Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has filed contempt proceedings against former Attorney-General Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, now a Federal Court judge, over allegations of concealing a royal addendum order related to his incarceration. The application for leave to initiate contempt proceedings was filed on May 21 by legal firm Messrs. Shafee & Co., acting on behalf of Najib. The action stems from claims that Ahmad Terrirudin knowingly withheld the existence of an addendum order, purportedly issued by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, that allowed Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. According to the legal team, the addendum order, dated 29 January 2024, was delivered to Najib through his son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar. The authenticity of the document was allegedly confirmed in writing by the Pahang Royal Council on 4 January 2025. The legal firm asserts that the addendum order explicitly directed Ahmad Terrirudin to enforce the decree. However, despite being aware of its contents, the former attorney-general is accused of instructing his legal officers to mislead the High Court during proceedings by characterising Najib’s claims as unsubstantiated and speculative. “Our client believes that by choosing to mislead the High Court, the former attorney-general has brought the administration of justice into disrepute,” the firm stated. “Given his current position as a Federal Court judge, it is crucial that he be given an opportunity to address these serious allegations and, if necessary, purge the contempt.” The statement emphasised that as a public officer, Terrirudin had a legal duty to be fully transparent with the Court. It cited both Malaysian and international legal principles that require full disclosure of all relevant facts in judicial reviews. “A deliberate failure to disclose such material undermines public confidence in the justice system and may amount to obstruction of justice,” the firm added. Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the troubled 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million, his sentence was commuted in 2022 following a royal pardon request, reducing his term and financial penalty to six years and RM50 million respectively. The filing of contempt proceedings raises fresh legal and constitutional questions over the interpretation and enforcement of royal decrees within Malaysia’s judicial framework, and may have broader implications for the transparency of the country’s legal institutions.–NST

LANGKAWI: Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of State Corporation Rostec, celebrated decades of successful collaboration with Malaysian aviation partners by recognising the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA) and its after-sales service provider, AIROD, during the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025). The ceremony acknowledged BOMBA’s long-standing reliance on Russian-made helicopters, particularly the Mi-17 series, which have formed the core of its operational fleet for over 30 years. A Mi-17 helicopter from BOMBA’s fleet was also featured at the exhibition, symbolising this enduring partnership. “These helicopters play a vital role in safeguarding Malaysia’s national interests. They help save lives and protect the country’s unique natural environment. Their consistent and trouble-free performance in tropical and maritime conditions is a testament to the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Russian helicopters,” the company stated. Russian Helicopters’ presence at LIMA 2025 extends beyond the awards ceremony, with a display of three advanced rotorcraft models, each tailored to diverse operational needs: Mi-171A3: Designed for the oil and gas sector, this multi-purpose helicopter is engineered for transporting personnel and cargo to offshore platforms, as well as conducting offshore search and rescue missions. Ka-32A11M: The latest evolution in the renowned Ka-32 line, this firefighting helicopter is equipped with a new Russian-made SP-32 water tank. The 4-tonne capacity system features digital controls and improved ergonomics for efficient water intake and discharge. Ansat: A lightweight, multi-role helicopter offering high manoeuvrability, a convertible cabin, and user-friendly operation, ideal for a range of civil and emergency tasks. Held biennially since 1991, LIMA has grown to become the Asia-Pacific region’s premier aerospace and maritime event. This year’s edition reaffirms the strategic role of Russian Helicopters in supporting Malaysia’s emergency response and aviation capabilities, while also highlighting the firm’s commitment to innovation and global partnerships.

LANGKAWI: AirAsia has formalised a charter service, including special aircraft leasing with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) until 1 August 2027. This service highlights AirAsia’s commitment to leveraging its vast domestic network and high-frequency flights to provide reliable and efficient transportation solutions for the ATM. The contract, valued at RM99.5 million encompasses both daily charters and special charter arrangements, covering domestic routes throughout Malaysia. AirAsia will facilitate the movement of ATM personnel using commercial flights from Monday to Friday for duty and welfare travel in tandem with AirAsia’s existing commercial flight schedule, ensuring seamless integration while maintaining passenger convenience. Additionally, there will be a special charter arrangement involving the exclusive rental of the entire aircraft, dedicated solely to ATM personnel, without mixing with commercial passengers. Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, AirAsia Malaysia CEO said: “We are proud to strengthen ties with our long-standing partner, the Malaysian Armed Forces. As the airline with the most extensive domestic network with 38 routes and the highest flight frequencies in Malaysia with more than 1,100 flights weekly, we are well-equipped to support the ATM’s mobility needs. As the people’s airline, this partnership reaffirms our commitment to continue serving the nation and supporting government initiatives.” In addition to air travel, the contract includes comprehensive services such as in-flight meals, luggage handling, and logistical support from the airport to military camps, both ways to ensure the comfort and well-being of ATM personnel during their movements.

LANGKAWI: In a landmark development announced at LIMA 2025, Aviation Design Centre Sdn Bhd, an associate company of National Aerospace & Defence Industries (NADI) and the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak, have entered into a strategic joint venture to establish Aerospace Academy Sarawak Sdn Bhd. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Sarawak’s aerospace capabilities, aimed at nurturing local talent  and strengthening Malaysia’s position in the regional aerospace ecosystem. The new academy is envisioned to become a premier institution for aerospace manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) training in East Malaysia and eventually, nationwide. The milestone was marked by an official handover ceremony of the Certificate of Incorporation, signifying the formal partnership invitation for the establishment of Aerospace Academy Sarawak. The certificate was presented by Aviation Design Centre to CENTEXS, symbolising the beginning of a strong partnership aimed at cultivating a skilled local workforce to serve the expanding aerospace sector. Presently both partners are already training nearly 100 youths since November 2024 at Lundu and Subang campuses. Aerospace Academy Sarawak will offer industry-aligned programs tailored to global standards, empowering Sarawakian and Malaysian youth with cutting-edge technical capabilities in aerospace manufacturing and MRO. The collaboration merges Aviation Design Centre’s robust industry expertise with CENTEXS’s excellence in technology training, testbeds and commercialisation. “This partnership will be a strategic milestone not just for our organisations but for the entire State of Sarawak and Malaysia” said En Ezry Bakar Ahmad, Managing Director of Aviation Design Centre. “Together, we aspire to establish Sarawak and Malaysia as a regional hub for aerospace talent and innovation.” Dato’ Haji Syed Mohd Hussein bin Wan Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of CENTEXS, added: “CENTEXS is proud to be part of this forward-thinking initiative. The Aerospace Academy will open doors for our youth to enter high-value, high-tech industries, supporting Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s long-term vision for a diversified economy.” The formation of the academy supports Sarawak’s broader industrial transformation agenda and is expected to play a pivotal role in creating high-skilled job opportunities and advancing the local aerospace ecosystem. If this is successful, the business model can be established nationwide.

LANGKAWI: Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation “Rostec”, handed out awards to representatives of Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) and its after-sales service provider, AIROD. For about 30 years, BOMBA has consistently used only Russian-made helicopters. The ceremony took place during the 17th International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition LIMA 2025. Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters are widely used in Malaysia, forming the backbone of the Fire and Rescue Department’s fleet. One of these Russian-built helicopters from the Department’s fleet is on display at LIMA 2025. “These helicopters play a vital role in safeguarding Malaysia’s national interests. They help save lives and protect the country’s unique natural environment. Their consistent and trouble-free performance in tropical and maritime conditions is a testament to the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Russian helicopters,” commented Russian Helicopters. At the show, Russian Helicopters are also showcasing three models of rotorcraft: the Mi-171A3 helicopter, the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter, and the Ansat helicopter. The multi-purpose Mi-171A3 helicopter was developed to meet the needs of oil and gas companies. It is designed to transport people and cargo to offshore drilling platforms, and to carry out offshore search and rescue operations. The Ansat is a lightweight, versatile helicopter that offers high manoeuverability, a spacious convertible cabin, and ease of operation. The Ka-32A11M is the latest addition to the legendary Ka-32 family of helicopters. Operators from various countries agree that it is one of the best firefighting helicopters. The upgraded rotorcraft is fitted with a new Russian-made SP-32 water tank. With a capacity of up to 4 tonnes of water, it features digital controls and enhanced water intake and discharge ergonomics. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), the largest event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, has been held every two years since 1991.

LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has achieved a significant operational milestone, recording 25,000 flying hours for its fleet of AS555SN Fennec helicopters. The achievement was commemorated in a ceremony held during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. Airbus Helicopters Vice President and Head of Sales & Marketing for Asia Pacific, Thomas Zeman, presented an award to Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, in recognition of the fleet’s operational excellence. In service since 2004, the RMN operates six AS555SN Fennec helicopters. The two-tonne multirole aircraft play a crucial role in the Navy’s air operations, primarily used for lead-in training and to support various naval missions. The milestone highlights the reliability and sustained performance of the Fennec fleet over two decades of service, underlining the Navy’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards in maritime aviation.