Good morning, here’s what you need to know today.
Key Highlights
Govt worried about Russian rubles, not Ukraine rubble?
Putrajaya switches on 'Eco mode'
'NFA' looms for ex-IGP's cartel claims
Govt worried about Russian rubles, not Ukraine rubble?
International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali made remarks which offer some insight as to possible reasons why Putrajaya has been averse to saying that Russia is attacking Ukraine.
While the government has been calling for a peaceful resolution to the "conflict", a Bernama report quoting Azmin appears to imply that there is greater concern about how the war will affect the flow of Russian rubles rather than whether Ukraine will be turned into a pile of rubble.
The minister was reported as expressing concerns about how the Ukraine situation will affect global economic recovery.
He was reported as describing Russia as an important economic power for Malaysia and other countries recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic - and emphasised Malaysia's ties with Russia on trade and human capital development.
Whether Azmin had also talked up Malaysia's ties and trade with Ukraine was not mentioned in the report.
HIGHLIGHTS
Anifah warns M'sia could suffer Ukraine's fate
Malaysian student in Ukraine safe - ministry
Ceasefire talks begin four days after Russian invasion
Putrajaya switches on 'Eco mode'
The government, and even the monarchy, appears to have turned on the 'eco mode' setting for ruling.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his address to Parliament - which is typically drafted by the cabinet - called on the government to strengthen environmental protection efforts - including preserving at least 50 percent of the country's landmass as forested areas.
In early February the government also issued a long list of proposals to protect the environment, including to teach climate change in schools.
Both the current government and the monarchy have a chequered history with the environment.
In April last year, Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man claimed Malaysia was not affected by climate change. He appears to have changed his tune after the flash floods last December.
Meanwhile, the current Agong's son - the Pahang regent - is involved in plans to build a permanent disposal facility for radioactive waste for Lynas, which critics say could post significant environmental hazards.
Other members of the royalty were also involved in a now shelved plan to carry out mining operations near the Tasik Chini forest reserve.
Whether the powers that be turning on 'eco mode' is just for show or a sincere shift in attitude towards environmental protection remains to be seen.
HIGHLIGHTS
'Why is T’ganu govt never ready for floods?'
King reminds politicians to focus on protecting people’s interests
Taib to continue as Sarawak governor for another two years
'NFA' looms for ex-IGP's cartel claims
Former IGP Abdul Hamid Bador's expose of an alleged shady police cartel appears to be reaching a dead end.
The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) had said that it found no evidence of a cartel - after failing to confirm it from witness testimonies and documents.
The EAIC said it won’t entertain protests from Hamid, who it claimed had been uncooperative in divulging information.
And, as is often faced by victims of unreported crimes who decide to come forward, Hamid was also asked why he had not done anything earlier.
His motive for coming forward was also put into doubt after the EAIC questioned why the allegations were only made at the end of his tenure as top cop.
With the EAIC - which is only empowered to investigate but can't take action - seemingly closing the book on Hamid's allegations, it's quite likely that the case could soon be classified as "no further action".
HIGHLIGHTS
Sentul cop who died of gunshot had good records
S'wak integrity and ombudsman unit to improve public admin
London house gift: Ex-media CEO gives statement to MACC again
What else is happening?
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim wants ex-Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner's testimony in the US to be debated in Parliament.
The government has announced relaxed Covid-19 testing rules for certain international travellers.
A Muda candidate in Johor was slapped with a RM1,000 compound, allegedly for fist bumping.
PKR's candidate for Gambir turns to digital campaigning after he caught Covid-19.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok was criticised for allegedly online shopping while in Parliament. She said she had clicked on an ad while reading the news.
HIGHLIGHTS
Pua: School board teaching children it's okay to steal
No rush-job: MPs want anti-sexual harassment bill reviewed
G25: English language goes beyond speaking at international stage
What are people saying?
Will Umno’s middle ground gambit pay off in Johor?
By S Thayaparan
Unbridled US expansion, reason for Russia's aggression
By P Ramasamy
Might makes not right, unjust wars are doomed to be lost
By Josep Borrell
