Rafizi weighs in on frogs

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

Key Highlights

• Rafizi weighs in on frogs
  
  

• Cheaper Covid-19 test kits
  
  

• Hard liquor ban
  
  

Rafizi weighs in on frogs

Rafizi Ramli, who has largely shied away from active politics despite his appointment as a PKR vice-president in 2018, broke silence over Pakatan Harapan's plans to recruit Umno and Bersatu defectors for the Malacca state election.

He blamed the push on Amanah leaders whom he claimed are pressuring the coalition to take in Idris Haron and his allies who brought down the Umno-Bersatu Malacca government.

Meanwhile, DAP's Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh cautioned that it would be a "grave mistake" if the opposition coalition accepted the former Umno and Bersatu leaders.

However, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, at the launch of the party's election machinery last night, said the Umno and Bersatu rebels only withdrew their support for the state government after negotiations with Harapan and the coalition cannot abandon them now.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Umno leaders differ on approach towards allies for Malacca Some leaders also doubt the viability of a common logo.
	'Fine for PKR's 'no crowd' ceramah shows double standards' Kit Siang points out no fine against Najib.
	M'sia's carbon emissions per capita higher than China China is the world's largest emitter.

Cheaper Covid-19 test kits

The government announced that Covid-19 self-test kits will now be available for as low as RM6.90, although the ceiling price of RM19.90 remains unchanged for now.

The kits will also no longer be limited to pharmacies and can be purchased at various premises, including petrol stations, convenience stores and supermarkets.

The move is aimed at dealing with an endemic Covid-19, where it is expected to be persistent for years to come, like dengue.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee report found the country to be unprepared to face the endemic phase of Covid-19.

The Special Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation said the government needed a long-term immunisation plan, integration of technology and databases and increased healthcare budget to deal with a surge in cases from time to time.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Bursa dives after 'prosperity tax' in Budget 2022 The FTSE KLCI dropped 2.01pct.
	Stealing billions not an issue but Pulau Batu Puteh is - Dr M 'Why focus on a small island over many pressing issues?'
	Pulau Batu Puteh appeal withdrawal should be probed - Najib Ex-PM says it is an issue of Malaysia's sovereignty.

Hard liquor ban

The ban on grocery and convenience stores in Kuala Lumpur from selling hard liquor, first announced last year, took effect yesterday.

However, they will still be allowed to sell normal beer, which will be subject to rules such as sales hours of between 7am and 9pm.

Chinese medicinal shops will still be allowed to sell liquor-based medicinal products as long as they are approved by the Health Ministry.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Anwar: Muslims playing slot machines in clubs He says their numbers have increased.
	Syed Saddiq: We hear more about Timah than key issues He says public interest issues take a back seat.
	Non-pensionable MAF veterans to get RM350 There are 82,000 of them.

A daily glance at Covid-19

• 4,626 new cases yesterday (Nov 1), the lowest since June 21.
  
  
• 63 new fatalities put the Covid-19 death toll at 28,975.

New cases by state:

Selangor (883)
Sarawak (478)
Kelantan (461)
Johor (408)
Sabah (393)
Kedah (326)
Penang (318)
Pahang (288)
Terengganu (269)
Kuala Lumpur (204)
Perak (190)
Malacca (184)
Negeri Sembilan (144)
Perlis (46)
Putrajaya (34)
Labuan (0)

What else is happening?

• Warisan tried to force a by-election by submitting a pre-signed resignation by Segama assemblyperson Mohammadin Ketapi, who had defected to PN. However, based on past experience, the speaker tends to side with the government and would bin such letters.
  
  
• The debate between MCA president Wee Ka Siong and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on the long unresolved cabotage policy involving undersea internet cable repair ships is set to take place at 9.30pm today.
  
  
• Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was awarded the title of "Datuk Seri".
  
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

	Gerak: Period spot checks a barbaric practice 'Education Ministry must take stern action'.
	Anwar wants govt to explain 'off-budget projects' He cites the 5G, High-Speed Rail and Subang airport projects.
	Family demands probe after labourer died in custody The man, aged 44, purportedly died of a stroke.

What are people saying?

	EPF savings in dire straits By K Veeriah
	Learning sign language early will benefit all By Yeap Ming Liong
	From Timah to Tongkat Ali – are we so easily confused? By Malaysiakini readers