Good morning. Here's what you need to know today.

Key Highlights

  • Undi18

  • After Covid-19

  • National unity




Undi18

The plan to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18, which is supposed to take effect this June, is now facing hurdles.

A vocal opponent is Bersatu’s 79-year-old Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim who thinks 18-year-olds are “not yet ready” for their democratic right.

The opposition is urging Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to stand firm on the plan.

The timing is critical as the election may be called as early as August when the emergency is lifted.

Muhyiddin no longer commands a majority in Parliament and needs the numbers to pass Budget 2022 in October.



HIGHLIGHTS

Brickbats for Rais for opposing lower voting age
Undi18 was approved in Parliament in 2019.
Daim: PN fails with confusing policies
'It's not inspiring confidence'
Maszlee: Solutions to education crisis
Students struggling amid the pandemic.

 




After Covid-19

Much of the Covid-19 debate is about how to fight the pandemic and the upcoming vaccination plan.

A doctor highlighted an important element missing from the debate - post-Covid-19 care.

Citing local examples and international studies, he pointed out that even asymptomatic Covid-19 patients who have seemingly recovered are falling ill weeks later due to damage caused by the virus.

Countries around the world have set up post-Covid-19 clinics and he suggested Malaysia should do the same.

Meanwhile, if you’re curious about getting vaccinated, the Covid-19 immunisation handbook will be released today.



HIGHLIGHTS

Malaysia Airports hopeful for more travel bubbles
It also wants airport frontliners to be vaccinated first.
Fishing operators snagged by travel rules
Few customers due to travel restrictions.
Enhanced MCO at Tapah prison, staff quarters
It takes effect from Feb 16 to Mar 1.

 





National Unity

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled the National Unity Policy.

Muhyiddin’s credentials as a unifier over the years were overshadowed by a controversial comment he made 11 years ago.

But as prime minister, Muhyiddin in his speech pushed the unity message and cautioned politicians not to play with racial sentiments.

In a separate development, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the Sexual Harassment Bill, to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting, which is suspended until August.


HIGHLIGHTS

Minister to cooperate with cops over SOP breach
He says it dispels perception of double standards.
Pejuang top leaders to take religious oath
This is to deter defections.
AG urges patience in Adib's case
He did not disclose a timeline.

 


A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 2,176 new cases yesterday (Feb 15).

  • It was the lowest since Jan 5 (2,027) but note government stopped testing asymptomatic patients on Jan 11.

  • High recoveries for a second consecutive day, bringing active cases to 47,135 from a peak of 52,186 on Feb 10.

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


What else is happening?

  • 11 cops will be demoted or terminated for negligence over the rape of a 16-year-old girl in police lock-up.

  • Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak failed to disqualify Gopal Sri Ram as the lead prosecutor in his RM2.28 billion 1MDB graft case.

  • The MCMC blocked dating site Sugarbook but its app is still downloadable.


HIGHLIGHTS

'I was fearful of snubbing Najib'
Ex-1MDB CEO testified at Najib's trial.
Ex-Miti director to sue Ali Hamsa
This is for alleged constructive dismissal.
'Jho Low's demands didn't always make financial sense'
The businessman runs the show at 1MDB.

 


What are people saying?

Ensuring strict accountability for Covid-19 budget
By Akhbar Satar
Let's be lenient on 2020 SPM candidates
By Aaron Denison
LETTER | Queries on quarantine and SOP
By Dr Musa Mohd Nordin

 


CARTOON KINI