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Key Highlights

  • Govt fumbles on ‘Allah’ case

  • PAS wants olive branch for PN

  • PM gives Azam, Idrus thumbs up

Govt fumbles on ‘Allah’ case

The government appeared to be unprepared for the backlash it faced after withdrawing its appeal on Jill Ireland’s “Allah” case.

The filing to withdraw the appeal was made in April and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter was discussed in cabinet several months ago.

However, when the news broke on Monday, Saifuddin did not have an explanation ready, beyond vaguely recalling it was a decision by his ministry.

It would be another 24 hours before the minister gave a proper explanation, giving plenty of time for the opposition and conservative groups to hurl brickbats.

Even government politicians were critical on the lack of a timely response, while the cabinet itself did not present a cohesive narrative on the matter.

HIGHLIGHTS

Azalina: Umno ministers to raise 'Allah' issue in cabinet meeting
PM: Court ruling on Jill Ireland's Allah case only applicable in S'wak
Azan row: Penang Islamic department wants apology over 'seditious' video

PAS wants olive branch for PN

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s outstretched olive branch appears to have caught PAS’ attention.

However, PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari says any attempt at reconciliation must include all of PN, not just the party.

He also said the terms for reconciliation can be up for discussion.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kit Siang: PAS should join unity govt but…  
Memali incident weaponised against Hadi after signing Dr M's proclamation
PN leader: Pick proven Muhyiddin over empty promises Anwar

PM gives Azam, Idrus thumbs up

Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim explained that the reason MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and Attorney-General Idrus Harun had their contracts extended was that they were doing a good job.

He said this is especially after he gave the two Muhyiddin Yassin appointees more leeway to carry out their duties.

Azam’s contract was extended by one year effective this month, while Idrus had his contract extended by six months back in March.

HIGHLIGHTS

Assets allegation on loop - Dr M tells ‘mat retorik’ to furnish proof
PM turns up heat: No subsidies for homes with 'excessive' power usage
Annuar: DAP's presence at WTC will spell doom for Umno

Views that matter

Umno’s dirty tricks return to haunt Zahid
By S Thayaparan 
Hadi's words breach limits of free speech
By R Nadeswaran
Should Anwar court Hadi and PAS?
By P Gunasegaram

Other news that matter

  • The Local Government Ministry is mulling heftier fines for misusing fire hydrants arguing that the current compound of between RM100 to RM500 was too low.

    Last week a contractor in Rantau Panjang was fined RM100 for misusing a fire hydrant in helping the constituency’s MP, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff to fill up water tanks to distribute during a water shortage.

  • Meanwhile, the same ministry has pledged that there will be no more “sick” PR1MA projects by next year.

  • Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said he will seek to dissolve the state assembly during the third or fourth week of June.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Principal made us write letter to coax Cikgu Ponteng to return’
Absent teacher case: Federal counsel questions former student's grades
PAS Ulama urges Puspal to block entry of pro-LGBT artistes