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

Key Highlights

  • Umno's deadline

  • Zahid's ultimatum

  • Azmin's challenge




Umno's deadline

The Umno supreme council has set a deadline for elections to be held by this year.

The council has instructed Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to propose a date to dissolve Parliament to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, soon.

Ismail is keeping the date close to his chest, but he will likely wait until after the government has tabled Budget 2023 on Friday.

Constitutionally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can reject the dissolution of Parliament.

However, experts differ on whether this applies when the prime minister has not lost the Dewan Rakyat's confidence.

HIGHLIGHTS

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Umno suspends Tajuddin, division leader for six years
Rafizi: Umno desperate for early polls due to dip in Malay voters’ support




Zahid's ultimatum

PAS must sever ties with Bersatu and PN if it wants to work with Umno.

Umno chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said those were the terms that PAS needed to fulfil.

However, PAS does not want to choose, insisting that all three parties should be together.

It will be unsurprising if this stance does not change when PAS meets this week to decide its future direction.

HIGHLIGHTS

DAP is the true racist party, PAS tells Guan Eng
Hamzah: Perlis to get MB from PAS if PN wins state in GE15
GE15: DAP eyes Malay heartland seats in Perak




Azmin's challenge

Azmin Ali is baiting his former PKR boss Anwar Ibrahim to a showdown in Gombak.

This comes after Anwar said that he is willing to contest seats held by those who betrayed Pakatan Harapan.

Anwar did not give a definitive response to the goading, but said his former deputy should ”watch his constituency”.

Meanwhile, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli wants his Pandan seat back.

It is currently held by former PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail - after Rafizi could not contest the 2018 polls.

HIGHLIGHT

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PBM welcomes new members Santhara and Xavier
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Views that matter

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Other news that matter

  • Rimba Disclosure Project wants Selangor exco member Hee Loy Sian to address eight demands for more transparency on plans to open 27 new quarries at the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve.

  • The government is considering forgiving RM230 million in debt owed by Felcra settlers.

  • MACC chief Azam Baki believes placing the graft buster under Parliament's watch would actually result in less freedom to investigate politicians.



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