In the new overview of the Kazakh-language press prepared by Nazara Darimbet, key issues are discussed: why Vladimir Kim is in a hurry to sell Bank RBK, how the perception of writers in society has changed, who is using poet Mukhtar Shakhanov to support the new Constitution, and what consequences Kazakhstan may face in the event of rising oil prices.
"Do not impose your views on others!"
Deputy Ermurad Bapi urged the citizens of Kazakhstan to refrain from imposing their opinions regarding the Kazakh language, as reported by Stan.kz in their article.
He noted that constructive criticism should exist, but it should be perceived as a value for society. "A society that previously did not have the opportunity to speak freely must now appreciate this freedom," Bapi emphasized at a meeting of the Mazhilis.
The deputy also recalled the old saying "all troubles come from language" and called for caution.
“In the context of a changing geopolitical situation, we should avoid such 'troubles.' Kazakhstan must not be a country that lives in fear or is dependent on others. We can only ensure the independence and prosperous future of our state through diplomacy and sensible policy,” he added.
Shakhanov: I did not say that
Poet Mukhtar Shakhanov, in his video address, denied rumors about his negative attitude towards the new Constitution project, reports SkifNews.kz.
“Currently, inaccurate information is being spread in my name. Do not trust it. I support the new Constitution proposed by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,” the poet stated in a video posted on Arman Aubakir's Facebook.
Earlier, social media had claims that Shakhanov had spoken about the "state language," for which one could "die or go to jail." This post garnered 4,000 likes and over 500 comments.
It later turned out that the account from which the post was made was fake. Shakhanov then recorded a special address to the people to clarify the situation.
Information Minister Aida Balayeva also commented on this situation, urging to stop using famous people for personal gain. However, critics believe that the authorities often use them for their needs.
Poets are not the "cream" of society
Criticism of writers and poets was voiced by activist and economist Sabit Rysbaev, writes Democrat.kz.
He believes that writers should not be regarded as the "cream of the nation" and suggests stopping the funding of their books from the budget.
“Let them prove their worth themselves. People should have the opportunity to seek out and read their works independently,” he noted in his Facebook post.
Rysbaev emphasizes that all professions deserve respect, including doctors and oil workers, who make significant contributions to the country's economy.
“Our fate should not depend solely on poets. In the modern world, there is no need to bow to them just because they have talent,” he added.
This viewpoint found support among users, with his post gathering about 500 likes and over 100 comments.
Criticism of Kazakhstani writers is not new, and many agree that in a market economy, there should be no privileges for certain authors.
How events in the Strait of Hormuz affect Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is closely monitoring the movement of military vessels in the Persian Gulf, report the authors of the DALA INSIDE channel.
Major traders and hedge funds are monitoring tanker routes and insurance rates in this region.
“The escalation of the conflict between the USA and Iran could lead to oil prices rising to $120 per barrel. Closed consultations on oil reserves have already taken place in international markets,” the source reports.
The main threat lies not in the closure of the strait, but in a sharp increase in insurance rates and changes in tanker routes, which could push Brent prices to $120.
Iran understands this strategy and is not aiming for a complete closure of the strait, but rather to demonstrate its strength.
What does this mean for Kazakhstan? An increase in export revenues and an influx of dollars into the National Fund, which could lead to a new wave of inflation and rising prices for fuel and imported goods.
Thus, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz affects Kazakhstan's economy and the mood of the population, and the country is closely monitoring developments in this region.
Reasons for Kim's sale of Bank RBK
Oligarch Vladimir Kim is considering selling Bank RBK, which is beneficial for the Freedom group, reports the Nege.kz portal.
Kim, who has already sold the Kazakhmys group, noted that he does not see the need to keep the bank in Kazakhstan.
“The main accounts of KazMinerals are in foreign banks, and there is no point in maintaining a separate bank in the country,” the source noted.
According to preliminary data, in 2025, Bank RBK earned a net profit of 64 billion tenge, and the asset volume at the beginning of 2026 amounted to 2.7 trillion tenge.
The expected sale price of the bank is about 300 billion tenge, although Kim may make concessions under urgent conditions.
Does Timur Turlov have the funds for this purchase? By the end of 2025, the capital of the Freedom Holding group amounted to $1.2 billion. He may also attract investors to form a syndicated pool.
Earlier, Turlov expressed interest in purchasing a bank with assets of about 2.5 trillion tenge, but now this offer is suitable only for Bank RBK and the Eurasian Bank.
However, according to Eurasian Bank manager Shukhrat Ibragimov, the bank is not for sale, and it has obligations to the state amounting to 120 billion tenge.
If the parties reach an agreement this year, it will significantly strengthen Freedom's position in the banking sector and continue the trend of medium banks being absorbed by larger players.
