Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by hoonanoo

Champ surfer fell into Venice Canal drowned

hoonanoo — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:41:43 +0800

British surf star drowned in Venice canal hours after arriving on romantic break with his partner

A British tourist drowned in a Venice canal just hours after arriving in the Italian city for a romantic break with his partner, an inquest heard.

Catchawan 'Champ' Thongpia, 31, was found unresponsive and floating in the water after leaving his hotel 'for a smoke' last November.

Mr Thongpia, a talented surfer from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was discovered by a member of the public who initially mistook him for a dolphin.

He was pulled out of the Rio de Santa Marina by emergency services but pronounced dead, North Yorkshire Coroner's Court was told.

The inquest in Northallerton, attended by Mr Thongpia's partner Samantha Litchfield, heard how it remained a mystery as to how he ended up in the water.

Italian police believe he may have accidentally fallen in after losing his balance while leaning on railings.

Coroner Catherine Devereux said: 'Police reports confirmed there to be no third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances and indicate Mr Thongpia may have leant against a railing present at the location and accidentally fallen in.

'It remains the case however that no one actually witnessed how Catchawan came to be in the canal that evening.'

Thailand-born Mr Thongpia had left the four-star Hotel Cavalieri to buy CBD oil after arriving in Venice for the beginning of a five-day holiday.

He was seen in the water by Giorgio Savardine, a passing member of the public, at around 6.30pm on November 3 last year.

Mr Savardine said in a statement: 'It was dark so I was thinking about the dolphin that was seen some days before in the lagoon.

'After approximately one minute of considering that the current was carrying it towards me, I realised it was a human body.

'I immediately shouted to grab his attention and help him but I realised he was unconscious and not responding.'

Mr Savardine said he tried to hang from bars at the side of a bridge in an attempt to grab him while another family called for emergency services.

Firefighters and paramedics later arrived at the scene and pulled Mr Thongpia from the water but despite efforts to revive him he was pronounced dead.

CCTV showed Mr Thongpia appearing to lean on railings at the canal side before he disappeared from the camera frame.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/britis...5f794f4e491a9e0

70 yr old killed by 30 yr old lover in Spain

hoonanoo — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:49:15 +0800

British man is killed at his Spanish home by Algerian boyfriend in hammer and machete attack

A British man is believed to have been stabbed to death by his Algerian boyfriend after he was discovered in a pool of his own blood in southern Spain.

The Brit, aged between 60 and 70, was found at his home in La Alcaidesa, an affluent gated community some 12 miles from Gibraltar, having been knifed multiple times, according to local media.

Police believe the British man and his partner, an Algerian national in his twenties or thirties, had a violent fight involving a machete and a hammer, newspaper Europa Sur reports.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon after receiving reports that a man had fallen from a height.

The Algerian man was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently being treated for his injuries.

short while later, emergency services responded to a second call reporting the discovery of the British man's body inside a property.

The two men were said to be in a relationship and had been living together in La Alcaidesa, the local reports claimed.

Police have opened an investigation, but no charges have been announced.

Police are waiting to speak to the Algerian national to determine what happened, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports.

La Alcaidesa is an upmarket residential area located in the Costa del Sol.

Tucked between Sotogrande and Gibraltar, it is highly sought after by British and European expats thanks to its golf resorts and beaches.

The incident involving a British national in Spain, comes weeks after a UK tourist plunged to his death from a mountain viewpoint in the country's city of San Sebastian.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/britis...14ca3f5de&ei=15

Sad story whole family 14th floor

hoonanoo — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:56 +0800

Family killed in tower block fall 'was struggling with young son's terminal illness'

The family who fell to their deaths from a luxury block of flats in Elephant and Castle were ‘struggling’ with their son’s terminal health condition, sources have claimed.

Rakesh Pai, 47, Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their son, Sid, all fell 400ft from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment in the UNCLE tower block in south London on the morning of May 27.

Emergency services were called to the building following reports that three people had fallen from a height. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Pai and Ms Paralkar were high-earning consultants who had reportedly moved to the UK from India in the early 2000s, where they had no family.

It is understood Sid, who was born in the UK, had been diagnosed with a condition which left him partially disabled with special educational needs.

He also suffered from kidney disease and was unable to speak, meaning he had to be homeschooled – predominantly by Ms Paralkar.

Friends of the couple told the Daily Mail the mum suffered from depression and other mental health issues as a result of her son’s ill health.

Some reports suggest the incident took place after Sid was discharged from hospital and refused specialist medical care.

The family moved back to India for around six years, their friends claim, hoping they would be able to access the specialist care their son needed there and lean on the friends and family Ms Paralkar still had in her native Mumbai.

But after doctors were unable to help him, the couple moved back to the UK.

A friend said: ‘It was a huge stress for both of them, but Adi (Paralkar) in particular struggled to cope with what was going on. She had no family in the UK and also did a very demanding job, so it was very difficult for her to manage everything.

‘It took a huge toll on her mental health, and I think it may have just got too much for her. They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what’s happened.’

The couple had only lived in Elephant and Castle for a short time and previously owned and lived in a flat in Clapham, south London.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are yet to be established and will be determined in an inquest.

On the day of the incident, a resident who lives at the top of the building and did not want to give her name, said she heard ‘shouting and screaming’ consistently for two weeks prior to the incident.

Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle wrote in a letter to residents of the tower block: ‘Sadly, on Wednesday, May 27, in the early morning, police and the London Ambulance Service were called to Churchyard Row after an awful incident involving a family falling multiple stories from the UNCLE building.

‘This terrible tragedy saw a child, woman and man discovered with major trauma and despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics who conducted CPR, all three individuals were pronounced dead on site.

‘I am so sorry that this awful occurrence has happened by your home. The tragic circumstances are not fully known yet, but the police believe it was suicide and are not seeking anyone else at this point (although investigations are ongoing).

‘I cannot imagine what situation would lead a family to this terrifying incident, but my thoughts are with their family and loved ones, as well as (with) their friends and all who knew them locally.’

The Metropolitan Police said the deaths were being treated as ‘unexpected’.

A spokesperson said: ‘Detectives are investigating after three people died following a fall from height on Wednesday.

‘At 7.29am officers, the London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade attended a high-rise block of flats on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, following reports that people had fallen from height.

‘At the scene, three people – a man, a woman and a child – were found to have sadly died, despite resuscitation attempts by first responders.

‘Their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected. There were no other reported injuries. Work is underway to formally identify those who died.

‘Their next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.’

The incident has been referred to Southwark Coroners Court.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/family...96cc6677e&ei=59

EU now want to trade war China

hoonanoo — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:11:47 +0800

EU must act before China cripples European industries, warns EPP chief

"Europe needs to open a new chapter regarding its relationship with China," warned Manfred Weber, head of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, in remarks to Bild am Sonntag.

"The era of naivety is over," he said, urging the bloc to defend its economic interests more clearly and consistently and to reset its relationship with China.

Europe and China's rocky road
Ahead of the EU summit on 18 June, several member states, led by France, are pressing for a firmer line on Beijing, warning that Chinese overproduction and low-priced exports are undercutting an already fragile European economy.

Think tanks, politicians, and the media have all been sounding the alarm on a looming EU-China trade war.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, warned Europe about its relationship with China as long as three years ago. In a March 2023 address, she said: "We can expect to see a clear path and push to make China less dependent on the world and the world more dependent on China. The imperative for security and control now trumps the logic of free markets and open trade."

On May 29, the European Commission said in a press release that while China is a critical partner, "the current state of the trade and investment relationship is not sustainable."

U Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič affirmed this notion after meeting with his Chinese counterpart, trade envoy Li Chenggang, in Paris on Thursday. He told reporters that EU and Chinese authorities will engage in deeper dialogue to resolve "what is becoming an unsustainable trade deficit with China."

Weber echoed this sentiment, telling Bild that the trade deficit of "almost one billion euros per day” is jeopardising Europe's industrial base and high-quality jobs. "Either we fight back, or China will cripple parts of our industry. The EU must now use its trade policy instruments decisively and without hesitation.”

He cited EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as an example of the kind of tools Brussels should be prepared to use more broadly and maybe even expand.

European development aid sometimes benefits Chinese companies
He also addressed emerging criticism over EU funds indirectly benefiting Chinese firms. One recent case involved EU-backed development aid used to procure 380 natural gas buses for Senegal, where a lower-cost Chinese bid prevailed over a European competitor.

He insisted this must not happen again: "European development aid funded by taxpayers must not benefit Chinese companies." He added that in the future, "anyone wishing to sell in Europe must play by European rules."

A tougher trade stance, however, carries potential downsides. Beijing could retaliate by restricting exports of critical materials such as rare earths, posing risks for European manufacturing, particularly in Germany. Existing trade agreements with partners, including Canada, Mercosur countries, and India, may not fully offset such disruptions.

Weber maintains that Europe holds significant leverage, stressing that access to the single market remains vital for China. “China needs us,” he said, arguing that this dependency should be used to ensure fair competition.

UK Gen Z strawberry complain A-level Maths

hoonanoo — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:57:31 +0800

Pupils liken A-level maths paper to a 'war crime' as thousands sign petition to have it reviewed

Distraught pupils have likened an A-level maths paper to a 'war crime' - with more than 19,000 people signing a petition demanding a review due to its difficulty.

Pearson Edexcel's Maths 1 paper, sat on Wednesday, was met with criticism after students claimed it was significantly harder than past papers and previous exams, leaving them feeling 'overwhelmed' and 'uncertain'.

A petition, launched in the days following the paper, has now reached over 19,000 signatures and demands grade boundaries be adjusted accordingly to ensure fairness when marking.

The petition, addressed to the examination body, said there is 'widespread concern among students, teachers, tutors and schools' that the test 'exceeded what many candidates reasonably anticipated based on the specification and past examination series'.

It said: 'While it is normal for students to find examinations challenging, the scale and consistency of these concerns appears significant.

'Reports from candidates suggest that difficulty was not confined to a handful of demanding questions at the end of the paper, but was instead present throughout large portions of the assessment.'

The petition emphasised it was not created to 'avoid accountability for performance,' nor was it an assertion that 'examinations should be made easier'.

Rather, it said: 'It is a request that Pearson Edexcel examine whether the level of challenge presented by this paper was proportionate and whether grade boundaries should be adjusted accordingly to ensure fairness for all candidates.'

It added that according to pupils, the test 'required multiple layers of reasoning, extended algebraic manipulation, and unfamiliar approaches' that were beyond expectations based on previous exams.

According to reports, questions included trigonometric identities, solving a circular segment using the Newton-Raphson method, harmonic form and complex integrals.

In comments on the petition, pupils expressed their indignation at the intense difficulty of the paper.

One commenter described the exam as 'not accessible' while another labelled it 'atrocious.'

Another said: 'Walking out that exam hall, I couldn't feel any of my senses, couldn't see properly because of the tears rolling down my face, couldn't hear properly because of the trauma warping my hearing.

'All I could feel was sadness and rage.'

One woman, named Karen, said: 'My son has studied so hard for this exam and came home so deflated by the content and difficulty in the exam. This will have an impact on Uni offers.'

Ofqual - who oversee regulating examinations in England - said it was made aware of the concerns and that it will 'closely' monitor Pearson's approach to marking the exam.

A spokesperson said: 'Our priority is students and ensuring their grades are a reliable indication of what they know, understand and can do.'

Caroline Darrington, a spokeswoman for Pearson, said pupils will 'receive results that fairly reflect their performance'.

She said: 'Every paper is developed with input from experienced senior examiners and rigorously checked to ensure it reflects the course and meets required standards,' she said.

'If a paper is found to be more difficult than previous years, grade boundaries will be set to reflect that. When setting grade boundaries, we review a range of evidence, including statistical data and expert judgment.

'This process ensures students receive results that fairly reflect their performance and are comparable across exam series.'

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/pupils...5b34f8ac6&ei=56

Man pay 500k to get 500k loan, "so smart"

hoonanoo — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:42:02 +0800

Man loses RM478,093 in loan scam case

JOHOR BAHRU – A local man suffers a loss of RM478,093 after he is believed to have fallen victim to a non-existent loan scam offered by a woman.

Kulai district police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee said the 37-year-old victim lodged a police report yesterday after realising he had been scammed in a loan application totalling RM500,000.

He said the victim claimed that the local woman had asked him to pay a sum of money to apply for a loan, with 191 payment transactions deposited into a local bank account between June 30, 2025 and Feb 16.

“The payment was made on the instructions of the suspect, supposedly as payment for CTOS, the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), stamping and documentation to approve the loan,” he said in a statement.

He said, however, the victim realised he had been scammed when he found that no loan application had been made in his name after checking with the bank.

Tan said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code and advised the public not to be easily fooled by loan offers that promise easy and quick processes.

He also urged the public to check with their banks or related institutions before making any payments and to verify information with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), CCID Infoline and Semak Mule. – BERNAMA

Question: regarding those people put out cat food

hoonanoo — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:27:08 +0800

Nowadays, see a lot of people put out in front of shop house, bowls of cat food and water for stray cats to eat.

Really fed up with these people, the stray cats just breed and shit more at people's garden.

if they really wanted theese cats, just keep it at home lah.

Don't be a cheapskate and feed them out side, so they breed more and shit and scratch people's property.

Is it against the law, if someone takes these bowls and throw it into the dustbin?

Some of these shops have CCTV.

Before go into Oz immigration: Better delete

hoonanoo — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:49:10 +0800

PETALING JAYA: A 26-year-old Malaysian man was deported from Australia after alleged child sexual abuse material was found on his mobile phone during a border inspection in Sydney earlier this month.

“Officers allegedly found over 100 images of child abuse material on his phone, including anime and AI-generated pictures. The man was detained for questioning and then sent back to Malaysia,” the Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a statement.PETALING JAYA: A 26-year-old Malaysian man was deported from Australia after alleged child sexual abuse material was found on his mobile phone during a border inspection in Sydney earlier this month.

“Officers allegedly found over 100 images of child abuse material on his phone, including anime and AI-generated pictures. The man was detained for questioning and then sent back to Malaysia,” the Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a statement.

The man was among 17 travellers stopped nationwide between Jan 1 and 14 for allegedly having child abuse material on their electronic devices.

His visa was cancelled after ABF officers selected him for a device examination upon arrival in Sydney.

The ABF said the case is part of a broader enforcement operation targeting child exploitation at Australian airports, which has also led to arrests and investigations involving Australian nationals in several states.

ABF commander David Coyles said the agency maintains a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation material and will use all available powers to cancel visas, penalise, or prosecute offenders.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/austra...a53404afb9645eb

Police data shows 80pc suicide

hoonanoo — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:42:52 +0800

Police data show over 80pc of suicides in Malaysia involve men; Selangor tops cases

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 27 — Over 80 per cent of the 5,857 suicide cases reported in Malaysia between 2020 and October this year involved men, mostly youths and working adults.

Of these, 1,813 cases involved youth aged 15 to 30, Malay daily Harian Metro reported, citing data from police shared during a closed-door roundtable here yesterday.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who attended the roundtable, warned that many cases go unreported and that insensitive media coverage risks triggering “copycat” incidents.

“We don’t have precise numbers because many cases are not reported, and when they become suicide cases, the data shows most victims are male,” she was quoted as saying.

“This is why we are very concerned about media reports that could encourage copycat behaviour,” she added.

Yeoh highlighted the stigma young people face when seeking help, including from lecturers, colleagues, teachers, and family.

“We hear testimonies that youth are afraid to seek help because they fear their issues will be discussed in staff rooms or workplaces. Some are mocked with terms like ‘crazy’ or ‘need medication’. This is no joke—it’s a matter of life and death,” she was quoted as saying.

She also pointed out that many male callers to helplines hang up repeatedly before speaking, reflecting their desperation.

“We send counsellors to schools, but data shows many affected are working youth. Employers also need training to handle this issue,” she added.

Police data also show rising cases among children and the elderly, with Selangor recording the highest number of suicide cases, followed by Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang, Harian Metro reported.

* If you are lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available here: www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. There are also free hotlines for young people: Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR)(daily 12pm-12am); Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); and Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214).

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/police...id=BingNewsSerp

How come UK got such Dumb Head Finance Minister

hoonanoo — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:45:34 +0800

UK economic gloom deepens before budget
UK economic gloom deepens before budget
29 mins ago
AFP
Share
Britain’s gross domestic product grew by 0.1% in Q3, down from 0.3% growth in Q2 and below analysts’ forecasts of 0.2%.

LONDON: Britain’s economy slowed in the third quarter, official data showed Thursday, dealing another blow to the Labour government ahead of its annual budget.
Gross domestic product grew 0.1% in the July-September period, down on 0.3% growth in the second quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Analysts’ consensus forecast had been for growth of 0.2% in the third quarter.

The growth figure comes after official data this week showed UK unemployment rising more than expected to 5% in the third quarter, ahead of the Nov 26 budget.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party has struggled to consistently grow the economy since returning to power in July last year following 14 years of Conservative party rule.

Many analysts blame the weak growth on a decision by finance minister Rachel Reeves to increase a tax on businesses in her first budget last year.

She has indicated that taxes could rise on some salaries in the upcoming budget to help drive down government debt and to fund public services.

“There’s more to do to build an economy that works for working people,” Reeves said in response to Thursday’s figures.

“At my budget later this month, I will take the fair decisions to build a strong economy,” she added.

In September alone, the economy contracted 0.1% after a cyberattack on carmaker Jaguar Land Rover hit the manufacturing sector, the ONS data showed.

“Growth slowed further in the third quarter of the year with both services and construction weaker than in the previous period,” said ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown.

“There was a particularly marked fall in car production in September, reflecting the impact of a cyber incident, as well as a decline in the often-erratic pharmaceutical industry,” she added.

The latest quarterly figure was well below the 0.7% growth recorded in the first three months of the year.

Stay current -

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...s-before-budget

Madani kena payout lawsuit again

hoonanoo — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:05:38 +0800

Govt must pay RM1.1mil damages to Ivana Smit's mother by today
By Dawn Chan
November 13, 2025 @ 1:46pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has until the end of today to deposit RM1.1 million in damages to the mother of the late Dutch model Ivana Esther Robert Smit.

This comes after High Court judge Roz Mawar Rozain dismissed the government's bid to stay the payment of the award, including accrued interest, after ruling that there were no special circumstances to warrant a suspension.

In July, the judge had found that the authorities were negligent in handling the investigations into Smit's death, after her naked body was found on the sixth-floor balcony of a condominium in Jalan Dang Wangi on Dec 7, 2017.

She was believed to have been partying with an American couple, Alexander William Johnson and Laura Almazkyzy, before falling to her death from the 20th floor of the building.

Defence lawyer Datuk Sankara Nair told the New Straits Times that the sum must be deposited into his law firm's client account by today, as ruled by the High Court.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/...PushId=MzcwOTU=

Pound will get cheaper: plan to visit

hoonanoo — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:29:21 +0800

Pound tumbles to seven-month low as Rachel Reeves paves way for income tax hike

The pound crashed to a seven-month low as Rachel Reeves laid the ground for a blizzard of tax hikes in the Budget – warning that 'we will all have to contribute'.

Sterling fell below $1.31 against the US dollar for the first time since April, dropping as much as 0.6 per cent to $1.3056, and also drifted lower against the euro.

Government borrowing costs also edged lower as investors bet the Bank of England will be forced to cut interest rates to help prop up the economy following the Budget.

The FTSE 100 – London’s premier index of blue chip stocks – tumbled more than 100 points in early trading.

Analysts warned the Budget on November 26 was the Chancellor's 'last chance to fix the house, otherwise her days could be numbered'.

The sell-off came as Ms Reeves repeatedly refused to rule out breaking Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.

She insisted she would do ‘what is right’ rather than ‘popular’ as she warned of ‘hard choices’ ahead.

‘She is justifying tough decisions to come in the Budget,’ said Kit Juckes, head of currency strategy at investment bank Societe Generale.

‘The fact that this is happening at all means that manifesto pledges will not be followed to the letter.

‘We're going to have higher taxes.’

Ms Reeves is considering a proposal from the Left-wing Resolution Foundation to raise income tax by 2p, in what would be the first increase in the basic rate for 50 years.

The move could be partially offset by a 2p cut in National Insurance but would still raise an extra £6billion a year from pensioners and others.

She is also looking to extend the six-year freeze on tax thresholds, dragging millions more into higher tax bands, despite previously warning the move would break Labour's manifesto pledge.

It is feared an income tax raid will hit household finances to such an extent that they will spend less – leading to lower inflation.

This could pave the way for the Bank of England to cut interest rates – making mortgages cheaper for millions.

Lower interest rates, or the prospect of them, tend to weaken a currency and bring down borrowing costs on the global bond markets.

The yield on ten-year UK gilts – a key measure of government borrowing costs – fell to a low of 4.38 per cent while the 30-year yield dropped to its lowest level since April at 5.15 per cent at one stage.

However, yields then edged back up a little as investors baulked at a lack of detail in Ms Reeves’ speech about exactly what she has planned.

‘Rachel Reeves’ unusual stance of giving a big speech on the eve of the Budget has left investors with more questions than answers, and done nothing to remove uncertainty around taxes,’ said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.

‘The bond market would be happy if the chancellor raises taxes as it would help to improve public finances and make the UK less risky from an investment perspective. It was telling that the ten-year gilt yield fell as Reeves began her speech, indicating that bond investors thought we’d get confirmation that taxes would go up at the Budget. But as it became clear that Reeves was merely dancing around the topic, yields went back up.

‘The Chancellor said the speech was about giving context to the challenges facing the government, but she batted away questions about taxes faster than an Olympic table tennis player.

‘Many people are fed up with this game. There are growing calls for the Chancellor to be crystal clear in her plans and make bolder decisions. No-one will be shocked at tax rises and many people believe it is better to sort the situation out once and for all, rather than keep tinkering at the edges. This feels like Reeves’ last chance to fix the house, otherwise her days could be numbered.’

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/pound-...a303c26a4&ei=10

KJ slam fighter jet escort

hoonanoo — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:05:59 +0800

Khairy slams fighter jet escort for Trump’s Malaysia visit, calls it unnecessary and excessive

SHAH ALAM – Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has criticised the fighter jet escort accompanying US President Donald Trump’s arrival in Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit, calling it unnecessary and over the top.

Khairy questioned the scale of the welcoming ceremony, which featured a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Super Hornet escort and traditional performances, describing it as inappropriate given Washington’s role in the Middle East crisis.

“Let’s remember we just witnessed a genocide that this man was partly responsible for,” he said in an Instagram story, referring to Trump’s stance on the Gaza conflict.

Trump’s dance draws mixed reactions

Trump, who arrived in Malaysia on Sunday as part of his Asian tour, was seen dancing along with local performers, a gesture that quickly went viral online.

In another post, Khairy defended his understanding of diplomatic protocol, sharing a photo of himself meeting former US president Barack Obama during his 2014 visit to Malaysia.

“Before you slam me by saying, ‘What do you know about the appropriate protocol for welcoming a US president?’ Hold my Teh O’ Ais, let me show you,” he wrote.

However, not everyone agreed with Khairy’s view.

Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the reception for Trump was consistent with diplomatic norms.

“From a diplomatic standpoint, I do not see the elaborate welcome as excessive. The fighter jet escort and dance performance were symbolic gestures, not over-the-top displays,” he said.

Oh added that global outrage over Gaza was not as universal as some believed, noting that many Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Indonesia, Pakistan and even Iran had given tacit or open support to the latest US-brokered Middle East peace deal.

He said Malaysia, as a trade-dependent nation, must prioritise its economic and diplomatic relationships with the world’s largest economy.

“For Malaysia, it makes perfect sense to extend full courtesy to the leading economic power. A little dance and music in that context are hardly excessive,” he said.

‘National interest must come first’

Oh added that Malaysia’s warm reception reflected a pragmatic approach, that economic sustenance and development form the bedrock of both foreign and domestic policy.

“Malaysia’s message through such a warm reception was straightforward, our national interest must take precedence above all else.

Oh added that global outrage over Gaza was not as universal as some believed, noting that many Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Indonesia, Pakistan and even Iran had given tacit or open support to the latest US-brokered Middle East peace deal.

He said Malaysia, as a trade-dependent nation, must prioritise its economic and diplomatic relationships with the world’s largest economy.

“For Malaysia, it makes perfect sense to extend full courtesy to the leading economic power. A little dance and music in that context are hardly excessive,” he said.

‘National interest must come first’

Oh added that Malaysia’s warm reception reflected a pragmatic approach, that economic sustenance and development form the bedrock of both foreign and domestic policy.

“Malaysia’s message through such a warm reception was straightforward, our national interest must take precedence above all else.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/kha...8c6fa4cde&ei=34

ini pun complain?

Apa salahan PMX ? Macam Niing spinster own person got issue, every komen pun nak komplain, giler.

Puas turns Mrs Grundy over Anwar Trump welcome

hoonanoo — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:01:59 +0800

PAS turns ‘Mrs Grundy’ over Anwar’s Trump welcome

PAS has criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for what the party held was he going “overboard” in welcoming Donald Trump to the Asean Summit.

PAS must have been irked by the spontaneity of the US president’s reaction to the beat, rhythm and colours of the airport reception accorded Trump when he arrived in Kuala Lumpur.

Trump danced to the beat of the kompang and the rhythm of the dance troupe that was on hand to greet him.

Anwar, no prude when it comes to responding to musical receptions, reacted in like fashion.

Soon you had an unusual tableau on the tarmac.

A polarising world leader and a Hamas sympathiser were jiving to the ebullient beat of the reception.

When you learn that the diplomatic world is filled with martinets with handshakes cold as fish fins, you would find it difficult to envisage two leaders comporting like they were in a loosened-tie operation.

Trump and Anwar were in such a situation at Sunday’s reception at KLIA.

The two leaders threw ambassadorial starch to the winds, reacting to the elan of the reception with something that said that there are times when you have to ditch the straitjackets and don the spontaneity the moment calls for.

Of course, this won’t go down well with the “Mrs Grundy crowd”.

I think therefore I am,” was the assertion of the French philosopher Rene Descartes in the 17th century, a formulation that is widely regarded as having inaugurated the Enlightenment era where thinking was unshackled from superstition and fallacy.

In other words, it inaugurated the modern world.

Many of the moderns in Malaysia would like to offer this rejoinder to Descartes: “I drink therefore I am.”

But this may well not pass the Mrs Grundy test of Malaysian propriety.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/other/pas-tu...895bce21d&ei=29

Prince Andrew & Fergie demand new homes

hoonanoo — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:29:51 +0800

Prince Andrew and Fergie 'demand two homes' if moving

Amid speculation that Prince Andrew could be forced to move out of his beloved Royal Lodge, it appears he and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have some stipulations.

The Prince hasn’t paid rent on the home for 22 years, and after giving up his remaining titles following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs, the pressure is on.

Now, it’s been reported that Andrew wants the former home of his nephew and his wife, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – Frogmore Cottage.

But that’s not all – Fergie is reportedly eyeing up Adelaide Cottage, where Prince William and Kate currently live, as they move next month.

There is a silver lining – neither Frogmore nor Adelaide Cottage needs any renovation or excess security, as they lie within the already-established security perimeter.

Andrew is understood to be reluctant to give up the luxury Royal Lodge as he cannot legally be evicted under the terms of a ‘cast iron’ lease.

Reports on Saturday claim Abu Dhabi’s royal family has offered the prince the use of a grand mansion in the United Arab Emirates, should his position in the UK become untenable’.

Sources told The Sun that Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who also lives at Royal Lodge, would be ‘afforded every luxury’ if they decide to accept the offer.

Andrew gave up the Duke of York title and other honours last Friday ahead of the publication of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, following allegations he sexually abused her.

The book’s co-author, Amy Wallace, said Ms Giuffre wanted ‘wealthy, powerful men to be held to account’.

In an interview with the Associated Press, she said: ‘What we’re watching is Prince Andrew’s life being eroded for his past behaviour.

‘While he’s not being tried in a court of law, his behaviour’s catching up with him.’

Andrew said the decision was made after a discussion with the King and his immediate and wider family.

‘I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life,’ he said.

‘With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.’

1 in 3 Msian suffer Qtr Life crisis

hoonanoo — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:40:20 +0800

One In Three Malaysian Young Adults Are Suffering From Quarter-Life Crisis

Are you unhappy with where you are in life right now? Do you feel like time is running out?

If you're currently in your twenties or thirties and your answer to both questions is 'yes', you might be experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

Quarter-life crisis is a period in life faced by young adults where they start doubting their own lives because of stress related to 'adulting'.

To a certain extent, this stress can lead to anxiety and depression among young adults in both genders.

In fact, young Malaysians are facing increasing pressure to succeed personally and professionally before they turn 30, according to LinkedIn.

In a survey conducted by the professional network, 32 per cent of males and 29 per cent of females admitted that they are affected by quarter-life crisis.

Among 1,003 Malaysian youth who were involved in the survey, about three quarters of them felt pressured to succeed, whether in relationships, career or finances, despite already having full-time jobs.

Some suffered anxiety trying to find a job or career that they are passionate about.

#1 Stop comparing yourself to others
Always keep in mind that everyone is at a different stage in life, whether personal or career. So don't compare your journey with someone else's, especially what you see on social media.
#2 Seek advice
Step out of your comfort zone and look for answers from people who are more experienced than you. Whether it is a senior employee at your workplace or career mentor from a professional network, it is crucial that you consult others or even share your experiences and insights to help you progress.
#3 Upskill and learn
Never stop learning. We should also seek out training opportunities, either from your company or online platforms and constantly learn new things. Picking up a new skill and brushing up on your knowledge can open doors that you may never have expected, which will definitely help you progress in your career.
#4 Consider all options
Whether it is starting a new career or progressing with your current role, it is necessary to be aware of your possibilities and know your potential. When you understand what your employment benefits are, you could have more options available to you. This can help you in making a more informed decision.

https://gempak.com/rojakdaily/news/one-thre...fe-crisis-57476

Portal Jodoh tangani lambat kahwin

hoonanoo — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:07:40 +0800

Portal Jodoh Darul Iman tangani isu lambat kahwin

KUALA TERENGGANU: Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu melancarkan Portal Jodoh Darul Iman (PJDI) sebagai inisiatif membantu golongan bujang dan ibu atau bapa tunggal mencari pasangan hidup secara dalam talian dengan kaedah selamat dan mematuhi syariah.

Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar berkata, inisiatif itu dilaksanakan bagi menangani isu kelewatan perkahwinan dalam kalangan muda-mudi serta membentuk institusi kekeluargaan yang kukuh dalam kalangan rakyat negeri ini.

Beliau berkata, PJDI bukan sahaja berfungsi sebagai platform pencarian jodoh, malah menyediakan bimbingan, panduan dan sokongan kepada pasangan yang sedang menjalani proses taaruf.

“Usaha ini diharap dapat meningkatkan kadar perkahwinan dalam kalangan rakyat negeri Terengganu, seterusnya meningkatkan kadar kelahiran di negeri ini,” katanya ketika berucap merasmikan peluncuran PJDI, di Wisma Darul Iman, di sini hari ini.

Turut hadir, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kebajikan, Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Perpaduan Nasional Negeri, Maliaman Kassim.

Ahmad Samsuri berkata, walaupun isu perkahwinan dilihat sebagai hal peribadi oleh sesetengah pihak, ia sebenarnya mempunyai kesan langsung terhadap struktur masyarakat, ekonomi dan demografi negara.

“Mungkin setengah pihak beranggapan atau melihat aspek mencari jodoh, mendirikan rumah tangga dan kelahiran, menambah kelahiran di dalam keluarga mereka ini adalah aspek yang sangat kecil. Aspek yang sangat personal, sangat peribadi.

“Tetapi sebenarnya ia berkait dengan pelbagai perkara yang berlaku dalam sesebuah negeri dan sesebuah negara. Kita lihat apa yang telah berlaku kepada negara yang mempunyai penduduk paling ramai dalam dunia, di China.

https://harakahdaily.net/2025/08/portal-jod...-lambat-kahwin/

pregnant and alone

hoonanoo — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:01:57 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Ms Yvonne (not her real name), 30, is in the last trimester of her pregnancy and is now counting down to the day when she would deliver her baby.

As soon as the baby arrives, she plans to give it away and return to her life, pretending that the pregnancy has never happened.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malays...doption-1328261

Msia to introduce Senior Citizen law SpinsterNiing

hoonanoo — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:07:10 +0800

\KUALA LUMPUR: The Senior Citizens Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, with the draft already completed and currently undergoing further consultation with stakeholders and state governments.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said while the ministry aims to submit the draft to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) by the end of this year, the need for wider engagement may push the timeline to 2026.

"We have already prepared the draft. What we're doing now is going back to industry players and stakeholders for further discussions.

"We're also consulting all the states, especially Sabah and Sarawak, to ensure they are agreeable to what we are planning," she said during a press conference at the Asean-ROK Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons today.

Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff and the Ambassador of South Korea to Asean Lee Jang-Keun.

The conference is an initiative led by Malaysia's Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development with the support from Korea's Health and Welfare Ministry.

It aims to enhance knowledge, raise awareness, and explore practical solutions for key challenges in elderly care across Asean and Korea.

Nancy said the bill, once enacted, will regulate the aged care sector and ensure the well-being and dignity of Malaysia's growing senior population.

The move comes as the country prepares to become an ageing nation by 2030, when 15.3 per cent of the population is projected to be aged 60 and above.

She added that the ministry has received overwhelming interest from various parties wanting to contribute to the legislative process.

"The industry is booming, and many want to be part of the law-making process through consultation.

"With the hope that by before the end of 2025, we plan to send the draft to AGC. And after that, maybe it can be done (tabled) by this year.

"But I have a feeling that it has to wait for next year to get the bill to be tabled in Parliament. The draft is there."

Nancy said that the ultimate aim is to ensure that older persons are treated with dignity and respect while receiving the necessary care and support to thrive in society.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/06/...-wait-till-2026

Any school van bus operators here?

hoonanoo — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:41:22 +0800

I have a question, how do you get your passengers?

1) Does the school admin assist to connect you to students? You have to register with the school to be driver.

2) Facebook helps?

3) word of mouth?

4) charge how much per month in Klang valley?

5) Do you charge by KM radius ?

6) Put telephone number on your van