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

Key Highlights

  • Royalty and Lynas

  • Push to reopen Parliament

  • D-Day for Rosmah



Royalty and Lynas

Malaysiakini’s investigation of Lynas’ new facility to dump its radioactive waste uncovered interesting facts.

Firstly, it is part of a larger plan to store various industrial waste - not only Lynas’ - in an area the size of 283 football fields.

Secondly, the project is being spearheaded by a firm majority-owned by the Pahang royalty.

This is a three-part special report. You can read the first part here.

The second part looks at how the facility affects Felda settlers and water supply to 781,000 households. Check it out on Malaysiakini at 10.15am today.


HIGHLIGHTS

Royal link in Lynas' waste disposal project
It was carved out of the Bukit Kuantan forest reserve.
MACC confirms arrest of PKR leader
It seized RM1.2mil in cash.
Warisan: Bersatu enticing members with projects
This was amid reports of defections.

 



Push to reopen Parliament

Deputy speaker Azalina Othman Said, who is Umno’s Pengerang MP, broke ranks with the ruling coalition to speak out against the suspension of Parliament.

In a letter to the attorney-general, she complained that Parliament had been “emasculated”.

She also expressed bewilderment at the Attorney-General Chambers’ advice for the government to stop all parliamentary committees’ activities, even if they are virtual.

A DAP MP suggested Putrajaya no longer have a reason to stop Parliament when elected representatives, who will be prioritised in the Covid-19 immunisation plan, are inoculated soon.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is fighting a legal challenge related to the emergency proclamation, which allowed Parliament to be suspended.

The prime minister could be ousted if the emergency is lifted and Parliament convenes as he had lost his majority.


HIGHLIGHTS

PM unveils TV channel to overcome online hurdles
It is dedicated to airing school lessons.
Dr M wants post-Covid-19 council
'Expert advice needed'
KJ: Refugees won’t be arrested when vaccinated
Gov't will work with NGOs.

 



D-Day for Rosmah

Today’s the day. Rosmah Mansor will know if she can walk free or must enter her defence in a graft case related to the government's solar project for schools.

Her husband, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, took off from his own 1MDB graft case so he can be there to show solidarity.

The trial had given a glimpse of how Rosmah was able to influence the prime minister and government contracts even though she was never a public official.

It also revealed how bags of cash were purported sent to her residence in Kuala Lumpur.

Check Malaysiakini for the outcome of the case later today.



HIGHLIGHTS

'M'sia risks legitimising Myanmar coup'
Rights group warns against deportations to Myanmar.
Ramkarpal: Why minister not fined?
This is over violation of MCO rules.
Court case against T'ganu exco postponed
He is accused of violating the Companies Act.



A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 2,998 new cases and yesterday (Feb 17).

  • Another 22 people died, the second-highest daily fatalities. The death toll crossed 1,000.

  • Recoveries outpaced new cases for the seventh consecutive day, bringing active cases down to 41,396.

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


What else is happening?

  • A man who sold cannabis oil for medicinal purposes escaped the gallows after the Federal Court substituted his charges from trafficking to possession.

  • Immunisation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia's deal with Pfizer entitles it to "upgraded" vaccines if new Covid-19 variants emerge.

  • Federal Territories PAS objected to the fact that the reopening of businesses under the MCO will include casinos and lottery outlets.


HIGHLIGHTS

Detained PKR leader not an aide - Xavier
'He is a family friend'
Bersatu Youth reiterates support for Undi 18
This is despite the party's senator opposing.
Comestic founder probed for kissing child on lips
A video went viral.



What are people saying?

Covid-19 vaccines: Save our Orang Asli first
By Ramesh Arumugam Chettiar
No Parliament, no legislative scrutiny
By Syahredzan Johan
What is Malaysia’s human rights message?
By Andrew Khoo

 


CARTOON KINI