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

Guan Eng acquitted on graft charges

The High Court in Penang acquitted former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng on two graft charges, as well as businessperson Phang Li Koon, who was charged with abetting him.

The MACC said it was “very shocked” by the acquittal, with various groups urging the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the MACC to explain the acquittal.

Lim’s lawyer Ramkarpal Singh said the MACC should not claim ignorance, as it is the commission’s own prosecution officer who informed the court that charges would be withdrawn.

However, sources told Malaysiakini that the AGC’s decision to drop charges was never discussed with the commission’s top brass, and that the prosecution officer was not an MACC officer.

Women caned for attempting same-sex relations

The Syariah High Court in Kuala Terengganu carried out its public caning punishment against two women caught attempting same-sex relations – the first of its kind against Malaysian women.

Terengganu exco member in charge of syariah implementation Satiful Bahri Mamat said the punishment is not cruel and is meant to educate.

However, various groups are unimpressed and claimed the punishment is cruel and demeaning, especially in the public manner of its execution. Sisters in Islam and Wanita MCA even claimed that the punishment is illegal.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the presence of members of the public during the caning reconsidered, while Terengganu Amanah came out in support of the punishment.

Other Kinibites

Bersih said membership of the Electoral Reform Committee should not be dominated by partisan interests in order for it to be seen as independent and impartial.

Economic Affairs Minister Mohd Azmin Ali said the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project has been deferred indefinitely, and that Malaysia will not have to pay compensation for the time being.

Prudent drivers may enjoy discounts on their insurance and road tax payments next year, as the Transport Ministry studies ways to incentivise good driving behaviour.

Looking ahead

The National Art Gallery will be celebrating its 60th anniversary today, with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad expected to attend the event.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke is expected to make an announcement on airfares.

Advance polling will take place for eligible voters in the by-elections for the Selangor states of Seri Setia and Balakong.