Good morning, here’s what you need to know today.
Key Highlights
Ex-judge joins 'basikal lajak' appeal
Debate showdowns
'Ghost' and maid abuse
Ex-judge joins 'basikal lajak' appeal
Former Federal Court Gopal Sri Ram is set to represent Sam Ke Ting in the appeal against her conviction for reckless driving leading to the death of eight teenagers.
Sam's case has become high profile due to the circumstances where the teens were riding "basikal lajak" in the middle of a hilly and poorly-lit road at 3.20am.
A basikal lajak is a small modified bicycle, often without handles or brakes in the interest of speed.
Gopal is also the special prosecutor in corruption cases involving former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
Previously, senior lawyer Shafee Abdullah also offered his services but Sam declined.
Shafee is Najib's lawyer and previously acted as a special prosecutor in Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's Sodomy 2 case.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Penang CM says it is important to determine the cause. |
 | The inmate says Nagaen almost forgot how to talk. |
 | The MP says it’s the worst-case scenario. |
Debate showdowns
Two major debates are expected to take place this month.
The first is on May 11, between PKR leaders Saifuddin Nasution and Rafizi Ramli, who are vying for the deputy president position in a hotly contested party election.
A day later, on May 12, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR president, will debate with former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
This is over the possible bailout of Sapura Energy Berhad, a troubled oil and gas firm that is facing continued financial trouble despite heavy funding from state-owned Permodalan Nasional Berhad, including through Amanah Saham Bumiputera.
However, former student leaders alleged there were attempts to frustrate the organising of the debate at Universiti Malaya.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Its sec-gen says giving more powers to party leaders is not democratic. |
 | Muhyiddin repeats his claim against the Umno chief. |
 | It will take eight months. |
'Ghost' and maid abuse
Police are investigating the allegations of unpaid wages, assault and abandonment of an Indonesian domestic worker.
Her former employer, however, claimed she was ”possessed by spirits”.
He even posted a 20-second clip of the domestic worker walking unsteadily before falling to the floor with the caption "Ghost@Bukit Tunku".
The domestic worker said the incident happened after she was punched on her head and beaten with slippers.
The matter is being probed for voluntarily causing hurt.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The project cost may climb due to the weak ringgit. |
 | Main source of revenue will be from transporting cargo. |
 | The government’s silence shows insincerity, says Kulasegaran. |
A daily glance at Covid-19
1,278 new cases yesterday (May 5) bring the cumulative infections to 4,454,113.
Two new fatalities put the death toll at 35,569.
New cases by states
Selangor (719)
Kuala Lumpur (152)
Malacca (76)
Penang (65)
Negeri Sembilan (41)
Perak (41)
Kedah (40)
Johor (37)
Sabah (26)
Sarawak (24)
Kelantan (19)
Terengganu (18)
Pahang (9)
Perlis (7)
Putrajaya (3)
Labuan (1)
What else is happening?
Malaysian businessperson Soh Chee Wen and his partner Quah Su-Ling were convicted in Singapore for market manipulation.
Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said some 2,600 teachers whose contracts will be expiring this year are set to be offered a two-year extension.
Authorities suspect the pollution of Sungai Semenyih, which led to water cuts in Selangor during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, may be due to diesel dumping and are investigating nearby premises, particularly in the Beranang Industrial Area.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Police will investigate if it’s a possible kidnap. |
 | Homestays have created ‘unfair competition’ for hotels. |
 | Hand, foot mouth disease cases mostly infect children under six. |
What are people saying?
 | By P Gunasegaram |
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By Malaysiakini readers |
