Nabil Luqman

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Over the weekend, the National Costume category for the 69th Miss Universe Competition in Hollywood, Florida was held.
If some who follow, we have our fellow Malaysian, 25-year-old Francisca Luhong James who is Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 representing us and she did not disappoint.
<img src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1621232285/unsigned/ph3hndapccitcrbzy8qb.jpg" alt="" width="500" /> Image via <a href="http://missosology.org/miss-universe/62601-francisca-luhong-james-is-miss-universe-malaysia-2020/">Missosology</a>
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Her outfit was called &ldquo;Kampungku&rdquo;, which translates to &ldquo;my village&rdquo;. The fit was inspired by traditional Malay kampong houses which is situated in the villages and rural areas across Peninsular Malaysia.
<img src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1621232263/unsigned/rdy0oseigj5rrvfah5rm.jpg" alt="" width="500" /> Image via <a href="https://twitter.com/inquirerdotnet/status/1393123154977976323">@inquiredotnet (Twitter)</a>
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Francisca is a Dayak native (native of Borneo) with rich mixed roots of the Kayan-Kenyah-Iban lineage. The reason behind why she chose this dress was to have a sense of nostalgia and to set a reminder for everyone of one&rsquo;s humble beginnings.
<img src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1621232237/unsigned/dkez7bfnbros4haokkf8.jpg" alt="" width="500" /> Image via <a href="https://says.com/my/entertainment/miss-universe-m-sia-came-dressed-as-a-whole-kampung-during-her-national-costume-round">Says</a>
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The overall dress and props weighed in at 45KG. The house that you see in the image is completed with coconut trees, replica chickens and a headpiece shaped of a bicycle.
<img src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1621232221/unsigned/u9nbkiatnsz8lk5eg4ok.jpg" alt="" width="500" /> Image via <a href="https://says.com/my/entertainment/miss-universe-m-sia-came-dressed-as-a-whole-kampung-during-her-national-costume-round">Says</a>
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The costume and headpieces took a total of three months to complete. It was designed by homegrown designer Carven Ong.
<img src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1621232193/unsigned/axx9ik9zdnck4kesnaqx.jpg" alt="" width="500" /> Image via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COKOLbSpQ5h/">Miss Universe Malaysia (Instagram)</a>
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When Francisca appeared on stage, the announcer could not help but to be mesmerised by her looks and he could not stop rhyming with &ldquo;she&rsquo;s in search of a crown and dressed like a town&rdquo;.
Francisca also shared a clip of her appearance on Instagram, and it&rsquo;s gained 264,000 views and over 2,900 comments.
<iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO1pbKZBzmj/embed/" width="460" height="771" frameborder="0"></iframe>
 
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Although she did not make it to the Top 21 in the pageant, we Malaysians are still proud of her for rocking the traditional fit and bringing it up to the stage.
<iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO77_31BdT1/embed/" width="460" height="771" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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This should be the spirit of embracing our heritage. She may not of won the pageant, but she&rsquo;s won the hearts of many Malaysians. What do you think of her outfit? Let us know!
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Her outfit amazed the announcer that he quoted “She’s in search of a crown, and dressed like a town”.

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Miss Universe Malaysia Brings "The Kampung" Up To The Big Stage

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Malaysia is reeling from one of the most devastating road tragedies in recent memory following a fatal collision involving a bus carrying university students and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the early hours of Monday, 9 June 2025. The accident occurred near Tasik Banding along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) in Banun, Gerik, Perak, claiming 15 lives and injuring dozens more.
The victims were students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), returning to campus after celebrating the Hari Raya Aidiladha holidays. What was supposed to be a routine journey back to continue their academic pursuits turned into a national tragedy, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an outpouring of grief across the country.
A Deadly Nighttime Journey
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Seramai 15 individu disahkan maut dalam kemalangan ngeri melibatkan sebuah bas yang membawa pelajar Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) di Jalan Jeli-Grik berhampiran Tasik Banding awal pagi tadi. SUMBER: Video tular <a href="https://t.co/zM7EOPReNq">pic.twitter.com/zM7EOPReNq</a>
&mdash; Buletin TV3 (@BuletinTV3) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuletinTV3/status/1931864147719020684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to reports from the Civil Defence Force&rsquo;s Hulu Perak operations control centre (PKOD APM), the emergency call from Hospital Gerik was received at approximately 1.10am, shortly after the accident occurred. The bus, which had been chartered privately by the students, was en route from Jerteh, Terengganu, to the UPSI main campus in Tanjong Malim, Perak. It was carrying 48 passengers, primarily students who had gathered in Jerteh following the festive break.
The collision also involved a Perodua Alza MPV, believed to be travelling in the same direction. Both vehicles were headed west when, for reasons still under investigation, the bus overturned and the Alza skidded off the road into a nearby ditch.
Casualties and Injuries: A Sobering Toll
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c57555c65998b4b861caa8820c190410275ae4a9892593fc2cb48388bec203dd" />
Out of the 48 individuals involved, 13 were pronounced dead at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The severity of the crash has left many others in serious condition. Initial assessments revealed seven people in the red zone (critical condition), 20 in the yellow zone (semi-critical), and 16 in the green zone (minor injuries) at Gerik Hospital.
Two injured female students were among the first to be brought in for emergency care, one reportedly suffering a fractured arm and the other sustaining head injuries. Medical teams acted quickly to stabilise the injured, many of whom were trapped or ejected from the bus during the accident.
Emergency Rescue Efforts Amid Wreckage
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e1967ca76c9fea440d13874a4b526f351055f8e3e15b7f0b0aa88c9f3fc90047" />
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Director Sayani Saidon confirmed that the rescue operations were complex and urgent. Upon arrival, responders found the bus overturned and severely damaged. The operation commander led a technical &ldquo;size-up&rdquo; of the situation before implementing the &lsquo;saver&rsquo; concept&mdash;a strategy that prioritises creating access to victims in confined spaces.
Hydraulic cutting tools were deployed to open the rear section of the bus and allow responders to reach trapped individuals. Six victims were found still inside the wreckage and were carefully extracted before being handed over to Ministry of Health (KKM) medical teams. Others had managed to crawl out or were thrown from the vehicle during the impact. All deceased were later handed over to the police for further action.
Multiple agencies worked together to transport the injured and deceased using Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), KKM ambulances, and units from the Civil Defence Force. The professionalism and urgency of the rescue teams prevented what could have been an even greater loss of life.
Students Had Privately Chartered the Bus
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Professor Dr Norkhalid Salimin, UPSI&rsquo;s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, confirmed that the students had arranged for a private charter bus to return to campus after the holiday period. He noted that they had travelled together from Jerteh, having reunited with their families during the Aidiladha celebrations.
&ldquo;The students had taken the initiative to organise their own transport back to campus. It was meant to be a straightforward return from the festive break,&rdquo; he said.
The university has since mobilised its staff to assist the families of victims, while also coordinating with authorities to obtain accurate information and provide necessary support, including counselling and logistical assistance.
UPSI and the Nation in Mourning
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09c39ee6aa27034defa92203843e245495f98351c8e576c91b9eaf7b22109647" />
Vice-Chancellor of UPSI, Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, expressed the university&rsquo;s grief in a somber Facebook post, writing simply: &ldquo;UPSI is in mourning.&rdquo; No official press release has been issued yet, but it is understood that the university is working closely with families, students, and law enforcement agencies to manage the aftermath.
Students, alumni, and faculty alike have taken to social media to share their condolences and express their heartbreak over the sudden and tragic loss of young lives brimming with potential. The sense of sorrow is especially deep among those who personally knew the victims.
National Leaders Respond with Support and Reflection
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/38643f86be3c5ef59d1da1b73b8ad056037be60c4b4a0ef4dcc2be4d3abf5af5" />
The scale and suddenness of the tragedy prompted immediate responses from national leaders. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his deepest sympathies to the families affected and underscored the importance of prioritising road safety.
&ldquo;I have instructed the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate immediate support for the victims&rsquo; families. These tragic incidents remind us that no journey is worth risking lives. We must always be careful and never rush,&rdquo; he said in a Facebook statement.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir also conveyed his condolences and committed to ensuring that all necessary assistance would be extended. &ldquo;We mourn the loss of young, promising lives. My ministry is working to assist the families in every way possible. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,&rdquo; he said.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and road conditions are expected to be examined thoroughly. The East-West Highway, particularly the stretch near Tasik Banding, is known for its challenging terrain and winding roads&mdash;a factor which has previously contributed to other incidents.
This tragedy adds to a growing concern over road safety in Malaysia, particularly involving long-distance overnight transport. Advocacy groups and the public have renewed calls for stricter safety standards, better enforcement of transport regulations, and improved oversight of privately chartered vehicles used by students and the public.
A Nation Grieves as Lives Are Remembered
The heartbreaking loss of 15 students&mdash;young individuals with hopes, ambitions, and dreams&mdash;has left an indelible mark on the nation. As families grieve and classmates grapple with the sudden void left behind, Malaysia unites in mourning. Candlelight vigils, religious prayers, and commemorations are expected in the coming days.
The tragedy near Tasik Banding will not be forgotten. It serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As investigations unfold and recovery efforts continue, the country holds its breath, hoping that lessons are learned and that such sorrow may never be repeated.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While the Higher Education Ministry coordinates aid for the victims’ families, the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

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Tragedy On The East-West Highway: 15 UPSI Students Killed In Overturned Bus Crash Near Tasik Banding

In a move reminiscent of his controversial first-term policies, US President Donald Trump has signed a new presidential proclamation enforcing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 19 countries. The directive, which comes into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on 9 June 2025, is framed as a national security measure but has already sparked intense backlash from human rights groups, refugee advocates, and foreign governments.
Full Ban on 12 Nations, Partial Restrictions on 7 Others
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/706c0716f0472de656970cd7aaee140468455728f1b4a08591e5f1c408765dd3" />
The proclamation imposes a complete travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, most of which are either Muslim-majority or developing nations. Citizens from these countries will be prohibited from entering the United States unless they qualify for a narrow set of exemptions &mdash; such as dual citizens travelling on another country&rsquo;s passport, certain athletes participating in major sporting events, or select Afghan nationals affiliated with the US government.
The 12 countries facing a full ban are:
<ul>
<li>Afghanistan</li>
<li>Myanmar</li>
<li>Chad</li>
<li>Republic of the Congo</li>
<li>Equatorial Guinea</li>
<li>Eritrea</li>
<li>Haiti</li>
<li>Iran</li>
<li>Libya</li>
<li>Somalia</li>
<li>Sudan</li>
<li>Yemen</li>
</ul>
Meanwhile, seven additional countries &mdash; Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela &mdash; face partial restrictions, affecting select visa categories such as business (B-1), tourism (B-2), student (F and M), and exchange (J) visas.
Justifications Rooted in Security Concerns
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen... That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." &ndash;President Trump <a href="https://t.co/ER7nGM4TO2">pic.twitter.com/ER7nGM4TO2</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1930412786271547485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a video statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Trump defended the ban by pointing to "deficiencies in vetting procedures" in the listed countries, such as weak ID verification systems, lack of criminal background checks, and high visa overstay rates.
&ldquo;We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,&rdquo; he stated. Trump also referenced a recent violent incident in Boulder, Colorado &mdash; where an Egyptian national allegedly attacked a crowd with a petrol bomb &mdash; as a justification for tightening entry requirements. Notably, Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban.
According to the White House, the countries subjected to full restrictions were determined to present a &ldquo;very high risk&rdquo; to US national security. A January 2025 executive order directed the State Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to assess which nations posed &ldquo;hostile attitudes&rdquo; toward the United States.
The resulting report cited several issues including:
<ul>
<li>Inadequate identity verification and document issuance systems</li>
<li>Inability or unwillingness to repatriate nationals with expired visas</li>
<li>High rates of visa overstays</li>
<li>Terrorist activity or lack of cooperation on counterterrorism</li>
</ul>
International Response: Anger, Retaliation, and Dialogue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ee9e3e408e4b2c7f0291b8976a293fe045d8525e4ef73174f314ca41d8bd5360" /> Left: Dahir Hassan Abdi ; Right: Diosdado Cabello
The announcement has triggered swift reactions across the globe. The African Union expressed concern that the ban could severely damage educational exchange programmes, business cooperation, and diplomatic ties.
Chad retaliated almost immediately by suspending the issuance of visas to US citizens, while officials in the Republic of the Congo condemned their inclusion as a &ldquo;misunderstanding&rdquo;. &ldquo;Congo is neither a terrorist state nor known for any terrorist affiliations,&rdquo; said government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla.
Somalia offered a more conciliatory tone. Ambassador Dahir Hassan Abdi affirmed Mogadishu&rsquo;s willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington to address security concerns.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned nationals against travelling to the US, describing it as "a big risk for anybody". He accused the US of persecuting Venezuelans &ldquo;for no reason&rdquo;, reflecting the deepening rift between Caracas and Washington.
Domestic Backlash: Critics Say Ban Targets Minorities 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a6d68c0d7e3a64e9a9807abe9519e9d77c5082cc7ecf8c1e8fe1d6970aae8a85" />
Domestically, the policy has reignited accusations of racism and Islamophobia. Critics have drawn parallels to Trump&rsquo;s 2017 &ldquo;Muslim Ban&rdquo;, which was widely condemned but eventually upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That ban was rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021, who called it &ldquo;a stain on our national conscience&rdquo;.
Advocacy groups such as the International Refugee Assistance Project and Oxfam America argue that the latest ban, much like its predecessor, is more about political posturing than genuine security concerns. &ldquo;This policy is not about national security &mdash; it&rsquo;s about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States,&rdquo; said Abby Maxman, Oxfam&rsquo;s president.
Laurie Ball Cooper, vice president for US legal programmes at the Refugee Assistance Project, said the proclamation fits a broader trend of the Trump administration &ldquo;weaponising immigration laws&rdquo; to target racial and religious minorities.
Afghan and Haitian Communities Hit Especially Hard
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1732a1649aea6cb5dac170da10ac57e9832945e0d94402b18f0070c1b4b31c2e" />
The inclusion of Afghanistan has sparked outrage among resettlement advocates, especially given the country&rsquo;s long-standing ties with the US military. Over 14,000 Afghan refugees were resettled in the US in the year leading up to September 2024. The new ban includes exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), but critics argue that it nonetheless betrays America&rsquo;s commitments.
&ldquo;To include Afghanistan &mdash; a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years &mdash; is a moral disgrace,&rdquo; said Shawn VanDiver, president of the #AfghanEvac coalition.
Haiti, which was not included in Trump&rsquo;s original travel ban, is now listed due to high numbers of illegal entries and visa overstays. The Caribbean nation is currently grappling with spiralling violence, economic instability, and the virtual collapse of state authority &mdash; factors that continue to drive large-scale migration.
What Comes Next?
The proclamation allows for the list of affected countries to be updated or revised based on future assessments. Existing US visas issued before 9 June 2025 will not be revoked. However, travellers from the listed countries with pending applications may now face rejection or delays.
As the United States heads into an election year, immigration is once again set to become a deeply polarising issue. Trump&rsquo;s latest move is expected to rally his base &mdash; but it also risks reigniting legal challenges, diplomatic rifts, and widespread protests reminiscent of 2017.
For now, nationals from 19 countries face a stark new reality: entering the United States has never been more difficult.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While Malaysians are currently exempt, the ban effective 9 June targets several African, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations.

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Trump Reinstates Sweeping US Travel Ban Targeting 19 Countries

PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) will lay off around 10% of its workforce&mdash;impacting more than 5,000 employees&mdash;as part of a major restructuring exercise aimed at navigating prolonged profit declines, shrinking margins, and volatile crude oil markets.
The move, which was first initiated in February 2025, forms part of the state-owned energy giant&rsquo;s broader cost-cutting strategy to &ldquo;rightsize&rdquo; operations and build resilience amid an increasingly challenging environment for fossil fuel producers.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b869fcc4de0af9420ddbcdedeadde270d6d64f32782346f860c22a0709265a37" />
Announcing the decision at a media briefing on Thursday, 5 June, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz confirmed that the workforce reduction will affect staff across all levels, including management. Those impacted will be notified in stages by the end of the year and throughout 2026.
Hiring and Promotions Frozen Until End-2026
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4cd371102ebb1d3063a84893fac666bc57cb0664b999cdf7264db446a64bb08d" />
In addition to the layoffs, PETRONAS will implement a complete freeze on new hires and staff promotions until December 2026. Tengku Muhammad Taufik said this was essential to ensure the company maintains leaner and more agile operations regardless of oil price fluctuations.
"PETRONAS 2.0 will be run and organised differently, with revised work processes,&rdquo; he said, referring to the group&rsquo;s internal transformation initiative. &ldquo;We need to correct the way we work to remain commercially competitive, not just locally but globally.&rdquo;
The restructuring reflects the growing urgency for the company to adapt to tighter margins and smaller resource fields. Tengku Taufik noted that in the past, PETRONAS could enjoy profit-before-tax margins of up to 40% when oil extraction was more straightforward. Today, those margins have declined to between 25% and 38%, with further reductions expected.
Profits Down 32% in 2024 Following Decline in 2023
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b9ad673df07879a61829df143aaaf6326149da01b932d5e723e07122fff1f31f" />
PETRONAS reported a net profit of RM55.1 billion for the financial year ended 31 December 2024&mdash;a 31.7% decrease from RM80.7 billion the previous year. This decline follows a 21% drop in 2023, driven by lower average realised oil and gas prices and the absence of favourable tax adjustments that had supported earlier figures.
The financial strain is further exacerbated by falling global oil prices. The company&rsquo;s internal budget was based on Brent crude prices ranging between USD 75 and USD 80 per barrel, but the benchmark has hovered closer to USD 65 this year&mdash;marking a 13% decline. The drop is attributed to rising OPEC+ output and worsening global trade tensions, both of which have placed downward pressure on demand.
Difficulties Meeting Dividend Targets and Revenue Pressures
Tengku Taufik acknowledged that PETRONAS is under increasing pressure to meet its dividend obligations to the government. In 2024, the company accounted for approximately 10% of Malaysia&rsquo;s national revenue through dividends and taxes. With narrowing margins and declining output from mature fields, he warned that sustaining these contributions under current market conditions will be &ldquo;challenging.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The margins are shrinking, the fields are getting smaller. It will be difficult to meet dividend targets unless the price environment improves,&rdquo; he stated.
No Exit from Canada Despite Speculation
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/1a4e51ae5d8f5214fdb8b3b2a1d873dee838b307806b43a862f5de166b268d69" />
Amid speculation about PETRONAS' international portfolio, Tengku Taufik clarified that the company has no plans to exit its Canadian operations, where it owns what was formerly Progress Energy Resources Corp.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not exiting Canada. It&rsquo;s a resource-rich geography that remains strategically important for our ambitions in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector,&rdquo; he said. While PETRONAS continues to entertain commercial proposals, he emphasised that this is part of the company&rsquo;s regular business review and not indicative of any planned withdrawal.
Ongoing Discussions with Sarawak over State Gas Role
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/26b68530d23871fe6051ca93909733f4be5fee7e9a872e9d0a36556bea81e95f" />
Separately, Tengku Taufik also addressed the evolving relationship between PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), amid recent shifts in the state&rsquo;s gas aggregation policies.
On 21 May 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration affirming that PETRONAS will continue to carry out its functions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and related regulations. This declaration also recognised the Sarawak government&rsquo;s appointment of Petros as the state&rsquo;s official gas aggregator, effective 1 March 2025.
Tengku Taufik noted that PETRONAS remains open to continued negotiations to strengthen cooperation with Sarawak and to ensure energy needs are met across the region.
Restructuring for Long-Term Resilience
While the coming months will bring uncertainty and job losses for many within PETRONAS, the restructuring aims to better position Malaysia&rsquo;s national oil company for the future. Tengku Taufik emphasised that PETRONAS must become more efficient and commercially disciplined if it is to compete in a shifting global energy landscape marked by transition and volatility.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Over 5,000 jobs to be cut; hiring frozen until December 2026.

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PETRONAS To Slash 10% Of Workforce Amid Restructuring And Profit Slump

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suffered a legal setback after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur dismissed his bid to seek constitutional immunity from a civil lawsuit filed by his former research assistant. The lawsuit, which accuses Anwar of sexual assault in 2018, is now set to proceed to trial on 16 June.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a3fd3a51194f59a6788a951b95ac0c2e61f914bec1359d2b9074f28d94f12a73" />
High Court Judge Roz Mawar Rozain ruled on 4 June that Anwar&rsquo;s application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court lacked merit. She said the questions failed to meet the required legal threshold under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, stating they did not involve "genuine constitutional controversy" and were neither necessary nor relevant to the current proceedings.
&ldquo;There is no express constitutional or statutory immunity accorded to a sitting prime minister for private acts committed before assuming office,&rdquo; she said. She also emphasised that constitutional guarantees of equal protection under the law mean equal treatment, not exemption.
The court ordered Anwar to pay RM20,000 in costs to the plaintiff, Muhammad Yusoff Rawther. Anwar&rsquo;s legal team has since indicated plans to appeal the decision and request a stay of the upcoming trial.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/85cb2328f2070ecedb2b7d80d261c41df3c6353698fe33b7f375f8e25d4ffa7f" />
The civil suit was filed in July 2021 by Yusoff, now 32, who alleges that Anwar sexually assaulted him at the latter&rsquo;s residence in Segambut on 2 October 2018&mdash;several years before Anwar took office as Prime Minister in November 2022. Yusoff claims to have suffered lasting physical, psychological, and social trauma due to the incident and is seeking unspecified damages and relief.
Anwar, 77, has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to discredit his leadership. He has also filed a countersuit against Yusoff. The plaintiff had previously lodged a statutory declaration and a police report in 2019, although the Attorney General&rsquo;s Chambers announced in January 2020 that it would not pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
In a statement following the High Court's ruling, Anwar maintained that his application was &ldquo;never about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny,&rdquo; but rather about upholding the constitutional integrity of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s office. He argued that strategic litigation of this nature could disrupt governance and affect executive duties.
&ldquo;This matter 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,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I remain committed to the rule of law and will continue to discharge my responsibilities without distraction or compromise.&rdquo;
Legal Arguments and Constitutional Debate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/97bfcfbdc5914fe396ee6ceb5bca3c2442dbab89e18c2a276433191925f124d9" />
Anwar&rsquo;s legal team had sought to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution. These included whether a sitting prime minister is entitled to immunity from civil litigation, whether such a lawsuit interferes with the discharge of executive functions, and whether ongoing proceedings infringe the constitutional right to equal treatment under the law.
His lawyers cited several constitutional articles&mdash;Articles 5, 8, 39, 40, and 43&mdash;arguing that the nature of executive responsibilities warranted some form of immunity from private legal action. They contended that the lawsuit could impair Anwar&rsquo;s ability to serve effectively and urged that the questions raised novel legal issues deserving Federal Court scrutiny.
However, Judge Roz Mawar found the arguments speculative and irrelevant to the immediate dispute between the two parties. Yusoff&rsquo;s legal team, led by Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, countered that this was a private law matter and not a constitutional crisis.
Speaking after the verdict, Rafique praised the court&rsquo;s ruling: &ldquo;This is an important milestone for Malaysia. It reinforces the fundamental principle that all individuals, regardless of status or position, are equal before the law.&rdquo;
A Political Legacy Marked by Legal Battles
This is far from the first time Anwar Ibrahim has faced serious legal allegations. His political career has long been overshadowed by accusations of sexual misconduct&mdash;charges he has consistently denied and labelled as orchestrated attempts to derail his reformist agenda.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lWvBJwDQXs" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In 1998, during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar was sacked by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and later convicted of corruption and sodomy. He was sentenced to nine years in prison in a trial that drew international scrutiny and widespread condemnation. The Federal Court eventually overturned the sodomy conviction in 2004, resulting in his release.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8fc6527eb4d72813e4fc229f98d44b76d1e8368952e190a21824fa0865264632" />
In 2008, new sodomy charges surfaced, this time brought by a former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Although initially acquitted in 2012, an appeals court reversed the decision in 2014, and Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2018 after receiving a full royal pardon, paving the way for his political comeback.
Anwar and his allies have long asserted that all charges were politically motivated, aimed at neutralising him as a threat to the ruling establishment. He has publicly forgiven his accusers but often speaks of the deep personal and political scars caused by the trials.
Impact on Anwar&rsquo;s Leadership and Reform Agenda
The latest legal development could have significant political repercussions for Anwar, particularly as his unity government continues to navigate a fragile coalition and a public impatient for tangible reforms.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fd600ce7f50a6a7ec9b8a04c8fc34a2958426145f3a29dc5408f183f41f9545f" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4341/rafizi-ramli-resigns-as-economy-minister-following-pkr-defeat-nik-nazmi-follows-suit">Rafizi Ramli Resigns As Economy Minister Following PKR Defeat; Nik Nazmi Follows Suit</a>
Already, the Prime Minister is under pressure following the recent resignations of two key cabinet members, which came on the heels of internal party elections in which his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, secured the deputy presidency of PKR. Her elevation has raised eyebrows and stoked allegations of nepotism, particularly troubling for a leader whose platform was built on a promise of Reformasi, or democratic reform.
Commentators have noted that Anwar&rsquo;s ongoing legal troubles risk eroding his credibility, especially among the conservative Malay-Muslim electorate. &ldquo;This latest case could be highly damaging politically for Anwar among the Malay-Muslim community,&rdquo; said James Chin, a political analyst at the University of Tasmania.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad&mdash;Anwar&rsquo;s long-time rival and one-time mentor&mdash;seized on the court&rsquo;s decision to renew his criticisms. &ldquo;No one should be above the law. Not even the Prime Minister,&rdquo; he said in a statement. Mahathir&rsquo;s re-emergence has added another layer of political intrigue ahead of the trial.
Yusoff&rsquo;s Own Legal Troubles
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9bd3b74970346b970e43b0752f410ea32a04fb5f536ca31a0aaf5ac2151c5d35" />
The complainant, Yusoff Rawther, is also currently facing serious legal charges unrelated to this civil suit. He has been in police custody since September 2024, and is on trial for alleged drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and caning. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he was framed by those in power.
Despite his legal challenges, the court has decided that Yusoff&rsquo;s credibility and circumstances are issues to be evaluated during trial&mdash;not grounds to delay or dismiss the proceedings.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment in Malaysian Politics
The civil trial, set to begin on 16 June, is poised to become a highly scrutinised legal and political event in Malaysia&rsquo;s recent history. It will not only test Anwar&rsquo;s personal integrity but also the robustness of the country&rsquo;s judicial independence and constitutional checks on executive power.
Whether the proceedings will derail Anwar&rsquo;s leadership or simply serve as another chapter in his long, turbulent political journey remains to be seen. For now, the Prime Minister faces one of the most critical tests of his tenure, with the eyes of the nation&mdash;and much of the international community&mdash;closely watching.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Courts rule no special privilege for Prime Ministers. 

60702a13878b6f35cab3bcf398aa67ebe3f8b38c308bd67c640feb5de266a60d

Anwar Ibrahim’s Immunity Bid Rejected: High-Stakes Civil Trial To Proceed

Driving in an unfamiliar country is rarely a stress-free experience &ndash; and according to a new global survey, Malaysia has emerged as one of the scariest places in the world to get behind the wheel, particularly for tourists.
The study, conducted by a <a href="https://www.scrapcarcomparison.co.uk/blog/nerve-racking-nations/">UK-based car rental platform</a>, polled over 2,000 motorists worldwide, asking how nervous they&rsquo;d feel driving in different countries. Participants rated their anxiety on a scale from 1 (not nervous at all) to 10 (extremely nervous).
Malaysia scored a concerning 6.70 out of 10, placing it 10th globally and second in Southeast Asia, behind only Thailand (which ranked 5th overall with a score of 6.86). India took the top global spot with a scare score of 7.15.
Malaysia: Tricky Roads, Tough Habits
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2a5ec910cd43e357ba60b9c94554d5156e4bba3fe49fafcfb6e56fd1874dd6f" />
While seasoned Malaysian drivers might scoff at the results&mdash;after all, dodging potholes while weaving through motorbike traffic is second nature&mdash;foreigners see it quite differently. The blend of high-speed overtaking, motorcyclists with a death wish, and the occasional free-for-all at junctions has left many tourists clutching the steering wheel in terror.
Let&rsquo;s not forget the local quirks. In states like Penang, for instance, even Malaysians will admit the driving etiquette (or lack thereof) deserves its own chapter in a survival manual. From triple-parking to creative roundabout interpretations, Penang&rsquo;s roads are practically an obstacle course&mdash;albeit with good food at every wrong turn.
Why Are Tourists So Anxious Behind the Wheel?
&nbsp;<img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbWw3NGtreTR0d2thMzc1YzB4czE1eHgydG55aHRzbjBhbDhsbmwwMCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/qQJ1xyQXVuVfW/giphy.gif" />&nbsp;
According to the survey, several key concerns fuel the fear of driving abroad. These include:
<ul>
<li>Driving on the opposite side of the road (56.2%) &ndash; A major source of disorientation for tourists used to different systems.</li>
<li>Dangerous driving by other motorists (55.9%) &ndash; Speeding, aggressive lane-changing, and unclear signalling top the list.</li>
<li>Fear of breaking local traffic laws (52.7%) &ndash; Many worry about committing infractions without even realising it.</li>
<li>Unfamiliar road layouts (48.1%) &ndash; Confusing junctions and inconsistent signage don&rsquo;t help.</li>
<li>Not understanding road signs (43.1%) &ndash; Especially when they&rsquo;re in unfamiliar languages or symbols.</li>
</ul>
Other anxieties include fears of getting lost, being unable to communicate during a traffic stop or accident, and unexpected road hazards.
Other Countries in the Rankings
The top 10 countries deemed the scariest for driving include:
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/278cccba3499c233878d65e2833a750334a30528bc44dff2d2eba532931b8c7a" />
Singapore ranked 17th on the list, suggesting that its strict enforcement and orderly roads inspire more confidence, although its sky-high fines might still keep tourists on edge.
Driving in Malaysia: An Adventure, Not a Holiday?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/845245594d3ee65aad7a2eddcfd19dcfa99e27a1279b516b1a8e8f78fb8d8146" />
While Malaysia boasts a well-connected road network and stunning scenic drives&mdash;from the hills of Cameron Highlands to the coastal stretches of Terengganu&mdash;the on-road experience can be a little overwhelming for the uninitiated. Combine right-hand traffic with the creative parking habits, fast-paced expressways, and the occasional cow crossing in rural areas, and it&rsquo;s no wonder tourists are reaching for public transport or ride-hailing apps.
That said, the fear factor isn&rsquo;t all doom and gloom. Understanding the common concerns can help tourism operators, car rental companies, and local authorities better support international drivers through clearer signage, better road education, and perhaps even multilingual driving guides.
Conclusion: A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
For Malaysians, this survey might come as no surprise, especially for those who&rsquo;ve braved Penang&rsquo;s streets on a long weekend or tried merging lanes in downtown KL during rush hour. But for visitors, it&rsquo;s a helpful reminder that road conditions and driving norms vary wildly across the globe.
So, if you're a tourist feeling nervous about renting a car in Malaysia, don&rsquo;t worry. Just be prepared, stay alert, maybe skip the self-drive tour of George Town, and remember: in Malaysia, horns are a language of their own.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Driving isn’t that scary in Malaysia… until it rains and the floods start.

Miss Universe Malaysia Brings "The Kampung" Up To The Big Stage

Her outfit amazed the announcer that he quoted “She’s in search of a crown, and dressed like a town”.

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