Good morning. Here's our news and views that matter for today.
Key Highlights
Fuelling national pride at petrol kiosks
Albert flexes in Hajiji’s home turf
‘Romeo and Juliet’ law mooted
Fuelling national pride at petrol kiosks
“Every time Malaysians go to fill up gas now, they will look at their IC (identification card) and remember that they are getting benefits because they are citizens.”
This was how Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan explained Putrajaya’s decision to use the MyKad as the primary method to claim RON95 petrol subsidies.
“The MyKad as a mechanism is important (as it highlights) the perks of having an IC (and) the privileges of being a Malaysian,” he stressed.
But former economy minister Rafizi Ramli warned of loopholes in the new subsidy scheme - from the potential resale of fuel to wealthier households enjoying disproportionate benefits.
The government had clarified that there will be no income cap on RON95 subsidies, despite earlier indications. The targeted mechanism takes effect on Sept 30.
Instead, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that all Malaysians with a valid driver’s licence can purchase RON95 at RM1.99 per litre.
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Albert flexes in Hajiji’s home turf
Nearly a year after blowing the lid on the mining scandal, Albert Tei remains a thorn in the side of Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and his Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition as a state election looms.
The Kuala Lumpur-based businessperson, in Kota Kinabalu for a court proceeding, came out swinging at both the chief minister and the MACC.
He lodged reports with the police and MACC, accusing the commission of leaking confidential information to Hajiji. Tei further alleged that Hajiji violated the Official Secrets Act by disclosing his statements to the commission when questioned about the mining scandal.
At a press conference, Tei claimed that “rats” within MACC were responsible for the leak, arguing the breach showed the commission was compromised and siding with the chief minister.
The businessperson also delivered a direct message to Hajiji: “I want to tell him, I am not afraid. I will not bow to his actions”.
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‘Romeo and Juliet’ law mooted
Lawyers are urging the adoption of a “sweetheart defence” - or “Romeo and Juliet law” - to protect underage girls from being charged for “consenting” to statutory rape.
This follows Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat’s controversial call to charge underage girls alongside the adult men who raped them.
Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo clarified that the provision is meant to shield minors from prosecution when they engage in sex with peers within a defined age range.
"In cases where both parties are minors and close in age, prosecutors (where there is such a law) are often more likely to recommend counselling or other non-criminal interventions rather than pursue a criminal charge.
"The focus shifts from punishment to protecting the minors and ensuring their well-being," she said.
Echoing the call, Child Rights Innovation and Betterment (Crib) Foundation co-chair Ajeet Kaur urged amendments to existing laws to permit such a defence, suggesting it apply only where the age gap is three years or less.
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Views that matter
 | By Syerleena Abdul Rashid |
 | By Wong Chin Huat |
 | By P Gunasegaram |
 | By Syahir Sulaiman |
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