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Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
Australia's 'Outback Killer' dies in custody
Former mechanic Bradley Murdoch who killed British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, died without revealing where he left his victim. 16 Jul 2025 12:46pm Court drawing of truck driver Bradley Murdoch (L) in Darwin Magistrates' Court, May 26, 2004, accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio in July 2001, watching the prosecution's star witness Joanne Lees (R) giving evidence. Murdoch is also accused of abducting and assaulting Lees. - (Photo by ELIZABETH HOWELL / LIZ HOWELL GRAPHICS / AFP) SYDNEY - An Australian man who murdered a British backpacker on a remote highway in 2001 has died without revealing where he left his victim, police said Wednesday. Former mechanic Bradley Murdoch killed Peter Falconio in 2001, shooting him dead after waving his car down on a deserted road in the vast Australian outback. Falconio had been driving with his British girlfriend Joanne Lees, who fled into the bush after Murdoch tried to abduct her. Murdoch -- who would come to be known as Australia's "Outback Killer" -- was in 2005 convicted of Falconio's murder. Police never found his 28-year-old victim's body. "It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch has died without, as far as we are aware, ever disclosing the location of Peter Falconio's remains," Northern Territory Police said in a statement. "His silence has denied the Falconio family the closure they have so long deserved. "Our thoughts are with the Falconio family in the United Kingdom, whose grief continues." Murdoch was sentenced to life in prison and died in custody of throat cancer on Tuesday night. Lees escaped Murdoch and hid in bushes until she was rescued -- later telling a story of brutality and fear that was carried by media around the world. The ordeal partly inspired the 2005 horror film Wolf Creek. Northern Territory Police are still offering an Aus$500,000 (US$320,000) reward for information on Falconio's remains. - AFP
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Thai ex-PM Thaksin due in dock for royal defamation case
He faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted in the closed-door trial in Bangkok, where he stands accused of breaching strict lese majeste laws shielding Thailand's royal family from abuse and criticism. 16 Jul 2025 12:47pm Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks at the SPLASH - Soft Power Forum 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok on July 9, 2025. - (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) BANGKOK - Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to testify in court on Wednesday, seeking to defend himself against royal defamation charges in a watershed case for his faltering political dynasty. Thaksin faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted in the closed-door trial in Bangkok, where he stands accused of breaching strict lese majeste laws shielding Thailand's royal family from abuse and criticism. For the past quarter-century, the 75-year-old telecoms magnate has been a defining figure of Thai politics, founding a political dynasty which has jousted with the traditional pro-royal, pro-military elite. But his prosecution, combined with the suspension of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, two weeks ago, represents a dramatic waning of their family's political fortune, analysts say. The prosecution's case revolves around remarks Thaksin made to South Korean media a decade ago, with the defendant due to give at least three days of testimony. A verdict is not expected for several weeks. Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years in exile, following a military coup which ousted him from the prime minister's office he won in two elections. Supporters of Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra sit in front of the Criminal Court in Bangkok on July 16, 2025. - (Photo by Chanakarn Laosarakham / AFP) He returned the day his family's Pheu Thai party took office at the head of a coalition government backed by their conservative former enemies, fuelling suspicions a backroom deal had been struck. Thaksin was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison on graft and abuse of power charges -- later reduced to one year by a pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn in another apparent sign of reconciliation. But political analyst Yuttaporn Issarachai told AFP: "There is always someone within the establishment who sees him as a threat to Thai society." - 'Chill' Thaksin - In recent interviews, Thaksin affirmed his loyalty to the monarchy and expressed gratitude for the king's pardon. Speaking to AFP outside the court on the trial's opening day on July 1, a lawyer for Thaksin said his client appeared "chill" despite the seriousness of the case. On the same day, Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn was suspended by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics probe into her conduct during a leaked diplomatic phone call discussing a deadly border clash between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia. In the call, Paetongtarn referred to Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen as "uncle" and described a Thai military commander as an "opponent" -- sparking backlash for seeming to kowtow to a foreign statesman and undermine her own country's military. Pheu Thai's coalition has been abandoned by key conservative backers over the call, leaving it with a razor-thin parliamentary majority steered by a caretaker prime minister. - Montira Rungjirajittranon / AFP traditional pro royal elite More Like This
Sinar Daily
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Nurul Izzah's surprise appearance: PKR's second opinion or reformist gimmick?
Nurul Izzah's (fourth from right) presence at the gathering to defend the independence of the judiciary on Monday has sparked debate among the public. SHAH ALAM - Nurul Izzah Anwar's surprise appearance at a march organised by the Malaysian Bar has not only reignited the spirit of reform among civil society but also raised questions about internal dynamics within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the government's position on judicial independence. While the protest, held on Monday, was framed as a defence of judicial integrity and not targeted at any specific figure, many observers noted its political undertones. The presence of the PKR Deputy President added fuel to the speculation, especially as the protest coincided with public frustrations over the delay in appointing Malaysia's top judicial officers. Her move was seen by some as a symbolic act in line with Pakatan Harapan's (PH) reformist ideals, despite it running counter to the image of government unity. 'Nurul Izzah attended in her capacity within PH, which still upholds the reformist theme. 'Her presence actually signals hope to PH supporters that the reformist struggle is still alive at a time when her father is embroiled in allegations of interference in judicial institutions,' Ilham Centre Executive Director Hisommuddin Bakar said. Hisommuddin suggested that her bold stance could also be a way to soothe middle-class and professional voters who remain crucial to PH's support base. Yet it also hints at deeper differences within the party, with some interpreting her presence as a second perspective within PKR's leadership ranks. This is particularly significant in light of the recent sidelining of former economy minister Rafizi Ramli and the eight MPs who supported his push for judicial transparency. PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar 'I think in this context, PKR's position is still unclear and there has not been a final consensus. 'Nurul Izzah's move could also be classified as an effort by PKR to prove that the party is capable of carrying the people's voice even while leading the current government,' Hisommuddin said. Nurul Izzah herself reaffirmed her commitment to institutional reform, stating her presence was to show solidarity with civil society calling for transparency in the judiciary. 'This gathering is not about winning or losing, but about having the space to speak, argue and differ, in order to strengthen a fair and just system. 'Her presence is not just symbolic support, but proof that reformist leaders stand alongside the people's voice in fighting for transparent and fair institutions,' PKR Wanita Secretary Sangheta Jayakumar said. Still, not all agree with her approach. MCA Youth's Tan Jie Sen criticised her decision to join the protest, saying the matter could have been resolved through internal government channels. 'As the second highest-ranking figure in PKR, should not she have raised the judicial appointment issue internally, through the party, Cabinet or even over dinner with her own father? 'Now with Nurul Izzah herself joining the march organised by the Malaysian Bar, will the party consider the same action against their number two leader?' he questioned. In the broader picture, her presence has opened up a new chapter in Malaysia's reform movement. Whether it marks a split or a strategic realignment, one clear outcome is that it has intensified pressure on the government to address the Malaysian Bar's four key demands in a meaningful way.
Sinar Daily
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Calls grow for judicial reforms to avoid future appointment disputes
SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian government's recent move to enhance transparency in the appointment of superior court judges has been welcomed as a critical step to prevent recurring disputes in the judicial system. Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla said this was the right direction forward and emphasised the need for continued efforts to review and strengthen the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, along with judicial appointment and promotion procedures. "This is a positive sign because everyone knows that the concept of appointing and promoting judges needs to be thoroughly reviewed and refined to avoid becoming a future issue. "The current vacancies in the positions of Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal are also the main concerns," he told Sinar. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had earlier assured the public that the unity government was aware of the concerns raised through the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence.' She said the government would address the issue responsibly and transparently in accordance with the Federal Constitution. Azalina also announced that a Comparative Study of Judicial Appointment Systems is being carried out by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) under the Prime Minister's Department, in collaboration with Special Select Committees from the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat. To ensure long-term reform, Haniff proposed the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry, with royal consent, to evaluate the system in-depth. "Appoint commissioners to be part of it with terms of reference that they wish to study and then give them time around nine to twelve months to conduct the study and provide recommendations. "The main weakness in the judicial appointment process, as I see it, lies within the JAC itself, because it needs to be fully recognised under the Federal Constitution. Currently, there is no full recognition under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. "Article 122B states that four parties are involved in the appointment of judges, namely the Prime Minister, the Agong and the Conference of Rulers. Before the Prime Minister presents names to the Conference of Rulers, he may consult the Chief Justice. "The JAC, on the other hand, only plays an advisory role to the Prime Minister and its recommendations are not constitutionally binding under Article 122B, so the Prime Minister is not obligated to follow them," he said. Haniff also declined to comment on a proposed judicial tribunal discussed during a meeting between Pakatan Harapan MPs and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying the issue was not timely. In a separate view, constitutional expert Associate Professor Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain pointed out that judicial appointments were already covered within the Federal Constitution and should not be sensationalised. He said if the Chief Justice post becomes vacant, the President of the Court of Appeal is constitutionally authorised to take over the duties. If that role is also vacant, the Chief Judge of Malaya can assume the responsibilities. "The problem arises when this issue is polemicised by parties with vested interests. Generally, there are three groups voicing out on the appointment of the Chief Justice. The first are those who want Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's term to be extended because they believe her decisions have favoured their interests. "Secondly, there are those who want to take advantage of the situation for political gain and thirdly, perhaps a small group that wishes for the appointment of judges by the Agong, in consultation with the Conference of Rulers, to no longer follow the advice of the Prime Minister, but instead be based on the recommendation of an independent commission," he said.
Sinar Daily
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
'Epstein files' explained: Why Trump is under pressure
WASHINGTON - A perceived lack of transparency over the US investigations into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has carved a rare chasm between President Donald Trump and his typically loyal Republican base. As Trump struggles to quell his supporters' obsessions with the case -- one long surrounded by conspiracy theories -- AFP outlines its history and why it has caused so much outrage. - Origins of the Epstein case - Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy American financier, was first charged with sex offences in 2006 after the parents of a 14-year-old girl told police that he had molested their daughter at his Florida home. He avoided federal charges -- which could have seen him face life in prison -- due to a controversial plea deal with prosecutors that saw him jailed for just under 13 months. In July 2019, he was arrested again in New York and charged with trafficking dozens of teenage girls and engaging in sex acts with them in exchange for money. Prosecutors said he worked with employees and associates to ensure a "steady supply of minor victims to abuse." Epstein pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. On Aug 10, 2019, while in custody awaiting trial, authorities said he was found dead in his prison cell after hanging himself. A separate case against Epstein's girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was jailed in 2022 for helping him abuse girls, detailed Epstein's connections with high-profile figures like Britain's Prince Andrew and former US president Bill Clinton. Both have denied any wrongdoing. - Why are there conspiracy theories? - Some people believe that authorities are concealing details about the Epstein case to protect rich and powerful elites who associated with him, including Trump. Those ideas have gripped Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement -- but demands for more transparency have crossed the political aisle. One key theory centres on a rumored client list of individuals who committed sex offenses alongside Epstein. The Trump administration has insisted that no such list exists. Skeptics also allege suspicious circumstances in Epstein's death such as the security cameras around his cell apparently malfunctioning on the night he died, alongside other irregularities. - Trump and the Epstein case - Trump, who as a New York property magnate rubbed shoulders with Epstein, said when re-running for president that he would "probably" release files related to the case. But since taking office, many of Trump's supporters have been disappointed by what they see as a failure to deliver. The 79-year-old himself was dragged into the conspiracy theories after his former advisor Elon Musk claimed in June -- in a now-deleted X post -- that Trump was "in the Epstein files." The Trump administration's efforts to appease demands for a full disclosure of the so-called Epstein files have largely fallen short. A bundle released in February that promised to shed light on the Epstein case contained little new information. Meanwhile, an almost 11-hour video published this month to dispel theories Epstein was murdered fell flat. The camera angle showed a section of the New York prison on the night Epstein died, but appeared to be missing a minute of footage, fueling more speculation online. And a memo from the Justice Department and FBI last week saying the Epstein files did not contain evidence that would justify further investigation was met by calls for the heads of each agency to resign. US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on July 15, 2025. - (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) - What comes next? - Trump has been towing a delicate line -- saying he supports the release of any "credible" files related to Epstein while dismissing the case as "pretty boring stuff." But even the normally authoritative president seems unable to arrest the disruption, as critics and even key allies call for more transparency. Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, has not followed Trump's line on the issue and has instead urged the Justice Department to make public any documents linked to Epstein. Meanwhile, Democrats have seized on the rift between Trump and his party by demanding his administration publish the full evidence held by prosecutors in their case against Epstein. - Ben Turner / AFP
