KINI ROUNDUP | Here are the key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.
Another Equanimity bombshell
The US Department of Justice, in its latest filing in relation to the Equanimity superyacht, reiterated that it was purchased by Malaysian businessperson Low Taek Jho using allegedly stolen 1MDB funds.
In the filing, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Low had given instructions to the Equanimity captain via WeChat to avoid authorities.
A challenge was also filed in Indonesian courts to overturn the seizure of the Equanimity by US authorities.
The filing also showed that the DOJ had applied to be appointed as the custodian of the vessel.
Former minister Rais Yatim said the 1MDB scandal could be resolved if the prime minister was willing to be investigated.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak defended the Anti-Fake News Bill, stating that the innocent had nothing to fear.
Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed went on to accuse the bill’s critics of fearmongering.
Malaysian Bar president George Varughese called for the bill to be withdrawn, calling it “legislative overkill.”
Former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram also weighed in, saying the bill would be unconstitutional if passed into law.
Alarm bells over redelineation report
Academician Wong Chin Huat broke the parliamentary embargo on the Election Commission's redelineation report, stressing the need for the public to be informed of the impending "disaster".
Wong said that with all else being equal, the altered borders alone would allow BN to pick up another eight parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia.
Bersih made a plea to lawmakers to reject the redelineation report in Parliament.
Inspector-general of police Mohamed Fuzi Harun said police would take appropriate measures during Bersih's planned protest outside Parliament tomorrow, where Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Md Yunos has threatened to confront them.
Election fever hots up
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak promised "good news" for paddy farmers if BN wins the forthcoming general election.
One of Najib’s aides, Jailani Ngah, is speculated to be fielded in Terengganu, and may be earmarked for menteri besar if he wins.
PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution promised that a "senior leader" will replace Rafizi Ramli in Pandan.
A group upset at Johari Abdul Ghani vowed to throw a party with five barbequed lambs if the Titiwangsa MP is dropped in the next general election.
Cathay Pacific Airways announced a waiver on rebooking and rerouting charges for Malaysians who have booked tickets on polling day.
Other Kinibites
MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad reportedly had his second marriage to a woman – with whom he was accused of having an affair – reviewed by the Syariah High Court in Kelantan.
Senator Khairul Azwan Harun accused think-tank Invoke of making use of illegally obtained personal data.
M Indira Gandhi, who was involved in a prolonged unilateral child conversion and custody battle, was nominated for the US State Department's International Women of Courage award.
The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) gave its assurance that consumer rights will be protected following the merger between Uber and Grab in Southeast Asia.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's graft trial was postponed to April 9.
Looking ahead
The prime minister is set to present the EC’s redelineation report to Parliament for approval.
Bersih will protest outside Parliament over the report, with a group led by Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Md Yunos threatening to confront them.
