Tuesday, 21 July 2026 Kuantan
M Merdeka Pulse

Independent Malaysian news, politics and national affairs.

SN
Political Correspondent

Syed Naguib

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

877 articles published

Anwar To Clarify KWAP-eFishery Losses Before Dewan Negara

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to explaining the Retirement Fund's RM200 million investment loss in Indonesian aquaculture company eFishery during tomorrow's Dewan Negara session, despite KWAP's autonomous status.

· · 3 min read

MACC Unfreezes Padini Holdings' Bank Accounts After Investigation

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has restored access to all previously frozen bank accounts of fashion retailer Padini Holdings and its subsidiaries, concluding an investigation that began in April without filing charges against the company or its staff.

· · 4 min read

Johor Campaign Turns Bitter as DAP Shifts Focus to Attacking MCA

Johor's election campaign has erupted into heated exchanges, with DAP targeting MCA as Pakatan Harapan struggles to articulate a compelling narrative. The opposition party faces internal tensions between its federal government role and state-level ambitions.

· · 5 min read

Ahmad Zahid Urges Johor Rivals to Focus on Policy, Not Past Disputes

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has appealed to all competing parties to avoid rehashing historical grievances during the Johor state election campaign, urging a mature political contest centred on candidates' capabilities and policy offerings.

· · 4 min read

Government Has Not Banned FELDA Programmes, Clarifies PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that the government has not banned programmes in FELDA settlements, stressing that state governments remain free to organise events provided they comply with election laws regarding use of government resources.

· · 4 min read

Muhyiddin confident PN has potential to form next state govt

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed confidence that Perikatan Nasional possesses the necessary political strength to form the next state government, citing support from coalition partners and independent allies including Muda.

· · 4 min read

Muhammad Faris Installed As 11th Undang Of Sungei Ujong

Tuanku Muhriz has formally installed Muhammad Faris Johari as the 11th Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, conferring the title Datuk Klana Petra. The 28-year-old accountant pledged loyalty during a traditional ceremony at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

· · 3 min read

Johor BN Sets Out 63-Point Manifesto to Secure State's Future

Barisan Nasional has unveiled its election manifesto for Johor, comprising 63 pledges across six strategic pillars. The coalition aims to create 200,000 jobs while maintaining economic momentum and political stability in Malaysia's southern powerhouse.

· · 4 min read

Anwar's Energy Diplomacy Yields Results as Diesel Prices Fall

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent working visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have yielded tangible benefits for Malaysian consumers, with government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil crediting the diplomatic missions for the latest reduction in subsidised diesel prices.

· · 3 min read

BN Accepts Leadership Departures Ahead of Johor Election

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated the coalition respects the decisions of party members choosing to leave, including departures ahead of the Johor state election scheduled for July 11.

· · 4 min read

PAS to Sit Out Bersatu Campaign in Johor, Says Hadi

PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang announced the party will not assist Bersatu's election campaign in Johor, signalling a shift in their coalition dynamics as the country navigates post-election political realignments.

· · 4 min read

Can Johor Overcome Voter Apathy in July 11 Election?

As Johor heads to the polls on July 11, political parties worry about repeating 2022's voter apathy. Low turnout could reshape the state's political landscape and influence Malaysia's broader electoral trajectory.

· · 4 min read

Umno is not a family politics party, Akmal tells Puad

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has firmly rejected suggestions that the party operates on family-based principles, asserting that candidacy decisions are merit-driven rather than preferential to connected relatives.

· · 3 min read

Johor Candidates Selected On Merit, Says DAP Deputy Chief Nga

DAP deputy national chairman Nga Kor Ming has defended Pakatan Harapan's decision to field numerous new candidates in the Johor state election, asserting that all nominees have undergone extensive vetting and were chosen based on merit and community experience.

· · 4 min read

PN Pushes Toward Final Johor Seat Deal by Thursday

Perikatan Nasional has made significant progress in internal seat negotiations for the Johor state election, with an announcement expected by Thursday. Over half of the distribution has been resolved among component parties.

· · 3 min read

Barisan Nasional Set to Announce Johor Election Slate

Barisan Nasional is poised to announce its candidates for the Johor state election, marking a crucial step in the coalition's electoral preparation and testing ground for its political fortunes in Malaysia's second-largest state.

· · 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, with Wan Saidatul Shafina Mohd Amin appointed as deputy director-general for digital content.

· · 3 min read

Perikatan Nasional admits two new parties to coalition fold

Perikatan Nasional has formally admitted two new political parties into its coalition following an emergency Supreme Council gathering, though crucial matters including the coalition's overarching vision and symbolic identity were not addressed during the proceedings.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Hails Ethiopian Poll Victory, Signals Closer Africa Ties

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali and the Prosperity Party following their election triumph, underlining Malaysia's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations through continued collaboration.

· · 4 min read

King Grants Royal Assent to Eight Parliamentary Bills

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim has formally approved eight bills passed by Parliament during the first meeting of the fifth session held from January to March. Key legislation includes the Government Procurement Act 2025 and the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link Act 2026.

· · 4 min read

MUDA Names Four Candidates for Johor State Election Bid

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance has announced four candidates competing in the Johor state election, including party secretary-general Ainie Haziqah Shafii, as the party ramps up its campaign efforts ahead of the July 11 polling date.

· · 4 min read

Bersatu Chief Questions Logic Behind PN Emergency Session

Bersatu president Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has questioned the effectiveness of an emergency gathering by Perikatan Nasional's top decision-making body, arguing it lacks authority if member parties must subsequently ratify its conclusions.

· · 3 min read

Traveller Scheme for Cross-Border Workers Heads to Parliament

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announces the Traveller Scheme proposal will be tabled in Parliament tomorrow, aiming to provide social security protection for approximately 480,000 Malaysians working across the Johor-Singapore border.

· · 4 min read

Rafizi Reveals PH and Umno Leaders Pursuing Bersama Membership

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli has disclosed that multiple senior figures from Pakatan Harapan and Umno are exploring membership in Bersama, Malaysia's newest registered political party, hinting at possible realignment in the coalition landscape.

· · 3 min read

DAP Fields Four Candidates in Johor State Election Bid

The Democratic Action Party has unveiled four candidates competing in the July 11 Johor state election, including a debut bid in the Tiram constituency and efforts to consolidate seats within the Kulai parliamentary division.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Praises Media's Ethical Guardianship at HAWANA 2026

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has commended Malaysia's media practitioners for maintaining ethical standards while navigating the challenges of digital technology and artificial intelligence, speaking at the HAWANA 2026 National Journalists' Day event in Butterworth.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Opens HAWANA 2026, Celebrates Media Integrity in Southeast Asia

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has inaugurated the HAWANA 2026 National Journalists' Day celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth, Penang, drawing approximately 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and neighbouring countries to discuss media integrity and journalism's future.

· · 4 min read

Parliament Must Lead by Example for Youth Lawmakers, Says Speaker Johari

Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has urged Members of Parliament to set a positive example through dignified proceedings and integrity-driven debate, as the Malaysian Youth Parliament prepares to convene in September with over 300,000 young Malaysians eligible to participate.

· · 4 min read

Fahmi Proposes Annual Media Retreats During HAWANA Celebrations

Malaysia's Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has proposed incorporating annual media retreats into future National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebrations, positioning them as structured forums for the government to collect policy feedback and industry insights.

· · 4 min read

Public Trust Is Judiciary's Greatest Asset, Chief Justice Tells Leaders

Malaysia's Chief Justice has stressed that public trust in the judiciary is earned through integrity and accountability, not inherited. Speaking at the inaugural Tun Zaki Azmi Lecture, he called on institutional leaders to prioritise stewardship and strengthen courts for future generations.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Ibrahim Pitches Broader Economic Agenda at Asean-Russia Summit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Asean and Russia to expand cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, and energy. Speaking at a regional summit, he emphasised the bloc's commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships across multiple economic sectors.

· · 4 min read

KTMB Lays On Extra ETS Trains for Johor Election Voters

Malaysia's state railway operator KTMB is running additional ETS services to southern regions to facilitate voters returning home for the Johor state election, with ticket sales opening online and at stations from June 19.

· · 4 min read

GRS Targets Full Slate in Sabah's Parliamentary Contest

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has announced plans to field candidates across all 25 parliamentary constituencies in the state, marking an aggressive electoral strategy as the coalition prepares for the coming general election.

· · 3 min read

DAP to field 2-term Mengkibol rep in GE16 instead

The Democratic Action Party has named lawyer Chu Poh Yee as its candidate for the Mengkibol parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general election, marking a significant decision by the party leadership.

· · 4 min read

MIC Set To Field Four Candidates In Johor State Election

The Malaysian Indian Congress has confirmed it will contest four seats in the Johor state election scheduled for July 11, according to party vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah following discussions with Barisan Nasional coalition partners.

· · 5 min read

Onn Hafiz Pushes Back at Anwar Over Cooperation Claims

Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has robustly defended his state administration against insinuations it lacks willingness to partner with the federal government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Balances Beijing Ties With Rule of Law, Anwar Asserts

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to enforcing domestic law independently, even as the country maintains robust relations with China. The statement underscores Putrajaya's effort to balance major-power engagement with principled governance.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Arrives in Kazan for ASEAN-Russia Summit

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Kazan to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, which marks 35 years of relations between the bloc and Moscow. The visit underscores Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN Centrality.

· · 4 min read

Ikram official denies graft charges in RM98 million case

A senior official of Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia has pleaded not guilty to 158 charges of corruption and criminal breach of trust involving approximately RM98 million, marking a significant development in the high-profile graft case.

· · 4 min read

Bersatu Digs In On PN Membership Amid Coalition Tensions

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reaffirmed the party's commitment to remain within Perikatan Nasional, declaring that no single coalition member can unilaterally remove it. The party will contest upcoming state elections under the PN banner.

· · 3 min read

Ahmad Maslan Steps Back from Johor Election Race

Johor Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan has ruled out contesting in the upcoming Johor state election, despite earlier speculation about his candidacy for multiple seats.

· · 4 min read