The association agreement between Mercosur and the European Union (EU) enters provisionally into force on Friday May 1, after more than a quarter-century of negotiations, in what constitutes one of the world's most ambitious trade deals and the largest reciprocal opening ever finalised by the South American bloc. The final signing took place on January 17 in Asunción and, although final ratification by the European Court of Justice and subsequent approval by the European Parliament remain pending, provisional entry into force allows the immediate start of tariff reductions covering 95% of Mercosur products and 91% of EU products.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The Negeri Sembilan Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings have expressed concern over the relocation of staff from the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong and the vacating of its official residence, describing the move as insensitive in light of an ongoing customary dispute.

In a joint statement, the three wings said they took a “serious view” of the directive issued to relocate all residents at the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, followed by an instruction to vacate both the official residence and the premises on April 29, 2026.

“It is clear that this directive was issued while the Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong was managing an unresolved dispute involving YTM Datuk Klana Petra Undang Luak Sungei Ujong.

“As such, the actions of the state government are deemed inappropriate, insensitive, and may be perceived as an administrative exercise of power that pre-empted ongoing customary processes,” the statement said.

It further stressed that the Undang Luak institution is not merely an administrative post, but a key component of Negeri Sembilan’s traditional governance system, deeply rooted in its history and culture, and enshrined in the State Constitution, the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959.

It added that any matters involving the official residence, hall, staff, or related facilities of the Undang Luak should be handled with proper decorum, respect and wisdom.

The wings also said the timing and manner of the relocation had reinforced concerns that the crisis was not being managed effectively by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

“This issue is not a matter of party politics. It is clearly about the failure of a Menteri Besar to manage a crisis in accordance with customary propriety, to safeguard dignity, and to maintain public perception of the state’s institutions,” it added.

Yesterday, Sinar Harian reported that Datuk Mubarak Dohak was instructed to immediately vacate the official residence at the Balai Luak Undang Sungei Ujong, where he has resided for more than three decades.

A notice dated April 29 issued by the Negeri Sembilan State Secretary’s Office began circulating on Thursday. 

The letter, signed by Management Services Division secretary Akmal Farid Rizal Noordin, stated that the directive followed a Special Sitting of the Council of Justice and Custom (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, DKU) held on April 17.

Manuel Gual posted a photo:

The Soul of the Stout: From Field to Brew

This evocative visual series documents the atmospheric journey of crafting a legendary dark stout. The narrative begins in the sun-drenched barley fields at the peak of harvest, transitioning into the tactile selection of raw grains. It captures the intense, glowing heat of the roasting process where the barley acquires its characteristic deep color and charred aroma.

The collection moves through the mechanical energy of the milling room into the heart of the brewery, where steam rises from massive copper vats and fresh hops are introduced to the boiling wort. Each frame emphasizes the balance between industrial heritage and artisanal precision, concluding with a scientific look at the final ruby-black liquid. A cinematic tribute to the alchemy of water, malt, and fire.

These images have been generated by Artificial Intelligence.

Manuel Gual posted a photo:

The Soul of the Stout: From Field to Brew

This evocative visual series documents the atmospheric journey of crafting a legendary dark stout. The narrative begins in the sun-drenched barley fields at the peak of harvest, transitioning into the tactile selection of raw grains. It captures the intense, glowing heat of the roasting process where the barley acquires its characteristic deep color and charred aroma.

The collection moves through the mechanical energy of the milling room into the heart of the brewery, where steam rises from massive copper vats and fresh hops are introduced to the boiling wort. Each frame emphasizes the balance between industrial heritage and artisanal precision, concluding with a scientific look at the final ruby-black liquid. A cinematic tribute to the alchemy of water, malt, and fire.

These images have been generated by Artificial Intelligence.