SNAPSHOT | Perlis MB denies PAS Youth's claim; Covid-19: Court bins challenges to Parliament suspension

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

9pm

Politics

• Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has rejected claims from PAS Youth that the party’s assemblypersons in the state are being treated like opposition lawmakers.

  According to Utusan Malaysia, the Bersatu leader also defended the removal of some PAS political appointees, saying the changes were made to improve efficiency and address misconduct rather than for political reasons.

  Speaking at a press conference at the menteri besar’s official residence, Abu Bakar (above) said he maintained a good relationship with Perlis PAS leaders and that the issue was limited to individuals supporting the state’s former menteri besar, Shukri Ramli.

READ MORE: Perlis PAS Youth calls for firm action against MB over 'injustice' towards reps

Court

• The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has dismissed a lawsuit challenging then prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during the Covid-19 emergency in 2021 to suspend Parliament.

  Judge Aliza Sulaiman ruled that while there are lingering constitutional questions about emergency proclamations, it should be argued in an “appropriate live case”.

  

  “This court is not persuaded that the declaratory relief sought by the applicants and the plaintiffs should be granted,” Bernama quoted her as saying, despite plaintiffs’ arguments that the case is not merely academic even though parliamentary proceedings have resumed.

  Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim, Perak assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Bari, the Malaysian Bar, Bersih, and seven others filed the case separately. Aliza dismissed the case without orders as to costs.

Haze

• The Sarawak Public Works Department has ordered an immediate halt to all its construction works in areas under a haze emergency, Borneo Post reported, following today’s emergency declaration in Serian.

  

  Separately, it also reported that Sarawak Education director Omar Mahli announced the closure of 647 primary and secondary schools from Sept 7 to 11 due to the haze situation.

  Schools in 12 education districts are affected, namely Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau and Meradong, totalling 108,477 primary school pupils and 90,082 secondary school students.

Previously at 6pm | No more MACC orange jumpsuit for those on remand; emergency declared in Serian over haze

2pm | Serian's air quality worsens; green activists protest at Indonesian embassy over forest fires

9am | Dr M reflects on idea to halt Lima; KJ wants govt to provide greater policy clarity for businesses

SNAPSHOT | Serian's air quality worsens; green activists protest at Indonesian embassy over forest fires

SNAPSHOT | No more MACC orange jumpsuit for those on remand; emergency declared in Serian over haze

Transboundary haze: Group pushes for corporate liability across borders

April 29 verdict on challenge of Covid-era Parliament suspension

Lawmakers get leave to challenge Covid-era Parliament suspension