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MALAYSIA is urging ASEAN countries to collaborate to ensure stability in regional waters as inaction could leave the region vulnerable to foreign interference.

In a report by Bernama today, Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (picture) explained that the region must not remain passive amid increasing maritime threats and called on member states to cooperate and collectively strive for a safer maritime future.

“If ASEAN does not act now, our maritime stability will be severely affected. We cannot allow the sovereignty of our maritime zones to fall into the hands of foreign powers. 

“We cannot remain silent, cannot be divided and certainly cannot accept instability in South-East Asia. What we need is collective action that turns dialogue into action and aspirations into implementation,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled added that ASEAN’s maritime challenges are becoming increasingly complex. This includes traditional power rivalries and territorial disputes, as well as non-traditional threats such as illegal fishing, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

Hence, he outlined three key priority areas to reinforce ASEAN’s maritime cooperation framework.

He stressed the importance of the bloc maintaining focus and neutrality in the face of growing external pressures, such as grey-zone tactics, foreign intrusions, maritime coercion and subtle encroachments on sovereignty.

“In facing these issues, ASEAN must remain the leader in maritime security in our region. International law, particularly UNCLOS 1982 (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), must form the foundation and our cooperation must be reinforced,” Mohamed Khaled added.

Mohamed Khaled also called on all ASEAN nations to jointly adopt a “Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society” (WOGOS) approach to tackle modern maritime threats, as he describes it as a strategic imperative.

The post Malaysia urges ASEAN unity to safeguard regional maritime stability appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

THE Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) will proceed with charging five minors over the bullying of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.

As reported by Harian Metro today, AG Tan Sri Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that the charges will be filed under Section 506C(1) of the Penal Code, which covers harassment that causes a person to feel distressed, fearful, or alarmed.

“We will proceed,” he was quoted as saying.

Lawyers representing Zara Qairina’s family requested a delay in the prosecution, arguing that the suspects should instead face charges under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, which covers causing someone to fear that harm may occur.

Section 507D(2) provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

They suggested that if further investigations are conducted and more evidence is obtained, the charges could be filed under the more serious Section 507D(2).

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent said the bullying charges will not interfere with the inquest.

He explained that even with charges filed, the inquest can continue to examine whether other criminal acts or misconduct occurred beyond the bullying.

Additional charges may be brought after the inquest if supported by evidence.

On July 16, 13-year-old Zara Qairina was found unconscious after falling from the third floor of her school hostel in Papar, Sabah.

She died the next day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, and her body was exhumed on Aug 9 for post-mortem in connection with the bullying allegations.

The post ACG to proceed with charging 5 minors involved in Zara Qairina’s death appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by SHAUQI WAHAB

THE Federal Constitution must remain the foundation of governance while the judiciary is critical in defending its supremacy.

Former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat (picture) stressed that the constitution is the supreme law of the country through the protection of fundamental rights, the division of powers between the federation and the states, and the separation of the executive, legislative and judiciary.

Highlighting the contrast with countries whose constitutions were born from conflict, she shared that Malaysia’s was forged through peaceful deliberation and consensus to accommodate a multiracial and multi-religious community.

This, she said, places an even greater responsibility on institutions to safeguard its integrity.

Tengku Maimun highlighted that unlike the UK where Parliament is supreme, Malaysia’s constitutional framework enshrines supremacy in the Federal Constitution itself.

“Any law inconsistent with it is void, and it is the judiciary’s solemn duty to say so,” she said, quoting Article 4(1), during the Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG) Distinguished Speaker Series titled “The Sanctity of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution: Threats, Solutions and Impact on National Governance” today.

Tengku Maimun also outlined how unconstitutional laws can be struck down on two grounds, namely incompetency, where a legislature exceeds its power; and inconsistency, where a law conflicts with constitutional guarantees.

Citing the 1988 judicial crisis, where amendments weakened judicial power, she warned against repeating such mistakes.

Tengku Maimun said the judiciary is not infallible, but history has shown that when its independence is eroded, governance itself collapses, while also praising the restoration of judicial strength in recent years through bold rulings.

She further linked constitutional supremacy to economic stability and social cohesion, explaining that where the rule of law is strong, investment confidence and public trust follow.

However, she said the Constitution is not for the judiciary alone to defend as it belongs to the parliament, the executive, and the civil society, calling for shared responsibility.

“Each of us has a role in ensuring its survival,” she said.

Tengku Maimun commended the ACG for providing a platform that promotes evidence-based discourse.

“Events such as this provide a valuable forum for informed and constructive engagement and in doing so, the ACG contributes tangibly to the broader effort to strengthen principle and accountable governance,” she said.

The post Tengku Maimun: Protect Federal Constitution as bedrock of governance appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.