SNAPSHOT | Subang, PJ constituents can still apply for funds: Fahmi; EC to meet on Johor polls June 12

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

6pm 

Constituency funding

• Constituents in the Subang and Petaling Jaya parliamentary seats can still apply for development funds channelled through the MyKhas portal operated by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD), said government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.

  Speaking at the weekly post-cabinet press conference, Fahmi also cited an ICU statement that reaffirmed the issue raised by Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, after their access to the portal was blocked, believed to be in connection with their support for former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s new Bersama party.

  

  “The special allocation by the prime minister channelled through MyKhas does not touch on other rights, allowances, or other aspects granted to an MP.

  “Something must have happened to cause the restriction against them. But the public is aware that the ICU has issued a statement, constituents can still submit applications, which will be scrutinised (for approvals),” said the communications minister.

READ MORE: Klang MP calls for constituency funding reforms, equal allocations

• The government must provide a full explanation on the MyKhas restriction against two government MPs, including who authorised the restriction, what criteria were used and what procedures were followed in making the decision.

  In making the call, MCA Youth deputy secretary-general Khoo Ai Teng also questioned whether there is a written policy governing access to MyKhas and whether similar restrictions had been imposed on other MPs.

  

  “Most importantly, can the government assure Malaysians that political considerations played absolutely no role in the decision?” she asked.

  Khoo added that these are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers, and that the public had a right to know whether government systems were being administered fairly.

State polls

• The Election Commission says it will meet on June 12 to decide on matters related to the Johor polls, including the election date.

  In the meantime, those eligible for postal voting in the election may register beginning today. The closing date for registration will be announced at a later date.

  

  In a separate statement, the EC said it has been officially notified of the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan state assembly and will announce the date of its special meeting later, where it will discuss electoral matters for the state.

Internet regulation

• The MCMC says it is investigating the Facebook page “The Coverage Media” following public complaints.

  While the probe is still ongoing, preliminary investigations found content believed to be in violation of Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which criminalises the abuse of network facilities.

  

  “The matter has been referred to Facebook for further action in accordance with the platform’s community guidelines.

  “As a result of Facebook’s evaluation, which has been reported to the MCMC, access to the page has been restricted for users in Malaysia,” it said.

World

• Malaysian peacekeepers in Lebanon have suspended patrols and have been put on high alert once again, according to the Malaysian Armed Forces.

  This time, the move is prompted by a mortar attack in the Eastern Sector on Wednesday, which injured three Spanish peacekeepers. One of them succumbed to the injuries yesterday morning.

  

  The MAF reiterated that any attack targeting UN peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Animal control

• The Penang Island City Council said it issued 17 compounds last month against those found feeding pigeons and crows.

  In addition, it said it has culled 1,817 pigeons and 2,607 crows, and destroyed 125 crow nests in a bid to curb the growing population of the birds in urban areas.

  

  Bernama quoted the MBPP urging the public not to feed wild birds, as this could contribute to an increase in the population of pest birds and adversely affect public hygiene and health.

Previously at 2pm | Muhyiddin won't stand in Gambir; MOH, MOHE told to resolve Egypt pharmacy grads issue

9am | N Sembilan assembly's 'hasty' dissolution draws flak; explain curb on portal, MCMC told

COMMENT | Constituency funds musn't be restricted, GLC posts not political rewards

Klang MP calls for constituency funding reforms, equal allocations

SNAPSHOT | PMD 'notes' PKR MPs' allocation complaint; Albert says yet to receive Azam's legal letter

'Self-inflicted betrayal' led to MyKhas portal ban, PKR leader tells Rafizi-aligned MPs

SNAPSHOT | Muhyiddin won't stand in Gambir; MOH, MOHE told to resolve Egypt pharmacy grads issue

DAP delays national congress to August, eyes more seats in Johor polls