Good morning. Here's what you should know today.

Key Highlights

  • Madani to PN hoppers next?

  • PN bags Kemaman

  • A new Digital ID

Madani to PN hoppers next?

Bersatu supreme council member Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof claimed that there are internal negotiations to get government MPs to defect and support Perikatan Nasional.

He claimed that more than 10 MPs would make the jump including from BN and PKR, allegedly due to disappointment that the government is being "led by DAP".

In the event this does happen, the government will remain intact as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has the support of at least two-thirds of MPs.

Secondly, if any of the defectors are from Umno, this may trigger the anti-hopping law.

This is because, Umno - like DAP and Amanah - has a clause in the party's rules whereby rogue MPs are considered to have "resigned" from the party, thereby triggering the anti-hopping law.

Such an outcome will likely be challenged in court, but also means there may be several by-elections.

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PN bags Kemaman

Perikatan Nasional retained the Kemaman parliament seat with 70.1 percent of the votes.

The win, however, was expected and consistent with voting patterns from the 15th general election last year and the six state elections in August.

Regardless the by-election, and the victory, have turned into a launchpad for aerospace engineering expert turned politician Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is being touted as a future prime minister candidate.

Digital and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil speculated the first likely step, however, is for Samsuri to replace Hamzah Zainuddin as opposition chief.

HIGHLIGHTS

Samsuri has what it takes to be prime minister - Dr M
Huge Kemaman win confirms momentum with PN, says Takiyuddin
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A new Digital ID

The government has introduced a Digital ID system.

The Digital ID is not replacing the MyKad but instead is being touted as a system to help authenticate online transactions and manage logins on government services.

Further, it may also be used in the implementation of targeted subsidies, including Rahmah Cash Aid (STR)

At present sign-up appears to be limited to the civil service only, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim being the first to get a Digital ID.

The government has assured that personal data, and the system itself, are secure.

HIGHLIGHTS

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Views that matter

KJ’s rank hypocrisy
By Mariam Mokhtar
Is M'sia fast becoming nation for religious fanaticism?
By Sukeshini Nair
Why is it so hard to stamp out misogyny and sexism?
By Zan Azlee

Other news that matter

  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hints that a cabinet reshuffle might be taking place this month.

  • Amanah has submitted two names to fill in the vacancy left by the late Salahuddin Ayub in the cabinet.

  • Over 4,000 people were displaced by flooding in Kelantan as of last night.

  • Former health minister Chua Jui Meng passed away at the age of 80.

  • P Ramasamy paid RM1.52 million to Zakir Naik as part of the Islamic preacher’s defamation suit against the former DAP leader.

HIGHLIGHTS

FT PAS Youth froths as DBKL booze ban rolled back
'Have you lost your mind': Tiong slams Sanusi after 'pot-bellied deity' jibe
57.3pct increase in Covid cases