KINI ROUNDUP | Here are the key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.
MACC seizes US$6.3m from 'spies'
The MACC seized US$6.3 million and is looking for another US$5 million, believed to belong to the federal government, from former government intelligence officers arrested by the commission.
A source told Malaysiakini that the officers are believed to have brought in US$12 million into the country, prior to the 14th general election, from a foreign source in the Middle East.
Following these developments, MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Azam Baki did not rule out the possibility that Malaysian intelligence officers stationed abroad might be recalled for questioning.
Azam also said that MACC's probe into 1MDB is 60 percent complete and the commission must now scrutinise evidence secured from abroad.
Fugitive businessperson Jho Low, who is a central figure in the 1MDB scandal, has sought help from a Thai businessperson and former US rap artist Pras Michel to be intermediaries to pay his legal fees to his lawyers amid the 1MDB probe.
'SST rushed to avoid operating deficit'
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the government will forge ahead with implementing the sales and service tax (SST) on Sept 1 to avoid an operating deficit.
Lim also projected that with the implementation of SST, the inflation rate will be around two percent compared to last year's 3.7 percent.
Lim also announced that the SST threshold for eateries has been increased from RM1 million to RM1.5 million.
On another matter, the finance minister rubbished speculation that he is going to resign from the cabinet.
Royal Malaysian Customs Department director-general Subromaniam Tholasy announced that there will be no sales tax on RON95, RON97 and diesel fuels for now but the situation may change if fuel prices fall.
Other Kinibites
Istana Negara announced that functions scheduled to be held at the palace for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday on Sept 9 have been cancelled, upon orders by the King that the funds allocated for this be channelled to Tabung Harapan.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his televised Merdeka address, said that the Pakatan Harapan government ensures justice for all, and dubbed the day as a "second independence" for the people from the BN regime.
The Finance Ministry clarified that Petron, in which Mahathir's son Mirzan is a shareholder, was appointed as one of the federal government's fuel providers to foster healthy competition.
New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) is looking to sell off its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, its printing plant in Shah Alam and a vacant plot of land, according to a Bursa Malaysia filing.
A study by think-tank Iman research showed that despite voting for Harapan in GE14, youths are wary of the new government and will consider other political parties for a better growth and progress.
Looking ahead
Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak will hold a Merdeka picnic on the grounds of the Tun Razak Memorial Hall.
