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

Key Highlights

  • Housing for Najib puts MOU on the rocks

  • PN nominates Mas Ermieyati for CM

  • Kedah MB won't budge on 4D ban



Housing for Najib puts MOU on the rocks

Budget 2022 passed its first hurdle at the policy stage after Pakatan Harapan kept true to its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Putrajaya and abstained from a vote.

However, the agreement may not hold for long.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed that the cabinet is discussing granting former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak a plot of land and a house worth RM100 million.

Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim said the revelation was shocking and forces the coalition to reevaluate its understanding with the government.

Harapan's support is crucial for the BN-led government, which has become increasingly fragile as it clashes with partner-cum-rival Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Malacca state election.

PN chief Muhyiddin Yassin has a strong aversion to Najib, and Harapan's wavering on the MOU may be an opening for Muhyiddin to strongarm BN.

HIGHLIGHTS

Najib pins Dr M for ex-PM free house policy
The decision was reportedly made in 2003.
Najib mulled action against The Edge
This was over its 1MDB coverage.
Report: AGC drops appeal against Ku Nan’s acquittal
RM2m graft case was to go to Federal Court.

 



PN nominates Mas Ermieyati for CM

Perikatan Nasional has nominated its Tanjung Bidara candidate Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as its chief minister candidate.

If she wins in Tanjung Bidara and PN can muster a majority, it would make her the first woman head of government in a state.

However, Mas Ermieyati, who is also the Masjid Tanah MP and a deputy federal minister, has her work cut out for her.

Tanjung Bidara was BN's safest seat, although her reputation with locals may help her chip away at the former's support base.

Her main opponent in the seat is Malacca Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is widely regarded as BN's backup chief minister candidate.

HIGHLIGHTS 

'What's wrong with being a woman?'
Mas Ermieyati touts PN's gender diversity.
CM candidate foresees hung assembly
'There won't be a dominant winner.'
Ex-governor stumps for Harapan
He was a long-time Umno man.

 



Kedah MB won't budge on 4D ban

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said his decision to effectively ban number betting in the state is final and insisted that this is for the good of all races.

The move is seen to have been orchestrated to boost PAS support in the Malacca polls.

However, Sanusi's refusal to budge may come at the expense of non-Malay support for Perikatan Nasional.

PAS' coalition partner Gerakan had hoped to salve non-Malay anger towards PAS - already inflamed by the Timah whiskey issue - by promising to meet with the menteri besar to discuss the 4D ban.

HIGHLIGHTS

4D kerfuffle enters Malacca banner war
'Vote for 4D'
MP: Is 'sin tax' revenue only for non-Muslims?
'Does govt plan to separate sin tax revenue?'
MB: Cartels monopolising GLC projects
'Nine of 10 tender quotations come from cartels.'

 


A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 6,380 new cases yesterday (Nov 18).

  • Labuan, which had been the poster child for vaccine success against new infection, is experiencing a surge in cases and has the highest R-naught in the country.

  • Selangor is also bracing for a surge in Covid-19 after its ICU capacity hit 80 percent.


What else is happening?

  • The Immigration Department "advised" foreigners to comply with SOP rules and said they could face deportation otherwise.

  • A police officer is alleged to have assaulted a matchmaker for reportedly failing to find him a suitable wife.

  • Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Kadzim M Yahya rejected a pre-signed resignation letter by Segama assemblyperson Mohammadin Ketapi, which kicked in when he quit Warisan.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sinovac boosters on the private market
Available at selected hospitals, clinics.
Nagaenthran’s family to sue Singapore AG
This is over alleged negligence.
T'ganu bans sale of all types of turtle eggs
Ban aims to prevent extinction.

 


What are people saying?

Campaigns without campaigning in Malacca
By Bridget Welsh
Deeply disgusted by dictator's daughter's drivel
By Martin Vengadesan
When PDRM threatened to vote opposition
By S Thayaparan