The Malaysia unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated wings observed National Revolution and Solidarity Day with a two-part discussion program at the G-Tower Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, November 8. The first session was presided over virtually by Malaysia BNP President Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan Badol, while the proceedings were conducted by Organizational Secretary Mirza Salahuddin and Publicity Secretary Bashir Alam.
Central BNP Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat addressed the event virtually as chief guest, saying the spirit of the day inspires renewed commitment to restoring democracy, and urging expatriates in Malaysia to contribute to that goal in future elections.
Special guest and BNP Assistant Secretary for ICT Affairs H.M. Saif Ali Khan praised the long-standing dedication of Malaysia BNP activists and demonstrated the digital membership registration process.
The second session, chaired by Malaysia BNP founding General Secretary and current Vice President Talha Mahmud, featured speeches from several senior leaders and representatives of different BNP wings across Malaysia.

Malaysia has confirmed its readiness to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing the country’s willingness to work alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other like-minded nations. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s firm support for Palestine and welcomed international legal positions condemning Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The discussion also covered Malaysia’s support for UN reforms, including the “Pact for the Future” and “UN80 Initiative,” ASEAN peace efforts in Thailand and Cambodia, inclusive dialogue in Myanmar, and global climate action, including Malaysia’s submission of its NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Malaysian police arrested around 50 demonstrators on Saturday night during a motorcycle convoy protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur. The protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags, chanted slogans such as “Malaysia, wake up—chase Trump away!” and condemned America’s pro-Israel policies. The arrests occurred near Menara Tabung Haji, about 100 meters from the U.S. Embassy, where police set up a checkpoint. Protesters were instructed to walk their motorbikes to the Jalan Tun Razak Police Station, where their vehicles were seized. A day earlier, about 700 demonstrators gathered outside the embassy with placards reading “Go Home Trump” amid heavy police presence, including the Federal Reserve Unit. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier defended inviting Trump to the upcoming ASEAN summit, stating Malaysia would continue voicing concerns over atrocities in Gaza. Police have warned that another planned protest near Ampang Park MRT Station is not authorized.

A wave of protests erupted in Malaysia as university students gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office demanding the cancellation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit. Organized under the pro-Palestine coalition “Oppose Trump Secretariat,” demonstrators from diverse ethnic backgrounds carried placards reading “Dump Trump,” “No Welcome for War Criminals,” and “Free Palestine.” Beating drums and chanting slogans, they condemned Trump’s policies and Israel’s actions in Gaza. A delegation submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, urging him to revoke Trump’s invitation, cut investment ties with Israel, and reaffirm Malaysia’s traditional support for Palestine. Organizers announced further actions, including a car convoy, flash mobs, and a major rally titled “Dump Trump” on October 26. The controversy has sparked intense debate among Malaysian religious leaders and intellectuals, with many calling Trump’s visit an affront to Malaysia’s moral stance on Palestine.

During a large-scale operation conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department, a total of 97 illegal immigrants were arrested in the busy areas of Klang and Kajang, Selangor, including 24 Bangladeshis. The operation, carried out by a special task force led by JIM Putrajaya on Sunday evening, involved around 90 officers and targeted areas long reported to harbor foreigners living under temporary work visas (PLKS) illegally. Officers checked the documents of 884 individuals, detaining 97 foreigners, including employers or local recruiters. The arrested individuals ranged in age from 18 to 62 and included citizens from Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Investigations are ongoing under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63. The detainees were taken to Beranang Immigration Depot in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Depot for further legal proceedings.

Thousands of Malaysians rallied in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, braving continuous rain to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians. After Friday prayers, demonstrators gathered outside the Tabung Haji building before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans and condemning Israeli aggression. Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, praised the Global Sumud Flotilla as a symbol of humanity and criticized the detention of volunteers carrying aid. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged caution on new flotilla missions, warning of risks but stressing the importance of humanitarian support. The third flotilla wave, carrying journalists, doctors, and aid workers, set sail from Italy on September 27 with nine Malaysian delegates aboard. Turkey, Indonesia, and Qatar voiced strong support for Gaza, while the U.S. and EU maintained cautious stances, balancing humanitarian concerns with Israeli security claims. The rally and flotilla highlight Muslim unity for Palestine and demonstrate ongoing global solidarity with Gaza despite political obstacles.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to halt the Gaza war, labeling it a direct “threat” rather than a peace initiative. In a Facebook post on October 3, Mahathir argued that the proposal, co-drafted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is essentially a demand for Hamas to surrender within four days or face even deadlier massacres. He stated that the plan reflects Israel’s long-term agenda to force Palestinian capitulation under the guise of peace. Mahathir emphasized that over 60,000 Palestinians have already been killed, and asking them to surrender now would render their sacrifices meaningless and Gaza’s destruction futile. He further criticized Trump as a leader who pressures parties into submission rather than negotiating genuine peace, citing his failures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mahathir warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, genocide in Gaza may escalate further with increased U.S. support for Israel.

Israeli forces detained 23 Malaysians, including public figures, from the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the arrests, launching diplomatic talks with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and planning outreach to the U.S. The mission, backed by Greta Thunberg and Susan Sarandon, aimed to challenge Gaza’s blockade. Protests in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia demanded the detainees’ release and humanitarian access to Gaza. Malaysia insists humanitarian aid must not be obstructed and vows continued global advocacy.

Malaysia is set to introduce a groundbreaking reform in its labor market, making Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions mandatory for foreign workers from October 2025. Both employers and employees must contribute 2% of monthly wages, creating long-term retirement savings opportunities for over two million legal migrant workers. However, domestic workers will remain exempt. To qualify, workers must hold valid passports and immigration-approved work passes. The policy aims to strengthen social security, ensure labor market fairness, and provide equal retirement benefits regardless of nationality. Authorities have already begun meetings with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and employer groups, to ensure smooth implementation. Registration will be available online or at EPF offices, with biometric updates required from January 2026. Experts believe this marks a historic step in labor reforms, though challenges remain in compliance and enforcement.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has announced new regulations targeting travelers who overstay in the country. Foreigners exceeding a 90-day stay will face immediate fines ranging from RM30 per day to RM2,000, depending on the duration. Those overstaying beyond 90 days will be investigated. The move aims to speed up legal processes, reduce court cases, and ease congestion at immigration depots. Between January and August, 35,225 illegal immigrants were detained, with 36,557 repatriated, mostly from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has intensified actions against illegal immigrants and passport forgery. In recent operations, 770 foreigners were arrested in Bukit Bintang, including Bangladeshis, Myanmar, Nepalese, Indians, and Indonesians. Separately, a Bangladeshi-run fake passport syndicate was dismantled, seizing passports, forgery tools, and cash. The syndicate supplied fake passports to foreign workers for medical exams. Authorities warned employers harboring illegal immigrants of strict penalties. Immigration efforts to control illegal migration and combat document fraud will continue nationwide.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that Asia must take the lead in the new global economic order. Speaking at Tianjin University in China, he stated that Asians themselves will write the next chapter of the world economy. “We are not merely subjects of others’ strategies; we are the authors of our own destiny,” he said. Highlighting major historical economic shifts like the Bretton Woods system and current trade challenges, Anwar emphasized opportunities for Malaysia’s semiconductor industry through joint market expansion and training initiatives with China and Japan.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a four-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional ties. He will attend the SCO summit and Victory Day military parade, marking the first time a Malaysian leader participates in the SCO at this level. Anwar will also hold talks with Xi and Premier Li Qiang, meet business leaders, and reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to its largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced stricter laws against skipping Friday prayers. Muslim men who miss the weekly congregational prayer without a valid reason could now face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to RM 3,000.

Previously, punishment applied only after three consecutive absences. The state’s Dawah and Shariah Implementation Committee Chair, Dr. Muhammad Khalil, said the penalty will be applied only as a last resort after repeated reminders and warnings.

To raise awareness, mosques across the state are putting up banners highlighting the religious obligation of Friday prayers. Authorities will monitor compliance through public complaints, patrols, and joint operations by religious enforcement and local administration.

Malaysia has announced that applications for foreign workers will be accepted in 13 sub-sectors, including agriculture, plantations, mining, and selected service industries, until December 31, 2025. Recruitment in construction will be limited to government projects, while manufacturing will prioritize new MIDA-approved investments. Only official sector-specific agencies can apply, with approvals managed by the Foreign Workers Technical Committee and a Joint Committee. The current foreign worker quota stands at 2,467,756, after which recruitment will be capped at 10% of the total workforce.