{
  "id": 2082181,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T05:49:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "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. Saarani stated that Hamidi submitted his resignation letter citing health reasons and the need for medical treatment. The resignation came amid allegations of drug use circulating on social media. Facebook user Zaharin Mohd Yasin claimed that the Perak Menteri Besar's political secretary was involved in drug use, while another post alleged that Hamidi had resigned after exposing the alleged drug use. Saarani acknowledged the speculation online but declined to make any assumptions or take action without concrete evidence from authorities. The state government will appoint a replacement for Hamidi.",
  "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",
        "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."
}