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

Key Highlights

  • PAS rallies for Najib without Umno

  • Agong flexes pardon powers

  • Govt to go on self-discovery retreat

PAS rallies for Najib without Umno

PAS will rally in Putrajaya today to show solidarity with Najib Abdul Razak while the Court of Appeal hears his bid to be granted house arrest.

However, they will be doing so without Umno.

Umno had decided not to proceed with the rally after Istana Negara said that those seeking clemency must go through the Pardons Board.

PAS claimed that Umno chickened out because it was afraid of DAP.

Malaysiakini will be reporting live on developments inside the courtroom and at the rally.

HIGHLIGHTS

Zahid warns Umno members against joining Najib protest
Najib demo: Police to erect roadblocks, strict checks at Putrajaya roads
Can those wearing Bersih t-shirts pass roadblocks, Najib's daughter jibes

Agong flexes pardon powers

The current Yang di-Pertuan Agong is flexing his authority to grant pardons and clemency.

Based on a statement by the AGC, citing the Agong, this includes Najib's bid to be placed under house arrest.

The Agong's position is that all bids for clemency must go through the Pardons Board meeting that His Majesty chairs.

The previous Agong reportedly granted Najib house arrest, although it is not clear if it went through the Pardons Board.

HIGHLIGHTS

'Read, understand, accept' - PM on Agong's decree
Agong's power to pardon absolute, Pardons Board only formality: Lawyer
About 200 gather for rally against Nga, Yeoh

Govt to go on self-discovery retreat

The government will go on a retreat to reflect on their inner self.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the retreat would focus on the successes achieved so far, while also addressing weaknesses within the administration.

This will be the cabinet's third retreat under the present administration.

HIGHLIGHTS

Never forgo principles for M'sian dream, Kit Siang reminds DAP
PM says he will help Zahid, Guan Eng 'settle' disagreements
PKR MP: I read Yeoh's book, I'm still Buddhist

Views that matter

PKR, coalition partners should challenge Anwar over Najib
By P Gunasegaram
Non-Muslims liable if Muslims join their religious events?
By S Thayaparan
DAP called 'subversive' when PAS has history of 'derhaka'
By Howard Lee

Other news that matter

Abang Jo snuffs out hope for political coup
No criminal element in UiTM cadet's death - S'gor police chief
MACC looking to complete Sabah graft probe before end-January