Good morning. Let's update you on what happened over the long weekend.

Key Highlights

  • Changes at EPF

  • Police pick up line

  • Minister in hot water



Changes at EPF

Putrajaya can expect a more pliant Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Two days before Chinese New Year, it was announced that Tunku Alizakri Alias would be replaced as the CEO.

Context: A vocal Tunku Alizakri had vowed not to “mortgage the future” of EPF members when the government pushed to allow withdrawals from Account 1.

He also warned that withdrawals will force EPF to liquidate investments at the expense of members’ returns.

A day after his replacement was made public, the government announced that everyone can soon withdraw up to RM60,000 from Account 1, instead of only targeted groups.

It added that on the advice of the prime minister, various withdrawal restrictions imposed by the EPF will also be removed.



HIGHLIGHTS

Govt told to be 'honest' about economy
Economy shrunk more than estimated.
Ministry to build a home for Pak Hashim
This is after Muar MP took him home.
Clash of Malay parties - Perak MB warns
Umno leader wants Bersatu to make way.

 



Police pick up line

A woman who complained online about being stopped by police so that an officer can score a date inspired more women to come forward with sexual harassment stories.

One woman was allegedly questioned about not wearing a bra and asked to expose herself.

The incidents sparked renewed calls for the Sexual Harassment Bill which was stalled since last year and can’t be tabled while Parliament is suspended.

Meanwhile, the government was up in arms after a dating platform boasted about its user base among Malaysian university students.



HIGHLIGHTS

Cops in alleged sexual harassment identified
This is after alleged victims came forward.
Roadblocks: Know your rights
What to do if harassed.
Zuraida nudges Home Ministry on lock-up rape
'Don't allow a repeat'.

 




Minister in hot water

Cops are investigating Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa for alleged violation of the movement control order (MCO).

This came amid growing outrage over alleged inaction after a second incident.

Annuar was seen eating at a table of seven while the standard operating procedure (SOP) allows two. The minister said it was brief.

He previously escaped action after claiming that his jog with two others was a coincidence. The SOP only allows two from the same household to exercise together.



HIGHLIGHTS

'Umno man slams minister's 'excuses'
This was over alleged SOP breaches.
Civil servant gave contracts to family
MACC swung into action.
Ministry doubts 'sugar baby' data
It will protect the image of varsities.



A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 2,464 new cases yesterday (Feb 14).

  • It was the lowest since Jan 11 (2,232) but note that there was less testing during the Chinese New Year period.

  • The 260 patients in the intensive care unit, down from a peak of 327 on Feb 2, suggests things are improving.

  • Malaysiakini also compiles daily locations affected by Covid-19 so you can take precaution.


What else is happening?

  • Forty-one SPM students at a Kelantan boarding school came down with Covid-19.

  • Immunisation minister Khairy Jamaluddin tackled conspiracy theories about the Covid-19 vaccines, refuting suggestions of mind control and illuminati's machinations.

  • The latest edition of Malaysianskini follows the struggles of 36-year-old musician Wan Ardy who was born without a uterus. 


HIGHLIGHTS

Zahid woos PAS as it drifts to Bersatu
He cites a veteran PAS leader.
Cops say followed SOP in fatal shooting
'Police shot at first'.
'Free vaccines alone not enough'
There's an undocumented migrant crisis.

 


What are people saying?

Where is your voice, Rina Harun?
By Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto
Our division lies not in race but in social class
By Rahman Imuda
Alas, Zahid is right about this
By Malaysiakini readers

 


CARTOON KINI