Tourism industry players in Malaysia, represented by Sri Ganesh Michiel of the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association, are disappointed with Budget 2023 for not addressing long-term impacts on the hospitality and tourism industry. They call for specific improvements and legal regulations to manage threats from short-term residential accommodation and online travel agencies. Despite an allocation of RM250 million to promote tourism and address road congestion at tourist spots, the industry seeks more effective solutions for sustainable recovery.

The law firm Zaid Ibrahim Suflan TH Liew & Partners, which briefly represented former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his SRC International corruption appeal, has accused ad hoc prosecutor Datuk V Sithambaram of making slanderous statements about them in court. The firm claims Sithambaram's assertion that they took over Najib's case solely to seek an adjournment is factually incorrect and damaging to their reputation. The firm clarified that they did not instruct Najib's lead counsel, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, and were discharged by Najib after the Federal Court rejected Hisyam's application to postpone the appeal. Najib is seeking a review of the Federal Court's decisions related to his corruption case.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that RM10 million from Budget 2023 will be allocated to the Restu Foundation to publish and distribute one million copies of the Quran, including 20,000 translations in Swedish and other major foreign languages. This initiative is in response to recent prejudicial actions against Islam, such as the burning of the Quran in Sweden.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM10 million allocation for the publication and worldwide distribution of 20,000 translations of the Quran in Swedish and other major foreign languages. This initiative, in response to the recent burning of the Quran in Sweden by right-wing politician Rasmus Paludan, will be carried out by Yayasan Restu. Anwar condemned the act and stated that Malaysia, along with other Muslim nations, will participate in the global distribution of the Quran.

The Selangor Religious Department (Jais) has cancelled a sermon event by popular preacher Azhar Idrus that was scheduled to take place at the Tengku Ampuan Mosque in Bukit Jelutong, Selangor. The event has been moved to the Ar-Rahimah Mosque in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. Last month, Jais, which enforces the edicts of the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais), issued a circular prohibiting political events in the state's mosques and suraus. Mais is the highest religious authority in Selangor and advises the state's head of Islam, the Sultan of Selangor.

The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda) has acknowledged the impact of work from home (WFH) and hybrid working culture on future home design. Rehda's president, Datuk NK Tong, revealed that a survey showed 89 out of 130 developers are planning to incorporate house designs that better suit the home working environment. Additionally, 67 respondents indicated they would plan office buildings to accommodate remote and hybrid work.

Parti Pejuang Tanah Air's recent departure from the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition is reportedly a strategic move to enable party president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and his faction to regain political significance in anticipation of upcoming state elections. A source within GTA claims that this split was orchestrated to remove obstacles from Pejuang's path, particularly those loyal to GTA founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and to facilitate new alliances.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke will inspect the full length of the MRT Putrajaya Line (MRT2) during a test run next week, as part of the final phase of testing regulated by the Land Transport Agency (Apad). The trial will include a ride from Putrajaya Sentral station to Kwasa Damansara with a stop at Titiwangsa station.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) has established 26 portfolio committees to oversee federal ministries in the Malaysian Parliament, led by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the initiative, highlighting the MPs' skills and experience, and reiterated PN's commitment to the 'Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama' agenda, which focuses on equitable wealth distribution beyond race and religion.

Bersatu, led by President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is seeking to have its bank accounts unfrozen by the Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to pay staff salaries and prepare for upcoming state elections. The party's 2021 and 2022 accounts have been audited, showing funds from verifiable sources. The MACC froze the accounts during an investigation into alleged misuse of RM600 billion in Covid-19 pandemic funds during Muhyiddin's tenure as prime minister and possible donations from contractors to Bersatu.

The Sabah chapter of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is restructuring after Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's departure to Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), but vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee believes the grassroots will remain loyal. Hajiji's move caused a political crisis in Sabah, but Kiandee does not foresee further departures and is planning a revamp to replace divisional leaders who left. Sabah Bersatu will hold meetings throughout the year, with its general assembly scheduled for November.

Transparency International-Malaysia expressed concern over Nurul Izzah Anwar's appointment as senior economic adviser to her father, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, citing nepotism. The watchdog suggested her talents could be better utilized in a separate ministry. Malaysia's 2022 Corruption Perception Index reflected its worst performance in a decade. Despite the backlash, the watchdog acknowledged Nurul Izzah's integrity and the Prime Minister's need for reliable assistance.

The 2022 UMNO General Assembly followed a poor election performance, signaling the party's decline since 2008. Key developments included a 'no contest' motion to protect the president's position, the need to sell the idea of a unity government with former rivals PKR and DAP to grassroots members, and the challenge of upcoming state elections after losing traditional seats. The assembly highlighted internal disagreements and the potential for further decline if poor election results continue.

Umno members are urged to respect the decision made by delegates to have no contests for the party's top two positions, as stated by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The decision was made according to the party's constitution and rules during the 2022 Umno assembly at the World Trade Centre. Allegations of irregular voting and 'imported delegates' by former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin are to be investigated by the disciplinary board. The motion for the presidency and deputy presidency to be uncontested in the internal election, which must be held before May 19, was voted through by Umno delegates.