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

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Review on Zahid's DNAA not proof of guilt - Umno leader; death certificate issued over missing tourist

2pm

Johor

  • Ten civil society groups are urging the Johor government to ensure that potential constitutional amendments allowing the appointment of state assemblypersons would improve women’s representation.

    They want the amendment to require that if the percentage of elected women representatives is below 30 percent, the appointments must prioritise women.

    Johor state legislative assembly

    In a statement today, they said this would make Johor the first state legislature to guarantee at least 30 percent women’s representation.

    They note that among existing models in states with appointed assemblypersons, Terengganu is the most progressive, allowing up to four women or non-Muslims to be appointed if none are elected.

    The proposal was led by Projek Sama and supported by nine other groups, including Awam, SIS Forum, Justice for Sisters, and the Women’s Aid Organisation.

READ MORE: Johor govt under fire over proposal to appoint unelected reps

  • Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi dismissed rumours that the state assembly would be dissolved today, Bernama reported.

    “I advise honourable members not to worry about the state election.

    “Continue serving the people and ‘Bangsa Johor’. Let us put aside election matters for now as there are still many programmes and initiatives that need to be implemented,” he said at the winding-up session of the Johor state assembly sitting today.

Aviation

  • Aerospace company Airbus confirmed today that AirAsia Bhd has placed an order for 150 A220 aircraft, with the largest order for the model so far costing the airline around US$19 billion (RM81.13 billion).

    AirAsia founder and adviser Tony Fernandes said the first delivery of the 160-seater aircraft is expected by the first quarter of 2028.

    Noting that the lifespan of the present A320 fleet is ending, Fernandes also expressed interest in potentially buying another 150 aircraft from Airbus if an A220-500 version, which can likely accommodate around 185 seats, is available.

    According to Bernama, Tony added that while some are wondering why the airline is “buying so many planes during this latest crisis” linked to the West Asia conflict, the order reflects the company’s long-term discipline and willingness to make bold decisions.

    He said this when speaking at a signing ceremony on the deal in Mirabel, Quebec, which was also attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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