The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins. Ibrahim has urged India to speak its mind about Rohingyas clearly and firmly as behoves a regional power. It appears that an expansionist China has prompted our south-east Asian neighbours to ‘look west’ after many years. &nbsp;

Malaysia is a country that has had centuries-old ties with India (economic and cultural). The port of Malacca controlled the waterways that served as from the Bay of Bengal to the stretch of Indian Ocean lying beyond. The colonial historians maligned the native rulers as chiefs who commanded bands of marauding pirates erasing in a blink the civilisational contributions of Malay sultans. Islam spread through this entry point to Indonesia and southern tip of the Philippines. Their contacts with Arab, Indian and Chinese traders had exposed the Malays to diverse cosmopolitan influences and it is a totally false claim that it was the British colonisers that tamed and civilised the natives in this peninsula who were given to running amok quite unpredictably.&nbsp;

However, what can’t be denied is that the British transformed the peninsula by developing rubber plantations on a large scale and enthusiastically undertaking tin mining. They imported indentured labour from India and encouraged Chinese immigration from the mainland drastically changing the demographic profile. Much like India the native princes were brought under British Imperial paramountcy and organised in a loose federation.&nbsp;

The small fishing village Temasek, now known as Singapore, discovered by Raffles was developed as a strategic naval base and important entrepôt. &nbsp;

In recent years the discovery of oil has enriched Malaysia beyond wildest dreams of anyone in the middle of the last century. It has quickly leapfrogged many ‘developing’ brethren and has at times been brash towards those it considers laggards. But we digress, India has enjoyed a special relationship with Malaysia over the years for a variety of reasons. At one time almost 10 per cent of its population comprised people of Indian origin. This held the electoral balance as the ‘sons of the soil’ the Malays and Chinese were evenly matched in numbers. The Chinese had participated in a communist-led insurgency that raged for almost a decade after the end of the Second World War and was not trusted by either the British masters of Malay leadership during the period of cold war.&nbsp;

Malaysia’s membership of the Commonwealth, use of English language in education and adopting the English legal system created affinities with India. The ties were fortified by India emerging as the largest buyer of Malaysian Palm Oil.&nbsp;

It is not as if the bilateral relationship has been entirely free of stress. In the past quarter century, there has been a steady drift towards Islamic fundamentalism in some parts of Malaysia.&nbsp;

The states on the eastern coast and on the northern tip bordering Thailand have witnessed social unrest and political ferment. Malays have long nursed the grievance that the ‘clever’ Chinese have deprived them of economic gains. The government has had to tread carefully. Despite legislation to ensure social justice Malays have continued to lag behind. The simmering resentment has at times in distant past exploded in communal violence. The Islamisation of polity and the judicial system has alienated many among the Chinese and Indian community. This is not to suggest that Malaysia is facing a crisis. What we need to appreciate is that it, like India, is a plural society with complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity.&nbsp;

Kalimantan Utara (Northern Borneo) where the states of Sabah and Sarawak are located is home to many non-Malay tribes and its development has to constantly keep in mind the fragility of the pristine ecosystem. Here too exists a unique opportunity to cooperate and collaborate.&nbsp;

Mahathir rose to power once again at the age of 90 because his predecessor had acquired an unenviable reputation for gigantic corruption. There should be no need to remind readers that the issue of corruption dominates political discourse in India.&nbsp;

Before we conclude it is perhaps necessary to refresh our memory about the chequered career of Anwar Ibrahim. He rose and fell like a meteor in an earlier incarnation. He was a fiery youth leader advocate of special rights for Malays and not inhibited about his Islamic ideology. Once a favourite of Mahathir and identified as heir he fell from grace dramatically trapped by political intrigue.&nbsp;

This isn’t the place to unravel conspiracy theories but suffice to note that the Malaysian leader has mellowed without losing his charisma. It will be interesting to see how our government responds to his overtures. Whenever we 'look east' we harp on the shared Hindu-Buddhist legacy.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins.

The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins. Ibrahim has urged India to speak its mind about Rohingyas clearly and firmly as behoves a regional power. It appears that an expansionist China has prompted our south-east Asian neighbours to ‘look west’ after many years. Malaysia is a country that has had centuries-old ties with India (economic and cultural). The port of Malacca controlled the waterways that served as from the Bay of Bengal to the stretch of Indian Ocean lying beyond. The colonial historians maligned the native rulers as chiefs who commanded bands of marauding pirates erasing in a blink the civilisational contributions of Malay sultans. Islam spread through this entry point to Indonesia and southern tip of the Philippines. Their contacts with Arab, Indian and Chinese traders had exposed the Malays to diverse cosmopolitan influences and it is a totally false claim that it was the British colonisers that tamed and civilised the natives in this peninsula who were given to running amok quite unpredictably. However, what can’t be denied is that the British transformed the peninsula by developing rubber plantations on a large scale and enthusiastically undertaking tin mining. They imported indentured labour from India and encouraged Chinese immigration from the mainland drastically changing the demographic profile. Much like India the native princes were brought under British Imperial paramountcy and organised in a loose federation. The small fishing village Temasek, now known as Singapore, discovered by Raffles was developed as a strategic naval base and important entrepôt. In recent years the discovery of oil has enriched Malaysia beyond wildest dreams of anyone in the middle of the last century. It has quickly leapfrogged many ‘developing’ brethren and has at times been brash towards those it considers laggards. But we digress, India has enjoyed a special relationship with Malaysia over the years for a variety of reasons. At one time almost 10 per cent of its population comprised people of Indian origin. This held the electoral balance as the ‘sons of the soil’ the Malays and Chinese were evenly matched in numbers. The Chinese had participated in a communist-led insurgency that raged for almost a decade after the end of the Second World War and was not trusted by either the British masters of Malay leadership during the period of cold war. Malaysia’s membership of the Commonwealth, use of English language in education and adopting the English legal system created affinities with India. The ties were fortified by India emerging as the largest buyer of Malaysian Palm Oil. It is not as if the bilateral relationship has been entirely free of stress. In the past quarter century, there has been a steady drift towards Islamic fundamentalism in some parts of Malaysia. The states on the eastern coast and on the northern tip bordering Thailand have witnessed social unrest and political ferment. Malays have long nursed the grievance that the ‘clever’ Chinese have deprived them of economic gains. The government has had to tread carefully. Despite legislation to ensure social justice Malays have continued to lag behind. The simmering resentment has at times in distant past exploded in communal violence. The Islamisation of polity and the judicial system has alienated many among the Chinese and Indian community. This is not to suggest that Malaysia is facing a crisis. What we need to appreciate is that it, like India, is a plural society with complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity. Kalimantan Utara (Northern Borneo) where the states of Sabah and Sarawak are located is home to many non-Malay tribes and its development has to constantly keep in mind the fragility of the pristine ecosystem. Here too exists a unique opportunity to cooperate and collaborate. Mahathir rose to power once again at the age of 90 because his predecessor had acquired an unenviable reputation for gigantic corruption. There should be no need to remind readers that the issue of corruption dominates political discourse in India. Before we conclude it is perhaps necessary to refresh our memory about the chequered career of Anwar Ibrahim. He rose and fell like a meteor in an earlier incarnation. He was a fiery youth leader advocate of special rights for Malays and not inhibited about his Islamic ideology. Once a favourite of Mahathir and identified as heir he fell from grace dramatically trapped by political intrigue. This isn’t the place to unravel conspiracy theories but suffice to note that the Malaysian leader has mellowed without losing his charisma. It will be interesting to see how our government responds to his overtures. Whenever we 'look east' we harp on the shared Hindu-Buddhist legacy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Malaysia and India face complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity

Members of Malaysia's royal families met on Monday to decide when a new king will be elected from among them after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-king-steps-down-palace-statement-188554">King Muhammad V unexpectedly resigned</a>, the national news agency Bernama reported.

The king resigned on Sunday after just two years on the throne, the first time a monarch has stepped down before completing their five-year tenure.

No reason was given for the resignation.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the king assumes a largely ceremonial role, including acting as custodian of Islam in the Muslim-majority country. The king's assent is needed for the appointment of a prime minister and various senior officials.

Malaysia's nine royal households take turns to provide a king, who is chosen through a vote in a Council of Rulers, made up of the nine households, most of which are led by a sultan.

Heads of six of the nine households met on Monday at the national palace to decide a date for the election of a new king, Bernama reported. It was not clear why the other three did not attend.

A vote must be held within four weeks of the throne becoming vacant.

King Muhammad, 49, had resumed duties last week after spending two months on medical leave.

Images purporting to show him getting married in Russia appeared on social media in December and identified his new wife as Oksana Voevodina, who won a Miss Moscow contest in 2015.

The palace did not respond to earlier requests for comment on the photos or reports of a marriage.

Media has reported tension between the palace and the government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad since the latter returned to power last year.

Mahathir led the opposition to a historic election win in May, defeating a coalition that had governed Malaysia for 60 years.

In June, the government and palace faced a near two-week impasse over a plan to appoint someone how was not from the majority ethnic Malay community as attorney-general.

The king eventually approved the appointment, though the incident had stoked ethnic tensions.

Mahathir, known for challenging royalty during his earlier 22-year tenure as prime minister, said in a blog post last week that everyone "from the Rulers to the Prime Minister and Ministers, to the civil servants and ordinary citizens" are subject to the law. He did not elaborate.

Mahathir said on Monday the government hoped the council would elect a new king as soon as possible as the government needed to keep the king apprised on "certain matters", Bernama reported.

Members of Malaysia's royal families met on Monday to decide when a new king will be elected from among them after King Muhammad V unexpectedly resigned, the national news agency Bernama reported.

Members of Malaysia's royal families met on Monday to decide when a new king will be elected from among them after King Muhammad V unexpectedly resigned, the national news agency Bernama reported. The king resigned on Sunday after just two years on the throne, the first time a monarch has stepped down before completing their five-year tenure. No reason was given for the resignation. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the king assumes a largely ceremonial role, including acting as custodian of Islam in the Muslim-majority country. The king's assent is needed for the appointment of a prime minister and various senior officials. Malaysia's nine royal households take turns to provide a king, who is chosen through a vote in a Council of Rulers, made up of the nine households, most of which are led by a sultan. Heads of six of the nine households met on Monday at the national palace to decide a date for the election of a new king, Bernama reported. It was not clear why the other three did not attend. A vote must be held within four weeks of the throne becoming vacant. King Muhammad, 49, had resumed duties last week after spending two months on medical leave. Images purporting to show him getting married in Russia appeared on social media in December and identified his new wife as Oksana Voevodina, who won a Miss Moscow contest in 2015. The palace did not respond to earlier requests for comment on the photos or reports of a marriage. Media has reported tension between the palace and the government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad since the latter returned to power last year. Mahathir led the opposition to a historic election win in May, defeating a coalition that had governed Malaysia for 60 years. In June, the government and palace faced a near two-week impasse over a plan to appoint someone how was not from the majority ethnic Malay community as attorney-general. The king eventually approved the appointment, though the incident had stoked ethnic tensions. Mahathir, known for challenging royalty during his earlier 22-year tenure as prime minister, said in a blog post last week that everyone "from the Rulers to the Prime Minister and Ministers, to the civil servants and ordinary citizens" are subject to the law. He did not elaborate. Mahathir said on Monday the government hoped the council would elect a new king as soon as possible as the government needed to keep the king apprised on "certain matters", Bernama reported.

Malaysia's royal council meets after king's surprise resignation

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday criticized Australia's move to recognise West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying countries had "no rights" to do so.

Australia's move follows US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to move the US&nbsp;embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in May, which infuriated Palestinians and the wider Islamic world and upset Western allies.

"Jerusalem should remain as it is now and not the capital of Israel," Mahathir told Reuters on the sidelines of an event in Bangkok.

"Jerusalem has always been under Palestine, so why are they taking the initiative to divide Jerusalem not belonging to them, but to divide the Arabs and the Jews? They have no rights," he added.

Malaysia is a majority-Muslim country and has long supported a two-state solution in the Palestine-Israel conflict.

The status of Jerusalem, home to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths, is one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and Palestinians who want East Jerusalem recognised as the capital of a Palestinian state.

Israel regards all of Jerusalem as its capital, including the eastern sector that it annexed in a move not recognised internationally, after the 1967 Middle East war.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reversed decades of Middle East policy by the country but said there are no immediate plans to move the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday criticized Australia's move to recognise West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying countries had "no rights" to do so.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday criticized Australia's move to recognise West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying countries had "no rights" to do so. Australia's move follows US President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in May, which infuriated Palestinians and the wider Islamic world and upset Western allies. "Jerusalem should remain as it is now and not the capital of Israel," Mahathir told Reuters on the sidelines of an event in Bangkok. "Jerusalem has always been under Palestine, so why are they taking the initiative to divide Jerusalem not belonging to them, but to divide the Arabs and the Jews? They have no rights," he added. Malaysia is a majority-Muslim country and has long supported a two-state solution in the Palestine-Israel conflict. The status of Jerusalem, home to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths, is one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and Palestinians who want East Jerusalem recognised as the capital of a Palestinian state. Israel regards all of Jerusalem as its capital, including the eastern sector that it annexed in a move not recognised internationally, after the 1967 Middle East war. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reversed decades of Middle East policy by the country but said there are no immediate plans to move the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv.

Malaysia's Mahathir says no rights to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Goldman Sachs Group Inc <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-ex-pm-hit-with-25-new-charges-linked-to-1mdb-scandal-166839">"cheated" Malaysia over its dealings</a> with state fund 1MDB which is the subject of corruption and money-laundering investigations, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told a TV channel on Tuesday.

The United States, Malaysia and at least four other countries are investigating how billions of dollars went missing from 1MDB, founded by former Malaysian premier Najib Razak.

US prosecutors filed criminal charges against two former Goldman Sachs bankers earlier this month. One of them, Tim Leissner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Goldman Sachs earned about $600 million in fees for its work with 1MDB, which included three bond offerings in 2012 and 2013 that raised $6.5 billion.

Mahathir said "there is evidence that Goldman Sachs has done things that are wrong".

"Obviously we have been cheated through the compliance by Goldman Sachs people," he said in the interview.

The bank's compliance controls "don't work very well", he added.

A Goldman Sachs spokesman in Hong Kong declined to comment on the allegation. The bank denied any wrongdoing on Monday.

Goldman Sachs shares fell to their lowest in nearly two years on Monday after Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Malaysia would seek a "full refund" from the bank of the fees from 1MDB deals.

The US Department of Justice has said about $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB by high-level officials of the fund and their associates between 2009 and 2014.

Former premier Najib has been charged with corruption in Malaysia as part of the investigation into 1MDB. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho was also charged by US prosecutors. He remains at large.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc "cheated" Malaysia over its dealings with state fund 1MDB which is the subject of corruption and money-laundering investigations, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told a TV channel on Tuesday.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc "cheated" Malaysia over its dealings with state fund 1MDB which is the subject of corruption and money-laundering investigations, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told a TV channel on Tuesday. The United States, Malaysia and at least four other countries are investigating how billions of dollars went missing from 1MDB, founded by former Malaysian premier Najib Razak. US prosecutors filed criminal charges against two former Goldman Sachs bankers earlier this month. One of them, Tim Leissner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Goldman Sachs earned about $600 million in fees for its work with 1MDB, which included three bond offerings in 2012 and 2013 that raised $6.5 billion. Mahathir said "there is evidence that Goldman Sachs has done things that are wrong". "Obviously we have been cheated through the compliance by Goldman Sachs people," he said in the interview. The bank's compliance controls "don't work very well", he added. A Goldman Sachs spokesman in Hong Kong declined to comment on the allegation. The bank denied any wrongdoing on Monday. Goldman Sachs shares fell to their lowest in nearly two years on Monday after Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Malaysia would seek a "full refund" from the bank of the fees from 1MDB deals. The US Department of Justice has said about $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB by high-level officials of the fund and their associates between 2009 and 2014. Former premier Najib has been charged with corruption in Malaysia as part of the investigation into 1MDB. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho was also charged by US prosecutors. He remains at large.

Goldman Sachs has done wrong things in 1MDB case: PM Mahathir Mohamad

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her.

Mahathir Mohamad, 93, said he was "very disappointed" by Suu Kyi's failure to defend the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority driven from Myanmar in their hundreds of thousands last year by an army campaign that UN investigators say amounted to genocide.

Mahathir made his remarks less than an hour before standing alongside Suu Kyi for a stoney-faced photo shoot at the start of the ASEAN regional summit in Singapore, the kind of diplomatic gathering where she was once feted by contemporaries as a beacon of democracy.

"Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," Mahathir told reporters in a reference to Suu Kyi's long years of house arrest under Myanmar's military junta.

"But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added.

Suu Kyi has failed to clearly condemn Myanmar's army for its crackdown and has instead cast doubt on the veracity of Rohingya testimony of atrocities.

Mahathir, the outspoken leader of Malaysia -- a majority Muslim country -- also appealed to Myanmar to accept Rohingya as citizens.

"When Malaysia became independent in 1957, we had people of foreign origin.... but we accepted all of them," he said.&nbsp;

"They are now citizens, they play a full role in the politics of the country, they are free they are not detained because of race or any thing like that."

Myanmar insists the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh despite many living for generations in western Rakhine state and has long denied them basic rights and liberties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Rohingya crisis has dulled the diplomatic niceties that traditionally govern gatherings of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is meeting in Singapore this week.

The bloc tends to shy away from any direct criticism of each other and promote consensus diplomacy.

But Mahathir has been much more willing to break with those diplomatic traditions.

Defenders of Suu Kyi say she has little control over Myanmar's military in a country where the generals still have huge political power and independence.

But critics say her failure to use her huge domestic appeal to publicly castigate the generals or push for protection of the Rohingya makes her complicit.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's arrival in Singapore came a day after Amnesty International stripped her of its top award over her "indifference" to the atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya.&nbsp;

The first stage of a long-delayed and deeply controversial plan to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is due to start on Thursday - despite widespread opposition from rights groups to any&nbsp;forced return.&nbsp;

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her.

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her. Mahathir Mohamad, 93, said he was "very disappointed" by Suu Kyi's failure to defend the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority driven from Myanmar in their hundreds of thousands last year by an army campaign that UN investigators say amounted to genocide. Mahathir made his remarks less than an hour before standing alongside Suu Kyi for a stoney-faced photo shoot at the start of the ASEAN regional summit in Singapore, the kind of diplomatic gathering where she was once feted by contemporaries as a beacon of democracy. "Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," Mahathir told reporters in a reference to Suu Kyi's long years of house arrest under Myanmar's military junta. "But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added. Suu Kyi has failed to clearly condemn Myanmar's army for its crackdown and has instead cast doubt on the veracity of Rohingya testimony of atrocities. Mahathir, the outspoken leader of Malaysia -- a majority Muslim country -- also appealed to Myanmar to accept Rohingya as citizens. "When Malaysia became independent in 1957, we had people of foreign origin.... but we accepted all of them," he said. "They are now citizens, they play a full role in the politics of the country, they are free they are not detained because of race or any thing like that." Myanmar insists the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh despite many living for generations in western Rakhine state and has long denied them basic rights and liberties. The Rohingya crisis has dulled the diplomatic niceties that traditionally govern gatherings of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is meeting in Singapore this week. The bloc tends to shy away from any direct criticism of each other and promote consensus diplomacy. But Mahathir has been much more willing to break with those diplomatic traditions. Defenders of Suu Kyi say she has little control over Myanmar's military in a country where the generals still have huge political power and independence. But critics say her failure to use her huge domestic appeal to publicly castigate the generals or push for protection of the Rohingya makes her complicit. Suu Kyi's arrival in Singapore came a day after Amnesty International stripped her of its top award over her "indifference" to the atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya. The first stage of a long-delayed and deeply controversial plan to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is due to start on Thursday - despite widespread opposition from rights groups to any forced return.

Suu Kyi stance on Rohingya 'indefensible': Malaysia PM

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Anwar was designated the successor to Mahathir, his former foe turned ally, after they set aside a bitter political feud and joined hands to win a stunning victory in May's general elections. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy a charge he alleged was politically motivated but he was freed after receiving a royal pardon days after the polls.

Thousands of voters flocked to polling stations in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson, where Anwar is vying for a seat along with six other candidates. He is expected to easily win.

Two weeks of campaigning has seen bigwigs rallying for Anwar, including Mahathir and several ministers.

The Election Commission said it expects a 70 per cent turnout from more than 75,000 voters in Port Dickson, a popular holiday retreat, and will announce results Saturday night.

Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003.&nbsp;

Anwar was freed in 2004 and in 2015 was convicted again of sodomy charges he said were concocted to destroy his political career.

Angered by a monumental graft scandal at a state investment fund, Mahathir made a political comeback and the two forged a new opposition alliance in a gamble that paid off.

Mahathir, who is the world's oldest leader at 93, has said he expects to be in office for at least two years and will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar.

Mahathir rooted for his successor at a rally Monday night in Port Dickson, urging voters to support their alliance to fix Malaysia's fiscal woes due to corruption by the previous government. It was the first time that the two men shared the same political stage together in 20 years.

Anwar, in speeches ending his campaign Friday, promised he won't interfere in Mahathir's governance and will focus on parliamentary reforms.

"There will be lots of attention to (his margin of victory) but that is making a story about something that is not really important. The bottom line is that he will win and attention should focus on what he will do in parliament and his relationship with those in government," said Bridget Welsh, political science lecturer at the John Cabot University in Rome.

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar was designated the successor to Mahathir, his former foe turned ally, after they set aside a bitter political feud and joined hands to win a stunning victory in May's general elections. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy a charge he alleged was politically motivated but he was freed after receiving a royal pardon days after the polls. Thousands of voters flocked to polling stations in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson, where Anwar is vying for a seat along with six other candidates. He is expected to easily win. Two weeks of campaigning has seen bigwigs rallying for Anwar, including Mahathir and several ministers. The Election Commission said it expects a 70 per cent turnout from more than 75,000 voters in Port Dickson, a popular holiday retreat, and will announce results Saturday night. Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003. Anwar was freed in 2004 and in 2015 was convicted again of sodomy charges he said were concocted to destroy his political career. Angered by a monumental graft scandal at a state investment fund, Mahathir made a political comeback and the two forged a new opposition alliance in a gamble that paid off. Mahathir, who is the world's oldest leader at 93, has said he expects to be in office for at least two years and will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar. Mahathir rooted for his successor at a rally Monday night in Port Dickson, urging voters to support their alliance to fix Malaysia's fiscal woes due to corruption by the previous government. It was the first time that the two men shared the same political stage together in 20 years. Anwar, in speeches ending his campaign Friday, promised he won't interfere in Mahathir's governance and will focus on parliamentary reforms. "There will be lots of attention to (his margin of victory) but that is making a story about something that is not really important. The bottom line is that he will win and attention should focus on what he will do in parliament and his relationship with those in government," said Bridget Welsh, political science lecturer at the John Cabot University in Rome.

Voting opens in Malaysia by-election for PM-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government, in power since May, has promised to raise the legal age of marriage to 18, provoking a backlash from some conservative Islamic leaders who argue that early marriage provides an answer to social ills like premarital sex and pregnancies out of wedlock.

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, urged Malaysian authorities to protect the rights of minors, particularly young girls.

Married underage girls were at higher risk of domestic violence, and are often denied the chance to pursue an education, she told reporters.

“By marrying them, you are denying these girls their basic human rights,” said de Boer-Buquicchio, who was on an eight-day visit to mostly-Muslim Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the legal minimum age for marriage under civil law for both genders is 18. However, girls can marry at 16 with the permission of their state’s chief minister, while Islamic law sets a 16-year minimum age for girls and allows even earlier marriages with the permission of the sharia court.

The UN official called on Malaysia to remove exemptions that allowed underage children to marry, saying "there can be no exceptions."

More than 5,000 applications for marriages involving minors were made at the sharia court between 2013 and 2017, government statistics show.

But many child marriages remained unreported, particularly among indigenous groups on Borneo, in Malaysia's east, de Boer-Buquicchio said.

"It is time to be firm," she said, adding that Malaysia's government should engage religious and customary leaders on the issue.

"The political will is there, but the question is how you can reach out to all the different entities.”

Last year, Malaysia passed a law on sexual offences against children but did not criminalize child marriage.

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl.

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government, in power since May, has promised to raise the legal age of marriage to 18, provoking a backlash from some conservative Islamic leaders who argue that early marriage provides an answer to social ills like premarital sex and pregnancies out of wedlock. Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, urged Malaysian authorities to protect the rights of minors, particularly young girls. Married underage girls were at higher risk of domestic violence, and are often denied the chance to pursue an education, she told reporters. “By marrying them, you are denying these girls their basic human rights,” said de Boer-Buquicchio, who was on an eight-day visit to mostly-Muslim Malaysia. In Malaysia, the legal minimum age for marriage under civil law for both genders is 18. However, girls can marry at 16 with the permission of their state’s chief minister, while Islamic law sets a 16-year minimum age for girls and allows even earlier marriages with the permission of the sharia court. The UN official called on Malaysia to remove exemptions that allowed underage children to marry, saying "there can be no exceptions." More than 5,000 applications for marriages involving minors were made at the sharia court between 2013 and 2017, government statistics show. But many child marriages remained unreported, particularly among indigenous groups on Borneo, in Malaysia's east, de Boer-Buquicchio said. "It is time to be firm," she said, adding that Malaysia's government should engage religious and customary leaders on the issue. "The political will is there, but the question is how you can reach out to all the different entities.” Last year, Malaysia passed a law on sexual offences against children but did not criminalize child marriage.

UN rights expert urges Malaysia to end child marriage

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister faced fresh questioning Wednesday by anti-corruption investigators probing a multi-billion-dollar scandal that contributed to the old regime losing power.

Rosmah Mansor, widely reviled in Malaysia for her expensive tastes and imperious manner, arrived at the offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to be grilled.&nbsp;

Local media reported this week that anti-corruption officials were wrapping up their probe into Rosmah, and she could be charged soon.

It was the second time she has been quizzed by the graft-fighting body since her husband Najib Razak's coalition was unexpectedly booted out of office at elections in May after six decades in power.&nbsp;

A major factor in the loss were allegations that Najib, his family and his cronies looted billions of dollars from state fund 1MDB in an audacious fraud that stretched from Singapore to Switzerland.

Rosmah's love of costly overseas shopping trips, designer handbags and jewellery made her a lightning rod for public anger, and fuelled suspicions that she benefitted from the plundering of 1MDB.

After the election loss, a stash of cash, jewellery and hundreds of designer handbags worth as much as $273 million was seized from properties linked to Najib in raids around Kuala Lumpur.

Rosmah is often compared to Imelda Marcos, who left behind more than a thousand pairs of shoes after her husband, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted in 1986.

Najib's fall from grace has been swift since he was ousted from power by a reformist alliance led Mahathir Mohamad, 93, who is in his second stint as premier.

The ex-leader has been arrested and hit with 32 charges linked to the 1MDB scandal, including allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars ended up in his personal bank account. He denies any wrongdoing.

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister faced fresh questioning Wednesday by anti-corruption investigators probing a multi-billion-dollar scandal that contributed to the old regime losing power.

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister faced fresh questioning Wednesday by anti-corruption investigators probing a multi-billion-dollar scandal that contributed to the old regime losing power. Rosmah Mansor, widely reviled in Malaysia for her expensive tastes and imperious manner, arrived at the offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to be grilled. Local media reported this week that anti-corruption officials were wrapping up their probe into Rosmah, and she could be charged soon. It was the second time she has been quizzed by the graft-fighting body since her husband Najib Razak's coalition was unexpectedly booted out of office at elections in May after six decades in power. A major factor in the loss were allegations that Najib, his family and his cronies looted billions of dollars from state fund 1MDB in an audacious fraud that stretched from Singapore to Switzerland. Rosmah's love of costly overseas shopping trips, designer handbags and jewellery made her a lightning rod for public anger, and fuelled suspicions that she benefitted from the plundering of 1MDB. After the election loss, a stash of cash, jewellery and hundreds of designer handbags worth as much as $273 million was seized from properties linked to Najib in raids around Kuala Lumpur. Rosmah is often compared to Imelda Marcos, who left behind more than a thousand pairs of shoes after her husband, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted in 1986. Najib's fall from grace has been swift since he was ousted from power by a reformist alliance led Mahathir Mohamad, 93, who is in his second stint as premier. The ex-leader has been arrested and hit with 32 charges linked to the 1MDB scandal, including allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars ended up in his personal bank account. He denies any wrongdoing.

Former Malaysian PM's wife Mansor questioned by corruption investigators

Malaysia&nbsp;will reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said, suggesting an end to the diplomatic row over the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother in Kuala Lumpur last year.

"Yes, we will reopen the embassy," Mahathir said in an interview with the Nikkei Asian Review published on Monday during his trip to Japan.

Malaysia's once-close ties with North Korea were severely downgraded after Kim Jong Nam was killed at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 when two women smeared his face with VX nerve agent, which the United Nations lists as a weapon of mass destruction.

During their trial which is ongoing, the women said they were tricked into believing they were part of a reality show and did not know they were handling poison.

The United States and South Korea have said the murder was orchestrated by Pyongyang.

After Kim Jong Nam's death, North Korea's ambassador to&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;questioned the credibility of the police probe and insisted he was an ordinary citizen who died of a heart attack.

Malaysia&nbsp;then recalled its ambassador to North Korea, banned its citizens from travelling to the North and cancelled visa-free entry for North Koreans.

North Korea retaliated with a travel ban on all&nbsp;Malaysians in Pyongyang, trapping three diplomats and six family members.

They were able to fly out only after&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;agreed to hand over Kim Jong Nam's corpse and send three North Koreans wanted for questioning back to North Korea.

Malaysia's embassy in Pyongyang has not been staffed since April last year, and the government was considering permanently closing it and moving services to its Beijing mission.

In the interview published a day before the Singapore summit between Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, Mahathir said he hoped both sides were ready to give ground.

"North Korea has a right to have some of its own interests (upheld), as much as the US&nbsp;has its own interests to take care of in any negotiation," Mahathir said.

"We shouldn't be skeptical. When you (are suspicious), then you cannot work with people," he added.

The United States and South Korea have said the murder was orchestrated by Pyongyang

Malaysia will reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said, suggesting an end to the diplomatic row over the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother in Kuala Lumpur last year. "Yes, we will reopen the embassy," Mahathir said in an interview with the Nikkei Asian Review published on Monday during his trip to Japan. Malaysia's once-close ties with North Korea were severely downgraded after Kim Jong Nam was killed at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 when two women smeared his face with VX nerve agent, which the United Nations lists as a weapon of mass destruction. During their trial which is ongoing, the women said they were tricked into believing they were part of a reality show and did not know they were handling poison. The United States and South Korea have said the murder was orchestrated by Pyongyang. After Kim Jong Nam's death, North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia questioned the credibility of the police probe and insisted he was an ordinary citizen who died of a heart attack. Malaysia then recalled its ambassador to North Korea, banned its citizens from travelling to the North and cancelled visa-free entry for North Koreans. North Korea retaliated with a travel ban on all Malaysians in Pyongyang, trapping three diplomats and six family members. They were able to fly out only after Malaysia agreed to hand over Kim Jong Nam's corpse and send three North Koreans wanted for questioning back to North Korea. Malaysia's embassy in Pyongyang has not been staffed since April last year, and the government was considering permanently closing it and moving services to its Beijing mission. In the interview published a day before the Singapore summit between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, Mahathir said he hoped both sides were ready to give ground. "North Korea has a right to have some of its own interests (upheld), as much as the US has its own interests to take care of in any negotiation," Mahathir said. "We shouldn't be skeptical. When you (are suspicious), then you cannot work with people," he added.

Malaysia to reopen embassy in North Korea: Mahathir Mohamad

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

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Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. <a href="https://t.co/2ZL9bEnhdO">pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO</a>
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The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next.

Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region.&nbsp

PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. 
&nbsp

The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour. Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next. Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region. PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

Prime Minister Modi left for Singapore today after meeting Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad and deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur.

In a whirlwind visit to the Malaysian capital, PM Modi met Malaysia's PM and deputy prime minister and left for Singapore soon after. 
&nbsp

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PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore amid other high profile engagements.

PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore amid other high profile engagements.

Prime Minister Modi left for Singapore today after meeting Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad and deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. In a whirlwind visit to the Malaysian capital, PM Modi met Malaysia's PM and deputy prime minister and left for Singapore soon after. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Malaysia's deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur, pic.twitter.com/lccifg29m7 — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore amid other high profile engagements.

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad & deputy PM; leaves for Singapore

Malaysia is haggling over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal with its Chinese partners and can reduce its ballooning national debts by $50 billion by doing away with megaprojects, its prime minister said in an interview published on Saturday.

Mahathir Mohamad, the 92-year-old who triumphed over scandal-plagued Najib Razak in elections earlier this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review major projects agreed by the previous government.

Work on the 55 billion ringgit ($13.82 billion) East Coast Rail Link - the largest such project in the country and a major part of Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure push - started last year.

The project was planned to stretch 688 kilometres (430 miles) connecting the South China Sea at the Thai border in the east with the strategic shipping routes of the Straits of Malacca in the west.

"We are renegotiating the terms," Mahathir told the financial newspaper The Edge. "The terms are very damaging to our economy."

The project is being built by China Communications Construction Co Ltd, and is being mainly financed by a loan from China Exim Bank.

Mahathir also questioned the need for the project in the first place.

"He (Najib) knew very well that the ECRL, for example, is not something we could afford. It is not going to serve any purpose, it is not going to give us any returns," said Mahathir.

Addressing the need to reduce the national debt and liabilities - which the government puts at around one trillion ringgit ($251.32 billion) or 80 percent of its GDP - Mahathir said "at one go we can reduce it by 200 billion ringgit ($50.26 billion) by doing away with all these huge projects".

Mahathir said Malaysia is also going to look into how it can reduce the cost of any potential exit from a deal with Singapore for a high-speed rail (HSR) to link its capital Kuala Lumpur with the city-state, said Mahathir.

The project, valued by analysts at about $17 billion, is currently out for tender and is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

"The terms of the agreement (for the HSR) are such that if we decide to drop the project, it will cost us a lot of money," said Mahathir.

"So we are going to find out how we can reduce the amount of money we have to pay for breaking the agreement."

Malaysia is haggling over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal with its Chinese partners and can reduce its ballooning national debts by $50 billion by doing away with mega projects, its prime minister said in an interview published on Saturday

Malaysia is haggling over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal with its Chinese partners and can reduce its ballooning national debts by $50 billion by doing away with megaprojects, its prime minister said in an interview published on Saturday. Mahathir Mohamad, the 92-year-old who triumphed over scandal-plagued Najib Razak in elections earlier this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review major projects agreed by the previous government. Work on the 55 billion ringgit ($13.82 billion) East Coast Rail Link - the largest such project in the country and a major part of Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure push - started last year. The project was planned to stretch 688 kilometres (430 miles) connecting the South China Sea at the Thai border in the east with the strategic shipping routes of the Straits of Malacca in the west. "We are renegotiating the terms," Mahathir told the financial newspaper The Edge. "The terms are very damaging to our economy." The project is being built by China Communications Construction Co Ltd, and is being mainly financed by a loan from China Exim Bank. Mahathir also questioned the need for the project in the first place. "He (Najib) knew very well that the ECRL, for example, is not something we could afford. It is not going to serve any purpose, it is not going to give us any returns," said Mahathir. Addressing the need to reduce the national debt and liabilities - which the government puts at around one trillion ringgit ($251.32 billion) or 80 percent of its GDP - Mahathir said "at one go we can reduce it by 200 billion ringgit ($50.26 billion) by doing away with all these huge projects". Mahathir said Malaysia is also going to look into how it can reduce the cost of any potential exit from a deal with Singapore for a high-speed rail (HSR) to link its capital Kuala Lumpur with the city-state, said Mahathir. The project, valued by analysts at about $17 billion, is currently out for tender and is scheduled to be completed by 2026. "The terms of the agreement (for the HSR) are such that if we decide to drop the project, it will cost us a lot of money," said Mahathir. "So we are going to find out how we can reduce the amount of money we have to pay for breaking the agreement."

Malaysia renegotiating terms of major Belt-and-Road rail project: PM Mahathir

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak arrived at the anti-graft agency Thursday to be questioned for a second time this week over a multi-billion-dollar corruption scandal following his shock election loss.

Najib's coalition suffered a defeat at the May 9 poll which ended their six-decade hold on power, beaten by a reformist alliance led by Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir, who first served as premier from 1981-2003 and came out of retirement aged 92 to take on Najib, campaigned on claims that the former leader and his cronies&nbsp;looted sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

Billions of dollars were allegedly stolen from the fund in a sophisticated fraud, and used to buy everything from artworks to high-end real estate.

Najib pushed through a huge media scrum at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in the administrative capital of Putrajaya as he arrived to be quizzed about 1MDB money allegedly ending up in his personal bank accounts.

Najib is being questioned by the anti-corruption body over SRC International, an energy company that was originally a subsidiary of 1MDB.

According to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, 42 million ringgit ($10.6 million) originating from SRC was transferred to Najib's personal bank accounts.&nbsp;

It is just one small part in the graft scandal, which is being investigated in several countries.

Hundreds of millions of dollars from 1MDB allegedly ended up in Najib's accounts but the ex-leader and the investment vehicle have denied any wrongdoing.

Mahathir has vowed to fully investigate the financial scandal.

After holding meetings with key figures from 1MDB Wednesday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the fund was insolvent, could not pay its debts, and its chief was "utterly dishonest".

Najib and his unpopular wife Rosmah Mansor have suffered a swift fall from grace. Police have raided properties linked to them and seized a huge stash of handbags, cash and jewels.

The ousted leader has sought to mount a fightback in recent days, insisting he has not stolen public and attacking the new government.&nbsp;

In a Facebook post late Wednesday, he accused the new prime minister and finance minister of causing the stock market to fall by saying that the country's national debt was huge.

"Words spoken while in such positions of power result in actual losses to the country and the people," he said.

Najib's coalition suffered a defeat at the May 9 poll which ended their six-decade hold on power, beaten by a reformist alliance led by Mahathir Mohamad.

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak arrived at the anti-graft agency Thursday to be questioned for a second time this week over a multi-billion-dollar corruption scandal following his shock election loss. Najib's coalition suffered a defeat at the May 9 poll which ended their six-decade hold on power, beaten by a reformist alliance led by Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir, who first served as premier from 1981-2003 and came out of retirement aged 92 to take on Najib, campaigned on claims that the former leader and his cronies looted sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. Billions of dollars were allegedly stolen from the fund in a sophisticated fraud, and used to buy everything from artworks to high-end real estate. Najib pushed through a huge media scrum at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in the administrative capital of Putrajaya as he arrived to be quizzed about 1MDB money allegedly ending up in his personal bank accounts. Najib is being questioned by the anti-corruption body over SRC International, an energy company that was originally a subsidiary of 1MDB. According to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, 42 million ringgit ($10.6 million) originating from SRC was transferred to Najib's personal bank accounts. It is just one small part in the graft scandal, which is being investigated in several countries. Hundreds of millions of dollars from 1MDB allegedly ended up in Najib's accounts but the ex-leader and the investment vehicle have denied any wrongdoing. Mahathir has vowed to fully investigate the financial scandal. After holding meetings with key figures from 1MDB Wednesday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the fund was insolvent, could not pay its debts, and its chief was "utterly dishonest". Najib and his unpopular wife Rosmah Mansor have suffered a swift fall from grace. Police have raided properties linked to them and seized a huge stash of handbags, cash and jewels. The ousted leader has sought to mount a fightback in recent days, insisting he has not stolen public and attacking the new government. In a Facebook post late Wednesday, he accused the new prime minister and finance minister of causing the stock market to fall by saying that the country's national debt was huge. "Words spoken while in such positions of power result in actual losses to the country and the people," he said.

Ex-Malaysian PM quizzed second time over graft claims

Malaysia's scandal-tainted former leader Sunday denied he stole public funds and complained of the way he has been treated since he unexpectedly lost power in a stunning election defeat.

Striking a defiant tone in the face of a deepening corruption investigation, Najib Razak urged his political party to "fight on" after it was toppled in the May 9 vote by a political coalition that had focused on the allegations against him.

"I did not steal the people's money," Najib, 64, asserted during a visit to the rural home constituency he has represented for decades, where he was welcomed by crowds of supporters of his ethnic-Malay party.

"I was prepared to hand over power gracefully. But once I did that, I was not treated properly."&nbsp;

Najib has been barred from leaving Malaysia as the new government investigates accusations he took part in the looting of billions of dollars from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in a vast conspiracy of fraud and money-laundering.

Police last week seized what they called a huge trove of cash, jewels and luxury items from his home and other properties.

Najib had said little since the raids other than to complain to local media about how they were conducted.

But on Sunday he returned to his home district of Pekan in an apparent bid to seize back the narrative before a visit to Malaysia's anti-graft agency, which has summoned him to appear on Tuesday. &nbsp;

"I am amazed that even though I am no longer the prime minister, there are so many people at this event," he said during a ceremony opening a branch office of his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

"I think this is the true spirit of UMNO. Even though we are in tears... (and) power is no longer in our hands, no one can kill our spirit to fight on."

Gifts from friends

UMNO had controlled multi-ethnic Malaysia since independence in 1957, and the country became a regional economic success story under its rule.

But long-simmering resentment over its oppressive tactics and corruption sent the party to a resounding defeat at the hands of a coalition led by 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, a longtime UMNO leader and former prime minister.

UMNO is now in crisis following the drubbing, which prompted Najib's resignation as its leader.

Najib's denial of wrongdoing comes despite detailed evidence that has emerged in recent years indicating that he, his family, and cronies plundered 1MDB.

These include US Department of Justice civil lawsuits seeking to seize $1.7 billion in real estate, artworks and other luxuries allegedly bought with money looted from the fund.

Mahathir said last week that he expected Najib to face criminal charges soon.

"There were a lot of allegations made... I was the target because I was the prime minister and party president," Najib told supporters.

Najib has complained about the overnight police searches and said many personal items unrelated to 1MDB were improperly impounded.

He has said the money and luxury items seized -- which police said were so vast that it would take time to tally their worth -- were gifts from friends and cash donations for his election campaign.

Malaysia's scandal-tainted former leader Sunday denied he stole public funds and complained of the way he has been treated since he unexpectedly lost power in a stunning election defeat

Malaysia's scandal-tainted former leader Sunday denied he stole public funds and complained of the way he has been treated since he unexpectedly lost power in a stunning election defeat. Striking a defiant tone in the face of a deepening corruption investigation, Najib Razak urged his political party to "fight on" after it was toppled in the May 9 vote by a political coalition that had focused on the allegations against him. "I did not steal the people's money," Najib, 64, asserted during a visit to the rural home constituency he has represented for decades, where he was welcomed by crowds of supporters of his ethnic-Malay party. "I was prepared to hand over power gracefully. But once I did that, I was not treated properly." Najib has been barred from leaving Malaysia as the new government investigates accusations he took part in the looting of billions of dollars from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in a vast conspiracy of fraud and money-laundering. Police last week seized what they called a huge trove of cash, jewels and luxury items from his home and other properties. Najib had said little since the raids other than to complain to local media about how they were conducted. But on Sunday he returned to his home district of Pekan in an apparent bid to seize back the narrative before a visit to Malaysia's anti-graft agency, which has summoned him to appear on Tuesday. "I am amazed that even though I am no longer the prime minister, there are so many people at this event," he said during a ceremony opening a branch office of his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). "I think this is the true spirit of UMNO. Even though we are in tears... (and) power is no longer in our hands, no one can kill our spirit to fight on." Gifts from friends UMNO had controlled multi-ethnic Malaysia since independence in 1957, and the country became a regional economic success story under its rule. But long-simmering resentment over its oppressive tactics and corruption sent the party to a resounding defeat at the hands of a coalition led by 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, a longtime UMNO leader and former prime minister. UMNO is now in crisis following the drubbing, which prompted Najib's resignation as its leader. Najib's denial of wrongdoing comes despite detailed evidence that has emerged in recent years indicating that he, his family, and cronies plundered 1MDB. These include US Department of Justice civil lawsuits seeking to seize $1.7 billion in real estate, artworks and other luxuries allegedly bought with money looted from the fund. Mahathir said last week that he expected Najib to face criminal charges soon. "There were a lot of allegations made... I was the target because I was the prime minister and party president," Najib told supporters. Najib has complained about the overnight police searches and said many personal items unrelated to 1MDB were improperly impounded. He has said the money and luxury items seized -- which police said were so vast that it would take time to tally their worth -- were gifts from friends and cash donations for his election campaign.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib Razak denies graft charges in visit to home region

Malaysian police seized 284 boxes containing designer handbags and dozens of bags filled with cash and jewellery from a private residence linked to former prime minister Najib Razak on Friday morning.

The items were carted out of a luxury condominium during pre-dawn hours, and included "jewellery, watches and other valuables", police said.

"Exactly how much jewellery, I would not be able to say, because we know that we confiscated bags containing jewellery and the number of jewellery is rather big," Amar Singh, director of police commercial crime investigations, said in a brief presser at the scene recorded by local online channel Star TV.

Singh said police have carried out raids on six premises, which include the prime minister`s office and the prime minister`s official residence in Putrajaya and four private residences linked to the former premier.

Singh earlier confirmed&nbspthat the raids on the premises are related to an investigation into a multi-billion scandal involving the Najib-founded state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Malaysia`s newly-elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has barred Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, from leaving the country. At least six countries, including the United States, are investigating 1MDB. Najib denies any wrongdoing.

Malaysia`s newly-elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has barred Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, from leaving the country. At least six countries, including the United States, are investigating 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Najib denies any wrongdoing.

Malaysian police seized 284 boxes containing designer handbags and dozens of bags filled with cash and jewellery from a private residence linked to former prime minister Najib Razak on Friday morning. The items were carted out of a luxury condominium during pre-dawn hours, and included "jewellery, watches and other valuables", police said. "Exactly how much jewellery, I would not be able to say, because we know that we confiscated bags containing jewellery and the number of jewellery is rather big," Amar Singh, director of police commercial crime investigations, said in a brief presser at the scene recorded by local online channel Star TV. Singh said police have carried out raids on six premises, which include the prime minister`s office and the prime minister`s official residence in Putrajaya and four private residences linked to the former premier. Singh earlier confirmed&nbspthat the raids on the premises are related to an investigation into a multi-billion scandal involving the Najib-founded state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Malaysia`s newly-elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has barred Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, from leaving the country. At least six countries, including the United States, are investigating 1MDB. Najib denies any wrongdoing.

Hundreds of designer handbags, jewellery, cash seized from former Malaysian PM's condo

The pardons board in Malaysia's capital will meet on Wednesday to discuss the release of jailed reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim, the palace and his party have said.

Anwar, 70, is serving a second five-year jail term for sodomy, which is a crime in Malaysia.

He and his supporters have said the charges are politically motivated.

A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics.

Several people in his People's Justice Party (PKR) expect Anwar to walk free on Wednesday itself from the hospital where he been for the last few months recovering from a shoulder surgery.

But there was no official confirmation of any possible date of release.

PKR allied with Malaysia's 92-year-old leader Mahathir Mohamad to win a general election last week.

Mahathir, who has been sworn in as prime minister for a second inning, had promised during the campaign to secure a pardon for Anwar and then step down and give him the prime minister's post.

"All documentation for the pardon petition is in order and complete," PKR member Sivarasa Rasiah said in a statement late on Monday. "The prime minister has given his assurance that the meeting of the pardons board will proceed as scheduled now at 11 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday."

Mahathir vowed on Monday to investigate any faults that may have been committed by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak and said all ministries had been instructed not to destroy any documents.

He announced that he would appoint a new anti-corruption commission chief and replace the attorney-general who had cleared Najib of wrongdoing in a multi-billion-dollar scandal linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund.

The government has also transferred the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry with immediate effect while the chairman of the state palm oil plantation agency, Felda, has resigned.

News broke in 2015 that about $700 million allegedly stolen from 1MDB had made its way into Najib's personal bank accounts.

Najib has said the deposit was a donation by an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family which had been largely returned.

Najib set up 1MDB in 2009 and previously served as chairman of its advisory board. He and the fund have denied wrongdoing.

Mahathir blocked Najib from leaving the country last weekend.

A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics

The pardons board in Malaysia's capital will meet on Wednesday to discuss the release of jailed reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim, the palace and his party have said. Anwar, 70, is serving a second five-year jail term for sodomy, which is a crime in Malaysia. He and his supporters have said the charges are politically motivated. A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics. Several people in his People's Justice Party (PKR) expect Anwar to walk free on Wednesday itself from the hospital where he been for the last few months recovering from a shoulder surgery. But there was no official confirmation of any possible date of release. PKR allied with Malaysia's 92-year-old leader Mahathir Mohamad to win a general election last week. Mahathir, who has been sworn in as prime minister for a second inning, had promised during the campaign to secure a pardon for Anwar and then step down and give him the prime minister's post. "All documentation for the pardon petition is in order and complete," PKR member Sivarasa Rasiah said in a statement late on Monday. "The prime minister has given his assurance that the meeting of the pardons board will proceed as scheduled now at 11 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday." Mahathir vowed on Monday to investigate any faults that may have been committed by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak and said all ministries had been instructed not to destroy any documents. He announced that he would appoint a new anti-corruption commission chief and replace the attorney-general who had cleared Najib of wrongdoing in a multi-billion-dollar scandal linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund. The government has also transferred the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry with immediate effect while the chairman of the state palm oil plantation agency, Felda, has resigned. News broke in 2015 that about $700 million allegedly stolen from 1MDB had made its way into Najib's personal bank accounts. Najib has said the deposit was a donation by an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family which had been largely returned. Najib set up 1MDB in 2009 and previously served as chairman of its advisory board. He and the fund have denied wrongdoing. Mahathir blocked Najib from leaving the country last weekend.

Malaysia's pardons board to discuss Anwar's release on Wednesday

Malaysia's new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Sunday that an anti-fake news law brought by the previous administration will be given "proper" definition, making it clear to the media and the public what is fake.

"Even though we support freedom of press and freedom of speech, there are limits," Mahathir said in a live telecast on state TV.

Abolishing the anti-fake news law was one of the Mahathir's campaign promises, but his latest comments point to a re-defining of the controversial law, rather than removing it altogether.

"The fake news law will be given a new definition so that the public and media outlets will know what is fake news and what is not fake," Mahathir said.

Former prime minister Najib Razak's government approved the Anti-Fake News 2018 bill last month, which set out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($126,646.40) and a maximum six years in jail for violators.

Mahathir was himself accused of fake news, after authorities said they were investigating him for false claims that his plane was sabotaged ahead of the May 9 election.

Mahathir has been prime minister previously, for 22 years starting in 1981.

He used security laws to put his political opponents behind bars and his critics say he restricted free speech and persecuted political opponents.

The current law defines fake news as "news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false" and includes features, visuals and audio recordings.

It covers digital publications and social media and will apply to offenders who maliciously spread "fake news" inside and outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen were affected.

Other countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and the Philippines, are considering how to tackle "fake news" but human rights activists fear that such laws could be used to stifle free speech.

Malaysia is among the first few countries to introduce a law against it.

Germany approved a plan last year to fine social media networks if they fail to remove hateful postings.

Malaysia already has an arsenal of laws, including a colonial-era Sedition Act, that have been used to clamp down on the unfavourable news and social media posts.

"The fake news law will be given a new definition so that the public and media outlets will know what is fake news and what is not fake," Mahathir said

Malaysia's new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Sunday that an anti-fake news law brought by the previous administration will be given "proper" definition, making it clear to the media and the public what is fake. "Even though we support freedom of press and freedom of speech, there are limits," Mahathir said in a live telecast on state TV. Abolishing the anti-fake news law was one of the Mahathir's campaign promises, but his latest comments point to a re-defining of the controversial law, rather than removing it altogether. "The fake news law will be given a new definition so that the public and media outlets will know what is fake news and what is not fake," Mahathir said. Former prime minister Najib Razak's government approved the Anti-Fake News 2018 bill last month, which set out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($126,646.40) and a maximum six years in jail for violators. Mahathir was himself accused of fake news, after authorities said they were investigating him for false claims that his plane was sabotaged ahead of the May 9 election. Mahathir has been prime minister previously, for 22 years starting in 1981. He used security laws to put his political opponents behind bars and his critics say he restricted free speech and persecuted political opponents. The current law defines fake news as "news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false" and includes features, visuals and audio recordings. It covers digital publications and social media and will apply to offenders who maliciously spread "fake news" inside and outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen were affected. Other countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and the Philippines, are considering how to tackle "fake news" but human rights activists fear that such laws could be used to stifle free speech. Malaysia is among the first few countries to introduce a law against it. Germany approved a plan last year to fine social media networks if they fail to remove hateful postings. Malaysia already has an arsenal of laws, including a colonial-era Sedition Act, that have been used to clamp down on the unfavourable news and social media posts.

Re-define fake news law, not abolish it: Malaysia's new PM

Malaysia's king has agreed to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, the country's newly installed prime minister said Friday, paving the way for the jailed opposition leader to return to politics and potentially become premier.

It was the latest dramatic development after Mahathir Mohamad's opposition alliance inflicted a shock defeat on the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ending the corruption-riddled regime's six-decade stranglehold on power.

Mahathir was sworn in Thursday, becoming the world's oldest elected leader at 92.&nbsp

Mahathir, who had ruled with an iron fist for over two decades before retiring in 2003, cut ties with BN due to allegations that the party's leader and his ex-protege Najib Razak oversaw the pillaging of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.&nbsp

The elderly politician joined forces with opposition parties that opposed him while in power and agreed that if elected, he would hand over the premiership to Anwar, his former nemesis.&nbsp

Mahathir has previously said he would likely remain prime minister for two to three years, before transferring power to Anwar.&nbsp

Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance.

One of Malaysia's most charismatic politicians, he was heir-apparent to the premiership until Mahathir sacked him in 1998 and he was subsequently jailed for sodomy and abuse of power.&nbsp

But in a remarkable turnaround, the pair reconciled and joined forces as allegations mounted over 1MDB and Najib became increasingly authoritarian, jailing opponents and introducing laws to stifle dissent.&nbsp

Anwar, now 70, was jailed again in 2015 during Najib's rule, and had been due out next month.

But Mahathir told a press conference that King Sultan Muhammad V, in a meeting with opposition leaders, had indicated he was willing to grant Anwar a royal pardon immediately.

The royal pardon would mean he could return to politics straight away. Without it, he would be banned from political life for five years.

"We will begin the... proper process of obtaining a pardon," Mahathir told reporters. "He should be released immediately when he is pardoned."

Mahathir also announced that 10 cabinet positions would be filled on Saturday, including finance, defence and foreign affairs.

Asked about 1MDB, he accused Attorney-General Mohamed Ali Apandi -- who cleared Najib over the scandal -- of having "undermined his own credibility".

"He in fact has hidden evidence of wrongdoing and that is wrong in law," he said. "Our intention is to go for people who have shown a tendency to be corrupt or who had committed known corrupt crimes."

Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance.

Malaysia's king has agreed to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, the country's newly installed prime minister said Friday, paving the way for the jailed opposition leader to return to politics and potentially become premier. It was the latest dramatic development after Mahathir Mohamad's opposition alliance inflicted a shock defeat on the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ending the corruption-riddled regime's six-decade stranglehold on power. Mahathir was sworn in Thursday, becoming the world's oldest elected leader at 92. Mahathir, who had ruled with an iron fist for over two decades before retiring in 2003, cut ties with BN due to allegations that the party's leader and his ex-protege Najib Razak oversaw the pillaging of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The elderly politician joined forces with opposition parties that opposed him while in power and agreed that if elected, he would hand over the premiership to Anwar, his former nemesis. Mahathir has previously said he would likely remain prime minister for two to three years, before transferring power to Anwar. Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance. One of Malaysia's most charismatic politicians, he was heir-apparent to the premiership until Mahathir sacked him in 1998 and he was subsequently jailed for sodomy and abuse of power. But in a remarkable turnaround, the pair reconciled and joined forces as allegations mounted over 1MDB and Najib became increasingly authoritarian, jailing opponents and introducing laws to stifle dissent. Anwar, now 70, was jailed again in 2015 during Najib's rule, and had been due out next month. But Mahathir told a press conference that King Sultan Muhammad V, in a meeting with opposition leaders, had indicated he was willing to grant Anwar a royal pardon immediately. The royal pardon would mean he could return to politics straight away. Without it, he would be banned from political life for five years. "We will begin the... proper process of obtaining a pardon," Mahathir told reporters. "He should be released immediately when he is pardoned." Mahathir also announced that 10 cabinet positions would be filled on Saturday, including finance, defence and foreign affairs. Asked about 1MDB, he accused Attorney-General Mohamed Ali Apandi -- who cleared Najib over the scandal -- of having "undermined his own credibility". "He in fact has hidden evidence of wrongdoing and that is wrong in law," he said. "Our intention is to go for people who have shown a tendency to be corrupt or who had committed known corrupt crimes."

Malaysian king to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, informs PM Mahathir Mohamad

Former Malaysian prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has called for the removal of current Prime Minister Najib Razak after U.S. prosecutors filed lawsuits linked to state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). 
 
U.S. prosecutors are trying to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state fund, overseen by the prime minister, and used to finance &quot;The Wolf of Wall Street&quot; film, and to buy property and works of art. 
 
Civil lawsuits filed in federal court on Wednesday did not name Malaysian premier Najib Razak, referring instead to &quot;Malaysian Official 1.&quot; Some of the allegations against this official are the same as those in a Malaysian investigation over a $681 million transfer to his personal bank account. 
 
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that &quot;Malaysian Official 1&quot; is Najib. 
 
&quot;All decisions made with regards to appointment or the usage of the money must have the approval of the advisor to the board, and that advisor to the board is the prime minister of Malaysia. So there can be no doubt that Datuk Seri Najib is responsible,&quot; Mahathir said before calling for Najib&#39;s removal. 
 
&quot;The time has come when the nation must demand for the removal of the prime minister, must demand for investigations to be carried out by a Malaysian body, the setting up of a tribunal, independent tribunal, not set up on the advice of the prime minister because it is the prime minister who is going to be investigated,&quot; he added. 
 
Razak promises full government co-operation into US probe 
 
Razak said his government will fully cooperate with international bodies involved in the 1MDB investigation.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It needs to be clear that this is a civil not criminal procedure, and limited to the names listed by the DOJ (Department Of Justice). On the government&#39;s side we will give our full cooperation to the international bodies investigating,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Those people involved will have their say through the court process in the United State, so allow the process to take its course. But I want to say categorically that we are serious about good governance so anything that&#39;s against the law, we want the process to take its course,&quot; he added. 
 
Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Local investigations have also cleared him, although transactions related to 1MDB are under investigation in at least six countries for money-laundering, fraud and other offenses. 
 
He has also sacked critics of the scandal within his ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO), including members of his cabinet. 
 
The scandal does not appear to have hurt Najib at recent polls. 
 
Najib&#39;s coalition won big electoral victories in state and parliamentary by-elections last month, as local issues took prominence over the 1MDB scandal. 
 
The investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the U.S. Department of Justice&#39;s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. 
 
The previous largest case in February sought to seize $850 million. 
 
1MDB, which Najib founded in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak has come under fire over a US probe into 3.5 billion dollar scandal

Former Malaysian prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has called for the removal of current Prime Minister Najib Razak after U.S. prosecutors filed lawsuits linked to state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). U.S. prosecutors are trying to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state fund, overseen by the prime minister, and used to finance "The Wolf of Wall Street" film, and to buy property and works of art. Civil lawsuits filed in federal court on Wednesday did not name Malaysian premier Najib Razak, referring instead to "Malaysian Official 1." Some of the allegations against this official are the same as those in a Malaysian investigation over a $681 million transfer to his personal bank account. A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that "Malaysian Official 1" is Najib. "All decisions made with regards to appointment or the usage of the money must have the approval of the advisor to the board, and that advisor to the board is the prime minister of Malaysia. So there can be no doubt that Datuk Seri Najib is responsible," Mahathir said before calling for Najib's removal. "The time has come when the nation must demand for the removal of the prime minister, must demand for investigations to be carried out by a Malaysian body, the setting up of a tribunal, independent tribunal, not set up on the advice of the prime minister because it is the prime minister who is going to be investigated," he added. Razak promises full government co-operation into US probe Razak said his government will fully cooperate with international bodies involved in the 1MDB investigation. "It needs to be clear that this is a civil not criminal procedure, and limited to the names listed by the DOJ (Department Of Justice). On the government's side we will give our full cooperation to the international bodies investigating," he said. "Those people involved will have their say through the court process in the United State, so allow the process to take its course. But I want to say categorically that we are serious about good governance so anything that's against the law, we want the process to take its course," he added. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Local investigations have also cleared him, although transactions related to 1MDB are under investigation in at least six countries for money-laundering, fraud and other offenses. He has also sacked critics of the scandal within his ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO), including members of his cabinet. The scandal does not appear to have hurt Najib at recent polls. Najib's coalition won big electoral victories in state and parliamentary by-elections last month, as local issues took prominence over the 1MDB scandal. The investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the U.S. Department of Justice's Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. The previous largest case in February sought to seize $850 million. 1MDB, which Najib founded in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. (Reuters)

Malaysian opposition demands PM's resignation amid 1MDB scandal