Good morning. Here's what you need to know today.

Key Highlights

  • 'Cronyism' in LCS fiasco

  • Finding Najib's heir

  • The Princess in the North




'Cronies' in LCS fiasco

As the LCS scandal continues to unravel, one issue that has come into focus is alleged cronyism in the project.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was asked to explain why Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) was given a sweetheart deal that capped late delivery charges at RM180 million per ship.

Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching postulated that this could result in the government losing close to RM1 billion in late delivery charges.

Najib responded by saying that he favoured BNS because it was owned by LTAT.

Meanwhile, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli claimed that Najib's associate/LTAT boss Lodin Wok Kamaruddin had effectively ceded control of an LCS project subcontractor to a foreign company.

The MACC said its probe into individuals linked to misappropriation in the LCS scandal has been completed.

HIGHLIGHTS

LTAT boss: Boustead forced to use LCS money to pay off bad debts
Ex-navy chief scuttles 'dummy ship' rumour
LCS report to be declassified, PM vows transparent probe




Finding Najib's replacement

The LCS project isn't the only problem Najib is facing.

His convictions over the SRC International case by the High Court and Court of Appeal could end up disqualifying him from contesting in GE15.

Since 1959, the Pekan seat has been under the Razak family, save for a single term from 1982 to 1986.

The seat was first held by Najib's father Abdul Razak Hussein before Najib succeeded him.

Now, speculation is rife that the father-son handover tradition may continue.

HIGHLIGHTS

Zaid’s firm to withdraw if Najib’s SRC appeal proceeds
1MDB: Shafee on MC, appeal to obtain Zeti's family bank info postponed.
Bank manager confirms Shahrir received RM1m cheque from Najib




The Princess in the North

Reformasi 'princess' Nurul Izzah Anwar has been chosen as PKR's captain for three northern states - Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

It's part of a new strategy PKR is adopting, where leaders in the peninsula take charge of at least two states.

Notably, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli will be leading the charge in both the Federal Territory and Johor.

HIGHLIGHTS

Protest on LCS scandal to be held on Aug 14
Umno should retire 'old horses' to win GE15 race - party leader
PAS wil not join GTA - Takiyuddin



Views that matter

Azmin Ali’s presence a provocation to rational Malaysians
By S Thayaparan
Enough meat on LCS bone for MACC to act
By P Gunasegaram
Voter education key to reducing rejected ballots among Orang Asli
By Hew & Danesh



What else is happening?

  • Environmental groups succeeded in securing a temporary stay on degazetting parts of the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve.

  • A Malaysia Premier League match turned into a riot after Perak beat Kelantan on home ground.

  • Bernama caught flak after a disgruntled news reader claiming unfair pay cuts and staff mismanagement was threatened with legal action.

    However, Bernama later clarified that the legal threat was only a reccomendation from its Human Resources Department and that a resolution via dialogue was preferred.



HIGHLIGHTS

Govt confirms ban hammer falls on Thor over 'LGBT elements'
Suhakam commissioner: Judge us on our work, not political links
Overseas-born kids can get citizenship if dad is M’sian: Court