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

Key Highlights

  • Anwar gets to work

  • Zahid on the rebound

  • PN concedes, but bitter




Anwar gets to work

Newly-minted prime minister Anwar Ibrahim started work last Friday, and cutting costs has been the top of his list.

He is in the midst of negotiating a smaller cabinet that is also taking a pay cut.

He has also rejected a new official car, and vowed not to renovate his office.

Anwar has also tasked the National Action Council on Cost of Living to analyse the impact of switching to targeted subsidies so that rich folks don't benefit from aid meant for the poor.

Meanwhile, the Harapan chief has made efforts to build bridges and mend fences, including with the Johor royalty.

HIGHLIGHTS

PM's top five problems
PM not considering holding finance minister post 'at the moment'
Anwar: GRS will join unity govt, we now have two-thirds majority




Zahid on the rebound

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remains under fire for BN's worst electoral performance ever.

However, he appears to be regaining support - with some even nominating him to be deputy prime minister.

Zahid has assured that BN's 30 MPs will support Anwar during a vote of confidence.

Anwar, meanwhile, stressed that cabinet appointments will not be a reward for supporting him.

HIGHLIGHTS

Umno has not nominated DPM candidate - source  
BN can’t demand cabinet posts but will accept appointments - MIC
PKR MP reminds Anwar not to appoint those facing graft cases to cabinet




PN concedes, but bitter

After initially questioning Anwar's legitimacy as prime minister, Perikatan Nasional conceded defeat on Friday.

Anwar's rival Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition would serve as a check-and-balance, and had rejected a unity government offer.

However, they appear to be open to a confidence and supply agreement.

Despite conceding defeat, there appears to still be some residual resentment from PN that Muhyiddin was not sworn in as prime minister despite claiming to have a majority first.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hadi asks if fair for World Cup referee to shift goal post for losers
I was just meeting ex-staffers, Ismail Sabri says over rumours of secret meeting
Friday sermons call for love, reconciliation



Views that matter

Anwar made me believe in something
By James Chai
Media's role to keep new regime in check
By R Nadeswaran
PODCAST | Anwar Ibrahim is PM - What's next?
By Insidekini



Other news that matter

  • Pahang finally has a new state government after BN picked Harapan as its partner.

    PN's Saifuddin Abdullah had criticised BN for being greedy although PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was more reconciliatory and had wanted to offer BN the menteri besar post.

  • Police have released columnist Zulfadzli Halim today after arresting him on Thursday for allegedly posting seditious content on Twitter.

    Malaysiakini’s checks found he had raised the alarm on Nov 21 over inflammatory content being shared on social media platform TikTok - including threats of May 13.

  • Harapan's candidate in Tioman is prepared to make way for BN if ordered to do so.



HIGHLIGHTS

GPS eyes works, rural and plantation portfolios
Economists propose Universal Basic Income, targeted subsidies to Anwar
We may be few, but our crusade continues - Dr M to his voters