Malaysia aspires to host the World Cup one day, Malaysia deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Jul. 20 during the final between Spain and Argentina, New Straits Times reported.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he hoped to see Malaysia compete in the world's biggest football tournament as Southeast Asia's representative.

"God willing, one day, we aspire for Malaysia to host the World Cup," he said in the early hours of Monday at Bangi Square 2, where the match was being screened.

"Hopefully, by then, the Malaysian team will be among the World Cup participants representing Southeast Asia," he said.

Malaysia is currently 136th in the latest Fifa world rankings.

Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad will assume the role of Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs following Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim's resignation from political office on Jul. 20.

Faishal, who also served as Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, stepped down after it was found that his interactions with an unnamed woman had fallen short of "standards".

He had taken over the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs portfolio from Masagos Zulkifli after the 2025 general election.

Following the announcement of Faishal's resignation on Jul. 20, both Zaqy and Masagos addressed the development in separate Facebook posts.

Zaqy Mohamad

Zaqy took to Facebook at 2:24pm, acknowledging that many in the community are "disappointed and saddened" by the news.

Saying that he had "great respect" for Faishal as a colleague, he added that he saw firsthand Faishal's dedication to the development of the Muslim community.

He said that as he steps into the role of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, he will do so with "humility and a deep sense of responsibility".

He added:

"Nearly a decade at Mendaki has shown me the strength and resilience of our community. In difficult moments, we do not turn away from one another. We come together, support one another, and keep moving forward.

There is still much good work to be done, and our community's progress must continue."

Masagos Zulkifli

Masagos earlier posted on Facebook at 2:15pm, saying that he and Faishal have been actively serving Singapore and the Malay-Muslim community together for many years.

He added that he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Faishal's resignation, and noted his commitment to the community.

He wrote:

"Prof Faishal and I have been actively serving Singapore and the Malay-Muslim community together for many years. He was committed to strengthening families, lowering recidivism, empowering our youths and building bonds that hold our community together.

That is why I was deeply saddened to learn today that he has resigned from his positions in Cabinet and as a Member of Parliament."

Masagos also expressed his hope that Singaporeans will give Faishal and his family privacy and space at this "very difficult time".

He also called for support for Zaqy in his new role as Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked debate after saying he is looking into whether his administration can legally arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his expected visit to the city for the UN General Assembly in September.

According to The Guardian, Mamdani told the New York Times' "The Interview" podcast on Jul. 18 that his administration was actively consulting the city's law department on whether it had the legal authority to detain Netanyahu.

He said: "Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do. But we won't be writing our own laws to that end."

"He's a war criminal"

Mamdani made clear his personal view of Netanyahu, telling the podcast:

"I believe that prime minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He's a war criminal who has been charged by the international criminal court, and what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these past many years."

According to The Guardian, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, on charges of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, including using starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.

Mamdani added:

"We're not talking about a personal assessment of Benjamin Netanyahu. We're talking about the International Criminal Court and the fact that they have a warrant out for this prime minister's arrest, and I think it's important to talk about the weight that that has as a charge and that also, as the mayor of New York City, I'll be following the laws of New York City."

Fetterman tells him to "sit down"

According to The Hill, Senator John Fetterman pushed back sharply on Jul. 19, saying in an interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures": "Well, such a tough guy to say that kind of thing. He has no way to do that. Of course, obviously, America's not even part of that corrupt court."

Fetterman, who is also from the Democratic party like Mamdani, added that if he were mayor, he "would just sit down and focus on other… problems that they have in New York. That's really not your purview."

He then addressed Mamdani directly: "Sit down."

Legal experts and the US government say it cannot be done

Legal experts have warned that arresting Netanyahu "would be a practical impossibility,” and that attempting to do so could put him at odds with the federal government, according to The Guardian.

The U.S. is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise its authority. In February 2025, President Donald Trump ordered economic sanctions against the court.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since vowed to "dismantle" the ICC, accusing it of “waging a war” against the US through "so-called international law," according to The Guardian.

Trump's UN ambassador Mike Waltz labelled Mamdani's threat as "pure political theater," while Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon said Netanyahu would address the General Assembly "with pride" regardless.

Netanyahu brushes it off, accuses Mamdani of supporting Hamas

Netanyahu dismissed the arrest threat during a radio interview, saying he was not concerned, according to The Guardian. He also alleged that Mamdani supports Hamas, which the mayor has denied.

Netanyahu told New York's WABC: "He's with the terror actors. And I think the problem is that he doesn't recognise and he doesn't care that those who hate the Jews and Israel ultimately hate America."

Mamdani has condemned the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel as a "horrific war crime." He has also called Netanyahu a war criminal and accused the Israeli military of committing genocide in Gaza, per The Guardian.

According to The Hill, Gaza Health Ministry figures show the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 73,000 since the Hamas attack in 2023, with more than 1,000 deaths recorded even after a ceasefire was reached in October 2025.

Following the resignation of former Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim from political office on Jul. 20, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng posted on Facebook at 12:50pm that Faishal had asked him to apologise to all his residents and grassroots leaders on his behalf.

Faishal, who was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, together with Seah.

Seah added that the remaining four MPS will do their best to look after the residents of Kembangan, the ward that Faishal was previously overseeing.

Seah Kian Peng's post

In his post, Seah said the remaining MPs will handle all the Meet-the-People Sessions cases and appeals, as well as continue ongoing community initiatives.

"I would also like to assure my Braddell Heights residents that my work in Kembangan will not affect my commitment and the level of support to all of you, where I have served since 2006," he wrote.

Seah also noted that Faishal has been a "valuable member" of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team and has made "immeasurable contributions" in Kembangan and in Nee Soon GRC, where he previously served for 15 years.

He added that the team was "deeply saddened" by what had happened and asked for space and privacy for Faishal and his family:

"I have known Faishal for over 20 years. He is a good friend of mine, one with a big and kind heart for all. I ask all to give him space and privacy as this is a difficult period for him and his family."

Goh Pei Ming's post

Fellow Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC MP Goh Pei Ming also took to Facebook at 1:07pm to address residents.

He wrote that the “immediate priority” for the team is to take care of and serve the needs of Kembangan residents, echoing Seah's message.

Goh also described Faishal as a "valuable member" of the team and highlighted how he has connected well with Kembangan residents and how he cares deeply about the progress and welfare of the Malay-Muslim community.

Goh added that the team understands that Faishal had made a "lapse in judgement" and is choosing to take responsibility.

Tin Pei Ling's post

Fellow MP Tin Pei Ling wrote on Facebook at 1:26pm that she was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"A/P Faishal has been a responsible, empathetic and highly supportive member of our Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team. He has a good heart for the people and Singapore," she wrote.

Acknowledging that what had happened was "unfortunate", she said the team's immediate priority is to continue their care and support for Kembangan residents.

Following his resignation from political office, former Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim took to Facebook to address his decision.

Faishal, who was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, wrote that he was "deeply sorry to have let down" his residents and supporters, "who placed their trust" in him.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earlier announced Faishal's resignation with a statement via the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Jul. 20, 2026.

This came after the PMO received an email from a female member of the public concerning her interactions with Faishal.

While both Faishal and the woman made allegations of harassment against each other, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party.

No criminal action was taken against either of them.

Faishal, however, accepted that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of a political office holder and MP.

In a letter of resignation to PM Wong, the 58-year-old said there was no physical relationship between him and the woman, and he had not intended for the interactions to develop into one.

“There was a lapse of judgment on my part in the way I handled the interactions and in failing to establish clearer boundaries at an earlier stage,” said Faishal.

Apologised

In his Facebook post shortly after the announcement, Faishal asked for understanding regarding his decision "not to say more", out of respect for his family's privacy:

Over the years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside many of you - meeting your families, listening to your concerns, and working together to build a stronger and better Singapore. Your warmth, friendship and support mean more to me than I can ever express.

The work to strengthen our community continues. It is a collective effort that is far bigger than any one individual. I have every confidence that SMS Zaqy Mohamad and the team will continue with this work with commitment and care. I also know that Kembangan residents will continue to be well looked after by the MPs of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.

Faishal added:

I will now be spending more time with my family. I'm grateful for their support, especially my wife who has been standing by me throughout this difficult period.

Other than his Facebook page, he has since deactivated his official Instagram, X and TikTok accounts.

Former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has resigned from his political offices, his role as a Member of Parliament and his membership of the People's Action Party over interactions he had with a female member of the public.

While allegations of harassment were made by both Faishal and the woman, the police investigated and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party.

However, Faishal accepted that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of an MP and Political Office Holder, leading to his resignation.

You can see Faishal's letter to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong below:

PM Wong's statement on the matter can be read at this link.

Related story

The family of the late St. Joseph's Institution (SJI) International student, who died during a 2024 snorkelling trip while on an overseas expedition to the Maldives, will be suing SJII for alleged negligence over her death.

Jenna Chan was 15 at the time and would have turned 17 today.

On Jul. 20, 2026, her family filed a negligence claim in the General Division of the High Court of Singapore against SJII, according to a press release by their legal representatives.

'Claim is about accountability': Girl's mother

Calling this a "last resort", Jenna's parents said the claim comes after "more than 20 months of seeking accountability through other channels".

"For over a year and a half we asked the school to work with us to find out what happened so this can never happen to another child," her mother, Jennifer Liauw, said.

She added: "Every door was closed. This claim is about accountability, and about making sure Jenna is the last."

The press release also stated that according to a November 2025 letter, the school's solicitors, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, reportedly asserted that the school did not owe Jenna a "positive non-delegable duty of care to protect and safeguard her from the risk of harm".

Noting that the school had engaged an independent contractor, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), to run the expedition, the letter reportedly added that the school was "not liable for all negligent acts and/or omissions of the MWSRP, its agents or servants or contractors".

2024 excursion

On Nov. 8, 2024, Jenna, who was participating in a whale shark research project, was hit by a running boat's propeller while diving into the sea on a snorkelling trip.

She was rushed to a local health centre but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

According to the press release, this was part of an expedition run by the MWSRP, a charity registered in the United Kingdom and engaged by SJII.

The expedition, which formed part of the school's Outdoor Education programme, is compulsory for Grade 9 students and a requirement for promotion to the next academic year.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Education had previously told Mothership that it would not be investigating the management of SJII.

"Privately-funded schools, including SJII, are private schools set up to cater to international students and Singaporean students who prefer an alternative schooling option," the spokesperson said.

"These schools are outside the mainstream school system and have autonomy over their operations, policies and governance."

Alleged failings

The Statement of Claim alleged that SJII failed to properly vet the Maldives as a destination despite a documented pattern of marine tourism fatalities in the same waters, including a fatal propeller incident in the year before Jenna's death.

It also claimed that the school failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that MWSRP was a suitable and qualified vendor to run excursions for school children.

In addition, it alleged that SJII "failed to take reasonable steps" to ensure that the place where the marine activities would be conducted was safe for a school outdoor education programme, or to check tidal conditions and current strengths before involving the students in marine activities.

It also claimed that SJII gave parents and students repeated safety assurances which "were not borne out", including the school allegedly having "all emergency procedures in place" for "every single scenario that can happen".

Lastly, it alleged that SJII failed to ensure adequate supervision of its students at the critical moment.

The Statement of Claim argued that since Jenna was a child placed in the school's custody on a compulsory school trip, SJII owed her a non-delegable duty of care that could not be outsourced to a third party.

It added that in the months following Jenna’s death, SJII allegedly cited ongoing investigations and refused to share information with Jenna's parents or allow them to meet with the SJII teachers who accompanied the students on the expedition.

It further alleged that no investigation report or findings has been shared by SJII with Jenna's parents to date.

The family is also calling on the Singapore Government to review the alleged oversight of privately-funded schools, the release stated.

Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, has announced his resignation from his political offices, role as an MP, and a member of the People's Action Party.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced Faishal's resignation with a statement via the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Jul. 20, 2026.

No criminal offence committed

PM Wong disclosed that the PMO received an email from a female member of the public concerning her interactions with Faishal. PM Wong asked for the matter to be looked into immediately.

Both Faishal and the woman were spoken to separately and each made allegations of harassment against each other. The matter was referred to the police, who investigated the allegations.

The PMO statement added: "After carefully considering the facts and circumstances, and in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party. Accordingly, no criminal action will be taken against either of them."

However, PM Wong added there was a separate question of whether Faishal's conduct met the standards expected of a Political Office Holder and MP. Faishal accepted that his conduct fell short of those standards.

Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability & the Environment, will be appointed Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs.

 Letter from Faishal:

Letter from PM Wong:

Long-serving politician

Faishal first entered politics in the 2006 General Election, winning a seat in Parliament as part of the Marine Parade GRC for the People's Action Party.

He would stand for election four more times in the 2011, 2015, 2020 and 2025 General Elections, winning each time, representing Nee Soon and Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRCs.

Faishal held various political offices throughout his political career, beginning as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, with stints at the Ministries of Education, Health and Social & Family Development, National Development and Home Affairs.

Acting Minister

Following the 2025 General Election, Faishal replaced Masagos Zulkifli as the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, who had filled the role since 2018.

Faishal also received a promotion to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

As the Acting Minister, Faishal spoke up on various issues, such as finding common ground on Palestine and support for Muslim pilgrims performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia.

He also spoke of the importance of Singaporean unity in the face of external conflict following the U.S.-Israel War on Iran, and government efforts to uplift the Malay community.

A 79-year-old female pedestrian was sent to the hospital after a hit-and-run accident in the early morning of Jul. 19, 2026.

The accident, which took place at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Kim Tian Road, saw a car knocking down the elderly woman before driving off.

Accident video

According to a video posted on the "SG Road Vigilante" Facebook page, a white car could be seen making a right turn.

At the same time, a female pedestrian could be seen crossing the road.

The car then hit the woman, causing her to fall onto the road divider.

However, the car did not stop and drove off.

Another car then stopped next to the woman and an individual could be heard asking if the woman was "okay" and whether he should call an ambulance for her.

The elderly woman asked if the individual who checked on her could take down the licence plate of the car that hit her.

He responded that he would call an ambulance for her first.

The woman then asked him again to check the license plate before thanking him.

Car driver assisting with investigations

Responding to Mothership's queries, the police said they were alerted at about 5:05am on Jul. 19 to a hit-and-run accident involving a car and a pedestrian at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Kim Tian Road.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a road traffic accident along Jalan Bukit Merah at about 5:10am that day.

SCDF conveyed a 79-year-old female pedestrian while conscious to Singapore General Hospital.

A 58-year-old male car driver is assisting with investigations and police investigations are ongoing.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup career ended in heartbreak at the age of 39.

This was after Spain won the 2026 World Cup in dominating fashion against Argentina, the defending champions.

The Spanish team held 68 per cent of possession and made more than 800 passes.

The Argentina players only managed fewer than 450 passes.

By the 110th minute, Spain had its 20th attempt at goal, 12 on target.

Argentina did not register an attempt on goal until the 117th minute in extra time.

They managed three attempts in total by the end, as they sought to draw level in the final dying minutes of extra time.

The match had ended 0-0 during regulation time.

Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute, right before extra time.

He received a second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the second half of extra time in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup.

Messi cries

After the final whistle was blown, Messi was reduced to tears.

He was consoled by Spain's sensation Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal comforting Lionel Messi after the final is easily the most wholesome moment you’ll see today. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/efGNbaWc4A

— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 19, 2026

Before the tender moment was caught on camera, a skirmish broke out between both teams.

Will Messi retire from international football?

So far, Messi has stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

However, ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, the captain shared a message on his official Instagram account.

This was following Argentina's semi-final win over England.

In his post, Messi had thanked his teammates, coaches and Argentina staff before the final.

"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey. Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in difficult moments, and enjoying every step," Messi wrote.

"Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this national team a family."