Good morning, here’s what you need to know today.
Key Highlights
Constitutional vote postponed
Foreign Ministry spotlight
Subpar Covid-19 test kits
Constitutional vote postponed
The constitutional amendment to "enable" a future anti-hopping law was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday but no vote was taken following the opposition's last-minute lobbying of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Opposition representatives met with the prime minister in the morning, prior to the Parliament sitting, calling for the constitutional amendment to be narrowed down to only address the issue of party-hopping and to ensure it won't be abused for other purposes.
The original wording imposes restrictions on the freedom of association with regard to party affiliation, which critics fear could be used for much more than curbing party-hopping.
Ismail agreed to call another special Parliament sitting on this next month. In the meantime, a special parliamentary select committee will refine the proposed constitutional amendment as well as the future anti-hopping law.
Although there was some frustration at the vote being postponed, 59 MPs participated in a marathon debate in the Dewan Rakyat on how to proceed with the legislation.
Among others, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin wanted a relook at the plan that would strip MPs of their position if they are sacked from the party, to prevent abuse by the party leadership.
Julau MP Larry Sng, who won on an independent ticket, wanted an exemption for independent MPs. He also urged Parliament to consider situations where a candidate contests under a "borrowed" party logo and wins.
Under the original plan, any MP who switches parties or is sacked from their party will lose their position. Independent MPs also won't be allowed to join a new party.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Police will seek a remand order against Uthaya Sankar SB. |
 | This is over a Facebook post made during the Johor polls. |
 | Cops say his FB post 'incites sentiments against authorities'. |
Foreign Ministry spotlight
Spotlight is on the Foreign Ministry amid complaints of unfilled vacancies and diplomats being put in cold storage.
This follows a leaked audio recording of a purported internal Foreign Ministry discussion about problems under Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah's leadership and the need to fill at least 33 vacancies.
Former ambassador Dennis Ignatius said the ministry is suffering from low morale.
The audio recording also made reference to two senior diplomats posted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who have been recalled and put in cold storage.
The Foreign Ministry dismissed it as "speculation and baseless allegations" but went on to confirm that they were recalled due to failure to coordinate administrative and logistical affairs during Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's visit to the UAE.
"These failures include the prime minister’s lengthy wait at the normal arrival hall for passport clearance," the ministry said.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | It's a 'life-saving measure'. |
 | Refugees and asylum seekers often have no option to return home. |
 | This involves countries where workers are more vulnerable to abuse. |
Subpar Covid-19 test kits
The Medical Device Authority (MDA) revoked approval for two brands of Covid-19 self-test kits after they were found to be performing below par.
The two kits are:
1) Covid-19 Anti-Gen Test Kit (Colloidal Gold) - Saliva manufactured by Anhui Deepblue Medical Technology Co Ltd PR China (Malaysia registration: Innovac Technology Sdn Bhd)
2) Wiz Biotech Sars-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Rest Kit (Nasal Swab) manufactured by Xiamen Wiz Biotech Co Ltd PR China (Malaysia registration: Conan Medical Technology Bhd)
HIGHLIGHTS
 | A total of 48k boxes were delivered - Noor Hisham. |
 | The RM150 aid is under Budget 2022. |
 | Nine people have been arrested. |
A daily glance at Covid-19
7,739 new cases yesterday (April 11) bring the cumulative infections to 4,333,557.
19 new fatalities put the death toll at 35,311.
New cases by states
Selangor (4,444)
Johor (494)
Negeri Sembilan (472)
Kuala Lumpur (440)
Perak (357)
Penang (309)
Kedah (300)
Terengganu (262)
Sarawak (178)
Kelantan (133)
Pahang (114)
Malacca (105)
Sabah (65)
Putrajaya (33)
Perlis (23)
Labuan (10)
What else is happening?
Alleged gang leader “Nicky” Liow Soon Hee has surrendered to police after being on a run for a year. He faces 26 charges of money laundering-related offences.
The Sarawak Public Works Department defended against criticism for building a simple wooden jetty for RM50,000, stating that it included safety cost in crocodile-infested waters.
A Kelantan state assemblyperson lost RM84,529 after he fell victim to a Macau Scam. Police did not reveal his name.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The party election will be held in a hybrid form. |
 | Vethamoorthy says he has been a PKR member since 2013. |
 | Cops intensify their search for others. |
What are people saying?
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By Karen Cheah Yee Lynn |
 | By Rozita Had |
