King hears legal reform, audit updates at Istana Negara
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was today presented with briefings on the achievements and agenda of Legal Reform as well as the Auditor-General's Report in two separate sessions at Istana Negara.
According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said presented the briefing on the achievements and agenda of legal reforms to His Majesty.
His Majesty was then presented with the Auditor-General's Report 2/2025 by Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.
Each briefing lasted about an hour. — Bernama
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Free Malaysia Today
16 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Rafizi still has a shot at becoming PM
On May 10, Rafizi Ramli told Malaysians he would resign as economy minister if he failed to win re-election as PKR deputy president at the party polls on May 23. True to his word, after his defeat to Nurul Izzah Anwar, Rafizi announced on May 28 that he had submitted his resignation and that it would take effect on June 17. He noted that it was the practice in nations that upheld democratic principles for party leaders who lost internal elections to resign from government posts. He said: 'My defeat in the recent PKR election means I no longer have the party's mandate to translate the people's agenda, as championed by PKR, into government programmes.' A few hours later, minister of natural resources and environmental sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that he too had submitted his resignation from his government post. Nazmi, who is aligned to Rafizi, failed to retain one of the four posts of vice president. There is no doubt that, despite denials, there is a rift in the party. Analysts have been talking about a faction that supports party leader Anwar Ibrahim and another that backs Rafizi for a while now. This rivalry reached its peak in the recent party polls, where several senior backers of Rafizi were given the boot – including Nazmi – at the divisional level. Analysts had expected either Saifuddin Nasution, seen as Anwar's strong man, or Selangor Menteri besar Amirudin Shari to contest against Rafizi. Nurul Izzah's candidacy, therefore, came as a surprise to many. It would be naïve though to assume that she challenged Rafizi without Anwar's nod of approval. As is to be expected, there are those who say Rafizi should not have resigned while some others think it was the right thing to do. Many members of the public have hailed him as a man of principle for keeping his promise to resign as minister if he lost to Nurul Izzah. I suppose this is because most Malaysians have come to think that politicians seldom, or never, keep their promises. Many young people see Rafizi as the harbinger of a new politics and as a politician who understands technological trends and embraces the digital future. They see him as a politician who stands for all Malaysians and one who does not play racial or religious politics – unlike many others. He is undoubtedly one of the few young politicians who draw support from youths of all races, not just their own race. He is also respected for his push for greater transparency and accountability in government affairs. But politics is largely about numbers, or, to be precise, votes. First one must win the votes at the party level and later in a general election or by-election. Rafizi, unfortunately, failed to get enough numbers at the party level this time. From the tone of Rafizi's remarks in recent weeks, one can detect a frustration with internal party happenings. On May 10, for instance, Rafizi said it would be a relief to be out of the cabinet as it would allow him more time and freedom to speak out on issues. So what now for Rafizi? On May 10, the Pandan MP said he would focus on his responsibility as an MP and help PKR prepare for the 16th general election if he lost to Nurul Izzah. On May 30, Rafizi said: 'I already have a plan on what to focus on next, but let everyone breathe first — with Hari Raya Haji coming up and all. I'll share more later.' This was interpreted by many as meaning that he would not quit public life. Certainly, his supporters will be anxious, as will Malaysians who like him or his brand of politics. Certainly, they will be asking questions such as: 'Will he make a comeback to the PKR leadership?' or ' Will he join some other party or start his own party somewhere down the line?' Time will tell and he has plenty of time on his hands as he is only 47, still considered young for any politician. Following the victory of Nurul Izzah, many are asking if Anwar is positioning her to become a future prime minister, if not the one after him. It may be so. She certainly has her strengths. Many would love to see her become Malaysia's first woman prime minister. I was asked by some people, especially admirers of Rafizi, if he would ever become prime minister. For a while now, some Malaysians have been throwing the names of Nurul Izzah, Khairy Jamaluddin and Rafizi as possible future prime ministers. As deputy president of PKR, Rafizi would have had the best shot at leading the party after Anwar, and, presumably also in becoming prime minister – provided Pakatan Harapan remained in power and PKR still dominated the coalition. Still, all is not lost for Rafizi. He can take heart from the fact that four Malaysian prime ministers had taken a leave of absence, or were forced to take it, in their political careers. 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Malay Mail
an hour ago
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The grit behind the glamour: Lives of Malaysian film workers
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — While captivating storylines, cinematography, and visual effects often steal the spotlight in films, one vital aspect is frequently overlooked – the production crew. These behind-the-scenes professionals form the backbone of the industry, driven by passion and resilience, despite facing instability, inconsistent pay, and limited protection under Malaysia's gig-based film economy. Unlike countries with strong union backing like the US and the UK, many Malaysian film workers operate without job security, relying on short-term gigs and informal arrangements despite the presence of industry associations. Malay Mail spoke with an award-winning cinematographer, an assistant camera operator whose job is also called a focus puller in industry jargon, and a veteran set builder for their insight into life behind the lights and camera. A career of highs and hardships First assistant camera operator (first AC) Lee Qin Ling, who goes by the moniker Quinlyn (pronounced Kweenleen), has been in the film industry since 2015, starting as a second AC after briefly working as a videographer. Her portfolio includes both local and international productions such as Ada Hantu 2, Pendekar Awang, and Kahar: Kapla High Council. First assistant camera operator Quinlyn has been in the filming industry since 2015. — Picture courtesy of Lee Qin Ling She said that first ACs in Malaysia typically earn between RM700 and RM900 a day, and a 25-day movie shoot could bring in RM17,000. However, Lee stressed that such earnings aren't consistent, as jobs can dry up for months. 'There are times where I had to go sometimes up to two months without any pay because there are no shooting jobs available at that time,' she said. Being financially disciplined is key, especially during busy months when spending can spiral. 'I also had an experience where I've agreed to do a movie for 30 days and because I was attached to that project, I had to reject offers from other production houses that came in. 'Then suddenly the initial project got cancelled and I've lost two months' worth of income from that cancellation alone. 'You just have to wish that other jobs are available. Usually I would look for commercial shoots and other small jobs, it is not very much in our control,' she said. Despite the high per-job rates, she said her annual income – after taxes, deductions, and job gaps – is comparable to that of a mid-range office worker. Even confirmed jobs come with risks. She once worked a full month for a production company that didn't pay her in full. 'They owe me around RM9,000 and this does not include the other 20 production crews who also didn't get paid,' she said. Although she's considered leaving the industry many times, her passion for motion pictures keeps her going. 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The TV set that took the longest was for Marco Polo, with each season requiring eight months of work over a two-year span. Wong said their biggest challenge today is meeting global production standards within Malaysia's tighter budgets and limited access to specialised materials. 'Today, the landscape has shifted. 'With the rise of digital-first content and social media platforms, there's a much stronger emphasis on speed and volume over craftsmanship,' Wong said. 'Producers want things done faster and cheaper, and that often puts pressure on departments like set building, where quality really does take time and resources.' WE Productions built a set for a Chinese series titled 'Contenders' at the Iskandar Malaysia Studio in Johor. — Picture courtesy of WE Productions. He also criticised local productions that cut corners due to budget constraints, which often compromises quality. Although the industry is recovering post-Covid, Wong said job numbers are still far from pre-pandemic levels. He urged the government to streamline work permit approvals for international productions through the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) to avoid losing jobs to other countries. 'We're talking about three big jobs that were lost to Bangkok, Thailand,' he said. According to Wong, those international production houses came to Malaysia first and they liked the locations here, but the approval process took over a month. 'So, instead, they went to Bangkok where they would only need one week to get their work permits approved,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar denies seeking immunity after losing bid to refer Yusoff Rawther's suit to apex court
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said he wanted to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive. PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected suggestions that he is seeking personal immunity from legal proceedings, after the High Court dismissed his application to refer eight legal questions arising from a civil suit filed by a former aide to the Federal Court. Anwar's remarks come amid public and political debate surrounding a civil suit filed by former research assistant Yusoff Rawther, in which questions have arisen about whether the prime minister is seeking legal immunity to avoid standing trial. 'This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny,' said Anwar in a Facebook post. 'It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive. 'I remain fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of our courts, and the dignity of democratic governance.' Anwar said the legal process will continue as required, and that he will 'continue to discharge (his) responsibilities without distraction or compromise'. At a press conference after the High Court decision, his lawyer, K Rajasegaran, said Anwar's legal team will immediately file an appeal to the Court of Appeal. Rajasegaran said the eight questions submitted are neither abstract nor academic in nature, but pertain to serious and unresolved constitutional issues. Last Tuesday, Anwar filed an application asking the Kuala Lumpur High Court to refer eight questions of law to the Federal Court for determination, including whether he has immunity from the civil suit brought against him by Yusoff four years ago. He said he wanted the apex court to rule whether Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution grant him qualified immunity from the suit. Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin then criticised Anwar, stating that Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality under the law. Hamzah said no one, not even the prime minister, is above the law. The eight questions of law are linked to a civil suit filed by Yusoff over alleged incidents that took place before Anwar assumed office on Nov 24, 2022. Yusoff, a grandson of the late Penang consumer advocate SM Mohamed Idris, claims he was assaulted at Anwar's home in Segambut in October 2018. He is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. Anwar denies the claim and has filed a countersuit.
