Thursday, April 30, 2026

Selangor PAS denies agreeing to Azmin as state PN chief





Selangor PAS denies agreeing to Azmin as state PN chief


Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar says no official decision has been made


Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar said the party’s grassroots want a PAS leader at the helm of Selangor PN. (Bernama pic)



PETALING JAYA: Selangor PAS has denied agreeing to Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali being named as the state’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman.

“No official decision was made on backing Azmin to lead Selangor PN in any of the coalition’s meetings,” Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar said in a statement.

Last night, Bersatu Supreme Council member Dr Afif Bahardin claimed that Selangor PAS had agreed to Azmin leading Selangor PN. Azmin is the Hulu Kelang assemblyman.


Afif claimed that at a recent meeting between the state chapters of Bersatu and PAS, the latter had stated its desire for the status quo to remain.

Bersatu proposed last weekend that Azmin be reappointed as the Selangor head of PN.

Party president Muhyiddin Yassin said Azmin was nominated as he was currently the opposition leader in the state assembly.

Azmin, who was Selangor menteri besar from 2014 to 2018, resigned as Selangor PN chief on Jan 1, following Muhyiddin’s decision to step down as coalition chairman.

Sukri said the party’s grassroots wanted a PAS leader at the helm of Selangor PN.

He also said claims that PAS wanted to maintain the status quo were personal views and not the party’s official stance.

He said the decision to appoint a chairman for the coalition’s state chapters was the prerogative of the PN chairman.


DAP Youth wants PM to sack Mat Hasan over N Sembilan crisis










DAP Youth wants PM to sack Mat Hasan over N Sembilan crisis


Published: Apr 30, 2026 12:50 PM
Updated: 3:08 PM



DAP Youth has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to sack Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan as foreign minister.

This is over the Rantau assemblyperson’s involvement in Negeri Sembilan BN withdrawing support from Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.

"His (Mohamad) involvement raises serious questions about his integrity and loyalty to the unity government's mandate," DAP Youth said in a statement today.

On Monday, all 14 BN assemblypersons in Negeri Sembilan - including Mohamad (above) - withdrew support from Aminuddin over the latter's handling of the spat between the state's four ruling chieftains and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Following this, BN had planned to form a new state government with Perikatan Nasional.

However, the coalition appeared to have backed off from this idea, with the Umno political bureau last night resolving to support the existing state government.

No more trust in ally

DAP Youth indicated it had lost trust in BN as an ally, fearing that the latter might turn on Pakatan Harapan when given the opportunity.


PM and Pakatan Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim


As such, the wing called on the Harapan leadership to review cooperation with BN at all levels.

"A review is no longer a choice, but a necessity," it said.

Anwar commands the support of 153 MPs in Parliament, and if Umno/BN and its 30 MPs quit, the former will still be in power with 123 MPs.

‘Just sack us then’

Meanwhile, in response to DAP Youth, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh challenged the government to sack all Umno ministers and deputy ministers.

"We are ok (with being sacked), we want to see if you are brave or not," he said.


Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh


Akmal had previously wanted to quit both as Umno Youth chief and as a Malacca exco member due in part to his enmity towards Harapan and DAP.

However, he retracted his decision to quit as Umno Youth chief after being convinced not to by the party leadership.

His resignation as a Malacca exco member has also been rejected, and he is believed to still be carrying out his duties.


Ten Malaysians missing after Israeli forces board Gaza aid flotilla, says Sumud Nusantara Command Center





Ten Malaysians missing after Israeli forces board Gaza aid flotilla, says Sumud Nusantara Command Center



Sumud Nusantara Command Center director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby speaks at a press conference on the latest developments of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 Mission after Israeli forces boarded the ships on April 30, 2026. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 3:06 PM MYT


BANGI, April 30 — The Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC) has confirmed that 22 vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) mission were intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza, including six with 10 Malaysians on board.

SNCC director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said they are Zainal Rashid Ahmad on board Arkham III; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin (Eros 1); Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani (Bianca BCN).

Also Mohd Redzal Amzah and Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi, who were on board Freia and Marea respectively, as well as Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa (Esplai).

Sani Araby, who is also chief executive of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations, said the GSF2.0 mission involved 63 vessels in total, but only 22 were intercepted, lost contact and directly boarded, affecting a total of 186 activists.

Apart from the six vessels with the Malaysians on board, other vessels are Saf Saf, Bella Blue, Romantica, Goleta, Mystere, Magic Boat, Ghea, Snap, Eros, Tam Tam, Nagual, Lapinya, Batolo, Bribon, Malia and Holy Blue.

Sani Araby said the incident occurred between 1 am and 11 am Malaysian time today, when the flotilla was aggressively approached by Israeli forces in international waters off the Great Greek Islands.

“The flotilla’s position during the intimidation was approximately 656 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip coastline, within a legitimate international shipping zone fully protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he told an emergency press conference on the mission here today.


He said that the incident also involved provocation, with Israeli forces firing warning shots towards the vessels and jamming radio frequencies in a threatening manner against unarmed humanitarian activists.

The SNCC also confirmed the presence of dozens of unidentified drones operating around the flotilla during the incident, allegedly conducting surveillance and disrupting the vessels’ movements and communications.

“Audio and visual recordings obtained by the SNCC show Israeli forces using a false narrative to justify the warning shots,” he said.

To ensure the safety of the remaining vessels, Sani Araby said the SNCC has instructed all ships that have not been intercepted to immediately enter Greek waters.

He said the latest developments have been communicated to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several ministerial patrons, seeking government support, particularly in terms of security and diplomatic engagement with the governments of Greece and Turkiye.

On the status of the 10 Malaysians involved, last contacted at 8.30 am Malaysian time, he said their whereabouts remain unknown.

“SNCC will provide updates as to whether they have been detained aboard vessels and ordered to turn back, or allegedly taken to an unknown location. We hope to receive further information soon,” he said.

Sani Araby also noted that the SNCC had anticipated Israeli interception of the GSF 2.0 mission due to perceived global support, including from Malaysia.

However, he said the interception tactics appeared to differ from an October 2025 incident, which allegedly occurred within a "red zone" 50 nautical miles from Gaza, suggesting, in his view, increased pressure on Israeli forces.

Sani Araby also urged Malaysians to hold special prayers and recite Qunut Nazilah for the safety of all detained mission delegates.

The GSF 2.0 mission comprises an international coalition combining maritime efforts with global mobilisation on land, including legal advocacy and solidarity campaigns across multiple countries, aimed at breaking the blockade on the Gaza Strip amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. — Bernama


Anthony Loke says Zahid rejects backdoor bid, insists Negeri Sembilan Unity Government remains intact and stable




Anthony Loke says Zahid rejects backdoor bid, insists Negeri Sembilan Unity Government remains intact and stable



DAP secretary‑general Anthony Loke has said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi does not support the formation of a new government in Negeri Sembilan. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 2:53 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — DAP secretary‑general Anthony Loke has said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi does not support the formation of a new government or a “backdoor administration” in Negeri Sembilan.

As reported by Berita Harian (BH), Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said Zahid conveyed the position in his capacity as deputy prime minister during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, following the move by 14 Umno assemblymen to withdraw support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

He stressed that the state government led by Aminuddin continues to function as usual.

“Yesterday, the Umno political bureau also issued a statement that although 14 assemblymen were said to have lost confidence in the menteri besar, they still support the Unity Government.

“With Zahid himself stating the same stance in Cabinet, it means the Umno president does not agree with forming a new government or a backdoor administration.

“This means the existing government remains the Unity Government in Negeri Sembilan, ensuring stability and continuity in the state’s administration. I believe this clarification will help ease the situation,” Loke told BH today.

On the ongoing dispute involving customary institutions and the state constitution, Loke said the matter must be resolved internally.

“We cannot intervene. At the government level, our priority is to ensure the administration continues as usual. The menteri besar, the executive council and the assemblymen are functioning and working as normal. I believe this will guarantee stability,” he was quoted as saying.


Firdaus Wong has bone to pick with Tiong over free-flow beer “amid display of nation’s coat of arms”




Firdaus Wong has bone to pick with Tiong over free-flow beer “amid display of nation’s coat of arms”




TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has again been accused of getting his ministry involved in an event where free flow of beer was available.


This follows the question raised by Muslim convert preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung as to whether “a ministerial event such as that by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) which displays the nation’s coat of arms can serve alcohol”.


The event in question is the “MOTAC Pre-Gawai programme @ N69 Kemena Community” which was held last Friday (April 24) at the Dinner World Restaurant in Bintulu which happens to be Tiong’s parliamentary constituency.

“PMX had reprimanded last year’s Global Travel Meet gala dinner that was said to be a self-funded official event for serving alcohol even though there was a MOTAC logo on display,” jibed the Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM) founder in a recent Facebook post.

Bolehkah majlis sebuah kementerian seperti Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia & menggunakan jatanegara menghidangkan arak?

Program Global Travel Meet tahun lepas yang menghidangkan arak dikatakan bukan majlis rasmi, tiada pembiayaan rasmi walaupun ada logo MOTAC, ianya ditegur YAB PMX.

Hak setiap kaum & agama mengamalkan kepercayaan maaing-masing. Tak kisahpun mereka nak rai & minum apapun.

...See more
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Every race and religion has the right to practice their own beliefs. It doesn’t matter if they want to celebrate and drink whatever they want. Perhaps if there was no MOTAC logo, my question wouldn’t arise.

“Will TKS (Tiong) use the same excuse or a different one this time?

To recap, the Global Travel Meet gala dinner held on Oct 1 1ast year became a hot potato between the rightist fraternity and non-Muslims who deemed that a little leeway was justified given the event’s international stature.



Mediating in the controversy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tiong and MOTAC over the serving of alcohol at an official government event while stressing that it must never be repeated.

PMX further shot down MOTAC’s explanation that alcohol was served only after the official programme had concluded as unacceptable given the government maintains a firm and no exception policy against serving alcohol at official functions.

With reference to the pre-Gawai event, Tiong has stressed its importance in the effort to preserve and uphold the cultural heritage which is the unique identity of the Sarawak community

“The Gawai celebration is not only a tradition of the Dayak community but also a manifestation of gratitude and harmony within the community of various races,” the six-term lawmaker and Sarawak-based Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president penned in a FB post.

Although the rightist fraternity sided with Firdaus that government-linked events must exempt alcoholic beverages at all cost, presumed Sarawakians took exception given “tuak (fermented rice wine from Sarawak) has been part and parcel of the Dayak tradition since time immemorial”.

“Muslims need not touch it … In Sarawak, all races can sit and drink together to various types of food and beverages, including pork and alcohol, but in the Peninsula, the thinking is different,” observed a commenter.

This was when another commenter shared that according to the latest governmental stance, alcohol is prohibited so long as “it’s a ministerial Gawai event” but such ruling does not apply to “community or private celebrations”.

So the solution for Tiong is simply not to display MOTAC logo or the nation’s code of arms (can replace with logo of political party/ies or sponsors) in future events that involve free flow of beers, wine or liquor. – April 30, 2026


Pentagon reports Iran war has cost US$25bil so far





Pentagon reports Iran war has cost US$25bil so far


Most of US military spending on Operation Epic Fury has been driven by munitions use since its late February launch


US president Donald Trump has extended an initial two-week ceasefire indefinitely, though the conflict remains unresolved. (US Centcom pic)



WASHINGTON: The war against Iran has cost the US military US$25 billion since it was launched in late February, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday.

“We’re spending about US$25 billion on Operation Epic Fury. Most of that is in munitions,” acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst told lawmakers, using the official name for US operation.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth later told the same congressional hearing that the estimated figure was less than US$25 billion at this point.


The Pentagon chief pushed back against questions about the war’s cost, saying: “The question I would ask this committee is, what is it worth to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon?”

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran’s military and leadership on Feb 28.

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended what was an initial two-week ceasefire that brought a halt to the fighting, but the conflict – and its widespread economic fallout – remains unresolved.


Umno to continue backing unity govt in Negeri Sembilan





Umno to continue backing unity govt in Negeri Sembilan


Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says this is to ensure stability despite the state chapter retracting support for the menteri besar


Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party’s Negeri Sembilan chief, Jalaluddin Alias, had explained the rationale for withdrawing support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.



PETALING JAYA: Umno will continue to back the unity government in Negeri Sembilan to ensure political stability despite the retraction of support by its state chapter for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun earlier this week.

Ummo secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party’s Negeri Sembilan chief, Jalaluddin Alias, had explained the rationale for withdrawing support for Aminuddin, and that Umno respected the decision.

“However, Ummo will continue backing the unity government in Negeri Sembilan to ensure political stability and the well-being of its people.”


All 14 Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno assemblymen retracted support for Aminuddin on Monday, citing a loss of confidence in the menteri besar from PKR.


Jalaluddin, previously a senior exco member, said their decision was linked to the ongoing crisis involving four chieftains seeking to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan from his position.

Yesterday, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the unity government remained stable despite the retraction of support.

Fahmi said the other unity state governments – Penang, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, and Sabah – remained unaffected by the turmoil in Negeri Sembilan, with Pakatan Harapan and BN working together without issues.

The Negeri Sembilan impasse unveils parallel pathways





The Negeri Sembilan impasse unveils parallel pathways



Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 9:28 AM MYT
By Praba Ganesan



APRIL 30 — Life is imperfect. Democracy is an earnest attempt to enable the rule of the people.

It’s rife with imperfections, like my relationship with Sugu, my Seremban cousin through marriage who knocked out a tooth off me, after I did the same months earlier.



We would have been between eight and nine years old.

Sugu died some time back but Negeri Sembilan democracy may resuscitate if actors act in good faith.

Actors dictate democracy’s efficacy.


Why? In a universal direct participatory democracy, all decisions require all to vote on and removes the principal-agent problem inherent in representation.

For instance, if all Negeri Sembilan adults are asked to vote today on whether Aminuddin Harun should continue as menteri besar, a conclusive outcome prevails. Except this is not possible.




A general view outside the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly before the opening of the First Sitting of the Fourth Term of the 15th State Legislative Assembly in Seremban on April 23, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa



Therefore, the conduct of those in power decide whether things are smoother or a complete wreck.

State voters elect their state representatives who then pick a menteri besar. This happens ideally every five years, as it did in August 2023.

The majority of state representatives known as assemblymen picked Aminuddin in 2018. They were all Pakatan Harapan members.

In 2023, Pakatan contested in tandem with its new ally Barisan Nasional. Both Pakatan and BN dwindled to 17 and 14 respectively, shedding five seats to Perikatan Nasional.

Those 31 Aduns from Pakatan-BN chose Aminuddin to continue. A super-majority in the house, Pakatan-BN was a solid coalition.

There was a squabble involving the feudal lords and the state palace last week. The column won’t weigh into it, the subject is firmly about Aminuddin’s future.

It was, however, a pretext for why the 14 BN electors withdrew support for Aminuddin’s administration which brought this kerfuffle.

It’s a curious development. Months pass without any mention of Negeri Sembilan. On a ranking, the state south of Selangor is quietest in the country.

Only three men have been mentri besar in the last 44 years. Even the longest serving, Isa Samad (1982-2004) serves a prison sentence for his shenanigans as Felda chairman, not as Negeri Sembilan’s menteri besar.

There’s hardly any stories of rifts and betrayals from Seremban. Yet, this happens.


The actors

The DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke is omnipresent, not only because he is an assemblyman but that his party is 11 of the 17 Pakatan assemblymen. This is shared a lot, including the discourse DAP-Umno relations are at a lowpoint.

What is not shared as much is that of the 14 BN assemblymen, and all of them are Umno representatives, the most senior of them is former MB for 14 years, Rantau assemblyman and party deputy president Mohamad Hasan. Which is why all the pictures of BN assemblymen display only 13 individuals.

Also, as foreign minister at a time of international jeopardy and intrigue, Mohamad or affectionately known as Tok Mat, has plenty of occasions to speak to the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also Aminuddin’s party and coalition leader.

With all these criss-crosses or matrix reporting lines, how did we end up in this swamp?

Who is truly disgruntled?


Cascades into a political race

2025 ended with drama and a change of MB in Perlis. That has not fully settled.

Perak was the test case of Umno-DAP relations in 2022, which is the bedrock of the Madani government. If Negeri Sembilan continues to unravel, attention turns to Perak, and then to Johor which needs an election next March.

A round of switcheroos occurred in 2020 after the Pakatan federal government imploded. Another is on the cards if those in Cabinet are unable to cease the bleeding in Seremban.

There are obvious questions about relationships inside Umno and Pakatan from the current political stalemate.

Already DAP is ready for elections at the federal and state levels this year, and in a way, the situation brings it to a head, the long term viability of persisting with a fixed alliance between Pakatan and BN.


The other rumour

The word around the campfire is that Negeri Sembilan is a ruse to test the waters. Whether voters are keen or not on Pakatan and BN going in different directions in the lead up to GE16.

Expectations are that the matter resolves itself in a fortnight.

A way to see how organised PN is to take advantage of the indecision among Umno ranks.

And finally, to remind Aminuddin who is closely linked to out of favour former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who are those that have the patronage to sustain his stay as MB.

The early signs indicate that a contained disjointment is manageable.

It is excellent for both BN and Pakatan to score the situation.

They’d both be happier to face each other in the general if indeed it’s a two way battle for supremacy.

Glad to trade blows in a general election and still be cousins with an outside chance of forming government again together if they cannot muster the majority on their own.

It is not a great advert for the progress of democracy in Malaysia, but a sign of several schemes in play, just not in plain sight.

NYC mayor Mamdani urges King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond to India





NYC mayor Mamdani urges King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond to India



Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla interact with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on April 29, 2026. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 9:03 AM MYT


NEW YORK, April 3000 — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Wednesday he encourages ‌Britain’s King Charles to return the Koh-i-Noor ​Diamond, with his comments coming during the British monarch’s ongoing US visit.


“If I were to speak to ‌the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him ​to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mamdani, who is Indian American, said when asked at a press conference hours before a ceremony that commemorated victims of the ​deadly September 11, 2001, attacks.


Later in the day, the king spoke with Mamdani at the ceremony. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Mamdani’s office did not respond to a request to comment on whether Mamdani brought up the issue with ‌the king.

India has previously repeatedly demanded that Britain return the 105-carat ⁠diamond.


Britain’s then colonial governor-general of ⁠India arranged for the huge diamond to ⁠be presented to Queen Victoria ⁠in 1850 after ⁠the East India Company had annexed the region of Punjab in 1849 and taken the diamond from a deposed Indian leader.


Charles ⁠on Wednesday commemorated victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on New York City, laying a floral bouquet at the memorial where the World Trade Center’s twin towers once stood.

India received independence from British rule in 1947. The British colonisation of India and ⁠widespread atrocities committed against Indians during that period remain sensitive issues in the country.


India has previously said the diamond was ⁠a “valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation’s history.” The ⁠diamond’s possession ⁠by the British is seen by many Indians as a symbol ​of colonial atrocities during British rule.

The diamond ​has been previously owned by ‌India’s Mughal emperors, shahs of Iran, emirs of ​Afghanistan, and Sikh maharajas, according ​to the Historic Royal Palaces charity. — AFP





***


... and also the Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) to Greece and the Rosetta Stone to Egypt.


Parthenon Sculptures


Rosetta Stone


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Umno assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan dismiss rumours of U‑turn, await Zahid Hamidi’s instructions





Umno assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan dismiss rumours of U‑turn, await Zahid Hamidi’s instructions



Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias with the Umno/Barisan Nasional assemblymen

Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 2:40 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA, April 29 — Negeri Sembilan Umno leaders have dismissed speculation that several of their assemblymen may return to support the state Pakatan Harapan government, insisting they will act only on instructions from party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Star reported that state Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias rejected claims that four assemblymen were preparing to reverse their decision and back Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He said the bloc’s move to withdraw support earlier this week was unanimous.

“When the 14 of us made a decision to declare a loss of confidence in Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s leadership on Monday, it was made en bloc. So, this talk of four Umno assemblymen going back on their word is not true,” he was quoted as saying.

Lenggeng assemblyman Datuk Mohd Asna Mohd Amin told Free Malaysia Today (FMT) that no directive had been received from the central leadership. “

As a loyal party member, I will take my orders from the president,” he told the paper, adding: “As long as there are no orders (to return to the exco), these rumours will remain just that: rumours.”

On Monday, Jalaluddin announced that all 14 Umno assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan had withdrawn their support for Aminuddin’s adm
inistration, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.


N Sembilan nobles meet again amid crisis










N Sembilan nobles meet again amid crisis


Haspaizi Zain
Published: Apr 29, 2026 8:47 PM
Updated: 10:47 PM



The crisis in Negeri Sembilan continues to draw attention as the Undang Yang Empat, Tunku Besar Tampin, and Datuk Syahbandar held another meeting, believed to be to discuss the latest developments in the escalating conflict.

The meeting took place at the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong at around 3.30pm before ending at about 6pm, sparking various speculations regarding the next direction of the conflict.

The Negeri Sembilan nobles in attendance included the four undangs, namely Mubarak Thahak (Sungei Ujong); Maarof Mat Rashad (Jelebu); Muhammad Abdullah (Johol); and Abdul Rahim Yasin (Rembau). Also present were Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al Qadri, and Baharudin Abdul Khalid.

However, a brief statement from the Johol undang describing the meeting as a family discussion did not seem enough to quell the speculation.

Despite the explanation, the actual situation in the state shows a far more complex crisis. Negeri Sembilan is facing tension involving customary institutions and the state government administration, which has evolved into a serious constitutional and legal polemic.




The crisis began with the issue of the removal of a customary post, before expanding to threaten the position of the state leadership, including the menteri besar.


More tense situation


On April 17, a special meeting of the Negeri Sembilan Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang) at Istana Besar Seri Menanti recommended that Mubarak be terminated as the Sungei Ujong undang, with 33 reasons of customary violations submitted to support the action.

Two days later, on April 19, the situation became more tense when the four undangs announced the "sacking" of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, as well as an attempt to install Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the successor.

However, the validity of that action was immediately questioned as the announcement was read by Mubarak, whose status as undang was also in dispute at the time.

On April 20, the palace, together with the Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs, officially confirmed Mubarak’s termination.


Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir


In the same development, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun stressed that the attempt to topple Tuanku Muhriz was invalid because it was carried out by individuals who no longer had authority in the customary institution.

The crisis then entered a political dimension when three members of the Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs disputed the menteri besar's statement regarding the sacking. Tensions peaked when a letter of demand was sent by the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin, urging Aminuddin to resign.


Multi-dimensional crisis

These latest developments show that the conflict, which was initially rooted in customary issues, has now broadened into a multi-dimensional crisis involving traditional institutions, the law, and the state administration.

In a letter dated April 20, the Undang Yang Empat, along with another state dignitary, the Tunku Besar Tampin, accused Aminuddin of lying in a statement on April 17 when claiming the council had confirmed Mubarak's sacking as Undang.


Aminuddin Harun


The leaders claimed the council members present at the session did not reach any consensus or a unanimous decision.

Former menteri besar Rais Yatim claimed the undang of Johol, Jelebu, and Rembau, as well as the Tunku Besar Tampin, did not agree with Mubarak's removal.

In this regard, Rais is of the opinion that Mubarak's sacking is invalid.

The private secretary to the Sungei Ujong undang, Hanafi Ruzlan, on April 24 challenged Aminuddin to reveal the minutes of the meeting held on April 17, which he said saw a unanimous decision made to sack Mubarak.


Two wrongs don’t make a right, Yeo tells KJ on moves to topple govt





Two wrongs don’t make a right, Yeo tells KJ on moves to topple govt


Negeri Sembilan BN’s 14 assemblymen withdrew support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun on Monday after citing a loss of confidence in his leadership


DAP’s Yeo Bee Yin today told Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin that Anwar Ibrahim’s failed bid to take over Putrajaya in 2008 cannot be used as an excuse to justify destabilising the Negeri Sembilan state government.



PETALING JAYA: DAP’s Yeo Bee Yin has critised Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin for using Anwar Ibrahim’s 2008 bid to topple the Barisan Nasional government in his response to Pakatan Harapan’s stance on the current Negeri Sembilan political crisis.

Yeo said references to the failed takeover plan amounted to a “tired excuse” to justify destabilising Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s administration.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” the Puchong MP said in a Facebook post.


“Many who were babies in 2008 are voters today. Are we really telling the next generation that ‘he did it first’ is a valid reason to break a governing pact?”

Khairy had criticised PKR on social media for condemning Negeri Sembilan Umno’s move to declare a loss of confidence in Aminuddin, drawing comparisons with then-opposition leader Anwar’s bid to bring down the BN government in 2008.

“I suggest everyone (especially the younger generation) look up what was supposed to happen on Sept 16, 2008 to find out who started ‘tebuk atap’ (takeover) politics in Malaysia,” he said.

In September 2008, Anwar claimed he had secured enough defections from BN MPs to form a new federal government, following the general election earlier that year which denied the ruling coalition its two-thirds parliamentary majority.

He set a public deadline of Sept 16, 2008, suggesting a change of government was imminent through defections of ruling coalition lawmakers.

However, the plan did not materialise. No mass defections occurred to enable a change in government, so the BN administration under then-prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi remained in power.

On Monday, Negeri Sembilan Umno retracted its support for Aminuddin after citing a loss of confidence in his leadership amid an ongoing crisis involving four chieftains seeking to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, from his position.

PH had earlier described the withdrawal of support as an attempt to take over the state administration.

Its communications director, Fahmi Fadzil, said the coalition regretted the incident and strongly rejected such “acts of betrayal”.


***


Nice return, Bee Yin


‘You’d be speaking French’: King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner





‘You’d be speaking French’: King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner



US President Donald Trump and Britain’s King Charles III smile as they talk during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington April 28, 2026. — AFP pic

Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 2:34 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, April 29 — King Charles III gave US President Donald Trump a taste of his own medicine at a White House state dinner yesterday when he joked that without the British, Americans would be speaking French.


As the heads of state traded jokes during their dinner toasts, Charles referenced previous comments by Trump aimed at European allies he accuses of freeloading on defence since World War II.


“You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French,” Charles quipped.

The king was talking about places with British and French origins in North America, where the rival colonial powers battled for control of the continent before US independence 250 years ago.

At the Davos summit in January, Trump said that without US help in World War II, “you’d be speaking German and a little Japanese.”


But the king’s light-hearted remark reflected the warm tone as he and Trump bonded over the “special relationship” between London and Washington, despite tensions over the war in Iran.

He made further jokes at Trump’s expense, saying he could not help noticing the “readjustments” to the White House East Wing, which the former real estate tycoon has demolished to build a giant US$400 million (RM1.6 billion) ballroom.


“I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814,” he said, when British soldiers torched the building.

Charles also quipped that the dinner was “a very considerable improvement on the Boston Tea Party,” when colonists dumped shiploads of taxed British tea into the sea in 1773.

Trump — an avid fan of the British royals whose mother hailed from Scotland — saved most of his humour for domestic targets.

“I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress,” Trump said. “He got the Democrats to stand — I’ve never been able to do that.”

The king meanwhile came bearing a gift, part of a British charm offensive aimed at Trump after he lambasted Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to help against Iran.

Charles presented the president with the bell from the British submarine HMS Trump, which was launched in 1944 during World War II.

“May it stand as a testimony to our nations’ shared history and shining future. And should you ever need to get hold of us, well, just give us a ring,” the king said to applause. — AFP


Man remanded in wife assault case married nine times, targeting working civil servants for their income






Man remanded in wife assault case married nine times, targeting working civil servants for their income



Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said investigations found that the 43-year-old suspect has been married nine times, with all his current and former wives working as civil servants. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 6:31 PM MYT


ALOR SETAR, April 29 — The suspect who allegedly assaulted his wife, resulting in a miscarriage, is believed to have targeted civil servants as spouses to support his livelihood.

Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said investigations found that the 43-year-old suspect has been married nine times, with all his current and former wives working as civil servants.

"The suspect is believed to currently have three wives and has been married nine times. He would seek partners with stable jobs, as he himself does not have steady employment.

"The suspect is hot-tempered, as he has four prior criminal records under Sections 325, 323, 318 and 506 of the Penal Code,” he said in a press conference at the Kedah police contingent headquarters here today.

He said police arrested the suspect at a homestay in the city yesterday following reports lodged by the victim’s brother on April 23 and by the victim herself on April 26.

"Police received a report on a domestic violence incident that resulted in serious injuries involving a 39-year-old woman who was assaulted by her husband at Ambangan Heights in Sungai Petani.

"Initially, the case was investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code but was later reclassified under Section 326 after it was found that the victim had been beaten with several objects, including an iron rod and a plastic clothes hanger, causing bruises all over her body, fractures to the left and right ribs and spine, as well as a miscarriage,” he said.

The suspect, who has 11 children, has been remanded for seven days until May 5 for further investigation.

Earlier, the case went viral on social media after a woman was allegedly assaulted by her husband, resulting in a miscarriage, bodily injuries and facial bruising.

The suspect was also alleged to have taken the victim’s jewellery and savings amounting to nearly RM50,000.

Police have confirmed that the suspect is the same man involved in a wife assault case in 2021, in which a woman, Jahidah Nordin, was beaten into a coma in Larkin, Johor. — Bernama


Jailed former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra gets early prison release next month

 




Jailed former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra gets early prison release next month



Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on September 9, 2025. — AFP pic

Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 4:52 PM MYT


BANGKOK, April 29 — Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be released early from prison next month, the corrections department said on Wednesday.

“He will be released on May 11, 2026 and will need to comply with all conditions” until his probation ends, including wearing an electronic monitor, the department said in a statement.

Thaksin, 76, has been serving a one-year prison sentence for corruption since September. — AFP


***


I'm deeply in luv with his sister, wakakaka.


A woman in uniform bedazzles me 💓💓💓




Sabah faces critical shortage of 4,526 doctors, ratio far below national target




Sabah faces critical shortage of 4,526 doctors, ratio far below national target



Sabah is facing a critical shortage of doctors, with the state government saying the gap to the national average is a significant 4,526 doctors across the state. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 5:13 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, April 29 — Sabah is facing a critical shortage of doctors, with the state government saying the gap to the national average is a significant 4,526 doctors across the state.

State Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Julita Majungki said that there are currently 3,431 government doctors and 1,397 private practitioners in Sabah, resulting in a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:775.

The national target ratio is 1:400.

“Based on our calculations, Sabah requires 9,354 doctors. This means there is currently a shortage of 4,526 doctors compared to existing numbers,” she said during her winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.

Concerns about Sabah’s lack of adequate healthcare facilities have been raised by citizens and opposition leaders highlighting the strain on patients and the existing workforce particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Julita said the shortage of specialists remains a major challenge across hospitals in the state, with ongoing efforts to address the issue through training and incentives.

She said Sabah currently has three cardiologists, six cardiology specialists with fellowship training, two paediatric cardiologists, and one cardiothoracic surgeon.


Among the measures are encouraging medical officers to pursue specialist training, with support from the Health Ministry through increased federal training scholarships specifically for Sabah-based doctors.

“Financial incentives such as the Interior Placement Incentive (BIPP) are offered to attract specialists to Sabah and Sarawak, while the ministry has also appealed for the reinstatement of the Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW), which was previously discontinued by the Public Service Department,” she said.

At the same time, the government is pushing ahead with infrastructure upgrades to ease congestion and improve service delivery.

These include plans to upgrade Hospital Queen Elizabeth II into a cardiac centre, the construction of a new Sabah Blood Centre expected to be completed by 2029, and the procurement of two MRI machines for key hospitals in the state.

Julita also highlighted the completion of the Sabah Dental Specialist Centre in Kota Kinabalu, which is expected to reduce patient load at existing facilities by offering specialised non-hospital-based services.

Separately, the government has outlined a strategic plan to upgrade Hospital Duchess of Kent in Sandakan from a major specialist hospital — currently offering over 20 specialist services — into a full state hospital with more than 49 specialist services.

The upgrade project, approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (Rolling Plan 4), will include the construction of a new clinical block, an additional 594 patient beds, new wards, and the creation of more positions, including specialist doctors.

Despite the challenges, she stressed that healthcare costs in government facilities remain among the lowest in the country, with Malaysians receiving subsidies of up to 98 per cent of actual treatment costs.

Iran war live: Trump says Tehran wants end to blockade; Israel kills medics



Iran war live: Trump says Tehran wants end to blockade; Israel kills medics