Good morning, here's what you need to know today.

Key Highlights

  • 'Toothless tiger' IPCC is coming

  • Govt to amend sexist citizenship rule

  • State borders reopening soon



'Toothless tiger' IPCC is coming

If the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) sounds vaguely familiar, it's because the opposition and civil society have been calling for a similar commission for donkey years to take action against errant police officers

The government plans to implement the IPCC soon, with a debate in Parliament scheduled for this session.

But it is not a cause for celebration.

The IPCC is a very watered-down version of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) - and is designed to be a toothless tiger.

Based on the bill as it was presented to Parliament last year, the IPCC can't actually take any action against bad cops.

Instead, it can only recommend action to the Police Force Commission or other relevant authorities.

Members of the force can also claim "national security interests" and refuse to disclose information to the IPCC. This is among other clauses that can frustrate an independent probe.

HIGHLIGHTS

More doubts over custodial death numbers
Edict says it only includes lock-up deaths.
TI-M appalled by MACC internal probe
It says the police should step in.
Police probe Najib's report against IRB
Statements will be recorded soon.

 



Govt to amend sexist citizenship rule

The government plans to amend the Federal Constitution to change a sexist citizenship rule that prevents Malaysian women married to foreigners from obtaining citizenship for their children born overseas.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin explained that this is why the government appealed the High Court ruling that found the current law to be discriminatory.

Hamzah said it is to buy the government time so that it can amend the Constitution.

DAP's Ramkarpal Singh had previously pointed out that the court ruling is not binding, and that a constitutional amendment was needed.

HIGHLIGHTS

Home Ministry seeks RM10m to rehabilitate addicts
30 mentors appointed to be 'role models'.
Annuar proposes govt info command centre
'It's to convey govt decisions faster, accurately.'
Truant MPs lashed
Group asks if clamour to reopen Parliament is mere rhetoric

 



State borders reopening soon

The government plans to allow interstate travel once 90 percent of all adults have been fully vaccinated.

The government estimates that as of Sept 21, 80.2 percent of adults had been fully vaccinated.

However, the government has previously admitted that these numbers may not be accurate due to outdated census data, as well as due to there being undocumented migrants.

Further vaccine distribution is not equal. As of Tuesday, adult vaccination rates in Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah were below 60 percent.

Besides opening up state borders, a day at the spa is among a slew of relaxed SOPs that will come into force in October.

HIGHLIGHTS

NRP: NS, Pahang, Johor enter next phase on Friday
Negeri Sembilan will enter Phase 4.
No Covid-19 cases involving Langkawi tourists reported
This is attributed to successful SOPs.
Muhyiddin stays positive on NRC role
'I accept this as destiny,' says the former PM.

 


A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 14,990 new cases yesterday (Sept 22)

  • Kelantan, which has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the country, reported a new record high (1,573). Its positivity rate based on a seven-day average as of yesterday was 29.2 percent, the highest in the country.

  • The daily reported deaths have been above 300 for nine days in a row.


What else is happening?

  • The government's One-Stop Crisis Centre's role in giving temporary shelter to abused women has been undermined by the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing many to return to their abusers, the Women's Aid Organisation said.

  • Thai authorities have not made a decision whether or not to deport Nur Sajat Kamaruzzaman - who is reportedly making a bid to secure asylum in Australia.

  • Perlis has issued a fatwa forbidding transgenders and cross-dressers from entering mosques if they're in a state of "gender confusion".

HIGHLIGHTS

Ku Li resigns from Umno advisory council
He cites disappointment over the new cabinet.
PSD moots action against anti-vax civil servants 
Only health exemptions are to be allowed.
Filmmakers urge M'sians to save endangered tigers
New documentary to shed light on Malayan tiger conservation.

 


What are people saying?

Malaysia needs to hit the hard reset
By David Dass
It’s time for MyTravelPass to be phased out entirely
By Tony Pua
Progressive taxation for our times
By Jomo Kwame Sundaram