Good morning. Here's what you need to know today.

Key Highlights

• PN pressures PM
  
  

• Anti-hopping law passed
  
  

• PenjanaKerjaya explained

PN pressures PM

Perikatan Nasional is turning up pressure against Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

They're upset that Ismail Sabri has not delivered on certain promises - one of these said to the post of DPM for Bersatu.

Ceding to PN will likely provoke pro-Zahid forces in Umno to move against the prime minister while ignoring their demands could result in the coalition pulling support for the government.

However, Ismail Sabri can still remain in power without PN if Pakatan Harapan continues to support him in Parliament.

HIGHLIGHTS

	PM hints he has more to do before Parliament's dissolution
	PTPTN borrowers with 1st class degree to be exempted from repaying loan
	From forward in Dr M’s team to defender in Najib’s team - Zaid’s pirouette

Anti-hopping law passed

The anti-hopping law has cleared its first hurdle after being passed by the Dewan Rakyat.

It will need to pass in the Senate and be gazetted before it can take effect.

If it passes all these stages, it still does not automatically apply at the state level as this requires the consent of the state rulers.

The law does not cover parties changing alliegance, as Bersatu did, but does protect MPs from losing their seats if they are sacked by their party.

HIGHLIGHTS

	MPs can support another party without losing seat
	'Include those passively going against party in anti-hopping definition'
	Pasir Gudang Amanah rejects ex-Permas rep who left Bersatu

PenjanaKerjaya explained

The scandal surrounding the Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (PenjanaKerjaya) is heating up.

The programme lets companies claim up to 60 percent of salaries for new hires for six months from the government.

It also provides training assistance of up to RM7,000.

However, there are allegations of false claims and misappropriation that is now the subject of a MACC crackdown codenamed Ops Hire.

An NGO claims a cabinet member is involved in the scandal - allegations which are proving dangerous.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Activist slashed after lodging report on PenjanaKerjaya graft
	I owe Guan Eng, no reason to concoct evidence - company exec
	MP alleges ex-AG abused power over probes on Najib, lodges police report

Views that matter

	Explaining the Sulu claim By Tommy Thomas
	Harapan’s blame game on abolishing draconian laws By S Thayaparan
	It’s been 2 years, Federal Court must dispense swift justice By P Gunasegaram

What else is happening?

• Tronoh assemblyperson Paul Yong was found guilty of raping his maid and was sentenced to 13 years in jail and 2 strokes of the rotan.

  However, a stay of execution has been allowed, pending appeal.
  
  

• Dr Mahathir Mohamad's nephew revealed he had quit UKSB in 2018 and returned the pay he received as chairperson and advisor.

  However, Rahmat Abu Bakar’s admission that he was promised a salary of RM1.3 million per month has raised questions.
  
  

• It's official. Thor: Love and Thunder will not be screened in Malaysian cinemas.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Unfinished bridge in Keningau forces students to scale water pipeline
	Five weeks in jail - Retired engineer vows to keep fighting for justice
	RM1m to Shahrir was reimbursement, not taxable - lawyer