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Key Highlights

  • Backpedal on fruit tax begins

  • MACC to charge Sabah reps, whistleblower

  • SIS beats deviant fatwa

Backpedal on fruit tax begins

Backlash against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's claim that the sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits would only impact avocado-eaters and their like is having an impact.

Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi signalled that the SST expansion - due to be implemented in two weeks - may be revised.

Zahid indicated a reversal may apply to fruits like apples and oranges - staples for low-income households that would be subjected to a five percent tax under the current plan.

Anwar wants the government to only serve local fruits - which are tax-free but with inconsistent supply - for events and receptions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Economists warn SST on imported fruits may raise local prices, burden B40
Anwar's reformasi engine chugs along despite public criticism: Sim
Rafizi's parting speech: Quotes that challenge power, stir conscience

MACC to charge Sabah reps, whistleblower

Two Sabah assemblypersons are set to be charged for taking bribes linked to the mineral mining licence corruption case.

This comes almost eight months after damning videos of the scandal first emerged.

However, the bribe-giver-turned-whistleblower who exposed the graft is also on the hook and will be charged alongside the assemblypersons.

HIGHLIGHTS

MACC: 'Albert' allegedly corrupt, no whistleblower protection
Whistleblower channel Edisi Siasat banned
Cops greenlight Sabah anti-graft rally, organiser surprised

SIS beats deviant fatwa, sort of

Sisters in Islam (SIS) have finally beaten a 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) declaring them deviant.

The Federal Court ruled that Islamic authorities only have power over Muslim individuals, and not companies or organisations.

However, the court upheld that Jais did have the authority to declare individuals who embraced "liberalism" and religious pluralism as deviant.

The court also said that individuals running companies or organisations will have to bear the responsibility of any actions that violate fatwas.

HIGHLIGHTS

Relief and renewal: SIS to forge ahead after legal battle ends
SIS ruling to be reviewed to protect fatwa institution, Na'im says
Selangor sultan urges SIS to drop 'Sisters in Islam' from publications

Views that matter

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By R Paneir Selvam
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By R Nadeswaran
Reform requires more than rhetoric, it needs courage
By Mahathir Mohd Rais

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