Here are some of the key headlines from yesterday that you may have missed, in brief.
Penang snap polls row continues
As Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak faces further pressures from the civil lawsuits filed by US Department of Justice (DOJ) to seize US$1 billion worth of assets which were allegedly bought with “stolen money” from 1MDB, the opposition is stymied by talks of a snap election in Penang.
DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said Pakatan Harapan will not be taking any "political action" this Saturday, despite its threat to do so last week should Najib fail to accede to its three demands, including going on leave by tomorrow.
Analysts noted a growing discontent within the opposition pact over the proposed Penang snap election between DAP, which insists on holding it, and a PKR which is unconvinced that it is necessary.
One of PKR's concerns is the possibility that Harapan may lose seats because of three-cornered spoilers from PAS if a snap election is called.
PKR deputy president Azmin Ali said Harapan components aim to secure a “joint victory” should there be a state election in Penang, emphasising the need for an overall win for the fledgling pact, as well as maintaining ties with PAS.
1MDB pockmarks Malaysia's ratings
Amanah strategic director Dzulkefly Ahmad warned that the ongoing foreign probes and legal actions implicating troubled state investment arm 1MDB in possible money laundering and embezzlement may lead to Malaysia's ratings and outlook to be further downgraded by international financial institutions.
KiniGuide sought to decode the forfeiture suit by the DOJ by scrutinising the 136-page document to trace the 'vanished' funds 1MDB's critics have brought up, and compare it with official narratives.
In a related matter, experts opined that the unusual move by 1MDB and its auditor Deloitte Malaysia to withdraw the fund's 2013 and 2014 audited financial statements could be to avoid blame as the DOJ forfeiture suit looms.
TMJ vs Felda
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, better known as TMJ - the Malay acronym of his royal title - has accused the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) of taking money meant for the people to enrich contractors and high-ranking company officials.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob denied the accusation, saying that Felda was encouraged to generate its own income and be more financially independent.
When Felda engages in business, it does not mean that it is deviating from its original mission, he argued.
More Kini bites
Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said that all rallies, including Bersih 5, will be handled under the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012. The National Security Council Act will only be invoked if the rallies affect national security.
The recent spate of gun-related violence plaguing the country are mostly gang-related wars, experts said. However, while the targets are often gangsters or those who have ties with the underworld, there is a concern that stray bullets may hit innocent bystanders.
A photograph of a woman, whose friend claims died three years ago, has appeared in the Facebook account 'Zunaidah Zain' that has been active in defending Najib. However, the account which used the picture as the profile photo is no longer available as at press time.
Looking ahead
Today is Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed's last day in office. There will be an official farewell march by personnel of the anti-graft body to honour his six-year service.
