Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

technology

issue

Google

cybersecurity

internet

Gemini

hack

rogue

Google&rsquo;s Gemini AI model accessed and breached the systems of three real companies during a cybersecurity test in May, marking the first publicly reported case of a Google AI system autonomously gaining access to external company systems.
The incidents occurred during a cybersecurity evaluation conducted by Irregular, an independent AI security testing company. Gemini was supposed to operate within a controlled environment involving fictional companies, but an issue with the testing setup unintentionally allowed the model to access the wider internet.
Once online, Gemini found publicly available information and used it to obtain credentials for websites it believed were part of the authorised test. In one instance, the model repeatedly guessed passwords until it gained access to a protected system. In two others, it found credentials in publicly accessible repositories and used them to enter real company systems.
Google said Gemini stopped in all three cases after determining that it had accessed real companies rather than the simulated targets.
How Gemini Gained Access
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/07936527b327cae7acc32dbcbd6854916c2ab073b46a088fc3afc4e63651865e" />
According to Google, the AI model was not specifically instructed to attack the three companies. Instead, Gemini was carrying out tasks as part of a cybersecurity assessment when it encountered information that led it towards real systems.
In one case, a fictional company used in the test had the same name as a real company. After unintentionally gaining internet access, Gemini correctly guessed a password belonging to the real company and accessed its service.
In the other two cases, the model searched the internet and found publicly available repositories containing credentials that could be used to access protected systems.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/55e58b0bee40dddf54c57900af06054875164d53f095f9c5e382062a05e54d98" />
Google Vice-President of Security Engineering Heather Adkins said Gemini stopped each time after recognising that it had reached a real company.
&ldquo;We ensured the three entities were made aware,&rdquo; Adkins said, adding that Google worked with Irregular to make changes to its testing processes.
Irregular said it notified Google and the affected companies in late July. The company added that all known issues on its side had since been addressed and resolved.
Google Says Gemini Stopped Itself
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f8435e0978fc183ab0719769648115ebe45e93004237b37882da15d48c8e7feb" />
The incidents have raised questions about how AI models behave when given greater access to the internet, computer systems and cybersecurity tools. Google has said the incidents did not represent model misalignment, pointing to the fact that Gemini stopped once it realised it had accessed real companies.
The company also did not initially disclose the incidents publicly. Google said it did not consider the events to require public disclosure because the model stopped and no damage was reported to the affected companies.
However, the incidents were later reported by The Wall Street Journal, prompting Google to confirm what happened.
The distinction is important because the Gemini model was not deliberately directed to target these companies. Nevertheless, its ability to independently search for information, infer or discover credentials and gain access to protected systems demonstrates how AI agents can behave in unexpected ways when they have access to external tools.
Gemini Is Not The Only AI Model Involved
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e17adc6d3924278a845866294590d4519b5bd650c1a5a2cc71f9bc99f66fbaec" />
The Gemini incidents are part of a wider series of cybersecurity events involving advanced AI models.
Similar incidents involving OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta have also been linked to cybersecurity testing conducted by Irregular. In those cases, AI models were similarly exposed to the internet during tests that were intended to take place within controlled environments.
Anthropic previously disclosed several incidents involving its Claude models gaining unauthorised access to real third-party systems during cybersecurity evaluations. The company said it identified four incidents in total after reviewing hundreds of millions of transcripts from its testing environments.
The incidents have highlighted a growing challenge for AI developers: testing increasingly capable AI agents requires giving them enough access to realistically assess their abilities, while also ensuring they cannot unintentionally reach real-world systems.
Why AI Safety Is Becoming A Bigger Concern
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6e437d11758cec87e779f58f259cfeb209ab819aff2caadf87bd5bce336afd1d" />
The latest incidents have intensified debate over the safeguards needed as AI models become more autonomous.
Traditional AI tools generally respond to user prompts without directly interacting with external systems. Newer AI agents, however, can browse the internet, execute code, search databases and interact with computer systems with much less human intervention.
That creates a different set of risks. An AI model does not necessarily need to be deliberately instructed to attack a real system for an unintended security incident to occur. It may simply interpret information or instructions differently from what its developers expected.
Google said the incidents demonstrate the importance of training powerful AI models to behave responsibly, while Irregular said it had taken steps to improve its testing procedures.
At the same time, the repeated appearance of similar incidents involving major AI developers has prompted calls for stronger safeguards and more rigorous independent testing before increasingly powerful models are deployed.
Anthropic Calls For AI Development To Slow Down
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/01549cae280921575d0d9643b2487d757a3603892fec0d37c5e267978ad2996c" />
The Gemini incidents come as some AI industry leaders are openly questioning the pace at which increasingly powerful models are being developed.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for the AI industry to &ldquo;slow down&rdquo; the development of frontier AI systems, arguing that progress could outpace society&rsquo;s ability to understand and control the technology.
In a September essay, Amodei proposed greater use of independent third-party evaluations, including giving external evaluators access to AI systems so they can assess whether safety measures are being followed and investigate potential incidents. Anthropic said it would commit to one part of the proposal itself.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also expressed support for the idea of &ldquo;pacing the frontier&rdquo;, although different technology leaders have taken different positions on how quickly AI development should proceed.
For now, Google maintains that Gemini&rsquo;s safety measures worked because the model stopped after recognising that it had accessed real companies. But the incident also illustrates why the debate around AI safety is increasingly focused not only on what models can do, but what they might do when given greater autonomy and access to the real world.
As AI systems become more capable, the challenge may be finding the right balance between advancing the technology and ensuring that safeguards can keep pace with it.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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AI gone rogue? Google says Gemini accessed three real companies during a cybersecurity test, before stopping itself.

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Google Gemini AI Hacked Three Companies During Cybersecurity Test

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After years of waiting, Grand Theft Auto VI is finally getting closer to its long-awaited release. Rockstar Games&rsquo; next major title is scheduled to launch on 19 November 2026, bringing players back to the world of Vice City and the fictional state of Leonida.
However, while Rockstar has shared plenty of details about GTA VI&rsquo;s single-player experience, one major question remains unanswered: what will happen with multiplayer?
A recent comment from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has now given fans a possible answer, with Clancy suggesting that GTA VI&rsquo;s multiplayer could arrive in 2027.
GTA Has Been One Of Gaming&rsquo;s Biggest Franchises
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3d89b2550eb1e7a46d5e2d3edbd5ccbdf29d56b4c74abd51c1b887a4f737245d" />
The anticipation surrounding GTA VI is hardly surprising considering the enormous success of the Grand Theft Auto series.
Grand Theft Auto V, which launched in 2013, has remained one of the biggest games in the industry for more than a decade. Take-Two Interactive has reported that GTA V has sold more than 225 million units, while the wider Grand Theft Auto franchise has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide.
GTA V&rsquo;s success was also extended by GTA Online, which launched shortly after the main game and developed into a long-running online world with regular updates, new missions, vehicles, properties, heists and other content.
More than 10 years later, GTA Online is still active and remains an important part of Rockstar&rsquo;s business. Take-Two&rsquo;s recent financial results continue to list GTA Online and GTA V among major contributors to its recurring consumer spending.
That long-term success has placed enormous expectations on GTA VI.
Expectations Are Sky-High For GTA VI
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b0601cc61a1d8f22358ac2e28aed5fcbe53a822509691a28cd5d1dd5d88d4345" />
GTA VI has been in development for years, and the wait has only made expectations around the game grow.
Rockstar has described GTA VI as the biggest and most immersive evolution of the series yet. The game will take players to Leonida, including a modern-day version of Vice City, with Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos at the centre of the story. The game is currently confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The release will also mark more than a decade since GTA V first arrived in 2013. That means players are not simply waiting for another sequel &mdash; they are waiting to see how Rockstar will evolve an open-world formula that has influenced gaming for years.
The single-player campaign is currently the only part of GTA VI that Rockstar has officially detailed as a launch experience. This has left the future of its online component as one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the game.
Twitch CEO Points To 2027 For GTA VI Multiplayer
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5bf5743a0b4d0b2c4cf932a8d77cdd8910c92bee659b2051fc88c17e5a55888b" />
That could have changed with an unexpected comment from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Clancy discussed the expected impact GTA VI will have on Twitch and said the platform had spent considerable time speaking with Rockstar about its plans and how creators could engage with the upcoming game.
He then said Twitch would see a major increase in viewership when GTA VI launches, followed by an even bigger boost &ldquo;next year when they launch multiplayer&rdquo;.
Since GTA VI is scheduled to launch in November 2026, &ldquo;next year&rdquo; would point towards 2027.
However, it is important to note that this is not an official Rockstar confirmation. Rockstar has not announced a release date for GTA VI multiplayer, nor has it officially confirmed the name, format or launch plans for a new GTA Online experience. Clancy&rsquo;s comments are particularly interesting because he said Twitch had been in discussions with Rockstar, but the exact information available to him remains unclear.
In other words, 2027 is currently a reported possibility rather than a confirmed release date.
What Happens To GTA Online?
&nbsp;<img src="https://i.redd.it/vrrby3dgeqba1.gif" alt="CDN media" />
Another major question is whether the current GTA Online will continue after GTA VI launches.
For now, Take-Two has given existing players some reassurance. At its recent annual shareholder meeting, the company reiterated that GTA Online will continue to be supported after the release of GTA VI and beyond.
This means players should not necessarily expect GTA Online on GTA V to disappear immediately once the new game arrives.
It also leaves open several questions about what Rockstar has planned for the next-generation multiplayer experience. It is still unclear whether GTA VI will receive a direct successor to GTA Online, whether it will be connected to the main game or operate separately, and whether it will be available at no additional cost.
The name &ldquo;GTA Online 2&rdquo; is also unofficial for now.
GTA VI Multiplayer Rumours Are Still Everywhere
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/65813c4e2ede67bb3217c78a8d7a208ad4ad0262db68c7f386641d815acd3c79" />
The uncertainty surrounding multiplayer has naturally led to plenty of speculation and rumours online.
Some reports have interpreted Clancy&rsquo;s comments as a confirmation of a 2027 launch, while others have pointed out that Rockstar itself has yet to announce anything. Even the exact wording matters: Clancy referred to multiplayer arriving &ldquo;next year&rdquo;, rather than providing a specific month or date.
There are also questions about other possible details, including pricing, the relationship between GTA VI and GTA Online, future PC plans and how Rockstar could handle its huge role-playing community.
For now, none of these details should be treated as confirmed unless Rockstar or Take-Two officially announces them.
GTA VI Launches On 19 November 2026
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QdBZY2fkU-0" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Despite the uncertainty surrounding multiplayer, the main GTA VI release is firmly on the calendar.
Rockstar Games and Take-Two have confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Take-Two has repeatedly listed the November release as a major driver of its upcoming financial year, underlining just how significant the launch is expected to be for the company.
For now, fans can look forward to experiencing GTA VI&rsquo;s single-player world first, while keeping an eye on Rockstar for official news about its multiplayer plans.
If Dan Clancy&rsquo;s comments are accurate, 2027 could then bring the next major chapter of GTA&rsquo;s online experience.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The wait for GTA VI is almost over!  Multiplayer could arrive in 2027, but PC players are still waiting for their turn.

3ac9c098800d020799fbed03fce9c3136ce1df941043b3c0fad63692e3c8f020

Twitch CEO Teases GTA VI Multiplayer Could Arrive In 2027

Malaysia&rsquo;s new-generation MyKad has only been available nationwide for a few days, but its redesigned layout is already causing compatibility issues with several digital services that rely on electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification.
The latest service affected is MyDigital ID, where first-time users with the new MyKad are currently unable to complete registration through the usual online process. MyDigital ID has confirmed that online registration support for the redesigned card is expected to become available from 1 October 2026.
In the meantime, new MyKad holders can register through physical MyDigital ID kiosks or request pre-registration when applying for their card at a Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) counter.
The issue follows reports that the new MyKad has also been rejected during eKYC verification on Touch &lsquo;n Go eWallet, Ryt Bank, AEON Bank and GXBank, suggesting that some digital services are still updating their systems to recognise the new identity card.
MyDigital ID Cannot Yet Recognise The New MyKad
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/60b2571b3f351dc74f9649322db567c53c2c3ffe906eef8adee42589e9d7f7de" /> Image via <a href="https://soyacincau.com/2026/09/20/new-mykad-do-not-support-mydigital-id-online-ekyc-registration/">Soya Cincau</a>
The MyDigital ID app currently appears to rely on the layout of the previous-generation MyKad when scanning the card for identity verification.
When a new MyKad is scanned, users can encounter an error saying the wrong ID has been detected and asking them to ensure the correct MyKad is inside the scanning frame.
This is likely linked to several physical changes introduced with the new MyKad. The cardholder&rsquo;s photograph has moved from the right side to the left, while the physical chip has been relocated from the front to the rear.
The new MyKad also comes with 53 security features, compared with 23 on the previous version, alongside a dual-interface chip supporting both contact-based reading and contactless NFC.
MyDigital ID has confirmed that first-time users with the redesigned MyKad cannot currently complete the normal online registration process.
However, existing MyDigital ID users are not affected. Those who replace their old MyKad with the new version can continue using their existing MyDigital ID certificate without having to register again.
New MyKad Users Can Register At MyDigital ID Kiosks
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b7e585724e84a3de9e23edd46a704acdc8dda82c788dc1ee31a1b9ae8c03e039" />
For Malaysians registering for MyDigital ID for the first time with the new MyKad, the temporary solution is to use a physical MyDigital ID kiosk.
MyDigital ID says there are nearly 700 kiosks nationwide, allowing new MyKad holders to complete their registration while waiting for online support to become available on 1 October.
Users should also note that the new MyKad needs to be inserted differently because its chip is now located on the back. The card must be turned over before being inserted into the reader.
Another option is available to Malaysians applying for or replacing their MyKad at a JPN counter. Applicants can inform the officer that they want to pre-register for MyDigital ID during the MyKad application process.
After pre-registration, users can continue the MyDigital ID registration process on their smartphone without needing to scan their MyKad through the usual eKYC process.
New MyKad Also Faces eKYC Problems With Banks And E-Wallets
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e039664763c1327aa7830101c803671613f0a386c219f5b0b0c657c3c6e3447f" />
MyDigital ID is not the only digital service experiencing compatibility problems.
Testing has found that the redesigned MyKad was also rejected during eKYC verification when attempting to register for Touch &lsquo;n Go eWallet, Ryt Bank, AEON Bank and GXBank.
For example, a new MyKad holder attempting to verify their identity through Touch &lsquo;n Go eWallet encountered an &ldquo;Invalid ID type&rdquo; error after scanning the card.
The exact scale of the problem remains unclear, as it is not yet known how many other banks, e-wallets or digital platforms may need to update their systems.
However, the early issues highlight how services that rely on automated MyKad recognition may need to update their eKYC systems to support the redesigned card.
What Has Changed With The New MyKad?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/10296f73b2d6e2c388c9eb6f85f514e14db35d4aa64abbd721f41651c14d50d6" />
The new-generation MyKad is more than a cosmetic redesign. It introduces a range of security and technology upgrades, including a polycarbonate construction, dynamic security hologram, UV security elements, microtext, a transparent window, Guilloche patterns, QR code and a dual-interface chip.
One of the biggest functional changes is the relocation of the physical chip from the front to the rear.
The new chip supports both contact and contactless NFC communication. However, the new MyKad no longer includes built-in Touch &lsquo;n Go functionality.
This means Malaysians who previously used their MyKad as a Touch &lsquo;n Go card for tolls or public transport will need to use a separate Touch &lsquo;n Go card or another supported payment method.
Existing MyKad Holders Do Not Need To Rush
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fa44642fb120e3e351038907baf6579e78803b4250ac029dea8b49d81a90915b" />
Despite the compatibility issues, Malaysians using the previous-generation MyKad do not need to rush to replace it simply because the new card has been introduced.
JPN has confirmed that existing MyKad holders do not need to replace their cards as part of the rollout, provided their current card remains in good condition. The transition to the new MyKad will take place progressively.
Existing cards also remain valid for government-related matters, including services and assistance that rely on MyKad verification, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
For now, Malaysians with a functioning older MyKad can continue using it while banks, e-wallet providers and other digital services update their systems to support the new card.
MyDigital ID Online Registration Coming On 1 October
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed35d6d4ddd5c5fd3a509dbb24638cb874cb4f1ab5d321c3fdd87f785f3925ba" />
For those who have already received the new MyKad and need to register for MyDigital ID, the current limitation is temporary.
Online registration using the new MyKad is scheduled to become available from 1 October 2026. Until then, first-time users can register at one of the nearly 700 MyDigital ID kiosks nationwide or request pre-registration through JPN when applying for their new card.
The early eKYC issues show that the rollout of a new national identity card also requires banks, e-wallet providers and digital identity platforms to update their systems accordingly.
For now, the new MyKad remains valid for identification and government-related functions, while digital services continue adapting to its redesigned layout and technology.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Thinking of switching to the new MyKad? You don’t have to yet.  JPN says existing cards remain valid as digital services adjust.

b3ee202c0dcf6f5d5e32f4de63b9866bc46a526045128ccb19c4a472666e13d3

New MyKad Faces eKYC Issues As MyDigital ID Online Registration Waits Until October

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has offered to resign as Malaysia&rsquo;s Transport Minister following the decision to allow former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
However, Loke&rsquo;s decision does not mean DAP is leaving the federal government. The party&rsquo;s other ministers and deputy ministers will remain in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim&rsquo;s Cabinet, with Loke saying this was necessary to maintain political stability.
Loke announced his decision on 19 September after a three-hour emergency meeting of DAP&rsquo;s Central Executive Committee (CEC). He said he would submit his formal resignation to Anwar, while continuing to handle outstanding matters at the Transport Ministry in the meantime.
As of 21 September, however, Loke&rsquo;s resignation has not yet been formally completed. Anwar said he would meet Loke to hear his views before deciding on the resignation offer.
Why Is Anthony Loke Resigning?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98bb5ba3e88b9637bb8e15b7198e46e628f3c5d5584c2eda20459db4de2965c5" />
Loke said the decision was DAP&rsquo;s response to Najib&rsquo;s conditional royal pardon, which was announced on 18 September.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until 23 August 2028.
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The arrangement is subject to Najib paying a RM50 million fine and complying with the conditions imposed under the pardon.
Loke said DAP respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong&rsquo;s constitutional power to grant pardons and the principles of constitutional monarchy. However, he said the decision was difficult for DAP and many Malaysians to accept, particularly given the party&rsquo;s longstanding position on the 1MDB scandal and corruption.
He also noted that, in DAP&rsquo;s view, there had previously been no precedent in Malaysia for someone convicted in a criminal or corruption case to serve the remainder of a sentence under house arrest.
Why Are Other DAP Ministers Staying?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/525af18178ef8a1ccabef86f8975351757c497cebdc4a323deb79db9891f02ec" />
While Loke is offering to leave Cabinet, DAP&rsquo;s other ministers will remain in their positions.
They are Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Loke said the decision was intended to allow DAP to register its position on Najib&rsquo;s house arrest while avoiding political instability or putting the unity government&rsquo;s parliamentary majority at risk. He said a complete withdrawal of DAP ministers could create uncertainty for the government led by Anwar.
DAP currently holds 40 seats in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat, making it the largest component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. The party had also voted in August to keep its ministers and deputy ministers in the unity government.
Loke remains DAP secretary-general despite offering to resign from the Cabinet.
Questions Over Other DAP Leaders
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ef7e7bc8b2086363f272acfee43be78cae7bab0ccb37079d6dfa43b976d62d5b" />
The decision has also prompted questions over why Loke is the only DAP minister offering to step down.
Former Subang MP Wong Chen questioned why Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, who sits on the Federal Territories Pardons Board, and Nga Kor Ming had not taken similar action.
Nga had previously made comments about potentially resigning in relation to Najib&rsquo;s release, although he remains in Cabinet.
Wong Chen questioned whether having one senior party leader leave the Cabinet while others remain represented a consistent approach to political responsibility. His comments were made in response to Loke&rsquo;s resignation offer and reflect his own assessment of the situation.
Meanwhile, PAS election director and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor criticised DAP&rsquo;s decision, describing it as &ldquo;firecracker politics&rdquo;. He also questioned why the party was not withdrawing all its ministers from the government. These are Sanusi&rsquo;s political criticisms of DAP&rsquo;s position.
Anwar To Meet Loke Before Deciding
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a9dd7a5f5ad375bae2b0a0aa4c19215c55ddf475cea530b06c8401c92cddcf27" />
Anwar has confirmed that he will meet Loke before deciding whether to accept the resignation offer.
The Prime Minister said Loke had personally informed him of his decision, but they had not yet discussed the matter in detail.
Anwar said he wanted to hear Loke&rsquo;s views first and acknowledged that the DAP leader had consistently opposed actions that could be seen as lenient towards corruption.
The meeting is expected after their respective official trips to China. Anwar said any possible Cabinet reshuffle would be considered separately and that the government would address the matter &ldquo;one step at a time&rdquo;.
Loke To Complete China Visit Before Resignation
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/54c53c4362846fc3ce8bad5208e019a6809a9d3129c677fedc6610a2205baaab" />
Despite his resignation offer, Loke will proceed with his scheduled official visit to China.
The Transport Ministry said he will represent Malaysia at the 12th APEC Transport Ministers&rsquo; Meeting in Beijing on 21 and 22 September before returning to Malaysia to deal with matters relating to his formal resignation.
His itinerary includes bilateral meetings and the signing of two memorandums of understanding between Malaysia and China.
One agreement covers transport cooperation across land, rail, maritime, aviation and logistics. The other focuses on aviation safety cooperation between Malaysia&rsquo;s Civil Aviation Authority and China&rsquo;s aviation regulator.
Loke will then travel to Shanghai to join Anwar&rsquo;s delegation before returning home. The Transport Ministry has said its operations and responsibilities will continue without disruption during this period.
What Happens To The Transport Ministry?
Loke has said his departure, if accepted, should not affect ongoing projects or the ministry&rsquo;s operations.
He pointed to the fact that government ministries continue to function despite changes in their political leadership. Several major transport projects and initiatives are already underway, including the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
No replacement for Loke has been announced as of 21 September.
The resignation offer comes at a politically sensitive time for the unity government, following the controversy surrounding Najib&rsquo;s conditional pardon.
For now, DAP remains part of Anwar&rsquo;s government, while Loke&rsquo;s future as Transport Minister will depend on his upcoming discussion with the Prime Minister and the formal submission and consideration of his resignation.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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What happens next for Anthony Loke? Anwar Ibrahim will meet the Transport Minister to hear his views before deciding on his resignation offer.

51c9794a374835b4cbff823b0bca7d685803bb89e3706cebbdff061781996816

Anthony Loke Offers To Resign As Transport Minister Over Najib House Arrest

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been granted a conditional royal pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until 23 August 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine and compliance with the conditions imposed.
The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara on Friday (18 September), chaired by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department said Najib must comply with all conditions attached to the conditional pardon. If he fails to comply with any of them, the pardon will be revoked and he will have to return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Najib&rsquo;s Prison Sentence Was Previously Reduced
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8babeb5084c55f88d5a9142d37b405a88c8debb861a67e45200ee14df4acf6c4" />
Najib, 73, has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since 23 August 2022 following his conviction in the SRC International case involving RM42 million.
He was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being found guilty of seven charges involving abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
In January 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his prison term to six years and cut the fine to RM50 million. The latest decision now allows him to serve the remainder of that sentence under house arrest, provided he meets the conditions of the pardon.
The BHEUU statement did not disclose the full details of the conditions governing the house arrest.
UMNO Launches RM50 Million Donation Drive
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/356fa21a8e724d2d10a921088ac5b20318d7d270d3bcfb8aca7b70277e0e1426" />
Following the announcement, UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party would launch a nationwide donation drive to help Najib settle the RM50 million fine.
Zahid called on UMNO leaders, members and supporters, as well as others who wish to contribute, to do so voluntarily through an initiative that he said would be carried out transparently, systematically and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
However, specific details on how the fundraising campaign will be administered or how donations will be collected have not yet been announced. Zahid also expressed UMNO&rsquo;s gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim for the conditional pardon, saying the decision brought relief to Najib, his family and members of the party.
He said UMNO had pursued the matter through the established channels and reiterated the party&rsquo;s stated commitment to respecting the Malay Rulers, the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.
Wanita UMNO has also backed the fundraising initiative, urging its leaders and members at all levels to contribute voluntarily according to their means through the official channels that will be announced by the party.
Anwar Says Corruption Fight Will Continue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/05cfbb4ea6ba5c31ff09c9f7c33d5eebc2a88c7ba0731b33f9ae74d05e88efea" />
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision to allow Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest does not weaken the government&rsquo;s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power.
Anwar said all corruption cases, including ongoing proceedings involving Najib, must continue according to the law. He said his role as prime minister was to provide advice on matters including legal implications, national stability and the rule of law, while taking into account advice from the Attorney General.
However, Anwar said the Constitution provides the King with the relevant powers and expressed hope that the decision would be accepted.
Asked whether clear standard operating procedures should be introduced for Najib&rsquo;s house arrest, Anwar said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry.
Rafizi Calls For Greater Transparency
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e53a81bf33bba6d83e5591d321ffd34809f19dba60d1e8bf196c0fd03776faee" />
Former PKR leader Rafizi Ramli has called on Anwar and senior Pakatan Harapan leaders to provide the public with more details about the house arrest arrangement.
Rafizi said the government should at least disclose the conditions imposed on Najib so that any clear violation could be addressed through the appropriate process.
He also argued that the government had a responsibility to explain the decision to Malaysians who remain concerned about the 1MDB scandal and its wider implications.
Rafizi&rsquo;s comments represent his own political position on the issue. He also urged Malaysians to pay attention to how the house arrest is implemented and said public awareness of the 1MDB scandal should continue.
How Could Najib&rsquo;s House Arrest Work?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bcd1a023876537c79fc9b186f3c475783e50e7b4c6d77d3371f2568ad4d47a92" />
The decision has also raised questions about how house arrest will be implemented and whether similar arrangements could potentially be sought by other prisoners.
Criminal lawyer Datuk N. Sivananthan said Section 3 of the Prisons Act 1995 allows the minister to declare a house, building, enclosure or other premises as a prison through notification in the Gazette.
He said this could provide a legal mechanism for Najib&rsquo;s residence to be designated as the place where he serves his sentence.
Possible arrangements could include prison officers being stationed at the residence, electronic monitoring, restrictions on visitors and other conditions imposed by the relevant authorities. The exact arrangements, however, would depend on the conditions established for Najib&rsquo;s house arrest.
Sivananthan also described the decision as a significant development because, to his knowledge, Malaysia had not previously seen a Pardons Board allow a prisoner to serve the remainder of a sentence under house arrest. Any future applications, however, would still depend on the circumstances of each case and the relevant decision-making process.
Najib&rsquo;s Separate 1MDB Case Remains Ongoing
The house arrest arrangement applies to Najib&rsquo;s SRC International sentence and does not automatically cover his separate 1MDB case.
In December 2025, the High Court sentenced Najib to another 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving approximately RM2.3 billion linked to 1MDB. He has appealed against the conviction and sentence.
This means the latest conditional pardon does not bring all of Najib&rsquo;s legal proceedings to an end.
Najib also remains involved in separate civil proceedings connected to SRC International and 1MDB.
For now, the conditional pardon allows him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence at home until 23 August 2028, provided he pays the RM50 million fine and complies with all conditions imposed under the royal pardon. If those conditions are breached, the official statement states that the pardon will be revoked and he will be required to return to prison.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Following Najib Razak’s conditional pardon, UMNO has announced a nationwide fundraising drive to help him pay the RM50 million fine.

7eb7a265a4e97445e21d173f9d0be83d93c3efd47a15b7f718ea870fe98d441e

Najib Razak Granted Conditional Pardon To Serve Remainder Of Sentence Under House Arrest

New students entering public higher education institutions for the September/October 2026 intake will receive a one-off RM500 domestic flight ticket assistance to help cover the cost of travelling to their place of study.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the assistance will benefit 7,095 students who need to travel by air between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to begin their studies.
The announcement was made during the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on 16 September.
RM500 Aid To Help With Travel Costs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a11020551750a9ef2cfe6d179c2115c0319402c9dc6f034d2bb58b2a4433bd71" />
The one-off assistance is intended to reduce the financial burden faced by students and their families, particularly those travelling long distances for their studies.
Eligible students include new entrants to public universities, polytechnics and community colleges for the September/October 2026 intake.
The assistance covers domestic journeys between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. This means students who need to fly from one region to another to begin their studies can receive RM500 towards their initial travel costs.
Anwar said the matter had been discussed with Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir before the assistance was approved.
Students Welcome The Assistance
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e641ea0a0d06ae1fbfd5efba0b3e65e4e18d700aa495257cb79af190786adff3" />
The announcement has been welcomed by students who face significant costs when moving to another part of Malaysia for university.
For students travelling from Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan to the peninsula, or vice versa, airfare can add considerably to the expenses of starting university.
Nur Shafeira Adrieana Mohd Faizrizey, a student from Labuan who will be studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the assistance would help ease the financial pressure on her family.
Students at UiTM Kota Samarahan also welcomed the initiative, particularly those travelling from states such as Selangor and Johor.
For many new students, airfare is only one of several expenses involved in starting higher education. Accommodation, daily necessities, learning equipment and other initial costs can quickly add up.
One-Off Assistance For Initial Journey
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3f2bbcb82a525fe715cf7f69fae792f89abbaf704ffd5c27445a05ae328cc80c" />
The RM500 payment is a one-off assistance, meaning it is intended to support students with their initial journey to their institution rather than cover their travel throughout their studies.
The measure focuses on helping students get to their new place of study at a time when families may face higher upfront expenses.
It also reflects the government's wider efforts to address cost-of-living pressures and provide support for Malaysians, particularly students and families facing higher travel costs.
Part Of Wider Malaysia Day Announcements
The flight assistance was announced alongside several other measures during the Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching. These included improvements to the BUDI Madani Diesel subsidy, as well as changes involving Sarawak's special grant.
Sarawak's interim special grant was increased to RM1.5 billion in 2026, up from RM600 million previously. The federal government also said discussions with Sabah and Sarawak would continue on developing a sustainable formula for the annual Special Grant.
The measures form part of broader efforts to ensure that opportunities and government resources reach Malaysians across different regions.
For the thousands of students preparing to begin their studies away from home, the RM500 domestic flight assistance provides some financial relief as they take the next step in their education.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Starting uni far from home? The government is offering RM500 in one-off domestic flight aid to 7,095 new students.

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New Public University Students To Get RM500 Domestic Flight Aid

The government has expanded the BUDI Madani Diesel (BUDI Diesel) subsidy eligibility transfer facility, allowing registered owners of private diesel vehicles to transfer their monthly subsidy eligibility to any eligible actual user, rather than limiting it to immediate family members.
The new rules took effect on 16 September 2026, following an announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching, Sarawak.
The change addresses concerns raised by diesel vehicle users, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where vehicles may be shared within households and informal arrangements such as sambung bayar are more common.
Under the revised system, eligible registered owners can transfer their BUDI Diesel eligibility to another Malaysian citizen who actually uses the designated vehicle, without changing the vehicle's registered ownership.
BUDI Diesel Transfer Expanded Beyond Family Members
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/08928e099bd916e4b66865cbe68d465dfa687d587760fd2675c2676ef45debe3" />
Previously, BUDI Diesel eligibility could only be transferred to an immediate family member who used the vehicle.
Under the new rules, the transfer can now be made to any Malaysian citizen with a valid MyKad who is eligible for BUDI95 and is the actual user of the designated diesel vehicle.
Once approved, the recipient will receive their own monthly eligibility and can use their MyKad to purchase subsidised diesel according to the vehicle assigned to them.
The transfer does not involve or require a change in vehicle ownership. This means the arrangement can also cover situations where the person using and paying for a vehicle is not its registered owner, such as under a sambung bayar arrangement.
Multiple Diesel Vehicle Owners Can Transfer Up To Three
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0563c5228099d3ee9a4c9438cb0a33246f0ebebcac31eda8ca6b69c4097175db" />
The government has also introduced greater flexibility for registered owners with more than one private diesel vehicle. Owners can transfer the monthly BUDI Diesel eligibility of their vehicles to up to three other individuals, subject to the total number of registered diesel vehicles they own.
For example, someone with four private diesel vehicles could transfer the eligibility of three vehicles to their actual users, such as a spouse, child or employee. The registered owner will continue to retain the monthly eligibility for any vehicle that has not been transferred.
If the owner transfers the eligibility for all three vehicles covered by the transfer limit, they will only remain eligible for the BUDI95 subsidy. Each approved recipient will receive their own monthly eligibility based on the type of vehicle assigned to them.
Diesel Quota Can Go Up To 400 Litres
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6667efd1dc84b121cc42fdeeb3a5b526d21f0496b32d0fd42a769982586730a5" />
The monthly BUDI Diesel allocation continues to depend on the vehicle type.
The standard allocation is 300 litres of subsidised diesel per month, while eligible diesel-powered pickup trucks and jeeps can receive an additional 100 litres, bringing the total to 400 litres per month.
However, owners of eligible pickup trucks and jeeps must first apply for the additional 100-litre allocation before applying to transfer the vehicle's BUDI Diesel eligibility. The increase to 400 litres was introduced after pickup and jeep owners, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, continued to raise concerns about the previous limit.
BUDI Diesel Transfer Can Only Be Made Once
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/af530765f66bb20c3132ffc98fb99a9cbee3acb70728e3dc489057b3f479461a" />
There are several restrictions on the new transfer facility.
For each eligible vehicle, the BUDI Diesel entitlement can only be transferred once. After approval, it generally cannot be transferred back to the registered owner or to another person, except under specific circumstances set by the government.
A recipient can also only receive an eligibility transfer from one registered vehicle owner.
Applications remain subject to data verification and the relevant appeal process. Information submitted by the registered owner, recipient and vehicle will be cross-checked against records held by relevant government agencies before approval.
How To Apply For BUDI Diesel Transfer
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fb371f0a86f4e6df1b29daebf97976f74267667b7acf13265f8846866206561f" />
Applications under the new rules can be submitted through the BUDI MADANI portal.
Applicants can also apply physically at Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) offices, while assistance and further information are available at nearby petrol stations. To have the transferred eligibility take effect from the first day of the following month, applications must be submitted by the 27th of the current month.
For example, an application submitted by 27 September 2026 can be processed for the recipient to use the eligibility from 1 October 2026, subject to verification and approval.
What Happens To Previous Applications?
BUDI Diesel transfers that were approved before 16 September 2026 remain final.
However, applications that were still pending as of 15 September 2026 will be returned to applicants. Those who still wish to transfer their eligibility must submit a new application under the revised rules.
Owners with multiple diesel vehicles can also submit new applications, subject to the maximum limit of three transfer recipients and the number of registered diesel vehicles they own.
Changes Made After Feedback From Sabah And Sarawak
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e43fb1ac20e9641b9f429ccea0050c38a9d49823b1315dc06f78a2e1c9259264" />
Anwar said the latest changes followed continued concerns raised by diesel vehicle users, ministers and lawmakers, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak.
The Prime Minister said the government had already responded to concerns over diesel quotas by increasing the allocation for eligible pickup trucks and jeeps to up to 400 litres per month. However, further concerns remained over how the subsidy could be used when the registered owner was not the actual driver.
Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi also welcomed the latest adjustment, saying the government needs to balance economic management with efforts to ease the financial burden on the public.
He said subsidy reforms can sometimes place additional pressure on people, making it important for the government to consider public concerns when reviewing its policies.
The latest BUDI Diesel changes therefore give eligible vehicle owners greater flexibility, particularly where diesel vehicles are shared among family members, employees or other actual users.
For eligible Malaysians, the key change is that BUDI Diesel subsidy eligibility can now be transferred to the actual user of a vehicle, rather than being restricted to the registered owner's immediate family.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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BUDI Diesel just got more flexible. Eligible vehicle owners can now transfer their subsidy entitlement to non-family users.

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