Nabil Luqman

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Social

Selangor

Sarawak

debate

record breaking

costing

Flag Pole

landmark

Monumental flagpoles have long served as symbols of pride, identity and unity. In recent years, several Malaysian states have built towering flagpoles as landmarks that celebrate patriotism while also showcasing engineering capability.
However, two of the country&rsquo;s most prominent flagpole projects have recently sparked widespread discussion online. The debate centres on the new 120-metre Selangor flagpole in Shah Alam, which cost RM8.5 million, and Sarawak&rsquo;s 99.4-metre Tiang Ibu Pertiwi in Kuching, which reportedly cost around RM30 million.
The stark difference in price between the two structures has prompted questions from politicians and members of the public alike, with many attempting to understand why the shorter Sarawak flagpole carries a significantly higher price tag.
A Price Gap That Sparked Questions
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/edeac739b231aad88acec57e888dad7087a89daf6ad9355bd238c523e0274c18" />
The discussion gained traction after social media users began comparing the two projects. The Selangor flagpole, which now holds the Malaysia Book of Records title as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia, stands more than 20 metres taller than the Sarawak structure &mdash; yet costs less than a third of its price.
Sarawak&rsquo;s Tiang Ibu Pertiwi, standing at 99.4 metres, previously held the regional record before Selangor surpassed it. Despite being shorter, the project was reportedly completed at a cost of around RM30 million, drawing attention from observers who questioned the discrepancy.
Stampin MP&rsquo;s special assistant Michael Kong publicly raised the issue, noting that engineering estimates previously placed the cost of constructing a 99-metre flagpole at roughly RM5.59 million to RM6.45 million. The difference between that estimate and the reported RM30 million price, he said, warranted greater transparency.
He called for clearer disclosure regarding the project&rsquo;s cost breakdown, funding arrangements, and the identity of the company responsible for financing the construction, emphasising that public infrastructure projects should be subject to scrutiny even if privately funded.
Selangor&rsquo;s 120-Metre Landmark
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4f75f7e6b0170afbced675eafb1c6609bdd5255a5a653711d5eb69c96369e2ae" />
Selangor&rsquo;s record-breaking flagpole was officially inaugurated on 8 March 2026 at Dataran Selangor (Selangor Square) in Kelab Shah Alam Selangor (KSAS), Section 13, Shah Alam.
Standing at 120 metres, the steel structure is now recognised as Southeast Asia&rsquo;s tallest flagpole, a title certified by the Malaysia Book of Records. The project cost RM8.5 million, funded through an allocation approved by the Selangor state government.
The construction was inspired by a decree from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who envisioned the flagpole as a landmark symbolising the pride and unity of the state&rsquo;s people. According to the Selangor Royal Office, the structure also represents sovereignty, patriotism and loyalty to the royal institution.
The inauguration ceremony was personally attended by Sultan Sharafuddin, along with Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The date chosen for the ceremony held special significance. Sultan Sharafuddin selected 8 March to honour the birthday of his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the ruler credited with developing Shah Alam and declaring it Selangor&rsquo;s state capital in 1978.
At the top of the structure flies a massive Selangor state flag measuring 15 metres by 30 metres, roughly the size of a tennis court and weighing around 50 kilograms. The flag is made from knitted polymesh, an industrial-grade material designed to withstand strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
In addition to its symbolic role, the Sultan also decreed that the Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia&rsquo;s national flag, must be flown on the pole for 10 days each year during the Merdeka celebrations &mdash; five days before and five days after 31 August &mdash; as a sign of national unity.
Sarawak&rsquo;s Tiang Ibu Pertiwi
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/874d3a3732e1c2cce0cfe8488712d639629fe64b07a48b91d48ce76dae0710b3" />
Before Selangor claimed the record, the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia stood in Dataran Ibu Pertiwi in Kuching, Sarawak.
The Tiang Ibu Pertiwi, measuring 99.4 metres, was engineered by KKB Engineering Berhad and commissioned by the Sarawak state government. The project also includes a broader public square development featuring landscaping and amenities such as an English Tea House, designed to enhance the visitor experience and highlight Sarawak&rsquo;s cultural heritage and development.
According to reports, the project&rsquo;s estimated RM30 million cost was funded by major energy companies including Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Shell, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) rather than directly from the state government.
Supporters of the project have pointed out that the cost likely includes the development of surrounding infrastructure, landscaping, and engineering work required to stabilise the area, particularly since the structure sits near a riverbank and elevated terrain.
Netizens Weigh In
As comparisons between the two flagpoles spread online, netizens quickly joined the discussion. Some questioned why the shorter Sarawak flagpole appeared significantly more expensive than Selangor&rsquo;s newer structure.
Others offered possible explanations, noting that the Sarawak project involved additional site development, landscaping and structural work that may not be reflected in the simple height comparison.
Several users also highlighted that the Sarawak flagpole sits on elevated terrain and near a riverbank, which could require extensive piling and ground reinforcement to ensure structural stability. Others pointed out that the project was funded by private companies, meaning it did not directly involve state government funds.
Still, the conversation has highlighted growing public interest in transparency and accountability in large infrastructure projects, especially when costs vary significantly between similar developments.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b44889e9bc95ec9991161ba048673865319385ac44ecc1e0520e13b0c040773c" />
More Than Just Height
While the debate continues online, both flagpoles represent major landmarks for their respective states. Beyond their height, they serve as symbols of identity, pride and unity &mdash; towering reminders of the role national and state symbols continue to play in Malaysia&rsquo;s cultural landscape.
Whether viewed as engineering achievements, patriotic monuments or simply record-breaking structures, these towering flagpoles have certainly succeeded in capturing the public&rsquo;s attention.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The record-breaking Selangor landmark has stirred online discussion over funding and transparency.

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Netizens Question RM30 Million Sarawak Flagpole As Selangor Builds Cheaper & Taller RM8.5 Million Landmark

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AXE MLBB

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

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Coke Fifa

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UMMY Sienna Spiro

Malaysians looking to experience Formula 1 from behind the scenes can now apply to volunteer at the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 2 to 4 October 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) together with the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), the initiative is offering 500 volunteer positions for the F1 event.
Applications opened on 2 September 2026, giving local youths and motorsports enthusiasts the chance to gain hands-on experience at one of the biggest international sporting events to be held in Malaysia this year.
What Will F1 Volunteers Be Doing?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8dd106c4dc0db2ccf4698eab413633cadff066466824040ab1b9ae593f5a370d" />
Selected volunteers will work under JBSN through the Rakan Muda Volunteer Programme and will be assigned to several areas around the circuit.
Their responsibilities will cover four main areas: customer service, ticketing and admissions, guest relations and ushering, and area or circuit management. Volunteers will be involved in assisting spectators, managing entrances, interacting with local and international visitors and supporting the overall operation of the event.
For young Malaysians interested in motorsports, event management, hospitality, customer service or sports, the programme offers an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to a major international event.
KBS said the initiative is also intended to develop skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and volunteerism, while giving participants an insight into how a large-scale sporting event is managed.
Who Can Apply For The F1 Volunteer Programme?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f5bb35b641863d94ea5bdd25c2f27cb42d8713fd3bd8dbb0be9c0cd186dd51d2" />
The opportunity is open to Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above.
Applicants must be physically fit and in good health, while also demonstrating discipline, integrity, teamwork and good communication skills. Knowledge of foreign languages is considered an added advantage, particularly given the international nature of the event.
KBS has encouraged Malaysians, especially young people and students who may not normally have the opportunity to visit Sepang International Circuit, to take advantage of the programme.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari described the initiative as a chance for Malaysians to experience the F1 event as more than spectators by becoming part of the team helping to deliver it.
Only 500 F1 Volunteer Slots Are Available
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2527182d637c3353c3ca68141b556396d7ca1592fbede87cad198c18d77e3a69" />
While applications are open to Malaysians nationwide, there is a limit to the number of people who will be selected for the F1 event.
The first 500 successful applicants will be assigned to the F1 Grand Prix. Another 500 volunteer positions are also being made available for the MotoGP event taking place at Sepang later in October.
According to the ministry, registration will close once 1,000 applications have been received or on 9 September 2026, whichever comes first.
This means those interested in joining the F1 volunteer team may want to submit their applications early, as the available places could fill before the official closing date.
Applications Faced Technical Issues
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4320bad5b4c1dab8ac603f7ad54c3c4574226124898b0c5d6a0a4064e18051de" />
The high level of interest also caused some problems with the online registration system.
JBSN said the MyProfil application platform experienced technical difficulties after receiving an unusually high volume of traffic shortly after applications opened on 2 September.
The department said immediate technical action was taken to restore the system and advised applicants experiencing problems to try accessing the platform again from time to time.
JBSN also apologised for the inconvenience and thanked Malaysians for their strong interest in the volunteer programme.
Accommodation And Transport Are Not Provided
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7769f23b97690e577dd8be74953b18b21f40ab6f78df1ec2c6ed852c33ab2850" />
Potential applicants should also take note of an important consideration before signing up.
Accommodation and transport will not be provided as part of the volunteer programme. Selected volunteers will therefore need to arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses for the duration of the F1 event.
Those travelling from outside the Klang Valley may need to factor these additional costs into their plans before applying.
How To Apply As An F1 Volunteer
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20b44be717c517d02e1cf30d1ecd6c186dd7296dc910f51d3e7494b66032362a" />
Interested Malaysians can submit their applications online through the <a href="https://myprofil.iyres.gov.my/projects/547">MyProfil System</a>, which is managed by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) under KBS.
Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be contacted by phone or email with further information, including briefing and event arrangements.
For enquiries regarding the volunteer programme, applicants can contact JBSN at 03-8871 3324 or email <a href="mailto:jbsn@kbs.gov.my">jbsn@kbs.gov.my</a>.
A Chance To Experience F1 Beyond The Grandstands
With more than 110,000 spectators expected to attend the 2026 event, the Sepang F1 Grand Prix is set to be a major gathering for motorsports fans.
The volunteer programme offers Malaysians a different way to experience it by working alongside event organisers and helping manage the thousands of visitors expected at the circuit.
For those interested in motorsports or simply looking to build real-world experience in event operations, the opportunity could be a chance to see what goes into running an international F1 event &mdash; not from the grandstands, but from the ground itself.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Dreaming of an F1 weekend beyond the grandstands? 500 volunteer spots are now up for grabs at Sepang this October.

6616e6e1d53f1020e667ee8bb6b5fb755bea4b95fe0c9950e869dbebfeceafc5

Malaysians Can Now Apply To Volunteer At 2026 F1 Grand Prix In Sepang, With 500 Slots Available

Pok&eacute;mon fans across Southeast Asia have something major to look forward to, as the Pok&eacute;mon World Championships will be held in Singapore for the first time in 2027. The prestigious global competition will take place from 13 to 15 August 2027 at Singapore EXPO, with the final day, known as Championship Sunday, set to move to the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pok&eacute;mon World Championships in San Francisco on 30 August, marking a significant milestone for Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian Pok&eacute;mon community. It will also be the competition&rsquo;s first return to Asia since Yokohama, Japan hosted the event in 2023.
Singapore To Host The World&rsquo;s Top Pok&eacute;mon Players
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b2f691bdb5044ee41fd0ed2656a22bfda45c2b146cff69d77dd66588b4d9c994" />
The Pok&eacute;mon World Championships is considered the biggest event on the competitive Pok&eacute;mon calendar, bringing together the best qualified players from around the world to compete for the title of World Champion, alongside prizes and other rewards.
The 2027 competition will feature the Pok&eacute;mon Trading Card Game (TCG), Pok&eacute;mon Video Game Championships (VGC) and Pok&eacute;mon GO, giving different communities of competitive players a chance to battle on the world stage.
Singapore EXPO will host the main three-day event, while Championship Sunday will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for the tournament&rsquo;s final battles. More details about the exact schedule and activities are expected to be announced at a later date.
A Major First For Southeast Asia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c9ba86fdbc5136ccac7bec78923d52fd1453018d4c990e18a7b9c81c461a4742" />
Singapore will become the first Southeast Asian country to host the Pok&eacute;mon World Championships, making the 2027 edition particularly significant for fans in the region.
The event has previously been held outside the United States in Vancouver, London and Yokohama, making Singapore only the fourth international host. The upcoming tournament will also mark the championship&rsquo;s return to Asia after its 2023 edition in Japan.
The choice of Singapore is also expected to strengthen the city-state&rsquo;s position as a major destination for large-scale entertainment, gaming and fan events. Singapore EXPO said the venue had been in discussions with organisers for more than a year before being selected as the host venue.
Pok&eacute;monXP Will Also Give Fans More To Experience
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/297617811249cc9c7eaa522515edcd746dd7615d0feefea86ce964ff9fb0e92d" />
The competitive tournament will not be the only attraction surrounding Worlds.
The Pok&eacute;monXP fan experience, which debuted alongside the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco, is also part of Pok&eacute;mon&rsquo;s expanded event format. The inaugural edition included activities designed for fans beyond the competitive matches, giving Trainers opportunities to explore the franchise through experiences, community activities and other attractions.
However, specific activities and programming for Pok&eacute;monXP in Singapore have not yet been announced. Fans will need to wait for further details from The Pok&eacute;mon Company as the event approaches.
Pok&eacute;mon UNITE No Longer Part Of Worlds
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a13e28454ba2f15ed3ae5826cabda4f202ae7dfb28499a9a6cfd5442d9f769f1" />
There will also be a change to the competitive line-up in 2027.
While <a href="https://unite.pokemon.com/en-us/">Pok&eacute;mon UNITE</a> was included in the 2026 World Championships, the game will no longer be part of the main Worlds competition. Instead, Pok&eacute;mon UNITE will move towards a separate standalone tournament format, with further details to be announced.
This leaves Pok&eacute;mon TCG, VGC and Pok&eacute;mon GO as the confirmed competitive games for the 2027 World Championships.
More Pok&eacute;mon Announcements Are Coming
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H6_jMQ6whtQ" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Singapore announcement was part of a larger series of Pok&eacute;mon updates revealed during the 2026 World Championships weekend.
Among them was Pok&eacute;mon: Wild Card, a new feature-length animated film and the first Pok&eacute;mon movie release in several years. The film follows an aspiring Pok&eacute;mon Trading Card Game player and their partner, Mimikyu, and is being produced in collaboration with Japanese animation studio CloverWorks. The movie is set to begin releasing in 2027.
Pok&eacute;mon also announced that Z Mega Evolutions will debut in Pok&eacute;mon Champions from 9 September 2026, including Mega Lucario Z, Mega Garchomp Z and Mega Absol Z.
Ticketing Details Have Yet To Be Announced
For fans already planning a trip to Singapore, there is still some waiting to do.
Ticketing information, registration details and the full event programme for the 2027 Pok&eacute;mon World Championships have not yet been released. Historically, access to the main championships can be highly competitive, so fans hoping to attend will need to keep an eye out for official announcements.
For now, the biggest detail is confirmed: Pok&eacute;mon Worlds is coming to Singapore from 13 to 15 August 2027.
With the world&rsquo;s top Pok&eacute;mon players heading to the city, alongside fans, community events and more Pok&eacute;mon announcements expected ahead of the event, 2027 could be a huge year for Pok&eacute;mon fans across Southeast Asia.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Singapore is about to become a Pokémon hotspot. The World Championships are heading there for the first time in 2027!

d2bdb7653b9336e830f7b92060c95c51c8baf2eeadd9a5759af3c12a0ad3b899

Pokémon World Championships Coming To Singapore For The First Time In 2027

Malaysia&rsquo;s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) will summon a Malaysian individual who allegedly took part in the Miss Equality World 2026 transgender beauty pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, after videos of the participant circulated widely on social media.
JAKIM said it would work together with state Islamic religious authorities and other relevant agencies to call in the individual and examine whether any action can be taken under existing laws and regulations. The announcement follows a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, who criticised the participation and said it was not supported or recognised by the Malaysian Government or religious authorities.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdrzulkiflihasan%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0V5wAG17wfu4AS6V7wm9sumBfJK4V8oBpXsByWUXpNTnezXUrSgJzRE1UU3c1xyD5l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="756" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Miss Equality World 2026 Held In Bangkok
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4a6f670cf2ee12b8f0d6149df5bb86c811c52bb954f51791ca1f9ee2bdaffd80" />
The Miss Equality World 2026 pageant was held in Bangkok from 22 to 30 August 2026. A video showing an individual said to be representing Malaysia at the event went viral online, drawing mixed reactions and criticism from some members of the public.
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Reports said the participant was not an official representative of the Malaysian Government. Zulkifli stressed that neither the government nor Malaysia&rsquo;s religious authorities had provided approval, recognition or support for the organisation of or participation in such events.
The controversy intensified after footage showing the participant receiving a Best National Costume award at the pageant was shared online.
JAKIM Says Participation Raises Public Concern
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2cce95bbf7cab238fee40b69a504797050e25ca3c20a640f6f166543f9c69754" />
JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee described the reported participation as regrettable and said it had caused concern among members of the public.
He said JAKIM would cooperate with state Islamic religious authorities and relevant agencies to summon the individual, with any potential action to be considered based on laws and regulations currently in force.
Sirajuddin also said JAKIM and the state authorities would not compromise with efforts that, in their view, sought to normalise conduct contrary to the religious values outlined in their statement.
Religious Affairs Minister Cites Syariah Law
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/03420c951f25a27b46a793c33f0ef4760e4cdd50a6ded7dc48e75c139b8326e3" />
Zulkifli separately said participation in such events was contrary to Islamic teachings and Malaysia&rsquo;s local cultural values.
He specifically referred to tasyabbuh, an Islamic legal concept concerning imitation of the opposite sex, and said that such conduct, together with what he described as the promotion of a transgender lifestyle, is prohibited under Islamic law and state Syariah laws.
The minister also urged Malaysians not to sensationalise or glorify activities that religious authorities regard as contrary to Syariah principles, instead calling for greater attention to the religious and moral values of the Muslim community.
Potential Legal Action Will Depend On Existing Laws
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1f2de26cefd366a937e2d6eaa78339bf8bc16ddc5cb6bfddac9803b667a0e55a" />
While the authorities have indicated that legal options will be examined, JAKIM has not announced any specific charge against the participant.
Syariah criminal laws are administered at state level and apply to Muslims within the relevant jurisdiction. Provisions concerning cross-dressing and related conduct vary between states and can contain specific conditions.
For example, Selangor&rsquo;s Syariah Criminal Enactment includes a provision covering men wearing women&rsquo;s clothing or behaving like women in public for an immoral purpose, with penalties of up to RM1,000, six months&rsquo; imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
This means any action against the individual would depend on the applicable state law, the person&rsquo;s circumstances and the findings of the relevant authorities.
Public Reactions Continue Online
The issue has generated significant discussion on social media since the pageant footage began circulating, with Malaysians expressing differing views about the participant&rsquo;s involvement.
Zulkifli said the government&rsquo;s position was that the individual&rsquo;s participation could tarnish Malaysia&rsquo;s international image and was inconsistent with Islamic teachings and local cultural norms. At the same time, authorities reiterated that the participant did not represent the Malaysian Government.
JAKIM To Determine Next Steps
For now, JAKIM&rsquo;s next step is to summon the individual and work with the relevant state religious authorities and agencies before deciding whether further action is warranted.
The case also highlights the distinction between an individual participating in an overseas event and formally representing the Malaysian Government. While the participant was linked to Malaysia through the pageant, officials have made clear that the government did not endorse or recognise the participation.
Further developments are expected once the individual has been contacted and authorities determine whether any existing Syariah provisions or other laws apply.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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JAKIM is set to summon the Malaysian participant as authorities review possible legal action.

417c0ade99aa80cf8d63faf0c1cb1a6fbf71e29a77a74b181079164562935f20

JAKIM To Summon Malaysian Who Took Part In Miss Equality World 2026 In Thailand

John Ternus has officially taken over as Apple&rsquo;s new chief executive officer, replacing Tim Cook after 15 years at the helm of the technology giant. The leadership transition took effect on 1 September 2026, with Cook moving into the role of executive chairman while Ternus assumes responsibility for running Apple.
Who Is John Ternus?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/07c7b0540d82934540226ebaf91efe50788a02aadd830a72ad949742f2e8ebf0" />
Ternus is far from a newcomer at Apple. He joined the company in 2001 as part of its Product Design team and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. In 2021, he was promoted to senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, joining Apple&rsquo;s executive team.
Over more than two decades at the company, Ternus has been involved in the development of major Apple products, overseeing hardware engineering across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro. He also played an important role in Apple&rsquo;s transition from Intel processors to its own Apple silicon chips.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
From Hardware Chief To Apple CEO
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5b8b3c0fa4e716fe76b9a99059f3cb13f0fe7dbebe6ec01b82d9aa651d48870f" />
Ternus&rsquo; appointment represents a major change in leadership style for Apple. While Cook became known for his expertise in operations, supply chains and growing Apple&rsquo;s global business, Ternus comes from a product and engineering background.
Apple has credited him with driving improvements in product reliability and durability, while also overseeing innovations in materials and hardware design. His work has included the development of recycled aluminium compounds, 3D-printed titanium for Apple Watch Ultra and improvements aimed at making some products more repairable.
His promotion could therefore signal a stronger emphasis on hardware innovation and product development as Apple enters a new era.
Apple&rsquo;s AI Race Will Be A Major Test
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/37dda1d855155e7b7d741e82869a9bb9137bf29b1f91df469419054c3823b295" />
Ternus is taking over at a particularly important moment for Apple as the company faces increasing pressure to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence (AI).
Apple has been working to expand Apple Intelligence across its devices while continuing to improve Siri. How Ternus balances Apple&rsquo;s traditional focus on tightly integrated hardware with the growing importance of AI will be one of the defining challenges of his tenure.
His engineering background could give him an advantage when connecting AI capabilities to Apple&rsquo;s devices, although becoming CEO will require him to take on responsibilities far beyond product development.
Tim Cook Moves Into Executive Chairman Role
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c577a8c35d05c56dd886f710413cbbf829cee1d7ce32a36e358ca232ebd41da6" />
Cook&rsquo;s departure from the CEO position does not mean he is leaving Apple.
After leading the company since succeeding Steve Jobs in 2011, Cook has now become executive chairman of Apple&rsquo;s board. He is expected to remain involved in areas such as engaging with policymakers around the world.
The arrangement also gives Ternus access to Cook&rsquo;s extensive experience, particularly in global operations, supply chains and international relations.
Apple&rsquo;s manufacturing network remains deeply connected to China, while the company has gradually expanded production in other markets. Managing those relationships alongside changing US trade policies will be another challenge for Ternus.
Ternus&rsquo; First Major Test Comes On 9 September
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8a8126dcb6edaf1b79bfda1696c857e25e6731b1b254f5432b38cadeb090051a" />
Ternus will barely have time to settle into his new role before facing his first major public test. Apple is scheduled to hold its next major product launch event on 9 September 2026 in the US, with Malaysians able to watch it at 1am on 10 September due to the time difference.
The event is expected to feature Apple&rsquo;s latest products and will mark Ternus&rsquo; first major product showcase as CEO, putting the spotlight on both the new devices and the company&rsquo;s new leadership.
Ternus Makes His Social Media Debut
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
hello
&mdash; John Ternus (@johnternus) <a href="https://x.com/johnternus/status/2094814214787633367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ternus has also wasted little time making his presence known outside Apple Park.
After officially taking over as CEO, he launched an account on X, where his first post was simply the word &ldquo;hello&rdquo;. He joins Cook and Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak among the company&rsquo;s senior executives with a public presence on the platform.
Ternus was more detailed in his first communication with Apple employees, reportedly thanking Cook for helping with the leadership transition and expressing excitement about the company&rsquo;s upcoming products.
A New Chapter For Apple
With Ternus now in charge, Apple has entered a new chapter after 15 years under Cook.
His experience gives him deep knowledge of Apple&rsquo;s products and engineering culture, but his new position will require him to navigate AI development, geopolitics, supply chains and the expectations of customers and investors around the world.
His first major test will arrive on 9 September in the US, or 10 September for viewers in Malaysia, when Apple unveils its latest products under its new CEO.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A new era of Apple is officially underway. John Ternus is now at the helm.

4895035e956ca9aa4c48c40eff6208f88c7d732a5794e67fb1a96987a10bc851

John Ternus Officially Takes Over As Apple CEO, Succeeding Tim Cook

Minister in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and her husband, Ramachandran Muniandy, have divorced after 18 years of marriage, according to information published on Yeoh&rsquo;s official website. The development was also confirmed by her press secretary, Ahmad Fazli Mohd Yadi, who asked the public to give Yeoh space and said no further details would be provided for now.
The couple married in January 2008, shortly before Yeoh began her political career, and have two daughters, Shay and Kayleigh, born in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Who Is Hannah Yeoh?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d0ab2e4821b274a44ea7d45ed17332830442e8ba226acdacae024f596f5500f8" />
Hannah Yeoh is a prominent Malaysian politician and lawyer who has represented Segambut in Parliament since 2018.
Her political career began in the 2008 general election when she won the Subang Jaya state seat. She served as the assemblywoman for two terms until 2018, and in 2013 made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.
Yeoh later moved into federal politics, serving as Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister from 2018 to 2020. She returned to the Cabinet in 2022 as Youth and Sports Minister, a position she held until 2025.
In December 2025, she was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department overseeing Federal Territories.
Hannah Yeoh And Ramachandran Married In 2008
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e1a089a4a386cb60d32eb3c25bfbc98385360e8eef925c721537b9ff7aa900c8" />
Yeoh and Ramachandran married in 2008, shortly before she first contested for public office. The pair reportedly met at church and later became involved with DAP.
During their 18 years of marriage, they raised two daughters together. Yeoh&rsquo;s official biography states that Shay was born in 2011, while Kayleigh was born in 2013.
Ramachandran has established a career in the technology and transport sector. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Asia Mobiliti Technologies Sdn Bhd, a company involved in digital transport and mobility solutions.
Yeoh&rsquo;s official website now states that the couple divorced in 2026, although it does not provide an exact date or explain the circumstances behind the separation.
No Reason Given For The Divorce
Neither Yeoh nor her official website has disclosed the reason for the divorce.
Her press secretary later confirmed the matter to media outlets in a brief response, while requesting that Yeoh be given privacy following the development.
As a result, details surrounding the couple&rsquo;s separation remain private, with no indication that Yeoh or Ramachandran plans to publicly discuss the reasons behind their divorce.
Their Two Daughters
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9a04d8744c5c236c27ce04774029e23661b75e8cd044dc7c2b9a47d60f28f39a" /> Image via <a href="https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/dancesteps-studio-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary-with-a-record-breaking-performance">Tatler Asia</a>
The couple&rsquo;s two daughters, Shay and Kayleigh, are now teenagers.
While the marriage has ended, Yeoh and Ramachandran remain parents to their children. The family details published on Yeoh&rsquo;s website continue to list both daughters as part of her immediate family.
Yeoh&rsquo;s representatives have not provided further details about the family&rsquo;s personal arrangements following the divorce.
Yeoh Remains A Senior DAP Leader
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bedd504deecd2644aed288fe36e8cc98efa98f392481545a52b72a93e4757ee3" />
The divorce comes as Yeoh continues to hold several prominent political positions.
She remains the Segambut MP and currently serves as DAP deputy secretary-general and vice-chair, while also sitting on the DAP Wanita committee. Her political career has now spanned nearly two decades, taking her from the Selangor state assembly to Parliament and several federal ministerial roles.
Her appointment to the Federal Territories portfolio in late 2025 further strengthened her position within the federal administration.
Ramachandran&rsquo;s Company Previously Faced Scrutiny
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/97c9430da119961b63a60eb531d3d656ac3bba050d8749a9d95d4941fffc7fae" />
Ramachandran&rsquo;s business career also attracted public attention in 2024 when Asia Mobiliti became the subject of scrutiny over its involvement in Selangor&rsquo;s Demand Responsive Transit pilot project.
Questions were raised over the process used to appoint the company, particularly after concerns about the lack of an open tender process.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) initially said an interim investigation found no wrongdoing, but later reopened its probe after receiving new complaints concerning governance and procedures surrounding the appointment.
The matter also drew political attention because of Ramachandran&rsquo;s marriage to Yeoh. However, no subsequent public announcement of charges or further action has been reported.
A Private Matter In The Public Eye
Yeoh&rsquo;s divorce marks the end of an 18-year marriage that began shortly before she entered public life.
For now, the confirmed information is that Hannah Yeoh and Ramachandran Muniandy divorced in 2026, after marrying in 2008 and having two daughters together.
With Yeoh continuing her duties as Federal Territories minister, Segambut MP and senior DAP leader, the couple&rsquo;s personal circumstances remain largely private as she continues her public responsibilities.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Hannah Yeoh’s divorce was made official on her website, while the reason behind the separation remains private.

Netizens Question RM30 Million Sarawak Flagpole As Selangor Builds Cheaper & Taller RM8.5 Million Landmark

The record-breaking Selangor landmark has stirred online discussion over funding and transparency.

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