Good morning, here's what you need to know today.


Key Highlights

  • Ex-spy chief's case dropped

  • DAP's divide

  • Ramadan begins



Ex-spy chief's case dropped

The criminal breach of trust charge against former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid is the latest high profile case to be dropped.

The prosecution cited undisclosed “new development” and said she will be charged again later, on an undisclosed date.

Hasanah was accused of clearing out US$12 million illegally brought in through KLIA for the 2018 general election after it became apparent that BN had lost. She maintained that she was only following orders.

Days before GE14, Hasanah also penned a letter to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) asking the US to support Najib Abdul Razak as prime minister.

The then government under prime minister Najib had allegedly stashed cash at various locations for the GE14 campaign.

Security personnel reportedly cleared out RM3.5 million in cash stashed at the Prime Minister’s Office after the BN was defeated.



HIGHLIGHTS

Bersatu man wants convicted elected reps suspended
At least two convicted Umno MPs are appealing.
Court allows Baling MP's bid to stay graft hearing
Judge finds special circumstances.
When former CJ, ex-AG turn witnesses in court
They share their experience in testifying.

 



DAP’s divide

The Chinese-centric faction in the DAP is making its move ahead of the party election in June.

DAP’s Ronnie Liu declared the party didn’t need to dilute its “Chinese-ness” to attract Malay support.

Liu was accompanied by Hew Kuan Yau, who remains active in DAP circles despite having quit after multiple controversies, including supporting China’s claim on the South China Sea.

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh pushed back, stating Liu’s position did not represent DAP and was a disservice to those who have worked hard to fight prejudices against the party.

Damansara MP Tony Pua, in a statement in the wee hours, called Liu a "Chinese chauvinist" that DAP did not need. These stories will be published in Malaysiakini around the same time this newsletter goes out.

The exchange reflects a long and ongoing divide between two factions - those who want to make DAP more inclusive and those who want to stick with the party’s non-Malay image.



HIGHLIGHTS

Jawi script must be safeguarded - PM
He calls on the govt to increase its use.
Govt looking to enhance Malaysian Indian Blueprint
Unity minister says this is in the works.
Umno man: PAS elites out of touch with grassroots
This is after PAS sided with Bersatu.

 



Ramadan begins

The holy month of Ramadan begins today.

To accommodate Muslims who will be fasting, food premises and delivery services will be allowed to operate all day, subject to their respective licences.

However, the conditional and recovery movement control orders for all states will be extended to April 26 as the Covid-19 situation remains “unstable”.

Recovery MCO: Malacca, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, Putrajaya, Labuan and Perlis.

Conditional MCO: Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak and Perak.

Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also advised Malaysians not to become lax over precautions against Covid-19 as Ramadan bazaars begin.

Malaysiakini wishes all Muslims happy fasting and please stay safe.



HIGHLIGHTS

Anwar: Azmin a 'video expert'
This is after Azmin 'confirmed' Anwar's alleged recording.
PKR Youth: Traitor calling Anwar traitor
Party wing hits out at Azmin.
'Count us out if court cluster works with Harapan'
Pejuang won't work with the 'court cluster'.

 


A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 1,317 new cases and four deaths yesterday (April 12).

  • Sarawak recorded the highest number of new daily cases in four out of the last seven days.

  • The national infectivity rate is at 1.07, the highest since January.

  • For trends on daily cases, tests, hospital beds capacity, vaccination progress and more, follow our Covid-19 tracker.


What else is happening?

  • Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin denied interfering in the transfer of police officers, stating that the decision was by the Police Force Commission, which he chairs.

  • Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin acknowledged the country was facing financial constraints after spending heavily to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • The Road Transport Department is offering a 70 percent discount on summonses beginning today in conjunction with its 75th year anniversary.

  • Putrajaya urged those who have received their Covid-19 vaccine appointment to confirm attendance so as to avoid wastage of the vaccines.

  • The Immigration Department wants all foreigners with expired social visit passes to leave Malaysia before April 21, citing abuses. Some were stranded due to the pandemic.


HIGHLIGHTS

C4: Foundations abused for political gain
This is caused by a lack of political financing law.
No point to get a huge majority if no integrity - Hadi
What is the benefit if the people are lied to, he asks.
Kit Siang urges hope in hopelessness
He recalls the despair during the 2016 twin polls.

 


What are people saying?

The Mandela of Malayan journalism
By KS Jomo
The future of Orang Asal
By Jason Loh Seong Wei
'Audio-gate' demonstrates Harapan's hypocrisy
By S Thayaparan

 


CARTOON KINI