Friday, 17 Apr 2020 11:31 PM MYT
A partial lockdown since March 18 has badly hurt South-east Asia’s third biggest economy, which until the start of this week had the highest number of reported coronavirus infections in the region. Today, it recorded the lowest number of daily increases in new cases since the curbs were imposed. Malaysia today reported 69 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 5,251 patients, 86 of whom have died.
Azmin and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were both senior ministers in the previous multi-ethnic government that broke apart in February amid a power struggle. The two leaders, from the majority Malay community, played a key role in the formation of a new coalition, allying with a corruption-ridden party that was defeated in the 2018 general election.
The government has treated Petronas as a cash cow at times, but Azmin said it won’t be easy for the company now to make a special dividend to its sole owner. The government, however, was still discussing the matter.