Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Freed Yazidis tell of girls and women being raped and sold into sexual slavery by Isis fighters
Many girls from the Yazidi community in Iraq are committing suicide after being raped and sold into sexual slavery by Isis fighters who captured them last August. And some 200 Yazidis, held prisoner for five months before being freed at the weekend because they were sick or old, report continuing mistreatment of those still captive.
“They are very bad people,” said Gawre Semo, 69, who reached the Kurdish-held town of Altun Kupri. “They took our children and they took our women.”
A surprise Isis offensive in August led 50,000 Yazidis to flee into territory held by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). But an unknown number, amounting to many thousands, were massacred or detained while many women were raped or sold as slaves. Isis claims that such treatment of the Yazidis, whose ancient religion is drawn from Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism and who Isis call apostates, is permissible under Sharia law.
Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/freed-yazidis-tell-of-girls-and-women-being-raped-and-sold-into-sexual-slavery-by-isis-fighters-9986554.html
ISIS execute 13 football fans by firing squad for watching Iraq play Jordan on TV in Islamist-controlled Mosul
- ISIS soldiers executed 13 teenage boys for watching the Asian Cup
- The teens were rounded up and executed in public using machine guns
- Their 'crimes' were read out on loudspeaker in the street in Mosul, Iraq
- Their parents are too afraid to collect their bodies, local activists report
ISIS militants have executed 13 teenage boys for watching the Asian Cup football match between Iraq and Jordan last week.
The young football fans had been caught watching the game on television in the Iraqi city of Mosul, which is controlled by the Islamic State.
The teenagers were rounded up and publicly executed by a firing squad using machine guns, anti-ISIS activist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reports.
'The bodies remained lying in the open and their parents were unable to withdraw them for fear of murder by terrorist organisation,' the group writes on their website.
Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently is a small activist collective which secretly documents the shocking violence and oppression ISIS has brought to their home city.
They said the 13 teenagers were rounded up by ISIS militants in the Al-Yarmouk district of Mosul, and executed in public.
The boys' 'crime' - breaking religious laws by watching football - was read out on a loudspeaker before their executions.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2917071/ISIS-execute-13-football-fans-firing-squad-watching-Iraq-play-Jordan-TV-Islamist-controlled-Mosul.html
RoS rejects MIC request to extend deadline for re-elections – Bernama
The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has rejected MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel's request for an extension to the 90-day deadline for re-election.According to MIC vice-president Datuk M. Saravanan, who met the R0S today, the registrar had issued a letter to the MIC on January 6, informing the party that the earlier directive to hold re-election for branch (30 days), division (60 days) and MIC Central Working Committee (90 days) from January 31, was final.
"In the letter, the RoS had said no appeal will be entertained. Until today, the issue of MIC branches has yet to be solved although the deadline is only 10 days away.
"Notice must be given 14 days before an election is held. I believe the branches will be considered defunct automatically. However, it is up to the RoS to give another opportunity," he said when met at the RoS office in Putrajaya today.
Saravanan, who is also the deputy youth and sports minister, expressed concern and disappointment over the MIC president's complacency in resolving the matter, which has besieged the party with more than 600,000 members.
Following the deadlock, Saravanan said he had submitted a letter to the RoS to seek its approval to enable the MIC delegates of the 2009-2012 term to take over the party's role to hold a re-election.
"As we are aware, the party's elections held in 2013 had been declared null and void. Therefore, I have asked the RoS to recognise leaders elected to office for the 2009-2012 term to decide the party’s future.
"I hope the RoS will approve our request. We will then meet the divisions to find a solution and probably go ahead with the re-election as per the directive by RoS."
On December 5, the RoS ordered MIC to hold fresh elections for three vice-presidents and 23 CWC seats within 90 days after finding irregularities in the elections held during the 68th MIC general meeting on November 30, 2013.
The RoS had advised the party not to hold its annual general meeting until the matter was resolved. – Bernama, January 20, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ros-rejects-mic-request-to-extend-deadline-for-re-elections-bernama#sthash.BcvNwbyv.dpuf
Sirul Azhar Umar placed on Interpol red notice
Interpol has issued a red notice for Sirul Azhar Umar, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu.A red notice signifies authorities are attempting to seek the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action.
Sirul's name was placed on Interpol's website, alongside 37 other individuals sought by Malaysian authorities for a variety of crimes.
The 43-year-old former Special Action Unit corporal failed to turn up at the Federal Court last week, as he was believed to be in Australia.
Bernama reported that Sirul had left the country two months ago and did not have enough money to return to Malaysia.
The Federal Court allowed the government's appeal over the murder of Altantuya, which led to Sirul and Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri being sentenced to death.
Federal Court judge Suriyadi Halim Omar said the prosecution had proved its case to implicate the two with the charge that carried the death penalty.
"As such, the Court of Appeal was wrong in reversing the findings of the trial court to free them," said Suriyadi, who is a member of the five-man bench to hear the final appeal.
On August 23, 2013, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeals brought by Azilah and Sirul and acquitted them.
Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah asked the court to issue a warrant of arrest for Sirul, which was granted.
Four years earlier, High Court judge Datuk Zaki Mohd Yassin had found the two guilty and sentenced them to death.
Evidence in court revealed that the Mongolian translator was either murdered by C4 explosives or killed first and the remains destroyed on October 18, 2006, in the outskirts of Shah Alam, near the capital city Kuala Lumpur.
Former political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, a confidante of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was charged with abetting Azilah and Sirul but was acquitted by the High Court in 2008 without defence called. The government did not appeal. – January 20, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sirul-azhar-umar-placed-on-interpol-red-notice#sthash.lj6PwzLC.dpuf
Nik Aziz warded in ICU
PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was admitted into the intensive care unit at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian this evening.In a statement, his son Nik Mohd Abduh said his father's health had been deteriorating during the massive floods which recently hit Kelantan.
"I myself am on the way back from Penang," the Pasir Mas MP said.
Several PAS leaders are also reportedly travelling to Kota Bharu to visit Nik Aziz, who is still considered an influential party leader.
The health of the former Kelantan menteri besar has been reportedly deteriorating since he stepped down from his position in June 2013.
The hospital has become a sort of second home to Nik Aziz after his Pulau Melaka home as he had been travelling regularly to seek treatment.
Nik Aziz is reportedly suffering from cancer. – January 20, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/nik-aziz-warded-in-icu#sthash.f62XyUxU.dpuf
Despite NS camp closures, staff will get pay
"The closing down of the camps will not affect operators and coaches who are on a permanent payroll," Hishammuddin told reporters in Putrajaya today after Najib's special address.
"Our transformation plan for national service remains at 10 years," he added.
Earlier today, Najib announced that the national service programme will be frozen for 2015, in the government's efforts to cut down some spending in the face of dropping government revenue, triggered by the alarming drop in global crude oil prices.
He said that the move will save the government RM400 million.Instead, Hishammuddin (right) noted, his ministry would organise and conduct "labs" involving the national service staff, in their attempt to revamp the whole programme.
"The labs will be conducted with all stakeholders, including parents, to see where we can take the national service to in the next 10 years," he said.
The defence minister stressed that "this freezing won't affect anyone who are directly involved in the programme".
He added that he "wholeheartedly" supported the PM's measures.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin remained coy when asked about Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's support letter to the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), vouching for alleged gambling kingpin Paul Phua.
"I can only answer for myself. I never sent a letter to the FBI (while being home minister)," he said.
MP to IGP: Fear not, probe if Zahid breached OSA
In making the call, a DAP lawmaker also challenged the police chief to file a report against the minister, whom he claimed could have breached the Official Secrets Act (OSA) himself.
Gobind Singh Deo was referring to the letter penned by Zahid (left) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding alleged Malaysian gambling kingpin Paul Phua.Among others, the minister had stated that Phua assisted Malaysia in national security matters, but when quizzed on this later, he said the information fell under the OSA and cannot be disclosed.
"According to Zahid, those projects involving national security that Phua allegedly helped Malaysia on are official secrets," said Gobind.
"The minister's letter exposing Phua's identity and that Phua is instrumental to and had helped Malaysia on security projects may itself be an offence under the OSA," he added.
The Puchong MP said Khalid (right)
should also look into the credibility of the information that was
earlier furnished by his personnel to the FBI on Phua to clear the
police’s reputation."This investigation should focus if there was indeed any 'big mistake' made by the police in respect of Phua's alleged association with the 14k triad as claimed.
"I am of the view that it is Khalid's duty as IGP to have this matter probed as it involves the credibility of his men," he added.
Gobind, who is a lawyer, emphasised that the issue was a matter of public interest and therefore warranted an investigation.
"The IGP should not be afraid and must do what is necessary to protect his men and matters which are protected by law from irregular, if not unlawful, communication to others," he said.
Zahid had written to the FBI last December to state that Phua was not associated with the Hong Kong-based 14K triad.
This was after the alleged triad link was used to secure a warrant to raid Phua’s hotel room. He was later charged with illegal gaming activities in the United States.
Zahid, who came under fire, said he had penned the letter following a request from Phua’s lawyers.When the issue erupted, Phua's lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the minister's letter was meant to correct a "big mistake" by the Malaysian police regarding Phua.
Since then, police sources have defended their findings and even denied that Phua (left) had assisted them in national security matters.
Khalid, on the other hand, has maintained silence on the issue in order not to jeopardise the court proceedings in the US.
Zaidi: No grudges against those who sacked me
INTERVIEW
Major Zaidi Ahmad may never fly a fighter jet again after being
discharged from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), but the pilot said
that he holds no grudges against those who had him sacked.
Zaidi appeared devastated when the military court announced that he would be discharged, but still reciprocated when the prosecution team comprising RMAF officers offered to shake his hand.
"We don't want to be hostile. In the concept of dakwah (missionary work) in Islam, today they may not stand with us, but perhaps they will in future.
"So, let us maintain that relationship," he told Malaysiakini.
He
was found guilty of speaking to the media without the military
council's authorisation and disclosing a RMAF about disciplinary action
against him.
Zaidi, after voting in the last general election, had lodged a police report over the Election Commission's (EC) supposed indelible ink which could be easily washed away.
His action gained widespread media attention, landing him in hot soup with the RMAF.
Even though Zaidi said he was prepared for the worst during his trial and expected to be sacked at the very least, he appeared visibly sad after his sentencing.
Painful reality
Acknowledging this, Zaidi said despite his preparedness, the reality of him losing 26 years of service with the RMAF finally sunk in.
"Of course I was sad, I served for 26 years in the military and rarely took days off... but I was repaid in this manner.
"It is sad but I accept it, what else can be done? I accept the reality," said the 47-year-old father of four.
Zaidi also had kind words for Colonel Saadon Hasnan, who presided over the five-men panel which convicted him.
"I have never worked with him before, but we both have the same spirit as pilots.
"The spirit of pilots is where we are trained to be brave, independent and resilient in facing tough situations.
"It
is just that our political affiliation may be different... most people
are more comfortable conforming to the system," he noted.
Saadon had courted controversy after he allegedly asked Zaidi to become a rubber tapper in a Facebook comment while the trial was ongoing.
Zaidi has refused to appeal his sacking - citing bias - and his lawyer has filed a judicial review at the Kuala Lumpur High Court over the military court's alleged injustice.
From piloting to politics
The sacking was a bitter pill to swallow as Zaidi's childhood dream had always to be a pilot.
As a child, Zaidi would never miss a chance to catch fighter jets flying over his home village of Kampung Permatang Tengah, Kedah, heading to the RMAF's Butterworth air base in Penang.
Nonetheless, Zaidi said he has left the RMAF satisfied, as he had climbed up the ranks to become a pilot instructor.
Zaidi added that he is worried about his family's livelihood, but is earning a source of income through direct selling, on top of authoring a book with another in the works.
The norm for pilots who have ended their career with the RMAF would be to join the civil aviation industry, but Zaidi said this is an unlikely path for him to take.
Zaidi is fixed on "contributing to the political process", adding that he has received offers to join PKR, PAS and DAP.
However, Zaidi said he still needs to wait for his civilian identity card, and has yet to decide which political party he will join.
"When the present party ruling the government is not fit to rule any more, you need to come out with an alternative and obviously the alternative is Pakatan Rakyat," he said.
Zaidi noted that even in Pakatan there were "glitches", but said he is prepared to help the coalition in terms of military advice.
He added that he will strive for the truth even in politics, as he did while in the military.
"If tomorrow I am sacked from Pakatan for speaking the truth, so be it," he said.
Part 1: Willing to die for Malaysia, but not lie for Umno
This interview was jointly conducted by Nigel Aw and Ahmad Fadli KC.
Zaidi appeared devastated when the military court announced that he would be discharged, but still reciprocated when the prosecution team comprising RMAF officers offered to shake his hand.
"We don't want to be hostile. In the concept of dakwah (missionary work) in Islam, today they may not stand with us, but perhaps they will in future.
"So, let us maintain that relationship," he told Malaysiakini.
He
was found guilty of speaking to the media without the military
council's authorisation and disclosing a RMAF about disciplinary action
against him.Zaidi, after voting in the last general election, had lodged a police report over the Election Commission's (EC) supposed indelible ink which could be easily washed away.
His action gained widespread media attention, landing him in hot soup with the RMAF.
Even though Zaidi said he was prepared for the worst during his trial and expected to be sacked at the very least, he appeared visibly sad after his sentencing.
Painful reality
Acknowledging this, Zaidi said despite his preparedness, the reality of him losing 26 years of service with the RMAF finally sunk in.
"Of course I was sad, I served for 26 years in the military and rarely took days off... but I was repaid in this manner.
"It is sad but I accept it, what else can be done? I accept the reality," said the 47-year-old father of four.
Zaidi also had kind words for Colonel Saadon Hasnan, who presided over the five-men panel which convicted him.
"I have never worked with him before, but we both have the same spirit as pilots.
"The spirit of pilots is where we are trained to be brave, independent and resilient in facing tough situations.
"It
is just that our political affiliation may be different... most people
are more comfortable conforming to the system," he noted.Saadon had courted controversy after he allegedly asked Zaidi to become a rubber tapper in a Facebook comment while the trial was ongoing.
Zaidi has refused to appeal his sacking - citing bias - and his lawyer has filed a judicial review at the Kuala Lumpur High Court over the military court's alleged injustice.
From piloting to politics
The sacking was a bitter pill to swallow as Zaidi's childhood dream had always to be a pilot.
As a child, Zaidi would never miss a chance to catch fighter jets flying over his home village of Kampung Permatang Tengah, Kedah, heading to the RMAF's Butterworth air base in Penang.
Nonetheless, Zaidi said he has left the RMAF satisfied, as he had climbed up the ranks to become a pilot instructor.
Zaidi added that he is worried about his family's livelihood, but is earning a source of income through direct selling, on top of authoring a book with another in the works.
The norm for pilots who have ended their career with the RMAF would be to join the civil aviation industry, but Zaidi said this is an unlikely path for him to take.
Zaidi is fixed on "contributing to the political process", adding that he has received offers to join PKR, PAS and DAP.However, Zaidi said he still needs to wait for his civilian identity card, and has yet to decide which political party he will join.
"When the present party ruling the government is not fit to rule any more, you need to come out with an alternative and obviously the alternative is Pakatan Rakyat," he said.
Zaidi noted that even in Pakatan there were "glitches", but said he is prepared to help the coalition in terms of military advice.
He added that he will strive for the truth even in politics, as he did while in the military.
"If tomorrow I am sacked from Pakatan for speaking the truth, so be it," he said.
Part 1: Willing to die for Malaysia, but not lie for Umno
This interview was jointly conducted by Nigel Aw and Ahmad Fadli KC.
Fewer than half Malaysians trust the government, study shows
Malaysia’s neighbours in Indonesia and Singapore, however, recorded higher trust levels in their government, the study by global public relations firm Edelman showed, with 72 per cent of those polled in the former nation saying they trust their government while 70 per cent in the latter said they felt the same about theirs.
But, the 2015 Edelman Trust Barometer released yesterday also revealed that Malaysians were not alone in how they felt towards their leaders, noting the same trend in other countries around the world.
“There has been a startling decrease in trust across all institutions driven by the unpredictable and unimaginable events of 2014,” Edelman president and CEO Richard Edelman said in a statement.
“The spread of Ebola in West Africa; the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, plus two subsequent air disasters; the arrests of top Chinese government officials; the foreign exchange rate rigging by six global banks; and numerous data breaches, most recently at Sony Pictures by a sovereign nation, have shaken confidence,” he added.
The vanishing of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370, which carried 239 people on board, in March last year saw contradictory statements being issued by Malaysian authorities.
Questions were also raised on why the Malaysian military failed to report its sighting of the commercial plane on radar when it deviated from its Beijing-bound flight path and flew across the Malaysian peninsula.
According to the Edelman study, Malaysians’ trust in the government dropped nine percentage points from 54 per cent last year to 45 per cent this year.
The study said the government remained the least trusted institution globally for the fourth year running, with trust levels below 50 per cent in 19 out of 27 countries.
The Edelman study also showed Malaysians having lower trust this year in three other institutions measured — media (46 per cent), business (67 per cent) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (67 per cent).
Malaysians’ trust in the media have dropped even more, by 13 percentage points from 59 per cent in 2014 to 46 per cent this year.
Edelman’s survey of 27 countries also showed increasing trust in online search engines at 64 per cent this year, along with deteriorating trust in traditional media at 62 per cent this year for general news.
The study further showed online searches as the first source for general information, breaking news and for validating breaking news on business.
According to the study, the millennials trust digital media more at 72 per cent, compared to 64 per cent for traditional media.
Malaysians’ trust in NGOs dipped slightly from 75 per cent last year to 67 per cent this year, while their trust in business dropped from 72 per cent in 2014 to 67 per cent this year.
Malaysians’ average trust in the institutions of government, media, business and NGOs declined from 65 per cent last year to 56 per cent this year.
The Edelman survey sampled 27,000 respondents from the general population and 6,000 people from the informed public in 27 countries, including the US, Australia, China and Sweden, among others.
Mahfuz to Sirul: Call me and tell all
The PAS man says he would arrange to meet the fugitive in Australia for a video interview about his motive for killing Altantuya.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar today urged fugitive Sirul Azhar Umar to contact him and disclose his motive for killing Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Speaking at a press conference at PAS headquarters here, Mahfuz said he was keen to get to the bottom of the mystery and announced his phone number (019-442-3685) and e-mail address (mahfuz455@yahoo.com) for Sirul’s benefit.
He said the former police corporal could also contact him through his Facebook.
The Federal Court last week sentenced Sirul and his accomplice, former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, to death for the 2006 murder of the glamorous fashion model, who also worked as a translator in Malaysia’s negotiations with a French company for the purchase of submarines when Najib Abdul Razak was Defence Minister.
The motive of the murder was never established.
Sirul was absent from court during the sentencing, having left for Australia last October. He is still in that country, which has abolished the death penalty. Canberra has indicated that it won’t extradite him although it has an extradition treaty with Malaysia.
Mahfuz said he wasn’t disputing the Federal Court decision against Sirul and Azilah but was curious about the motive of the murder.
“They were not ordinary policemen,” he said. “They belonged to the Special Action Unit. They would kill when ordered to do so.”
He said he would arrange to meet Sirul in Australia to conduct a video interview with him and would submit the recording to Malaysian police.
Mahfuz denied that he was merely seeking publicity.
FMTKUALA LUMPUR: PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar today urged fugitive Sirul Azhar Umar to contact him and disclose his motive for killing Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Speaking at a press conference at PAS headquarters here, Mahfuz said he was keen to get to the bottom of the mystery and announced his phone number (019-442-3685) and e-mail address (mahfuz455@yahoo.com) for Sirul’s benefit.
He said the former police corporal could also contact him through his Facebook.
The Federal Court last week sentenced Sirul and his accomplice, former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, to death for the 2006 murder of the glamorous fashion model, who also worked as a translator in Malaysia’s negotiations with a French company for the purchase of submarines when Najib Abdul Razak was Defence Minister.
The motive of the murder was never established.
Sirul was absent from court during the sentencing, having left for Australia last October. He is still in that country, which has abolished the death penalty. Canberra has indicated that it won’t extradite him although it has an extradition treaty with Malaysia.
Mahfuz said he wasn’t disputing the Federal Court decision against Sirul and Azilah but was curious about the motive of the murder.
“They were not ordinary policemen,” he said. “They belonged to the Special Action Unit. They would kill when ordered to do so.”
He said he would arrange to meet Sirul in Australia to conduct a video interview with him and would submit the recording to Malaysian police.
Mahfuz denied that he was merely seeking publicity.
Cops identify bomb suspect
Image of man captured on CCTV at location where package was found.
FMT
NIBONG TEBAL: Police have identified a man believed to have placed a package containing four bombs in the compound of a house in Jalan Badak Mati, Sungai Bakap here on Saturday.
Seberang Perai Selatan police chief Supt Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the image of a man who placed the package was captured by the closed-circuit television (CCTV) at a shop near the location.
“Efforts to track down the man are being carried out and we believe the bombs were homemade.
“Police also found several new clues including the fingerprint of the suspect involved,” he told reporters after an integrated crime prevention operation by Penang police in Seberang Perai Selatan here today.
On Saturday, a resident found a paper bag containing four homemade bombs in the compound of a house near a godown.
Three of the bombs were detonated by the Bomb Disposal Unit while another was sent to Penang police contingent for investigation.
Wan Hassan said police had taken the statements of five individuals including the houseowner to assist investigations.
– BERNAMA
NIBONG TEBAL: Police have identified a man believed to have placed a package containing four bombs in the compound of a house in Jalan Badak Mati, Sungai Bakap here on Saturday.
Seberang Perai Selatan police chief Supt Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the image of a man who placed the package was captured by the closed-circuit television (CCTV) at a shop near the location.
“Efforts to track down the man are being carried out and we believe the bombs were homemade.
“Police also found several new clues including the fingerprint of the suspect involved,” he told reporters after an integrated crime prevention operation by Penang police in Seberang Perai Selatan here today.
On Saturday, a resident found a paper bag containing four homemade bombs in the compound of a house near a godown.
Three of the bombs were detonated by the Bomb Disposal Unit while another was sent to Penang police contingent for investigation.
Wan Hassan said police had taken the statements of five individuals including the houseowner to assist investigations.
– BERNAMA
‘Cmon Zam be a man’, Zaid needles veteran journalist
Zaid Ibrahim teases Zainuddin Maidin about his decision to end his political writing career, suggesting there is more to the story.
FMT
PETALING JAYA: Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, in reacting to the sudden news that veteran journalist Zainuddin Maidin will stop writing contemporary political pieces, sent him a naughty tweet saying, “Cmon Zam be a man; dont submit if you believe in the cause?
“Country going down. Of course to be bold u have to be clean”
Zaid tweeted this message after news broke that Zainuddin, also known as Zam, had made the decision to end his political writing in his search for peace, away from “intimidation, pressure” and the smearing of his name in his old age.
However not wishing to let Zam off the hook that easily, Zaid, in his most recent tweet, said, “Zam, Tun M took good care of you.
“U would not be Editor, Minister and a Tan Sri but for Tun.
“The least you can do is stand by him”
Zaid was referring to Zam’s close relationship with former premier Mahathir Mohamad.
In his last blog posting, Zam said he felt insulted to hear that he had been accused of conspiring against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak just because he once had breakfast with former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and on another occasion met Mahathir with a couple of friends.
Daim and Mahathir, like Zam, are prominent critics of Najib.
Zam’s decision took many by surprise as it comes close on the heels of another surprising announcement Sunday by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that he was willing to work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in their probe against the numerous wrongdoings of Daim.
FMTPETALING JAYA: Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, in reacting to the sudden news that veteran journalist Zainuddin Maidin will stop writing contemporary political pieces, sent him a naughty tweet saying, “Cmon Zam be a man; dont submit if you believe in the cause?
“Country going down. Of course to be bold u have to be clean”
Zaid tweeted this message after news broke that Zainuddin, also known as Zam, had made the decision to end his political writing in his search for peace, away from “intimidation, pressure” and the smearing of his name in his old age.
However not wishing to let Zam off the hook that easily, Zaid, in his most recent tweet, said, “Zam, Tun M took good care of you.
“U would not be Editor, Minister and a Tan Sri but for Tun.
“The least you can do is stand by him”
Zaid was referring to Zam’s close relationship with former premier Mahathir Mohamad.
In his last blog posting, Zam said he felt insulted to hear that he had been accused of conspiring against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak just because he once had breakfast with former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and on another occasion met Mahathir with a couple of friends.
Daim and Mahathir, like Zam, are prominent critics of Najib.
Zam’s decision took many by surprise as it comes close on the heels of another surprising announcement Sunday by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that he was willing to work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in their probe against the numerous wrongdoings of Daim.
Time to end Najib-Rosmah rule, Umno leaders told
Only divisional leaders are still defending the PM, says blogger Shahbudin.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Disaffection with Najib Abdul Razak’s leadership has spread so widely within Umno itself that the time is right for the party’s leaders to call for his resignation, former Federal Territory Umno official Shahbudin Husin says in his latest blog entry.
“In reality,” he writes, “only the 191 divisional heads – and not all of them at that – are still determined to defend Najib. Everywhere, leaders at other levels are openly saying that Umno’s future would brighten if he is replaced by another leader.”
Apart from complaints about Najib’s handling of the economy, he says, the negative talk also revolves around the alleged meddling of his wife, Rosmah Mansor, in his administration to the extent that the government is being derisively referred to as the “Najib-Rosmah” government.
“The time has come for Umno leaders to courageously speak up, to honestly tell Najib that party members at the grassroots and, in fact, members of the general public are becoming increasingly vocal in rejecting his government. The voice is getting louder every day.”
He criticises Umno leaders who, although they realise the need for change, are unwilling to speak up for fear of losing their well-paid positions and all the conveniences that come with them.
He says they should be willing to perform a “jihad” for the good of their party and the nation.
“Umno and the country must not be destroyed by the Najib-Rosmah partnership,” he says. “Asking Najib to resign for the good of the nation is not a crime.”
KUALA LUMPUR: Disaffection with Najib Abdul Razak’s leadership has spread so widely within Umno itself that the time is right for the party’s leaders to call for his resignation, former Federal Territory Umno official Shahbudin Husin says in his latest blog entry.
“In reality,” he writes, “only the 191 divisional heads – and not all of them at that – are still determined to defend Najib. Everywhere, leaders at other levels are openly saying that Umno’s future would brighten if he is replaced by another leader.”
Apart from complaints about Najib’s handling of the economy, he says, the negative talk also revolves around the alleged meddling of his wife, Rosmah Mansor, in his administration to the extent that the government is being derisively referred to as the “Najib-Rosmah” government.
“The time has come for Umno leaders to courageously speak up, to honestly tell Najib that party members at the grassroots and, in fact, members of the general public are becoming increasingly vocal in rejecting his government. The voice is getting louder every day.”
He criticises Umno leaders who, although they realise the need for change, are unwilling to speak up for fear of losing their well-paid positions and all the conveniences that come with them.
He says they should be willing to perform a “jihad” for the good of their party and the nation.
“Umno and the country must not be destroyed by the Najib-Rosmah partnership,” he says. “Asking Najib to resign for the good of the nation is not a crime.”
Najib a great contrarian and absentee PM, says Kit Siang
DAP leader says Najib Razak is in denial about the country’s crumbling economy including its brittle race and religious relations.
FMT
PETALING JAYA: In a scathing review of the performance of prime minister Najib Razak, DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang compared him to the nation’s first three leaders, saying Najib’s lacklustre leadership had earned him the labels “Great Contrarian” and “Absentee Prime Minister”.
In a statement, Lim said, “Under the first three Prime Ministers, Malaysia’s foundation as a tolerant, open, liberal, democratic, multi-racial, multi-religious and secular nation with Islam as the religion of the Federation, was never doubted, questioned or challenged.”
He said this was the basis of the 20-point Sabah and 18-point Sarawak Agreement when Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“… but things began to go awry after 2001”
Echoing the words of the Yang di Pertuan Agong who commented recently that he was gravely concerned over the “brittle” race and religious relations in the country today, Lim said Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn “would have taken positive and pro-active measures to address concerns” unlike Najib who preferred to stand and watch on the sidelines.
Lim explained that he called Najib the Great Contrarian, because the PM always had an opinion contrary to what others were saying and in so doing continued to deny the country was economically in shambles and that race and religious relations had reached dangerous levels.
“The first three Prime Ministers … would have been horrified by the blasphemous claims of the political charlatans, bigots and extremists of today who are claiming to cloak their rhetoric and politics of hatred, fear, intolerance, bigotry and extremism under the banner of moderation!”
Saying he was sure the trio would have made a “swift and immediate response” to the 25 Eminent Malays, he asked, “Can we expect the present Prime Minister to show similar qualities as the first three Prime Ministers and to have a meeting with the 25 Eminent Malays before he embarks on another international junket in keeping with his reputation as “Absentee Prime Minister”?
Earlier Lim outlined the tough challenges the people were put through last year, describing 2014 as having been “bedevilled by a host of disasters and misfortunes” that included three air crashes, catastrophic floods, the 1MDB scandal, the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on illegal immigrants and falling crude oil prices.
Saying it was “most sad and tragic” that Najib and his Cabinet did not seem to understand the grave concerns expressed by the Agong, Lim added that it was up to Malaysians to hold on to the legacy of Tunku Abdul Rahman as well, who, if he was still alive, would be 112 this February 8.
In a sombre tone, Lim said, “Let Malaysians remember Tunku’s legacy of moderation in a meaningful way to help ensure that Malaysia will forever be a land for moderates with no place for the bigots or extremists of any ilk.”
PETALING JAYA: In a scathing review of the performance of prime minister Najib Razak, DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang compared him to the nation’s first three leaders, saying Najib’s lacklustre leadership had earned him the labels “Great Contrarian” and “Absentee Prime Minister”.
In a statement, Lim said, “Under the first three Prime Ministers, Malaysia’s foundation as a tolerant, open, liberal, democratic, multi-racial, multi-religious and secular nation with Islam as the religion of the Federation, was never doubted, questioned or challenged.”
He said this was the basis of the 20-point Sabah and 18-point Sarawak Agreement when Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“… but things began to go awry after 2001”
Echoing the words of the Yang di Pertuan Agong who commented recently that he was gravely concerned over the “brittle” race and religious relations in the country today, Lim said Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn “would have taken positive and pro-active measures to address concerns” unlike Najib who preferred to stand and watch on the sidelines.
Lim explained that he called Najib the Great Contrarian, because the PM always had an opinion contrary to what others were saying and in so doing continued to deny the country was economically in shambles and that race and religious relations had reached dangerous levels.
“The first three Prime Ministers … would have been horrified by the blasphemous claims of the political charlatans, bigots and extremists of today who are claiming to cloak their rhetoric and politics of hatred, fear, intolerance, bigotry and extremism under the banner of moderation!”
Saying he was sure the trio would have made a “swift and immediate response” to the 25 Eminent Malays, he asked, “Can we expect the present Prime Minister to show similar qualities as the first three Prime Ministers and to have a meeting with the 25 Eminent Malays before he embarks on another international junket in keeping with his reputation as “Absentee Prime Minister”?
Earlier Lim outlined the tough challenges the people were put through last year, describing 2014 as having been “bedevilled by a host of disasters and misfortunes” that included three air crashes, catastrophic floods, the 1MDB scandal, the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on illegal immigrants and falling crude oil prices.
Saying it was “most sad and tragic” that Najib and his Cabinet did not seem to understand the grave concerns expressed by the Agong, Lim added that it was up to Malaysians to hold on to the legacy of Tunku Abdul Rahman as well, who, if he was still alive, would be 112 this February 8.
In a sombre tone, Lim said, “Let Malaysians remember Tunku’s legacy of moderation in a meaningful way to help ensure that Malaysia will forever be a land for moderates with no place for the bigots or extremists of any ilk.”
Has Zahid Hamidi been caught red-handed telling another lie?
By Lim Kit Siang Blog I applaud the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein for his prompt response and clarification that he had never written a letter stating support for any individual to the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) now or during his time as Home Minister.
Hishammuddin was asked about this today, as I had issued a statement last Friday asking previous Home Ministers, in particular Zahid’s predecessor Hishammuddin as well as former occupants of this key post like Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Datuk Azmi Khalid to “speak up and clear themselves and to put the record straight” whether they had also written clarification letters to FBI has Zahid had done.
This was because Zahid had made the astonishing claim in his statement last Thursday when trying to exonerate himself from any wrong in his infamous letter to the FBI vouching for the character of alleged gambling kingpin Paul Phua, standing trial in Las Vegas, Nevada for illegal gambling, that previous Home Ministers before him had also written such clarification letters.
Has Zahid been caught red-handed telling a lie, unfairly, unjustly and dishonourably implicating other Ministers whether of this administration or previous regimes?
To be frank, I never believed that previous Home Ministers had behaved like Zahid, writing unilaterally to the FBI, without the knowledge or the police or the Inspector-General of Police at the time, contradicting earlier police reports to the FBI, as well as without the knowledge or clearance from the Foreign Ministry.
This would be the conduct of a disgraceful and shambolic government, with Ministers acting in so indisciplined, wild and arbitrary fashion, betraying and disgracing the national trust imposed on them in their appointment as Home Ministers in the Cabinet.
It is pertinent to note that Zahid used the plural of “Home Ministers” and not the singular, which means more than one, of his predecessors who had penned letters like what he had done.
Hishammuddin has denied.l What about the others – Hamid Albar, Mohd Radzai, Azmi Khalid? Probably, we should go further back which will rope in Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Tun Mahathir Mohamad as previous Home Ministers?
Zahid had already told untruths about the Cabinet having approved his infamous letter to the FBI, as Wisma Putra had clarified the Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Musa’s statement that the Cabinet only “heard” and not “accepted” Zahid’s explanation.
Zahid should be reminded of the axiom that if a person tells a lie, he would have to tell a thousand lies to cover up the original line – which seems to be the dilemma Zahid has put himself in.
Be that as it may, national interests demand that the whole truth about Zahid’s infamous letter to FBI to vouch for the character of the alleged gambling kingpin must be fully revealed, or Zahid should expect to be impaled on the issue in the March meeting of Parliament.
Extradition request to be challenged
The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Sirul Azhar Umar’s defence team will challenge any application by the Government to extradite him from Australia.
Lead
counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said this was because asking for
Sirul’s extradition would contradict Malaysia’s extradition treaty with
Australia.
“We
will definitely challenge it in a Malaysian court if the request is
made by Malaysia’s authorities,” he told reporters here yesterday.
“However,
it’s all hypothetical for now. It depends what the Government’s next
move is and what my client’s instructions are,” he said.
Kamarul
Hisham clarified that he was still representing Sirul although he had
not been in contact with him and also was unsure about his whereabouts.
Sirul, 43, faces the gallows in Malaysia over the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.
He
failed to appear in the Federal Court on Jan 13 when the court
sentenced him and former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, 38, to death for
the October 2006 murder of Altantuya, 26. The court then issued a
warrant for Sirul’s arrest.
Sirul reportedly has been in Australia since November.
On
Jan 17, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
said the Government was strongly considering extraditing Sirul should
the Australian government refuse to repatriate him.
Australia’s
Attorney-General’s Department stated that the country’s legislation did
not allow a person to be surrendered to another country for an offence
punishable by death, unless the country gave Australia an undertaking
that the death penalty would not be carried out on the person.
Government Revises Deficit Target To 3.2 Per Cent In 2015
Datuk Seri Najib Tun RazakPUTRAJAYA, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The government on Tuesday revised the country's fiscal deficit target for 2015 to 3.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), up from the 3.0 per cent set out in the Budget, in the wake of falling oil prices.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said without any fiscal measures, the deficit would rise to 3.9 per cent of GDP.
Speaking at a special address here this morning, Najib said Malaysians have to accept the reality that the original Budget 2015 target could not be achieved, due to external factors such as the slump in global oil prices.
"But what is important is our commitment to further reducing the fiscal deficit," he said, adding the latest target is still lower than the 3.5 per cent in 2014.
The premier also stressed that the strategies announced by the government today are proactive adjustment measures following external factors beyond our control and that the country is not in an economic crisis.
He explained that at the forecast oil price of US$55 per barrel, there will be a revenue shortfall of RM13.8 billion.
"Despite the savings of RM10.7 billion from the implementation of the managed float mechanism for retail fuel prices, the government still faces a revenue shortfall of RM8.3 billion to accommodate the 2015 Budget measures," he said.
The situation requires the government to take measures to reduce the deficit in line with the government's commitment towards fiscal consolidation, he said, adding the government will not compromise on its national development planning and neglect the people's welfare.
On the ringgit, Najib said the local unit is not the only currency to have depreciated against the US dollar, as nearly all regional currencies have weakened against the US dollar since September 2014.
?The recent volatile capital flows and significant fall in the value of the ringgit were also due to concerns over the impact of the sharp fall in oil prices, he added.
However, Najib said, the government is confident that over time, the ringgit's exchange rate will adjust to reflect Malaysia's strong economic fundamentals.
"Of importance, our financial system continues to function in an orderly manner. Most importantly, there has been no disruption to financial intermediation with lending activities continuing smoothly," he said.
Furthermore, he said, greater policy flexibility, adequate international reserves, deeper and more diversified financial markets, sound banking system and strong domestic institutional investors will increase the country's resilience to volatile cash flows.
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
Call for Muslim army in Australia
There was a call to arms over the weekend that is, in any terms, truly frightening.
His message was met by cries of “Takbir... Allahu Akbar!” by his followers at Lakemba in Western Sydney.
"Eventually, we will bounce back and we will reclaim everything that they have taken from us,” Bilal Merhi told the crowd.
Gaza graffiti on French cultural center: "God damn you, worshipers of the cross" (updated)
Protest graffiti was sprayed outside the French cultural centre in Gaza before dawn Saturday following the publication of a new cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.But the Arabic AFP article includes one more graffitum that did not make it into the English version.
“You will go to hell, French journalists,” read one of the slogans daubed on the walls of the cultural centre compound, which has been closed since it was damaged in a fire last October.
“Anything but the prophet,” read another.
It said "God damn you, O worshipers of the cross."
Now, why would AFP choose to self-censor the most incendiary statement from its English articles? Instead of the graffiti being merely against the Charlie Hebdo magazine, it was really against Christianity altogether!
UPDATE: Bob Knot found the original AFP video footage. I think this is the relevant graffitum:
After questioning Daim, anti-graft body to meet Anwar next
Malaysian anti-graft officials will take up opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's offer to assist investigations into Tun Daim Zainuddin's banking business abroad, years after the former finance minister was cleared of any wrongdoing.Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief commissioner, Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull, said in a statement today that they had already questioned Daim and were now waiting to seek Anwar's help to facilitate investigations.
"MACC will meet with YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who claims to have strong evidence regarding this case. MACC also welcomes any quarters with evidence to cooperate with MACC," he said.
Mohd Shukri said the testimonies from Daim, Anwar and other witnesses will be brought to the deputy public prosecutor and later the Operations Review Panel (PPO), the independent body that monitors MACC's operations.
Yesterday, Anwar said he was willing to cooperate with MACC if it investigated Daim, but on the condition that it carried out its duties professionally.
"If they ask me, I will give my cooperation, no problem. It is my responsibility to help facilitate investigations. But they have to be professional," the PKR de facto chief had said after a dialogue with Selangor youth in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
He said he had "proof" of Daim's alleged abuse of power but it was shelved. However, he did not elaborate on the statement, although he said MACC should not focus its investigations solely on Daim's banking business.
Mohd Shukri today insisted MACC had always carried out its investigations independently, transparently and professionally, in accordance with the MACC Act 2009.
He added that this was not the first it was investigating Daim.
"For your information, investigations against Tun Daim were already carried out by the Anti-Corruption Agency (now MACC) in 1998.
"The deputy public prosecutor who examined the case at that time decided that no further action be taken," he said.
He added that it was MACC's duty to probe each graft case in accordance with the laws, without being influenced by any party.
Last Thursday, Daim said he was ready to cooperate with MACC as they probed his banking business abroad, saying that he had confidence in the anti-graft body's capabilities to undertake the probe.
Daim revealed he also knew who was behind the sudden media spotlight on his business empire.
"I am aware of who is behind this sudden attention on me. If you don't like the message, kill the messenger," he said, adding that he was surprised Umno-controlled Media Prima Bhd would provide coverage for opposition party PKR.
Opposition politicians had previously urged anti-graft authorities to investigate Daim, with PKR's Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, in November last year, highlighting the lack of police action against the former finance minister despite a police report lodged in 1999.
Anwar had lodged that report 15 years ago, accusing Daim of amassing billions of ringgit in African and Eastern Europe banks through proxies.
Pro-Umno bloggers recently reported that Daim had been attacked by cybertroopers aligned to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for criticising Putrajaya's handling of the economy.
Daim and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad have emerged as strong critics of Najib's administration over the latter's handling of the economy and national politics.
In what is seen as a psychological war, Najib's supporters in the press and online portals have been attacking Daim with critical articles.
But veteran journalist Datuk A. Kadir Jasin warned a few days ago that Media Prima Bhd should stop sniping at Daim as it could backfire on Najib.
Najib was more vulnerable to personal attacks than Daim and other critics, Kadir, the retired editor of the New Straits Times Press group, said in his blog.
Besides opposition lawmakers, Daim and Dr Mahathir, even pro-Umno bloggers who had supported Najib to be prime minister were now becoming critical of him. – January 19, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-questioning-daim-anti-graft-body-to-meet-anwar-next#sthash.rCSldq8M.dpuf
Lim not aware of Anwar’s ‘Kampung Buah Pala’ pledge – Bernama
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told the High Court in George Town today that he was unaware of
opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's pledge to "save Kampung Buah Pala"."I am not aware of it," said Lim when cross-examined by counsel Baljit Singh, who was representing Penang Citizens Awareness Chant Group (Chant) adviser Jimmy Lim Cheok Siang.
Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, also said he never knew that Anwar had made a pledge to the residents prior to the 2008 general election.
To another question whether Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy had promised Kampung Buah Pala residents that they could stay in the area perpetually, Lim said he was not aware of it.
Lim was testifying in his defamation trial against Jimmy, Mtoday News Sdn Bhd (second defendant) and journalist Athi Shankar (third defendant).
Lim stressed that only George Town had been recognised as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
"The article was written without seeking my comment and clarification, and intended to defame me as chief minister and also as an individual."
In January last year, Lim filed the suit claiming that the first defendant made a statement in a press conference on December 6, 2013, which was misleading and malicious, and defamatory to him.
In his statement of claim, he alleged that Mtoday News Sdn Bhd and Shankar had deliberately, erroneously and with malicious intent caused the publication of an article, "Guan Eng has failed, says NGO".
The plaintiff claimed that the article which appeared in the Free Malaysia Today website the same day, had portrayed him as a chief minister without calibre for trying to destroy the world heritage status accorded to Penang.
Lim also alleged that the article had also portrayed him as a leader or individual who had no regard for the wellbeing of the local Indian community by allowing the destruction of Kampung Buah Pala.
The hearing before judicial commissioner Datuk Nordin Hassan has been adjourned to February 27. – Bernama, January 19, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/lim-not-aware-of-anwars-kampung-buah-pala-pledge-bernama#sthash.onU9k6l2.dpuf
Conviction opens can of worms, says Sirul's lawyer
While he respects the Federal Court verdict, Kamarul Hisham said, the problem was that the motive was not established.
"My client's conviction has opened a 'can of worms' as to what the motive of the murder was.
"The motive was not established against my client (whether in the in High Court, Court of Appeal or the Federal Court)," he said when met on the sidelines of another case today.
The lawyer, one of three who represented Sirul, said the evidence showed that calls and text messages were made among political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, DSP Musa Safri and the first accused Azilah Hadri from three days before the incident.
This, Kamarul Hisham (left) said, took place right up to the night of the murder in late 2006."Who gave, and what were, the alleged instructions? Why was DSP Musa not called to testify?" he queried, referring to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s former aide de camp.
The lawyer said these are the questions which are being debated by the public.
Kamarul Hisham had, at the Court of Appeal and Federal Court, questioned the prosecution's move not to call DSP Musa/ The Court of Appeal said in its judgment that the non-calling of the former aide-de-camp had resulted in a serious misdirection of the case.
During the trial at the High Court in Shah Alam, Sirul had caused a stir when he claimed that he was being made into a “scapegoat” to “protect their plans”.
'My client could have been framed'
Kamarul Hisham had then suggested that his client could have been framed for the murder of the Mongolian national.
Last week, the Federal Court sentenced Sirul, who is currently believed to be in Australia, and Azilah to death.
Following the judgment, Altantuya’s father Setev Shaariibuu questioned the reason behind his daughter being killed and her remains blown up with explosives.
The Malaysian government is currently attempting to extradite Sirul, but Australian law dictates that a person facing the death penalty in his or her home country cannot be sent back.
The Altantuya murder, which remains a high-profile matter, saw Najib, who was then deputy prime minister and defence minister, being accused of involvement.
His close associate Abdul Razak, who admitted to having an affair with Altantuya, was charged with abetting the murder but was later acquitted without his defence being called.
The police, meanwhile, cleared Najib of any wrongdoing and Najib also swore his innocence in the name of God.
The murder was also linked to Malaysia’s procurement of two French Scorpene submarines, which Abdul Razak’s firm was tasked with purchasing and maintaining.
Ex-IGP turns heat on Zahid over FBI letter
Last week, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied any wrongdoing, cited the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and pinned the blame on “pro-opposition” news portals.
While current inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has chosen to remain silent, his predecessor Abdul Rahim Noor (right) decided to air his views.Rahim said Zahid should not have written to the FBI, even if just to clarify the status of Phua, a Malaysian facing criminal proceedings in the United States.
Rahim said the police too need not entertain Phua's lawyers' request for the Malaysian government to clarify to the US on whether Phua was a 14K triad member.
"It would have been better if it did not involve the minister. Even the police do not need to write the letter.
"It would have been more suitable for the letter to be written by a lawyer who does not necessarily have to represent the minister as it is merely a request by Phua's lawyers," Rahin is quoted as saying in a Sinar Harian report today.
In the letter dated Dec 18 last year to the FBI, Zahid claimed Phua was not a 14K triad member in Malaysia.
The home minister went on to reveal that Phua had assisted Malaysia on "national security projects" and expressed hope for Phua to return to Malaysia.
No reason to reveal Phua helping gov't
Elaborating on this, Rahim said Zahid had no reason to reveal that Phua was involved in national security matters with the Malaysian government.
"The
letter should focus on the main request, which is to explain the
existence of the 14K triad in Malaysia and whether Phua is involved with
the group."But if questions were posed on Phua's cooperation on national security matters, that question should not have been answered as it is none of the US' business," Rahim said.
He said revealing that Phua (left) was working with the Malaysian government would create misconceptions among the people.
In the same vein, Rahim agreed with Zahid's refusal to disclose the exact nature of "national security projects" Phua is supposedly involved in, based on the OSA.
"In the case of Phua, if it is true the government is using his services, we need to shut our mouths as it is considered a top secret," Rahim said.
'Authorities must consult AG Chambers'
Meanwhile, another former police chief Hanif Omar said it was not unusual to "set a thief to catch a thief".
Hanif said the government can also assist informants who are arrested overseas to request for their freedom or reduce their sentence.
However, he said, this would require authorities to refer to the Attorney-General's Chambers and Foreign Affairs Ministry.
While Khalid has declined to comment on the matter in order not to jeopardise the case in the US, sources from the IGP's office told Malaysiakini that the minister did not consult the police before penning the letter.
It was also revealed that Phua did not assist the police on security matters.
I’m not Perkasa’s patron but I support their views, Dr M says
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today denied a news report claiming he has “parted ways” with Perkasa, saying he still supports the controversial Malay rights group’s views although he never had any formal affiliations with it.
In a blog post this afternoon to rebut the news, the former prime minister said there was no basis to the claim that he had distanced himself from Perkasa because he had grown “uneasy with the group’s direction”.
His only link to Perkasa, the influential former Umno president said, is that he “may” have shared some of his ideas with the group in the past, and that some of his thoughts may have coincided with theirs.
“For starters, I am not formally attached to them,” Dr Mahathir wrote. “However, I must admit that I do support their views.
“Especially when it comes to reacting against extremist views of the non-Malays.”
Dr Mahathir, who was Malaysia’s longest serving prime minister, said during his 22-year tenure in office, groups like Perkasa never existed.
Today, he said, Perkasa’s birth was only due to the rise in “extremist views among the non-Malays” who he said have openly questioned Malay rights and privileges.
Earlier today, news portal The Malaysian Insider reported that Dr Mahathir had parted ways with Perkasa, as he was unhappy with how the group caused and handled racial issues, including a call to burn Bibles.
The Malaysian Insider also reported that Dr Mahathir scolded Perkasa last November during their meeting and had claimed to be unwell to explain his absence at Perkasa’s annual general meeting (AGM) when he was in fact unhappy with the group.
But in an immediate response, the group’s secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali labelled the report “mistorted” and false.
“I do not know from where they got the news that Tun M has started to distance (himself) from Perkasa. We feel that that news is not true,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted today.
Later, Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali insisted that the group’s relationship with the former prime minister remains intact and told The Malaysian Insider that there was no more credible a source to confirm its report than the former prime minister himself.
“If it is just a source, who is right? Ask Tun M himself,” Ibrahim told Malay Mail Online via text message.
“And why didn’t they ask me as president? I challenge The Malaysian Insider to ask Tun M if it is true he has parted ways with Perkasa.”
Ibrahim further disputed that Dr Mahathir was unhappy with the former’s call for Muslims to burn Malay- and Iban-language Bibles last year, pointing out that the former prime minister had expressed his support in public.
Last October, Dr Mahathir defended the authorities’ decision not to prosecute Ibrahim’s 2013 call to burn Bibles, saying that the latter’s advice was “acceptable to Muslims” and did not intend to provoke clashes between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Dr Mahathir, who had featured prominently in Perkasa events, said that it was an acceptable practice to burn old copies of Quran, adding that prohibitions against disrespecting the Muslim holy book should be extended to the holy texts of other religions.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/im-not-perkasas-patron-but-i-support-their-views-dr-m-says#sthash.nnrEQnUz.dpuf
The nonsense of the fanatics
There's a breakdown in logic in the outbursts against a Hindu temple in Putrajaya and a gurdwara in Bukit Beruntung.
FMT
In recent years, we have been witness to increasing flexing of the muscles by various NGOs and religious fundamentalists, and no occasion makes them peacock their might faster than when another religion tries to build a place for worshippers to congregate.
In the last few days, there have been outbursts against a Hindu temple in Putrajaya and the attempt by the Sikhs of Bukit Beruntung to build a gurdwara on their property.
The accusations made against the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Putrajaya are specious at best. Putrajaya, being the administrative capital of Malaysia and built on Federal land, can be considered the property of all Malaysians who pay taxes, regardless of creed or class, as a nation’s capital can only be considered so when it belongs to the people. Hence, representation of one of our country’s major religions in the capital should not be an issue here, but not according to Perkasa’s Irwan Fahmi.
Irwan’s premise is that as Putrajaya is a Malay-majority area, the temple gate should face Banting to make it easier for Hindus to reach it. Banting, it seems, has a more sizeable Hindu population than Putrajaya, where only “600 to 700” Hindus reside. He must be given some credit for attempting to frame his argument as a suggestion for the convenience of the worshippers, but the logic fails to impress and bringing up population statistics for Putrajaya only betrays the thinking behind such failed logic.
Indeed, this same kind of thinking can be found in the protest against a gurdwara in Bukit Beruntung. In this case, a banner was put up by those with “sensitivities”, claiming that the site of the gurdwara lies in the kiblat of a mosque, and thus could not be built there. (For the benefit of the uninitiated, the kiblat is the direction in which Muslims face when performing their canonical prayers.) Of course, if the logic of the “sensitive” folk were universally applicable, buildings would have to be razed for miles in Kuala Lumpur alone so that nothing stands in the kiblat of the various mosques in the city.
There is, of course, a reason why the logic in these cases doesn’t quite make sense to a logical mind.
These protests and assertions have nothing to do with religion except for a thin façade. This is nothing more, and nothing less, than an assertion of political and societal superiority to shore up the insecurity and weak-minded thinking of some parties. This thinking is an attack on the guarantees made in the Federal Constitution for the freedom of religion in Article 11, Section 3, which states:
“Every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs; (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with the law.”
That spirit of muhibbah on which this country was founded is being eroded by this need to assert social superiority over other religions. There needs to be a re-affirmation of mutual respect among the different faiths in Malaysia, in the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who once invited Christians from Najran to pray in his mosque before engaging in a dialogue with them. Not only did this gesture of respect show the measure of a great man, but is example of what made the foundations of Islam so strong.
We understand that pluralism is not acceptable to Islam, or rather to some Muslims. But that is no excuse for the blatant disrespect shown to the other faiths by some elements of our society, and a multi-racial, multi-cultural country like Malaysia cannot continue peacefully if our different faiths tread upon each other. We are one people, and we should start acting like it for once.
In recent years, we have been witness to increasing flexing of the muscles by various NGOs and religious fundamentalists, and no occasion makes them peacock their might faster than when another religion tries to build a place for worshippers to congregate.
In the last few days, there have been outbursts against a Hindu temple in Putrajaya and the attempt by the Sikhs of Bukit Beruntung to build a gurdwara on their property.
The accusations made against the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Putrajaya are specious at best. Putrajaya, being the administrative capital of Malaysia and built on Federal land, can be considered the property of all Malaysians who pay taxes, regardless of creed or class, as a nation’s capital can only be considered so when it belongs to the people. Hence, representation of one of our country’s major religions in the capital should not be an issue here, but not according to Perkasa’s Irwan Fahmi.
Irwan’s premise is that as Putrajaya is a Malay-majority area, the temple gate should face Banting to make it easier for Hindus to reach it. Banting, it seems, has a more sizeable Hindu population than Putrajaya, where only “600 to 700” Hindus reside. He must be given some credit for attempting to frame his argument as a suggestion for the convenience of the worshippers, but the logic fails to impress and bringing up population statistics for Putrajaya only betrays the thinking behind such failed logic.
Indeed, this same kind of thinking can be found in the protest against a gurdwara in Bukit Beruntung. In this case, a banner was put up by those with “sensitivities”, claiming that the site of the gurdwara lies in the kiblat of a mosque, and thus could not be built there. (For the benefit of the uninitiated, the kiblat is the direction in which Muslims face when performing their canonical prayers.) Of course, if the logic of the “sensitive” folk were universally applicable, buildings would have to be razed for miles in Kuala Lumpur alone so that nothing stands in the kiblat of the various mosques in the city.
There is, of course, a reason why the logic in these cases doesn’t quite make sense to a logical mind.
These protests and assertions have nothing to do with religion except for a thin façade. This is nothing more, and nothing less, than an assertion of political and societal superiority to shore up the insecurity and weak-minded thinking of some parties. This thinking is an attack on the guarantees made in the Federal Constitution for the freedom of religion in Article 11, Section 3, which states:
“Every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs; (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with the law.”
That spirit of muhibbah on which this country was founded is being eroded by this need to assert social superiority over other religions. There needs to be a re-affirmation of mutual respect among the different faiths in Malaysia, in the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who once invited Christians from Najran to pray in his mosque before engaging in a dialogue with them. Not only did this gesture of respect show the measure of a great man, but is example of what made the foundations of Islam so strong.
We understand that pluralism is not acceptable to Islam, or rather to some Muslims. But that is no excuse for the blatant disrespect shown to the other faiths by some elements of our society, and a multi-racial, multi-cultural country like Malaysia cannot continue peacefully if our different faiths tread upon each other. We are one people, and we should start acting like it for once.
Blogger Milosuam jailed two years for posting “leaked’ police memo
There’s an issue of jurisdiction as Milosuam stays in Selangor where his blog posting was written. However, he was charged in Sabah.
FMT
KOTA KINABALU: Milosuam, Pro-Pakatan Rakyat blogger Yusuf Siddique Al-Suratman, 29, was jailed the maximum two years on Monday under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code on a charge of causing fear and public alarm with a blog posting in 2013.
He’s the second pro-Pakatan blogger to be jailed in the last two weeks. The first was SharpShooter, Amizudin Ahmat, jailed for three months on January 8, after being in contempt on articles mentioning former information, communication and culture minister Rais Yatim.
Milosuam has been granted a stay of execution pending appeal. He was initially charged under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
There’s an issue of jurisdiction as Milosuam stays in Selangor where his posting was written. However, he was charged in Sabah.
Milosuam allegedly published a secret document on the police making preparations for the possibility of an armed intrusion into Sabah. Just before the 2013 General Elections, his blog carried a “leaked” internal police memo which mentioned the possibility of some 1,500 people causing chaos in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.
Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code pertains to; intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against the public tranquility.
Counsel Goldam Hamid represented Milosuam. Magistrate Ryan Sagirann Rayner Jr presided.
KOTA KINABALU: Milosuam, Pro-Pakatan Rakyat blogger Yusuf Siddique Al-Suratman, 29, was jailed the maximum two years on Monday under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code on a charge of causing fear and public alarm with a blog posting in 2013.
He’s the second pro-Pakatan blogger to be jailed in the last two weeks. The first was SharpShooter, Amizudin Ahmat, jailed for three months on January 8, after being in contempt on articles mentioning former information, communication and culture minister Rais Yatim.
Milosuam has been granted a stay of execution pending appeal. He was initially charged under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
There’s an issue of jurisdiction as Milosuam stays in Selangor where his posting was written. However, he was charged in Sabah.
Milosuam allegedly published a secret document on the police making preparations for the possibility of an armed intrusion into Sabah. Just before the 2013 General Elections, his blog carried a “leaked” internal police memo which mentioned the possibility of some 1,500 people causing chaos in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.
Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code pertains to; intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against the public tranquility.
Counsel Goldam Hamid represented Milosuam. Magistrate Ryan Sagirann Rayner Jr presided.
Dr M: The West only being ‘helpful’ by killing terrorists
Former PM says justice, Western style, means talking human rights on one hand, and justifying the killing of thousands on the other.
FMT
PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad today commented on the brand of justice the West promotes, saying they thought nothing about killing thousands of Iraqis, Afghans and Arabs but showed great outrage when 12 Frenchmen were killed by two Muslim terrorists in Paris this month.
“Are the Iraqis, the Afghans and the Palestine Arabs not of the human race? Is killing hundreds of thousands of them okay but not 12 Frenchmen?” he asked in his latest blog entry.
According to Mahathir, the West saw it as a “great mission” to come down hard on Muslim terrorists, and added cynically, “People should understand and appreciate. You are just being helpful.”
He also commented on how the West found it “intolerable” that two Muslims chose to kill their “tormentors” for insulting Islam, conveniently choosing not to take into account the 1.4 billion Muslims in the world who “accept their fate”.
He said, “Kill them. Then go after the others. Justice (Western style) will be done.”
In pushing his argument across, Mahathir did clarify that he did not condone the killings at Charlie Hebdo, yet neither did he see how “babies, the children, the sick and the old” deserved to die by the thousands at the hands of Westerners.
“But they were killed. Nobody demonstrated in sympathy with their families over their loss,” he said in reference to the demonstrations held in Paris after the brutal killings.
Implying the West was good at practising double standards, Mahathir said, “Might is always right. But don’t preach to us about human rights, about the right to insult people, about free speech and freedom of the press.”
Saying not much had changed when it came to how Westerners thought and acted, Mahathir said, “You killed the natives by the millions because you wanted their land.”
“You are still killing them so as to rid them of their bad leaders, so they will become democratic.”
PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad today commented on the brand of justice the West promotes, saying they thought nothing about killing thousands of Iraqis, Afghans and Arabs but showed great outrage when 12 Frenchmen were killed by two Muslim terrorists in Paris this month.
“Are the Iraqis, the Afghans and the Palestine Arabs not of the human race? Is killing hundreds of thousands of them okay but not 12 Frenchmen?” he asked in his latest blog entry.
According to Mahathir, the West saw it as a “great mission” to come down hard on Muslim terrorists, and added cynically, “People should understand and appreciate. You are just being helpful.”
He also commented on how the West found it “intolerable” that two Muslims chose to kill their “tormentors” for insulting Islam, conveniently choosing not to take into account the 1.4 billion Muslims in the world who “accept their fate”.
He said, “Kill them. Then go after the others. Justice (Western style) will be done.”
In pushing his argument across, Mahathir did clarify that he did not condone the killings at Charlie Hebdo, yet neither did he see how “babies, the children, the sick and the old” deserved to die by the thousands at the hands of Westerners.
“But they were killed. Nobody demonstrated in sympathy with their families over their loss,” he said in reference to the demonstrations held in Paris after the brutal killings.
Implying the West was good at practising double standards, Mahathir said, “Might is always right. But don’t preach to us about human rights, about the right to insult people, about free speech and freedom of the press.”
Saying not much had changed when it came to how Westerners thought and acted, Mahathir said, “You killed the natives by the millions because you wanted their land.”
“You are still killing them so as to rid them of their bad leaders, so they will become democratic.”
PM must put Perkasa in its place over temple in Putrajaya
DAP says Najib Razak should live up to his 1Malaysia slogan and show that moderates will not tolerate extremists like Perkasa.
FMT
IPOH: The DAP has called on the federal government to make the construction of a Hindu temple in Putrajaya, a show of “moderates versus extremists” if Malay rights group Perkasa continued its opposition.
In saying this, DAP national vice-chairman M Kulasegaran urged Prime Minister Najib Razak to lead the moderates in fending off extremists in the battle.
Reminding Najib of his 1Malaysia slogan and his concept of moderation, Kulasegaran added, “Najib has in the past called on the silent majority to speak up against extremism.
“He must speak up now and put Perkasa in its place if the group does not back down from opposing the temple construction in Putrajaya.”
He said the best person to lead this battle was the PM himself, who should position it as a “battle between moderates and the extremists”.
The Hindu temple became something of a controversy when Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris questioned why a Hindu temple was being constructed in Putrajaya, a Malay-majority area.
He even suggested that its entrance face Banting, where a sizeable Hindu population resided.
In addressing Irwan’s dissatisfaction, Kulasegaran said Irwan had shown himself to be an extremist and a religious bigot.
“Perkasa’s frequent stirring up of racial and religious issues also shows without a doubt that it is an organisation not fit to exist in this multi racial and multi religious nation,” Kula added.
He also lauded Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s rebuke of Perkasa’s objections and his admonishment that Perkasa stop playing up the construction of Sri Lalithambikai Alayam, disclosing that the project was approved some time ago.
“We have built many temples before, building another one in Putrajaya is not going to change the entire population into Hindus,” said Tengku Adnan last week.
Kulasegaran said Tengku Adnan’s whacking of Perkasa was timely and deserved public commendation and support.
IPOH: The DAP has called on the federal government to make the construction of a Hindu temple in Putrajaya, a show of “moderates versus extremists” if Malay rights group Perkasa continued its opposition.
In saying this, DAP national vice-chairman M Kulasegaran urged Prime Minister Najib Razak to lead the moderates in fending off extremists in the battle.
Reminding Najib of his 1Malaysia slogan and his concept of moderation, Kulasegaran added, “Najib has in the past called on the silent majority to speak up against extremism.
“He must speak up now and put Perkasa in its place if the group does not back down from opposing the temple construction in Putrajaya.”
He said the best person to lead this battle was the PM himself, who should position it as a “battle between moderates and the extremists”.
The Hindu temple became something of a controversy when Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris questioned why a Hindu temple was being constructed in Putrajaya, a Malay-majority area.
He even suggested that its entrance face Banting, where a sizeable Hindu population resided.
In addressing Irwan’s dissatisfaction, Kulasegaran said Irwan had shown himself to be an extremist and a religious bigot.
“Perkasa’s frequent stirring up of racial and religious issues also shows without a doubt that it is an organisation not fit to exist in this multi racial and multi religious nation,” Kula added.
He also lauded Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s rebuke of Perkasa’s objections and his admonishment that Perkasa stop playing up the construction of Sri Lalithambikai Alayam, disclosing that the project was approved some time ago.
“We have built many temples before, building another one in Putrajaya is not going to change the entire population into Hindus,” said Tengku Adnan last week.
Kulasegaran said Tengku Adnan’s whacking of Perkasa was timely and deserved public commendation and support.
Falling oil prices and plunging ringgit: Government must step up to the plate
18 JANUARY 2015
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Falling oil prices and plunging ringgit: Government must step up to the plate
On December 12 last year, I told the people to brace for tougher times ahead because we
were facing a double whammy with declining international crude oil prices coupled with a
depreciation of the Ringgit at levels unseen since the Asian Financial crisis of 1997.
The prices of Brent crude oil have continued to drop. To date, it has plunged by 53% from
last year, that is, from an average of USD 108 per barrel in January 2014 to an average of
USD 51 for January 2015.
Our Ringgit is currently the weakest Asian currency, leaving aside the Yen. It has depreciated
to 3.55 Ringgit per USD from 3.32 Ringgit a year ago. Since October 2014, the ringgit has
lost almost 8.3%.
It is true that other Asian currencies have also fallen against the USD but our drop is almost
double that of the closest laggards such as the Taiwanese dollar and the Singapore dollar at
4.59% and 4.50% against the USD respectively.
Crude palm oil prices have also weakened by approximately 10% to RM 2300 per tonne.
Impact on our revenue
Income from oil and gas makes up 30% of our total government revenue. The 2015 Federal
Budget that was tabled on October 10 last year was based on an oil price range of USD 100
to 105 per barrel.
Even before the plunge to the current levels, Petronas had warned that if crude prices
averaged at USD 70 to 75, its overall contribution to government revenue would fall short of
8%. This means a shortfall of RM 19.4bn of the estimated revenue of RM 242bn against the
2015 budget projection.
Now that the oil prices have dropped by nearly half, what will be the actual impact on our
revenue?
Granted there will be savings in fuel subsidies but, as Maybank Research in its latest
publication says, a revenue shortfall of RM 8.4bn will already outweigh the subsidy saving
and result in a fiscal deficit of 4% of GDP instead of the 3% target for 2015.
According to Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, crude prices may continue to hover
between the USD 40 and 50 range in 2015. What this means is that the impact on government
revenue and deficit will be even greater. Some analysts are warning of deficit levels reaching
as high as 5%. This would be further accentuated if the ringgit continues to weaken and CPO
prices continue to fall.
In terms of equity investment, according to CLSA (Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia),
Malaysia is the worst performing Asian market in 2014. While the stock exchanges in
Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore still managed to chart positive growth, our Bursa suffered
significant declines.
Apart from the factors already stated earlier, there is also the issue of foreign capital
outflows, exiting both Ringgit bonds (owning 45% of total MGS) and equity. With
weakening carry trade attraction and fiscal uncertainties these have driven the Ringgit to
historical lows and pushed MGS yields up and raised financing cost (debt to GDP at 55%).
What the government must do now
First and foremost, corruption and leakages must be tackled. We have already shown in the
Pakatan Rakyat 2015 shadow budget that a conservative saving of only 15% in government
spending leakages could save almost RM20bn or an equivalent of 1.6% of the projected
GDP.
Secondly, we must put a stop to the culture of wastage and opulent and spendthrift ways
cloaked under shady procurement processes and opaque privatisation awards. The
government must stop sweeping bad debts under the off-balance sheet carpet.
There are no alternatives to good governance other than being transparent and truthful with
information relating to the country’s finances. In this regard, we are already saddled with the
scandalous 1MDB. The people will not tolerate yet another one.
Thirdly, a bi-partisan ‘National Crisis Committee’ should be set up without further delay
comprising government and opposition MPs, economists, market experts and other
specialists.
Inter alia, the committee should be tasked with the responsibility of monitoring commodity
prices on a daily basis and given the authority to execute any necessary measures to mitigate
any negative impacts once a consensus is obtained.
Fourthly, the government should be prepared to introduce austerity measures in the event that
oil prices go lower and remain there. This will mean cut-backs on mega projects while
continuing to spend on critical areas such as healthcare, education and the humanitarian
assistance for flood victims.
It should be noted that other oil dependent countries such as Norway (with very good
governance) are already on ‘alert mode’ running scenarios on the long-term effects of low oil
prices.
It is true that the movement of international commodity prices is beyond our control. But
surely we have control over how we spend our money and manage our overall finances.
This is where the government is failing and continues to fail in spite of our repeated calls to
do a reality check and put in place remedial measures. What have they been doing all this
while? Is this the kind of attitude to show case our drive for transformation?
Flood crisis and lessons drawn
It is the same attitude that had resulted in the devastation caused by the recent floods.
Flooding is an annual phenomenon going on for centuries but no serious mitigation measures
were done by the government.
In this regard, we must commend the NGOs who came in droves to help out. Comprising all
the races and religious groups this show of support and readiness to help the victims is
unprecedented and underscores the paramount importance for the Federal government to
work with Pakatan state governments and the NGOs.
Message to the rakyat
Tougher times lie ahead as government spending could be reduced and growth slows down.
The rakyat needs to remain frugal and not take on additional unnecessary debts.
As inflation continues to rise while wages remain stagnant, the rakyat will face greater
economic hardship and income inequality will continue to widen.
Meanwhile, we want the government to come clean on the economic outlook for the nation.
The people await the Tuesday announcement and expect serious and earnest efforts put in for
the restructuring of the 2015 budget.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Revised 2015 Budget should declare war on corruption, incompetence and extravagance to provide example and leadership of government commitment to austerity, accountability and integrity
By Lim Kit Siang blog,The revised 2015 Budget should declare war on corruption, incompetence and extravagance to provide example and leadership of government commitment to austerity, accountability and integrity.
Such a campaign would save the Malaysian government and taxpayers scores of billions of ringgit, which would help the country tide through the looming economic crisis as a result of the sharp fall in prices of oil and commodities and the weakening of the Malaysian ringgit.
Despite the greatest investment in anti-corruption campaign, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission developing into a huge bureaucracy but with very little to show in terms of results, the Najib premiership is still far behind the Abdullah and Mahathir premierships in both ranking and score of the annual Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
Malaysia lags seriously behind other countries in the battle against corruption, particularly Indonesia and China, and Malaysia is at risk of being overtaken by these two countries which had occupied the bottom two of rungs of the TI CPI 1995 two decades ago in a matter of a decade.
China had persevered in its anti-corruption campaign against “tigers and flies” while Indonesia had been quite impressive in catching “crocodiles”, but Malaysia had failed to net and jail a single tiger or crocodile in the 34 years of the the Prime Ministers of Tun Dr. Mahathir, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Has the Prime Minister’s Department or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ever conducted a study why China could net “tigers” and Indonesia catch “crocodiles” while Malaysia has singularly failed to do, only able to get “ikan bilis” in the last two decades of the anti-corruption campaign?
If the revised 2013 Budget could mark a serious anti-corruption campaign first time in the country’s history, with the jailing of the first “tiger” or “crocodile”, then it would be a most path-breaking event.
The country’s worst floods catastrophe in living memory is also the worst example of the government’s lack of competence and lack of a sense of crisis, resulting in the appalling Federal government responses to the worst floods disaster in history, as well in the other phases of floods disaster management on relief and reconstruction.
The damages of the worst floods catastrophe in living memory in Malaysia would not be so great as to cause over a million flood victims, evacuating a quarter of a million to the various flood relief centres in the country, causing a death toll of at least 25, damages to the tune of billions of ringgit and the devastation of Ground Zero zones like Manek Urai, Manjur and Karangan, if both the Federal and State Governments, particularly the National Security Council chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had been better prepared for the floods disasters.
The false claim by the Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Ahmad Maslan that the Federal Government had spent RM800 million on January 5 to help the flood victims in terms of food, logistics and clean-up operations when only RM41 million had been spent to date, is the best evidence of the incompetence and ineptitude of Federal Ministers in charge of the destiny of Malaysians.
I do not believe that Maslan had set out to deliberately lie or mislead Malaysians with his false and ridiculous RM800 million claim, as once it was made, everyone on the ground involved in the flood relief operations knew it was utter rubbish, as nobody could sense or feel the hundreds of millions of ringgit which the Federal Government claims to have been spent.
The very fact that a Deputy Finance Minister could make such a blooper is an indication of the quality of governance in Malaysia.
The annual reports of the Auditor-General provides reams of example of government waste, extravagance and ineptitude year after year.
I had suggested that Najib should set example by slashing by at least 50 per cent the RM19.1 billion budget for the Prime Minister’s Department, which involved gargantuan “slush funds” solely to further the political agenda of the ruling coalition.
The Federal Government is also bloated with too many Ministries and Ministers as compared to other countries like Australia and India.
For a start, let Najib slash the number of Ministers and Ministries by at least 10 per cent – to mark a new era of government austerity and integrity.
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