In case you missed it, here is a list of news handpicked by an Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning February 29 to March 6, 2016.
Among the top headlines are Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife quit UMNO, Petronas to lay off 1,000 employees within six months, and an earthquake with a 7.9-magnitude struck the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.
Also some of the most read news included Tan Sri Muhyiddin says he will attend the March 27 gathering, the signing of ‘Citizens Declaration’ that calls for the resignation of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister, and also the Batu Gajah food poisoning.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29:
Tun Mahathir and wife quit UMNO
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced he is quitting UMNO with immediate effect. The announcement was made at a press conference held at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
"My decision to leave UMNO is because it is no longer UMNO, it is a party dedicated to support Najib (Datuk Seri Najib Razak), protecting Najib and upholding what he does. I cannot be a member of such a party," the former premier said.
VIDEO: 'UMNO is no longer UMNO' - Tun M
Watch the video link above. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad explains his reasons for leaving his beloved political party.
TUESDAY, MARCH 1:
Petronas to lay off 1,000 employees within 6 months
Petronas announced its new leadership team following a strategic review of its business operating model for better business efficiency, resilience and sustainability amidst challenging times for the oil and gas industry.
Pak Lah confident Najib capable of shaping Malaysia's future
Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of continuing the legacy of his father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, in shaping the future of Malaysia. Abdullah said since Najib took over the country's leadership from him on April 3, 2009, various transformation had taken place to bring Malaysia to greater heights.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2:
7.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
An earthquake with a 7.9-magnitude struck the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia at 8.49pm Malaysian time. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), tremors were felt in Shah Alam, Subang and Klang in Selangor.
Indonesia Earthquake: Residents report tremors felt in PJ, Shah Alam, Kajang
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received several reports from members of the public in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang who claimed they felt some tremors. The department said the first report was received by the Petaling Jaya Section 7 Fire and Rescue Department on claims that some tremors were felt at the PKNS flats there.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3:
Muhyiddin says he will attend March 27 gathering
Suspended UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he will attend the March 27 gathering which calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down. Speaking at a press conference, Muhyiddin also confirmed that he had received an invitation to attend the event from its organiser, former Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4:
Tun M, Opposition leaders sign 'Citizens Declaration' seeking removal of Najib as PM
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad signed a declaration with the country’s former leaders, Opposition leaders, political activists and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGO). The declaration named ‘Citizens Declaration’ calls for the resignation of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister.
4 demands of 'Citizens Declaration'
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reading out the four demands of 'Citizens Declaration' in a press conference at PAUM Club House, Kuala Lumpur.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5:
Batu Gajah food poisoning: Four critical, 37 warded
A total of 37 people, aged between two to 71 years old, were admitted with four in a critical situation following food poisoning incident in Batu Gajah, Perak.
Batu Gajah food poisoning: Victims claim feeling ill minutes after eating
Victims of an alleged food poisoning case in Seputeh here in Perak, claimed that they had suffered from dizziness, nausea and almost fainted after eating breakfast at the stall, which allegedly contained toxic chemicals.
SUNDAY, MARCH 6:
MH370: Malaysian probe team arrives in Mozambique - Liow
The Malaysian team investigating the Flight MH370 case is in Mozambique to identify a piece of debris that was recently found there, which was suspected to be related to the doomed Malaysian Airlines jet.
Change of PM doesn't require GE, says Mahfuz
There is no need to wait until the next general election (GE) to change the prime minister of this country, Datuk Mahfuz Omar said, adding that there have been numerous cases in Malaysia where leadership had been changed without going through an election.
Astro Awani
Sun Mar 06 2016
List of stories that made headlines for the week starting February 29 to march 6, 2016.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.