Here's a roundup of the latest political news from Malaysia, covering energy policy, party leadership changes, and anti-corruption efforts.
Coal Remains Key for Power Generation
The Malaysian government has reaffirmed its commitment to using coal as the primary source of electricity generation. This decision, according to a deputy minister, is driven by the need to keep electricity affordable for consumers. While acknowledging the growing pressure to adopt cleaner energy sources, the government maintains that coal remains economically viable. The government is exploring alternative energy sources and investing in cleaner technologies for the future, but coal will remain the backbone of the nation's power supply for now.
“Coal is the most reliable and affordable source of electricity for Malaysians, and we must prioritize affordability,” said the deputy minister in a recent statement. This decision comes amid ongoing debates about energy policy and the balance between economic stability and environmental concerns.
New Leadership at KDM
In other news, Priscella Peter, a 27-year-old co-founder and deputy president of KDM, has taken over as the new party chief. This appointment signals a generational shift within the party. Peter is one of the party's co-founders and her rise to leadership is being seen as a positive step for the party's future.
MACC Investigates Alleged Bribe
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has remanded two individuals, including a former Member of Parliament’s aide, in connection with an investigation into an alleged RM500,000 bribe linked to the Projek Mesra Rakyat. The investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the charges and the circumstances surrounding the case are expected to be released by authorities in the coming days. This development highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
This isn't the only controversial news. Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has urged the government to revoke the citizenship of a man who insulted Islam. He argues this would deter others from similar remarks while overseas. In other news, a Myanmar citizen working as a nasi kandar worker was fatally attacked in the early hours by four men wielding parangs.
The MACC's investigation is the latest effort to crack down on corruption, demonstrating the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.