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

Key Highlights

  • Zahid DPM lobby

  • Hadi stokes fire

  • Harapan shields up




Zahid DPM lobby

Lobbying for embattled Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to be deputy prime minister continues.

One surprising backer is former PKR vice-president Tian Chua - who said having Zahid as DPM would also ensure the government is strong enough to implement reforms.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, has not completely ruled out Zahid as his deputy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ministers with court cases? Anwar considering ‘all views’
Zahid: Umno not neglecting principles by working with Harapan
Anwar committing 'harakiri' if Zahid chosen as DPM - veteran journalist




Hadi stokes fire

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has continued to stoke resentment against Pakatan Harapan after his PN coalition failed to form the government.

Hadi has made veiled criticisms against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, accused DAP of Islamophobia, and claimed that the unity government is dominated by non-Malays.

Police released a statement yesterday saying they were probing Hadi, but this was later amended to say that they were probing Baling MP Hassan Saad, who is also from PAS.

HIGHLIGHTS

PM issues letter demanding apology from Baling MP over Twitter audio
Hadi accused of 'derhaka', Harapan leader wants sedition probe
Go ahead and report, I'm ready for Bukit Aman - Hadi




Harapan shields up

Harapan is going on the defensive, as it faces continued attacks that threaten to destabilise its hatchling unity government.

Prime Minister Anwar has reportedly ordered police to probe the slanderous remarks.

PKR is also taking action against social media adverts from a PN-linked Facebook page casting aspersions on Anwar's ties with Israel.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bersatu man: Harapan being hypocrite, arrogant for involving cops
Wan Saiful: PM failed to guarantee no 'witch hunt' in civil service
Cops question PN's Azman over 'adulterous govt' remark



Views that matter

Race and religion narrative - dicing with danger
By RK Anand
Anwar should unravel the mystery of Raymond Koh, 2 others
By Terence Netto
Anwar has bought Harapan time
By S Thayaparan



Other news that matter

  • Harapan is giving way to BN in the Tioman state seat election and will share a campaign stage tonight.

    Harapan's candidate will, however, remain on the ballot paper as the EC does not allow nominees to withdraw mid-campaign.

  • BN and Harapan are still clashing in Padang Serai - a seat that may fall to PN if the latter maintains its momentum in the north from the 15th general election.

  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would still go ahead with a vote of confidence for his leadership on Dec 19 as a matter of principle, despite claiming to have a two-thirds majority.



HIGHLIGHTS

‘Embrace change’ - PM tells civil servants in maiden PMO speech
No more approvals for procurements without tender - PM
'Nothing unusual about PM rejecting new official car'