M Malay Observer

Considered Malaysian news, analysis and opinion.

RD
Political Correspondent

Rohaya Daud

Rohaya is the Political Correspondent at the publication, covering politics across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

857 articles published

How Prabowo's Anti-Corruption Campaign Stumbles on Its Own Institutions

Indonesia's high-profile investigation into former deputy attorney general Febrie Adriansyah has exposed deep institutional rivalries within President Prabowo Subianto's anti-corruption drive, raising questions about whether law-enforcement agencies can impartially investigate their own.

· · 7 min read

BN rallies behind Onn Hafiz as Johor race heats up

Senior Barisan Nasional figures gathered in Simpang Renggam to publicly endorse Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, signalling the coalition's unified push in an increasingly competitive Johor political battleground.

· · 4 min read

Bersama launches into Johor race with 15 grassroots candidates

Bersama, the newer political outfit, has unveiled 15 grassroots candidates for its first foray into Johor elections, with co-founder Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad acknowledging the venture carries significant risk but dismissing predictions of easy defeat.

· · 3 min read

Anwar Vows Continued Push Despite Strong Approval Ratings

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned against complacency following strong approval ratings in a recent Merdeka Center survey, emphasising the government's commitment to maintaining momentum in delivering for the public.

· · 3 min read

Isa Samad's Final Appeal Rejected; Corruption Conviction Upheld

Malaysia's Federal Court has rejected a final appeal by former Felda chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad to overturn his corruption conviction involving RM3.09 million. The decision marks the end of lengthy legal proceedings that have drawn scrutiny to high-level misconduct in state enterprises.

· · 4 min read

DAP Defends Fresh Candidate Strategy for Johor Election

DAP secretary-general Nga Kor Ming has defended the party's decision to field fresh candidates in the upcoming Johor state election, emphasizing that selections were made on merit and experience rather than seniority or incumbency.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Tops Latest Popularity Survey as Zahid Trails Far Behind

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured the country's highest approval rating in a fresh Merdeka Centre public opinion survey, positioning him as Malaysia's most popular political leader. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi trails significantly.

· · 4 min read

Johor BN Fields Mix of Veterans and Fresh Faces for 56 State Seats

Johor's Barisan Nasional coalition has announced its full candidate slate for the 16th state election, featuring 37 UMNO candidates alongside MCA and MIC representatives. Key figures include former health minister Adham Baba's return to Pasir Raja and Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz defending his Machap seat.

· · 4 min read

MADANI Government Deepens Commitment to Ziarah Kasih Support Programme

The MADANI government has reiterated its commitment to the Ziarah Kasih programme, which provides direct financial and material aid to vulnerable Malaysians. The initiative aims to strengthen bonds between government and communities while alleviating hardship among marginalised groups.

· · 4 min read

Fahmi Welcomes New Leadership at Information Department

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has congratulated Erwin Khairul Ahmad on becoming the new director-general of the Information Department (JaPen), with Wan Saidatul Shafina Mohd Amin appointed as deputy director-general for Digital Content.

· · 3 min read

Pakatan Harapan Fields Full Slate in Bid to Reclaim Johor

Pakatan Harapan unveiled its complete roster of 56 candidates for Johor's July 11 election, with coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim positioning the move as a pivotal moment in the party's effort to regain control of the state.

· · 3 min read

Tunku Mahkota of Johor Receives Prime Minister in Kuala Lumpur

The Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, received Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today in Kuala Lumpur for what officials described as a harmonious and cordial engagement between the senior royalty and head of government.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Vows Crackdown on Bangladeshi Worker Exploitation

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to tackling the mistreatment of Bangladeshi workers, acknowledging their essential contribution to Malaysia's economic growth and pledging zero tolerance for labour violations.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia and Bangladesh Chart Expanded Defence and Education Partnership

Malaysia and Bangladesh have pledged to fully activate their defence cooperation agreement, broadening military collaboration, peacekeeping involvement, and educational exchanges. The commitment includes training programmes, joint exercises, and recognition of Bangladesh's 11,000 students in Malaysian universities.

· · 5 min read

Muda Set to Unveil Johor Election Lineup This Weekend

The Malaysian youth-focused party Muda is poised to announce its full slate of candidates for the forthcoming Johor state election this weekend, marking a significant milestone in the party's electoral preparation.

· · 3 min read

Johor's Revenue Woes Rooted in Federal Imbalance, Says Regent

Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has rejected the Prime Minister's characterisation of the state as plagued by revenue leakages, instead asserting that federal-level resource extraction is the fundamental problem preventing fair revenue return.

· · 5 min read

DAP Fields Four Candidates in Johor State Election Bid

The Democratic Action Party has unveiled four candidates for the upcoming Johor state election on July 11, marking the party's expansion into the Malay-majority Tiram constituency as part of a broader Pakatan Harapan strategy.

· · 4 min read

95 MADANI Community Leaders Appointed Across Kedah and Perlis

The Malaysian government has formally appointed 95 MADANI Community leaders across Kedah and Perlis to bolster communication channels between authorities and residents, with a focus on accurate information dissemination at the grassroots level.

· · 4 min read

Nallini Brings Judicial Rigour to Lead Malaysia's Media Watchdog

Malaysia's newly appointed Media Council chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has defended her judicial background as essential to building the regulator's credibility and independence, arguing that her experience on the Bench equips her to protect press freedom while upholding standards.

· · 6 min read

Anwar Exempted from Giving Evidence in RM30 Million Civil Case

Malaysia's High Court has granted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's application to avoid testifying as a witness in a RM30 million civil lawsuit. The ruling underscores judicial considerations regarding the operational demands on the nation's chief executive.

· · 3 min read

KTMB Ramps Up ETS Services as Johor Voters Head to Polls

National railway operator KTMB has deployed additional ETS train services to accommodate Johor voters travelling to polling stations during the state election. Ticket sales commenced immediately to help manage expected passenger surge.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Commends Putin and Xi for Stance on Middle East Tensions

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for publicly condemning violence in Gaza and Iranian military operations, signalling Malaysia's diplomatic alignment with major powers.

· · 4 min read

Bersatu's Tun Faisal calls for Pas exit from PN

Bersatu's information chief has publicly called for Pas to withdraw from Perikatan Nasional, proposing the Islamic party either operate independently or establish a separate coalition.

· · 3 min read

KTMB Ramps Up ETS Services for Johor Election Voters

Malaysia's national rail operator is laying on additional ETS trains to southern Johor ahead of the state election on July 11, enabling voters to travel home between July 10-12. Bookings open today via mobile app and online platforms.

· · 3 min read

Datuk Kamil Misuari's remains to be laid to rest in Kuching

The remains of Datuk Kamil Misuari, husband of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, will be flown to Kuching tomorrow for burial at Samariang Muslim Cemetery following funeral prayers at the National Mosque.

· · 3 min read

ASEAN and SCO Must Unite on Crime and Energy, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to combine efforts in tackling cross-border crime, strengthening energy cooperation, and advancing digital economy initiatives through existing frameworks.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Praises Putin and Xi for West Asia Peace Advocacy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has publicly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their advocacy of peace and condemnation of atrocities in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, while criticising what he describes as Western double standards.

· · 4 min read

Johor Election Not Definitive for BN, Party Tells Hopefuls

Barisan Nasional's Johor leadership has counselled party members passed over in candidate selection for the state election to maintain their allegiance, emphasising that missing out on this race does not determine their political futures.

· · 3 min read

MIC To Contest Four Seats In Johor State Election

The Malaysian Indian Congress has secured four seats to contest in the forthcoming Johor state election, according to party vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah, with nominations scheduled for June 27.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Hails Asean-Russia Trade Roadmap as Foundation for Economic Growth

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has endorsed the newly finalised Asean-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation spanning 2026 to 2035, describing it as momentum for strengthening regional economic ties. He cautioned that realising its potential requires supportive conditions.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia and Palestine to Deepen Higher Education Ties

Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has reaffirmed commitment to expanding educational cooperation with Palestine, focusing on university partnerships and enhanced support for Palestinian students.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar to Address ASEAN-Russia Business Forum in Kazan

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is addressing the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum in Kazan as part of commemorative summit marking 35 years of dialogue relations, with discussions on bilateral trade and strategic partnership.

· · 4 min read

Bersatu Censures Samsuri Over Perikatan Leadership Vacuum

Bersatu's information chief has attacked Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar for what he terms an abdication of leadership during a critical period for the opposition coalition, alleging confusion over his dual roles.

· · 3 min read

Bersatu Digs In On PN Membership Amid PAS Rift

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reaffirmed the party's commitment to remain within Perikatan Nasional, declaring it will contest the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections using the PN logo despite mounting tensions with coalition partner PAS.

· · 3 min read

Fahmi Hails Nallini's Leadership of Malaysian Media Council

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has congratulated Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan on becoming chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, expressing confidence in her ability to advance media freedom and journalistic standards.

· · 3 min read

MACC and Transparency International Deepen Anti-Corruption Partnership

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Transparency International have reinforced their strategic partnership to combat corruption and enhance governance. Malaysia's 2025 CPI score improved to 52, rising three places globally to 54th, as the country targets top-25 status by 2030.

· · 5 min read

Judicial Veteran Nallini Tapped to Lead Malaysian Media Council

Industry leaders have praised the appointment of retired Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council, believing her judicial background will reinforce media freedom and professional standards across the country.

· · 5 min read

Najib showed no remorse, shifted blame, says judge in 1MDB case

In a damning judgment, the trial judge found that former Prime Minister Najib Razak demonstrated no contrition for his role in the 1MDB scandal, consistently deflecting responsibility while exploiting his authority to orchestrate one of the world's largest corruption schemes.

· · 3 min read