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News Wrap-up: Terengganu's LGBT rules stand, No water tariff hikes in Selangor for now

Sep 05, 2018

Terengganu's ruling for lesbians stands

The Federal Government cannot interfere with state jurisdiction over the caning of two lesbians in Terengganu.

De-facto Law Minister, Liew Vui Keong also said the state's ruling party PAS is also not answearable to the Pakatan government.

However, he admitted the controversial ruling does not augur well for human rights, especially in the eyes of the international community. 

The case has even attracted the attention of an American actor, who called for a boycott of Malaysian products over the ruling. 

However, the Terengganu MB says the backlash is only temporary, and believes the public will eventually understand the punishment was meant as a deterrant for LGBTs.

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Bar Council defends DPP's decision to drop Guan Eng corruption charges

Image source: Yahoo

The Bar Council has defended the prosecution's decision to withdraw corruption charges against Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng, saying it's not shocking at all. 

President, George Varughese said it's the Public Prosecutor's prerogotive to drop charges at any stage of a trial.

The Deputy Public Prosecutor had earlier explained he decided to withdraw the case because of insufficient evidence.

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No water tariff hikes in Selangor for now

There will be no water tariff hikes in Selangor for the time being. 

However, Selangor Mentri Besar, Amirudin Shari said the rates will be looked at from time to time to find out if there's a need for an increase.

The last water rate hike was in 2006 - more than a decade ago.

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No more oil palm plantations

Image source: The Star

The government will stop developing oil palm plantations.

Primary Industries Minister, Teresa Kok says this is because the government is committed to maintaining 50% of the land as forests. 

In terms of the decision's impact on long-term revenue, Teresa says palm oil producing companies are free to diversify their crops.