Rafizi returns with a vengeance
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Key Highlights
Rafizi returns with a vengeance
New Johor MB has been sworn in
Najib seeks a new path to freedom
Rafizi returns with a vengeance
After a long hiatus, PKR's Rafizi Ramli is making a comeback for this year's party elections in an attempt to safeguard the ideals of multiracial progressive politics - which he says is at risk due to Harapan's continued failures.
While he is only gunning for the deputy president post, Rafizi appears set to be on a collision course with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.
He did not mince his words in announcing his return, jabbing at Anwar for believing that Umno would put him in power.
Rafizi also took a swipe at Harapan's leadership as a whole, expressing disbelief at their fixation on "big tent" politics, even if it meant working with enemies like Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Though once a trusted advisor, how Anwar will deal with a returning Rafizi is unclear.
Anwar has a reputation for allegedly attempting to cull confidants who have grown beyond his influence.
It is possible that an Anwar loyalist may challenge Rafizi for the number two spot, in order to curtail any rebellion against the opposition leader.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | ‘It’s intolerable’. |
 | This is after an MP quits the Ismalist party. |
 | Umno and Amanah make offers to him. |
New Johor MB sworn in
Machap assemblyperson Onn Hafiz Ghazi was sworn in as the Johor menteri besar.
His ascension followed a surprise turn of events, with Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohamad's second term in the post was derailed, allegedly due to a "higher power" preferring Onn Hafiz.
However, the new menteri besar may have a tough ride ahead of him.
Prior to Onn Hafiz's swearing-in, reports emerged showing that Hasni commanded support from 38 out of 40 Johor BN state lawmakers.
However, sources told Malaysiakini that Hasni decided not to pursue the post after his return to office was blocked.
A Johor Umno Youth leader also warned that whoever leads the state as menteri besar must not be a proxy, and should instead have the party's mandate.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Hasni urged party members not to prolong Johor MB issue. |
 | Polls campaign promoted Hasni but Onn Hafiz was sworn in as the MB. |
 | 'Are reps brave enough to vote against Onn's appointment?' |
Najib seeks a new path to freedom
Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak is seeking a new path to clear his name.
His legal team is trying to discredit SRC case trial judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali - claiming the latter had an undisclosed conflict of interest.
This is as the judge used to be a general counsel of Maybank, and his tenure coincided with the time when the commercial bank issued a loan to SRC's parent company, 1MDB.
Najib is hoping this new evidence can secure him a fresh trial.
Nazlan had convicted Najib, as well as meted out a 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine in the SRC case.
The Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, and Najib is now trying to stage a final appeal in the Federal Court.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Fugitive financier Jho Low stole US$1.42 billion. |
 | Defence counsel says the court already made up its mind before hearing. |
What else is happening?
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia had been chronically underfunding public healthcare.
The Malacca government plans to build an undersea tunnel for a rail system network linking Malacca and Dumai in Indonesia.
The government is adamant about pursuing its appeal against a High Court ruling that overseas-born children of Malaysian mothers are entitled to automatic citizenship.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Repair works on the slope will be conducted. |
 | Inai Kiara Sdn Bhd says the company's receivership was lifted in late 2017. |
 | Leaders from both countries are unavailable for signing on March 18. |
What are people saying?
 | By Tony Pua |
 | By James Chai |
 | By Kim Quek |
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