
So far so good, but...
Both sides showed maturity in accepting Malaysia's role and acknowledging the Asean Chair's peacemaking obligations. With more maturity and wisdom, they would have avoided the clashes altogether.

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Malay Mail
18 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Ex-head of Civil Division in AGC among 23 individuals appointed judicial commissioners
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13 — Former head of the Civil Division in the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin was among 23 individuals appointed as Judicial Commissioners (JC) today. Also appointed was J. Kuldeep Kumar, the lawyer who previously defended former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, one of two individuals convicted of the 2006 murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu. Kuldeep, 55, was also involved in Azilah's review application last year to commute his death sentence to a 40-year prison term. Meanwhile, Donald, 59, had previously held various posts, including deputy head of the Research Division and deputy head of Division I of the Civil Division in the AGC, before he was appointed as head of the Civil Division. Others included Datin Asmah Musa, head of the Trials Unit in the AGC's Appellate and Trials Division; former Malaysian Bar president (2019 and 2020) Datuk Abdul Fareed Gafoor and deputy head II of the prosecution division at the AGC, Syed Faisal Syed Amir. A total of 13 lawyers, including Kuldeep and Abdul Fareed were appointed as Judicial Commissioners. They are Isa Aziz Ibrahim, Dr Seow Hock Peng, Shahriza Zalina Abdul Shukor, Helmi Hamzah, Rajes Raghavji, Datuk Mohd Aimi Zaini Mohd Azhar, Samry Masri, Moh Kok Wai, Shamsul Bahrin Abdul Manaf, Datuk Muhammad Adam @ Edward Abdullah and Avinder Singh Gill. The others are former head of the Advisory Board in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Khamsiah @ Anita binti Harun, D. Shoba Rajah, S. Kalyana Kumar, Darmafikri Abu Adam, Manira Mohd Nor, Datuk Edwin Paramjothy and Dr Noradura Hamzah. The appointment letters were presented by Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh during a ceremony at the Palace of Justice today. The Judicial Commissioners took their oath of office and allegiance before Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim. Also present at the ceremony were Court of Appeal President Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Azizah Nawawi, and Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. — Bernama

Malay Mail
18 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar condemns ‘malicious' assault on Rafizi's son, urges swift action
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep concern over the recent assault on Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's son, describing it as 'a malicious and treacherous attempt.' 'We are still reeling from incidents of bullying in schools, and now another deeply regrettable act has emerged,' Anwar said in a statement on Facebook today. The prime minister confirmed that he had contacted Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly and without delay. 'I have contacted Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution, to ensure a transparent and prompt investigation,' he added. Anwar also extended his well-wishes to the family. 'I pray for the best well-being for Rafizi and his family,' he said. Police have confirmed that the 12-year-old son of the former minister was assaulted at a shopping mall in Putrajaya this afternoon. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the incident is believed to have occurred at 2pm at the mall's pick-up and drop-off area. 'The incident occurred when the victim was reportedly with his mother and their driver,' he told Bernama. Shazeli added that the boy is undergoing further examination at a hospital in Selangor. Investigations are ongoing, and police are reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the scene.


The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Singapore envoy lauds Malaysia's decisive Asean leadership
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore commends Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair in 2025 and credits Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team for their swift and decisive actions during the recent armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysia's mediation effort resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours. Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon ( pic ), said the episode demonstrated that while Asean's consensus-based approach is important, a major crisis requires one to act without delay and with conviction. "Sometimes you need to act fast. Malaysia showed leadership by making the phone calls, bringing the two leaders to Kuala Lumpur and hosting them for talks that led to a ceasefire. "This is what we want to see, every government prepared to step in and tackle challenges head-on," he said on Bernama TV's The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch programme titled "Malaysia And Singapore: A Bond Beyond Borders." Menon highlighted Malaysia's role in securing an agreement to admit Timor-Leste as Asean's newest member. He described the ability to bring parties with differing views on board as "a good sign of leadership." He said Asean continues to serve as a neutral and comfortable platform for major powers to meet, noting that the recent 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Russia, China, and the United States in various formats. On regional economic matters, Menon pointed to the planned signing of the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement in Kuala Lumpur this October as a positive step, along with efforts such as the Asean Power Grid to ensure the seamless flow of energy across borders. Turning to bilateral ties, Menon described Malaysia-Singapore relations as being in an excellent state, supported by strong political leadership on both sides. He noted that the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone (GSEZ), which was agreed to earlier this year, is already attracting interest from businesses exploring opportunities in both Johor and Singapore. "Singapore has its own strengths, Johor has its own strengths. Companies can decide where to locate their operations based on their needs. "Even before the incentives were announced, businesses were already scouting locations," he said. Menon added that people-to-people connections remain a vital part of the relationship. He cited the Volunteer Teachers Programme initiative, which has enabled young Singaporeans to teach English in Malaysian schools, including in rural areas. "This year marks the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the years, the relationship has grown from strength to strength, expanding into new areas such as the digital and green economies," he added. – Bernama