Good morning. Here are our important picks for today.

Key Highlights

  • Anwar is confident in 'confidence'

  • Axe falls, heads roll

  • Govt to revisit Batu Puteh issue




Anwar is confident in 'confidence'

Since 2018, three of his predecessors have broken their respective successor’s records of having the shortest tenure in office - Dr Mahathir Mohamad (22 months), Muhyiddin Yassin (17 months) and Ismail Sabri Yaakob (15 months).

Anwar Ibrahim, sworn in as prime minister on Nov 24, believes he would not reduce this record from months to weeks.

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson is confident of clearing his first hurdle - a vote of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat this coming Monday, Dec 19.

Anwar, who claims to have formidable support in the Lower House, stated that leaders of the other coalitions in his government have agreed to back him.

“The heads of BN, GPS, GRS, Warisan and other parties have given their commitment and we can continue (governing),” he added.

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More heads roll

The cabinet has decided to terminate, with immediate effect, the contracts of all chairpersons and board members made through political appointments in government-linked firms and bodies.

This follows the decision to terminate Public Service Department director-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah.

Also facing the chopping block is attorney-general Idrus Harun - whom the government is reportedly planning to replace.

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Govt to revisit Batu Puteh issue

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hopes to hold "meaningful and immediate" discussions with Singapore on the Pulau Batu Puteh issue, without affecting bilateral ties between the neighbouring countries.

Apart from requesting an explanation from the attorney-general, the government also wants him to look into the "after-effects" of losing the island.

Previously, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government had renounced its claim for Pulau Batu Puteh to follow an earlier arrangement it had made with Singapore.



Kiniguide: How did Malaysia lose the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh?



In October, the special task force to review laws relating to the sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge presented its final report to former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s cabinet.

The task force had disclosed that there was possible negligence and error on Mahathir’s part when Malaysia missed the window to file a review application against the ICJ judgment.

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Views that matter

By S Thayaparan 
By R Nadeswaran
By Rais Hussin




Other news that matter

  • Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was wiped out in the contest for the Langkawi parliamentary seat, has declined an invitation to join Muafakat Nasional, the NGO founded by sacked Umno veteran Annuar Musa,

    However, Annuar claimed the nonagenarian has pledged to support the movement.

  • Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail remained firm that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) would not be amended for now despite criticism and appeals from various quarters, including Pakatan Harapan politicians.

  • Shahidan Kassim, a man of many hats, has warned Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim of legal action if he is unable to substantiate allegations of corruption in sports bodies.

    The former Perlis menteri besar is the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MEF) chairperson. He also heads the Malaysian Swimming Federation.

  • Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has revealed that his main focus is long-term economic planning, with poverty eradication at its heart.



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