Strong, formidable… adequate?
PM-forever-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim’s so-called big presser turns out to be a bit of a letdown. Still, he hints at a possible reunion with former Umno pals and insists he has the numbers to become glorious leader #9.
Elsewhere, the RM10k fine for violating MCO SOPs is here to stay; our gomen extends CMCOs for several states but makes certain allowances for upcoming festivals; and the fight over the word “Allah” continues.
How many cyclists does it take to breach SOP?
Another minister’s in the spotlight over an apparent breach of Covid-19 SOPs at a cycling event. The organiser claims there was nothing “fun” about the event. Still, you can bet there’ll be no ‘get fined RM10k first, appeal later’ treatment here.
In other news, we gotta convince elderly Malaysians to get vaccinated; the gomen springs plans for new/not-so-new laws on Islam, and Anwar Ibrahim continues buddying up to Umno.
This ain’t pocket change!
Enforcers have issued a truckload of Covid-19-related RM10,000 fines since the law came into effect last week. And as expected, there’re a tonne of complaints.
Elsewhere in today’s newsletter, another old-timer MP quits PKR to crawl into the current gomen’s bed, and Khairy Jamaluddin seeks to protect whistleblowers. Meanwhile, a brawl in Bangsar leaves one dead, gets an off-duty cop in trouble, and blows up Twitterjaya.
The ‘Allah’ issue’s a right royal mess
The “Allah” issue gets messier as the sultan of Johor has now waded into the issue, making his views on the matter very clear. And when the head of Islam of one of the country’s largest states speaks, people gotta listen.
In other news, the nation’s top cop cries out sabotage! He claims there’s a gang of young whippersnappers in the force seeking to kick him out. Meanwhile, it’s fisticuffs (verbal lah!) between our ex-prime minister and current vaccine minister!
We’ve got your back, say Khairy and co
The government gives some assurances as we head towards the Covid-19 vaccine rollout that can hopefully put all of our minds – including those of refugees and undocumented migrants – at ease.
Elsewhere in today’s newsletter, our Covid death toll surpasses the 1k mark; pressure for Parliament to sit mounts as our deputy speaker, well, speaks out against the suspension; and, we’ve news from the courts.
Strap in, MCO’s been extended!
Sufferin’ succotash! KL, Selangor and a coupla other states will be on further lockdown for another two weeks, even as the rest of the country will see restrictions eased.
In other news, guess who’s jumped to the front of the Covid-19 vaccination queue? Meanwhile, our infection numbers stay below 3,000; we break a new (this time, good) record; and, the 1MDB trial is the gift that keeps on giving.
Does the dip in Covid infections mean the situation’s getting better?
Covid-19 recoveries are rising while daily infections are falling. But don’t bust out the party hats just yet — it’s still hard to tell if we’re on the path out of the woods.
Also in today’s newsletter, PM Muhyiddin Yassin places Malaysia on the yellow brick road to national unity by 2030; there’re more revelations from the 1MDB trial; and several coppers face the axe over the rape of a teen in a Miri lockup.
Have roadblocks kept us safe or added to our woes?
Helloooooo. Did you miss us? Coz we sure missed you! We enjoyed the break though and hope you did too. Anyway, it’s back to work, so on with the show!
Police roadblocks in MCO-era Malaysia are meant to keep us safe. Yet, incidents of harassment involving women (allegedly! allegedly!) suggest that’s not always the case.
Elsewhere, our Covid-19 numbers dip slightly; the gomen promises free vaccines for all; a minister’s in hot water again for apparently breaking SOP; and Umno leaders deny knowledge of a secret slush fund.
Are we getting the true Covid-19 picture?
The number of daily infections may not actually reflect our true Covid-19 numbers. But if you’re wondering whether the stats have been “tweaked” to justify opening up more business sectors, yesterday’s tally might suggest that it ain’t the case.
Elsewhere, the outrage over the three-day quarantine for ministers continues, Putrajaya may keep the ban on interstate and inter-district travel, and some (more) interesting things about Najib Razak and gang crop up.
We’re taking a break tomorrow for CNY, so we’d like to wish our Chinese readers Gong Xi Fa Cai. We’ll see you Monday!
More MCO regulations eased
The government, in all its wisdom, sees fit to loosen MCO 2.0 restrictions. How’s that when we’ve only just managed to bring our daily numbers down?
Meanwhile, the gomen’s still getting shite for that silly three-day quarantine ruling; we finally get the “independent” emergency advisory committee list of names; and, a pandemic isn’t going to get in the way of some good ol’ Umno politicking!