Cops cripple militant network with arrest of 36 Bangladeshis
Malaysian police have smashed a foreign militant network with the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of direct involvement in a radical movement based on extremist beliefs and violent ideology.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the arrests were made in a three-phase security operation in Selangor and Johor, which began on April 24.
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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
UM: No 'backdoor' entry in dual admission system
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) has dismissed allegations of inequality in its dual admissions process, saying that the data cited by MCA to question the meritocracy of the system was "misleading." UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the figures presented by the MCA president concerning the increase in undergraduate enrolments via the UM Open Channel (Saluran Terbuka Universiti Awam, or Satu) from 2018 to 2022 failed to take into account the full context of the university's admissions framework. His response came in the wake of remarks made by Ayer Hitam member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a video posted on June 24. In the video, Wee called for the suspension of UM's Satu intake for the 2025/2026 session until the higher education ministry reviews its admissions mechanism, following claims of structural inequality. This was as Wee had launched a position paper by MCA on the matter, in which the party said the apparent selectiveness in UM's student admissions raised questions about meritocracy in the process. "In fact, the number of students admitted through the main channel (UPU) remains consistent every year and continues to meet intake projections set by the Higher Education Ministry," he said. "There has been no reduction in UPU quota or displacement of UPU candidates as a result of the alternative Satu route," he said. Noor Azuan said that UM uses two separate channels to admit students into its undergraduate programmes: UPU, which is managed by the Higher Education Ministry; and Satu, which offers an alternative route for qualified applicants with the ability to self-fund their studies. He said all admissions, whether via UPU or Satu, are merit-based, and that no shortcuts or backdoor entries are allowed. "Satu is not a backdoor, but an additional door. It expands opportunities and strengthens the system without closing the path for deserving students." He said the dual-channel approach was a strategic response to growing demand for limited placements in critical programmes such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. "UPU is highly competitive, and many excellent students are turned away due to limited capacity. Satu creates additional seats without affecting UPU quotas." He added that the initiative also aimed to curb the outflow of local talent overseas, noting that many Malaysian students had been forced to pursue costly medical studies abroad. "With Satu, they can now study in Malaysia, closer to their families and cultural roots, reducing brain drain and enhancing the supply of local talent." Noor Azuan also pointed out that the use of alternative admission pathways was in line with global practices, citing examples from the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia and the United States. On the recent fee hikes for students under the Satu channel, he said the adjustments were necessary to reflect the actual cost of providing high-quality medical education, particularly clinical training and the maintenance of teaching hospital facilities. "The revised fees apply only to Satu students and do not affect the government's subsidy for UPU students, who continue to enjoy up to 95 per cent tuition support." He acknowledged the financial concerns raised by some quarters but assured that no deserving student would be denied access to education due to financial hardship. "Scholarships, financial aid, and welfare assistance will continue to be made available and expanded." Noor Azuan said the university welcomed suggestions to expand UPU quotas for medical and other critical programmes, but said that such decisions must be approved by professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Council, Pharmacy Board and Dental Council. "UM remains open to engagement with these bodies to ensure national needs are met. The university is not just a centre of learning, but a place of hope for the future." He reaffirmed UM's commitment to transparency, meritocracy and social equity, adding that the university had no intention of engaging in polemics but felt compelled to correct public misconceptions.
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Fadillah Holds Meeting With Rosatom On Nuclear Energy Development
BUSINESS From Siti Radziah Hamzah MOSCOW, June 27 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today held a meeting with Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom's director-general Alexey Likhachev to discuss bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy. Rosatom is a multi-industry holding company which comprises assets in power engineering, machine building and construction. The meeting lasted about an hour. Fadillah said Malaysia is committed to a balanced and pragmatic approach to its energy future. 'We value our collaboration with Rosatom and look forward to building a long-term, strategic partnership based on mutual trust and shared objectives,' he said during the meeting. Fadillah said Malaysia look forward to further strengthening its cooperation with Rosatom in key areas including technical and regulatory knowledge sharing, infrastructure and workforce as well as public education and stakeholder engagement on nuclear energy. Also present were Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alaminand the Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. Fadillah also witnessed the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between MyPOWER and Rosatom.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Indonesia push for swift resolution of Sabah-Ambalat maritime issues
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify efforts to resolve long-standing border and maritime issues, including those involving Sabah and the resource-rich Ambalat Block, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. During his discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in conjunction with his visit to Jakarta, Anwar said both leaders also acknowledged Sabah's strategic role in shaping ongoing negotiations, particularly those concerning maritime boundaries and potential joint development initiatives in contested areas such as Ambalat. He said both nations are committed to strengthening bilateral ties by addressing sensitive issues through mutual respect, established legal frameworks, and diplomatic engagement. "Both sides are making serious efforts to settle these issues in the spirit of close friendship and trust that has existed for nearly half a century. "We also discussed the inclusion of Malaysian territories, particularly Sabah, in these bilateral engagements. "I would like to express my appreciation for Indonesia's continued loyalty and trust in strengthening this relationship, including taking into account Sabah's views in maritime border discussions so that any agreements reached are fairer and concluded more promptly," he said. Anwar made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prabowo, held as part of his working visit to Indonesia. Anwar added that the maritime and border discussions included the potential for joint development initiatives, such as in the Ambalat area, to benefit communities on both sides, particularly those living near the border. "While the issue of Ambalat may take time if pursued through traditional means, we have agreed that joint development could be a more productive and timely approach, providing immediate benefits for both nations and improving livelihoods along the frontier," he said. He also said both governments have instructed their respective ministers and officials to accelerate negotiations and cooperation, particularly in resolving outstanding territorial claims and enhancing economic collaboration. Meanwhile, Prabowo said both countries had agreed to commence economic cooperation in the disputed maritime areas, even as legal discussions continue. "We have agreed on border matters, which may still take time to resolve technically, but in principle, both sides are committed to a solution. "Take the Ambalat issue... While we work through the legal complexities, we also want to begin economic cooperation, which we refer to as joint development. "Whatever resources we discover in the sea, we will explore together. We have agreed that we must act in the interest of our nations and our people," he said. Both leaders also exchanged views on international issues, including developments in Iran, Gaza, Myanmar, and ongoing tensions in Southeast Asia. Anwar said Malaysia appreciates Indonesia's determination to pursue a peaceful resolution, noting its historical experience in managing internal conflicts and tensions among various groups. "Indonesia is well-positioned to utilise its military and intelligence capabilities not for aggression, but to negotiate and foster understanding among all factions in Myanmar. "We also discussed the rising tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border. "Both Malaysia and Indonesia believe it is essential to engage constructively with both nations to help defuse the situation." The leaders reaffirmed Asean's central role and voiced strong support for peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
