{
  "id": 2073897,
  "title": "Saarani: Ex-aide quit over health reasons, no speculation over drug claims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/saarani-ex-aide-quit-over-health-reasons-no-speculation-over-drug",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T04:50:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1515122/saarani-ex-aide-quit-over-health-reasons-no-speculation-over-drug"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has stated that no assumptions should be made regarding claims on social media that his former political secretary, Mohamad Hamidi Baharuddin, was involved in drugs. Mr. Saarani said that Mohamad Hamidi had resigned from his position on August 17, citing health reasons. On August 10, Mr. Hamidi had written a letter to him stating his intention to resign from the post effective August 17. He gave health reasons, mentioning that he needed time to seek treatment. Mr. Saarani made this statement while responding to questions about the circulating claims on social media about Mohamad Hamidi's alleged involvement in drugs. He also mentioned that he had read similar claims on social media. Mr. Saarani emphasized that as long as there is no evidence from authorities, either related to his health or from the police, he does not want to make any assumptions. When asked about the replacement, Mr. Saarani said that the appointment would be made in due course. Mr. Hamidi had served as Mr. Saarani's political secretary since January 2023 and is also the Umno Youth chief of the Lenggong division.",
  "summary": "IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad today said no assumptions should be made over social media claims that his former political secretary, Mohamad Hamidi Baharuddin, was involved in drugs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}