Good morning.

Kini Morning Brief will be taking a short break. We’ll be back on Friday, Aug 28.

Here's what you should know today.

Key Highlights

  • Zahid teases eager PAS

  • Row over Perlis temple demolition

Zahid teases eager PAS

BN chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is keeping PAS on tenterhooks as to whether they will be partnering in the Malacca state election.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang on Friday echoed Malaysiakini’s analysis that Perikatan Nasional had made considerable gains in the state.

However, he said PAS is willing to forego such gains in favour of an electoral pact with BN.

Zahid, meanwhile, said BN is still looking at potential partners, and may even consider going solo.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ahead of Malacca polls, Hadi outlines PAS' 'sacrifice' for BN
Cops have recorded Hadi's statement over anti-DAP writings, aide says
Hadi free to criticise DAP, but not cross into slander, sedition - party leaders
DAP's Aziz Bari tells Hadi to quit public life over 'racist' remarks

Row over Perlis temple demolition

The demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple in Bukit Lagi, Perlis - which was built on state land without a permit - has led to tensions with the state mufti Asri Zainul Abidin, as well as tensions within DAP.

DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer condemned the demolition by the state government while warning that the public must not allow Perikatan Nasional to take power at the federal level to safeguard a multiracial Malaysia.

Asri, in turn, defended the demolition as a matter of law and land ownership, arguing that places of worship cannot be built through land encroachment. He also accused Rayer of worsening unease among the Malay-Muslim community.

A predominantly Muslim group of 14 DAP members also criticised Rayer, saying that while dialogue should be encouraged to find the best solution, unlawful activities should not be condoned.

A bigger group of 40 members then came to Rayer’s defence, and cautioned that publicly attacking fellow party members could provide ammunition to political opponents and create an impression of division within DAP.

HIGHLIGHTS

Temple on govt land demolished after multiple engagements, says Perlis exco
Stressing Indian vote power, NGOs press Rafizi for Bersama's long-term commitment
Muslims should set example eradicating corruption, not hide it, says PM
Tajuddin questions muftis, Muslim NGOs over 'silence' on Hadi's anti-DAP remarks

Views that matter

Anwar poking the hornet's nest
By Mariam Mokhtar
The problem with objectivity in journalism
By Zan Azlee
29 years on, has PSM progressed?
By S Arutchelvan

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