Political spar over oil firm

Good morning, here’s a quick rundown of what happened over the weekend.


Key Highlights

• Political spar over oil firm
  
  

• Perfect legislation?
  
  

• Dr M fires at 'backstabber'

Political spar over oil firm

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak are engaged in political sparring over financially troubled oil and gas firm Sapura Energy Berhad. 

The matter is important as it involves public funds. State-owned Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNB) had pumped RM2.68 billion into the cash-strapped firm in 2018, thus increasing its shareholding in Sapura Energy from 12.6 percent to 40 percent.

But Sapura Energy's financial woes are not over and there are questions now if PNB will need to pump in more money to save the company.

PNB is responsible for managing funds such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera and poor investments could lead to lower dividends for fundholders.

Najib had urged the government to bail out Sapura Energy to avoid the firm from going bankrupt and costing PNB's its investments. 

Rafizi, however, believes the new leadership at the firm can turn around the company without a bailout.

This argument sparked a debate challenge, but Najib said he will only debate with Rafizi if PKR president Anwar Ibrahim also joins in.

Rafizi described it as an attempt to deflect but said he's prepared to inform Anwar of Najib's condition.


HIGHLIGHTS

	Parliament attendance: Some leaders set bad examples Some party leaders barely attended Parliament.
	Rafizi's team: More 'inclusive' discussions needed with DAP, Amanah Nik Nazmi refers to Muda negotiations.
	MP urges ex-top cop Hamid to explain 'police cartel' claims M Kulasegaran also pushes for the IPCMC.

Perfect legislation?

Some MPs want to press on with the planned anti-hopping law despite concerns that it could stifle democracy.

The law is expected to automatically trigger a by-election if an MP switches parties - but an MP who is sacked from his or her party will also lose his or her position, thus making party leaders more powerful.

However, the desire for a "perfect" law has to be tampered with the reality of political instability. 

Passing the anti-hopping law is a condition set out in the memorandum of understanding between Pakatan Harapan and the government but if the legislation is sent back to the drawing board, it may not see the light of day if a general election is called - which is expected soon.

This prompted some MPs to push for its passing first and to fix its flaws later.

The situation is not unlike the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill which was tabled in 2019 but the second reading was deferred to allow for more consultation.

However, the law was never passed after the Pakatan Harapan government collapsed. Instead, the current government now plans to introduce a heavily-watered down version of the law.



HIGHLIGHTS

	War of words over MOU escalates between Warisan and DAP Warisan man accuses DAP of 'cheating' Sabahans.
	Loh makes police report against PAS ‘This is over comments about her kids’ faith.’
	Ti: MCA to work with PAS as long as it respects Constitution ‘MCA's track record is moderation.’

Dr M fires at 'backstabber'

It was a game of finger-pointing for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin.

This was after Mahathir claimed Muhyiddin, who he described as a ”backstabber”, had asked for his support in order to become prime minister again.

However, Bersatu claimed that it was Mahathir who had reached out to Muhyiddin. Muhyiddin also doubled down, claiming that it was others who have been wooing him.

Regardless of who initiated the talks, it was an indication that Muhyiddin, who is also the Bersatu president, is engaging the opposition as Bersatu continued to be sidelined by Umno despite being part of the same federal government.

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim also acknowledged that there had been meetings with Muhyiddin but stressed that they were not about supporting the former prime minister.

Meanwhile, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said he was prepared to meet Mahathir to get him to support the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional.


HIGHLIGHTS

	Rafizi’s team: No shortcuts to Putrajaya We should focus on offering better policies, says Chang Lih Kang.
	DAP election: Young Syefura refutes party's chauvinist label She was the only Malay to be elected.
	The photographer who took the path less travelled Veteran photographer uses keen eye to help save lives.

What else is happening?

• Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah are down with Covid-19.
  
  

• Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad revealed that state land intended for the development of an airport was mysteriously sold to a private firm. Opposition representatives called for an investigation by the state Public Accounts Committee.
  
  

• PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution formally announced his candidacy for the deputy president position.
  
  

• After being denied the Johor menteri besar position, Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad is eyeing federal politics and hopes to contest a parliamentary seat in the next general election.
  
  

• Malaysia and Indonesia finally inked the long-delayed memorandum of understanding to recruit domestic helpers.
  
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

	Former top para-athlete struggles to make ends meet A tragic accident in 2015 was the beginning of Mogan's woes.
	Cleaner gets CIMB's word bank will look into housing snafu House auctioned without owner's knowledge.
	UiTM puts lecturer who berated B40 student on leave Varsity also arranged a meeting between them.

What are people saying?

	Anti-hopping law viable but needs new provisions By Jamari Mohtar
	Will PKR polls solve anything? By S Thayaparan
	Even ‘Phua Chu Kang’ could speak good English By Malaysiakini readers