Good morning. Here are our picks for today.

Key Highlights

  • Mohamad Hasan on ‘drowning’ Umno

  • DuitNow QR fee waiver

  • Cabinet reshuffle on Anwar’s mind

Mohamad Hasan on ‘drowning’ Umno

While on the campaign trail for the Pelangai by-election, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said a “drowning” Umno decided to look for a life raft and work with Pakatan Harapan to stay alive.

Their decision was to ensure the party can rise again as there is no use staying outside the government, he said.

This was part of his explanation to BN supporters in the constituency why the party formed a coalition government with their former arch-nemesis Harapan.

He also blamed PAS for the major losses BN suffered in GE15, saying the Islamist party betrayed its promise to work together when it chose Bersatu as a partner.

HIGHLIGHTS

BN greases Pelangai folk with free oil change
'Don't come back' remark to outstation voters just a joke: Wan Rosdy
Bersih: Putrajaya's funding for Pelangai schools an abuse

DuitNow QR fee waiver

The new transaction fees incurred by traders receiving payments via the DuitNow QR application starting Nov 1 have ticked off MCA president Wee Ka Siong.

He said the new policy is discrimination against small traders, calling it “wholly unfair”.

This will vastly disadvantage the smallest and most vulnerable traders and retailers as well as discourage the growth of cashless payments, he added.

Previously, there were no charges imposed for DuitNow QR transactions under RM5,000 while there was a fixed fee of RM0.50 incurred for transactions above RM5,000.

Come Nov 1, there will be a 0.25 percent charge on the transaction amount for debit card payments and a 0.50 percent fee for credit card transactions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Waiver for DuitNow QR users should continue, says Wee
MP questions practicality of DBKL’s RM10.5m bikeway project
Hardcore poor, disabled can apply for lower land premiums - Perak MB

Cabinet reshuffle on Anwar’s mind

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he will “ponder” over a cabinet reshuffle.

This was his response when asked about speculations of an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.

Previous reports quoting sources said the reshuffle is to replace underperforming ministers and will see leaders from the state level elevated to federal positions.

The reshuffle is purported to occur after the conclusion of the Pelangai by-election on Oct 7.

HIGHLIGHTS

Five top civil servants reshuffled
No discussion on cabinet reshuffle, says Fahmi
MB denies Harapan asked for 30pct in state govt appointments

Views that matter

Mat Hasan tells Umno to get real
By Terence Netto
Let public scrutinise Govt Procurement Bill
By C4 Center
Our right to disconnect
By Rohaini Ramli

Other news that matter

  • A Johor DAP leader said two former prime ministers should be called to be key witnesses for a Parliamentary Special Select Committee proceeding to separate the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor.

  • The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has given Gardenia Bakeries Sdn Bhd until Oct 3 to explain a planned increase in the prices of 30 of its products.

  • The criminal court has denied an application by a “Datuk Seri” to drop the RM15 million corruption case against him that mentioned former home minister Hamzah Zainudin.

  • Former Umno leader Khairy Jamaludin says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim does not have a fixed location along the political spectrum.

HIGHLIGHTS

Moral policing in Langkawi: Tiong doubles down on tourists' complaints
DAP MP just as guilty of riding on religion, say Khairy and Shahril
Sanusi rejects nominations to contest PAS veep post