SNAPSHOT | MACC denies blocking Albert from lodging report; PAS accepts syura leader's apology

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

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Penang govt intends to push landfill rehab project ahead; RON95 market price drops 15 sen

6pm

Corruption 

• The MACC has denied allegations from businessperson Albert Tei that it prevented him from lodging a report earlier this morning.

  According to Bernama, the MACC said that such allegations were an attempt to create a negative perception of the enforcement procedures and its security protocols.

  

  “The MACC is always open to receiving reports and information related to corruption from any party, regardless of the position or background of the individual involved,” the commission said in a statement.

  “However, every reporting process is subject to the standard operating procedures and security protocols set to ensure the safety of the premises, smooth official operations, and protection of information,” the MACC added.

READ MORE: Albert lodges police report against Azam over Sabah scandal, claims threats

Politics

• PAS has accepted an apology from its syura council secretary, Nik Zawawi Salleh, over remarks that besmirched two of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions.

  

  Party deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the incident should serve as a lesson to all to deepen their knowledge, follow the teachings of ulama, and differentiate between the various source materials of Islamic history.

READ MORE: PAS ulama leader under fire over remarks about prophet's companions

Norway missile ban

• Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government is mulling appropriate legal follow-up actions over Norway’s decision to block the export of naval strike missiles to Malaysia.

  

  “The Malaysian government absolutely cannot accept the reasons put forward by the Norwegian government,” he told a press conference today.

  While diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, Fahmi stressed that Putrajaya cannot compromise on matters of national defence.

  Reporting by Zarrah Morden

READ MORE: DAP MP presses PSSC to summon minister on Norway missile export ban

Small traders

• Only five percent of small traders have received formal financial assistance, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

  Citing a study by the Khazanah Research Institute, the government spokesperson said that one reason for this is their unregistered business status.

  

  He told a press conference today that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed all relevant ministries to hold engagement sessions with small traders to better understand their issues.

  Reporting by Zarrah Morden

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