Good morning, here’s a quick rundown of what happened over the weekend.
Key Highlights
Kit Siang retires from politics
Umno sets the table for PM
Sex scene riles govt
Kit Siang retires from politics
The DAP election at its party congress yesterday saw a shake-up of the old order with the party's veteran, Lim Kit Siang, announcing his retirement from politics.
Meanwhile, his son Lim Guan Eng stepped down as secretary-general, a position he held for 18 years, after hitting the three-term limit.
Guan Eng was seen holding back tears as he delivered his swan song speech as the secretary-general. He will still remain in the party leadership as chairperson.
But the top executive job is now taken over by Seremban MP Anthony Loke. Loke promised to be inclusive as the new secretary-general.
Another noteworthy development was Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim taking over Loke's former job as the national organising secretary.
Meanwhile, DAP Youth also saw new leadership, now headed by Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii who is a Sarawakian while his deputy will be Ketari assemblyperson Young Syefura Othman.
During the DAP congress, the party warned that Pakatan Harapan may terminate the memorandum of understanding with Putrajaya if it fails to pass the anti-hopping law this month.
The party also closed the door to cooperation with Perikatan Nasional, branding its leaders as "traitors".
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The DAP leader is well aware of its double meaning. |
 | He talks about his role after stepping down as sec-gen. |
 | 'They must be in line with Warisan's struggle.' |
Umno sets the table for PM
The Umno general assembly concluded by setting the tone for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob - he must call for the general election soon.
However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sought to ensure that they did not end on a bitter note, stating that they are willing to wait until Putrajaya's memorandum of understanding with Pakatan Harapan expires at the end of July.
But that did not stop the cloak and dagger with a poison pen letter against Ismail Sabri being circulated outside the Umno general assembly venue in Kuala Lumpur, condemning his leadership and urging for fresh polls.
During the gathering, Zahid also teased that Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan could become the next prime minister after the general election.
While it was a light-hearted reference, a Mohamad premiership is a possibility, considering that Zahid is still facing graft charges and could cut a deal with the next most senior official in Umno.
However, Umno's Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz, an outspoken party senior, did not mince his words as he roasted those demanding for immediate fresh polls, asking them to "use their brains".
He also accused Mohamad of supporting calls for fresh polls as he harboured ambitions to become prime minister.
Zahid, however, told party dissidents not to test him (Zahid) and push him against the wall.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | It will be discussed by the party's top five leaders. |
 | Zawawi Othman says if no Hadi, we can discuss. |
| Instead, he said Zahid devoured his opponents. |
Sex scene riles govt
A sexually suggestive scene in a forthcoming local Malay drama "Perempuan Itu" sparked an uproar in the government.
In a clip of the scene uploaded on social media, actor Zul Ariffin is seen pushed against a wall by actress Siti Hariesa before he takes off his shirt and is seen embracing her.
It was later clarified that the scene won't appear on the show, to be aired on TV3, and was only used as promotional material.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa said a stern warning had been issued and reminded that Malaysia was ”not Hollywood”.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad also chastised the scene, stating that it crossed the line.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | They are Adam Adli and Fahmi Zainol. |
 | 'She also hopes for reforms.' |
 | Only 182 out of 622 at the AGM voted for the motion. |
A daily glance at Covid-19
19,105 new cases yesterday (March 20) brings the cumulative infections to 3,993,124
71 new fatalities put the death toll at 34,400.
New cases by states
Selangor (6,761)
Penang (1,772)
Kuala Lumpur (1,659)
Johor (1,441)
Perak (1,300)
Kedah (1,113)
Pahang (1,100)
Negeri Sembilan (885)
Sarawak (852)
Terengganu (547)
Kelantan (518)
Malacca (508)
Sabah (339)
Putrajaya (133)
Perlis (90)
Labuan (87)
What else is happening?
The family of late firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim who died while on duty during the Seafield riot in 2018 was paid RM1.5 million compensation by the government. DAP's Lim Guan Eng welcomed the move and asked for similar compensation for Teoh Beng Hock, who died in the custody of the MACC.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government intends to implement the minimum wage of RM1,500 in May but is facing pushback from manufacturers.
Rafizi Ramli, who announced he will contest the PKR deputy president position, is facing pushback from rival supporters who claim he will split the party. Rafizi remains critical, taking aim at PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's "loyalists", who he said are not helping Pakatan Harapan and are dragging down the top leader.
The Tunku Azizah Hospital in Kuala Lumpur successfully performed surgery to separate a pair of conjoined twins at the age of 17 days.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Skipper and teammates determined to bring M'sia glory. |
 | This is one of two measures to uplift the language. |
 | The 74-year-old PAS chief is experiencing mild symptoms. |
What are people saying?
 | By Zan Azlee Voters not impressed with what Harapan had to offer. |
 | By Wong Chin Huat Harapan must make some painful strategic choices to survive. |
 | By Francis Paul Siah As he is among non-controversial Umno leaders, he should be. |
