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Malaysia’s apex court has struck down a slew of Islamic criminal enactments in Kelantan, ruling that they were unconstitutional as criminal laws were under the purview of the federal Parliament.
Despite Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat stressing that the suit was purely a matter of upholding constitutional provisions, conservative Muslims as well as the opposition are up in arms over yet another issue that threatens to dent Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s already weak support from the Malay Muslim majority.
Datuk Seri Anwar has certainly had his hands full managing political issues that, on paper, are out of his hands – the Islamic law case was filed by private citizens before he took power in November 2022 – including the commuting of former premier Najib Razak’s graft sentence by half to six years. But Najib, the ex-Umno chief, is clearly unsatisfied, with his lawyer stating that his client was considering another petition for a full royal pardon.
Meanwhile, the family of former Sarawak strongman Taib Mahmud are claiming that his wife has made unilateral decisions concerning the ex-governor’s health and whereabouts, leaving them in the dark. The dispute is the latest in an ongoing battle that involves Tun Taib’s considerable estate, which some say would make him Malaysia’s richest person.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Feud over ex-Sarawak governor’s estate and health shines spotlight on family’s wealth
Taib Mahmud’s whereabouts is the latest twist in a family dispute that surfaced publicly in mid-2023.
Jury’s out on whether Najib’s early release will boost Umno
Some see the former premier as a lucky charm to win back Malay voters, but graft concerns still linger.
Malaysian lawyer gets death threats after court decision on Islamic criminal laws raises tension
Backing her legal challenge, the Federal Court annuls 16 provisions of Islamic criminal laws enacted by Kelantan.
Bodies of 2 Malaysians recovered after Singapore-owned light plane crashes in Selangor
The aircraft was reportedly flying in preparation for the Singapore Airshow from Feb 20 to 25.
Malaysian police arrest foreigner after Johor road rage incident involving Singapore-registered car
Singapore-Malaysia ties: When family ties speak louder than politics
The politics may differ, but for many Singaporeans, Malaysia spells family and natural beauty.
