Malaysia reported 11,079 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the most number of cases recorded in a single day since the start of the pandemic. The country has been struggling to contain the recent outbreak driven by the emergence of new, more contagious variants despite much of the country being under a lockdown since June 1.

Malaysia records new high of 11,079 COVID-19 cases

The largest party in Malaysia’s ruling alliance said has pulled out its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin immediately and urged him to make way for a new leader. UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has blamed Muhyiddin’s government has failed to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Key party in Malaysia ruling alliance withdraws support for PM Muhyiddin

During a prolonged lockdown in Malaysia,&nbsp;the #benderaputih (white flag) campaign has gained momentum on social media. It seeks to&nbsp;encourage people to help others in distress.

A 73-year-old Malaysian woman Hadijah Neamat, recently hung a scrap of white cloth outside her window to get help as she was&nbsp;struggling to cope during the coronavirus-induced&nbsp;lockdown.

Seeing the flag,&nbsp;a neighbour came by to offer her food and other items&nbsp;shortly. 
 
Hadijah, who lives in a densely populated district of Petaling Jaya in Selangor state near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, said,&nbsp;she was surprised by the act of generosity on her doorstep.

Hadijah's husband, Mohd Rusni Kahman, 59, has a disability and has not been able to work since losing his job last year. 
 
Malaysia has reported more than 785,000 cases of COVID-19, the third-highest tally in Southeast Asia, and has been in lockdown since June 1. 
 
The pandemic has put a particular strain on low-income families, with reports of many forced to ration food. 
 
In response to the white flag campaign, neighbours, businesses, politicians and even celebrities have stepped in to donate. 
 
"It takes a lot of courage (to display the white flag)... Because it's actually telling everyone that you... can't manage," lawmaker Maria Chin Abdullah told Reuters. 
 
"But I think I take it positively - it's something that this country actually needs because we can't cover everybody. So it's good that... you indicate that you need help and we'll come to you," she said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

During a prolonged lockdown in Malaysia, the #benderaputih (white flag) campaign has gained momentum on social media. It seeks to encourage people to help others in distress.

During a prolonged lockdown in Malaysia, the #benderaputih (white flag) campaign has gained momentum on social media. It seeks to encourage people to help others in distress. A 73-year-old Malaysian woman Hadijah Neamat, recently hung a scrap of white cloth outside her window to get help as she was struggling to cope during the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Seeing the flag, a neighbour came by to offer her food and other items shortly. Hadijah, who lives in a densely populated district of Petaling Jaya in Selangor state near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, said, she was surprised by the act of generosity on her doorstep. Hadijah's husband, Mohd Rusni Kahman, 59, has a disability and has not been able to work since losing his job last year. Malaysia has reported more than 785,000 cases of COVID-19, the third-highest tally in Southeast Asia, and has been in lockdown since June 1. The pandemic has put a particular strain on low-income families, with reports of many forced to ration food. In response to the white flag campaign, neighbours, businesses, politicians and even celebrities have stepped in to donate. "It takes a lot of courage (to display the white flag)... Because it's actually telling everyone that you... can't manage," lawmaker Maria Chin Abdullah told Reuters. "But I think I take it positively - it's something that this country actually needs because we can't cover everybody. So it's good that... you indicate that you need help and we'll come to you," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysians turn to white flags to seek help as lockdown torments

Authorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-police-using-drones-to-check-body-temperature-in-public-places-389944">Malaysia</a> have said new restrictions will be imposed in capital Kuala Lumpur with the city battling the pandemic.

The new rules are set to last for two weeks which include keeping only essential businesses open as the country last week extended the national lockdown.

Watch:

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PM Muhyiddin Yassin had said earlier that restrictions will not be eased until daily COVID-19 cases fall below 4,000. The country recorded nearly 7,000 last week. The country so far has recorded&nbsp;758,967 total infections and 5,254 fatalities&nbsp;

Last month the number of COVID-19 cases had shot up to over 9,000 cases as economic activity was halted as&nbsp;the government ordered an indefinite lockdown.

PM Yassin had earlier announced a $36.22 billion aid package while&nbsp;extending the nationwide lockdown. The plan aimed at wage subsidy programme involves more cash aid, subsidies and tax breaks.

The aid package also includes a financial package to ramp up vaccination in the country with just six per cent people receiving both doses of the vaccine so far.

The World Bank has cut Malaysia's growth forecast from &nbsp;6 per cent to 4.5 per cent this year due to the pandemic's impact.

The government aims to vaccinate at least 60 per cent of the population by October. According to the White House, one million Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccines will be donated to Malaysia by Monday.

Thailand which has also been hit by the virus had announced in end June that it will set up checkpoints in the country's four southern provinces near Malaysia with COVID-19 cases on the rise in the country.

Reports say several areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state have been placed in enhanced movement control order (EMCO) until July 16 in order to halt the virus surge.

Under the EMCO rules,&nbsp;residents cannot leave the house after 8 pm with only one person in the house allowed to venture outside for essentials.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Authorities in Malaysia have said new restrictions will be imposed in capital Kuala Lumpur with the city battling the pandemic. The new rules are set to last for two weeks which include keeping only essential businesses open as the country last week extended the national lockdown.

Authorities in Malaysia have said new restrictions will be imposed in capital Kuala Lumpur with the city battling the pandemic. The new rules are set to last for two weeks which include keeping only essential businesses open as the country last week extended the national lockdown. Watch: PM Muhyiddin Yassin had said earlier that restrictions will not be eased until daily COVID-19 cases fall below 4,000. The country recorded nearly 7,000 last week. The country so far has recorded 758,967 total infections and 5,254 fatalities Last month the number of COVID-19 cases had shot up to over 9,000 cases as economic activity was halted as the government ordered an indefinite lockdown. PM Yassin had earlier announced a $36.22 billion aid package while extending the nationwide lockdown. The plan aimed at wage subsidy programme involves more cash aid, subsidies and tax breaks. The aid package also includes a financial package to ramp up vaccination in the country with just six per cent people receiving both doses of the vaccine so far. The World Bank has cut Malaysia's growth forecast from 6 per cent to 4.5 per cent this year due to the pandemic's impact. The government aims to vaccinate at least 60 per cent of the population by October. According to the White House, one million Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccines will be donated to Malaysia by Monday. Thailand which has also been hit by the virus had announced in end June that it will set up checkpoints in the country's four southern provinces near Malaysia with COVID-19 cases on the rise in the country. Reports say several areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state have been placed in enhanced movement control order (EMCO) until July 16 in order to halt the virus surge. Under the EMCO rules, residents cannot leave the house after 8 pm with only one person in the house allowed to venture outside for essentials. (With inputs from Agencies)

Malaysia battles COVID-19 as Kuala Lumpur struggles amid surge

In an exclusive interview with WION, Malaysia's Leader of Opposition Anwar Ibrahim said that the country’s Covid-19 testing has decreased by 52 percent since May 29 and that it was “unsurprising” that daily cases had also gone down by 48 percent over the same period.

WION Speaks with Malaysian Oppn leader Anwar Ibrahim

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas.

To test body temperatures, the police department is using drones which can check temperature from a safe distance. These drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-soon-to-say-if-lockdown-in-england-will-end-as-planned-says-health-minister-hancock-389772">Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock</a>

Once the drone lays its glare on an individual with high temperature, it emits a red light to alert the authorities and the police officers to take necessary steps.

This method has been adopted after the country's health director-general warned that most&nbsp;of the new infections were a result of unknown contacts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hiv-woman-had-covid-19-for-over-6-months-which-mutated-30-times-study-389719" hreflang="en">HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study</a>

"One of the reasons is the emergence of new variants in the community which have higher infectivity and mortality rates," Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement.

The drones have been put to&nbsp;make sure most&nbsp;of the ground area can be covered in surveillance. "Although we have 157 monitoring teams, they move from one location to another. They are unable to monitor every location at once, including detecting symptomatic individuals in public places," Rohaimi Md Isa, police chief of Terengganu state told local media.

This has also come at a time when the country has entered a strict lockdown, during which only two people from a house can step outdoors to buy essentials, consult medical help or engage in a non-contact sport. Schools and shopping malls continue to stay closed while manufacturing units have been allowed to operate.

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the coronavirus does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas.

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the coronavirus does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas. To test body temperatures, the police department is using drones which can check temperature from a safe distance. These drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground. Also read | Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock Once the drone lays its glare on an individual with high temperature, it emits a red light to alert the authorities and the police officers to take necessary steps. This method has been adopted after the country's health director-general warned that most of the new infections were a result of unknown contacts. Also read | HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study "One of the reasons is the emergence of new variants in the community which have higher infectivity and mortality rates," Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement. The drones have been put to make sure most of the ground area can be covered in surveillance. "Although we have 157 monitoring teams, they move from one location to another. They are unable to monitor every location at once, including detecting symptomatic individuals in public places," Rohaimi Md Isa, police chief of Terengganu state told local media. This has also come at a time when the country has entered a strict lockdown, during which only two people from a house can step outdoors to buy essentials, consult medical help or engage in a non-contact sport. Schools and shopping malls continue to stay closed while manufacturing units have been allowed to operate.

Malaysia: Police using drones to check body temperature in public places

Malaysia summoned the Chinese ambassador after PLA jets intruded into Malaysian airspace on Monday. Why is China antagonising a potential ally in southeast Asia?

Gravitas: Tense standoff after Chinese jets breach Malaysian airspace

Malaysia's foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that he would summon China's ambassador in the country over the intrusion of 16 Chinese aircraft in its airspace, after the country's military detected suspicious activity over the South China Sea.

Malaysia to summon Chinese envoy over military aircrafts intrusion

Doctors in Malaysia will have to give preference to those who are more likely to cope with the disease when hospitalising patients to intensive care units (ICU), given the&nbsp;deteriorating epidemiological situation, Malaysian Health Chief Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Sunday.

"The Health Ministry has warned of possible scenarios in which doctors would have to make the difficult choice to prioritise ICU beds for patients with a high recovery potential, over patients with low recovery potential (poor prognosis)," Noor Hisham said in a press conference, as quoted by The Straits Times.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-tightens-curbs-in-capital-as-virus-cases-climb-383156">Malaysia tightens curbs in capital as virus cases climb</a>

He added that intensive care units are already filled by 104 per cent, while hospitals for common coronavirus patients - by 85 per cent.

Noor Hisham noted that the authorities are cooperating&nbsp;with NGOs in organising intensive care units amid the shortages of medical personnel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-makes-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-optional-amid-safety-fears-382705">Malaysia makes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine optional amid safety fears</a>

Earlier this week, the Malaysian government announced the introduction of a nationwide lockdown from June 1 to 13 as the first stage of the strategy to tackle a resurgence in coronavirus infections.

Besides, since April, the authorities have restricted travel between provinces and banned mass events and gatherings of any nature.

To date, Malaysia has registered nearly 560,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 2,650 related fatalities.

Doctors in Malaysia will have to give preference to those who are more likely to cope with the disease when hospitalising patients to intensive care units (ICU), given the deteriorating epidemiological situation, Malaysian Health Chief Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Sunday.

Doctors in Malaysia will have to give preference to those who are more likely to cope with the disease when hospitalising patients to intensive care units (ICU), given the deteriorating epidemiological situation, Malaysian Health Chief Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Sunday. "The Health Ministry has warned of possible scenarios in which doctors would have to make the difficult choice to prioritise ICU beds for patients with a high recovery potential, over patients with low recovery potential (poor prognosis)," Noor Hisham said in a press conference, as quoted by The Straits Times. Also Read | Malaysia tightens curbs in capital as virus cases climb He added that intensive care units are already filled by 104 per cent, while hospitals for common coronavirus patients - by 85 per cent. Noor Hisham noted that the authorities are cooperating with NGOs in organising intensive care units amid the shortages of medical personnel. Also Read | Malaysia makes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine optional amid safety fears Earlier this week, the Malaysian government announced the introduction of a nationwide lockdown from June 1 to 13 as the first stage of the strategy to tackle a resurgence in coronavirus infections. Besides, since April, the authorities have restricted travel between provinces and banned mass events and gatherings of any nature. To date, Malaysia has registered nearly 560,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 2,650 related fatalities.

Malaysia: Amid rise in Covid cases, doctors might have to prioritise ICU beds for people with high recovery potential

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the country Malaysia has now announced complete nationwide lockdown for all its social and economic sectors to curb the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus Update: Malaysia announces complete nationwide lockdown

&nbsp;

More than 200 passengers were injured in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Monday when two metro trains collided in a tunnel, police said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The accident happened just before 9:00 pm (1300 GMT), when a packed train collided with a second that was empty and heading in the opposite direction.

Pictures circulating on social media showed injured passengers sprawled on the floor of a carriage, which was covered in glass.&nbsp; 
 
They also showed people on stretchers being treated by emergency services after the accident, which happened in downtown Kuala Lumpur close to the landmark Petronas Twin Towers. 
 
Forty-seven people suffered serious injuries and 166 had minor injuries in the accident, said police official Mohamad Zainal Abdullah. 
 
The empty train had just been repaired and was travelling on the same track as the full train. &nbsp; 
 
"The front of the trains collided, and the impact threw passengers on to the floor, this caused the injuries," he said. 
 
The trains were not travelling fast at the time at the accident -- one was going at 20 kilometres per hour and the other at 40 kilometres per hour, officials said. &nbsp; 
 
They also said there was no sign of foul play and the accident appeared to have been caused by miscommunication. 
 
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin&nbsp;said on Facebook that the crash was "serious". 
 
"I have instructed the transport minister and (train) operator... to conduct an in-depth probe to find out the cause of the accident," he said. 
 
Accidents are rare on the metro system that serves Kuala Lumpur.

More than 200 passengers were injured in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Monday when two metro trains collided in a tunnel, police said. The accident happened just before 9:00 pm (1300 GMT), when a packed train collided with a second that was empty and heading in the opposite direction.

More than 200 passengers were injured in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Monday when two metro trains collided in a tunnel, police said. The accident happened just before 9:00 pm (1300 GMT), when a packed train collided with a second that was empty and heading in the opposite direction. Pictures circulating on social media showed injured passengers sprawled on the floor of a carriage, which was covered in glass. They also showed people on stretchers being treated by emergency services after the accident, which happened in downtown Kuala Lumpur close to the landmark Petronas Twin Towers. Forty-seven people suffered serious injuries and 166 had minor injuries in the accident, said police official Mohamad Zainal Abdullah. The empty train had just been repaired and was travelling on the same track as the full train. "The front of the trains collided, and the impact threw passengers on to the floor, this caused the injuries," he said. The trains were not travelling fast at the time at the accident -- one was going at 20 kilometres per hour and the other at 40 kilometres per hour, officials said. They also said there was no sign of foul play and the accident appeared to have been caused by miscommunication. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Facebook that the crash was "serious". "I have instructed the transport minister and (train) operator... to conduct an in-depth probe to find out the cause of the accident," he said. Accidents are rare on the metro system that serves Kuala Lumpur.

More than 200 injured in Malaysia metro train crash

A group of researchers from Malaysia have found traces of canine<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> coronavirus</a> in local patients and revealed that the virus has been understudied for many years and was being passed along as a common cold.

Professor Gregory Gray from Duke University's Global Health Institute&nbsp;asked his students to develop a pan-species test for coronavirus that could help identify the virus and assist in preventing another such event in the future.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-dose-of-covid-vaccines-created-antibodies-in-over-96-people-in-uk-new-study-finds-385833" hreflang="en">First dose of Covid vaccines created antibodies in over 96% people in UK, new study finds</a>

While conducting their research, Gray’s team found out traces of a canine coronavirus in children who were hospitalised for pneumonia in 2017 and 2018, in Malaysia.

After studying the genetic makeup of the said virus, the researchers believe it is unlikely that this virus is currently circulating between humans, but they also believe that this canine virus is what caused the illness of the patients in question.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-us-scientists-grow-human-brain-tissues-in-a-3d-printed-apparatus-385687" hreflang="en">Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus</a>

"What we're advocating for... is more application of pan-species diagnostics to look for five different viral families we think are the most problematic in causing epidemics in humans," Gray told news agency, AFP.

Gray's student-scholar, Lishan Xiu, conducted his research to find the alignment of the genetic sequences of the various family members of the virus. The pan-species coronavirus test was then performed on swab samples collected from pneumonia patients of hospitals in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Xiu found that out of 301 collected samples, nearly eight children had traces of the canine virus.

To be sure about their findings, Gray’s team formed a partnership with a&nbsp;virologist Anastasia Vlasova at Ohio State University, who grew more of the virus and sequenced its entire genome. Out of this experiment, a virus, called CCoV-HuPn-2018, was found which also had traces of feline and swine components, in addition to its canine origin.

Gray feels this small study can help identify bigger problems and can help avert future epidemics.

"If we set up surveillance of pig workers, poultry workers, cattle workers, we're going to be amazed at what their immune systems are being challenged with," Gray said. "That doesn't mean that they're going to be the match that lights the next pandemic, but they would be a good resource to study."

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of researchers from Malaysia have found traces of canine coronavirus in local patients and revealed that the virus has been understudied for many years and was being passed along as a common cold.

A group of researchers from Malaysia have found traces of canine coronavirus in local patients and revealed that the virus has been understudied for many years and was being passed along as a common cold. Professor Gregory Gray from Duke University's Global Health Institute asked his students to develop a pan-species test for coronavirus that could help identify the virus and assist in preventing another such event in the future. Also read | First dose of Covid vaccines created antibodies in over 96% people in UK, new study finds While conducting their research, Gray’s team found out traces of a canine coronavirus in children who were hospitalised for pneumonia in 2017 and 2018, in Malaysia. After studying the genetic makeup of the said virus, the researchers believe it is unlikely that this virus is currently circulating between humans, but they also believe that this canine virus is what caused the illness of the patients in question. Also read | Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus "What we're advocating for... is more application of pan-species diagnostics to look for five different viral families we think are the most problematic in causing epidemics in humans," Gray told news agency, AFP. Gray's student-scholar, Lishan Xiu, conducted his research to find the alignment of the genetic sequences of the various family members of the virus. The pan-species coronavirus test was then performed on swab samples collected from pneumonia patients of hospitals in Sarawak, Malaysia. Xiu found that out of 301 collected samples, nearly eight children had traces of the canine virus. To be sure about their findings, Gray’s team formed a partnership with a virologist Anastasia Vlasova at Ohio State University, who grew more of the virus and sequenced its entire genome. Out of this experiment, a virus, called CCoV-HuPn-2018, was found which also had traces of feline and swine components, in addition to its canine origin. Gray feels this small study can help identify bigger problems and can help avert future epidemics. "If we set up surveillance of pig workers, poultry workers, cattle workers, we're going to be amazed at what their immune systems are being challenged with," Gray said. "That doesn't mean that they're going to be the match that lights the next pandemic, but they would be a good resource to study." (With inputs from agencies)

Canine coronavirus detected in Malaysian children admitted in 2017-2018: Study

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported.&nbsp;

The Abu Sayyaf group, whose members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014, is based in the southern Philippines and is notorious for bombings, beheadings, extortions and kidnap-for-ransom activities.&nbsp;

Authorities in Malaysia have stepped up efforts to crack down on militant activity in recent years after an attack linked to Islamic State in the capital Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and others in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

The five men killed in a Monday night shootout in a squatter area included Mabar Binda, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander on the Philippine government's wanted list, the Sabah state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali said.&nbsp;

Hazani said police responded with gunfire after one of the suspects opened fire during the raid. Officers found two pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition and three machetes.&nbsp;

"With the fall of these five, the police are confident we have crippled one Abu Sayyaf cell hiding out in Sabah," Hazani was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;

The police had detained 83 people in Sabah between 2014 and 2020 for suspected links to Islamic State, Hazani said.&nbsp;

Sabah has long grappled with the threat of armed kidnappers taking advantage of the proximity and porous maritime borders between the southern Philippines and the Malaysian state.&nbsp;

The Philippines military said in March troops killed an Abu Sayyaf leader and rescued four Indonesian hostages held for a year since they were kidnapped from Sabah.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported.

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported. The Abu Sayyaf group, whose members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014, is based in the southern Philippines and is notorious for bombings, beheadings, extortions and kidnap-for-ransom activities. Authorities in Malaysia have stepped up efforts to crack down on militant activity in recent years after an attack linked to Islamic State in the capital Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and others in neighbouring countries. The five men killed in a Monday night shootout in a squatter area included Mabar Binda, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander on the Philippine government's wanted list, the Sabah state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali said. Hazani said police responded with gunfire after one of the suspects opened fire during the raid. Officers found two pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition and three machetes. "With the fall of these five, the police are confident we have crippled one Abu Sayyaf cell hiding out in Sabah," Hazani was quoted as saying in the report. The police had detained 83 people in Sabah between 2014 and 2020 for suspected links to Islamic State, Hazani said. Sabah has long grappled with the threat of armed kidnappers taking advantage of the proximity and porous maritime borders between the southern Philippines and the Malaysian state. The Philippines military said in March troops killed an Abu Sayyaf leader and rescued four Indonesian hostages held for a year since they were kidnapped from Sabah. (With inputs from agencies)

Five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants killed in raid: Malaysian police  

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape.

Since then, the 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam has received support from many on social media, while also receiving a lot of backlash for speaking out against the same.

Insensitivity a 'joke'?

The teacher in question&nbsp;was referring to protections offered in the country against rape. While doing so, the teacher reportedly said the following to students - “So if you want to rape anyone, rape someone above 18”.&nbsp;

Ain raised the issue with another teacher, but was chided for being “emotional and sensitive”, she revealed to BBC. Even though she has received immense support on social media since speaking out, the general backlash and the attitude of others speaks&nbsp;of how such heinous crimes are infantilised as “jokes”.

The teenager’s ferocious words have struck a chord with a few. In fact, now Malaysians are asking for schools to become safer for boys and girls alike. Many have written songs about the same, asking the authorities to take necessary steps to spread awareness about the severity of a crime like rape.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-woman-accuses-spy-of-rape-by-tricking-her-into-relationship-384233" hreflang="en">UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship</a>

Since in spoke out, Malaysian kids erupted on social media - sharing similar instances they faced in their educational institutions. Many also reported incidents of harassment and abuse at the hands of teachers who&nbsp;allegedly do nothing to break the cycle.&nbsp;

'We want to educate'

“We want to educate. We want to change”, Ain told BBC.&nbsp;

But soon after her post on social media, many began to criticise her for taking a joke too seriously. Some comments went as far as urging her to “cover” herself to avoid being raped.&nbsp;

Ain’s father spoke out in her support during a chat with BBC, saying that this incident serves as “proof that our culture, our society… we need to rectify this and come out from that kind of way of thinking”.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/break-their-lineage-break-their-roots-report-details-chinese-authorities-torture-rape-of-uighur-muslims-378793" hreflang="en">'Break their lineage, break their roots': Report details Chinese authorities’ torture, rape of Uighur Muslims</a>

This doesn’t end here. Turns out, the family took the matter to the police.

Local outlet MalaysiaKini reported that the deputy inspector-general of police dismissed the claims as “maybe a joke”.

According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the teacher who made the “joke” has been transferred while the matter is being investigated.

&nbsp;

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape.

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape. Since then, the 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam has received support from many on social media, while also receiving a lot of backlash for speaking out against the same. Insensitivity a 'joke'? The teacher in question was referring to protections offered in the country against rape. While doing so, the teacher reportedly said the following to students - “So if you want to rape anyone, rape someone above 18”. Ain raised the issue with another teacher, but was chided for being “emotional and sensitive”, she revealed to BBC. Even though she has received immense support on social media since speaking out, the general backlash and the attitude of others speaks of how such heinous crimes are infantilised as “jokes”. The teenager’s ferocious words have struck a chord with a few. In fact, now Malaysians are asking for schools to become safer for boys and girls alike. Many have written songs about the same, asking the authorities to take necessary steps to spread awareness about the severity of a crime like rape. Also read: UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship Since in spoke out, Malaysian kids erupted on social media - sharing similar instances they faced in their educational institutions. Many also reported incidents of harassment and abuse at the hands of teachers who allegedly do nothing to break the cycle. 'We want to educate' “We want to educate. We want to change”, Ain told BBC. But soon after her post on social media, many began to criticise her for taking a joke too seriously. Some comments went as far as urging her to “cover” herself to avoid being raped. Ain’s father spoke out in her support during a chat with BBC, saying that this incident serves as “proof that our culture, our society… we need to rectify this and come out from that kind of way of thinking”. Also read: 'Break their lineage, break their roots': Report details Chinese authorities’ torture, rape of Uighur Muslims This doesn’t end here. Turns out, the family took the matter to the police. Local outlet MalaysiaKini reported that the deputy inspector-general of police dismissed the claims as “maybe a joke”. According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the teacher who made the “joke” has been transferred while the matter is being investigated.

How a Malaysian teenager's fight against rape culture in schools caused national backlash

Former&nbsp;Malaysian&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Najib&nbsp;Razak, who has been convicted over the mammoth 1MDB scandal, is in trouble with the law again, this time for&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;rules&nbsp;in a restaurant.&nbsp;

He was&nbsp;fined&nbsp;3,000 ringgit&nbsp;($730) for failing to register at the eatery or have his temperature taken, police said.

It came after footage circulated on social media showing the ex-prime minister flouting the&nbsp;rules&nbsp;in March at a Kuala Lumpur restaurant that sells a traditional chicken and rice dish.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-tightens-curbs-in-capital-as-virus-cases-climb-383156">Malaysia tightens curbs in capital as virus cases climb</a>

While&nbsp;Najib&nbsp;still denies any involvement in the 1MDB fraud, over which he has been sentenced to 12 years in jail, he was quick to admit his misdemeanour at the eatery.&nbsp;

The 67-year-old, who remains free on bail while he appeals the 1MDB conviction, used the incident to highlight other cases in which politicians allegedly broke the&nbsp;rules.&nbsp;

These include an incident when ministers allegedly travelled illegally to another part of the country to attend a wedding.&nbsp;

"Myself and the man on the street are investigated by police and&nbsp;fined&nbsp;by the government,"&nbsp;Najib&nbsp;posted on Facebook after the penalty was announced late Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-makes-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-optional-amid-safety-fears-382705">Malaysia makes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine optional amid safety fears</a>

"But I don't know (if this will happen), if government ministers contravene the&nbsp;rules."

The restaurant owner was also&nbsp;fined&nbsp;10,000 ringgit for failing to ensure&nbsp;Najib&nbsp;followed the regulations.

Last month&nbsp;Najib&nbsp;revealed he is facing bankruptcy for allegedly failing to pay more than $400 million in taxes, which could lead to him losing his seat in parliament.&nbsp;

He was convicted last year in the first of several trials he is facing over the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Billions of dollars were stolen from the investment vehicle and spent on everything from pricey artwork to real estate, a scandal that contributed to the downfall of&nbsp;Najib's government in 2018.

Malaysia&nbsp;is facing an escalating&nbsp;virus&nbsp;outbreak, and this week introduced new curbs in Kuala Lumpur and several other areas.

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak, who has been convicted over the mammoth 1MDB scandal, is in trouble with the law again, this time for breaking coronavirus rules in a restaurant.

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak, who has been convicted over the mammoth 1MDB scandal, is in trouble with the law again, this time for breaking coronavirus rules in a restaurant. He was fined 3,000 ringgit ($730) for failing to register at the eatery or have his temperature taken, police said. It came after footage circulated on social media showing the ex-prime minister flouting the rules in March at a Kuala Lumpur restaurant that sells a traditional chicken and rice dish. Also read | Malaysia tightens curbs in capital as virus cases climb While Najib still denies any involvement in the 1MDB fraud, over which he has been sentenced to 12 years in jail, he was quick to admit his misdemeanour at the eatery. The 67-year-old, who remains free on bail while he appeals the 1MDB conviction, used the incident to highlight other cases in which politicians allegedly broke the rules. These include an incident when ministers allegedly travelled illegally to another part of the country to attend a wedding. "Myself and the man on the street are investigated by police and fined by the government," Najib posted on Facebook after the penalty was announced late Thursday. Also read | Malaysia makes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine optional amid safety fears "But I don't know (if this will happen), if government ministers contravene the rules." The restaurant owner was also fined 10,000 ringgit for failing to ensure Najib followed the regulations. Last month Najib revealed he is facing bankruptcy for allegedly failing to pay more than $400 million in taxes, which could lead to him losing his seat in parliament. He was convicted last year in the first of several trials he is facing over the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad. Billions of dollars were stolen from the investment vehicle and spent on everything from pricey artwork to real estate, a scandal that contributed to the downfall of Najib's government in 2018. Malaysia is facing an escalating virus outbreak, and this week introduced new curbs in Kuala Lumpur and several other areas.

Malaysian ex-PM Najib fined for flouting Coronvirus rules

Malaysia&nbsp;will begin a parallel COVID-19 innoculation programme this week for people who chose to receive the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine, after it was removed from an ongoing rollout due to public fears over its safety, a minister said on Monday.

Reports of possible links to very rare blood clots have dented confidence in the shot in&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;and elsewhere.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;has pointed to regulator recommendations that the vaccine is safe and effective, though some countries have suspended its use due to rising unease or limited it to certain age groups.

Also read:<a href="Malaysia sets up compensation fund for Covid-19 vaccinations ">&nbsp;Malaysia sets up compensation fund for Covid-19 vaccinations&nbsp;</a>

Malaysia, which received its first 268,000&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine doses in April, said it would allow people to choose to receive the jab on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The decision was made after around 8,000 people cancelled online vaccination registrations following the government's announcement that the shot would be part of the nationwide rollout, Science Minister Khairy Jamaludin told reporters.

Data also showed increased vaccine hesitancy with some people not showing up to appointments after&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;was included, he said.

"The number of cancellations was rising, and this resulted in (authorities) deciding that we should carve out&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;from the mainstream national immunisation programme," Khairy said.

Slots for 268,000 doses were filled in just three hours after bookings opened on Sunday, he said, adding the programme that starts on Wednesday would be expanded when more doses arrive.

Malaysia&nbsp;is due to receive 12.8 million doses of the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine, with the next shipment of 1.1 million doses expected to arrive this month.

Khairy said authorities had also decided to limit the use of the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech to those aged 60 years or older.

Malaysia&nbsp;is facing a spike in coronavirus cases, with more than 415,000 total infections reported.

Separately, Health Minister Adham Baba noted a marked increase in COVID-19 patients suffering acute symptoms, possibly due to new strains.

Malaysia&nbsp;on Sunday reported its first case of a variant first identified in India, which experts say may have mutations that would make it more transmissible, cause more severe disease or evade vaccine immunity.

The government has also detected 48 cases of the South African variant and eight of the British variant as of May 1, Adham said.

Malaysia will begin a parallel COVID-19 innoculation programme this week for people who chose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, after it was removed from an ongoing rollout due to public fears over its safety, a minister said on Monday.

Malaysia will begin a parallel COVID-19 innoculation programme this week for people who chose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, after it was removed from an ongoing rollout due to public fears over its safety, a minister said on Monday. Reports of possible links to very rare blood clots have dented confidence in the shot in Malaysia and elsewhere. AstraZeneca has pointed to regulator recommendations that the vaccine is safe and effective, though some countries have suspended its use due to rising unease or limited it to certain age groups. Also read: Malaysia sets up compensation fund for Covid-19 vaccinations Malaysia, which received its first 268,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses in April, said it would allow people to choose to receive the jab on a first-come, first-serve basis. The decision was made after around 8,000 people cancelled online vaccination registrations following the government's announcement that the shot would be part of the nationwide rollout, Science Minister Khairy Jamaludin told reporters. Data also showed increased vaccine hesitancy with some people not showing up to appointments after AstraZeneca was included, he said. "The number of cancellations was rising, and this resulted in (authorities) deciding that we should carve out AstraZeneca from the mainstream national immunisation programme," Khairy said. Slots for 268,000 doses were filled in just three hours after bookings opened on Sunday, he said, adding the programme that starts on Wednesday would be expanded when more doses arrive. Malaysia is due to receive 12.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with the next shipment of 1.1 million doses expected to arrive this month. Khairy said authorities had also decided to limit the use of the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech to those aged 60 years or older. Malaysia is facing a spike in coronavirus cases, with more than 415,000 total infections reported. Separately, Health Minister Adham Baba noted a marked increase in COVID-19 patients suffering acute symptoms, possibly due to new strains. Malaysia on Sunday reported its first case of a variant first identified in India, which experts say may have mutations that would make it more transmissible, cause more severe disease or evade vaccine immunity. The government has also detected 48 cases of the South African variant and eight of the British variant as of May 1, Adham said.

Malaysia makes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine optional amid safety fears

For the past 10 years, three Malaysian farmers have been perfecting the right concoction of nutrients and treatment to successfully grow Japanese muskmelons, one of the world's most expensive fruits, in Malaysia's hot, tropical weather.

Classical music and messages to grow world's most expensive melons in tropical Malaysia

The ruling could not have been more clear.

One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome.

The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank.

Nothing has happened.

The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action.

FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings.

For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening.

“It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.”

Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory.

She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.”

The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice.

Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations.

Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome.

She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court.

At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council.

Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal.

By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982.

At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight.

Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA.

After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective.

But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said.

Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25.

“If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.”

Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not.

Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.”

But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup.

The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS.

“Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA. The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome. The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank. Nothing has happened. The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action. FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings. For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening. “It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.” Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory. She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.” The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice. Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations. Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome. She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court. At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council. Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal. By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982. At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight. Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA. After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective. But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said. Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25. “If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.” Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not. Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.” But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup. The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS. “Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

A soccer official proved her discrimination case. No one was punished.

Malaysia’s foreign minister stressed on Saturday that his country remained independent in foreign policy after some social media users and opposition politicians lambasted him for referring to his Chinese counterpart as his ‘elder brother’.

Hishammuddin Hussein, on his first visit to China as foreign minister, had expressed hope that he and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi would pursue closer ties between the nations, including post-Covid-19 cooperation and fighting the pandemic.

However, he provoked controversy back home when he told his counterpart in a joint press briefing on Thursday, "You will always be my elder brother."

China is Malaysia’s largest trade partner, but relations between the two countries have been tested in recent years by Beijing’s increasingly assertive foreign policy in the region, particularly its maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, some of which conflict with Malaysia’s own claims.

Some Malaysians took to social media to chide Hishammuddin, saying he appeared to be appeasing the global superpower, while opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim demanded the minister retract his comment and issue an apology to the country.&nbsp;

"This is not the language and style that should be used in the world of diplomacy and international relations because it seems to put Malaysia’s status as a foreign puppet," Anwar said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"As a country that is neutral and not in favour of any great power in the world, his statement is clearly a form of insult to our own country."

Following the criticism, Hishammuddin said on Twitter that he had said ‘elder brother’ to show respect to Wang Yi, and that the words did not refer to Malaysia’s relationship with China.&nbsp;

He said he had been "respecting that Wang Yi is older, and a more senior foreign minister; hence ‘elder brother’ to me personally".&nbsp;

"Being respectful does not signify weakness," he added.&nbsp;

"Rest assured that Malaysia remains independent, principled and pragmatic in terms of our foreign policy - founded on the values of peace, humanity, justice, and equality."

(With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia’s foreign minister stressed on Saturday that his country remained independent in foreign policy after some social media users and opposition politicians lambasted him for referring to his Chinese counterpart as his ‘elder brother’.

Malaysia’s foreign minister stressed on Saturday that his country remained independent in foreign policy after some social media users and opposition politicians lambasted him for referring to his Chinese counterpart as his ‘elder brother’. Hishammuddin Hussein, on his first visit to China as foreign minister, had expressed hope that he and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi would pursue closer ties between the nations, including post-Covid-19 cooperation and fighting the pandemic. However, he provoked controversy back home when he told his counterpart in a joint press briefing on Thursday, "You will always be my elder brother." China is Malaysia’s largest trade partner, but relations between the two countries have been tested in recent years by Beijing’s increasingly assertive foreign policy in the region, particularly its maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, some of which conflict with Malaysia’s own claims. Some Malaysians took to social media to chide Hishammuddin, saying he appeared to be appeasing the global superpower, while opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim demanded the minister retract his comment and issue an apology to the country. "This is not the language and style that should be used in the world of diplomacy and international relations because it seems to put Malaysia’s status as a foreign puppet," Anwar said on Saturday. "As a country that is neutral and not in favour of any great power in the world, his statement is clearly a form of insult to our own country." Following the criticism, Hishammuddin said on Twitter that he had said ‘elder brother’ to show respect to Wang Yi, and that the words did not refer to Malaysia’s relationship with China. He said he had been "respecting that Wang Yi is older, and a more senior foreign minister; hence ‘elder brother’ to me personally". "Being respectful does not signify weakness," he added. "Rest assured that Malaysia remains independent, principled and pragmatic in terms of our foreign policy - founded on the values of peace, humanity, justice, and equality." (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia independent, says Min, who called Chinese counterpart 'elder brother'

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said.&nbsp;

Right groups raised concerns over the safety of deportees when Malaysia sent back 1,086 Myanmar nationals on Myanmar navy ships last month, just weeks after the military had seized power in a February&nbsp;1 coup.&nbsp;

Detained in Malaysia for immigration offences, they were deported despite a court order halting the plan. Rights groups had told the court that children and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution in Myanmar were among those being deported.&nbsp;

Three Malaysian sources familiar with the matter said the decision to delay a plan to deport a second batch until after a proposed meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the Myanmar crisis was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The sources requested anonymity as they were not&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;to speak to media.&nbsp;

Myanmar this month had offered to send three more navy ships to pick up its people detained in Malaysia, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

Malaysia's foreign ministry directed queries to the home affairs ministry and immigration department, neither of which responded to requests for comment.&nbsp;

Indonesia last week called on Brunei, the current chair of ASEAN, to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar, amid a violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters. Malaysia backed Indonesia's call, but it is unclear whether, or when, that meeting would be held.&nbsp;

Malaysia came under international pressure after sending back the Myanmar nationals last month, with diplomats saying Kuala Lumpur was&nbsp;legitimising&nbsp;the coup by accepting the junta's proposal to take back the detainees.&nbsp;

Malaysia said the people deported last month were undocumented migrants and did not include ethnic Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers.&nbsp;

But concerns have persisted as the UN refugee agency has been denied access to detainees for more than a year to verify their status.&nbsp;

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said.

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said. Right groups raised concerns over the safety of deportees when Malaysia sent back 1,086 Myanmar nationals on Myanmar navy ships last month, just weeks after the military had seized power in a February 1 coup. Detained in Malaysia for immigration offences, they were deported despite a court order halting the plan. Rights groups had told the court that children and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution in Myanmar were among those being deported. Three Malaysian sources familiar with the matter said the decision to delay a plan to deport a second batch until after a proposed meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the Myanmar crisis was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The sources requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to media. Myanmar this month had offered to send three more navy ships to pick up its people detained in Malaysia, one of the sources said. Malaysia's foreign ministry directed queries to the home affairs ministry and immigration department, neither of which responded to requests for comment. Indonesia last week called on Brunei, the current chair of ASEAN, to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar, amid a violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters. Malaysia backed Indonesia's call, but it is unclear whether, or when, that meeting would be held. Malaysia came under international pressure after sending back the Myanmar nationals last month, with diplomats saying Kuala Lumpur was legitimising the coup by accepting the junta's proposal to take back the detainees. Malaysia said the people deported last month were undocumented migrants and did not include ethnic Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers. But concerns have persisted as the UN refugee agency has been denied access to detainees for more than a year to verify their status. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia puts deportations to Myanmar on hold till after ASEAN meets: Sources

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country has inoculated nearly 430,000 frontline workers, with the majority having received the first of two jabs of the vaccine jointly developed by US company Pfizer and German partner BioNTech.&nbsp;

Under the new fund, individuals requiring extended hospitalisation due to a vaccine reaction will be eligible for 50,000 ringgit ($12,171), or if this results in permanent disability or death 500,000 ringgit, Health Minister Adham Baba said.&nbsp;

Adham said health authorities had recorded 20 instances of adverse reactions to vaccination as of March 18, with symptoms ranging from itching to shortness of breath and palpitations.&nbsp;

"There have not been any deaths linked to the vaccine," Adham told a news conference, without specifying the type of vaccine he was referring to.&nbsp;

Malaysia's vaccination drive began on February 23 using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with authorities only starting to administer the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech on March 18.&nbsp;

Malaysia will also scrap a plan to reserve a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine for those, who had already received their first dose, in a bid to speed up its vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Malaysia has reported just over 330,000 coronavirus cases and 1,233 deaths after keeping infection rates relatively low for much of last year until a spike of infections from October that peaked in early February.&nbsp;

Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government is confident that Pfizer will be able to provide the 32 million doses secured by Malaysia.&nbsp;

Last week, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will almost double its Covid-19 immunisation budget to 5 billion ringgit to speed up its target of vaccinating 80% of its 32 million population by December, instead of February 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations.

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations. The Southeast Asian country has inoculated nearly 430,000 frontline workers, with the majority having received the first of two jabs of the vaccine jointly developed by US company Pfizer and German partner BioNTech. Under the new fund, individuals requiring extended hospitalisation due to a vaccine reaction will be eligible for 50,000 ringgit ($12,171), or if this results in permanent disability or death 500,000 ringgit, Health Minister Adham Baba said. Adham said health authorities had recorded 20 instances of adverse reactions to vaccination as of March 18, with symptoms ranging from itching to shortness of breath and palpitations. "There have not been any deaths linked to the vaccine," Adham told a news conference, without specifying the type of vaccine he was referring to. Malaysia's vaccination drive began on February 23 using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with authorities only starting to administer the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech on March 18. Malaysia will also scrap a plan to reserve a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine for those, who had already received their first dose, in a bid to speed up its vaccination drive. Malaysia has reported just over 330,000 coronavirus cases and 1,233 deaths after keeping infection rates relatively low for much of last year until a spike of infections from October that peaked in early February. Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government is confident that Pfizer will be able to provide the 32 million doses secured by Malaysia. Last week, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will almost double its Covid-19 immunisation budget to 5 billion ringgit to speed up its target of vaccinating 80% of its 32 million population by December, instead of February 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia sets up compensation fund for Covid-19 vaccinations 

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport.&nbsp;

A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow.&nbsp;

After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up.&nbsp;

Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act".

Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack.

Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus.&nbsp;

They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers.&nbsp;

An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday.&nbsp;

Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China.

Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.&nbsp;

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US. Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure. The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport. A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow. After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up. Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act". Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack. Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus. They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers. An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday. Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China. Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.

North Korean diplomats set to leave Malaysia after ties cut

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges.

State media KCNA reported on Friday that North Korea's foreign affairs ministry warned Washington would "pay a price".

On March 9, Malaysia`s top court ruled that a North Korean man, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges, according to media reports.

Mun had been arrested in 2019 after the United States accused him of laundering funds through front companies and issuing fraudulent documents to support illicit shipments to North Korea. He fought the extradition request, arguing that it was politically motivated.

The ministry called the extradition a "nefarious act and unpardonably heavy crime" by Malaysian authorities, who had "offered our citizen as a sacrifice of the US hostile move in defiance of the acknowledged international laws."

Malaysia's actions had destroyed "the entire foundation of the bilateral relations based on the respect for sovereignty," it said.

Kuala Lumpur's once-close ties with Pyongyang were severely downgraded after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged brother, 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.

"We warn in advance that the US - the backstage manipulator and main culprit of this incident - that it will also be made to pay a due price," KCNA reported.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Thursday said that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete a review of its North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with allies.

(with inputs)

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges.

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges. State media KCNA reported on Friday that North Korea's foreign affairs ministry warned Washington would "pay a price". On March 9, Malaysia`s top court ruled that a North Korean man, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges, according to media reports. Mun had been arrested in 2019 after the United States accused him of laundering funds through front companies and issuing fraudulent documents to support illicit shipments to North Korea. He fought the extradition request, arguing that it was politically motivated. The ministry called the extradition a "nefarious act and unpardonably heavy crime" by Malaysian authorities, who had "offered our citizen as a sacrifice of the US hostile move in defiance of the acknowledged international laws." Malaysia's actions had destroyed "the entire foundation of the bilateral relations based on the respect for sovereignty," it said. Kuala Lumpur's once-close ties with Pyongyang were severely downgraded after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged brother, 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. "We warn in advance that the US - the backstage manipulator and main culprit of this incident - that it will also be made to pay a due price," KCNA reported. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Thursday said that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete a review of its North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with allies. (with inputs)

North Korea to sever ties with Malaysia over extradition of citizen to US

Malaysia has charged glove maker Top Glove Corp on 10 counts of failing to provide minimum standards of worker accommodation, authorities said on Tuesday.

State news agency Bernama earlier reported that ten of the company's sites for foreign workers in the state of Perak were not certified by the labour department.

Top Glove, the world's largest producer of medical gloves, confirmed that the case was in relation to a November inspection under legislation on minimum housing and amenities standards and said it has pleaded not guilty.

Court hearings on the case will resume on April 28, the company said.

Top Glove also said it has set out plans to improve the standard of the various types of accommodation the company provides for its workers.

If found guilty, Top Glove could be fined up to 50,000 ringgit ($12,159.53) on each charge, a charge sheet showed.

The labour department declined to comment on a case still in progress.

The charges follow authorities' investigations into worker accommodation and hostels at several Top Glove sites last November after a coronavirus outbreak at one of its factories near the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

That outbreak grew into Malaysia's largest cluster, with more than 5,000 workers testing positive.

Top Glove last week said that an independent consultant had found no indication of systemic forced labour at the company after it had taken measures to address U.S. concerns over working conditions.

Malaysia has charged glove maker Top Glove Corp on 10 counts of failing to provide minimum standards of worker accommodation, authorities said on Tuesday. State news agency Bernama earlier reported that ten of the company's sites for foreign workers in the state of Perak were not certified by the labour department.

Malaysia has charged glove maker Top Glove Corp on 10 counts of failing to provide minimum standards of worker accommodation, authorities said on Tuesday. State news agency Bernama earlier reported that ten of the company's sites for foreign workers in the state of Perak were not certified by the labour department. Top Glove, the world's largest producer of medical gloves, confirmed that the case was in relation to a November inspection under legislation on minimum housing and amenities standards and said it has pleaded not guilty. Court hearings on the case will resume on April 28, the company said. Top Glove also said it has set out plans to improve the standard of the various types of accommodation the company provides for its workers. If found guilty, Top Glove could be fined up to 50,000 ringgit ($12,159.53) on each charge, a charge sheet showed. The labour department declined to comment on a case still in progress. The charges follow authorities' investigations into worker accommodation and hostels at several Top Glove sites last November after a coronavirus outbreak at one of its factories near the capital, Kuala Lumpur. That outbreak grew into Malaysia's largest cluster, with more than 5,000 workers testing positive. Top Glove last week said that an independent consultant had found no indication of systemic forced labour at the company after it had taken measures to address U.S. concerns over working conditions.

Malaysia charges Top Glove over quality of worker housing

The landmark ruling Malaysian High Court allowed Christians to use the word 'Allah' to refer to their God. The ruling comes is part of a case brought by a Christian whose religious materials were seized as they contained the word.

Malaysia: Court allows Christians to use 'Allah'. Ruling sparks fear of communal violence

The High Court ruling appeared to contradict an earlier decision by the country’s Federal Court in 2014.

Malaysian court allows non-Muslims can use ‘Allah’

A Malaysian court on Wednesday ruled that&nbsp;Christians in Muslim-majority Malaysia can use the word "Allah" in publications, a court ruled Wednesday, overturning a decades-old ban after a lengthy legal battle that fuelled religious tensions.

The Arabic word for God has long been divisive in Malaysia, with Christians complaining attempts to stop them using it to highlight creeping Islamisation. But some Muslims accuse Christians of overstepping boundaries.

Wednesday's case began 13 years ago when officials seized religious materials in the local Malay language from a Christian woman at Kuala Lumpur airport that contained the word "Allah".

Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, a member of an indigenous group&nbsp;then launched a legal challenge against a 1986 ban on Christians using the term in publications.

After repeated delays, the Kuala Lumpur High Court finally sided with her, ruling she had the right not to face discrimination on the grounds of her faith.

According to the judge's lawyer,&nbsp;Annou Xavier,&nbsp;the ban on Christians using "Allah" was "unlawful and unconstitutional".

Malaysia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

Christians in Malaysia say they have used the word "Allah" for centuries.

But authorities had argued against using the term in non-Muslim literature, saying it could confuse Muslims and entice them to convert.

In another high-profile case in 2014, Malaysia's top court dismissed a bid by the Catholic Church for the right to use the word "Allah" in the Malay-language edition of a church newspaper.

Malaysia has largely avoided overt religious conflict in recent decades, but tensions have been growing.

In 2014 a church was hit with petrol bombs, while Islamic authorities have seized Bibles containing the word "Allah".

In 2017 a Christian pastor was dragged from his car by masked men and kidnapped. He is still missing, with a public inquiry concluding he was probably snatched by "agents of the state".

Less than 10 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are estimated to be Christians, coming from mostly ethnic Chinese, Indian or indigenous backgrounds, while 60 per cent are Muslim ethnic Malay.

A Malaysian court on Wednesday ruled that Christians in Muslim-majority Malaysia can use the word "Allah" in publications, a court ruled Wednesday, overturning a decades-old ban after a lengthy legal battle that fuelled religious tensions.

A Malaysian court on Wednesday ruled that Christians in Muslim-majority Malaysia can use the word "Allah" in publications, a court ruled Wednesday, overturning a decades-old ban after a lengthy legal battle that fuelled religious tensions. The Arabic word for God has long been divisive in Malaysia, with Christians complaining attempts to stop them using it to highlight creeping Islamisation. But some Muslims accuse Christians of overstepping boundaries. Wednesday's case began 13 years ago when officials seized religious materials in the local Malay language from a Christian woman at Kuala Lumpur airport that contained the word "Allah". Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, a member of an indigenous group then launched a legal challenge against a 1986 ban on Christians using the term in publications. After repeated delays, the Kuala Lumpur High Court finally sided with her, ruling she had the right not to face discrimination on the grounds of her faith. According to the judge's lawyer, Annou Xavier, the ban on Christians using "Allah" was "unlawful and unconstitutional". Malaysia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Christians in Malaysia say they have used the word "Allah" for centuries. But authorities had argued against using the term in non-Muslim literature, saying it could confuse Muslims and entice them to convert. In another high-profile case in 2014, Malaysia's top court dismissed a bid by the Catholic Church for the right to use the word "Allah" in the Malay-language edition of a church newspaper. Malaysia has largely avoided overt religious conflict in recent decades, but tensions have been growing. In 2014 a church was hit with petrol bombs, while Islamic authorities have seized Bibles containing the word "Allah". In 2017 a Christian pastor was dragged from his car by masked men and kidnapped. He is still missing, with a public inquiry concluding he was probably snatched by "agents of the state". Less than 10 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are estimated to be Christians, coming from mostly ethnic Chinese, Indian or indigenous backgrounds, while 60 per cent are Muslim ethnic Malay.

Christians in Muslim-majority Malaysia can use 'Allah' in publications

A Malaysian man has won the country's first legal challenge against Islamic laws that ban gay sex.

He was charged in an Islamic court in 2019 with attempting to have "intercourse against the order of nature", and several others in the same case have already pleaded guilty and were caned as a punishment.

In Thursday's landmark case, the legislation banning gay sex was enacted in Selangor state, outside Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

Multi-ethnic Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Islamic courts handling some matters for Muslim citizens, and sharia laws set by individual states. But local laws cannot conflict with legislation at the federal level, and sodomy is already a crime under the national penal code -- although the statute is rarely enforced.&nbsp;

In its ruling, Malaysia's top court sided with the&nbsp;man who brought the case, saying Selangor state was not empowered to make such a law.

The ruling means that the law is overturned and the man's case should be dropped.

The verdict is being hailed as a victory hailed as "monumental progress" in combating persecution of the LGBT community.

The man was among 11 arrested for allegedly having sex at an apartment in 2018. Some have admitted to the offence before an Islamic court and received six strokes of the cane, a fine and jail terms of up to seven months.

About 60 percent of Malaysia's population is Muslim. Despite the victory, Islamic laws banning gay sex still exist in some other states.

A Malaysian man has won the country's first legal challenge against Islamic laws that ban gay sex. He was charged in an Islamic court in 2019 with attempting to have "intercourse against the order of nature", and several others in the same case have already pleaded guilty and were caned as a punishment.

A Malaysian man has won the country's first legal challenge against Islamic laws that ban gay sex. He was charged in an Islamic court in 2019 with attempting to have "intercourse against the order of nature", and several others in the same case have already pleaded guilty and were caned as a punishment. In Thursday's landmark case, the legislation banning gay sex was enacted in Selangor state, outside Kuala Lumpur. Multi-ethnic Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Islamic courts handling some matters for Muslim citizens, and sharia laws set by individual states. But local laws cannot conflict with legislation at the federal level, and sodomy is already a crime under the national penal code -- although the statute is rarely enforced. In its ruling, Malaysia's top court sided with the man who brought the case, saying Selangor state was not empowered to make such a law. The ruling means that the law is overturned and the man's case should be dropped. The verdict is being hailed as a victory hailed as "monumental progress" in combating persecution of the LGBT community. The man was among 11 arrested for allegedly having sex at an apartment in 2018. Some have admitted to the offence before an Islamic court and received six strokes of the cane, a fine and jail terms of up to seven months. About 60 percent of Malaysia's population is Muslim. Despite the victory, Islamic laws banning gay sex still exist in some other states.

Malaysian man wins country's first challenge against Islamic law banning gay sex

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The migrants, whom activists say include vulnerable asylum seekers, departed on Tuesday on Myanmar navy ships from a Malaysian military base back to their homeland, just weeks after a coup. &nbsp;

Rights groups had fiercely criticised the plan, and hours before the deportation, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered it be temporarily halted to allow a legal challenge from activists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But officials pushed ahead regardless, repatriating 1,086 migrants and offering no explanation as to why the court's instructions were ignored. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a joint statement, four opposition lawmakers condemned the 'inhumane' deportation and suggested government officials could be held in contempt for ignoring the legal ruling. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"This act... is a clear display that the Malaysian government does not respect the ongoing court process and has put Malaysia in a bad light on the human rights front," they said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Amnesty International, one of the groups that challenged the deportation, said the government 'owes an explanation to the people of Malaysia as to why they chose to defy the court order'. &nbsp;

"These dangerous deportations have not been properly scrutinised and put individuals at grave risk," said Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, executive director of Amnesty's Malaysia office. &nbsp;

More than 100 migrants originally to be deported are believed to have been left behind, with officials offering no explanation as to why. On Wednesday, the high court ruled those remaining should be not sent back as NGOs challenge the repatriation. &nbsp;

Malaysian immigration officials insisted there were no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority, who are not recognised as citizens in Myanmar or asylum seekers among those repatriated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But rights groups have raised doubts over authorities' claims there were no asylum seekers among the deportees. &nbsp;

Authorities have since 2019 blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres, meaning they cannot assess which migrants have genuine asylum claims and should be allowed to remain in Malaysia. &nbsp;

It is rare for NGOs to challenge repatriations but in the latest case, they were particularly concerned about the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar since the coup.&nbsp;

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order.

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order. The migrants, whom activists say include vulnerable asylum seekers, departed on Tuesday on Myanmar navy ships from a Malaysian military base back to their homeland, just weeks after a coup. Rights groups had fiercely criticised the plan, and hours before the deportation, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered it be temporarily halted to allow a legal challenge from activists. But officials pushed ahead regardless, repatriating 1,086 migrants and offering no explanation as to why the court's instructions were ignored. In a joint statement, four opposition lawmakers condemned the 'inhumane' deportation and suggested government officials could be held in contempt for ignoring the legal ruling. "This act... is a clear display that the Malaysian government does not respect the ongoing court process and has put Malaysia in a bad light on the human rights front," they said. Amnesty International, one of the groups that challenged the deportation, said the government 'owes an explanation to the people of Malaysia as to why they chose to defy the court order'. "These dangerous deportations have not been properly scrutinised and put individuals at grave risk," said Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, executive director of Amnesty's Malaysia office. More than 100 migrants originally to be deported are believed to have been left behind, with officials offering no explanation as to why. On Wednesday, the high court ruled those remaining should be not sent back as NGOs challenge the repatriation. Malaysian immigration officials insisted there were no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority, who are not recognised as citizens in Myanmar or asylum seekers among those repatriated. But rights groups have raised doubts over authorities' claims there were no asylum seekers among the deportees. Authorities have since 2019 blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres, meaning they cannot assess which migrants have genuine asylum claims and should be allowed to remain in Malaysia. It is rare for NGOs to challenge repatriations but in the latest case, they were particularly concerned about the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar since the coup.

Malaysia under fire after controversial Myanmar nationals' deportation

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 inoculation programme</a>, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year. 
 
Malaysia has set an ambitious target of vaccinating at least 80% of its 32 million people by February next year. 
 
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to be given the vaccine, developed by US&nbsp;drugmaker Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, as part of government efforts to reassure people of the vaccine`s safety. 
 
After Muhyiddin was given his shot, officials clapped in the health department office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, before a group of health workers were also vaccinated.

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"I am confident this vaccine is safe and effective," Muhyiddin said, adding that the public should have faith in his government`s efforts to break the chain of COVID-19 infections. 
 
The Southeast Asian nation had largely contained the virus for most of last year, but a spike in infections that started in September has placed Malaysia third in the region in total cases, behind Indonesia and the Philippines. 
 
Malaysia has reported nearly 290,000 coronavirus cases and 1,076 deaths as of Tuesday, though new daily infections have started trending downwards in the past week. 
 
The vaccination process will be implemented in three phases, with the first expected to run from February to April involving 300,000 medical and 200,000 non-medical frontline workers - including politicians, security personnel and welfare officers. 
 
Around 9.4 million high-risk individuals will be vaccinated in the next phase between April and August, followed by more than 16 million adults aged 18 and older in phase three that will run from May to February next year. 
 
Last week, the government said it has secured 66.7 million vaccine doses, enough to more than cover its population. 
 
Pfizer and BioNTech will supply half of the total doses, with the remainder sourced from Britain`s AstraZeneca, Russia`s Gamaleya Research Institute, and China`s Sinovac Biotech and CanSino Biologics.

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its COVID-19 inoculation programme, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year.

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its COVID-19 inoculation programme, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year. Malaysia has set an ambitious target of vaccinating at least 80% of its 32 million people by February next year. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to be given the vaccine, developed by US drugmaker Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, as part of government efforts to reassure people of the vaccine`s safety. After Muhyiddin was given his shot, officials clapped in the health department office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, before a group of health workers were also vaccinated. Also watch: Lockdown-weary Malaysians get appetite for drive-in dining × "I am confident this vaccine is safe and effective," Muhyiddin said, adding that the public should have faith in his government`s efforts to break the chain of COVID-19 infections. The Southeast Asian nation had largely contained the virus for most of last year, but a spike in infections that started in September has placed Malaysia third in the region in total cases, behind Indonesia and the Philippines. Malaysia has reported nearly 290,000 coronavirus cases and 1,076 deaths as of Tuesday, though new daily infections have started trending downwards in the past week. The vaccination process will be implemented in three phases, with the first expected to run from February to April involving 300,000 medical and 200,000 non-medical frontline workers - including politicians, security personnel and welfare officers. Around 9.4 million high-risk individuals will be vaccinated in the next phase between April and August, followed by more than 16 million adults aged 18 and older in phase three that will run from May to February next year. Last week, the government said it has secured 66.7 million vaccine doses, enough to more than cover its population. Pfizer and BioNTech will supply half of the total doses, with the remainder sourced from Britain`s AstraZeneca, Russia`s Gamaleya Research Institute, and China`s Sinovac Biotech and CanSino Biologics.

Malaysia launches COVID-19 vaccination drive as PM gets first shot

A Malaysian court ordered a temporary halt to a controversial plan to deport 1,200 Myanmar detainees to their homeland Tuesday weeks after a coup, following a last-ditch legal challenge.

The migrants, including members of vulnerable minorities, had already been taken in buses and trucks to a military base on Malaysia's west coast to be loaded onto waiting Myanmar navy ships.

The United States and the United Nations had criticised the plan, while rights groups said there were asylum seekers among those due to be repatriated.

Rights groups Amnesty International and Asylum Access had lodged a court challenge, arguing Malaysia would be in breach of its international duties by sending vulnerable people back to a country where they could be in danger.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-more-military-leaders-in-myanmar-amid-protests-365549" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on two more military leaders in Myanmar amid protests</a>

The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered a halt to the repatriation to allow a hearing to take place on Wednesday into the groups' bid to stop the deportations, their lawyer New Sin Yew told AFP.

Amnesty International Malaysia's executive director, Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, said that "the government must respect the court order and ensure that not one of the 1,200 individuals is deported today".

She called on authorities to grant the UN refugee agency access to the migrants set to be deported, so they can assess whether any should be granted refugee status.

"It's important to note that the stay of execution granted by the court does not mean the 1,200 are safe from being deported. They are facing life-threatening risks," she added.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-chief-antonio-guterres-tells-myanmar-military-to-stop-the-repression-365471" hreflang="en">UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Myanmar military to stop the repression</a>

"We urge the government to reconsider its plans to send this group of vulnerable people back to Myanmar."

'Could be tortured'

Earlier, dozens of buses and trucks carrying the migrants and escorted by police cars arrived at the naval base in Lumut, according to AFP journalists at the scene.&nbsp;

The Myanmar military seized power at the start of February and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a series of massive protests.

Malaysia initially expressed "serious concern" at the coup -- but just days later, news emerged it had accepted an offer from the Myanmar junta to send warships to repatriate the detainees.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-defy-militarys-lethal-warning-to-take-to-streets-again-365417" hreflang="en">Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again</a>

Officials insist those being sent back have committed offences such as overstaying their visas and no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority -- not recognised as citizens in Myanmar -- are among them.

But the detainees include members of the Christian Chin minority and people from conflict-riven Kachin and Shan states, according to Lilianne Fan, international director of the Geutanyoe Foundation, which works with refugees.

Malaysian authorities have blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres since late 2019, meaning they have not been able to determine who should be granted refugee status.

James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Malaysia-based Alliance of Chin Refugees, said he was "shocked" to learn Chin were among those to be deported.

"They are refugees who came from a conflict area," he told AFP.

Malaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia who work in low-pay jobs such as construction. As well as Myanmar, they come from countries including Bangladesh and Indonesia.

A Malaysian court ordered a temporary halt to a controversial plan to deport 1,200 Myanmar detainees to their homeland Tuesday weeks after a coup, following a last-ditch legal challenge.

A Malaysian court ordered a temporary halt to a controversial plan to deport 1,200 Myanmar detainees to their homeland Tuesday weeks after a coup, following a last-ditch legal challenge. The migrants, including members of vulnerable minorities, had already been taken in buses and trucks to a military base on Malaysia's west coast to be loaded onto waiting Myanmar navy ships. The United States and the United Nations had criticised the plan, while rights groups said there were asylum seekers among those due to be repatriated. Rights groups Amnesty International and Asylum Access had lodged a court challenge, arguing Malaysia would be in breach of its international duties by sending vulnerable people back to a country where they could be in danger. Also read| US imposes sanctions on two more military leaders in Myanmar amid protests The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered a halt to the repatriation to allow a hearing to take place on Wednesday into the groups' bid to stop the deportations, their lawyer New Sin Yew told AFP. Amnesty International Malaysia's executive director, Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, said that "the government must respect the court order and ensure that not one of the 1,200 individuals is deported today". She called on authorities to grant the UN refugee agency access to the migrants set to be deported, so they can assess whether any should be granted refugee status. "It's important to note that the stay of execution granted by the court does not mean the 1,200 are safe from being deported. They are facing life-threatening risks," she added. Also read| UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Myanmar military to stop the repression "We urge the government to reconsider its plans to send this group of vulnerable people back to Myanmar." 'Could be tortured' Earlier, dozens of buses and trucks carrying the migrants and escorted by police cars arrived at the naval base in Lumut, according to AFP journalists at the scene. The Myanmar military seized power at the start of February and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a series of massive protests. Malaysia initially expressed "serious concern" at the coup -- but just days later, news emerged it had accepted an offer from the Myanmar junta to send warships to repatriate the detainees. Also read| Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again Officials insist those being sent back have committed offences such as overstaying their visas and no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority -- not recognised as citizens in Myanmar -- are among them. But the detainees include members of the Christian Chin minority and people from conflict-riven Kachin and Shan states, according to Lilianne Fan, international director of the Geutanyoe Foundation, which works with refugees. Malaysian authorities have blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres since late 2019, meaning they have not been able to determine who should be granted refugee status. James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Malaysia-based Alliance of Chin Refugees, said he was "shocked" to learn Chin were among those to be deported. "They are refugees who came from a conflict area," he told AFP. Malaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia who work in low-pay jobs such as construction. As well as Myanmar, they come from countries including Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Malaysian court halts Myanmar deportation after outcry

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