The credibility of the rules-based order, he stressed, “depends on consistency.”

His remarks come as tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue to reverberate across the Middle East , raising concerns among Asian governments over potential spillover effects on trade, energy security and regional stability.

Anwar reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law, particularly in the context of continued Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and in Lebanon. At the same time, he called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid widening the conflict .

Moreover, the Malaysian premier warned of the risk that neighbouring Gulf states could be drawn further into the crisis, stressing that civilian populations and critical infrastructure in the region must be protected.

“The Gulf states, the region and the world have much at stake — economically, socially and in terms of long-term stability — and their peoples must not bear the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere,” he said.

Heaps praise for Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Alongside his criticism, Anwar signalled support for renewed diplomatic efforts. He welcomed Pakistan’s offer to host dialogue between Washington and Tehran, describing it as a “timely and constructive” initiative, and praised similar earlier efforts by Oman and other countries.

Malaysia supports such initiatives, he said, but cautioned that any negotiations must be anchored on a “clear commitment to ending the conflict”, rather than serving as temporary pauses.

“The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable,” he said.

Anwar added that he had held discussions with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan to advocate de-escalation, saying Malaysia would continue to support efforts towards a “just and lasting peace.”

Malaysia will take immediate action against unauthorised houses of worship , Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on February 9, amid rising disputes that have raised concerns over national unity. He said temples or shrines built without legal approval, particularly on land they do not own, will no longer be allowed, and municipal councils have been authorised to clear such structures. Anwar noted the sensitivity of the issue in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, citing recent disputes involving Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. While acknowledging potential backlash, he warned against vigilantism, stressing that enforcement must be carried out strictly according to the law.

New member of Malaysian royalty is born

Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife, Princess Anisha Rosnah, have welcomed their first child , a baby girl, the Brunei royal household announced on Sunday. In a statement carried by national broadcaster RTB News, the Office of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said Princess Anisha gave birth safely on Feb 8 at 8.50am, in an announcement made in accordance with the Sultan’s orders. The birth was marked by 17 cannon shots fired at the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman. The couple, who married in a royal ceremony last year, announced the pregnancy in October.

Anwar says language, history must anchor education to prevent detached elite

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia must place language and history at the core of its education system to avoid producing an elite class disconnected from national identity. Speaking at an event at Universiti Selangor in Shah Alam, Anwar said a firm commitment was needed if the country was serious about shaping its own character. He stressed that the principle should apply across all education streams, including international schools, which have expanded rapidly. While debates on language and education date back decades, Anwar said indecision was no longer an option, adding that cultural grounding must progress alongside economic and technological development.

Health ministry bans cosmetic product found to contain mercury

The health ministry has banned the sale of Saqa Glowing Turmeric Night Treatment Cream after tests found it contained mercury , a prohibited substance in cosmetics. The ministry revoked the product’s notification, making it illegal to sell or distribute in the country, Bernama reported. In a statement, the ministry warned that mercury can be absorbed into the body and cause serious health risks, including kidney and nervous system damage, developmental harm to children and fetuses, and skin reactions such as rashes and irritation. Consumers have been urged to stop using the product, while sellers and distributors must immediately halt sales due to regulatory violations.

Toddler opening car door triggers six-vehicle crash

A two-year-old child opening a car door caused a six-vehicle road accident along Jalan Tun Razak on Friday evening, police said. The crash occurred near the Kampung Pandan roundabout heading towards KLCC and involved four cars and two motorcycles. Preliminary investigations found the child, seated in the rear of a Honda City and held by a relative, opened the left rear door after the child safety lock was not engaged. A motorcyclist was unable to avoid the door, triggering a chain collision. One rider was hospitalised, while another suffered minor injuries. Police are investigating for careless driving.

The US president marked his arrival with his trademark fist-pumping dance — a move that has long drawn both amusement and ridicule during his political rallies.

Beyond the theatrics, Trump’s visit carries weight. 

His first order of business is to oversee a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, two neighbours whose border tensions have turned deadly in recent years.

Trump is also expected to raise issues of trade and regional security with Southeast Asian leaders, many of whom are increasingly anxious about China’s assertiveness in the region.

Anwar said the move showed Israel’s disregard “not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”

“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” he wrote on social media . 

He vowed to pursue legal action to free the Malaysians and hold Israel to account.

“Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at our disposal to ensure that Israel is held to account, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens,” he said. “The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.”

As of writing, 40 boats had been seized by Israel, with only 12 still evading its naval forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is described as the largest maritime mission of its kind, with delegates from 44 countries forming the crew. Among them is climate activist Greta Thunberg. 

The vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits and milk powder, considered vital as international agencies warn of famine in Gaza.

In September, a United Nations (UN) commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza , citing evidence it imposed destructive conditions on the Palestinian people, including blocking food and water.

Anwar’s criticism comes at a time of growing unease in Asia over Israel’s actions. At the UN General Assembly, many countries in the region reiterated support for a two-state solution.

Malaysia has long been one of Israel’s fiercest critics. Anwar has previously said his country’s position has made it a target of Israeli intelligence, and at one point Kuala Lumpur even called for Israel’s expulsion from the UN.

The Malaysian premier vowed his country would continue to stand undeterred against Israel. 

“As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them,” he said. “We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations.”

In June 2008, then–Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi removed fuel subsidies just months after losing Barisan Nasional’s two-thirds parliamentary majority. Inflation surged from 2.3% in January to 8.5% by July, and despite wage hikes and cash aid, public and party dissatisfaction mounted. Criticism, including from predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, contributed to Abdullah’s early exit, with Datuk Seri Najib Razak succeeding him. Najib avoided similar moves, instead adopting a managed float system (2014–2018) during a period of low global oil prices. Now, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is preparing to address the RON95 blanket fuel subsidy.

GRS to maintain ties with Pakatan, rules out talks with other parties

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will continue its exclusive partnership with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming 17th state election, focusing now on seat distribution talks. Secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said no cooperation with other parties was discussed during the Aug 10 meeting, chaired by GRS leader Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and attended by coalition partners. Masidi stressed that local parties should lead the alliance, which he credited with maintaining Sabah’s political stability and supporting development efforts.

Sabah must shed its “master-servant” mindset

At the PGRS Congress in Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor rallied supporters with the phrase “The Master is here. The Master is not there,” recalling a past federal leader’s dismissal of Sabah’s push for a “Borneo Bloc” with Sarawak to strengthen East Malaysia’s voice. That leader had warned Hajiji and his colleagues against pursuing the idea, implying Kuala Lumpur held ultimate authority. Hajiji’s later support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the 2022 election was seen as a form of political payback. The episode highlights Sabah’s smaller political clout compared to Sarawak, which holds more parliamentary seats and stronger state control.

LFL urges Akmal to debate flag issue instead of bullying store owner

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) slammed Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s plan to visit a Penang store to “teach” its owner how to display the Jalur Gemilang, calling it bullying, vigilantism, and racially divisive. LFL director Zaid Malek said the store owner had already apologised, yet Akmal ignored this, risking criminal offences such as intimidation and inciting public mischief. Urging government action, Zaid invited Akmal to debate the flag issue instead of harassing citizens. The plan, part of a “Maruah Tanah Airku” rally, follows a viral video showing the flag being carried upside down.

Malaysia must stop saying one thing and doing another

In his first year as UK foreign secretary, David Lammy made 47 overseas trips, including to Malaysia for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 12 July. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, opening the event, stressed ASEAN’s “centrality” in shaping the Asia-Pacific’s regional architecture. Lammy also met Anwar, with both hailing upgraded UK-Malaysia ties as a “strategic partnership” based on shared values. However, this rhetoric contrasts with Malaysia’s political reality, where Anwar’s government is pushing legislation—such as amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act—that critics say will further curb freedom of expression on sensitive issues of religion, race, and royalty.