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

9pm

Negeri Sembilan crisis

  • Veteran politician Rais Yatim expressed regret over the Negeri Sembilan government’s eviction notice against Sungai Ujong chieftain (undang) Mubarak Thahak, warning that the move is premature and could trigger legal and constitutional implications.

    He urged Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun to avoid unilateral actions and instead seek consensus through the Negeri Sembilan Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang). He cautioned that instability risks delegitimising state laws and legislative assembly sittings.

    Stressing that Mubarak remains innocent until proven guilty, Rais (above) argued that the state must reject politically motivated moves. He called for an end to the “careless” handling of the situation.

Reporting by N Faizal Ghazali

  • The Negeri Sembilan Umno chapter has questioned the Pakatan Harapan-led state government’s instruction for the disputed Sungai Ujong territorial chieftain Mubarak Thahak to vacate his official residence in Ampangan.

    Speaking to Malaysiakini, state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias labelled the decision a “hasty” move and said there was no necessity to it, especially in the current situation.

    Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias

    “I have seen a copy of the (instruction) letter. Why did the state government take such a hasty move?

    “This would further strain the ties between the undang institution and the state administration,” he said.

Reporting by Hariz Mohd

Healthcare

  • Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the spending cuts in the Treasury directive yesterday were merely proposed adjustments and not finalised.

    “Basic healthcare services, patient treatment, emergency care, and the supply of medicines will not be reduced. That is our assurance,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

    However, he said proposals such as reducing staff recruitment have yet to be decided, but assured that efforts to increase the healthcare workforce, particularly contract doctors, would not be affected.

    Yesterday, media reports cited a confidential Treasury directive proposing a RM10 billion cut in operating expenditure, including RM3.06 billion that would come from the Health Ministry’s RM46.5 billion budget.

READ MORE: Austerity cuts risk slowing growth, worsening healthcare crisis, warn leaders

Animal welfare

  • A meeting with stakeholders will be held next week to discuss the three Malaysian elephants in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka.

    Perak housing and local government exco Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said she notes public concern over the issue, and a comprehensive statement will be announced after the discussion concludes.

    “I take note of the concern of all parties on the issue. The state government is always committed to animal welfare issues,” she said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Reporting by Ayesha Sheik Mazrul

READ MORE: Minister backs public call for Japan zoo to return 3 Malaysian elephants

Previously at 6pm | Jawi objects to KL water music festival; PAS leader wants tourism minister to resign

2pm | Zahid against N Sembilan coup, says Loke; Muda opposes Health Ministry budget cut

9am | Govt orders audit to fix Ampang Hospital; court to rule on Ebit Lew prosecution