PM's controversial appointments
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Key Highlights
PM's controversial appointments
Wan Fayhsal vs Najib
Amanah recruits ex-Bersatu man
PM's controversial appointments
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government has made a number of controversial appointments recently.
The most recent is the apparent appointment of lecturer Kamarul Zaman Yusoff as a special officer to Ismail Sabri.
The appointment was revealed in a social media post by the Prime Minister's Office but was later edited to drop the reference to Kamarul as a special officer.
Kamarul has had a history of alleging Christian conspiracies.
Ismail Sabri's government had also caused an uproar over the recent appointment of Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the ambassador to Indonesia.
Tajuddin was previously fired over his insensitive handling of the LRT crash in May last year.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | He did not want to cause trouble for DAP. |
 | Witness maintains it’s not corruption. |
 | His son was also granted a postponement. |
Wan Fayhsal vs Najib
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal taunted former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak by congratulating him on his ”wedding” on Facebook.
The comment came amidst the widespread circulation of a photograph depicting Najib posing with a woman, with their arms linked, at a party.
This led to speculation online that Najib has a new family.
However, Wan Ahmad Fayshal received brickbats over his past gaffes, including offering support letters during his party election and suggesting the printing of more money to solve the country's economic woes.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Court process 'must be respected'. |
 | The goal was to blame 1MDB management. |
 | 'Perhaps I should have done that.’ |
Amanah recruits a former Bersatu man
Former Telok Mas state assemblyperson Noor Effandi Ahmad, who was sacked from Bersatu for his role in bringing down the Malacca government last year, has joined Amanah.
Amanah's willingness to take in Noor Effandi came despite the strained relations it caused with DAP during the Malacca polls last November.
During the state polls, Amanah also fielded Nor Azman Hassan while PKR fielded Idris Haron as candidate despite objections from DAP.
The two were sacked from Bersatu and Umno respectively for their involvement in toppling the Malacca government.
Both lost badly in the election while Noor Effandi did not contest in that state polls.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Both are speculated to sit out the polls. |
 | However, this view is not seen among the Malays. |
 | It will be up for discussion in the cabinet first. |
A daily glance at Covid-19
2,124 new cases yesterday (May 19) bring the cumulative infections to 4,485,419.
Three new fatalities put the death toll at 35,633.
New cases by states
Selangor (892)
Kuala Lumpur (411)
Perak (125)
Penang (114)
Malacca (111)
Negeri Sembilan (98)
Kedah (70)
Johor (62)
Sarawak (58)
Sabah (56)
Putrajaya (46)
Pahang (40)
Kelantan (17)
Terengganu (11)
Labuan (7)
Perlis (6)
What else is happening?
The ringgit fell to its lowest level since 2020, hitting RM4.40 to a US dollar.
PKR election committee (JPP) chairperson Zaliha Mustafa said the party is investigating complaints of alleged manipulation of its online voting process in the PKR polls.
Serba Dinamik Holdings, which was let off with a fine instead of a jail term for submitting false financial statements, is seeking to sell its assets in order to settle its liabilities.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Kelvin Yii says there is a major public interest. |
 | Cops urge the public not to make any speculation. |
 | The report will be sent to Selangor police HQ. |
What are people saying?
 | By P Gunasegaram |
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By Malaysiakini readers |
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