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Perikatan Nasional chief Muhyiddin Yassin has become the second former Malaysian premier to be charged in court, just five years after Najib Razak from Umno was hauled up for corruption.
Unsurprisingly, Muhyiddin and his supporters - like Najib and his supporters - have accused the prime minister of the day of selective and political persecution, to which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied.
But Datuk Seri Anwar’s so-called unity government will have to tread carefully ahead of crucial polls to elect six state administrations expected by August involving half of Malaysia’s electorate. Already, a move to excuse key ally Umno from a breach of the Societies Act is raising concern about political interference in the nation’s institutions.
This exemption by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail - a close lieutenant of Mr Anwar - is in relation to an irregular motion barring anyone from challenging Umno president Zahid Hamidi, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, in ongoing party polls, which could yet destabilise the government if Zahid's men don’t come out on top in other contests.
Meanwhile, despite an increase in budget allocation for public healthcare, concerns persist over a crisis in hospital capacity, and bad news over a government-linked pharmaceutical company that botched Covid-19 procurement will be another litmus test for the Anwar administration.
Follow ST's coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments. And thank you for reading The Straits Times.
Muhyiddin set for ‘Bossku’ role as lightning rod for anti-govt dissent
Malaysian govt’s rescue of Umno may lead to chaos for Anwar’s key ally
DPM Zahid’s continued Umno presidency is seen as crucial for the so-called unity government's stability.
Social media abuzz over ex-PM Muhyiddin’s graft charges
After party purge, Zahid’s allies come out on top in Umno wing polls
The results are bound to give confidence to Zahid ahead of the party’s top leadership elections on March 18.
Concerns remain over Malaysia’s public healthcare despite budget increase
Anwar’s administration faces test in dealing with troubled GLC Pharmaniaga
The Malaysian govt had allowed Pharmaniaga to exclusively import Sinovac vaccines during the pandemic.
Maternity leave extension should draw Malaysian mums back to workforce, but some employers wary
Some employers were concerned that the policy would raise their operating expenditure “significantly”.
The changing face of Genting Highlands
The Malaysia hill station now has a new outdoor theme park and a refreshed midway point at Awana.
