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


Key Highlights

  • Muhyiddin disputes coup effort

  • Graft amnesty proposal

  • MOU expiry





Muhyiddin disputes coup effort

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin denied revealing to certain party leaders that he has mustered a sufficient majority to return as the prime minister.

This was after Warisan president Shafie Apdal claimed he met with Muhyiddin two months ago and was told by the Pagoh MP that he had the support of 119 out of 220 MPs.

Muhyiddin admitted to meeting with non-BN party leaders but said the discussions were only ensuring a one-on-one fight against BN in the 15th general election.



HIGHLIGHTS

PM says didn't want to overstep Agong's power
This was after criticism of flip-flopping.
Cabinet agrees to 3 parliamentary reforms
The reforms include a draft code of ethics for MPs.
Man allegedly dismembers mother over estate row
The body was cut up into 15 pieces.





Graft amnesty proposal 

Nazir Abdul Razak, the brother of ex-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, proposed a corruption amnesty exercise.

Referencing Hong Kong's reforms in the 1970s, he noted the government offered amnesty to offences pre-1977 before adopting an uncompromising approach to future graft violations.

However, opposition MPs have mixed feelings, with some disagreeing if the amnesty included grand corruption such as the 1MDB scandal.

Najib has been accused of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to the multi-billion ringgit theft of 1MDB funds.



HIGHLIGHTS

Nazir backs restoring GST 'in the right way'
He said it was one of Harapan's mistakes.
Ex-diplomat, son charged with drug trafficking
Duo faces possibility of death penalty.
MOF makes structural reforms a key focus for Budget 2023
It is to strengthen economic resilience.






MOU expiry

While the common belief is that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and Pakatan Harapan will expire on July 31, Umno's Annuar Musa pointed out that isn't exactly how it is worded.

Instead, Annuar said that the MOU only states that a general election cannot be called before July 31 but the term of the MOU is until Parliament is dissolved.

He said this is detailed in Articles 2 and 3 of the MOU. The MOU can be found on the Parliament's website.

As such, the MOU, which is a pledge by opposition MPs not to obstruct the legislative agenda that could threaten the government's survival in exchange for reforms, could potentially last until the middle of next year if Parliament is not dissolved early.



HIGHLIGHTS

'Appalled' MP asks AG to withdraw federal counsel from Ain suit
She says teacher was sued in personal capacity. 
Sabah Harapan sue Putrajaya over 40pct revenue sharing
They claim govt's reneging on deal.
Curb spread of reincarnation concept among Muslims - Penang mufti
He wants religious authorities to take action.







What else is happening?

  • Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the reintroduction of the Good and Services Tax (GST) is being studied but there is not yet a decision.

  • Kukusan assemblyperson Rina Jainal is the latest elected representative to leave Warisan. Warisan president Shafie Apdal said the party needs to be strengthened before choosing sides amid complaints by its opposition allies that the party is drifting away.

  • The Road Transport Department announced it will enforce a ban on heavy vehicles during rush hour.







HIGHLIGHTS

Harpsichordist to the stars Ng Kah Ming strikes right chord
Ng trades engineering career for Baroque music. 
Zacharevic pieces Scrabble tiles to form artwork on haze pollution
Artist's latest mural highlights haze pollution. 
Steven Wong's love for reptiles, amphibians
They are an important part of the ecosystem.





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