JAXA Says Its Martian Moons Probe Is Operating Normally After Launch

The first checks on Japan's new space mission are positive. Bernama, citing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, reports that the probe launched to the Martian moons is operating normally after launch. The report was published about an hour before I fetched the page, and I have only seen the headline, so I do not have the technical details of the checks.

The probe, known as MMX, is intended to study Mars's two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and to bring a sample of soil from Phobos back to Earth. CBS News reported earlier this week that the launch had taken place and described the mission as an ambitious robotic effort to land on a Martian moon. Reports that the spacecraft is working normally refer to the early stage, when engineers check power, communications and navigation systems.

The early days after a launch are important because problems can appear as systems are switched on in space. Mission teams usually confirm that the solar panels have deployed, that the spacecraft is stable and in contact with ground stations and that its trajectory is correct. A normal status does not mean the mission is safe from future problems, since the journey to Mars and the landing are long and complicated.

For those who follow space exploration, the news is an encouraging first milestone. Sample-return missions take years, and the results will not be known for a long time. Meanwhile, readers can follow updates from JAXA's official channels, which publish operational status reports. For students, the mission is a good example of how careful testing, patience and teamwork are essential in science. Watch for announcements about course corrections and the planned arrival date.

News sources

• Bernama – Japan's Martian moon mission probe operating normally after launch: JAXA
• ABC News – International news

National Para-Cycling Camp Endures a Barren Third Day at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games

Not every day at a major Games brings a medal, and Malaysia's para-cyclists have had a difficult one. Bernama reports that the national para-cycling camp endured a barren third day at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know which events were contested, how close the riders came to the podium or what explanations were given.

The result stands out because para-cycling opened so well for Malaysia. Zuhairie Ahmad Tarmizi won the country's first gold of the Games in the men's C4-5 1,000-metre time trial, and the Prime Minister and the Youth and Sports Minister congratulated him. A medal-less day afterwards is a reminder that track and road events are decided by very small margins, and that form can change from one session to the next.

Cycling competitions at this level involve classification, equipment, aerodynamics and tactics. Small issues such as a mechanical problem, a poor start or a crash can end a medal hope, and the Keirin quarter-final exit of Azizulhasni Awang at the track world championships, which he blamed on two incidents, shows that even experienced riders can be affected by events beyond their control. I do not know whether any such incident occurred on this day.

For supporters, the best response is patience and encouragement. Coaches will review the day's performances and adjust tactics for the remaining events, and athletes often say that disappointments make them more determined. Elsewhere at the Games, Malaysian swimmers, badminton players and powerlifters have won gold medals, so the overall picture remains positive. Watch for the remaining cycling programme, for statements from the team management and for the final medal table, which will show how Malaysia has fared overall.

News sources

• Bernama – National para-cycling camp endures barren third day at Aichi-Nagoya 2026
• Bernama – 2026 Asian Para Games: Liek Hou wins third SU5 gold medal with Mohamad Faris after 12 years

Karate Aims to Win Six Gold Medals at the 2027 SEA Games, Says Nur Azmi

Malaysia's karate team has set a target for the next Southeast Asian Games. Bernama reports that karate aims to win six gold medals at the 2027 SEA Games, according to Nur Azmi. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know his role, the number of events in which Malaysia will compete or the schedule of preparations.

Setting a clear target is a common practice in sports planning. Six gold medals would be a notable return in a sport that is contested fiercely by neighbouring countries with strong karate traditions. The goal helps sports bodies to plan training, selection and funding, and gives athletes something to work toward, though results depend on competition and form at the time.

The announcement is part of a busy week in Malaysian sport. At the Asian Para Games, athletes have won several gold medals, including in cycling, powerlifting, swimming and badminton, and the Youth and Sports Minister has promised that development allocations will be distributed fairly and equitably. Karate, as a sport with multiple weight and kata categories, offers many medal opportunities.

For young athletes, the target is an encouragement to join local clubs and aim for national squads. Parents should look for qualified coaches and safe training environments. For the sport's governing body, the key challenges will be talent identification, competition experience and sports science support. Watch for selection trials, training camps and the SEA Games schedule. Congratulations in advance to those who qualify, and good luck to the whole team in their preparations.

News sources

• Bernama – Karate aims to win six gold medals at 2027 SEA Games – Nur Azmi
• Bernama – National para-cycling camp endures barren third day at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Melaka Polls: Chief Minister Ab Rauf Warns Parties Against Hate Politics

As the Melaka state election approaches, the state's leader has set out a call for civility. Bernama reports that Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf warned parties against hate politics. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know the occasion or whether he referred to specific incidents or parties.

Hate politics generally means campaigning that relies on inflaming resentment against other groups, for example on grounds of race, religion or origin, instead of discussing policies. In Malaysia's diverse society, such campaigns can damage social harmony and, in some cases, may breach laws on incitement or hurting religious feelings. Leaders often call for issue-based campaigns that focus on jobs, cost of living, infrastructure and governance.

The warning comes as parties finalise their preparations. Pakatan Harapan has completed candidate vetting, including with the anti-corruption commission, Barisan Nasional has said it will defend 21 seats and be open to discussion on seven, and analysts have pointed to the effects of Undi18 and automatic voter registration. Today, a religious foundation also said that religious terms should not be used to demean individuals.

For voters, the best response to divisive messaging is to look at the facts, read party manifestos and ask candidates concrete questions about their plans. Social media platforms can spread inflammatory content quickly, so think before sharing. The Election Commission and the police have powers to act against illegal campaigning, and citizens can report violations through official channels. Watch for the election dates, candidate lists and conduct during the campaign period. A respectful campaign benefits everyone, regardless of the outcome.

News sources

• Bernama – Melaka polls: Ab Rauf warns parties against hate politics
• Bernama – Religious terms should not be used to demean individuals – YADIM

Perlis Menteri Besar Suspended for Two Bersatu Election Terms

A party disciplinary decision has made political news in Perlis. Bernama reports that the Perlis Menteri Besar has been suspended for two Bersatu election terms. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know the reasons for the suspension, which decision-making body ordered it or what it means for his position as head of the state government.

In Malaysian politics, party discipline can have significant consequences. A suspension from party elections usually means that a member cannot contest party posts for the period specified, which here appears to be two election terms. It may or may not affect his role in government, since the Menteri Besar is appointed under the state constitution and must command the confidence of the state assembly.

The decision comes while politics is heated in several states. In Negeri Sembilan, a constitutional dispute continues, and in Melaka, parties are preparing for state elections, with the Melaka Chief Minister warning against hate politics. Internal party matters can have broader effects if they influence coalition relationships or the stability of state governments.

For voters in Perlis, the practical questions are whether the suspension will alter the state's administration and whether the Menteri Besar will appeal. Party members may also consider the implications for the leadership structure. Readers should look for official statements from the party and the Menteri Besar, since headlines can leave out context. Watch for any appeal, for reactions from other parties and for any change in the state government. Parties generally publish their disciplinary rules, which explain the available processes.

News sources

• Bernama – Perlis MB suspended for two Bersatu election terms
• Bernama – Melaka polls: Ab Rauf warns parties against hate politics