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

Ministers barred from talking about ECRL

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said cabinet members have been barred from talking about the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, due to the “sensitivity” of contract negotiations with China.

The Star reported that ECRL contractor China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) is seeking an amicable solution with Putrajaya on the reported cancellation of the rail project.

Economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram claimed that the ECRL was a scam to cover up the 1MDB scandal.

Lim also announced that Malaysia would be getting back a small sum from stolen 1MDB funds this year.

In light of contradicting statements issued by ministers on the ECRL, Council of Eminent Persons chairperson Daim Zainuddin warned that open squabbling would lead to public discontent.

DAP rep defends Yadim appointment

DAP lawmaker Sheikh Omar Ali defended his much-criticised appointment as an Islamic Dakwah Foundation (Yadim) trustee, saying it can be viewed in a good or bad light, depending on one’s agenda.

De facto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa said all appointments to the Yadim board of trustees were made on merit, not political affiliation.

Earlier, Malay rights pressure group Perkasa took issue with Sheikh Omar’s appointment, saying that he is too “liberal” – pointing to him being a member of DAP as evidence.

An Ilham Centre study revealed that PAS is now seen as being a greater defender of Malay and Muslim rights than Umno.

Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar said that it was PAS, and not former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who tipped the scales for BN in last week’s Cameron Highlands by-election.

Other Kinibites

Attorney-general Tommy Thomas insisted that the tribunal established to investigate the alleged misconduct of the Election Commission during the 14th general election was far from academic.

Two men allegedly employed by Abdul Razak Baginda trailed and threatened Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu after her arrival in Kuala Lumpur until the day she was found dead, her cousin told the High Court in Shah Alam.

Former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau, popularly known as ‘Superman’, has been appointed CEO of the Malaysia-China Business Council.

The Securities Commission fined accounting giant Deloitte RM2.2 million for four breaches involving an RM2.4 billion bond issued by 1MDB subsidiary Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd in 2014.

Suaram called for the immediate release of 142 minors detained without trial under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.

Looking ahead

The new Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be sworn in.

The hearing of the civil suit by Altantuya's family continues.

Finance Minister Lim will attend a press conference at the Malaysia Property Expo 2019 in Kelana Jaya.