I am a multimedia journalist, documentary filmmaker and writer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have 16 years experience in the field and my last senior post was as Senior Editor, News Features, at Astro AWANI, Malaysia's first 24-hour news channel. Prior to that 4-year stint,, I was a ...

Sure, make noise now but don’t forget to vote

20 Feb 2022  |  FATBIDIN.COM  |  English  |  Elections

The article discusses the involvement of youth in Malaysian politics, focusing on the candidacy of Dian Lee for the Muda party in the upcoming Johor state election. It highlights the mixed reactions from the public, with some criticizing her privileged background and others advocating for her right to participate in the democratic process. The author emphasizes the importance of voting and informed decision-making in a democratic society.

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Dr Mahathir Mohamad Dian Lee Lee Kim Yee Zan Azlee

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Suddaf is a freelance journalist currently based in Islamabad, Beirut and London. She covers extremism, security, politics and human rights primarily focusing on the Middle East and South Asia particular focus on Pakistan, Syria and Iran. Her works has been featured in Aljazeera, Middle East Eye, ...

Can Pakistan bounce back after Malaysia snub? It's up to Imran Khan

01 Jan 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Pakistan Politics

Pakistan's withdrawal from a summit of Muslim countries in Malaysia, under Saudi pressure, has exposed its diplomatic vulnerabilities. Prime Minister Imran Khan faces a challenging balancing act between needing Saudi financial support and asserting independence. The decision has drawn criticism and highlighted Pakistan's economic dependencies. Analysts suggest Pakistan could leverage its military ties with Saudi Arabia for greater influence. The future of Pakistan's diplomatic strategy hinges on Khan's ability to navigate these complex relationships.

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Mahathir bin Mohamad Imran Khan Mohammed bin Salman Recep Tayyip Erdogan Abdul Basit Michael Kugelman Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud Syed Talat Hussain Saad Hariri Raheel Sharif

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Nithin Coca is a freelance journalist who focuses on social and economic issues in developing countries, and has specific expertise in Southeast Asia. He is based partly in San Francisco, CA, Kyoto, Japan, and Jakarta, Indonesia.

Coca's feature and news pieces have appeared in global media ...

Islamic Leaders Have Nothing to Say About China’s Internment Camps for Muslims

24 Jul 2018  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Religious Persecution

The article highlights the severe persecution of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, including internment camps, surveillance, and religious restrictions. Despite the gravity of the situation, Muslim leaders and countries have largely remained silent, influenced by economic ties and political considerations with China. The article contrasts this silence with the vocal support for other Muslim causes like Palestine and Rohingya. It also explores the potential for change in countries like Malaysia and Turkey, where political dynamics and cultural connections to the Uighurs could lead to more vocal opposition to China's actions.

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Mahathir Mohamad Peter Irwin Omer Kanat Simone van Nieuwenhuizen Dawn Murphy Ahmad Farouk Musa Lim Guan Eng Najib Razak Recep Tayyip Erdogan Mevlut Cavusoglu Alip Erkin

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Aminah Farid is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Merdeka Day 2023: Do Malaysians still feel the festivities after 66 years?

31 Aug 2023  |  malaysia.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Political Turmoil

As Malaysia approaches its 66th Independence Day, sentiments among Malaysians are mixed, reflecting both patriotism and concerns about social and political issues. The article features diverse perspectives from citizens across the country, discussing hopes for unity, the importance of historical values, and the need for progressive change. It also touches on the political turmoil of recent years and the disparity between East and West Malaysia. Key figures mentioned include Anwar Ibrahim, Azizi, Azmi Mohamad, Adri T. Azhar, Suthesh S, and Ushar Daniele.

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Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Azmi Mohamad Anwar Ibrahim Azizi Adri T. Azhar Suthesh S Ushar Daniele Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob

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Marco Ferrarese is a journalist and travel writer specializing on Malaysia, Southeast Asia and India. He earned a PhD in Anthropology with a focus on Malaysia from Monash University. 

Ferrarese has written about travel, culture and extreme music in Asia for a variety of international ...

Feature: Tale Of The Dreamer's Son By Preeta Samarasan

01 Oct 2022  |  Eksentrika: Arts Community • Artist Registry • Asian Arts Magazine  |  English  |  Ethnic Relations

Preeta Samarasan's second novel, 'Tale of the Dreamer's Son,' explores Malaysian history and ethnic relations through a narrative that spans several decades. The book, published by World Editions, delves into significant historical events like the May 13th riots and Operation Lalang, while also focusing on the lives of its characters in a commune led by Cyril Dragon. The novel is noted for its experimental and realistic prose, addressing the complexities of Malaysia's ethnic landscape. Samarasan, who now lives in Europe, reflects on race and identity, offering a unique diasporic perspective.

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Mahathir Mohamad Preeta Samarasan Reza Salmah Cyril Dragon

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Aidan Foster-Carter is a journalist based in Exeter, United Kingdom.

3 Years Ago, Kim Jong Un Got Away With Murder

13 Feb 2020  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Three years ago, Kim Jong Nam was assassinated in Malaysia using VX nerve agent, allegedly orchestrated by North Korea. The incident highlighted North Korea's capabilities and moral disregard. Despite international outrage, North Korea faced minimal consequences. The article criticizes the responses of global leaders, particularly Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in, for their perceived naivety in dealing with Kim Jong Un. It underscores the ongoing threat posed by North Korea's WMD programs and cybercrime activities, urging a clear-eyed approach to negotiations.

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Mahathir Mohamad Kim Jong Un Kim Jong Nam Donald Trump Moon Jae-in Najib Razak Sergei Skripal Yulia Skripal Jeremy Corbyn Bashar al-Assad

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Divya Gopalan is a journalist based in New Territories, Hong Kong.

Malaysia abolishes unpopular consumer tax

01 Jun 2018  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Economic Policy

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has abolished the controversial goods and services tax (GST), fulfilling a campaign promise ahead of schedule. The GST, introduced in 2015 to offset declining oil revenues, was widely blamed for increasing the cost of living and became a symbol of the previous government's corruption, particularly linked to the 1MDB scandal. The new government, Pakatan Harapan, has declared a 'tax holiday' until September, when a new sales and services tax will be introduced. In the interim, the government has launched the Tabung Harapan Malaysia, a crowdfunding initiative to help reduce national debt, which has already raised nearly $2 million.

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Mahathir Mohamad Mohammad Yusof Manokaran Mottain Kevin Yeow Su Ann Kor Yeah Kim Leng

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I'm a five-time Emmy nominated journalist with extensive experience in television, radio and multimedia news. I'm adept at live breaking news and packaged stories. My reports have been featured by Deutsche Welle, Reuters Broadcast, CBC, BBC, NPR, VOA and Time.com. I have my own equipment and can ...

Malaysia's Government, Prime Minister Face Make-or-Break Budget Vote

25 Nov 2020  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Government Stability

Lawmakers in Malaysia are set to vote on the country's largest-ever budget bill, a decision that could destabilize Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's government and potentially lead to snap elections. Appointed by the constitutional monarch after a political shift, Muhyiddin's coalition has a fragile majority. The United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the largest party in the coalition, has shown signs of dissent, with some members questioning the government's legitimacy and demanding more economic relief. The budget vote is seen as a critical test of the government's legitimacy and could result in either a resignation or a call for new elections if it fails. Political analysts are divided on the outcome, with some predicting the budget will narrowly pass while others foresee potential failure.

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Mahathir Mohamad Muhyiddin Yassin Al-Sultan Abdullah Adib Zalkapli Oh Ei Sun Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Najib Razak Razaleigh Hamzah Mohamed Khaled Nordin Ahmad Martadha Mohamed

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I’m a reporter based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seven years experience in broadcasting and journalism. I’ve mastered in hosting, news anchor, vox-pop, cross-over, voice-over, news writing script and news writing skills. My news angle forte is politics and crimes in dual language Malay and English. 
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Tun Mahathir allowed to leave IJN today

05 Feb 2022  |  www.kosmo.com.my  |  Malay  |  Politics

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has been discharged from the National Heart Institute (IJN) after receiving treatment. He was discharged around 8:40 AM and will continue follow-up treatments at home. Both Mahathir and his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, expressed their gratitude to everyone who prayed for his well-being during his stay at IJN.

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Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

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A freelance political journalist, columnist, commentator and editor...

David Hutt is a political journalist based between the Czech Republic and Britain. He focuses on European foreign policy, Central European politics, and relations between Europe and Asia. He is also an expert on Southeast ...

Anwar Ibrahim, Anti-Semite?

01 Jan 2024  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Anti-Semitism

Anwar Ibrahim's stance on Israel and Palestine is scrutinized, highlighting his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause and refusal to condemn Hamas. The article contrasts his actions and statements with those of his predecessor, Mahathir Mohamad, and explores whether Anwar's anti-Semitic remarks are genuine or politically motivated. It also examines his silence on other global Muslim issues and suggests that his recent statements may be driven by domestic political considerations. The complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on Anwar's political positioning are emphasized.

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Mahathir Mohamad Anwar Ibrahim Ismail Haniyeh Najib Razak Aung Sang Suu Kyi Mustafa Izzuddin Nile Bowie

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I am a journalist based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Currently, I am working for Bisnis Indonesia newspaper.

Middle East Heats Up, Malaysia Airlines Avoids Iranian Airspace

08 Jan 2020  |  kabar24.bisnis.com  |  Indonesian  |  Military Tensions

The escalating conflict between Iran and the US has prompted Malaysia Airlines to avoid Iranian airspace. Following a US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad condemned the US actions, comparing them to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Additionally, a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed near Tehran, killing at least 170 people, with Iranian authorities citing technical issues.

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Mahathir Mohamad Qassem Soleimani Jamal Khashoggi Reza Jafarzadeh

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Coco is an award-winning journalist, writing primarily about energy and climate change for a global audience. She has reported from across Asia, particularly in China, on topics ranging from carbon trading to sustainable logging. Her work appears on the New York Times website and in Scientific ...

China expects ‘next level’ relations with Malaysia as Mahathir enlists Robert Kuok in diplomatic push

20 May 2018  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Belt and Road Initiative

Chinese diplomats anticipate enhanced relations with Malaysia under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has enlisted billionaire Robert Kuok to strengthen diplomatic ties. Mahathir's administration signals continued support for China's Belt and Road Initiative, despite previous criticisms of Chinese investments. Kuok, a prominent figure in both Malaysia and China, is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering cooperation. The article highlights the strategic importance of Malaysia in China's infrastructure projects and the potential for mutual benefits. Analysts view Kuok as a crucial bridge between the two nations, given his extensive business acumen and historical ties.

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Mahathir Mohamad Robert Kuok Bai Tian Ramlan Ibrahim Xi Jinping Tang Siew Mun Oh Ei Sun Deng Xiaoping Najib Razak Daim Zainuddin Huang Fei

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Niranjan Marjani is a journalist based in Vadodara, India.

India’s Quiet Responses Against Turkey’s Diplomatic Offensive

01 Mar 2020  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Diplomacy

India has been strategically countering Turkey's pro-Pakistan and anti-India stance, particularly on the Kashmir issue, by isolating Pakistan internationally and responding to Turkey's diplomatic offensives. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with leaders of countries in dispute with Turkey, cancelled a visit to Turkey, cut defense exports, and issued a demarche to Turkey's envoy. India also secured a defense deal with Armenia and is looking to reset ties with Malaysia following a regime change. India's foreign policy separates domestic politics from international relations, focusing on nation-state interests over religious communities, and has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE while maintaining distance from Turkey.

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Mahathir Mohamad Recep Tayyip Erdogan Narendra Modi

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

Malaysia Sees Far-Right Islamists Rise as Election Ends in Hung Parliament

21 Nov 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Political Crisis

Malaysia's general elections resulted in a hung parliament, marking a significant political shift with the rise of the far-right Islamist party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), which became the largest single party. The election saw a record voter turnout despite adverse weather, reflecting deep political and social unrest. PAS's unexpected success, dubbed the 'green tsunami,' has raised concerns about a more conservative Islamic influence in Malaysia. The political landscape is further complicated by the need for coalition-building to form a government, with PAS, Pakatan Harapan, and Barisan Nasional all vying for power. The election also highlighted the growing political divide in Malaysia, with PAS gaining significant support from young voters. The results have implications for ethnic relations and the country's future political direction.

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Mahathir Mohamad Anwar Ibrahim Ismael Sabri Yakob James Chin Charles Santiago Amrita Malhi Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi Khairil Nizam Khirudin Abdul Hadi Awang Najib Razak

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Victoria Milko is a freelance multimedia journalist and writer based in Myanmar. 

She is available for and has experience in audio, photo, video and written work.

Milko’s work has taken her from health clinics in rural Bangladesh, to protests in the streets of Myanmar, to the refugee camps of ...

Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transition

03 Feb 2025  |  www.timesfreepress.com  |  English  |  Climate Change

Southeast Asia is exploring nuclear energy to meet growing energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries are considering nuclear power as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Technological advances, such as small modular reactors, are making nuclear energy more feasible, though challenges remain, including high costs, safety concerns, and the need for trained personnel. International organizations like the International Energy Agency and World Nuclear Association highlight the potential for nuclear energy, while the World Bank remains cautious. The region's interest in nuclear power is driven by the need for reliable energy and environmental considerations.

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Mahathir Mohamad Faith Birol Henry Preston Putra Adhiguna Nguyen Hong Dien

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I am a journalist from Melbourne, Australia. I've been working in Cambodia since March 2013 as a reporter and freelance correspondent with a focus on politics, society and foreign affairs. My work has been published in the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, The Diplomat, Southeast Asia Globe,...

1MDB: The playboys, PMs and partygoers around a global financial scandal

09 Aug 2019  |  www.bbc.co.uk  |  English  |  International Investigation

The 1MDB scandal, involving billions of dollars from a Malaysian state fund, has led to global investigations and the downfall of political figures. Money was used for luxury purchases and financing the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, central to the scandal, faces multiple charges. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, is also charged with money-laundering and tax evasion. Goldman Sachs faces charges in Malaysia, while financier Jho Low remains a fugitive. The scandal has been exposed through the work of persistent journalists and is part of a larger narrative of corruption and power abuse in Malaysia.

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Mahathir Mohamad Najib Razak Rosmah Mansor Jho Low Timothy Leissner Riza Aziz Clare Rewcastle-Brown Tom Wright Bradley Hope Tony Pua

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Priya Pubalan is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A journo with five years of experience. Have covered crime, politics,court, travel and lifestyle assignments.

Currently pursuing masters in University Malaya.

Umno over the decades

01 Oct 2023  |  Sinar Daily  |  English  |  Independence Movement

The article chronicles the history of the United Malay National Organisation (Umno) from its formation in 1946 to its fall in the 2018 general election. It highlights key events such as the proposal by founder Onn Jaafar to open membership to non-Malays, the formation of political pacts, internal party conflicts, and the eventual split leading to the creation of Umno (Baru). The article also includes analysis from political experts on Umno's evolving focus and the challenges it faces in maintaining relevance in contemporary Malaysian politics.

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Mahathir Mohamad Onn Jaafar Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah Hussein Onn Anwar Ibrahim Azizuddin Mohd Sani Aruna Gopinath

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Radzi Razak is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Pejuang split from Dr Mahathir to bolster Mukhriz’s fight to reclaim political relevance, say GTA sources

17 Feb 2023  |  Malay Mail  |  English  |  Elections

Parti Pejuang Tanah Air's decision to leave the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition aims to enable party president Mukhriz Mahathir and his faction to regain political relevance ahead of upcoming state elections. Sources indicate that Mukhriz's faction seeks to distance itself from leaders loyal to GTA founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and may reach out to the Pakatan Harapan coalition. The move follows Pejuang's poor performance in recent elections, prompting internal changes and a focus on new alliances. Despite the split, respect for Dr Mahathir remains, though his continued political involvement is questioned due to his age.

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Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Mukhriz Mahathir Datuk Mahfuz Omar Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

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Shahrim Tamrin is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has nearly 16 years’ experience in Journalism and Communications with mainstream & online publications, corporate sector, sports body and inter-government agency.

He started career as a Sports Journalist with theSunDaily in 1997 ...

Loke’s second shot at improving road safety

22 Feb 2023  |  www.thevibes.com  |  English  |  Transport Policy

Anthony Loke, during his tenure as Malaysia's transport minister, emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly for motorcyclists, and sought to implement various measures to reduce road fatalities. Despite facing challenges in coordination among ministries and enforcement, Loke's commitment was evident through his proactive approach, including addressing the Takata airbag crisis and forming a Recommendations Review Panel. His efforts were interrupted by political changes and the Covid-19 pandemic, but he now has a second opportunity to advance his road safety agenda. The article highlights Loke's dedication and the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to road safety in Malaysia.

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Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Anthony Loke Siti Zaharah Ishak

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Skot Thayer is an American journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He specializes in food and culture reporting alongside politics, technology, and humanitarian issues. His work has been featured at The Guardian, OZY, iO9, and Roads & Kingdoms.

Is ‘New Malaysia’ Already Failing to Protect Its LGBTQ Community?

24 Jan 2019  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Politics in Malaysia

The article explores the challenges faced by Malaysia's LGBTQ community under the 'New Malaysia' government, highlighting recent raids on LGBTQ-friendly venues and the enforcement of anti-LGBTQ laws. Despite initial optimism following the election of the Pakatan Harapan government, the situation for LGBTQ individuals, particularly the trans community, has worsened. The article discusses the complex legal landscape, with both secular and Sharia laws affecting LGBTQ rights, and the contradictory positions of political leaders like Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Anwar Ibrahim. Activists express disappointment over the lack of progress and the government's failure to protect at-risk groups, while the community continues to face discrimination and violence.

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Mahathir Mohamad Wan Azizah Wan Ismail Anwar Ibrahim Edwin Sumun Pang Khee Teik

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RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She has more than five years experience in the field of journalism.

Passion for politics spurs youth leader to pass up shot at career in Japan

13 Jan 2022  |  www.themalaysianinsight.com  |  English  |  Youth Leadership

Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi, a Kuala Lumpur native and Pejuanita Muda chief, declined two offers to work as a researcher in Japan to pursue a political career in Malaysia. Motivated by the country's political instability and a desire to contribute to national leadership, she joined Pejuang, led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Her expertise in disaster risk management and commitment to governance are seen as assets in her political journey. The article highlights her decision to prioritize political engagement over a potential career abroad.

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Dr Mahathir Mohamad Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi

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Mohd Dzuha Zamedin is a video journalist aka cameraman based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

My career started with Natseven TV Sdn Bhd where I joined in 1997 as Visual Editor in NEWS & Current Affairs Department. Then in 2001, I joined multimedia company with The Edge Communication Sdn Bhd as Video ...

Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim on Goldman and 1MDB

27 Nov 2018  |  www.ft.com  |  English  |  Political Leadership

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's prime minister in waiting, discusses the 1MDB scandal, implicating Goldman Sachs and expressing the need to recoup losses for Malaysia. He also addresses Malaysia's financial constraints and the reconsideration of China-backed infrastructure projects. Anwar, who was pardoned and supported by current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, is confident in a smooth transition of power and the need for political stability to revive the economy.

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Mahathir Mohamad Anwar Ibrahim Najib Razak

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