{
  "id": 2081094,
  "title": "Perak MB’s political secretary resigns, cites health reasons amid drug allegations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/perak-mbs-political-secretary-resigns-cites-health-reasons-amid-drug",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T05:49:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/20/perak-mbs-political-secretary-resigns-cites-health-reasons-amid-drug-allegations/232025"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that his political secretary, Mohamad Hamidi Baharuddin, had resigned from his position on August 10, effective August 17. The chief minister stated that Hamidi had submitted a letter citing health reasons and the need for medical treatment. Saarani was questioned about whether Hamidi's resignation was related to the allegations of drug use circulating on social media, which he acknowledged. However, he did not want to make any assumptions or take any action based solely on the allegations, as there was no evidence from authorities. The Perak government would make the necessary appointment for Hamidi's replacement.",
  "summary": "IPOH, Aug 20 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said his political secretary, Mohamad Hamidi Baharud...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Perak MB’s political secretary resigns, cites health reasons amid drug allegations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/perak-mbs-political-secretary-resigns-cites-health-reasons-amid-drug-2082181",
        "published": "2026-08-20T05:49:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}