SNAPSHOT | Azam raps 'idiots' who criticise MACC's performance; CAP urges govt to ban river sand export

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

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2 Bersatu leaders sacked, 4 suspended; S’gor PAS Youth to hold ‘loyalty rally’

2pm

MACC

• Outgoing MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, whose contract is set to end tomorrow, has lambasted “idiots” who criticise the anti-graft agency’s performance instead of directing their scrutiny to those who fail to execute their duties.

  Speaking in a podcast today, Azam highlighted that the graft busters adhere to a “no wrong door” policy where it is willing to aid in issues that are not directly under its purview following requests for MACC’s assistance.

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  READ MORE: New MACC chief not 'get out of jail free card', lawyer demands answers

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  Referencing issues within the e-waste sector, he added that credit should be given to the commission and its officers who have worked tirelessly for the nation’s betterment.

• Commenting on his plans following the end of his tenure with the MACC, Azam affirmed that he will not be joining politics or venturing into the business world.

  Saying in jest that he would “die” if he were forced to stop contributing to the nation, Azam assured that he will be keeping an eye on the commission “from the outside”.

  

  Azam added that if he feels the need to speak up on matters related to the MACC, he will do so by providing proper views or constructive opinions for the consideration of not just MACC personnel, but also the general public.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain

Environment

• The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged Putrajaya to fully enforce a nationwide ban on the export of river sand, warning that uncontrolled extraction activities could threaten the country’s natural resources and cause long-term environmental damage.

  In urging the state administration to carefully consider the proposal’s long-term impact, CAP stressed that the potential revenue cannot justify the environmental damage and harm to local communities.

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  READ MORE: Pahang palace regrets Putrajaya's export ban on sand from the state

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  CAP said its past observations found that river sand extraction activities in several states had already caused significant harm to river ecosystems due to weak enforcement and inadequate monitoring, as well as irresponsible practices by operators.

  It warned that unchecked mining could also alter river structures, increase flood risks, and disrupt clean water supply.

PKR fiasco

• PKR Youth has condemned the Mahasiswa Keadilan Malaysia (MKM) central leadership over their recent statement claiming a loss of confidence in PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

  Its information chief Danish Hairudin said while MKM is not an official party wing and operates in autonomy, the student movement should not abuse their freedom to sabotage PKR.

  

  "PKR Youth believes the majority of youths and university students still understand the boundaries of activism, organisational discipline, and the moral responsibility in championing the people’s voice.

  "Our focus today is to ensure that the voices of young people continue to be a force in building Malaysia’s future, rather than being exploited as tools in the narrow political games of certain parties that lack principles and a clear sense of direction," he said in a statement.

READ MORE: PKR student wing claims loss of confidence in Anwar, sec-gen issues denial

GE16

• Khairy Jamaluddin said it was still too early for him to decide where he would contest in the next general election following his return to Umno, three years after being sacked from the party.

  He also said that he believes the 16th general election is still at least a year away, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was unlikely to call for polls amid the current global situation, Malay Mail reported.

  

  The former three-term MP also said he hoped to have more preparation time compared to the 2022 general election, when he was informed only three days before nomination day that he would contest in Sungai Buloh after being moved from Rembau. He later lost narrowly to PKR’s R Ramanan.

  In April, Berita Harian reported that Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor had welcomed Khairy to contest in the state if he wanted to.

READ MORE: KJ aspires to become PM but not obsessed with 'lifelong ambition'

Budi95

• Ayer Keroh assemblyperson Kerk Chee Yee said that the government must consider more than just gross income measures in classifying wealth to justify withdrawing the Budi95 fuel subsidy from the T20 group.

  While stressing the importance of subsidies to keep lower and middle-income Malaysians afloat amid energy price volatility and an economic slowdown, the Malacca DAP publicity secretary said high incomes do not necessarily reflect a luxurious lifestyle.

  

  He also said that some may have to bear heavy financial commitments such as loans, children’s education, and parents’ medical costs, and others may have a fluctuating income.

  In a statement, Kerk said that the issue is not just about eligibility, but whether the government has an efficient, fair, and transparent system to implement the policy without affecting the people's economy.

READ MORE: No fuel subsidies for the rich: Govt agrees, but still looking into it

Tamil Nadu CM

• Perikatan Nasional congratulated actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay on becoming the Tamil Nadu state chief minister.

  In a statement today, PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan wished Vijay success in leading the Indian state towards greater progress and stability.

  

  “This victory reflects the confidence of the people in his vision for reform, justice, social harmony, youth empowerment, modernisation and opposition to divisive and discriminatory politics,” Takiyuddin said, without mentioning the newly-minted leader’s strong stance on championing secularism.

READ MORE: Vijay becomes Tamil Nadu's new chief minister

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