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Key Highlights
Anwar-Najib debate showdown
Malacca CM speaks up
Umno-PAS tension
Anwar-Najib debate showdown
The debate showdown between Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak finally proceeded in Kuala Lumpur last night.
Najib defended his position for a bailout of financially-troubled Sapura Energy Bhd, stating that it will save some 10,500 highly skilled local jobs.
He added that the beneficiary owners of Sapura Energy also include 10.6 million investors in Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB).
According to Sapura Energy's 2021 annual report, 28.26 percent of its shares are held by ASB, four percent by Amanah Saham Malaysia and 3.44 percent by Amanah Saham Wawasan.
Najib suggested Petronas can be used to aid Sapura Energy but Anwar said the national oil company would also involve public funds.
Anwar said Sapura Energy should undergo a forensic audit before any intervention and stressed that bailing out mega-corporations wasn't the way to save the country.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The hefty fine was paid before its deadline. |
 | Goh also said she wasn't introduced to Low. |
 | Ong to teach policy again. |
Malacca CM speaks up
Repeated speculations of internal conflict in Malacca Umno prompted the state's Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali to deny he was quitting the top job.
He said his willingness to consider all views should not be taken as a weakness but as a strength.
Earlier in the week, acting Alor Gajah Umno chief Rospandi Leman alleged that there were attempts to coerce Sulaiman into resigning.
This is the second time speculation about Sulaiman's possible exit has emerged, with claims that government decisions were being made without his consent.
Last year's Malacca polls were triggered after four assemblypersons quit the ruling coalition, complaining that Sulaiman was being controlled by Malacca Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Ab Rauf, who has denied the claim, is an exco member of the state government.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Azmin. |
 | 'A political alliance will not necessarily win seats in an election.' |
 | Service can be requested in emergency situations. |
Umno-PAS tension
The tension between Umno and PAS appears to be increasing despite efforts by those in favour of an alliance trying to salvage their relationship.
Umno supreme council member Shabery Cheek suggested that PAS leaders are trying to influence Umno ahead of the latter's extraordinary general meeting this Sunday.
Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan did not mince his words, stating that PAS should dissolve as a party.
Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said if PAS is interested in uniting Muslims, it should stop attacking Umno leaders.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The former PM says his judicial interference claim is not malicious. |
 | Party president says some people had written off Umno. |
 | This will likely create 500 highly-skilled jobs. |
What else is happening?
India stunned Malaysia, defeating the latter 3-2 to storm into their first-ever Thomas Cup semi-finals.
The verdict of Rosmah Mansor's corruption trial is set to be delivered on July 7.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob lobbied American investors, including Tesla, which Indonesia has already been actively lobbying, during his visit to the US.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Tropical storms in the Philippines can cause dry conditions. |
 | Investigation will take a few weeks. |
 | They must take it within 24 hours before entry. |
What are people saying?
 | By C4 Center |
 | By Andrew Sia |
 | By P Gunasegaram |
