Malaysia PM tells parliament of plot to destabilise government

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Reuters) - Malaysia's prime minister said a suspect in an alleged plot to topple the government had engaged an international public relations firm ‌to launch a coordinated attack aimed at undermining national institutions before the next election.

Police ‌said last week they were investigating an alleged conspiracy to "sabotage national stability", under laws against undermining parliamentary democracy.

In an ​address to parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim provided further details of the alleged plot, saying the suspect had engaged the PR firm as part of a response to being the subject of a large-scale graft investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Neither Anwar, nor the police, have ‌identified the individual suspect or the ⁠PR firm.

Anwar said the PR strategy, which began in August 2024 and included engaging media agencies, banks, and lawmakers, was to run until the ⁠next general election, due by early 2028.

"Their strategy... was to contact all foreign media with a strategy of undermining the government's efforts, especially the MACC's," Anwar told parliament, citing documents obtained by authorities.

"And ​then to ​use their power and contacts in foreign countries ​to shape a narrative questioning the ‌authority of the Malaysian government and organise a movement through the Malaysian parliament. That is what worries us."

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Anwar said documents identified media firm Bloomberg as one of the agencies targeted by the alleged conspiracy.

A Bloomberg spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Anwar's remarks.

A special government committee is conducting a separate investigation into allegations in a Bloomberg report ‌last month that head of MACC, Azam Baki, may ​have breached shareholding laws.

Azam has said he is willing ​to be investigated as he had "nothing ​to hide" and all his financial declarations have been made according to ‌public service laws.

Lawmakers, including a key party ​in Anwar's ruling coalition, ​have called for a royal inquiry into another Bloomberg article alleging broader misconduct at the anti-graft agency.

The MACC has said the allegations were "baseless", and that they were an attempt ​to discredit its investigations and ‌enforcement actions within the corporate sector.

On Tuesday, Anwar said a royal inquiry into ​the matter was "premature" as the special committee was expected to complete its probe ​this week.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Neil Fullick)

byCustos Caelorum

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March 02, 2026

Malaysia PM tells parliament of plot to destabilise government

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Reuters) - Malaysia's prime minister said a suspect in an alleged plot to topple the governme...

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What to know about Holi, the Hindu festival of colors

Holi, widely known as theHindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance.

APTOPIX India Holi Festival

Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy.

For one of Holi's most well-known traditions, celebrants clad in all white, come out to the street andthrow colored powdersat each other, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of pigments and joy. Festivities with music, dancing and food ensue.

Holi is celebrated at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month of Falgun. The date of the festival varies depending on the lunar cycle. Typically, it falls in March, and will be celebrated this year on March 4.

Holi has its origins in Hindu mythology and lore

In many parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before the festival to signify the destruction of evil and victory of good. Different mythological tales point to the reason behind this observance.

In one story, the king, Hiranyakashipu, ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him and was irked when his own son Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, disobeyed his command. So, he ordered his sister Holika who was immune from fire to take the child, Prahlad, into a bonfire while holding him in her lap. However, when the pyre was lit, the boy's devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him and left him unscathed while Holika, despite her immunity, burned to death.

In another southern India tradition, the event is known as Kama Dahanam to commemorate Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva, the god of love, with his third eye. It symbolizes the destruction of lust and other earthly attachments for a higher spiritual purpose, preceding the joy of colors.

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Some also consider Holi a reference to Lord Krishna and his love for his beloved, Radha, and his cosmic play with his consorts and devotees called "gopikas," who are also revered for their unconditional love and devotion to Krishna.

How is the festival of colors celebrated?

On the day of Holi, entire streets and towns are filled with people who throw colored powder in the air. Some fling balloons filled with colored water from rooftops and others use squirt guns. For one day, it's all fair game. Cries of "Holi hai!" which means "It's Holi!" can be heard on the streets. Holi has also been romanticized and popularized over the decades in Bollywood films.

The colors seen during Holi symbolize different things. Blue represents the color of Lord Krishna's skin while green symbolizes spring and rebirth. Red symbolizes marriage or fertility while both red and yellow — commonly used in ritual and ceremony — symbolize auspiciousness.

An array of special foods are part of the celebration, with the most popular food during Holi being "gujia," a flaky, deep-fried sweet pastry stuffed with milk curd, nuts and dried fruits. Holi parties also feature "thandai," a cold drink prepared with a mix of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds, saffron, milk and sugar.

Holi is celebrated in the diaspora with worship and social gatherings

In North America and in any country with a Hindu population, people of Indian descent celebrate Holi with Bollywood parties and parades, as well as a host of public and private gatherings. Several U.S. temples will observe Holika Dahan this year on Feb. 2 or Feb. 3 to coincide with the full moon day anda total lunar eclipse, which is rare.

It is also common for Hindu temples and community centers in the U.S to organize cultural programs, friendly cricket matches and other festivities around the holiday.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

byCustos Caelorum

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March 02, 2026

What to know about Holi, the Hindu festival of colors

Holi, widely known as theHindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural ...

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Kelsey Parker on Why Grieving the Loss of Her Baby Was 'Harder' Than Late Husband Tom Parker's Death

Kelsey Parker is opening up about grieving both her infant son and her late husband, musician Tom Parker

NEED TO KNOW

• The television personality and podcaster welcomed two children with The Wanted's Tom Parker before his March 2022 death

• While pregnant in June 2025, she revealed that she lost her child with her current partner, Will Lindsay

Kelsey Parker is sharing her experience with grief after losing both a husband and a son.

In a new episode of theMum's The Word! With Georgia Jones & Kelsey Parkerpodcast, the 34-year-old mother of two opened up on how she navigated her late husband Tom Parker's death shortly after their kids were born, compared to the pregnancy loss she experienced with her current partner last year.

While discussing a recent appearance onSky Newsto bring awareness to maternity care being "so bad" in the U.K., the actress and television personality said there was much more she planned to share at a later time.

"It was a really interesting topic, and obviously we were just talking about Phoenix, and I couldn't open up completely, and I can't open up completely on this podcast because it's an ongoing thing," she said, referring to the loss of her son.

In a June 22, 2025,Instagram post,she announced that her first child with partner Will Lindsay — whom the couple named Phoenix Parker-Lindsay — was "born sleeping."

She and her late husband, The Wanted's Tom Parker, previously welcomed two children together: Aurelia and Bodhi, who were 5 and 4, respectively, at the time of Phoenix's death.

The British singerdiedon March 30, 2022, at the age of 33, almost two years after he was firstdiagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.

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On Sunday's March 1 episode of her podcast, Kelsey said she still plans to share more of her experience, but added that for now, "the biggest part that I'm sharing is that I still have to be a mom every day."

"And it was so hard, I think with Phoenix, it was harder with Phoenix than it was with Tom," she continued. "I think 'cause they were so much younger, I could just be like, 'Oh, well, daddy wasn't coming back.' And you know, when I said about the angels taking daddy, we won't see daddy again. They accepted that, and we sort of moved on."

Kelsey noted that explaining to Aurelia and Bodhi, who were older now than they were when Tom died, that their brother, whom they watched grow inside their mother's belly, was more difficult to do.

"When Phoenix died, they knew the reality of that as well," Kelsey explained. "So, they knew, you know, my dad's died. We've never seen my dad since Phoenix has died. We're never going to see Phoenix and we're never going to get to meet Phoenix. I think that's for them. And it was why," she said.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kelsey also shared that she and Lindsay have kept all of Phoenix's clothes and his room in the home.

"Aurelia will go and play with Phoenix's car and put her babies in," she said, later adding, "Phoenix is very much there in the house."

Read the original article onPeople

byCustos Caelorum

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March 02, 2026

Kelsey Parker on Why Grieving the Loss of Her Baby Was 'Harder' Than Late Husband Tom Parker's Death

Kelsey Parker is opening up about grieving both her infant son and her late husband, musician Tom Parker NEED...

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Cynthia Bailey Details Phone Call with Mary Cosby After Son Robert Jr’s Death

Cynthia Bailey shared the details of her phone conversation with Mary Cosby after the death of Robert Cosby Jr.

NEED TO KNOW

• Cosby's son died on Feb. 23 at the age of 23 following a years-long struggle with addiction and mental health

• Cynthia explained in an episode of her Humble Brag podcast that she offered her support to Mary, who told her, "It's okay"

Cynthia Baileyis reflecting on her conversation withMary Cosbyshortly after the sudden death ofRobert Cosby Jr.

During the latest episode of herHumble Bragpodcast,The Real Housewives of Atlantastar, 59, addressed the loss of Mary's son, Robert Jr., who died on Monday, Feb. 23. He was 23.

Admitting that "it's so hard to talk about," Cynthia revealed that she calledThe Real Housewives of Salt Lake Citystar, 53, when the news broke.

"I was really paralyzed by this news when I got it," Cynthia explained. "I didn't really know what to do, what to say. I knew that I couldn't text. I just felt like I had to pick up the phone and call [Mary], and I did, and to my surprise, she picked right up. Then I was really surprised, because I didn't expect her to pick up."

"First I was like, 'You didn't have to pick up. I just wanted to call. I didn't feel like a text was the right thing to do, and I just wanted to call you and say I love you and I'm here for you and I'm so sorry for you and your family,' " she continued.

PEOPLE previously reported thatauthorities were called to Mary's Utah homejust before 6 p.m. local time on Feb. 23, where "a 23-year-old male" presumed to be Robert Jr. was "not conscious" and "not breathing," per police dispatch audio.

Robert Jr. was given one dose of Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray used to reverse life-threatening opioid overdoses, as he was in a "full arrest/medical emergency," and three police units were sent to the scene. When they arrived, their overdose investigation "turned into a death investigation," a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department told PEOPLE.

Cynthia went on to praise Mary for her "strength" as a mother before offering more details about the heartfelt call.

"One of the things that she just said, 'It's okay,' " Cynthia shared. "She just kept saying, 'It's okay. It's okay.' And it just felt like, I think there's levels — there's shock, there's just processing the reality of the situation."

"She's pushing through," Cynthia later added of Mary. "She's pushing through, and she knows and appreciates everyone's love and support. So continue to love on Mary. No matter what, I know that this is just devastating for her."

Noting that she's happy they were able to speak, Cynthia further highlighted the impact of Mary and Robert Jr.'s on-camera discussions about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.

"Her son sharing that part of his life was so powerful and so honest," Cynthia said. "I just applaud Mary for being just so brave to show [that]. It's a reality show, we're supposed to show our reality, but when I tell you, to be able to show that, was just really powerful for so many other families that are going through that type of issue — addiction."

Robert Jr. first opened up about hisaddictionin an emotional season 5 conversation ofRHOSLCwith his mother, which aired in November 2024. In the scene, he revealed that he began using both prescription and recreational drugs at 16 after trying Xanax at a party.

He also shared that he had been abusing other prescription drugs, including the ADHD medication Adderall and the opioid painkiller OxyContin, taking as many as 10 at once.

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"I couldn't even feel it," he recalled. "I couldn't feel it at all."

He then told Mary thathe had tried heroinwhen his addiction worsened, admitting that he had "wanted to die at the time."

"I felt like a stain — I just felt like this world wasn't for me," Robert Jr. said, telling his mother, "You're the only reason I didn't kill myself."

In December 2024, Mary said that hecompleted a month-long stay in rehaband "came out a new person."

However, Robert Jr., who had been arrested in 2022 for a DUI, was arrestedagain in September 2025 on multiple charges— including criminal trespassing, assault, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement and three counts of violating a court order, per his booking record viewed by PEOPLE.

In November 2025, he was arrested again after violating a pretrial protective order. He pleaded guilty to eight of the 14 total charges he was facing, while the remaining six misdemeanor charges were dismissed with prejudice. He wasreleased from jail on Feb. 3and was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 75 hours of community service.

Cynthia said that she had seen Mary while filmingThe Real Housewives Ultimate Road Triplast month, around the time Robert Jr. got out of jail. When she asked about him, Cynthia said Mary "was very optimistic" that her son would "get better."

"We love you, Mary. I love you so much, and you're always in my heart and thoughts and prayers," Cynthia concluded. "I can't wait to see you again, to give you the biggest, tightest hug."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Mary and her husbandRobert Cosby Sr.shared a statement with PEOPLEregarding the death of their son.

"Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace," it read. "We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow."

A few days later, Mary honored him onInstagramwith athrowback photoof her and Robert Jr. when he was a child, as Jessica Mauboy's cover ofCyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" played in the background.

"#godfirst #love #forever I'm Going to miss you bubs❤️🙏😢." Mary wrote.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Read the original article onPeople

byCustos Caelorum

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March 02, 2026

Cynthia Bailey Details Phone Call with Mary Cosby After Son Robert Jr’s Death

Cynthia Bailey shared the details of her phone conversation with Mary Cosby after the death of Robert Cosby Jr. ...

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From Dating Shows to Hard-Hitting Docs, These are the Biggest Netflix Drops in March

Sometimes, the pressures to pay for a million streaming services can feel like a drag. Especially when some apps don't necessarily update their libraries each month, leaving you to spend whole evenings skimming tired content you've already seen. Luckily, Netflix is devoted to constant refreshes, and this month, they've outdone themselves with a bevy of new titles, including thrilling documentaries, films, new seasons of your favorite shows, and exciting live events.

This month, Netflix has outdone itself with a wide variety of content — whether you need some laughs or want to get serious, you'll find the perfect pick on this list. First, we're grabbing the popcorn to watch a live sporting event. Then, we're getting into a brand new dating show that asks if age is just a number.Also, we're excited for a series focused on a taboo romance.

Best New Movies and Shows Coming to Netflix in March

Vladimir(Avail.3/4/26)

When a frustrated English professor (Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz) becomes obsessed with a handsome new colleague, her already complicated marriage and career are thrown into chaos. If you went wild for 2024'sBabygirl, this comedy-drama series deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Age of Attraction(Avail. 3/11/26)

In this titillating new dating series, hopeful singles search for soulmates outside of their own age brackets. Is love ageless, or will the years come between them?

Virgin River, Season 7 (Avail. 3/12/26)

It might be the seventh season, but it hasn't been more than two or three years in Virgin River. This season, Mel and Jack might finally get married. Of course, some dark events or people from their pasts will likely get in the way. And don't expect pregnant Lizzy to give birth this season; pregnancy lasts at least three seasons in this universe.

The Plastic Detox(Avail. 3/16/26)

Are you concerned aboutthe effects of microplastics? You're not alone. In this eye-opening documentary, six couples with unexplainedinfertilitylower their exposure to plastics in hopes they can conceive.

MLB Opening Night: Yankees vs. Giants (Avail. 3/25/26)

Netflix has ventured into live events over the past few years, and this month, they'll be airing the MLB opening night game. The New York Yankees, led by seven-time All-Star, three-time American League MVP, and Northern California native, Aaron Judge, will venture to the Bay Area to face three-time All-Star Rafael Devers and the San Francisco Giants live on March 25.

Everything Coming to Netflix in March 2025

Avail. 3/1/26

The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA

Deepwater Horizon

Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades of Grey

The Green Knight

Jurassic World

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

The Lego Movie

Stephen King's Sleepwalkers

The Swan Princess

Avail. 3/2/26Gabby's Dollhouse: Season 13

Hotel Mumbai

Jurassic World: Dominion

Avail. 3/3/26The Bling Ring

Bruce Bruce: I Ain't Playin'

Avail. 3/4/26Blue Therapy

Street Flow 3

Avail. 3/5/26A Friend, a Murderer

Ginger & Rosa

Avail. 3/6/26A Man Called Ove

Boyfriend on Demand

The Dinosaurs

Hello Bachchon

Still Shining

Strangers in the Park

The TikTok Killer

War Machine

Avail. 3/7/26BEASTARS FINAL SEASON Part2

Avail. 3/9/26Clifford the Big Red Dog

Sesame Street: Volume 2

Avail. 3/10/26Derrick Stroup: Nostalgic

ONE PIECE: Season 2

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Avail. 3/11/26Age of Attraction

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere

Love Is Blind: The Reunion

The Man in the High Castle: Seasons 1-4

Avail. 3/12/26Love is Blind: Sweden: Season 3

Made in Korea

Virgin River: Season 7

Avail. 3/13/26Fatal Seduction: Season 3

Avail. 3/14/26Nobody 2

Avail. 3/16/26The Plastic Detox

Avail. 3/17/26Mark Normand: None Too Pleased

The Ricky Gervais Show: Seasons 1-3

Avail. 3/18/26Eva Lasting: Season 4

Radioactive Emergency

Season 2: Furies: Resistance

Avail. 3/19/26Jigsaw

Saw: The Final Chapter

STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black Season 2 Part 2

Unicorn Academy: Secrets Revealed: Chapter 1

Avail. 3/20/26Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope Part 2

The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel

Avail. 3/21/26The Bad Guys 2

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG

Avail. 3/23/26Anatomy of a Fall

Inside: Season 3

Minions: The Rise of Gru

Avail. 3/24/26Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride

Ready or Not: Texas

Avail. 3/25/26Heartbreak High: Season 3

Homicide: New York: Season 2

MLB Opening Night: Yankees vs. Giants

Avail. 3/26/26Caterpillar

The Conners: Season 7

Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole

Mike & Molly: Seasons 1- 6

The Prosecutor

The Red Line

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Avail. 3/27/2653 Sundays

BTS: THE RETURN

The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties: Season 6

Avail. 3/28/26Anemone

Avail. 3/31/26Aaron Chen: Funny Garden

Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom

Next, find outwhat's leaving Netflix this month.

The postFrom Dating Shows to Hard-Hitting Docs, These are the Biggest Netflix Drops in Marchappeared first onKatie Couric Media.

byCustos Caelorum

in

March 02, 2026

From Dating Shows to Hard-Hitting Docs, These are the Biggest Netflix Drops in March

Sometimes, the pressures to pay for a million streaming services can feel like a drag. Especially when some apps don...

Read More