SNAPSHOT | Mandiri issues RM10m legal threat to PM's aide; Johor BN Youth: Normal to contest all seats

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

9pm

Foreign funding

• Mandiri has issued a letter of demand to PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim over allegedly defamatory remarks linking the group to foreign funding.

  In a statement today, Mandiri executive director Amir Hariri Abd Hadi said the letter of demand has been sent via email, with a hard copy to be delivered tomorrow, giving Kamil 48 hours upon receipt to respond and issue a public apology.

  The group added that if Kamil (above) fails to do so, it will proceed with a defamation suit seeking RM10 million in damages, and warned that it is monitoring related accounts and will take further legal action if the allegations continue.

  

  Yesterday, Kamil, who is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary at the Finance Ministry, alleged that between November 2024 and June 2025, Mandiri received RM1.5 million in total from the US-based left-leaning donor organisation the Tides Foundation.

  He also claimed that seven transactions amounting to RM686,729 were made to Amir and others associated with the group between 2024 and 2025.

• PKR Youth accused certain parties of deliberately misrepresenting its position on foreign funding or grants, stressing that it has never opposed any organisation, NGO or civil society group from receiving funding for purposes such as education, public awareness, mental health, democratic development, leadership training, or community empowerment.

  In a statement today, its information chief Danish Hairudin said in a mature democracy, such programmes are positive initiatives that help strengthen public understanding and should not be disputed.

  However, he said the wing's concern relates to more serious allegations involving claims that certain funds may have been misused or channelled towards malicious purposes, hidden agendas, or activities that could threaten national stability and security.

  

  He said investigations should not be feared if there is nothing to hide, adding that any allegations of financial misconduct or questionable use of funds should be investigated transparently and professionally.

  Earlier today, former Bersih leaders slammed PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim for calling the authorities to investigate youth-centric NGO Mandiri for allegedly being a threat to national security.

READ MORE: Ex-Bersih leaders rap PKR Youth chief over attack on NGO

Politics

• Johor BN Youth said it would support Pakatan Harapan Johor if it chooses to contest all 56 state seats, stressing that voters should ultimately decide the outcome through an open and mature electoral process.

  It described Johor BN's decision to contest all seats as a normal practice in any mature democracy, as the governing party or coalition should present itself to the electorate to seek a fresh mandate.

  In a statement today, it added that it would be unusual for an incumbent government to appear hesitant or unprepared to defend its position, and rejected claims that Johor BN’s decision should be viewed as a betrayal or cause for resentment.

  

  The wing also noted that the current Johor state government was formed following a clear mandate from the 2022 state election, when BN secured a strong victory from voters in the state.

  Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros, Johor MCA Youth chief Heng Zhi Li and Johor MIC Youth chief Mohan Arunachalam issued the joint statement.

READ MORE: BN to go solo in Johor state election

Previously at 6pm | Ampang PKR wants Rodziah to vacate seat; revised AG-PP separation bill to be tabled in June

2pm | Pua: Bersama hopefuls still in PKR self-serving cowards; Yeoh assures Setiawangsa residents

9am | Wong may contest as Bersama candidate; Fadhli calls Anwar's bluff

Ex-Bersih leaders rap PKR Youth chief over attack on NGO

PKR Youth wants Mandiri probed over foreign funding, 'national security threat'

Anwar to meet Zahid over Johor polls

Anwar says Harapan to discuss snap GE soon; will retaliate if BN wants clashes

If Johor assembly dissolves, N Sembilan will follow - Loke