SNAPSHOT | S'gor weighs by-election over bankrupt rep claim; RCI gaps not a free pass: Syed Saddiq

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

Latest:

C4 Center urges halt to political appointments after Tabung Haji RCI

9am

Politics

• The Selangor government is reviewing whether a by-election is necessary if allegations involving a state assemblyperson are proven true, said Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

  Amirudin (above) said he was verifying the matter with his legal advisers, adding that the state government would notify the Election Commission if the review finds legal grounds for a by-election.

  According to Free Malaysia Today, the Gombak assemblyperson also said the Selangor assembly speaker may address the issue during the Aug 3 sitting.

  Yesterday, Malaysia Gazette reported, citing a source, that a by-election could be held in Selangor after an unnamed assemblyperson was allegedly declared bankrupt.

Tabung Haji RCI

• The royal commission of inquiry’s lack of detail on specific instances of misappropriation does not absolve those responsible for governance failures that led to major losses, said Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

  In a YouTube livestream last night, the Muar MP said the report should not be used to hastily accuse politicians of theft, but warned the serious failures it uncovered should not be minimised.

  

  According to Free Malaysia Today, he also called on the government to disclose whether audits or investigations have been conducted into investments highlighted in the report.

READ MORE: Tabung Haji RCI: Akmal wants proof of Umno's 'sakau', Azeez says 'cleared' by Azam

READ MORE: ‘Sakau’ or not? Five key takeaways from Tabung Haji RCI

Gaza

• US President Donald Trump said an agreement has been reached for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with Israeli forces to withdraw as the process progresses.

  In a social media post, Trump described the deal as a “historic” step towards peace and security, saying it would be implemented in phases.

  He added that the International Stabilisation Force would work alongside a new Palestinian police force to assume responsibility for Gaza’s security, according to Anadolu Ajansi.

  

• A senior Hamas official said today the group would not take steps towards disarmament until Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

  Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, said disarmament was tied to Israel’s withdrawal and the reconstruction of Gaza.

  Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hamad said Israel would have no role in the disarmament process, which would be overseen by a Palestinian national committee.

  He stressed that Hamas would only consider disarmament after Israel fulfils its obligations under the agreement.

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