaled said this at a press conference when asked to comment on the death of 22-year-old Indiran, who reportedly died while attending a specialist armour course. Earlier, Penang MIC chairman J. Dhinagaran urged a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Indiran’s death.

(Feb 21): Brazil and India sealed a framework pact on critical minerals with the two countries agreeing to work closely on processing in a move aimed at securing rare earth supplies at a time of global disruption. The deal comes soon after India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative to build resilient supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Beijing’s grip on the supply of critical minerals required for high-end manufacturing and defence is a growing concern for countries around the world, especially developing economies such as India. India and Brazil want to move into processing of critical minerals rather than remain suppliers of raw materials. “Increasing investments and cooperation in matters of renewable energy and critical minerals is at the core of a pioneering agreement that we have signed today,” Lula said.

JOHOR BARU: Those exiting Bersatu amid the party's recent internal crisis are welcome to join Umno, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. "As Rumah Bangsa chairman, I welcome any application from them (former Bersatu members) to join Umno. Mohamed Khaled said this at a press conference when asked to comment on the internal crisis that had embroiled Bersatu. "It gives the impression that we cannot place high hopes or strong confidence in a party like this. On Feb 13, Bersatu sacked 17 members, including several supreme council members and its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 21): Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the party has always kept its doors open for members and leaders of Bersatu to return, in order to strengthen and reinforce Malay unity. As chairman of the Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa Committee, Mohamed Khaled welcomed the move, and stressed that there is no need for the formation of another new party. I hope that the Malays can reunite under one platform, as continued division does not serve Malay interests. Previously, Bersatu had expelled 17 members, including several leaders from its Supreme Leadership Council, among them four Members of Parliament and two assemblymen, for violating Clause 9.1.4 of the party’s constitution. On Friday, the media reported that Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said applications from Bersatu members seeking to rejoin Umno must first be referred to the MKT before any decision is made.

PETALING JAYA: Around 2.9 million vehicles are expected to use major highways nationwide this weekend as the Chinese New Year holidays wind down and holidaymakers return to the Klang Valley, according to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). The heaviest return traffic is expected between Feb 20 and 22, with Feb 21 projected to record the highest vehicle volume, said LLM. Of the 2.9 million vehicles expected, highways operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) are forecast to carry the largest share of traffic during today’s and tomorrow’s peak period. PLUS said it expects return traffic to peak on Feb 21 and 22 at up to 2.2 million vehicles on a day, with the volume rising from midday until late evening. However, return traffic to the Klang Valley is expected to be heavier over the weekend due to the overlap of the Chinese New Year holidays, Ramadan and the reopening of schools.

JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 21): The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will implement improvements to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) asset procurement system following a freeze on procurement funds. Exempted items include food supplies for personnel on operations, as well as essential logistics such as vehicle fuel and spare parts. On Jan 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directed that all MAF and Royal Malaysian Police procurement decisions linked to corruption issues be temporarily frozen until procurement procedures are fully complied with. The freeze followed controversy involving alleged corruption and abuse of power by several former top leaders of the armed forces. Read also:Defence ministry engages MOF over frozen Malaysian Armed Forces procurement funds

I RECENTLY reported on Kepong and Segambut residents who are objecting to the implementation of parking fees by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in their respective areas. Frankly, I was surprised by this because I generally expect to pay to park in lots managed either by local councils or private entities.

SHAH ALAM: Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli will proceed with his lawsuit against rapper and influencer Caprice after the latter ignored several days given to him to apologise. The Pandan MP said that content uploaded by Caprice accused him of having an interest in his company, Invoke Solutions Sdn Bhd, reported Sinar Harian. "According to the law, questions posed in the form of accusations or sarcasm are not grounds that can protect you from being sued for defamation." Commenting further, Rafizi said that all the documents, including the 2019 Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) search that Caprice allegedly presented as evidence, gave him strong grounds to win the suit. "When Caprice says he has shares in Invoke, that can actually be grounds for a lawsuit because 'preference shares' are not ordinary shares, but are instead a form of loan."

GEORGE TOWN (Feb 21): Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has announced a Public Inspection exercise to gather feedback on the Revised Railway Scheme for the LRT Mutiara Line extension linking Penang Island and Seberang Perai. The Revised Railway Scheme incorporates several updates to the project scope, most notably the inclusion of a cross-sea rail connection linking Penang Island and Seberang Perai. Spanning approximately 6km, this cross-sea alignment connects Komtar and Penang Sentral, with the end-to-end journey expected to take about eight minutes. MRT Corp said Penang Sentral will serve as the main gateway on the mainland, strengthening mobility access as an established multimodal hub integrating ferry, KTMB rail, and bus services. “As part of the revised scheme, there will also be a provision of approximately 1,000 additional parking bays at Penang Sentral.

JOHOR BARU: Known as the “go-to” place for local delicacies, Sedap Corner has attracted people from all over – including VIPs seeking traditional favourites when in Johor. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was with his family for a short vacation to Johor at the beginning of the month, dropped by the shop. Patrons were pleasantly surprised to see Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail walk in, and many took the opportunity to greet and pose for snapshots with them. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail together with Sedap Corner managing director Alisa Lamlertkittikul (forth from left) and other staff members of the restaurant in Johor Baru. Sedap Corner managing director Alisa Lamlertkittikul showing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim their many verities of kuih at their restaurant in Johor Baru.