Washington Post CEO steps down after job cuts
Washington Post staffer Marissa Lang speaks as union members and supporters gather at a 'Save the Post' rally outside The Washington Post after widespread layoffs were announced, in Washington. - REUTERS PICWASHINGTON: The Washington Post said Saturday its CEO and publisher Will Lewis was leaving effective immediately, just days after the storied newspaper owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made drastic job cuts that angered readers. Hundreds of Post journalists – including most of its overseas, local and sports staff – were let go in the sweeping cuts announced on Tuesday. Sports, graphics and local news departments were sharply scaled back and the paper's daily podcast, Post Reports, was suspended, local media reported. Bezos, one of the world's richest people, and Lewis have come under scrutiny for intervening directly in the paper's editorial processes.
Source:New Strait Times
February 08, 2026 00:37 UTC
Championing printed words
DESPITE my trepidation, I made it a point to visit a book sale recently. Now in my 70s, I still enjoy reading, and I believe the best way to inculcate the habit is through newspapers. Relying solely on digital content may not foster a strong reading habit, as users often skim bite-sized information, which does little to strengthen language proficiency. THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAMRetired teacherKlangWith the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities. The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 00:14 UTC
Awards celebrate top achievers
ACADEMIC excellence, co-curricular accomplishments and university admissions often give students the impetus to go the extra mile and fulfil their potential. “I am grateful to my father for his support and to F&N for providing a strong foundation. The cash awards, totalling RM230,500, benefited secondary students with top scores in national or international examinations, as well as tertiary students accepted into local or overseas undergraduate programmes. Special awards were also presented to students who excelled in sports or co-curricular competitions at the state, national or international level. “Being accepted into the university inspires me to work towards a future where I can contribute positively through international relations.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 00:11 UTC
Uniting as voices of reason for regional stability amid uncertainties
SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia and India can emerge as voices of reason amidst heightening geopolitical uncertainty, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As uncertainty looms amid heightening geopolitical tensions, Malaysia and India can emerge as neutral voices in the region, he added. “At a time of great uncertainty, our region need voices that speak for dialogue over confrontation, for cooperation over narrow self interest. Malaysia and India can be among those voices. “I followed your struggles and political tribulations, and I must say, I am fortunate to be the personal friend of Modi of India,” he added.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 23:40 UTC
M’sia, India ties enter next level
SERI KEMBANGAN: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system is set to enter the Malaysian market as Malaysia and India deepen their longstanding economic ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced. “The Malaysia-India Digital Council is paving new pathways for our digital collaboration. Modi said the Malaysia-India Digital Council has been instrumental in opening new avenues for collaboration between the two countries. “The Malaysia-India Digital Council reflects this shared ambition. The linkage between India’s UPI and Malaysia’s PayNet system will make cross-border payments simpler for businesses, students and clients,” Anwar said in his speech.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 23:31 UTC
Hidden door handles pose a major safety risk
“The risks associated with hidden door handles are closely linked to emergency response and occupant survival during critical incidents such as collisions or fires,” he said. In an October incident last year in Chengdu, China, a driver died after hidden door handles could not be opened by passers-by or rescuers before the car burst into flames. Law noted that China’s new regulation directly addresses these risks by requiring mechanical door handles on both the inside and outside of vehicles. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Ng Choy Peng also urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to closely scrutinise upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models equipped with hidden door handles. She explained that most hidden handles rely on electric actuators, sensors or software, which may shut down after a crash, preventing doors from unlocking.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 23:30 UTC
Livestock must go where the land is
IT’S always difficult when long-term policies and planning are caught in race and religion controversies. These include manufactured threats used merely to win votes ahead of the general election. Take the issue of pig farming in Selangor. The state government has come under fire for its plan to relocate and centralise pig farming.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 23:05 UTC
Modi says Malaysia is India's 'trusted partner'
SERI KEMBANGAN: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Malaysia as a close and trusted partner, and underscored the Indian diaspora's pivotal role as a living bridge anchoring the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He noted that bilateral relations entered a new phase after both leaders elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Anwar's visit to New Delhi in 2024. He added that people-to-people ties continue to underpin India-Malaysia relations. Modi expressed special appreciation to Anwar for personally receiving him upon arrival and accompanying him to the function. Modi also invited Malaysians to visit India.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 22:04 UTC
Heart And Soul: Skydiving at 62, leaping into lifelong dreams
Email your story to: heartandsoul@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul"What I couldn’t do at 26, I finally did at 62. Coming to this tandem Skydive, I wanted to make it happen a few years back after hearing the excitement from my senior friend who recently did it. I arranged my tandem skydive at the Thai Sky Adventure at Pattaya, Thailand on Jan 10, 2026. I contacted my scuba dive master who's also a good friend of mine to accompany me for this trip as a moral support. Placing my trust in God and my skydive master, I took the leap of my life.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 22:01 UTC
Public service to go paper-free on Feb 9, says govt chief sec
BANGI: The public service will begin implementing a paperless approach for simple administrative matters starting Monday (Feb 9), in line with efforts to accelerate digitalisation in government administration, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. "We will begin the digitalisation programme in the public service by focusing on simple processes. Also present were Public Service director-general Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican. Shamsul Azri said the public service would also focus on implementing development projects that can deliver immediate benefits to public well-being. Among the priorities are road repair works, maintenance of school buildings and the provision of more comfortable public facilities.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 21:13 UTC
Many Chinese are choosing South-East Asia over Japan for Chinese New Year holiday as bilateral spat hits flights
“The price to Japan was just too much for a short girls’ weekend over the Spring Festival break,” said Ms Li, a Shanghai-based office worker. Many are instead choosing to travel to South-east Asian countries, given the cheaper air tickets, with Thailand replacing Japan as the top travel destination this coming holiday. Following Ms Takaichi’s remarks, Beijing launched retaliatory measures, including the cancellation of flights on 49 air routes from China to Japan. Ms Li said she had enjoyed her trip to Osaka in November 2025, which was why she wanted to go to Tokyo this holiday break. When asked about the popularity of Japan as a travel destination for the upcoming holiday, top Chinese travel platforms CTrip and Tongcheng Travel did not respond.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 18:09 UTC
Gyokeres double as Arsenal outclass Sunderland to extend lead to nine points
Arsenal's Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in Londo. - AFP picLONDON: Arsenal sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland on the back of a Viktor Gyokeres double to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to nine points on Saturday, turning up the pressure on Manchester City ahead of their trip to Liverpool. Sunderland's well-drilled defence frustrated Arsenal for the majority of the first half until Martin Zubimendi's low drive from outside the box crept inside the near post to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break. After a nervy start to the second half, Arsenal's sustained pressure paid off as they won the ball back high up the pitch and substitute Gyokeres swept home following a well-worked move six minutes after coming on to make it 2-0. Sunderland had picked up 16 points from losing positions this season butthere was no comeback this time as Gyokeres finished off a counter-attack in added time to seal the three points that dropped the visitors to ninth in the standings.
Source:New Strait Times
February 07, 2026 17:18 UTC
Italy edge poor Scotland 18-15 in rain-drenched Rome
ROME: Winger Louis Lynagh scored one try and made another as Italy edged Scotland 18-15 in their Six Nations Championship opener at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, a match played in torrential rain that limited the ability of both sides to attack. Centre Tommaso Menoncello also crossed for Italy, who were dominant in the scrum and picked off several Scotland lineouts as they completed only their second win over their opponents in the last 16 meetings. It took a full 20 minutes for Scotland to click into gear, but when they did they advanced into the Italy 22 and Dempsey crossed from close range. YELLOW CARDScotland were down to 14 players when replacement hooker George Turner received a yellow card for a dangerous entry into the ruck. The visitors hung in the contest despite their retreating set-piece and scored a second try through Horne.
Source:New Strait Times
February 07, 2026 17:00 UTC
Romero sorry for letting Spurs down, says Frank
MANCHESTER: Under-pressure Tottenham boss Thomas Frank said captain Cristian Romero has apologised to his team-mates for a first-half red card in his side's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday. Romero had unleashed an outburst towards the club's hierarchy earlier in the week by describing the threadbare squad Frank has been left to deal with during an injury crisis as "disgraceful." Romero lunged in on Casemiro after losing possession just outside the Tottenham box to leave his side a man down for the final hour. Two wins in the last 16 (league games) is not acceptable for this football club," said goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. "Just focus on the next game," said Frank when asked about his future.
Source:New Strait Times
February 07, 2026 16:54 UTC
G25 voices concern over rally on ‘illegal’ houses of worship, urges restraint and safeguards
PETALING JAYA: G25 Malaysia has expressed grave concern over a planned rally over claims of “illegal” houses of worship, warning that oversimplifying the issue could inflame racial and religious tensions. The group added that confrontational messages linked to the rally could heighten public anxiety and shift attention away from lawful and inclusive solutions. Given the proximity of the planned gathering and heightened sensitivities, G25 urged authorities to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety and order. G25 also called on organisers, political leaders and the public to act responsibly and exercise restraint, stressing that discussions involving places of worship must be conducted with sensitivity in Malaysia’s plural society. “Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and it must be preserved through peaceful, respectful engagement that promotes understanding,” it added.
Source:The Star
February 07, 2026 16:39 UTC