Perks for convicted ex-PM

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Key Highlights

• Perks for convicted ex-PM
  
  
• Of elections and lotteries
  
  
• ‘D’ for Defence Ministry
  
  

Perks for convicted ex-PM

Police said all former prime ministers, even if convicted of a crime, will continue to enjoy police escort privileges until the legal appeal process is completely exhausted.

The police were responding to complaints about former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who continues to receive police escort, despite being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to state-owned SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

Interestingly, the police had in 2016 withdrawn outriders for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, even though he was never convicted of any crime.

Apart from withdrawing Mahathir's police escort, the Najib government had also tried to replace his aides and cook.

At that time, Mahathir had mounted a campaign to oust Najib due to the 1MDB scandal. Najib's BN was defeated in the 2018 general election.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Jho Low told Najib not to say much: Ex-1MDB CFO This is on dealings with audit firm KPMG.
	I realised ‘fake’ Aabar when quizzed by authorities: Witness He was questioned in 2015, 1MDB trial hears.
	Study on whistleblower law to be tabled to cabinet It will be ready for the cabinet next month.

Of elections and lotteries

PAS' move to impose a ban on lottery shops in Kedah has created some awkwardness within PN amid the Malacca polls.

Gerakan, which is in an alliance with PAS and Bersatu under PN, said it has received many complaints from the non-Malay community and will ask PAS to reconsider the decision.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang said he had never bought 4D lottery before but stressed that he was speaking up because moral policing of non-Muslims is not right.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry reported that its tax revenue from 4D special draw was declining.

The government made RM72.53 million in 2020 but only RM36.88 million between January and September 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

	In Machap, 'sad' Azmin calls Ginie Lim a PKR victim 'It's because she was seen to be aligned with me.'
	Rauf: Reclamation profits state, sea big enough for fisherfolk He maintains fisherfolk can still make a living.
	Norhizam the 'Hulk': Villain for some, 'misunderstood' for others He is despised by DAP supporters.

‘D’ for Defence Ministry

Malaysia received a 'D' grade in Transparency International's government defence integrity index for 2020.

The study found that Malaysia had poor legislative oversight over the defence budget, low competitive bidding for procurements, lacks an independent ombudsman and lacks data transparency.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said his ministry is prepared to address its shortcomings.

Meanwhile, a Royal Malaysian Air Force jet fighter crashed at the Butterworth Air Force Base, killing one.

In another development, the RMAF plans to replace its long-range air defence radar in Labuan through sponsorship from the US government, Parliament was told.

HIGHLIGHTS

	No police cartel, EAIC conducting second probe - Hamzah He also says there's no 'buying of ranks' in the force.
	Malacca polls: Nearly RM200k SOP fines issued Police say the overall compliance is at 95pct.
	BN capable of defeating Harapan's CM candidate - Rauf He also dismisses talks about CM ambitions.

A daily glance at Covid-19

• 5,413 new cases yesterday (Nov 16).
  
  
• 40 new fatalities put the death toll at 29,769.
  
  

New cases by state

Selangor (1,217)
Kelantan (743)
Sabah (487)
Johor (479)
Kedah (439)
Pahang (329)
Kuala Lumpur (312)
Sarawak (266)
Terengganu (261)
Perak (250)
Penang (236)
Negeri Sembilan (198)
Malacca (116)
Putrajaya (51)
Perlis (25)
Labuan (4)

What else is happening?

• The first phase of the MRT2, which was supposed to be opened to the public beginning November 2021, has been postponed. It is now expected to open in the second quarter of 2022 to allow time for testing.
  
  
• Registration to be on the wait-list of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots will begin next week. This is to address no-shows that could cause them to go to waste.
  
  
• An animal rights group has filed a lawsuit against the Kampar Municipal Council for its policy of shooting stray dogs.
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

	Delta dominates, but scientists watch for worrisome offspring Experts are looking for signs of mutations.
	Shelf-life extension for Pfizer, Sinovac vaccines Regulators elsewhere have made similar approvals.
	MOH steps up enforcement as Covid-19 cases rise A high degree of personal discipline is needed.

What are people saying?

	Give our rainforest a chance to breathe By Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil
	Harapan will have to work harder Lim Teck Ghee & et al
	GE14, Mahathir and private jet Marina Mahathir