SNAPSHOT | Zafrul wants chance to contest seat in S'gor for GE16; GRS accepts Upko

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

9pm

Politics

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s senior political adviser Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has proposed to be given the opportunity to contest a seat in Selangor for the 16th general election.

  According to Bernama, the Ampang PKR division member said he has submitted the proposal to the PKR leadership for consideration.

  “As a party member and a member of the Ampang division, I spend a great deal of time in Ampang, Pandan and several other areas where I have been asked to assist.

  “In Pandan, there is a vacancy as there is no MP, and I have also been asked to monitor developments in Ampang as the party’s representative,” he said.

  The Pandan seat became vacant after its previous MP Rafizi Ramli resigned from PKR and his office to lead Parti Bersama Malaysia instead.

• The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition has unanimously agreed to accept Upko into the fold, Sinar Harian reported.

  

  This brings the total number of component parties in GRS to six, alongside Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, the United Sabah Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, the Liberal Democratic Party, and Parti Cinta Sabah.

Business

• GIIB Holdings Bhd (GHB) founder Tai Boon Wee, who was previously charged in 2024 with allegedly instructing the company secretary to dishonestly use a forged document, has returned as the company’s chairperson.

  He had previously volunteered to step down to allow an MACC investigation to proceed without perception of interference.

  

  “Having been completely cleared of all allegations, the board of directors has collectively agreed that it is the ideal time for the founder to resume his leadership duties,” the company said in a statement today.

  Tai and his company came into the spotlight earlier this year when a Bloomberg report highlighted how MACC officers allegedly colluded with a “corporate mafia” to take over companies, with GHB being one of those targeted by the group. The MACC had dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign against it.

READ MORE: 'Corporate mafia': Businessperson tells court of 'soldier boys' conspiracy, gun threat

Previously at 6pm | Johor polls: Muda candidates soon; Mahfuz slams Onn for using royal institution as shield

2pm | Bersama aims for 10-20 federal seats in GE16; Johor Harapan to unveil polls candidates soon

9am | Azmin, Radzi ouster strengthens PAS' grip on PN - Tun Faisal

COMMENT | Why Bersama will be a force in GE16

Anwar takes over Pandan as adopted constituency, Zafrul to monitor

MACC's new chief pledges improvements after first month of challenges

'Corporate mafia': Businessperson tells court of 'soldier boys' conspiracy, gun threat