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Of alliances and explosions

Dec 04, 2018

Anwar Ibrahim heads new reforms caucus

PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will head a newly-created parliamentary caucus on reform and governance, comprising members from both the government and opposition.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has been appointed as Anwar’s deputy.

Parliament has also set up six new bi-partisan select committees to provide checks and balances to the government.

They will cover areas including Budget, state and federal relations, defence and home affairs, and rights and gender equality.

The committees have the power to call witnesses and organise hearings to scrutinise how the federal government spends taxpayers' money.

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Nothing 1MDB in future History syllabus

The 1MDB scandal will not be made part of the new History syllabus after all.

The Education Minister's press secretary clarified that when Dr Maszlee Malik mentioned the term "history", he was not referring to the school subject, but rather Malaysian history as a whole.

The Press Sec adds that whether 1MDB will be included in history books, depends on the Education Ministry's curriculum research committee.

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Three dead in Kuching shopping mall explosion

The Fire and Rescue Department says three people have died, following a explosion at a shopping mall in Kuching. 

Another 32 people were injured, including seven who are in critical condition.

Bomba says based on initial investigations, the blast was likely caused by a gas leak. 

Meanwhile, the mall's management says the mall will be closed with immediate effect until further notice.

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83 arrested over Subang Jaya temple riot

83 people have been arrested over the recent violence at the Subang Jaya Sri Maha Mariamman temple.

IGP Tan Sri Fuzi Harun adds the police are still actively hunting other suspects, including 28 witnesses being sought by the Bukit Aman CID.

Meanwhile, the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court has charged four people with rioting and using dangerous weapons, for their alleged involvement in the temple scuffle.

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You won't be charged asking for plastic straws in Selangor

Selangor will not impose a charge on plastic straws, as it currently does with disposable bags.

The state government says instead, it will instruct food outlets not to hand out plastic straws to customers, unless requested.

The move, starting next year, is in line with the federal government's intention that food premises no longer serve straws automatically.

It also advised consumers to consider carrying their own reusable straws.