SNAPSHOT | Agong meets grandson of Flintstones co-creator; PM urges calm in N Sembilan

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 11am, 2pm, and 6pm.

6pm

Agong meets ‘cartoon’ legacy

• With an entire palace dedicated to his love of The Flintstones, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today shared snippets from a visit by a grandson of William Hanna, one-half of the Hanna Barbera animation studio that created the series and many other classics.

  In a Facebook post, the Johor monarch shared a photograph alongside Dave Williams, who is an economic counsellor at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, taken earlier today at Istana Pasir Pelangi.

  

  Another photograph taken yesterday showed Williams posing alongside life-sized figures of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, just one out of numerous replicas, figures, and comics displayed across 17 rooms and the grounds of “Istana Flintstones” in Mersing, Johor.

  

  While built as a vision to express a personal passion, the structure designed to mimic the cartoon’s caveman dwellings is also promoted to the public as a local tourist destination.

Negeri Sembilan crisis

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on all parties to remain calm in dealing with the turmoil affecting Negeri Sembilan and prioritise efforts to restore the economy while safeguarding the people’s interests.

  Speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers in Rawang today, Anwar said Pakatan Harapan and Umno’s leadership have been advised against disrupting such people-centric efforts.

  He added that the situation should be handled in accordance with provisions under the state constitution while also complying with the decree by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun to continue his role as the menteri besar.

READ MORE: Stalemate in N Sembilan as paths to oust MB remain blocked

Press freedom

• A human rights lawyer urged the prime minister and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to address Malaysia’s decline in the World Press Freedom (WPF) Index 2026.

  Asserting that “one cannot claim reform while practising repression,” Rajesh Nagarajan said the fall in Malaysia’s ranking - from 95th place compared to 88th in 2025 - is a “measurable indictment” of the government’s supposed failure to uphold the reformist commitments it made.

  

  Rajesh also called on Putrajaya to commit to a clear legislative timeline for repealing or amending repressive laws while ceasing all forms of harassment - direct or indirect - against members of the media.

  He cautioned that when journalists are investigated for questions, when platforms are penalised for public discourse, and when legal uncertainty is weaponised to induce silence, the nation is left “witnessing the erosion” of democracy.

Water festivals

• Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today said his party is of the view that programme organisers should hold discussions with local authorities to preserve harmony among the people.

  The deputy prime minister did not get into specifics in a Facebook post but alluded to objections from the Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) and Federal Territories Mufti Department, against Tourism Malaysia’s “Rain Rave Water Music Festival” in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

  “This view should be respected as it reflects the concerns of a large segment of Malaysians.

  “That is why we (Umno) urge for programmes such as this to be reviewed in terms of concept, content, and execution,” said Zahid.

  He stressed that Umno does not object to entertainment, but there must be limits, while progress should continue, but not at the expense of core values.

Previously at 2pm | Umno wings criticise 'insensitive' N Sembilan govt; media lauded at awards do

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