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Malaysia

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1MDB scandal suspect and informant on fugitive Jho Low’s whereabouts, reportedly dies from “sudden illness”

Kee Kok Thiam, a suspect in the 1MDB scandal, has passed away due to “sudden illness” after informing authorities about the whereabouts of fugitive financier Jho Low. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed Kee’s death but provided no further details. Kee had been arrested in May and deported from Macau for overstaying his visa. He had admitted to meeting Jho Low and other 1MDB fugitives in Macau. Jho Low, wanted by Interpol, has been hiding since 2018, charged in Malaysia and the US for his alleged involvement in the 1MDB embezzlement scandal.

Malaysia searches Chinese ship suspected of looting WWII wrecks

Malaysia’s coastguard detained a Chinese vessel suspected of looting British World War II shipwrecks. The crew, consisting of Chinese, Bangladeshi, and Malaysian nationals, is being questioned. Authorities found unexploded cannon shells on board, potentially linked to the sunken warships. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is determined to protect the country’s national treasure and condemn the illegal salvage activities. The looting has been criticized by the British Ministry of Defence, and reports indicate that scavengers targeted valuable fixtures from the wrecks.

Kuching High Court dismisses pro-independence activists’ suit challenging validity of Malaysia Agreement 1963

The Kuching High Court in Sarawak, Malaysia, dismissed a suit last Thursday which challenged the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew How Wai ruled that the suit lacked a reasonable cause of action and was misconceived. He emphasized that the Federal Constitution establishes Sabah and Sarawak as part of Malaysia, and any changes would require two-thirds majority parliamentary approval and the consent of Sabah and Sarawak. The judge also ordered the plaintiffs to pay costs amounting to RM10,000. The suit was filed in March 2022 by 11 Sarawakians seeking declarations on the agreement’s legality and the decolonization process.

Political instability caused disruption to Malaysia’s athletes, says Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh

Despite fielding the fifth largest contingent of 677 athletes and setting a target of winning 40 gold medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Malaysians were left disheartened as the country recorded its worst-ever performance in the SEA Games, raising concerns about the future of Malaysian sports. Hannah Yeoh, the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister in Anwar’s Cabinet, has highlighted the adverse effects of political instability on Malaysia’s athletes and their performance, including in the recently concluded SEA Games.

‘Everyone has a migration story’: UN human Rights Office brings #StandUp4Migrants to Malaysia

The UN Human Rights Office and untitled kompeni have launched the ‘Dari Dapur’ campaign in Malaysia, aiming to highlight human stories and rights in migration narratives. Through short films and shared meals, the campaign brings Malaysians and migrants together, emphasizing commonalities and fostering understanding. The initiative builds on research showing Malaysians’ support for human rights and the benefits of migration. The campaign’s goal is to reshape the Malaysian narrative, promoting inclusion and empathy towards migrant and refugee neighbors.

Indonesian maid allegedly chained by her employer rescued by public from Kajang flat unit

A woman believed to be a foreign domestic worker was rescued by the public in Selangor, Malaysia, after allegedly being chained by her employer. The incident occurred when residents heard her screams and followed them to a locked house. The police entered forcefully and found the woman weak and chained in the bathroom. The case is being investigated under the charge of wrongful confinement.

BERSIH calls for an end to political appointments and patronage in Malaysian GLCs

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) has expressed concerns over the political appointments made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in government-linked companies. The appointment of Wong Chen, a Member of Parliament from Anwar’s party, as the Non-Executive Chairman of Malaysia Debts Ventures Berhad (MDV) has drawn scrutiny. BERSIH calls for transparency in such appointments and suggests excluding elected representatives from GLC positions. While acknowledging Wong’s qualifications, the organization questions the necessity of his appointment and emphasizes the need for qualified individuals to be appointed to key positions in GLCs and statutory boards.

Malaysian ministry raids Swatch boutiques, seizes ‘Pride Collection’ watches over alleged Link to LGBT

The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs conducted raids on 11 Swatch watch boutiques, seizing watches from the “Pride Collection” due to their association with the LGBTQ+ community. The raids followed a social media post linking the watches to Coldplay’s support for the community. The CEO of Swatch expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the collection promotes peace and love.

Heartwarming tweet shares story of 75-year-old Malaysian find job to support his disabled child

A Malaysian Twitter user shares the poignant story of a 75-year-old man bravely seeking work to support his disabled wife and child, sparking a debate about familial responsibility and resilience.

Olympian says ‘toxic’ culture in Malaysian swimming

A former Olympian has criticized the “toxic and negative” team culture in Malaysian swimming, attributing it to the poor performance at the Southeast Asian Games. Marilyn Chua, a coach and former athlete, highlighted the lack of unity, leadership, fairness, and transparency in the national team’s selection process. She called for changes in leadership and collaboration between the national swimming federation and state associations to foster a more conducive environment for growth and success. Malaysia Swimming has been approached for comment.