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Key Highlights

  • PN 'duit minyak' for votes woes

  • Anwar cabinet assembled

  • BN bows out of Padang Serai




PN 'duit minyak' for votes woes

PN election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor railed against the coalition's supporters on Friday, lamenting requests for 'duit minyak' (transport allowance) as motivation for voting.

He claims those who asked for money even made videos about it, which he said was an embarassment.

Previously, Sanusi had denied that PAS had paid voters as was alleged by viral posts and videos.

Digital Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil wants authorities to investigate the Kedah menteri besar for alleged vote buying.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kedah MB dubs Anwar's cabinet appointments 'unnatural'
Shahidan: PAS states should go to polls now to capitalise on anger
‘Lame duck PM’ attack over Anwar's cabinet is latest PN narrative




Anwar cabinet assembled

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's cabinet has been sworn in, with 28 ministers - four less than under the previous PN-BN and BN-PN governments.

As expected, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was made deputy prime minister, while GPS' Fadillah Yusof also became a deputy prime minister.

Some surprise inclusions were BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir (Foreign Affairs Ministry), and former finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (International Trade and Industry Ministry) - both of whom lost in GE15.

Another minister who lost in the polls was PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution (Home Ministry).

Anwar himself took the finance portfolio. He is the first prime minister to also hold a ministerial portfolio since Najib - who was also the finance minister.

Of the ministers, 15 are from Pakatan Harapan, BN (6), GPS (5), GRS (1), and one non-politician - Na’im Mokhtar (Religious Affairs).

The cabinet has elicited a mixed response, with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow among the critics.

HIGHLIGHTS

Muhyiddin: PM 'pawns' good governance by picking 'kleptocrat'
DAP was willing to forgo positions for Anwar to be PM - Loke
Emulate DAP and quit whining, Zahid scoffs at Muhyiddin




BN bows out of Padang Serai

MIC vice-president C Sivarraajh has withdrawn from the Padang Serai race to make way for Harapan's Mohamad Sofee Razak.

He is expected to be appointed as a senator in exchange - paving the way for a possible appointment in the government.

Sivarraajh's name will still be on the ballot paper, however, as the Election Commission does not allow a candidate to drop out mid-race.

Harapan had made way for BN in the Tioman by-election - which is also underway.

HIGHLIGHTS

Appoint Hadi as opposition leader – T'ganu Amanah Youth chief
Amid by-election, Pahang govt lowers Tioman ferry fare to RM20
Gobind says he received cabinet post offer, but declined to focus on MP duty



Views that matter

New cabinet: The bright, and dark, side
By Andrew Sia
Only one Indian for minister? Harapan can do better
By P Ramasamy
Open letter to the 10th prime minister of Malaysia
By Rafidah Aziz



Other news that matter

  • The Malaysian Paediatric Association is concerned that Terengganu's new syariah law criminalising getting pregnant or giving birth out of wedlock - may lead to more baby dumping cases.

  • Newly minted Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he will be reaching out to his predecessor Hamzah Zainuddin for "tips" on how to do a good job.

  • Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg has proposed that a state trust fund be established to regulate federal funds and projects for the state.



HIGHLIGHTS

Loke: DAP working with BN, not Zahid
Kadir Jasin: Anwar's executive power a terrifying prospect
Azalina's priority - address outdated laws, bring them up to speed