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The Donald vs the Reformer
Good morning. Hope you had a wonderful break.
Here's what happened since we were away.
Key Highlights
The Donald vs the Reformer
Putra Heights inferno
Mandated patriotism
Minister in trouble
The Donald vs the Reformer
Wrestling aficionado-turned-US-president Donald Trump decided to enter a battle royale with the globe on April 2, by imposing reciprocal tariffs.
Trump claimed the tariff rates are roughly half of what is being imposed by other countries on US exports.
Malaysia is being hit with a 24 percent tariff. An island only inhabited by penguins is also among those that Trump announced tariffs on.
However, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and others have pointed out, the math cited by the US is flawed.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Putra Heights inferno
A massive gas pipeline fire erupted in Putra Heights, Selangor on the morning of April 1.
No casualties were reported, although over 100 people were injured and more than 200 homes damaged. Eighty-seven of those homes were completely destroyed.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, with authorities looking into the possibility that excavation works to replace a sewage pipe near the incident was responsible.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced RM2,500 as immediate relief for those whose houses have been damaged by the inferno, and RM5,000 for those whose houses have been completely destroyed.
Petronas is also footing the hospital bill, while the Selangor government is offering temporary housing to victims.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Mandated patriotism
The government plans to instil patriotism among school students by making them wear Malaysian flag badges on their uniforms starting April 21.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended the move, saying the badges would be given to students for free and they should just put it on.
Despite being mandatory, however, an FAQ by the Education Ministry later said that no action would be taken against students who don't wear the badge.
National Unity Advisory Council member Lee Lam Thye said that instilling patriotism requires more than symbolic displays.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Minister in trouble
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali may be in trouble.
Armizan had admitted that in 2023, he was a board member of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) - a state subsidiary.
This was in relation to his presence at meetings between SMM and an Indonesian company in Jakarta that year, over mineral exploration licenses in Sabah.
An NGO says Armizan's admission could mean that he violated Article 48(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution which disqualifies MPs who hold an office of profit.
Sabah Bersatu later revealed that Armizan is also, at present, listed as a director in another private company.
Armizan said he would be cooperating with authorities on the matter.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Views that matter
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