January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has reaffirmed his stance against Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad, whom he previously accused of racism over remarks about Malaysian Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.
Despite Zaharudin, who is also the son-in-law of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, threatening legal action, Sim defended his comments, stating that he was simply standing up against racism and supporting the Armed Forces.
“I will not retreat from challenging this PAS leader who is being racist, discriminatory, and disrespectful towards our military personnel,” Sim was quoted by Malaysiakini.
“If I’m to be sued for defending multiracial unity and the honour of our Armed Forces, so be it. I await his lawyer’s letter,” he added.
Zaharudin earlier said he was consulting his lawyer on whether to pursue legal action against Sim or the news portal World of Buzz, which he accused of misrepresenting his remarks.
He claimed that he deleted his original post not due to fear of legal consequences, but in response to a wave of backlash from alleged online operatives.
On Wednesday, Sim posted on Facebook defending Lim’s decades of service, describing Zaharudin’s remarks as “racist, seditious, and treasonous.” He said such comments undermined the Armed Forces and disrespected the trust placed in them by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who serves as the Supreme Commander.
Lim’s promotion was a historic moment, as he became the first ethnic Chinese officer to reach the rank of lieutenant-general in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
In response, Zaharudin speculated that a Chinese individual could become Malaysia’s 50th prime minister by 2058—an outcome he linked to Lim’s promotion. He also drew parallels between Malaysia’s immigration policies and Zionist settlement activities in Palestine, before eventually deleting the post.
PAS has since distanced itself from the remarks, stating that the views expressed were Zaharudin’s personal opinion and do not reflect the party’s stance or values.
