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After months of battling ill health, Sarawak’s former strongman Taib Mahmud died this morning. The man was chief minister for more than three decades before becoming governor of the state. His governorship ended early, on Jan 26, amid questions over his health.
Tun Taib, 87, leaves behind siblings and children who are feuding with their stepmother over a family estate that some believe makes him the richest man in Malaysia.
Separately, Mr Taib’s contemporary Mahathir Mohamad is recovering from an infection, contrary to rumours that the long-serving former premier was not conscious after being warded since the end of January.
Meanwhile, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Muhyiddin Yassin, another veteran politician, has said that he will relinquish the reins, and along with it the leadership of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition, in a few years. This comes amid an intensifying internal battle in Bersatu, which, in the past year, has found the going tough outside of government – the party has been in power for most of its short eight-year history.
In the latest development on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR), it appears that despite both Malaysia and Singapore’s openness to reviving the project, it may remain buried as concept proposals from fresh bidders so far have requested government financial support. Kuala Lumpur, however, insisted that it will not fund the HSR as the government is trying to reduce its debt obligations.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
New Malaysian bids to revive KL-Singapore high-speed rail, but govt funding remains missing link
Analysts say private companies would need state support for the HSR to be commercially viable.
Malaysia’s Bersatu roiled by internal feud amid Muhyiddin’s plans to retire
An imploding Bersatu could strengthen PM Anwar’s grip on power, but it could also help boost PAS’ influence.
Slashing pensions a brave move but Malaysia govt risks ‘political suicide’, say analysts
Malaysia’s pension bill could surge to RM120 billion by 2040 if the new plan is not implemented.
Malaysia govt’s new media ethics code raises questions about press freedom
The authorities said the code would serve as a guideline for managing media accreditation cards.
Ex-Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud dies at 87
Under his watch, the sleepy state became an economic engine powered by fossil fuels, timber and palm oil.
Singaporean man fined $1,500 after viral road rage incident in Johor
Soh Kian Hui, 45, paid the fine after pleading guilty to the charge of committing mischief.
No punishment for man who tried to drown pregnant girlfriend in Malaysia condo pool
