September election?

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

Key Highlights

• Vaccines and elections
  
  

• Agong and Parliament
  
  

• 5G and corruption
  
  

Vaccines and elections

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday received his first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, kicking off the largest immunisation effort in the country.

The vaccine will not only determine the fight against the pandemic but our democratic future.

Muhyiddin, who lost his majority and remains in power while Parliament is suspended, had indicated that he will call an election when the pandemic is resolved.

Khairy Jamaluddin, the minister coordinating the vaccination effort, said the general election is possible after 50 to 60 percent of the population is vaccinated.

This means the election can take place as early as September, a month after the state of emergency expires.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Umno claims history book glorifies communists The party wants it to be changed.
	Ex-Edu Minister: History book done during BN's time It was implemented in 2017.
	SPM History Paper 2 topics leaked Topics circulated on social media.

Agong and Parliament

After concerted lobbying for the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to lift the suspension on Parliament during the emergency, the Ruler finally said it was possible.

But he said this must be on the advice of the prime minister, essentially putting the spotlight on Muhyiddin.

Immediately after, Pakatan Harapan and Umno representatives pushed Muhyiddin Yassin to advise the Ruler to convene Parliament.

Meanwhile, Perak opposition leader Abdul Aziz Bari was questioned by police over comments he made about the emergency and Agong.

HIGHLIGHTS

	PM launches vaccine registration on MySejahtera People can start registering in app.
	Company to clear land disputed by Orang Asli It won a court case.
	Vaccine registration for dependents in March Feature will be made available on MySejahtera.

A daily glance at Covid-19

• 3,545 new cases and 12 deaths yesterday (Feb 24).
  
  

• Huge spike in Negeri Sembilan with 1,392 cases due to factory clusters.
  
  

• Sarawak's 353 new cases were the highest daily gain ever during the third wave of the pandemic.
  
  

• Active cases rose for the first time in almost two weeks to 30,677.
  
  

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

What else is happening?

• The founder of Sugarbook was charged with publishing statements conducive to public mischief.

  Editor’s note: Chan Eu Boon pleaded guilty in Aug 2022 to a Section 505(b) Penal Code charge over the post “TOP 10 SUGAR BABY UNIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA” and paid a RM7,000 fine. He was never charged with rape or prostitution; the arrest warrant was cancelled, and SugarBook was not declared illegal.
  
  

• Students who do not have uniforms when school reopens will be allowed to wear alternative but suitable clothes.
  
  

• Human rights groups said they have yet to decide on contempt action against the Malaysian Immigration Department as the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of those who were handed to the Myanmar military.
  
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

	Who are not encouraged to take the Covid-19 vaccine? Those with no serious illness shouldn't worry.
	Don't forget other teachers in vaccine drive There are also teachers in religious and private schools.
	Court extends order against deportation This is for remaining Myanmar refugees.

What are people saying?

	Sheraton Move one year on By Bridget Welsh
	Six positive consequences of Sheraton Move By Wong Chin Huat
	Politics is boring because the players are boring By James Chai

CARTOON KINI