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PM demands swift, transparent probe into Zara Qairina's death

PM demands swift, transparent probe into Zara Qairina's death

The Sun2 days ago
KOTA KINABALU: The death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir has prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to demand a swift and transparent investigation.
Speaking at the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 closing ceremony, Anwar stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law.
'There was a death recently, and the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek) is being attacked and accused of various things.'
'What has become of our country? This death is not a trivial matter,' he said.
Anwar confirmed he had discussed the case with Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure a comprehensive probe.
He also warned the public against spreading baseless accusations.
'This is a nation of law, not slander. Whoever is involved in a criminal act such as murder will not be protected,' Anwar added.
Zara Qairina was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, on July 16.
She was later pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital.
The case has sparked widespread public outcry on social media.
Yesterday, Mohd Khalid stated that the investigation paper had been completed.
It would be forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers for further action. – Bernama
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PM Anwar's four wins as Asean Chair, according to veteran Thai journalist
PM Anwar's four wins as Asean Chair, according to veteran Thai journalist

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

PM Anwar's four wins as Asean Chair, according to veteran Thai journalist

BANGKOK: (Bernama) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's (pic) success in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in an immediate halt to armed clashes along their disputed border, was hailed as a major diplomatic victory. The courageous and decisive move by the Malaysian premier has not only strengthened his position as a political leader and effective Asean Chair, but also elevated the regional bloc's profile on the global stage. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn said when tensions escalated into artillery exchanges between the two neighbouring countries last month, Anwar seized the moment in his capacity as Asean Chair and emerged as a statesman on the regional stage. In an article titled "Four Wins For Asean Chair Anwar" published on Thai PBS World, Kavi said the Malaysian Prime Minister scored four wins with his decisive step to help de-escalate the ongoing tension between the two neighbours. The first win he noted was that Anwar, leveraging his position as Asean Chair, stepped up to act as a mediator, projecting himself as Southeast Asia's peacemaker. He attributed the second win to Anwar's ability to turn the crisis into an opportunity to boost Asean's centrality and relevance. "Major powers often ridicule Asean as a talk shop without action. The ceasefire deal - which still holds - changed that narrative. "Anwar used his chairmanship to show Asean could broker peace when it mattered. "He didn't just convene meetings; he actively facilitated the entire process. "The message is clear: Asean is performing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' Kavi said. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn. He said the Malaysian premier's third win was succeeding to not only break the deadlock of the armed clashes, but also to convince Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to come to Kuala Lumpur for an unprecedented face-to-face direct dialogue. For the record, previous confrontations from 2008 to 2011 saw Thailand completely decline Asean's invitation for mediation talks. The fourth win was balancing the two major powers and important players for Asean - the United States (US) and China, and most remarkably, engaging them to witness the ceasefire talks. "These superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the Asean chair's initiative. "Both powers were present, but neither dominated - exactly what Asean wanted,' he said. Anwar's balancing act was particularly impressive, given his recent regular vitriol against Washington. He has been vocal about Gaza (more so than Indonesia), criticising both Israeli and US policies. Kavi said this extraordinary achievement shows what Asean can achieve with active, credible leadership. "After all, Anwar is an old and astute Asean hand. Truth be told, Anwar understood this perfectly. "He saw that regional dynamics and global shifts had created an opening. He seized it with both hands,' he wrote. For Asean, Kavi said the crisis reminds us that actions speak louder than words, and louder than all the annual joint communiqués. "For Anwar, it is proof that skilled diplomacy can transform political fortunes. For the region, it is hoped that Asean-led solutions can still work in Trump's world,' he added. Kavi's full article can be read at . - Bernama

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