LONDON, May 13 — Britain will introduce legislation to strengthen its ties with the European ‌Union, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prioritises mending economic relations with the bloc as he tries to stay in power following growing calls for him to quit.

Outlining the ‌government’s legislative programme in a speech surrounded by pomp, King Charles said would introduce a bill to strengthen ties with the EU.

The European Partnership Bill will be used to implement agreements with the EU “now and in the future,” the government said.

Starmer has been under pressure from some lawmakers to quit after his Labour Party suffered big losses in Scottish, Welsh and local English elections last week, but he has dug in and said that rebuilding the relationship with Europe is central to his ‌plan for the country.

Starmer has sought closer ties with the EU ⁠while trying to avoid relitigating the Brexit ⁠debates ahead of Britain’s departure from the bloc ⁠in 2020.

While his government has ⁠said Britain ⁠needs to align with EU regulations by default in some industries to spur economic growth, Starmer retains a commitment to red lines that Britain will not ⁠return to the EU’s single market or customs union, and will not restore freedom of movement with the bloc.

A year ago Britain and the EU reached a framework to agree new deals on food and drink, emissions trading and electricity, the details of which are still ⁠being negotiated.

The government said the proposed bill would “ensure agreements with the EU can be implemented now and in the future.”

It added that ⁠Britain’s parliament would have a say before EU law was applied in the ⁠UK and ⁠that any new treaties that might be applied under the bill would also be subject to parliamentary approval.

Starmer said in a written introduction to the King’s ‌Speech that removing barriers to growth meant “setting a new direction for Britain at the next EU summit, putting Britain at the heart of Europe.” — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The High Court here today granted Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak a stay of execution on the payment of US$1.3 billion awarded to SRC International Sdn Bhd, pending his appeal against the court’s March ruling.

Judge Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin, now a Court of Appeal judge, ruled that special circumstances justified the stay.

These included the substantial size of the sum awarded against a single individual, the precedent of a stay granted in Najib’s tax case involving RM 1.69 billion, and the fines imposed on him in his criminal cases.

“The factors relevant for consideration are the unprecedented magnitude of the monetary judgment entered against the defendant, the concurrence of equally unprecedented monetary judgment against the defendant in the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) suit, and the criminal liabilities which attract monetary penalties.

“These simultaneous judgments and orders faced by the defendant, when taken together, make up special circumstances on why a stay is to be granted.

“It is best that the case be finally determined at the highest level before any enforcement is allowed,” the judge said.

During a proceeding via Zoom today, Justice Ahmad Fairuz ordered Najib to pay RM2 million in costs to SRC International and RM150,000 each to five third-party defendants named in the suit.

In its March ruling, the court did not specify the costs Najib owes to SRC International and the five third-party defendants he added to the case.

The third-party defendants were former directors Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, Datuk Suboh Md Yassin, Datuk Mohamed Azhar Osman Khairuddin, Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi and Datuk Che Abdullah @ Rashidi Che Omar

The matter was confirmed by SRC International’s counsel, Luc Choong, following the proceedings. 

On March 31, the court ruled that Najib is liable for SRC International’s US$1.3 billion losses after finding that he had breached his fiduciary duties, abused his position and misappropriated the company’s funds for personal gain.

Justice Ahmad Fairuz, in allowing the company’s US$1.18 billion lawsuit against the former premier, ordered Najib to pay the amount, in addition to US$120 million that he had received from the company into his AmPrivate banking account ending 694, hence bringing the total to US$1.3 billion.

The court also dismissed his claims against the third-party defendants with costs, ruling that, having exercised control over the company, Najib could not subsequently shift liability onto the very individuals he directed merely because they formally executed his decisions.

SRC sued Najib in May 2021, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of power and misappropriation of company funds for personal gain. — Bernama 

LUMUT, May 13 — On day three of the operation, authorities expanded the search radius to 343 nautical square miles for seven Indonesian undocumented migrants still missing after a boat capsized off Pulau Pangkor. 

State Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director, Maritime Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob, said the expanded area focuses on potential zones identified from earlier recoveries.

“Today’s search focuses north of Pulau Pangkor, based on evidence that victims drifted there. As of 2.30pm on day three, no bodies have been found.

But MMEA Perak, the Marine Police Force and Royal Malaysian Navy continue to intensify searches in designated sectors,” he told reporters at the Kampung Acheh Marine Police Jetty today.

Mohamad Shukri said sea currents pose a major challenge, potentially carrying victims far from where the boat capsized, adding that today’s search would continue until 7pm and resume tomorrow.

“Tomorrow’s operation will run from 7am to 7pm with the same assets, though we may expand the search area as needed,” he said.

To date, 30 victims have been located: 23 rescued alive and seven found dead over the three-day operation.

Yesterday, Perak MMEA reported rescuing 23 Indonesian migrants after their boat capsized off Pulau Pangkor near Lumut, on Monday.

The boat is believed to have been carrying 37 undocumented Indonesian migrants and was operated by a Myanmar crew.

It departed Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 for Malaysia, believed to be heading to Penang, Terengganu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, May 13 – H&M has announced a major restructuring of its Asia-Pacific operations, relocating its South-east Asia regional headquarters from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and eliminating approximately 30 per cent of its regional support workforce.

The changes, formally communicated to staff on May 11 will see the majority of redundancies take place in the Singapore office. Out of a regional headcount of 256 for the former East Asia region, 78 positions will be removed.

The restructuring is part of a broader evolution of H&M’s commercial operating model, which replaces existing regional layers with four new continents. Under the new structure, the newly formed Continent Asia Pacific (APAC) will be based in Shanghai and will oversee five sales markets.

As a result, the head office for the South-east Asia sales market will be located in Kuala Lumpur, while the Northeast Asia sales market will relocate to Tokyo. The APAC continent portfolio also includes India (hub in Bangalore), Australia & New Zealand (Sydney hub), and Greater China, which will share the Shanghai hub with the continent headquarters.

Staff will undergo a calibration process by  May 21, 2026. Employees are required to complete an assessment survey nominating two priority roles, with placement decisions based on 2025 contribution ratings and recent disciplinary records instead of standard CV submissions.

Interviews and evaluations are scheduled between May 25 and June 19. Management has stated that employees will be informed of their final outcomes no later than mid-June. The consolidated structure and staff relocations are expected to be operational by July 1.

For employees whose roles are eliminated or reduced, mutual separation agreements will be proposed if an alternative position cannot be found within the new organisation. Specific details regarding separation packages will be communicated at a later date.

Internal records indicate that H&M implements similar regionalisation or structural changes on approximately an annual basis. While support functions in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City are being offshored, and offices in Seoul and Manila are being downsized, the company has stated that all store-level operations and retail teams remain unaffected.

The broader restructuring plan was initially referenced during an internal briefing on April 16, 2026.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will cease broadcasting its television channels on Astro’s platform from July 1 after nearly three decades of collaboration.

In a circular dated May 11, cited by New Straits Times, RTM said the decision followed difficulties between both parties in reaching a pricing agreement that aligns with operational needs and financial capacity.

It said prolonged negotiations over costs and rental rates had made it challenging to finalise a contract acceptable to both sides.

“After many years of cooperation and continuous negotiations regarding the costs and rental rates for these services, it has become difficult at this time to reach a pricing agreement and contract that meet the needs and financial capabilities of both parties,” RTM said in the circular.

“As such, RTM has decided to terminate the broadcasting services of RTM channels, namely TV1-HD, TV2-HD and Okey, on Astro’s satellite platform and over-the-top (OTT) platform operated by your party. This termination will take effect on July 1, 2026.”

RTM has worked with Astro since 1996 for TV1 and TV2 broadcasts, while its third channel Okey — formerly known as Muzik Aktif and TVi — was added in 2009.

The collaboration also extended to joint production efforts, which RTM said had benefited audiences across both platforms.

RTM said rising channel rental costs had increased its financial burden in leasing the channels, making it more appropriate to end the service.

“As the channel rental costs continue to increase… it is more appropriate for us to terminate the service…” it said.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The National Registration Department (JPN) has assured that the rollout of the new MyKad Structure will not affect the distribution of government assistance to the public.

In a statement today, JPN said the transition and replacement of identity cards to the new MyKad Structure, which will be implemented this month, will not disrupt the redemption of government aid using MyKad, including Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95).

It said the list of existing beneficiaries in the system will remain intact and no recipients will be left out during the replacement process.

The statement was issued in response to concerns over possible technical disruptions or the omission of names from aid recipient lists following the rollout of the new MyKad Structure.

JPN said it has established close cooperation with various ministries and aid-disbursing agencies to ensure data integrity remains intact.

It said the migration process will take place automatically within a central database system, ensuring aid continues to be received by eligible recipients.

The new security features on the MyKad Structure will also strengthen identity verification processes, it added, noting that the new card will continue to support the existing ecosystem used for subsidies and assistance distribution.

JPN said it understands public concern, particularly among vulnerable groups who depend on government aid, and stressed that its focus is to strengthen identity security without making it more difficult for the public to receive assistance.

It also advised the public not to be misled by rumours or false information claiming that aid will be stopped if the card is not replaced immediately.

The replacement process will be carried out in stages, with further details on application procedures to be announced later.

For enquiries, the public can refer to JPN’s official website at www.jpn.gov.my or its official social media channels.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The ringgit closed higher against the US dollar and other major currencies today, supported by improved sentiment towards Asian currencies ahead of the high-stakes meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.

At 6pm, the ringgit appreciated to 3.9285/9325 against the greenback from 3.9320/9360 at yesterday’s close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said Asian currencies were seen strengthening against the US dollar as markets looked forward to the meeting, scheduled for May 14-15, 2026.

“The market appears to be hoping for a positive outcome from the meeting, especially on issues surrounding the war in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz,” he told Bernama.

Nonetheless, Mohd Afzanizam said the situation remained fluid, and market sentiment could easily shift towards risk aversion.

Also, Malaysia’s first quarter (1Q) gross domestic product (GDP) will be announced on Friday, and the Statistics Department Malaysia has projected the Malaysian economy to grow by 5.3 per cent in 1Q 2026.

At the close, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies.

It appreciated against the Japanese yen to 2.4888/4916 from 2.4952/4979, strengthened versus the British pound to 5.3105/3160 from 5.3231/3286, and bagged against the euro to 4.5987/6034 from 4.6189/6236 at yesterday’s close.

The local currency traded mostly lower against regional peers.

It gained against the Singapore dollar to 3.0872/0906 from 3.0888/0922, but fell against the Indonesian rupiah to 224.7/225.1 from 224.3/224.6, shed against the Philippine peso to 6.40/6.41 from 6.39/6.41, and shaved against the Thai baht to 12.1419/1599 from 12.1276/1455 previously. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Retail prices for RON97, RON95 without subsidy and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will be lower for the May 14 to 20 period, with RON97 set at RM4.70 per litre, RON95 (without subsidy) at RM3.87 per litre, and diesel at RM4.87 per litre, the Ministry of Finance said.

The ministry said the adjustment was made under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) following a decline in global market prices, although fuel costs remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels in West Asia.

It noted that crude oil is still hovering around US$100 per barrel, compared to about US$60 to US$70 before the conflict, with prices also affected by higher logistics and insurance costs as well as risks to supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

“In the current uncertain global market conditions, the Madani government urges the public to continue practising prudent fuel consumption to help extend national supply,” it said in a statement.

Under the revised pricing, RON97 is down 20 sen from RM4.90 per litre, while RON95 without subsidy is down 15 sen from RM4.02 per litre, and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia is down 30 sen from RM5.17 per litre.

The government maintained subsidised prices for targeted groups, with RON95 under Budi95 remaining at RM1.99 per litre, diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan at RM2.15 per litre, and diesel under SKPS and SKDS at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively.

The ministry said it will continue balancing cost-of-living support with fiscal prudence while ensuring stable fuel supply.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams and increasingly complex cross-border crimes require strategic cooperation among various parties to be addressed effectively.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said losses due to online scams in Malaysia reached RM2.7 billion last year, highlighting that current security challenges cannot be handled by enforcement agencies alone.

He said the success of Ops Hazard 3.0, which uncovered more than 110 illegal e-waste sites, also demonstrated the evolving sophistication of such threats and the need for a more comprehensive approach.

“The theme ‘Synergised Policing: Securing the Future Together’ highlighted during the PDRM Special Dialogue V 2026 (PSD V 2026) programme is highly relevant to today’s global security realities.

“We have expanded the scope of discussions to include highly concerning modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams, cross-border crime, narcotics syndicates and environmental sustainability issues,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the programme here today.

The two-day programme, which began yesterday, featured 31 sessions including keynote addresses, panel discussions and technical workshops involving industry players, enforcement agencies, technology experts and policymakers.

Mohd Khalid said among the key topics discussed were the evolution of psychological manipulation techniques in cybercrime, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in border control and strategies to dismantle drug distribution networks through financial intelligence.

He added that the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the field of forensic science was another key achievement of this year’s PSD V 2026.

“Through this agreement, USM is offering three places for Master’s or Doctor of Philosophy programmes in forensic science, as well as two places in social sciences, management or communication, with full tuition fee exemptions.

“This strategic collaboration, which has been established since 2016, reflects our commitment to strengthening the PDRM’s forensic investigation capabilities through the sharing of expertise, professional training and strategic research,” he said.

He added that all input and technologies shared throughout the dialogue would serve as a catalyst for the Asia International Security Summit & Expo 2027, which is scheduled to take place early next year. — Bernama 

CAIRO, May 13 — Israel has escalated its attacks in Gaza in the five weeks since halting its joint bombing with the US in Iran, redirecting its fire back on the ruined Palestinian enclave where the military believes Hamas fighters are tightening their grip.

According to the Gaza Health ‌Ministry, 120 Palestinians, including eight women and 13 children, were killed in Gaza since the Iran war was paused on April 8 - 20% more than in the five weeks prior when Israel was flying sorties over Iran.

Conflict monitor ACLED, which tracks Israeli attacks in Gaza, said in a monthly report for April that Israel had carried out 35% more attacks last month than in March.

The increase in Israeli strikes on Gaza is a further sign of stalled progress under US President Donald Trump’s plan to halt the war there and begin reconstruction.

“The war is still ongoing,” said Lafi Al-Najjar, 36, a blind Palestinian, one of whose sons was killed on April 28 in an Israeli attack.

“It stopped in the announcement, but in reality and on the ground, the war has not stopped,” said Najjar, whose family have been living in a tented camp in the ruins of Khan Younis, once Gaza’s second-largest city.

The Israeli military did not immediately provide comment on the reasons for its stepped-up strikes ‌in Gaza. But four Israeli defence officials have told Reuters that the military had warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in recent weeks that Hamas ⁠has been tightening its grip, rebuilding its forces and making weapons.

Another Israeli ⁠military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Gaza ceasefire allows for Israel to act against ⁠imminent threats. The official said the military was prepared ⁠for any scenario, including having ⁠drawn up wider battle plans for a resumption of fighting in Gaza, though no such order had yet been given.

Faltering steps towards peace

The agreement reached last October halted major fighting in Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. But steps have faltered to reach a permanent settlement ⁠that would withdraw Israeli troops, disarm the militants and allow the ruined enclave to be rebuilt.

Israeli forces still occupy more than half of Gaza’s territory, where they have demolished most remaining buildings and ordered all residents out.

More than 2 million people now live in a tiny strip of territory along the coast, mainly in damaged structures or makeshift tents, where Hamas fighters have de facto control.

Some 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the October ceasefire, according to figures that do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Four Israeli soldiers were killed by militants during ⁠the same period. Hamas does not disclose figures for casualties among its fighters.

Since the pause in the war in Iran, several of Israel’s strikes in Gaza have targeted positions held by the Hamas-run police force. At least 14 police officers have ⁠been killed since April 14, health and police officials said.

Nasser Khdour, a researcher with ACLED, said that over roughly 30 separate incidents in April, Israel carried ⁠out attacks targeting Hamas, ⁠other militant groups, police personnel and police stations, and security checkpoints.

Most of those attacks took place in areas under Hamas control, “while shelling, drone strikes, and gunfire continued to take place near the (armistice line), targeting militants and civilians, including women and children, approaching soldiers,” Khdour said.

Since Israel joined the United States in bombing Iran in March, its ‌military has operated at a relentless pace, also launching a ground invasion and air campaign in Lebanon against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah movement. Fighting there has slowed but not halted under a separate US-brokered ceasefire. — Reuters

WASHINGTON, May 13 — Republicans have won the Great Redistricting War of 2026, but that ‌may not be enough for President Donald Trump’s party to maintain its hold on the US House of Representatives in November’s midterm elections.

Republicans are positioned to gain up to a dozen House seats currently held by Democrats through redistricting, the redrawing of the boundaries of electoral districts. But that advantage may be offset by Trump’s low public approval ratings and the historical trend that a president’s party typically loses seats in midterms, according to independent analysts.

The upshot: Many analysts still believe Democrats ‌have the upper hand in the elections for the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.

‘The underlying politics’

“It is incontrovertible that Republican chances in the House have increased,” said Jacob Rubashkin, who analyzes House races for the electoral forecaster Inside Elections. “But none of the underlying politics has changed.” Republican redistricting efforts, set in motion by Trump last year, were given a boost in recent weeks, after a pair of judicial decisions - one from the US Supreme Court and another from Virginia’s top court - created new opportunities to secure House districts favorable to candidates from Trump’s party. Republicans won a House majority in the 2024 US elections by only three seats in the 435-seat chamber. But they now have reshaped 14 districts across six states in their favor, and Republican state legislators are pursuing three or four more in Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina. Democrats have managed to gain five seats in California, as well as a new Democratic district in Utah, thanks to a court ruling.

Each House seat represents an individual contest. But with the various redrawn state electoral maps, Democrats likely must win the national popular vote in House races by 3 to 4 percentage points to capture a majority in the chamber, depending on how redistricting plays out in those three Southern states, according to Kyle Kondik, an analyst at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.

Most published opinion polls show Democrats exceeding that margin, at least as of right now.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Monday showed 41% of registered voters said ‌they would vote for the Democratic candidate in their House district if the election were held today, compared to 35% who said they would vote Republican.

That gap of 6 percentage points on the “generic ballot” would ⁠appear to be enough in November to overcome the advantage that Republican redistricting has built.

In the 2018 midterm ⁠elections - two years into Trump’s first term as president - Democrats rode a wave of dissatisfaction with his job performance to gain 41 House seats, comfortably winning ⁠a majority.

In the 2022 midterms - two years into Democrat ⁠Joe Biden’s presidency - Republicans managed only a nine-seat gain ⁠in the House in the aftermath of a ruling by the conservative-majority Supreme Court rolling back abortion rights.

“The current Democratic lead in the generic ballot, that would probably do it - but if they have a situation like 2022, it’s more of a tossup,” Kondik said. For now, Republicans are facing headwinds, including the unpopular Iran war that Trump launched and the attendant rise in inflation and energy costs. Only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, compared ⁠with 63% who disapprove, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll published.

‘A winning message’

Republicans dismissed the idea that Democrats are favoured to win the House.

“House Republicans are on offense because we have the strong candidates, an historic fundraising advantage, a winning message and favourable map to defy history and grow the majority,” said Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the Republican national House campaign arm. Just two weeks ago, Democrats seemed confident that they had largely blunted Trump’s push for Republican states to draw more favourable congressional voting maps. Voters in California and Virginia had approved new Democratic-backed maps, answering Republican-led states such as Texas, North Carolina and Missouri. Then Florida joined the mix, with statehouse Republicans approving a map on April 29 aimed at flipping four Democratic seats. On the same day, the US Supreme Court’s voting rights decision opened the door for states to eliminate majority-Black districts that historically ⁠favor Democrats. Republican lawmakers in Southern states rushed to take advantage.

The Virginia Supreme Court on May 8 threw out a new map drawn by Democrats and approved by voters that had targeted four Republican-held House seats in the state. Virginia Democrats have filed an emergency request to the US Supreme Court to overrule the Virginia court’s decision. Lawsuits are pending in Florida, ⁠Tennessee, Louisiana and elsewhere seeking to block Republican efforts. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, vowed on Monday in a letter to colleagues that his party would still win in November before launching a “massive redistricting counteroffensive” ahead of the 2028 ⁠elections.

Some Democrats said the adverse ⁠court rulings could mobilize their voters to turn out in November.

‘Palpable frustration’

Rodney Willett, a Democratic state delegate in Virginia who played a central role in getting the now-invalidated electoral map passed by voters in a referendum last month, said he has been receiving constant texts, phone calls and Facebook messages from angry constituents since the state Supreme Court’s ruling.

“There has been huge disappointment and palpable frustration,” Willett said before meeting with Democrats in his county. “My message this evening will be to tell ‌people to channel that energy and elect folks we know can do a better job.” US Representative Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat who has kept her seat even after Republicans redrew her district in 2022 to be more Republican-friendly, said that politically motivated redistricting helped turn out supporters.

Davids told Reuters that Democrats should argue to voters that Trump and his fellow Republicans are trying to “rig the system to maintain political power.” — Reuters

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not prevent any individual from lodging reports and remains open to receiving information related to corruption from any party, regardless of the individual’s position or background.

The MACC stressed that allegations claiming the commission had prevented any individual from making a report were untrue.

Instead, it said such allegations were an attempt to create a negative perception of the enforcement procedures and security protocols practised by the commission.

“The MACC is always open to receiving reports and information related to corruption from any party, regardless of the position or background of the individual involved.

“However, every reporting process is subject to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and security protocols set to ensure the safety of the premises, smooth official operations and protection of information,” the MACC said in a statement.

It added that access control at its premises is a standard practice consistently enforced on all visitors and is neither discriminatory nor intended to prevent any party from lodging a report.

“MACC premises are subject to the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 (Act 298), which stipulates that only individuals with valid permission, passes, or permits are allowed to enter the area and are subject to instructions and security inspections by authorised officers.

“The MACC also stresses that there were no gender-related issues, as alleged, in the process of recording reports or taking statements.

“Officers carrying out their duties are bound by the professionalism, ethics and investigation procedures prescribed under the law and the commission’s internal regulations,” it said.

In this regard, the MACC strongly rejects attempts to manipulate security SOPs and enforcement procedures to create a narrative suggesting that the commission was trying to restrict or obstruct the reporting process.

“The MACC remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities professionally, independently and with integrity in accordance with the law and principles of justice,” the commission added.

Earlier, a news portal reported that businessman Albert Tei claimed he was barred from entering the MACC headquarters when he attempted to lodge a report related to abuse of power. — Bernama