Good morning. Here's our news and views that matter for today.
Key Highlights
Dr M in MACC’s crosshairs
KKB can trigger fall of S’gor
Master BM to be Malaysian
Dr M in MACC’s crosshairs
MACC has confirmed that it is investigating former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Chief commissioner Azam Baki said that the orders issued by MACC to the 98-year-old politician’s sons Mokhzani and Mirzan to declare their assets were related to the probe.
However, he declined to elaborate on the matter.
“I do not wish to reveal more details on their (alleged) offences or the specific accusations against Mahathir.
“Let the investigation take its course first until a time where we see it fit to give more information,” he said.
Mahathir has repeatedly suggested that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is attempting to exact political revenge by using the MACC to investigate his family and friends.
In February, Anwar hit back at those arguing that certain individuals should not be investigated for alleged corruption because of their advanced age.
“So, can old people rob? Old people can rape?” he asked.
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KKB can trigger fall of S’gor
There is a certain strategy to Perikatan Nasional’s methods in Kuala Kubu Baharu, according to PAS deputy permanent chairperson Kamal Ashaari.
He said this stratagem could be employed to trigger the downfall of Pakatan Harapan in Selangor if PN wins the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.
“If we win in KKB, it is not impossible that the government can be changed using a certain strategy after we get the seat,” he said.
Kamal also claimed that a poll conducted by the opposition revealed that there is a strong wind of change, even amongst non-Malay voters, blowing through the DAP stronghold.
Among others, he attributed the dissatisfaction towards the rising cost of living.
The Selangor state legislative assembly has 56 seats, with Harapan and BN holding 34 while PN has 22.
Harapan’s predecessor Pakatan Rakyat, which at the time also included PAS, had captured the state in the 2008 general election.
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Master BM to be Malaysian
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh wants those seeking Malaysian citizenship to master Bahasa Melayu.
He was responding to a recent case where an immigration officer refused to renew a local woman’s passport in Penang as she could not speak the national language.
“Umno Youth would like to propose that either the government or the opposition file a parliamentary motion to amend the law, to make it a must for one to be able to converse in Bahasa Melayu in order to be considered a citizen.
“If Bangladeshis who come to Malaysia can speak Bahasa Melayu, how can one call themselves citizens but not speak the language?” he asked.
Akmal said Umno Youth would use all channels available to ensure this motion is presented and made into law.
On Wednesday, Immigration director-general Ruslin Jusoh said the department’s officers are not allowed to reject passport renewals or first-time applications solely because the applicant failed to master the national language.
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Views that matter
 | By Francis Paul Siah |
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By Fa Abdul |
Other news that matter
An MACC investigating officer testified that Najib Abdul Razak never directed any member of 1MDB’s management to transfer a total of US$1.03 billion to offshore entity Good Star Limited linked to fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho (Jho Low).
Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam has urged MCA to decide on its position in the coalition government. This after MCA decided not to campaign for the DAP candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu polls.
The Asean Parliamentarians For Human Rights (APHR) has called Putrajaya to safeguard Parliament's independence and ensure its effective government oversight.
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