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Key Highlights
Back to the history books
Political fortunes
Refugees in limbo
Back to the history books
Following backlash against Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor over his claims that Malays only have Tanah Melayu as their homeland in comparison to other races, the Kedah menteri besar and his fellow PAS members have turned to history to defend his remarks.
Sanusi argued that his comments, made on the Negeri Sembilan campaign trail last week, was merely discussing the historical relationship between the Malays and Malaya, alongside his concerns regarding the economic and political position of the Malays.
His critics have also reached into history with former Batu MP Tian Chua describing the historical premise of Sanusi's argument as "seriously flawed - not because it is offensive, but because it distorts historical and anthropological reality."
Police will be summoning Sanusi as part of their investigation into his remarks under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Sanusi, meanwhile, has taken legal action against PKR leader Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan for misquoting him.
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Political fortunes
On the polls front, the focus is on a risky electoral bet, a battle for political survival and an attempt to reshape political culture.
Will Negeri Sembilan caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun's decision to contest in Linggi pay off? The Pakatan Harapan leader’s move into an Umno stronghold has been described as "suicidal", and early signs suggest the odds are stacked against him, with many voters telling Malaysiakini they have backed BN for generations.
For Bersatu, the Negeri Sembilan election could also be a make-or-break moment as it struggles to remain relevant amid PAS’ attempts to push it out of Perikatan Nasional. Read what Muhyiddin Yassin's party must do to avoid fading further from the political spotlight.
Although Parti Bersama Malaysia is sitting out the Aug 1 polls, it has already started looking ahead to future contests, hoping to create a new political culture by publishing its campaign finances from the recent Johor state election. Bersama pledged to do the same in future elections as part of its push for cleaner practices.
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Refugees in limbo
Concerns are mounting over the management of refugees after the suspension of UNHCR registration, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's tough stance on a group of Rohingya refugees gathered outside the UN agency's office in Kuala Lumpur two days ago.
Humanitarian groups warned the registration freeze could leave asylum seekers vulnerable to arrest, detention, forced return and greater health risks, urging the government to put safeguards in place as it rolls out a national refugee registration system.
The criticism intensified after Anwar ordered enforcement agencies to take "firm action" against the Rohingya group, who had reportedly camped outside the UNHCR office after allegedly being driven from their settlement in Penang.
Amnesty International Malaysia said Anwar's "deeply concerning" remarks had turned a humanitarian issue into an enforcement matter.
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