SNAPSHOT | Akmal denounces 'backdoor govt' attempt; Zaid notes royal influence in political tussles

KINI SNAPSHOT | What's going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

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9am

Negeri Sembilan crisis

• Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh opposes any form of “backdoor government” in Negeri Sembilan, maintaining the position he has held since the Sheraton Move.

  He said on Facebook that the state Umno chapter now faces only two options should such boundaries be crossed: either to serve as a dignified opposition or to dissolve the state assembly and return the mandate to the rakyat.

  

  He stressed that Umno’s principles and political struggle should never be compromised regardless of its alliances, adding that party members must prioritise defending those principles over preserving positions if the party’s red lines are breached.

READ MORE: N Sembilan crisis: BN embraces PN, claims majority to form govt

• Ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim argued that the political situation shows how a menteri besar with minority support can remain in office if the arrangement aligns with the monarch’s discretion.

  In an X post, he suggested that if such power continues to define governance, a one-party state with predetermined leadership may offer more clarity by removing disputes over majority support.

  

  Zaid also drew parallels with the aftermath of the last general election, noting that the prime minister initially governed without a clear majority until Umno’s support strengthened the administration.

  He said that this demonstrated how royal discretion has played a significant role in shaping political outcomes.

  The extensive influence of royals in determining leadership and constitutional interpretation raises broader questions about the country’s democratic framework, he added.

READ MORE: N Sembilan crisis: Will Harapan back a BN MB to keep Madani intact, or will Umno pick PN?

Press freedom

• Takiyuddin Hassan said Perikatan Nasional viewed the police raid on Malaysiakini senior journalist B Nantha Kumar seriously, over his reporting on the proposed foreign worker recruitment system linked to the Human Resources Ministry.

  In a statement, the PN secretary-general lamented that the move raised broader concerns about media freedom, the proportionality of enforcement measures, and whether journalists can report on matters of public interest without intimidation or undue pressure.

  

  Takiyuddin also questioned the ministry’s reported decision to lodge a police report despite allegedly being given the opportunity to respond to Malaysiakini’s original report.

  He stressed that in a mature democracy, media reports should be met with openness and clarification rather than actions that could suppress legitimate scrutiny.

READ MORE: Press union demands explanations over Mkini journalist's home raid

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