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KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Former human resources minister M Saravanan pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning to three counts of receiving RM1,097,000 in bribes to approve foreign worker quotas for a company in 2022.In a press conference after the court proceedings, he hit out at his detractors, whom he accused of bringing the charges against him to undermine him politically.“I was taken aback. This is not merely an unfounded allegation (but) a wild accusation against me. This is not the way to bring me down. Send your best candidate to Tapah to contest against me," he said.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has yet to receive a letter from Saravanan regarding allegations linking him to a migrant worker recruitment scheme.Anwar added that he would refer the letter to the MACC or the Attorney-General’s Chambers for them to examine.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Former human resources minister M Saravanan pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning to three counts of receiving RM1,097,000 in bribes to approve foreign worker quotas for a company in 2022.In a press conference after the court proceedings, he hit out at his detractors, whom he accused of bringing the charges against him to undermine him politically.“I was taken aback. This is not merely an unfounded allegation (but) a wild accusation against me. This is not the way to bring me down. Send your best candidate to Tapah to contest against me," he said.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has yet to receive a letter from Saravanan regarding allegations linking him to a migrant worker recruitment scheme.Anwar added that he would refer the letter to the MACC or the Attorney-General’s Chambers for them to examine.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning to a charge of not disclosing millions in assets, including five 1kg gold bars, one 100g silver bar and one 5g 999 gold coin, to MACC last year.The Umno leader pleaded not guilty to the charge before judge Suzana Hussin.Today’s prosecution made Ismail Sabri the third former prime minister charged in court under the MACC Act.Meanwhile, in a separate story, MIC deputy president M Saravanan confirmed that he will be charged in the Sessions Court tomorrow.Saravanan also penned a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over what he described as MACC’s “wild and baseless” allegations against him.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor says the decision on whether gambling activities can continue in Kedah now rests with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following the Federal Court’s rejection of the state’s bid to challenge a ruling on gambling licences.Sanusi warned that Kedah residents would be angry with Anwar if gambling activities were allowed, while also taking a swipe at DAP MP Ramkarpal Singh.Meanwhile, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is set to be charged tomorrow under the MACC Act over his declaration of assets.His appearance was previously postponed after he was admitted to the National Heart Institute for health problems.

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJ Apple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC [KiniNews] PKR and Pakatan Harapan once promised a “new dawn” for Malaysia, with sweeping reforms at the heart of their agenda. But with many promises still unmet, former PKR deputy president Chua Tian Chang says the party must acknowledge that some pledges were overly ambitious — and that admitting those mistakes should itself be part of the reform process. In another development, the Court of Appeal has unanimously dismissed M Indira Gandhi’s RM100 million lawsuit against the government and former top police officials over the failure to arrest her ex-husband and recover her abducted daughter. _________________ 📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkini Turn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately! — Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJ Apple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC [KiniNews] PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang says Perikatan Nasional could win more seats than Barisan Nasional in Malacca, but is willing to give up that advantage for the sake of Malay-Muslim unity and an electoral pact. In another development, the Tabung Haji RCI probe just moved closer to the top — a former CEO has been remanded for seven days. Meanwhile, a Penang political leader is among five people remanded over an alleged RM1.96 million loss from a government land deal. ___________________ 📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkini Turn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately! — Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia's stance on the One China policy was merely retained from the time of Abdul Razak Hussein, the second prime minister.Speaking to reporters, he said that his view, as well as Malaysia's position on the policy, remains consistent with that of the United Nations.Meanwhile, in a separate story, the purported owner of a dog named Rocky and a volunteer with the Klang Royal City Council were charged separately today with animal cruelty over the dog’s death during a stray dog-catching operation in Port Klang, Selangor, last month.S Roghini Devi, who claimed to be Rocky’s owner, and Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom both pleaded not guilty at the Klang Sessions Court to charges under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has found himself in the middle of the continued geopolitical dispute between China and Taiwan.This was following his remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera on the One China policy, as well as China’s right to use force.In response, Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry accused Anwar of making “false” remarks by “absurdly implying that the country is a separatist province of China and publicly rationalising China’s stance on unifying Taiwan by force”.It reiterated that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and is not subordinate to China, and accused Anwar of jeopardising peace in the region.Meanwhile, in a separate story several DAP leaders have stated that DAP’s specific red line for remaining in or exiting the coalition government has yet to be clearly defined.However, DAP central executive committee (CEC) member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the red line should not necessarily be understood as an ultimatum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] DAP is urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to fulfil one of Pakatan Harapan’s election pledges and grant equal constituency development funds to all MPs.At present, only government MPs receive the funds, with funding in opposition states handled by government-appointed liaisons. The government has even withdrawn control of funding from rogue PKR MPs.DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said the party has conveyed this to the prime minister numerous times, and we hope he takes the necessary steps to implement this as soon as possible.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Umno has stated that it has no issue with PAS’ campaign to abolish gambling in the country, saying the activity is opposed by people of all races and religions.However, Umno supreme council member Razlan Rafii said legislative amendments would first be needed to realise the agenda.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to name the Umno leaders who supposedly objected to Putrajaya allocating funds for Perikatan Nasional-led states.This followed the premier’s remarks during the PKR national congress in Malacca yesterday, where he claimed Umno disagreed with his decision to channel financial assistance to Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Putra president Ibrahim Ali has given PAS-led Perikatan Nasional a tongue-lashing, accusing the opposition coalition of “slaughtering an old friend to court an old divorcee” and behaving hypocritically.He also pointed out that the electoral destruction of DAP would not guarantee the safety of Malays and Muslims.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Nurul Izzah Anwar, commenting on her decision to step down from PKR’s number two post, referred to herself as the outgoing deputy president and said she could not “please everyone”.She noted that some viewed her defeat in Permatang Pauh - long regarded as her family’s stronghold - in the 15th general election as unacceptable, while others were unhappy with her victory over incumbent Rafizi Ramli in last year’s PKR polls.“And for others, it was just unacceptable that I am leaving (the deputy presidency) in 2026," she added.Ramkarpal Singh has urged DAP to make clear to delegates at its annual congress this Sunday that they can still call for the party to leave the government if compelling reasons arise in the future.The DAP deputy secretary-general said this must be emphasised to avoid giving the impression that a vote to remain in government means the party would stay on even when doing so is detrimental to its interests.He added that, whether or not it is labelled an “exit clause”, such an option would be in the party’s best interests.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Former Subang MP Wong Chen has officially joined Bersama today after 17 years as a PKR member.Speaking at a press conference at Bersama’s party headquarters in Puchong, Wong described his decision to leave PKR and vacate the Subang parliamentary seat as “heartbreaking” but necessary under the anti-party hopping provisions.Meanwhile, in a separate story, the Kuala Lumpur High Court has ordered Rosmah Mansor to credit the RM67.46 million payout to Lebanese jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL (GRTS) into a joint stakeholder account accessible to the parties’ solicitors.Judicial commissioner Marianne Antoinette Ghani, in granting Rosmah a conditional stay of execution this morning, also ordered her to make the payment within one month from today.The judge added that GRTS, being a foreign entity with no business presence or assets in Malaysia, may itself be a special circumstance in considering Rosmah’s application.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who recently underwent surgery, has accused the opposition of neglecting Tabung Haji depositors by refusing to participate in a special Dewan Rakyat debate on the royal commission of inquiry report into the pilgrimage fund.This came after opposition MPs walked out of the Dewan Rakyat when their request to postpone the sitting over Anwar’s absence on health grounds was rejected.Meanwhile, in a separate story, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin questioned why they should waste time on a special sitting to discuss the RCI report if it amounts only to a ministerial briefing with no decision or vote.“It is a briefing session. If it is just a briefing, what are they asking us to debate? If there is a matter or a motion to be tabled, then we can debate it. This has to be understood," he said.Hamzah, who is the Wawasan president, also questioned why the RCI report only covered events up to 2020, saying subsequent developments were not addressed.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] PKR lawmaker Wong Chen has resigned as Subang MP, becoming the latest to quit the Dewan Rakyat after former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad."On Aug 5, I met with the speaker and handed over my resignation letter as MP, effective Aug 10 at 5pm," he said, referring to Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul.He added that he will also be removing his MP honorific title from all of his service centre billboards, signages and correspondence by next month.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has claimed that Nurul Izzah Anwar’s decision to step down as PKR deputy president is allegedly linked to her dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to combating corruption.“One thing I can say with confidence is that Nurul Izzah is not comfortable with how the government is handling the issue of combating corruption. Given the current situation in PKR and the government, I think she is uncomfortable and disagrees with the approach," he said.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts. [KiniNews] The court proceedings against former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, which were scheduled to take place this morning, have been postponed to Aug 27. The postponement came after the Bera MP was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur last night. Speaking to reporters after visiting Ismail Sabri at IJN, his lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad said Ismail Sabri had to undergo a pacemaker procedure today. Meanwhile, in a separate story, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail has expressed her disappointment with Nurul Izzah Anwar's decision to resign as PKR deputy president. "If that is her choice to resign, that is her right. But as a party member, I feel aggrieved because the position is no child’s play - that's the second-highest post in PKR," she said. ___________________ Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims of “outside interference” in the appointment of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar as the “senility” of someone who does not understand political realities.In an apparent swipe at Parti Wawasan Negara chairperson Rais Yatim, who questioned Juasseh assemblyperson Ismail Lasim’s appointment as the state’s new menteri besar, Zahid said he would not entertain such allegations.“I do not want to entertain the senility of someone who does not understand the political reality that names must be submitted to the palace," he said.Meanwhile, in a separate story, former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa has hit back at Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s question over who allegedly “looted” Tabung Haji, saying the royal commission of inquiry report had already identified cases warranting action."The RCI also mentioned and urged, among its recommendations, that action be taken against whom? Against the cases that had been reported within Tabung Haji. That is the looting, because there was no oversight," he said.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Umno must acknowledge weaknesses in the governance of Tabung Haji during the BN administration as highlighted in the royal commission of inquiry report on the agency, said former party youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.Khairy said he understood why several Umno leaders had pushed back against the RCI findings, including denying any misconduct or corruption in Tabung Haji’s management, particularly while campaigning in the Negeri Sembilan state election.However, he said such a defensive stance fell short of what was expected from a party seeking to portray itself as committed to reform and renewal.Meanwhile, in a separate story, BN will hold a special briefing on the RCI report on Aug 10.The session comes ahead of the special Dewan Rakyat sitting to debate the report, which was declassified and made public last week.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Former Umno leader Puad Zarkashi claimed that Umno is afraid to end ties with Pakatan Harapan at the federal level, adding that the nationalist party is not ready to lose its cabinet posts.This came after Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said reportedly said the pact between BN and Perikatan Nasional for the Negeri Sembilan polls should not be used to end the coalition government at the federal level."Umno is not ready to become the federal opposition and that’s why the party is afraid of the BN-Harapan memorandum of understanding (MOU) getting scrapped," he said.Meanwhile, in a separate story, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has stood by his decision to defend Chennah during the Negeri Sembilan polls, arguing that his opponents’ tactics should be considered when judging his performance.Loke, who lost his bid to retain the seat for a fourth term by just 688 votes, described the fight as one of the toughest electoral battles he has faced over his 22 years of running in polls.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] A PKR lawmaker has launched a scathing critique of Pakatan Harapan’s defeat in Negeri Sembilan, which is the coalition’s third electoral setback since the Sabah polls in November last year.Subang MP Wong Chen did not mince his words, blaming the defeat on what he described as Harapan’s willingness to compromise its principles in the pursuit of political survival.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has called on Pakatan Harapan to serve out its full term in government before dissolving Parliament for the 16th general election.He warned that PKR, in particular, risks being “shocked to death” by defeat if it moves ahead with an early general election.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Rafizi Ramli has claimed vindication following the release of a royal commission of inquiry’s report on Tabung Haji, which he said has cleared his name of slander propagated by his political opponents.Rafizi also recalled how from as early as March 2016, he had highlighted in Parliament issues affecting Tabung Haji, before going on to detail “34 other disclosures regarding misconduct, lost investments, and Tabung Haji’s involvement in the 1MDB scandal.”“I was arrested, charged, and nearly imprisoned. For a decade I was the subject of slander, allegedly for inciting Muslims to destroy Tabung Haji. The results of my disclosures also became political capital for PKR and Pakatan Harapan for a decade," he said.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the full RCI report on the management and operations of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) had been released in full without any censorship or redactions.He said the government had published the RCI report in its entirety to allow Muslims and all Malaysians to scrutinise the commission's findings and recommendations, while ensuring lessons could be learnt to prevent similar issues from recurring.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv

KiniNews is now also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.[KiniNews] Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has highlighted how the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry does not identify any Umno leader as having misappropriated funds. “So who are the Umno politicians involved and said to have ‘sakau’ (stolen) Tabung Haji funds?” he asked.He said the RCI report instead finds fault with the haj fund’s weak management.Meanwhile, the report took centre stage at Pakatan Harapan’s campaign ceramah last night.Coalition leaders used its findings to counter race-based narratives from their rivals during the Negeri Sembilan polls campaign.___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://membership.malaysiakini.com/membership/start?internal_source=kinitv