Latest news with #SaifuddinNasution

Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Home minister's WhatsApp hacked via foreign VPN, police launch probe
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Police suspect that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's official WhatsApp account was hacked using a foreign virtual private network (VPN). Acting director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, said the hacker used the compromised account to send URL links to the minister's contacts, according to a New Straits Times report. He said, 'Police is investigating the case under Section 4(1) of the Computer Crimes Act 1997.' Muhammed Hasbullah also confirmed that police are working to trace the hacker's location. So far, authorities have not received any complaints of individuals suffering losses due to the incident. 'The swift action by the minister's officers, who immediately reported the incident, prevented anyone from being deceived,' he added. The breach of Saifuddin's WhatsApp account was first reported last Monday. The Home Minister's office confirmed the hack and promptly lodged a police report. Investigators believe the use of a foreign VPN was intended to obscure the hacker's origin. Authorities are urging the public to be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links. The case highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity threats targeting high-level officials in Malaysia.


The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘We work with China and US'
Saifuddin Nasution: 'Our companies can learn from both countries' AI ecosystems' KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has only gained in the technology space from choosing to work with both China and the United States, instead of taking sides between the two superpowers, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 'For a country like Malaysia, our practical position is we do not need to choose sides. 'Instead, we have chosen to work with both. 'I believe that it has brought us more benefits,' the Home Minister said during a panel session at the Asean-GCC Economic Forum. Saifuddin Nasution pointed out that the US and China are ahead in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) research and investment. By working with both, he said, Malaysia is able to bring the most effective and affordable AI tools into the country. 'We choose what is best for Malaysia based on our needs. This balanced approach gives us more room to negotiate, innovate and protect our national interests. 'At the same time, it also builds more trust with partners across Asean, the Gulf and the world,' he added. He said this also meant that Malaysia's young talents can train in both the United States' Silicon Valley and Shenzhen in China. The minister said Malaysia has used AI in border control and also to filter inappropriate content in films, he added. 'Our companies can learn from both countries' AI ecosystems. Those are the clear benefits of taking this position. We enjoy the best of both worlds,' he said. Economist and author of The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism, Dr Keyu Jin said while the United States and China had reduced direct links following their trade disputes, they still have indirect links through other countries. 'If we look at the data, the competing blocs ... have reduced their direct linkages but arguably, their indirect linkages are still very much (there). Trade and investments with non-aligned countries have shot up,' she said.


South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia's home minister ridiculed after his WhatsApp account hacked
Malaysia's home minister has been hit by a wave of public ridicule after his WhatsApp account was hacked, raising questions over the country's digital protections when its top security official has been targeted by cyber criminals. Mobile phishing scams are rampant in Malaysia, with citizens frequently harassed by calls from fraudsters posing as police, banks or courts to extort money under the guise of criminal probes. The account of Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, head of the Home Ministry – which oversees policing, immigration, border and prisons as well as citizenship registration and censorship of films and books – had been compromised by 'irresponsible groups', his ministry confirmed. It urged the public not to entertain any messages or calls from anyone purporting to be the minister. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's ministry oversees policing, immigration, border and prisons as well as citizenship registration and censorship. Photo: Facebook/Saifuddin Nasution Ismail 'We remind the public not to be fooled by anyone claiming to be Saifuddin Nasution, especially in matters involving finances or meeting arrangements,' the ministry said.


Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Rafizi supporters unlikely to quit, boycott PKR, say analysts
New PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar must prove she is at least as capable as ousted party number two Rafizi Ramli in terms of competence and leadership, says Hisommudin Bakar. PETALING JAYA : Political analysts say Rafizi Ramli and his supporters are unlikely to quit or boycott PKR despite his defeat in the race for the party's deputy presidency last week. Hisommudin Bakar and Azmi Hassan said that while some of Rafizi's staunchest supporters may turn into passive members, their numbers are unlikely to be so large as to affect the party's preparations for the next general election (GE16). Azmi, of Akademi Nusantara, discounted the possibility of the Pandan MP leaving the party altogether, saying PKR was most suited to Rafizi's political style. He also said Rafizi cannot afford to make the mistake of leading an exodus of members out of PKR despite his loss to Nurul Izzah Anwar, as it would likely damage his political prospects. 'Leaving the party would leave Rafizi adrift and directionless, not unlike Khairy after he was ejected by Umno,' he told FMT. Although Nurul Izzah has appealed for all PKR members, including Rafizi's supporters, to close ranks following the recent polls, Azmi believes Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is the person best placed to deal with the matter. He said only Saifuddin could convince Rafizi and his supporters to throw their weight behind the new leadership. 'Nurul Izzah doesn't have the aura or influence to persuade Rafizi. Even the party president himself wouldn't be able to do that. The right man is Saifuddin because he is the most neutral.' In a Facebook post yesterday, Nurul Izzah urged all PKR members to close ranks and build up the party, irrespective of who they voted for. She said, as PKR deputy president, the responsibility to shore up support for the party fell on her shoulders, especially since prime minister and party president Anwar Ibrahim's full focus was on leading the country. Hisommudin, Ilham Centre's executive director, said Nurul Izzah's statement was a necessary step towards reconciliation within PKR after a rather heated internal election. He said the PKR leadership must make an honest evaluation of the extent of the party's loss of support, particularly among its previously loyal supporters. Hisommudin said PKR must also establish a constructive narrative to manage negative perceptions against the party, especially claims of nepotism. To that end, he said Nurul Izzah must demonstrate that she is at least as capable as Rafizi—if not superior—in terms of competence and leadership. 'She will only be able to silence her critics by displaying an impeccable reputation. 'Nurul Izzah must show herself to be deserving of her position as deputy president, and that she did not win the post simply because she is Anwar's daughter,' he said.


The Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Home Minister Saifuddin's Whatsapp account hacked
PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's Whatsapp account has been confirmed to have been hacked by irresponsible parties today. In a statement issued tonight, the Office of the Home Minister said the incident has been reported to the relevant authorities for further action. In light of this, the public is advised to remain cautious and not to respond to any calls or messages claiming to be from Saifuddin Nasution, especially those involving financial matters or meeting requests. We strongly condemn this irresponsible act and urge the public not to fall victim to such scams. 'We also advise everyone to stay alert to fraud attempts via social media platforms and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities,' the statement read.