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

Cops compel Suhakam to give way

The Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) annual Human Rights Day celebration scheduled for today was postponed on the insistence of the police.

Suhakam's chairperson Razali Ismail said Putrajaya appeared to be influenced by pressure tactics and extremism, forcing the commission to postpone an event that was planned since October.

Razali said if there was indeed "security risks" in Suhakam proceeding with the event, then the onus was on the police to maintain security.

The event will be held at the same time and place on Sunday instead. Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof will deliver the keynote speech.

Former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan said the cancellation of the event was akin to "giving in to bullies."

Just a day before the postponement, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that Suhakam's event was "provocative."

War of words

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen uploaded a video of a combat ship and "strongly caution" against Malaysian vessels "encroaching" into Singaporean waters.

Malaysia submitted a diplomatic note to Singapore, proposing that both countries avoid the disputed territory as a way to de-escalate tensions.

This proposal was rejected by Singapore which maintained that it was Malaysia which should cease "provocative violations" of Singaporean sovereignty.

Other KiniBites

In yet another policy flip-flop, Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the new repayment scheme for the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) borrowers will be postponed pending further public consultation.

The rulers of Selangor and Johor has expressed regret over claims that they will be taking part in the rally against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) today.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has urged the police to expedite the return of RM116.7 million seized from properties linked to him because Umno needed the money.

Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa said there is no need for his party to "tie the knot" with PAS.

Looking ahead

The anti-Icerd rally will take place in Kuala Lumpur at 2pm today. Malaysiakini will be covering the event live.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be chairing the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting in Petaling Jaya.