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From socks, to shoes and now prayer mats.
Controversy over products deemed insulting to Muslims has rolled on, despite the King calling for calm and unity. The ongoing saga is the latest in a string of issues that have not only divided Malaysians, but also cast a spotlight on an increasing number of schisms in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s so-called unity government.
A noted split in opinion within his government has been the leniency towards former premier Najib Razak. In January, Najib had his jail time over the 1MDB scandal halved to six years. Now, he is seeking to serve the remaining 4½ years of his sentence under house arrest.
Meanwhile, the shooting at Kuala Lumpur International Airport has shocked the country and raised concerns on airport security. The suspect allegedly opened fire on his estranged wife, who is also his business partner, at the arrival hall but injured the woman’s bodyguard instead. He has since been arrested.
The incident comes hot on the heels of an alleged Israeli hitman being charged with trafficking and possession of six firearms and 158 bullets – a case that has sparked speculation of spying amid Malaysia’s critical stance of Israel’s role in the Gaza conflict.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
‘Allah’ socks just the latest schism for Anwar’s (dis)unity government
Efforts to rein in the stoking of sensitive issues such as race and religion have not helped to ease the existing intra-government tensions.
Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib determined to seek house arrest for remainder of jail term
He claims the previous Malaysian king had allowed him to enter house arrest, but the order was concealed.
KLIA shooting: Suspect’s escape attempt foiled at hospital
The man was collecting the results of a medical test at a private hospital in Kota Bharu.
American F&B chains in Malaysia still face boycott over Gaza war
While the Gaza-linked boycott is low-key, it has hurt the bottom lines of the companies targeted.
Malaysia orders Meta, TikTok to counter harmful content online
The authorities are particularly concerned about so-called “3R” posts related to race, religion and royalty.
Migrate like a Malaysian. Here’s why we do it and why some stay
Nearly two million Malaysians reside abroad, with most of them in Singapore. What’s behind this brain drain?
