French PM survives two confidence votes after pension reform concession

French PM survives two confidence votes after pension reform concession

PARIS : French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu weathered two confidence motions on Thursday just days after appointing his new government. The votes followed Lecornu’s decision on Tuesday to back suspending a divisive 2023 pension reform that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. This concession aimed to keep his cabinet afloat long enough to pass a much-needed austerity budget by year’s end. The leftist Socialist party had threatened to vote to oust the premier if he did not move to freeze the controversial pension reform. Without Socialist support, two separate motions brought by the hard-left France Unbowed and far-right National Rally fell short of the votes needed to topple Lecornu. Socialist lawmaker Laurent Baumel warned that sparing the premier was not a long-term agreement and urged new concessions in upcoming budget talks. France has been mired in political paralysis since President Emmanuel Macron called snap elections last year aiming to consolidate his power. The vote instead resulted in a hung parliament and gains for the far right. Lecornu must now steer a cost-cutting budget through a deeply divided parliament before the end of the year. The confidence votes followed a dramatic fortnight in French politics that saw Lecornu resign and then be reappointed days later. Under pressure from the European Union to rein in its deficit and debt, France faces an uphill battle over cost-cutting measures. France’s debt-to-GDP ratio is the EU’s third-highest after Greece and Italy and close to twice the bloc’s 60% ceiling. Lecornu has pledged not to invoke a constitutional tool used to push through every budget without a vote since 2022. The 39-year-old Macron loyalist emphasised that the government would make suggestions, debate, and put all bills to vote. National Rally’s Marine Le Pen accused lawmakers of granting Lecornu a reprieve out of terror of elections. The far right sees its best chance yet to take power in the 2027 presidential race when Macron’s second term ends. – AFP

Storm damage cleanup for public buildings estimated at RM1.9 million

Storm damage cleanup for public buildings estimated at RM1.9 million

SEREMBAN: The Works Ministry has estimated the cost of cleaning six public buildings damaged by the storm in Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor, at 1.9 million ringgit. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi identified the affected premises as Sekolah Kebangsaan Sijangkang Jaya, SK Kampung Medan, Sekolah Rendah Agama Kampung Medan, SK Jalan Tanjung, Kampung Medan Kemas Pre-school and the Sijangkang State Constituency Coordinator’s Office. He clarified that this preliminary estimate excludes structural repairs, with the actual cost to be determined after receiving recommendations from the Structural Forensic Services Division. “The severe storm caused critical structural damage to six main premises, including schools and government offices.” “The Public Works Department acted swiftly by inspecting the sites, closing high-risk areas and preparing the initial report within 24 hours.” Nanta explained that the report will outline temporary, medium-term and long-term measures for the damaged buildings. “We are now focusing more on structural forensics evaluation and electrical safety before permanent repairs can start.” He provided these updates after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Malaysia’s first integrated electric vehicle charging hub at the Seremban southbound Rest and Service area. Nanta had previously confirmed that Selangor and Kuala Langat Public Works Department are conducting structural inspections and safety assessments on the storm-damaged buildings. He noted that Sekolah Kebangsaan Sijangkang Jaya suffered roof damage, prompting the Public Works Department to advise suspending classes until structural safety is confirmed. Separately, Nanta announced that no road maintenance work will be implemented on routes involved during the 47th ASEAN Summit this month. He stated this measure aims to ensure smooth traffic flow nationwide throughout the summit period. “During festive seasons, we do issue directives for road maintenance works to be halted to ensure smooth traffic flows.” “For the duration of the ASEAN Summit, the same directive will be issued because there will be lots of movements involving government officials and delegates.” The ministry will collaborate with the Malaysian Highway Authority and highway concessionaires to implement this directive effectively. – Bernama

'Suspek lompat dari atas tandas sebelum tikam mangsa' - Ibu

'Suspek lompat dari atas tandas sebelum tikam mangsa' - Ibu

KUALA LUMPUR – "Anak saya menjerit meminta tolong, tetapi pintu tandas terkunci. Bila cikgu pecahkan pintu, anak saya sudah tiada."Demikian luahan pilu Wong Lee Ping, ibu kepada seorang pelajar perempuan yang maut ditikam di sebuah sekolah di Bandar Utama baru-baru ini.Menurut Lee Ping, beliau dimaklumkan suspek dipercayai telah melompat dari bahagian atas tandas sebelum menikam mangsa yang ketika itu berada di dalam bilik tandas yang berkunci dari dalam."Hasil siasatan polis memaklumkan suspek melompat dari bahagian atas tandas sebelum menikam mangsa yang berada di dalam tandas berkunci."Anak saya menjerit meminta tolong, tetapi pintu tandas terkunci. Bila cikgu pecahkan pintu, anak saya sudah tiada," katanya dalam nada sebak ketika sidang akhbar di Nirvana Center Kuala Lumpur di sini pada Khamis.Lee Ping berkata, pihaknya juga menafikan dakwaan anaknya mengenali suspek dan memohon orang ramai untuk tidak menularkan berita yang belum disahkan sahih di media sosial."Anak saya telah menjadi mangsa dan saya harap orang ramai hentikan berkongsi berita yang tidak benar di media sosial, anak saya tidak pernah berjumpa dan berhubung dengan suspek," katanya.Dalam masa sama beliau turut berharap kes yang menimpa anaknya tidak akan berulang di mana-mana sekolah pada masa hadapan.Beliau juga menyeru mana-mana individu yang bersimpati dengan kejadian tersebuat dan ingin menderma agar berbuat demikian dengan hadir ke Nirvana Center berikutan terdapat individu tidak bertanggungjawab mengubah suai kod QR di poster jemputan penghormatan terakhir yang diedarkan.Terdahulu media melaporkan, pelajar lelaki berusia 14 tahun yang menikam pelajar perempuan berusia 16 tahun sehingga mati di sebuah sekolah menengah di Bandar Utama, di sini, pada Selasa.Pada Rabu, Ketua Polis Selangor Datuk Shazeli Kahar dilaporkan berkata, tikaman pada dada dan leher dikenal pasti menjadi punca kematian pelajar perempuan terbabit.Keputusan itu diperoleh hasil bedah siasat dijalankan PPUM yang selesai pada jam 10.30 malam.

39 Kedah inmates freed under Ihsan MADANI PBSL programme

39 Kedah inmates freed under Ihsan MADANI PBSL programme

POKOK SENA: A total of 39 inmates in Kedah have been released under the Ihsan MADANI Release of Prisoners on Licence programme in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration. Kedah Prison director Deputy Prison Commissioner Charin Promwichit said the release involved 29 inmates from Pokok Sena Prison and 10 from Sungai Petani Prison. He explained that those released comprise individuals serving sentences of three years or less. Under the Ihsan MADANI PBSL programme, the inmates will be periodically monitored by district parole officers to ensure compliance with their licensed release conditions. Charin expressed his belief that every individual deserves a second chance to reform and contribute positively to society. He added that families and employers should extend this second chance and not marginalise the released inmates. Of the 39 prospects, 11 have returned to their homes while 28 have joined the Corporate Smart Internship programme. A 34-year-old male prospect expressed his gratitude for being among those released for Deepavali. He said he was overjoyed to be able to celebrate the festival with his family after being arrested in June for stealing a lorry battery. The prospect promised never to repeat the offence and thanked authorities for the opportunity to reunite with his family during the celebration. – Bernama

Tahu kereta api akan melintas, tapi tetap tekan minyak

Tahu kereta api akan melintas, tapi tetap tekan minyak

JAKARTA – Sebuah bas nyaris merempuh kereta api yang sedang bergerak laju selepas ia dipandu secara melulu dengan melintasi palang lintasan di tengah jalan, lapor laman berita Detik semalam. Kejadian berlaku di Kota Probolinggo, wilayah Jawa Timur kelmarin. Dalam sebuah video tular di media sosial, bas tersebut dilihat terkandas di antara dua palang lintasan kereta ... Read more The post Tahu kereta api akan melintas, tapi tetap tekan minyak appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

Swimmer Dhuha relieved SEA Games athletes can sit SPM after event

Swimmer Dhuha relieved SEA Games athletes can sit SPM after event

NATIONAL swimmer Muhammad Dhuha Zulfikry expressed relief over the decision permitting athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand to sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination after the biennial event concludes. Muhammad Dhuha, one of 18 SEA Games athletes sitting the SPM this year, acknowledged feeling unsettled by the dual challenge but affirmed his readiness to tackle both missions. “The pressure is different, definitely because this year I have to balance between SPM and the SEA Games,” he told reporters during a visit by the 2025 SEA Games Chef-de-Mission Nurul Huda Abdullah at the national swimming squad’s training venue. He added, “Insha’Allah, I’ll do my best for both SPM and the SEA Games.” The 17-year-old swimmer stated his target is to secure a medal of any colour at the upcoming regional games. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced yesterday that 17 of the 18 SPM-involved athletes will take their exams at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil post-games. Hannah noted the remaining athlete is a private candidate who must apply directly to the Examination Syndicate for coordination. The 2025 SPM examination runs from November 3 to December 23, while the SEA Games takes place from December 9 to 20. Muhammad Dhuha identified the men’s 1,500-metre freestyle as his most realistic medal prospect in his second SEA Games appearance. The Victoria Institution student holds the national record of 14 minutes 59.80 seconds set at last year’s Swimming World Cup in Shanghai. He cautioned that competition remains stiff, particularly from defending champion Nguyen Huy Hoang of Vietnam. The 2025 SEA Games will be hosted across three Thai provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla. – Bernama

Lelaki hilang ketika daki Gunung Liang ditemukan maut

Lelaki hilang ketika daki Gunung Liang ditemukan maut

TANJUNG MALIM: Seorang lelaki berumur 34 tahun yang hilang semasa melakukan aktiviti mendaki  bersama 10 rakannya di Gunung Liang di sini telah ditemukan maut di puncak gunung itu pada pukul 3.30 petang tadi. Pemangku Penolong Pengarah Operasi Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) Perak, Shazlean Mohd. Hanafiah berkata, mangsa iaitu Mustaqqem Mansoor yang alamat terakhirnya ... Read more The post Lelaki hilang ketika daki Gunung Liang ditemukan maut appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

KPDN Pulau Pinang tempatkan 60 pegawai pemantau harga SHMMP Deepavali

KPDN Pulau Pinang tempatkan 60 pegawai pemantau harga SHMMP Deepavali

BUTTERWORTH : Seramai 173 pegawai penguat kuasa dan 60 pegawai pemantau harga ditempatkan di seluruh Pulau Pinang sepanjang tempoh pelaksanaan Skim Harga Maksimum Musim Perayaan Deepavali 2025. Pengarah Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup negeri S. Jegan berkata kesemua pegawai berkenaan ditempatkan di lokasi strategik seperti pasar awam, pasar tani dan pusat beli-belah untuk melindungi pengguna daripada peniaga tidak beretika. Beliau menasihatkan semua pihak agar mematuhi harga yang ditetapkan serta menggunakan label merah jambu bagi barangan kawalan. Tindakan akan diambil terhadap mana-mana peniaga sekiranya didapati gagal mematuhi peraturan di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan 2011. SHMMP dilaksanakan bermula hari ini hingga 22 Oktober melibatkan sembilan jenis barangan keperluan perayaan. Barangan tersebut termasuk daging kambing biri-biri bertulang import, tomato, cili merah, bawang merah kecil India, bawang merah kecil India jenis ros, bawang merah besar import, kacang dal Australia, kelapa biji peringkat borong dan kelapa parut peringkat runcit. Pelaksanaan skim ini bertujuan memastikan kestabilan harga barangan keperluan pengguna sepanjang musim perayaan. Ia juga bertujuan mengelakkan sebarang kenaikan harga tidak munasabah oleh peniaga. Sebanyak 77 kes telah diambil tindakan oleh KPDN hasil pemeriksaan 63,939 premis perniagaan di seluruh Pulau Pinang sepanjang tahun ini. Kes tersebut melibatkan sitaan keseluruhan berjumlah RM2.985 juta serta kompaun RM386,400. Dari 1 Januari hingga 15 Oktober lepas, sebanyak 931 aduan berkaitan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan telah diterima. Seramai 170 aduan pula berkaitan bekalan barang kawalan dan 984 lagi membabitkan aduan lain. – Bernama

Court of Appeal reinstates 84 CBT and money laundering charges

Court of Appeal reinstates 84 CBT and money laundering charges

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has reinstated 84 criminal breach of trust and money laundering charges against company director Tan Hoo Eng. A three-member bench chaired by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah unanimously allowed the prosecution’s appeal. Justice Sequerah held that the High Court had erred in relying on notes of proceedings from a civil case to dismiss the charges. He emphasised that Section 33 of the Evidence Act 1950 expressly prohibits the use of civil trial evidence in criminal proceedings. “We are of the view that the issues of bias and unfair investigation cannot be summarily determined by affidavit evidence,“ he stated. He added that such matters must be tested at a full trial through the rigorous examination of witnesses. Justice Sequerah held that the Judicial Commissioner ought to have allowed the trial to proceed to its conclusion. The appellate court has scheduled a mention of Tan’s case at the Ipoh Sessions Court for Oct 27. Tan, 68, is facing 30 counts of criminal breach of trust under Section 409 of the Penal Code. She also faces 54 money laundering charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The case has a long procedural history with Tan initially charged in the Sessions Court between 2015 and 2016. The charges were later revised in 2017 with the criminal breach of trust charges involving RM4.1 million. The money laundering charges totalled RM9.5 million and were subsequently amended again in August 2019. In 2023, Tan successfully applied to the High Court to have the charges set aside. The then Judicial Commissioner Moses Susayan ruled that her rights under Articles 5(1) and 8(1) of the Federal Constitution had been breached. He found that bias and prosecutorial misconduct had compromised the fairness of the investigation. The Court of Appeal has now overturned that finding and reinstated all charges against Tan. The High Court had relied on notes of proceedings from a separate civil case in its decision. It concluded that this evidence demonstrated a violation of Tan’s right to a fair investigation. The underlying case stems from a protracted dispute between Tan and Lim Keck Eng. Both serve as joint directors and equal shareholders in Blue Star Moulding Sdn Bhd. Deputy public prosecutors Zander Lim Wai Keong and Mohd Fuad Abdul Aziz appeared for the prosecution. The defendant Tan was represented by counsel Gurbachan Singh at today’s proceedings. – Bernama

PM Anwar observes Deepavali preparations during Brickfields walkabout

PM Anwar observes Deepavali preparations during Brickfields walkabout

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim observed Deepavali preparations during a walkabout in Brickfields today. He arrived at approximately 4 pm and was greeted by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Anwar spent about 30 minutes enjoying afternoon tea with the Indian community at Madras Bakery before beginning his walkabout. He visited several shops and stalls at the Little India bazaar site in Brickfields during his tour. The Prime Minister mingled with traders and visitors who eagerly shook his hand and took selfies. Visitor K. Meena stated that Anwar’s presence reflected the government’s concern towards all races in the country. Trader R. Tashwindren described meeting and shaking hands with the Prime Minister as a sweet moment. Tashwindren noted that Anwar was friendly and never acted awkwardly with the public. He expressed that the community feels appreciated when leaders personally observe their Deepavali preparations. Meena emphasised that Deepavali represents a time for all Malaysians to celebrate the spirit of togetherness. She expressed happiness that the Prime Minister came personally to join the celebrations. Deepavali falls on Monday October 20 this year. – Bernama

Wanita pandu Mini Cooper langgar lima kenderaan di Johor Bahru

Wanita pandu Mini Cooper langgar lima kenderaan di Johor Bahru

JOHOR BAHRU : Seorang ejen insurans wanita memandu kereta Mini Cooper terbabas dan melanggar lima kenderaan lain selepas tertekan pedal minyak di Taman Pelangi pagi tadi. Ketua Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Selatan ACP Raub Selamat mengesahkan kejadian berlaku pada 9.14 pagi ketika wanita berumur 49 tahun itu memandu dari arah Jalan Pingai. Beliau menjelaskan wanita tersebut tersilap menekan pedal minyak ketika menghampiri persimpangan Jalan Kuning sehingga menyebabkan kenderaannya terbabas. “Kereta Mini Cooper itu kemudian melanggar lima kenderaan lain yang sedang diletakkan di lot kedai berhampiran,” katanya dalam kenyataan rasmi. Tiada sebarang kecederaan dilaporkan dalam insiden tersebut menurut siasatan awal polis. Pihak polis juga mengesahkan wanita pemandu itu negatif daripada pengaruh alkohol ketika kejadian berlaku. Kes ini sedang disiasat mengikut Kaedah-Kaedah Pengangkutan Jalan 10 (1) LN 166/59 untuk tindakan selanjutnya. Sebuah video berdurasi satu minit telah tular di media sosial menunjukkan kereta Mini Cooper berada di atas sebuah kenderaan lain dengan beberapa kenderaan rosak teruk. Saksi kejadian menyatakan mereka terkejut menyaksikan detik cemas itu yang memperlihatkan kenderaan seolah-olah “terbang” sebelum terbabas. Peniaga pisang goreng R. William berkata dia melihat kereta itu dipandu laju dari arah Jalan Pingai sebelum tiba-tiba terbabas. “Saya terdengar bunyi dentuman yang kuat akibat perlanggaran itu yang merosakkan beberapa kenderaan yang diparkir,” katanya kepada Bernama. William menambah keadaan mungkin lebih buruk jika kedai makan di kawasan itu sudah beroperasi ketika kejadian berlaku. Proses mengalihkan kenderaan terlibat telah selesai kira-kira pukul 10.30 pagi dengan bantuan pihak berkuasa. Pekerja swasta Samantha Ooi mengaku tergamam melihat kejadian itu tetapi bersyukur tiada kecederaan serius dilaporkan. Tinjauan Bernama di lokasi kejadian mendapati serpihan kaca kenderaan berselerakan di sepanjang laluan tersebut. – Bernama