Dr Mahathir playing with fire, Sarawak leaders say

FORMER prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is resorting to politics of race and religion, which will divide the nation in his last bid to rejuvenate his legacy, several Sarawak leaders said. They said Dr Mahathir is playing with fire if he throws his support behind the Proklamasi Orang Melayu gathering, which is scheduled to be held today.

Malay issues focus of state polls, say PKR delegates

ISSUES related to Malay rights, religion and racial sentiments were of concern at the PKR Special National Congress as Pakatan Harapan (PH) prepares for the state elections, the delegates said. They told The Malaysian Insight that issues pertaining to the Malays were constantly raised during the debate in Shah Alam yesterday.

Worker shortage leads to 50% loss in renovation business

CONTRACTORS dealing with home renovations and makeovers claim business has plummeted by as much as 50%, due to the difficulty in hiring workers with the required skill set. Samantha Lim, who runs a Kuala Lumpur home renovation and design company, said prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, her company could easily complete three projects in a month.

At least 12 killed as strong quake jolts Ecuador and Peru

AT least 12 people were killed, one wounded and buildings damaged in a powerful earthquake that shook Peru and Ecuador yesterday, Ecuador’s presidency said. Destroyed buildings, crushed vehicles and debris could be seen in cities such as Machala and Cuenca in Ecuador, as rescue officials rushed to lend aid and panicked residents ran into the streets.

No lessons in first week of school policy to remain, says Fadhlina

SHAH ALAM: The Education Ministry’s decision not to have academic classes in the first week of the 2023/2024 school session was made after conducting a review to ensure the circular will have the best impact on all stakeholders, says Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Read full story

Shahelmey: Suspension not a surprise

KOTA KINABALU: After he got news of his six-year suspension from Umno, Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (pic) said he was not surprised by the move. Read full story

Zahid hopes polls will revitalise Umno

BAGAN DATUK: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hopes the outcome of elections at the party’s 189 divisions will serve as a step towards Umno’s revival. Read full story

‘Don’t use racial sentiments’

SHAH ALAM: The current administration will never compromise on the principle that Malaysia is a country for all Malaysians irrespective of race or creed, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Read full story

Good news for the labour force

PETALING JAYA: The approval of foreign workers under the quota plan so far is expected to meet the demand for foreign workers, including in critical sectors, said Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar (pic). Read full story