SNAPSHOT | Good behaviour bond for juvenile rapist; Perlis ruler hopes MB will lead until term ends

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

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2pm

Court

• The Kedah High Court ruled in favour of a two-year good behaviour bond over community service for a juvenile convicted of gang-raping a 12-year-old in 2021.

  In his 28-page grounds of judgment released last week, judge Johan Lee said the sentence by the trial court “remains within the permissible ambit” of Section 91(1)(b) of the Child Act 2001.

  Acknowledging the prosecution’s argument that gang rape is a serious offence under the Penal Code, Lee said such classification does not “mechanically extinguish or override” the Child Act’s sentencing framework for a 14-year-old juvenile.

  Free Malaysia Today yesterday reported the judge as saying that the Child Act emphasises rehabilitation, restorative justice, and the best interests of the child rather than retributive denunciation.

  The accused pleaded guilty in 2024 after he was jointly charged with two others, who were found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in jail.

Politics

• Perlis ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail expressed hope that Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah will continue leading the state administration until the end of its term.

  

  According to Sinar Harian, the ruler said administrative stability is vital to ensure that planned developments can be carried out smoothly for the benefit of the people.

  “I wish to remind all honourable assemblypersons that this government is my government,” he said in a royal address read out by Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, at the opening of the fourth session of the 15th Perlis state assembly today.

  Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also urged assemblypersons to set aside their differences and ego while prioritising the people’s welfare, emphasising that the state assembly should serve as a platform for constructive ideas rather than an arena for conflict.

READ MORE: Tuan Ibrahim moots snap polls for 'unstable' Perlis, along with other states

• Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said his meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir today was a regularly scheduled one held every Wednesday before he chairs the state executive council meeting.

  

  “Just an ordinary Wednesday,” Sinar Harian reported him as saying.

  Speculations intensified over a possible dissolution of the state legislative assembly after Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons were reportedly seen gathering at Aminuddin’s official residence yesterday.

  However, in a Facebook statement, Negeri Sembilan DAP secretary Cha Kee Chin denied that the meeting was a special session as claimed.

Crime

• Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department investigators reportedly questioned former MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki for around two hours today.

  According to the New Straits Times, Azam arrived at the federal police headquarters at around 9am to assist probes linked to businessperson Albert Tei’s allegations regarding the Sabah corruption scandal.

READ MORE: Azam threatens defamation lawsuit against Albert's 'baseless allegations'

• The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has directed police to classify investigations into the five-vehicle fatal crash at Simpang Renggam, Johor, under murder and reckless driving causing death.

  The New Straits Times reported Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar as saying that the final determination on the appropriate charges would only be made after reviewing the police investigation findings.

  

  Dusuki said he was disappointed that there was little deterrent effect among errant drivers despite stern action taken in previous fatal road accident cases, including murder charges.

  The accident on Monday (June 1) claimed the lives of five and injured five others. A 19-year-old suspect has been remanded.

Environment

• Twenty-two Penan communities in the Magoh and Limbang regions in Sarawak are calling for a non-renewal of forest certification and support for their community-led conservation efforts.

  In a statement today, Penan organisation Keruan urged the state government to suspend logging activities in the area, following the expiry of a major forest certification held by the Ravenscourt Forest Management Unit, a timber concession company in Sarawak.

  In a joint letter to Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg on April 9, the communities called for the certification not to be renewed, and also raised concerns about road developments, including the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road.

  

  In August 2024, Penan communities in Magoh signed a declaration proposing a community-managed conservation area. Their plan includes protected core zones, sustainable livelihood options, and improved access to essential services.

  The communities stressed that protecting the Magoh forests is crucial not only for their way of life but also for Sarawak’s environmental future and global rainforest conservation efforts.

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