October 2026

Six Bersatu members of parliament signed a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) with the MADANI government and will support Budget 2027, the fifth budget under the MADANI framework. The government signed the CSA with the six Bersatu MPs and seven others. Berita Harian reported that the agreement rests on four pillars.

Brent crude rose to US$117 a barrel after heavy Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the highest level since June 2022. The surge follows the strikes on Saudi targets, and Malaysia needs to prepare if conflict in Hormuz and the Red Sea escalates.

Malaysia's Home Ministry has referred the service status of Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain at the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) for legal advice. Any decision on terminating or shortening his service would then be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for assent, the ministry said. Shuhaily is the AKPS Director-General.

Sarawak's Dewan Undangan Negeri has been dissolved with effect from 26 October, Abang Johari announced, clearing the way for the 13th Sarawak state election (PRN13). The dissolution was reported as official on the day it took effect.

A total of RM259.503 million in interim payments to contractors and compensation to landowners remained unpaid as of 30 September, covering 112 rural road projects, Berita Harian reported. The figure was raised in connection with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), which Harian Metro said is carrying the burden of the arrears.

Malaysia's Registrar of Societies (RoS) cancelled the registration of Perikatan Nasional, the coalition that includes Bersatu and PAS. The decision was reported by state broadcaster Portal Berita RTM.

Two former senior officers of Lembaga Tabung Haji, its former chief executive officer and its former chief financial officer, were charged with cheating the board of directors over a RM3.3 billion hibah payment. Both pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Malaysia's government has ordered civil servants to stop using the Waze navigation app with immediate effect, citing its Israeli connection. The directive was carried across Malaysian outlets on Wednesday, with the ban described as taking force at once.

Mohd Shuhaily, the Director-General of AKPS, pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring two police officers at KLIA. He was represented in the high-profile case by a team of nine lawyers. Two officers allegedly injured by Shuhaily attended court but waited in a car, their lawyer said.

Sarawak's Dewan Undangan Negeri will be dissolved with effect from 26 October, Abang Johari announced. The dissolution clears the way for the 13th Sarawak state election.

Nik Nazmi confirmed that he and a woman were detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), saying he acknowledged it was a mistake. The arrest was over a khalwat (close proximity) offence.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim is facing pressure over a letter sent to the Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja, the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal. PKR Negeri Sembilan has demanded that the Menteri Besar explain the letter. The state is in the middle of an administration crisis that has drawn in both the ruler and federal political parties.

Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is investigating seven petrol stations over RON95 fuel suspected of being contaminated with water, and 27 samples have been taken for testing. The case surfaced after motorists reported engines spluttering and stalling after refuelling.

Haze from forest fires in Kalimantan has spread as far as Indonesia's capital, according to state broadcaster Portal Berita RTM. The fires and resulting smog have prompted protests across Indonesia, with demonstrators disputing the forest-fire and haze issue.

Singapore has sent notices to seven Indonesian companies as part of an investigation into the cross-border haze affecting the city-state. The companies are being examined over links to forest and land fires blamed for the smoke drifting across the border.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the fifth MADANI budget is determined to strengthen the economy and ensure growth is felt by the people. He also said economic growth must be translated into the well-being of the people. The budget is also referred to as Budget 2027.

The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court has been given two months to respond to the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) remarks regarding the e-Jamin system. The e-Jamin system continues to operate under an exemption from the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The government is reviewing the official agreement for the e-Jamin system before it is brought to the Cabinet.

Malaysia's government has defended its engagement with Myanmar's military junta, saying negotiations and dialogue do not amount to endorsing atrocities. Kamil Munim made the argument as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faced criticism for rolling out a red-carpet welcome for the junta chief. Malaysia says it remains open to dialogue with Myanmar.

Malaysia's Defence Ministry is expected to receive the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 1) in April 2027, with the handover to the ministry anticipated in that month. The LCS project is running 7.55 percent behind schedule, and Defence Minister Khaled Nordin is set to answer on the matter in Parliament.

The Election Commission met to decide the key dates for the Melaka state election, and polling has been set for 14 November. A budget of RM28.45 million has been allocated for the election, and the commission will expand its OCR-VA system for the exercise.

Malaysia has started a repatriation programme for Myanmar detainees held in immigration detention, with the first phase covering 1,476 people. The group includes Rohingya refugees, who departed aboard three Myanmar Navy ships. The operation marks the beginning of a phased return of Myanmar nationals in Malaysian custody.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim met with Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Hinggap Seremban, which again became the focus of attention. The meeting took place amid an administration crisis in the state. After completing the audience, Ismail avoided meeting the media.

US-Iran negotiations were described as 'very good', and oil prices fell below US$100 per barrel. Brent crude dropped below $100. Middle East oil exports reached a seven-month high, yet Brent remained at $107.

Anthony Loke Siew Fook, secretary-general of DAP and Malaysia's transport minister, announced he will resign from the cabinet as his party's response to the conditional pardon decision for former prime minister Najib Razak. He said he will remain in the post until Najib returns home, and that the effective date of his resignation is the day Najib returns home.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that closed-circuit television cameras will be installed in 333 boarding schools this year as part of efforts to tackle bullying. The measure follows the death of a student at a boarding school, a case in which police say the victim is believed to have been beaten with a rubber hose.