12 police personnel suspended over cryptocurrency theft
KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve police personnel have been temporarily suspended from active duties in connection with the theft of cryptocurrency from Chinese nationals. Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with statements being taken from those involved. The event was also attended by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak. Mohd Khalid stressed that the police (PDRM) will take strict action against any officers involved in illegal activities. On Friday, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar confirmed the officers' detention in connection with a cryptocurrency theft that occurred in Kajang earlier this month.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 07:18 UTC
PM: 10 years is enough
The Prime Minister said a decade is sufficient for any prime minister to implement reform agendas and key national policies before making way for new leadership. The proposal to cap the prime minister’s tenure at two terms is widely seen as part of broader institutional reform efforts to strengthen democratic practice and governance. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman said the Bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure will be tabled for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday. Azalina said the second reading of the Prime Minister’s Office Term Limit Bill is scheduled for March 3, with the Prime Minister expected to table it. The move to limit the prime minister’s tenure was among the election pledges of the coalition government in 2022.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 07:11 UTC
Azam Baki sues Bloomberg for defamation, seeking RM100 mil damages
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 21): Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has filed a lawsuit against Bloomberg LP over an article published on Feb 10 concerning alleged share ownership, which he claims is defamatory. The suit was filed through Messrs Zain Megat & Murad at the High Court here on Friday (Feb 20), naming Bloomberg LP, headquartered at Lexington Avenue, New York, and its Malaysian subsidiary, Bloomberg (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as the first and second defendants respectively. According to the writ of summons and statement of claim, obtained by the media on Saturday, Azam is seeking RM100 million in general damages, as well as aggravated and exemplary damages, in addition to interest and costs. He is also seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants, including their agents and employees, from publishing or republishing the words cited in the claim or any similar defamatory statements. The plaintiff further requests that the alleged defamatory content be removed within three days from the date of judgement.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 21, 2026 07:09 UTC
Where are those darn keys? Tricks for remembering where you put things
If you can remember to implement them, here’s how to stop losing things. Daniel L. Schacter, a Harvard University psychology professor and author of "The Seven Sins of Memory,” said losing things is something everyone is prone to, to varying degrees. Schacter likened losing your keys to drivers who arrive at their destination safely without remembering how they got there. McDaniel said that the brain does a better job at remembering things when it receives several bits of information that can later be connected. "Saying it out loud creates a better encoding because it makes you pay attention, and the verbalization creates a richer memory,” McDaniel said.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 07:02 UTC
Cops nab man connected to 2025 intimidation case
PETALING JAYA: A road dispute allegedly escalated into a criminal intimidation case after a man was said to have acted aggressively and threatened another motorist in Cheras last year. Cheras OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Rosdi Daud said police received a report from a local man on Sept 11, 2025, over the incident. ACP Mohd Rosdi said a man in his late 30s was arrested on Feb 10 to assist in investigations. He added that the incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding over traffic movement between the complainant and the suspect. The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 06:59 UTC
Timely boost for fasting month
KUALA LUMPUR: Student Yini Azizi, 20, waited until the second day of Ramadan before using her RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid to purchase essentials. Cook Nasrul Faris, 28, said he did not need to stock up on groceries for the fasting month as he is single. He said he will use the RM100 aid to buy staples such as mineral water, instant noodles and bread. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said a total of 8.1 million Malaysians have redeemed the RM100 Sara aid so far, with total expenditure reaching almost RM780mil as of Feb 13. After taking into account people’s feedback, the Finance Ministry expanded the Sara product category to include frozen food for Sara 2.0.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 06:59 UTC
MY Say: Back-pedalling on earlier aspirations, BRICS introduces currency with little teeth
BRICS — which had five founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has now expanded to 10 member countries and 13 partner nations. Where a euro, yen or yuan could not take on the US dollar, a BRICS currency would certainly have the potential to. The advantages and challenges of a BRICS currencyA new currency indexed on a basket of BRICS national currencies should offer numerous advantages. Accordingly, the New Development Bank, an infrastructure development bank established by BRICS, has announced the creation of a BRICS currency known as the UNIT. The yuan may have been denied its due, but the real loss is to the new BRICS currency.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 21, 2026 05:02 UTC
DAP’s next move under scrutiny
PETALING JAYA: While DAP’s partners in Pakatan Harapan want the party to remain with them, pundits view the July 12 congress as a strong political message by the party. “As DAP’s strategic partner since our days in opposition, we do not seek sympathy. He said GE16 will be different as the coalition will be entering it as the side that had just served as the government. Amanah communications director Khalid Samad has reservations about DAP giving up government positions as there was no purpose in doing so. “Whatever influence we have on government policy will be further reduced and not increased by such a move.
Source:The Star
February 21, 2026 00:23 UTC
History the basis of unity
KUALA LUMPUR: Feb 20, 1956, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic), is more than just a date in the nation’s history. He said the moment demonstrated that independence was achieved through wise negotiations, tolerance, sacrifice and multiethnic unity, Bernama reported. Aaron said the government’s move to strengthen history education through the National Education Blueprint was timely. “With a strong grasp of history, today’s generation will be more focused, principled and grounded in national identity as they tackle current challenges and shape the nation’s future.”Aaron said the National Unity Ministry established the National Historians Council last year to pool expertise, preserve accurate historical narratives, and keep the nation’s history alive. “History is the foundation of unity, and unity is the safeguard of the nation’s future.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 23:59 UTC
M’sia eyes stronger ties with new PM
This was conveyed by the Prime Minister during a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “I also took the opportunity to invite Prime Minister Tarique to make an official visit to Malaysia at a suitable time,” he said in a Facebook post. The Prime Minister also expressed hope that friendly relations between Malaysia and Bangladesh would continue to be strengthened for the mutual benefit of both countries. Tarique, 60, who is Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman, is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman. Tarique was sworn in as Prime Minister five days later at the national parliament, Jatiya Sangsad in Dhaka.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 23:45 UTC
Anwar meets with Singapore PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong in conjunction with Wong’s special visit to Malaysia. The Singapore Prime Minister received a guard of honour mounted by the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment under the command of Kapt Zat Aiman Mat Ripin. The meeting between Anwar and Wong took place at Seri Negara, where Anwar also hosted a dinner in honour of Wong’s visit, Bernama reported. Also present were Chief Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Shahrol Anuwar Sarman and High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon. Singapore is Malaysia’s neighbour and key partner in Asean, enjoying close and extensive relations across various sectors.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 23:40 UTC
Keeping the flames alive
GEORGE TOWN: Frying char koay teow over charcoal has long been a hallmark of authenticity, just as wood-fired ovens give pizza its distinctive kick. In both cases, charcoal and firewood are essential to the flavour diners crave. But the number of suppliers of these essentials on the island has fallen sharply, from 36 to just three. A check along Lebuh Bakau (Mangrove Street) – a small road off Jalan Jelutong long associated with the trade – shows the business has almost disappeared. “Some well-known char koay teow, mee goreng and char kuey kak sellers still use charcoal.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 23:29 UTC
UK govt considers removing ex-prince Andrew from line of succession
- REUTERS PICLONDON: The British government on Friday mulled passing a law to remove former prince Andrew from the line of succession, as police stepped up investigations into his conduct, quizzing the disgraced royal's former protection officers. But the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II remains eighth in line to the British throne after Princess Lilibet, the daughter of his nephew, Prince Harry. The government would consider introducing legislation to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession once the police investigation is over, sources told AFP. Any charges against Andrew or a trial could be a long time coming, as the investigations proceed. And the road towards stripping the former prince from the line of succession would also take time, as an act of parliament is needed.
Source:New Strait Times
February 20, 2026 23:17 UTC
Broadening Malaysia’s trade
MALAYSIA has enjoyed strong economic growth of above 5% for two consecutive years – an impressive rate for a maturing emerging market economy. Despite facing a reciprocal tariff of 19% imposed by the United States, Malaysia’s trade jumped to a record US$755bil in 2025, defying the external headwinds.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 23:13 UTC
AI in the layman’s eye
THE subject of artificial intelligence (AI) has become so dominant that the World Economic Forum in Davos recently reputedly devoted 200 sessions for corporate leaders to discuss AI from multiple angles. The conversations focused on five key themes – the geopolitical rivalry using AI and technology; AI as a productivity and growth driver; AI as a job disruptor; how to invest in AI talent; ethics and governance for generative AI and robot systems; and the environmental footprint from using AI, consuming huge amounts of energy and minerals.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 22:55 UTC