KINI ROUNDUP | Here are the key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.

Agong agrees to Thomas as AG

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has agreed to senior lawyer Tommy Thomas being appointed as the new attorney-general and Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the cabinet fully backs this choice.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim reportedly met the Agong ahead of the special meeting held by the Conference of Rulers on Thomas’ contentious appointment.

The Malaysian Bar urged the Agong not to delay the appointment of the AG, as the ruler also has a duty to abide by the Federal Constitution.

This was echoed by former chief justice Zaki Azmi, who said that the monarch is required by law to comply with the prime minister’s recommendation for the post.

Petitions, both for and against Thomas' nomination, cropped up online.

Shahrir defends Pavilion seizures

Former Johor Bahru MP Shahrir Abdul Samad defended the large sum of cash found in properties linked to former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak, saying the money was for the party's election war chest.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/428272

The ex-Felda chair also said that it must be the 'New Malaysia' mindset – due to Pakatan Harapan’s election win – that led to him to be sued by a development company for defamation.

The RM100 million suit against Shahrir is being brought by Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd, the company involved in a controversial land deal with Felda to develop the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee expressed his shock over the amount of cash and valuables seized from the Najib-linked condominium units.

Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Mohamad Hasan and supreme council member Johari Abdul Ghani submitted their forms to contest in the party elections at the same time, but denied they were forming a pact.

Other Kinibites

MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong questioned why Putrajaya has not released any official statement on its withdrawal of the claim over the disputed Pulau Batu Puteh.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the practice of awarding military ranks and uniforms to politicians and celebrities will be reviewed.

A businessperson is offering RM10,000 for information leading to the arrest of fugitive Umno leader Jamal Md Yunos.

Former Umno leader Rais Yatim officially joined Bersatu, and received his party membership card from chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir's wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, told Malaysiakini in an interview yesterday that tomorrow (today) is a “very crucial day”, but declined to state why.

Looking ahead

The Conference of Rulers will hold its meeting.

Rosmah Mansor will present herself at the MACC headquarters to have her statement recorded over the alleged transfer of SRC funds into the bank account of her husband Najib Abdul Razak.