KINI ROUNDUP | Here are the key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.

Najib defends himself

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, in a statement, defended himself from criticism over his participation in the Sungai Kandis by-election campaign, saying he went there upon invitation and not because he wants to become Umno president again.

Earlier, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin told Umno to “move on” with its reforms, saying it is Najib who's on trial and not the party itself.

The party's secretary-general Annuar Musa, however, was not that subtle reportedly dubbing Najib " baggage" that Umno could ill-afford to have at this point in time.

Annuar, however, has since claimed that he was misquoted and said he went to Najib's house to explain the “correct version” of the matter.

Najib's daughter Nooryana Najwa, meanwhile, penned a heartfelt piece about her dad, saying that he is a person who would not let down someone who has stood by him - referring to BN's Sungai Kandis candidate Lokman Noor Adam, a staunch Najib supporter, who failed to win the seat.

BN leaders urge probe into 'missing' GST refunds

Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin lodged a police report on the alleged misuse of GST refunds by the previous BN government and urged the current Pakatan Harapan administration to bring the individuals allegedly responsible to book.

Former international trade and industry minister Mustapa Mohamad also urged the government to immediately investigate the allegations by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng that RM18 billion of GST refunds was “missing” as it affects the reputation of the previous administration.

Newly minted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Ronald Kiandee of BN said he will bring the matter to the committee to be investigated.

Earlier, Lim mooted an open inquiry to investigate the matter, saying he will suggest it to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad once preliminary internal investigations are completed.

Meanwhile, former treasurer-general Irwan Serigar Abdullah has denied that the funds were stolen, saying they were placed in government-consolidated funds and that amounts due for refund were deposited into trust accounts on a monthly basis.

Other Kinibites

Former PM Najib has claimed that RM3.5 million allegedly taken by security officials tasked with guarding his former office on the night of the 14th general election, belonged to Umno.

Former BN minister Azalina Othman Said said the government is being short-sighted in its eagerness to abolish the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 as the Act was still the best bet to curb the dissemination of fake news.

Former deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan proposes that the Royal Customs Department be corporatised to increase its efficiency.

Attorney-general Tommy Thomas said there are no elements of conflict of interest in having a lawyer from his former law firm in the 1MDB legal team to claim the seized super-yacht Equanimity, as she will not be paid any fees that will be borne by taxpayers.

Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) chairperson Daim Zainuddin could reportedly be considered for the role of government advisor after the possible disbandment of the CEP.

Looking ahead

Bersatu will have its supreme council meeting and a press conference after that.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad will hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent making their way to the Asian Games in Jakarta, at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya.

The KL High Court will hear Najib's application for a gag order on his graft charges.