What should the MACC do?

By LIM SUE GOAN
Translated by Soong Phui Jee
Sin Chew Daily



ANSWER : 


Time for the Law To Be Changed To Empower MACC To  "PROSECUTE"

It seems that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is out of idea of how to improve the country's ranking in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). It might need advices from those with insight to reverse in the shortest possible time the stereotype that the country is ineffective in curbing corruption.

Being ranked 60th in the Transparency International (TI) CPI 2011, Malaysia has suffered a decline for three consecutive years and this year is the worst since the first TI CPI ranking in 1995.

On 21 April 2008, the then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi announced that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) would be made a fully independent body and be answerable to the Parliament. It has been upgraded to the MACC, but its performance has been declining. It has also been entangled by scandals, including the deaths of former DAP political aid Teoh Beng Hock and Customs officer Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, as well as a case involving three MACC officers alleged to have robbed a money changer of US$300,000 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

MACC forms special team to probe NFC

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set up a special team to investigate the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal involving cabinet minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's family.This is despite the commission saying last week that it had found no elements of corruption in the case, and had forwarded the matter to the police.

In a statement today, the anti-graft body said that the team is led by its investigation director Mustafar Ali (right).Confirming that it had received a new complaint on the matter yesterday, MACC said that it has in fact been collecting evidence since the issue was highlighted in the 2010 Auditor General 's Report.

"Most of the issues raised in the new complaint have been dealt with... The commission takes all complaints seriously and takes stern action without fear or favour," it said. 

Ex-IGP accused of 'sour grapes' over crime index

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation executive council member Robert Phang today took issue with the former inspector-general of police for allegedly casting aspersions over the performance of the police force.
Phang said in a statement that Musa Hassan had done so by calling for an independent body to measure the crime rates in Malaysia, to ensure independence and integrity of the index.

According to Phang (right), Musa has no standing to criticise the efforts of the police force today as it was during his leadership that crime rates were at an all-time high.“In effect, Musa is questioning the credibility of the statistics provided by the PDRM and Home Ministry about the reduction of crime rates in this country.

“It should be noted that the image of the PDRM was at its lowest during the time that Musa was the IGP,” he said.Accusing Musa of “sour grapes”, Phang said that by doubting the official crime index, the former top cop was attacking IGP Ismail Omar and his deputy  Khalid Abu Bakar, who had succeded in “reducing crimes and in making the country safer”.

MUSA HASSAN SHOULD STOP DEMEANING POLICE LEADERSHIP

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
  

1. On 3 December 2011, Utusan Malaysia reported that the former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan was a keynote speaker at the 25th Media Criticism Colloquium organised by the Faculty of Communication & Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Tan Sri Musa is reported to have said:
 
 "Kita selalu membaca atau mendengar mengenai penurunan kadar jenayah, tetapi rakyat masih   berasa tidak selamat kerana tidak yakin dengan maklumat penurunannya yang diterima itu,"

2. In effect, Musa Hassan is questioning the credibility of the statistics provided by the Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) and the Home Ministry about the reduction of crimes in the country. In effect, he is questioning the integrity of the present leadership of PDRM under current IGP Tan Sri Haji Ismail Omar and the Deputy IGP Dato’ Seri Khalid Abu Bakar in reducing crimes and in making the country safer

3. It should be noted that the image of the PDRM was at its lowest during the time that Musa Hassan was the IGP. Crime rate was very high and on the rise. He was embroiled in many controversies. His ADC wrote an open letter of allegation accusing him of creating a fictitious blog to frame Deputy Home Minister, Dato’ Johari Baharom, and called him a “pengkhianat bangsa”. Former OCCI KL Dato Mat Zin also accused him of fabricating evidence and perjury. There were allegations of corruption against him
including his complicity with an underworld operator Goh Cheng Poh @ Tengku Goh in the loan shark menace during that time. That resulted in six rank and file policemen and even the Director CCID, Dato Ramli Yusuff, being charged by AG Gani Patail. They have all been acquitted.

PKFZ embroiled in corruption poser again

Fresh allegations of corruption have risen over the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), with Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairperson Teh Kim Poo saying the corruption allegations hurled at him are the work of a PKFZ senior manager who has been receiving bribes.

Teh (left), an MCA politician who took over the helm of PKA, the statutory body governing PKFZ, accused the senior officer of making at least RM18,000 in “under-table money” every month from his cronies, over the past five years .

He said the officer has been overseeing the PKFZ tender board and granting tenders to his proxies at higher prices.

“He earns a monthly salary of RM6,000 to RM7,000, but owns a big bungalow and drives a Mercedes Benz,” Teh told Malaysiakini when asked about the corruption allegations against him.

I SHARE WITH YOU THE FOLLOWINGS

" I am not bound to win, but i am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed , but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." - Abraham Lincoln.
Please enjoy reading , God Bless.

Congrats, Tan Sri Robert Phang

Below is the article & comments from http://dinmerican.wordpress.com

Robert Phang received the Master Class Award in Anti-Corruption 2011

My friend Tan Sri Robert Phang recently received  the Master Class Award  in Anti- Corruption while his Social Care Foundation was granted the Socially Responsible Company Award 2011.

Congratulations Tan Sri and may he continue in this worthy cause of fighting rampant corruption in our country. In his honour, I am posting “Corruption Spawns Violence”, an article from GW Business, a publication of The George Washington School of Business, The George Washington University (Fall, 2011 issue). –Din Merican

Comments

The National Feedlot Corporation ( NFC) is a clear example of a company that is unethical and utterly corrupt. Yet our leaders are not prepared to come down heavy of its management. This is because an UMNO Minister who came to the Cabinet via the back door (as Senator) after losing the 2008 elections is involved in this scandal.
Maybe at the forthcoming UMNO General Assembly, some delegates will raise this matter and pass a resolution to remove the Minister and to commence a full investigation into the major national fiasco, involving rm250 million of taxpayers’ money.–



We all echo the same chorus here that Dato Din Merican deserves the same kind of Award & Recognition. Why Not?
The problem with our Government esp those in UMNO, they would only recognise and confer Trans-shit-ship to those who ” gravitate ” almost on bended knees, around dumb-No people who greatly suffer from Inferiority Complex/es…..
Congratulations to Tan Sri Robert Phang!


and yet he was “removed” from MACC panel because he has the guts and conviction to go against the AG for the latter’s indiscretion. hello, I thought this BN govt is bringing us revolutionary laws and get rid of corruption?
well done, Tan Sri> Be steadfast and you have my greatest respect. God bless you always and your family.
_________
Robert Phang has conviction and lots of guts. He is passionate about his mission.–

Special Parliament Committee on Anti Corruption Submits Report on MACC to PM

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 NOVEMBER, 2011: The Special Parliament Committee on Anti Corruption under MACC today has sent their report on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for 2010 to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.Speaking to reporters during a press conference at Paliament lobby today, Kangar member of parliament Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said they have also discussed with Najib on matters to improve the commission.

"We had a discussion with the PM...among them is about the budget where we asked him as Finance Minister to increase MACC's staff to 150 per year in order to have enough manpower and funds to fight corruption," said Radzi.He said this is the second time the committee has presented its suggestion and asked that freedom to be given to MACC to employ whoever they want including forensic scientists.

IGP: Give us ideas on how to reduce crime

Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar has urged the public to provide police with new ideas or proposals on how to reduce crime rates in the country.Ismail said these could be forwarded to the respective state or district police chiefs, the police public relations officer or through Facebook."Perhaps, there are some measures that we (police) have not thought about.

"If feasible, we will implement them and give the individuals concerned prizes as as a token of our appreciation," he said after launching the Selangor-level Crime Prevention Awareness at the Curve shopping mall in Mutiara Damansara, near Kuala Lumpur, today.

The programme is jointly organised by the Selangor police contingent headquarters, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation and the Youth and Sports Ministry.Ismail said with help and support from the public, the crime index could be further reduced.He said the 26 police initiatives under the National Key Result Area had shown some positive results, with the people themselves asking the police how they could help to reduce crime.

"This means they are more focused and willing to cooperate with police for public safety," he said, adding that the success of the initiatives had placed Malaysia 19th in ranking out of 153 countries on the Global Peace Index.

Earlier, Ismail launched the book, 'Beyond Policing-The Strategic Shift' written by Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah with independent speaker Khoo Kheng Hor.The 179-page book priced at RM25, contains tips on how the community can  cooperate in combating crime. The book is available at all MPH outlets nationwide.

- Bernama

MACC study: Students prepared to fight corruption

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) study on the effectiveness of the Corruption Prevention Secretariat set up at institutions of higher learnings (IPT) found that 73.2 per cent of students are  prepared to report corruption cases.

MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed said it also proved the effectiveness of the programme set up since 2007 which was operated by students from 20 public IPT.

"The functions and roles of the secretariat are to disseminate the importance of anti-corruption, abuse of power and misappropriation among IPT students and educate them on corruption prevention programmes," he said when opening an MACC IPT convention at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia tonight.

Abu Kassim said as future leaders of the country, all students should be educated from the young so that they would not be influenced by corruption.


Source : Bernama

BN’s disgusting international standards

By Jackson Ng, Retired Journalist

REMEMBER how Tan Sri Robert Phang was ousted as an advisory panel member of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission?Phang was one of the pioneer members of the panel upon the formation of the MACC. However, his outspokenness has been a thorn to the corridors of power.Unlike the majority of the “Yes Man” MACC panel members who chose to accept their appointment but remained muted throughout their tenure, Phang spoke up against corruption and abuse of power.

Phang openly took on the likes of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan (for alleged abuse of power and conspiracy with the underworld) and those who benefitted from the multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) financial scandal.Phang’s ouster in the MACC panel was sparked when he took on the all-powerful Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Gani Patail.

That was too much for Phang to chew as Gani’s office can decide whether to prosecute an accused, with or without evidence; with authentic or fabricated evidence as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy I and II hearings have revealed thus far.And all Phang did was to call on Gani to rebut allegations linking him to high-profile but shady corporate figures who allegedly paid for his haj trip. The allegations were backed by documents.

Najib Has Shown Great Leadership, Says Obama

NUSA DUA -- United States President Barack Obama said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has shown great leadership not only in continuing to boost Malaysia's economy but also in showing leadership on a wide range of multilateral foray.The American leader said "we want to be a strong partner with Malaysia".I appreciate the extraordinary cooperation that we've received on a whole range of issues," he said.

"...So, thank you very much, Prime Minister," Obama said in his remarks at a bilateral meeting with Najib here on Friday ahead of the East Asia Summit scheduled for Saturday.The US president said the bilateral meeting would allow both countries to discuss how they could best use the East Asia Summit to ensure shared prosperity and shared security across the region.Obama said the meeting also allowed both sides to expand discussions on their bilateral relationship, describing it as "strong", as well the cooperation seen on issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Socially Responsible Company Award 2011 - Master Class Award in Anti Corruption

China Press - 18-11-2011

Kerjasama strategik MCPF , swasta dan penduduk

Usaha bagi mempertingkatkan kesedaran masyarakat terhadap pencegahan jenayah sentiasa dilaksanakan kerajaan dan pihak berkaitan bagi memastikan kegiatan jenayah tidak terus menggugat keselamatan orang ramai. Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) misalnya, berusaha ke arah itu dengan mengadakan kerjasama strategik bersama sektor swasta dan persatuan penduduk.

Satu daripada program dilaksanakan adalah Prevention Will Save The Day (PWSTD) (Pencegahan Menyelamatkan Hari Anda) dan memperoleh dana sebanyak USD56,000 (kira-kira RM 173,600) daripada Motorola Foundation bagi memacu usahan menjayakannya.

Persatuan Penduduk yang disenarai  pendek akan dijemput untuk menyertai Voluntary Surveillance Observation Point (VSOP) sistem yang digabungkan dengan Voluntary Patrolling Scheme (SRS) yang terletak di bawah Jabatan Perpaduan dan Integerasi.

Untuk jangka pendek , program ini mensasarkan 12 kawasan kediaman yang terletak di empat negeri hotspot (Kuala Lumpur , Selangor , Johor & Pulau Pinang ). Anggota MCPF , Tan Sri Robert Phang (atas), berkata : "Untuk jangka panjang, rakyat Malaysia akan dibekalkan dengan pengetahuan pencegahan yang membolehkan mereka bertindak lebih proaktif terhadap sesuatu situasi atau kejadian.

"Ia juga adalah untuk membentuk keyakinan diri dan apa yang lebih penting projek ini bertindak membentuk golongan dewasa menjadi mereka yang dapat memberikan perlindungan di dalam komuniti mereka."


Source : Berita Harian ( 18-11-2011) page 17

We must work together to anti crime

China Press ( 15-11-2011)

PKA cannot repay government loan for PKFZ project, Ling trial told

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — The Port Klang Authority (PKA) cannot afford to pay back its RM4.6 billion loan for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project to the government, a witness told Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s cheating trial today.The prosecution’s 21st witness, Adnan Abidin, said that PKA could only afford to repay the loan owed to the Finance Ministry for the first two years — this year and the next.The PKA financial manager said the loan was to be paid over a period of 17 years from this year onwards.PKA was supposed to have made the first payment of RM82.4 million on June 30 this year.

“We did not pay ... in our view we can only make repayments for the first two years. We have made an appeal to the MOF to review the terms of the loan agreement.“It is not settled yet, we are still waiting for it to go through,” Adnan told the court today.The development cost of the scandal-hit PKFZ project ballooned from RM1.088 billion to RM4.6 billion in 2007, which Dr Ling’s lawyers claimed yesterday the Cabinet had given their retrospective approval for.Defence lawyer Wong Kian Kheong cited the approval of the cost increase to RM4,632,732,000 from Cabinet meeting minutes dated June 24, 2007.

In 2002, the Cabinet was told that RM1.088 billion was the total cost of the project on the 999.5-acre piece of land in Pulau Indah that comprised the land value, infrastructure cost and a six per cent interest rate.
Dr Ling, a former transport minister, is charged with deceiving the government by concealing the fact that the interest rate of 7.5 per cent per annum was surplus to the purchase of Lot 67894 at RM25 psf — amounting to a total of RM1,088,456,000 — despite knowing that the government’s Valuation and Property Service Department’s (JPPH) had already taken that interest into account when it valued the land at RM25 psf.

The prosecution has argued that the additional interest of 7.5 per cent per annum, amounting to some RM720 million, had pushed the Port Klang Authority’s (PKA) land purchase cost from RM1.09 billion to RM1.88 billion for the port project.Dr Ling faces up to seven years’ jail and a fine if convicted of the principal charge under section 418 of the Penal Code. The trial resumes today.



Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pka-cannot-pay-back-government-loan-for-pkfz-project-ling-trial-told/

Reducing crime at hot spots

TWELVE residential areas have been shortlisted to be part of a crime prevention pilot project.

The project is the initiative of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF).The 12 identified areas are located within the four crime hot spot states of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Penang.“It is hoped that through supporting these 12 Residents' Associations for five years and fostering a support network of Residents Associations and Community based organisations, these will lead to more effective networks nationwide,” said Tan Sri Robert Phang,(left) exco member and chairman for MCPF Neighbourhood Initiative.

“In the long run, Malaysians will be equipped with preventive knowledge that will allow them to be more proactive rather then reactive towards the situation.It is also aimed at building self-esteem and long-term healthy relationships.Most importantly, the project works to empower adults to be effective protectors by advocating for protective mechanisms to be implemented in the communities,” he said.

The MCPF also received a boost, thanks to the Motorola Foundation, which donated US$56,000 (RM175,447.994) to help MCPF spearhead its programme “Prevention Will Save the Day”.MCPF is hoping the programme will be the starting point for other business organisations which are interested in providing support to the community-based sector.


Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/15/nation/9862610&sec=nation

Nazri: Some ministers opposed the PKFZ project

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today, that many members of the cabinet were against the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.

This happened during a meeting in 2002, he said, adding that although there was no notes on it in any documents or minutes of the meeting, he could still recall that many ministers opposed the project, but in the end agreed to it for fear of it becoming a big issue.

"At the meeting, when the matter (PKFZ project) came up, many said that the project might not succeed. At that time, we did not want to interfere because the land price was high. RM1 billion was a huge amount then (2002).

"Many knew the land was sold for RM25 per sq foot (psf), whoever sells will make huge profit," he said when cross-examined by lawyer Wong Kian Kheong, who represented former Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik, who is charged with cheating the Malaysian government.

Witness: Liong Sik support letter helped win AAA rating

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — A letter of support from former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik helped secure a top-tier rating for bonds raised for the construction of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and sold for RM40 million in profit, a witness told the High Court today.Mohd Izzuddin Yusof, 52, the eighteenth witness for the trial, was formerly with the Malaysian Rating Corporation (MARC) Berhad from August 1996 to July 2006. He was the chief operating officer when he left the company.

“In my opinion, without the letter of support, it is possible that the rating given by MARC is lower than AAA because the letter has high weightage in determining the rating of the bond,” he told the cheating trial of Dr Ling today.Putrajaya had earlier proposed that the Port Klang Authority issue bonds with a six per cent yield to pay for 1,000 acres of Pulau Indah land for the PKFZ.Dr Ling’s letter of support for bonds raised by the turnkey contractor through one of the SPVs — Special Port Vehicle Bhd (SPVB) — was publicised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the press in 2007.

Marina Mahathir: Why go after Ambiga, come after me if you dare!

Marina Mahathir, the high-profile daughter of ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad, has warned the authorities and troublemakers alike not to make Bersih chief Ambiga Sreenevasan and other activists scapegoats for the Seksualiti Merdeka event slated for November 9 to 13.“For the struggle, ask me. I have been defending the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community’s rights for over 20 years now. In fact, I defend the rights of all who have been discriminated against, the poor and everyone else. So if there is any discrimination or violence against anyone, I will continue to defend their rights. That’s it. Do you understand?” a seething Marina told a press conference on Monday.

So far, Ambiga has been the especial target of the police and other Umno-led groups, which have been accused of stirring up a ruckus in a bid to make use of the country's homophobia to galvanize the conservative Muslims to their side.Indeed, it has been an eye-opener to watch rival Malay parties Umno and PAS trying to out-Islamize each other over the event until both sides unwittingly revealed their extremist selves. Some of their leaders even questioned the LGBT's right to call itself a community.

Court denies bid to forfeit property over PKFZ project

The High Court today dismissed an application by the government to forfeit property valued at more than RM32 million owned by two individuals and seven companies that had managed the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.Judge Ghazali Cha arrived at the decision after finding that the federal counsel representing the government failed to show proof that the property was linked to any illegal activity.Ghazali ordered that the freeze on the property, which is in the form of cash, cheques and land, be removed and the assets be returned to the respondents. The judge said the counsel had only depended on an affidavit without any supporting document to show that the property was obtained illegally, and that the affidavit was based on the probe by an investigating officer without any recording of statements from witnesses.

On Nov 23 last year, the government had applied to have the property of Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing and Law Ka Hing as well as Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB), Transshipment Megahub Berhad, Coastal Skyline Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Aviation Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Construction Sdn Bhd and the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to be sealed and forfeited.Ghazali also dismissed an application of the federal counsel to defer his decision.

 

Source - Bernama

MCA headquarters splashed with red paint

The MCA headquarters in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, was found splashed with red paint this morning.
The wall and floor near the side entrance, which is beside a restaurant at the ground floor, was found splashed with paint.When contacted, Giam Say Khoon, the press secretary to the MCA president, said that a security guard found the area vandalised at around 7am today.He said that this is the first time that MCA headquarters has been splashed with paint.

According to Giam, police personnel came to inspect the scene after the paint was found.However, he was unable to say who was behind the incident and the motive behind it.Met at Serdang later, MCA president Chua Soi Lek said that he has instructed the party administration to lodge a police report.

While careful not to point fingers, he said that there is “speculation that this is because MCA is against PAS’ intentions to implement hudud”.“I am not saying this is related... this is the first time in MCA’s history that this has happened,” he said.

Chua, who has been vocal against the Islamic law, again urged DAP and PKR make public their stand on the hudud, especially the DAP which has “passionately supported PAS”.He said DAP should explain if the implementation of hudud impacts non-Muslims and if it has a negative effect on “the socioeconomics and political system”.“The rakyat would benefit from DAP’s explanation,” he said.


Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/180373

Reforming the A-G’s Office

By Zaid Ibrahim (a former law minister, in the president of Kita)

Abdul Gani Patail has been the Attorney General (A-G) for many years now. He assumed office at an early age, and it is his good fortune that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (who was prime minister at the time) liked him.During my short stint working with him, I found him cooperative and a hardworking civil servant.Abdul Gani will probably remain A-G for a while more, even though he has received a lot of flak and criticism. Some are justified, and some are not.The list of cases and complaints is too long for me to recite here but everyone knows that no one has been brought to book for the MAS scandal that caused losses of billions of ringgit.

Everyone knows that those responsible for the death of Teoh Beng Hock, and Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed have not been held accountable. Everyone remembers the “no further action” against those implicated in the judge-fixing (i.e., the Lingam Videotape) scandal.There are many other cases involving high-profile personalities who were acquitted or had their charges dropped without the public being given satisfactory explanation of why those cases were not successful.This happened in the 2007 prosecution of Tan Sri Eric Chia for criminal breach of trust. It happened again in the 2009 prosecution of former Land and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam for corruption and cheating.

Phang gives Nazri’s non-Malay PM remark thumbs up

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — Tan Sri Robert Phang has saluted Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz for saying a non-Malay could be prime minister if he was right for the job.Phang, a former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) adviser, said the de facto law minister’s statement was “very meaningful” and would help towards building a truly multiracial nation.“I must congratulate him for his farsightedness and conviction, which will transmit a very positive message to the people that the 1 Malaysia concept introduced by the PM is alive and well.

“For Datuk Nazri to have given this statement clearly illustrates that his true leadership is governed by the 1 Malaysia spirit... Well said, and well put,” the Social Care Foundation chairman told The Malaysian Insider.In an interview with The Edge Financial Daily published today, Nazri said he had no objection to a non-Malay prime minister so long as the best man got the job.“If it happens that the best person is a non-Malay, so be it,” the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said.“I cannot say, ‘I’m Malaysian first, but the prime minister must be Malay.’ You can’t have your cake and eat it (too).”

Last year, Nazri became the first Umno minister to declare he was Malaysian first and Malay second, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia concept.His words appeared to be a direct snub to his superior in Umno, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who once famously declared himself to be Malay first and Malaysian second.But Nazri stressed today it was crucial for a Malay leader to lead the charge for greater inclusivity as non-Malay leaders would have a hard time garnering broad support.
He also said it was unacceptable for ethnic minorities to be told to go back to China or India more than half a century after Merdeka, and that Malaysians must instead respect cultural differences while celebrating what they had in common.“For heaven’s sake, after 50 years we should accept each other now,” he said.


Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/phang-gives-nazris-non-malay-pm-remark-thumbs-up/

Najib: Leave families out of politics

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak moved today to end allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Lim Guan Eng’s son by calling on politicians to leave family members out of politics.“That is ideal in a modern democracy where you concentrate on policy matters.“You can debate the differences in policies in terms of weaknesses of implementation but you leave aside family, or the exploitation of family matters for your own political gain,” the prime minister told reporters today.Pro-Umno bloggers had claimed that the DAP Secretary-General’s son had assaulted a 16-year-old schoolmate and had tried to escape punishment by using his father’s name.
The Penang chief minister denied the allegations, saying he was furious with the “barbaric lies” made about his teenage son by “pro-Umno ferocious beasts”.The DAP later said the picture of the purported victim used by pro-Umno bloggers was that of 21-year-old chess grandmaster Anya Sun Corke, who is studying at Wellesley College in the US.On Friday, Corke denied ever having met or hearing of Lim’s son.
Lim’s colleagues in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) also came out strongly in support of the DAP secretary-general against what they called “the lowest gutter politics” seen in decades.

But Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday called on Lim to let the police investigate the claims if he had nothing to hide.Najib today said, “You have to agree on certain ethics. It works both ways.“I do not know the facts of this case but if you want to abide by certain ethics, to exclude families, then everybody should adhere to it, including the Opposition,” he said, appearing to refer to attacks against his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.


Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-leave-families-out-of-politics/

Somali report on slain BernamaTV cameraman with PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — A copy of the report by the Somali government on the death of a BernamaTV cameraman in the Somali capital of Mogadishu is now with the prime minister, Bernama Online reported tonight.The news portal said that Somali Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Mohammud H. Ibrahim had personally given the report to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the latter’s office in Parliament House yesterday.BernamaTV cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor was fatally shot on September 2 while on assignment with a humanitarian mission by the Putera 1 Malaysia Club to famine-stricken Somalia. TV3 cameraman Aji Sarigar Mazlan was injured in the incident.At the meeting, Mohamed, who is also Somalia’s foreign minister, conveyed his government’s open apology to Malaysians over the incident. He also gave his assurance at a news conference later that his government will make every effort to protect Malaysians should they venture to Somalia in the future.

Cabinet never said Ling cheated in PKFZ project, says ex-minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Cabinet ministers have never complained or lodged a police report against Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik over the RM1.088 billion land buy in the scandal-hit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project, a former federal minister said today.Senator Datuk Seri Mohd Effendi Norwawi, who was Agriculture Minister from 1999 to 2004, told the cheating trial of Dr Ling that no minister had complained or accused the former transport minister of cheating the Cabinet at any time after the land deal was sealed.
Cross-examined by defence lawyer Wong Kian Kheong, Mohd Effendi went on to say that then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had “personal knowledge” of plans to compulsorily acquire the said land for the PKFZ project.

Wong: Have you reported to the police that the accused cheated Cabinet? (in the PKFZ project)

Mohd Effendi: No.

Wong: Have you receive complaints from other ministers that the accused had cheated Cabinet?

Mohd Effendi: No.

The former minister said yesterday that the Cabinet had dithered on its purchase of the PKFZ land, after originally agreeing to buy it on October 2, 2002.Citing delays, Mohd Effendi had said it was “normal” practice for Cabinet to change its mind over such matters, and that the government had on October 9 postponed the purchase pending the Finance Ministry’s presentation of a report from the Attorney-General’s chambers.

No Letter States That RM25 Includes Interest, Says O.C Phang

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 - Former Port Klang Authority (PKA) general manager, O.C. Phang, told the High Court here today that she never received any letter from the Transport Ministry stating that the RM25 per sq ft (psf) land in Pulau Indah included interest.She said the Finance Ministry and Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB), the company which sold the land, also did not give her such a letter.Phang, 65, who is involved in the development of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project since 1998, said she only knew that the price included interest in January this year after being informed by two investigating officers.

However, she maintained the price did not include interest when cross-examined by lawyer Wong Kian Kheong, who represented former Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik, who is charged with cheating the Malaysian Government.Dr Ling, 68, is charged with cheating the Malaysian Government by not disclosing to the Cabinet an additional interest rate of 7.5 per cent per annum on the purchase price of the land for the PKFZ project, which had been fixed at RM1,088,456,000 by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) based on RM25 per sq ft inclusive of the coupon/interest rate.

Veteran singer Ahmad Jais dies

  

Veteran singer Mohd Jais Ahmad or popularly known as Ahmad Jais, died at the Darul Ehsan Medical Centre at about 9.20am today, believed to be due to lung complications. He was 75.

His son-in-law Amirul Izwan Razak, 28, said his remains would be brought to the Shah Alam Mosque for prayers. He would be buried at the Seksyen 21 Muslim Cemetery in Shah Alam today.

Ahmad Jais, who was popular with such songs as ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ and ‘Budi Setahun Segunung Intan’ - a duet with Kartina Dahari - had been admitted to the hospital two weeks ago after complaining of breathing difficulties.

He is survived by five children. His wife, Mas Halilah Mas Nayeem, died on June 22, 2009.

The singer, who had been active since the 60s, complained of lethargy after coming back from a show in Batu Pahat, Johor, on Sept 8. His conditions worsened on Sept 20 and had been put on a respirator at KPJ Specialist Hospital in Selangor.

His last performance was at the national Aidilfitri open house in Permatang Pauh, Penang, on Sept 11, attended by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

 

 

Source - Bernama

Two Per Cent Payment Made To KDSB To Prove PKA's Commitment To Develop PKFZ - Phang

KUALA LUMPUR -- Former general manager of Port Klang Authority (PKA), O.C Phang, told the High Court here that the downpayment of two per cent to Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) was to prove PKA's commitment to develop the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.She also said that soon after being informed about the cabinet's approval for the purchase of the 1,000 acre (404.7 hectare) site at Pulau Indah by former Transport Ministry deputy secretary-general (planning), Abdul Rahman Mohd Noor, he told PKA assistant general manager (administration), Paul Seo Tet Cheng, to make the necessary preparations for the project.

Phang said this when questioned by deputy public prosecutor Tun Majid Tun Hamzah.Phang also told the court that she was later informed by PKA finance manager Rohasnah Othman that the two per cent downpayment could not be made as there were certain procedures which had to be observed before making the payment.Phang said she took responsibility for making the payment because she did not regard it as something which was not right.

2012 Budget Highlights

KUALA LUMPUR -- The following are the highlights of the 2012 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, at the Dewan Rakyat on Friday:

* Government will introduce other transformation programmes, culminating in the National Transformation Policy, effective 2011-2020.

* RM232.8 billion allocated to implement all government development plans, focusing on the well-being of the rakyat, with RM181.6 billion for operating expenditure and RM51.2 billion for development expenditure.

* RM13.6 billion allocated to the social sector, including education, training, health, welfare, housing and community development.

PKFZ project not viable at RM2.44b, says ex-Treasury official

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — The proposed Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project was not viable at RM2.44 billion, a former Treasury official told Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s cheating trial today.However, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mokti, who was at one time deputy secretary-general in the Ministry of Finance (MoF), admitted he failed to impart this vital detail to his immediate superior or to the Port Klang Authority (PKA) board members before the deal was signed in November 2002.Abdul Rahim, 61, added he did not disclose the information to Parliament’s bipartisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when it held an inquiry into the port scandal two years, saying police investigators had not asked him about when they took up the case against Ling last year.

Putrajaya stands by refusal to charge A-G

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Putrajaya has insisted it will not take action against Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail despite renewed allegations of corruption and fabricating evidence made against the country’s top lawyer.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said that last year’s decision to close the door on the A-G’s alleged involvement in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 1998 “black eye” case still stands.“Same reply, same reply. I replied to (DAP adviser Lim) Kit Siang in Parliament before. The reply is the same,” he told The Malaysian Insider when asked if Putrajaya would act on the latest allegations against Abdul Gani.

When asked to state if the government would take action against Abdul Gani’s accusers, Nazri repeated, “Same reply.”In Parliament last December 14, the government side-stepped the damning accusations made by former investigating officer Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim that Abdul Gani had falsified documents in the “black eye” case, brushing aside several open letters and appeals issued by the retired policeman..Instead, Nazri had told the House that there was no need for Mat Zain to complain that the independent panel formed to investigate the claimed evidence fabrication had failed to clear his name in the incident.

PKA GM Issued Directive To Proceed With Payment, High Court Told

KUALA LUMPUR -- A former finanical manager of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) told the High Court here on Wednesday that a PKA general manager issued a directive to pay RM21 million downpayment to Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) for the purchase of land in Pulau Indah despite the absence of a letter of approval from the Cabinet.Rohasnah Othman, 55, said even though the process did not follow certain procedures, the general manager, OC Phang, was insistent on the payment.

"She said she was prepared to take full responsibility for the payment on the land purchase for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) development project," Rohasnah said.According to Roshasnah, the process was incomplete because there was no sale and purchase agreement between KDSB and PKA, no approval from the PKA board and PKA also did not have the funds."Apart from that, to withdraw from the fixed deposit that had not matured would cause PKA a loss," she said during examination in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah.

PKA legal adviser: OC Phang refused to consult AG

A Port Klang Authority (PKA) legal adviser told the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today in the corruption trial of former transport minister Dr Ling Liong Sik, that its former general manager OC Phang had refused to consult the attorney-general (AG) on the terms of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) land deal.

Ninth prosecution witness, Fazilah Surkisah Mohammad, 47, said she advised Phang to do so, before and after the sale and purchase agreement was signed to ensure there was no conflict in the document.“I raised it with Phang. She didn't agree due to several reasons. First, it was not the norm for PKA to send any sale and purchase agreement to the AG.

“Second, the matter took such a long time to be resolved that the Jabel Ali company, a party to the project, had threatened to withdraw, and third, because Phang was of the view that PKA's request will not be given priority by the AG's office as PKA was a statutory body,” she said during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Manoj Kurup.

"LONG LIVE OUR PRESIDENT”????

 Nanyang Siang Pau ( 03-10-2011)

 

This picture, gives us the belief that Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek appears to be a “SULTAN” that all his subjects must "SEMBAH"

Please interpret by your self.

Comments Welcome.

Tajudin vs GLCs suit not resolved yet

The suits by various government-linked corporations (GLCs) against tycoon and former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chairperson Tajudin Ramli have not been resolved yet, and the court in Kuala Lumpur has fixed Nov 3 for further case management.

This was confirmed by Tajudin's lawyer Lim Kian Leong when met by reporters today.The case was initially fixed before newly-appointed President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Md Raus Sharif, who is the managing judge for the appellate court.

At the last session, Justice Md Raus fixed today for case management for the tabling of a global settlement.Today, it was to have been heard before lone Court of Appeal judge Justice Zaharah Ibrahim.

However, there was no sign of Umno lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun, who has been designated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz as counsel for the GLCs to resolve the settlement, as per the minister's Aug 8 letter.

IGP: Cops recover part of KLIA robbery loot

The police have recovered a sum of money, believed to be part of the loot of a robbery allegedly committed by three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers at the KL International Airport (KLIA) on Sept 15.Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar has however, declined to disclose the amount of money recovered.“Investigations are proceeding smoothly and there are still some issues which need to be resolved, including tracking down two men who are believed to be linked to the case,” he said after attending a Hari Raya gathering at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

On the three MACC officers whose remand ended yesterday, Ismail said it was extended by another three days, beginning today.The trio, attached to the Putrajaya MACC headquarters, were detained by police on suspicion of robbing a money-changer of foreign currencies amounting to about RM900,000.

They comprised an acting assistant commissioner, a senior assistant superintendent and an assistant superintendent.The MACC, in a statement recently, said the three officers had been suspended from investigation work while awaiting the outcome of police investigations.Meanwhile, to a question on two brothers linked to a bomb explosion in Sungai Golok and said to be in Malaysia, Ismail said the police were in the midst of tracking down the duo, aged 26 and 27.

“We have ongoing cooperation with the Thai police and take care of each other's interests in resolving this matter.“We have an understanding with the Thai security forces to ensure the security of the border between the two countries,” he added.In the bomb explosion on Sept 16, four Malaysians were killed and 19 others injured.

Source : Bernama

China Press ( 27-09-2011)

Lawyer for Sarbaini's kin: Decision hard to believe ( UPDATE )

The family of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed wants more time before commenting officially on the finding of the inquest into his death.His brother-in-law Mohd Shah Jaafar said Ahmad Sarbaini's widow was tired today as she had gone to the Tabung Haji.

Masiah @ Maziah Manap (right) and Ahmad Sarbaini were slated to perform the haj this year.Following Sarbaini's death, her son will be accompanying her to the Holy Land.

The family's lawyer, Awtar Singh, in commenting on the finding, said it is hard to believe the late Sarbaini had climbed out of the window to run away.

“Why must he do that? He (went there) on his own free will. Furthermore, there are no visible fingerprints near the window and they did not take the clothing of the MACC KL head of investigations, Mohamad Fauzi (Husin), to conduct a DNA test.”

Awtar said the MACC should be held liable for Sarbaini's death as it occurred within its premises.

“We are thinking of filing a judicial review but I will await instructions from my client.”

Awtar also pointed out that Sarbaini was not the kind of person to run away as he was a responsible and religious person.

PAS wants royal panel to probe AG for graft

In light of serious allegations of graft and judicial abuse made against Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, PAS wants the public official to be investigated by a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI)."This is a black mark against the AG's Chambers, as a national institution enacted by constitutional provisions," PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The allegations, said Mahfuz, were made by former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) panel member Robert Phang, self-exiled blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and even former Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim in a series of open letters.An RCI is vital to look into the matter, the Pokok Sena MP added, since the institution Gani heads has a direct connection with the federal constitution, appointed as he is by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Lawyer for Sarbaini's kin: Decision hard to believe

The family of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed wants more time before commenting officially on the finding of the inquest into his death.His brother-in-law Mohd Shah Jaafar said Ahmad Sarbaini's widow was tired today as she had gone to the Tabung Haji.Masiah @ Maziah Manap (right) and Ahmad Sarbaini were slated to perform the haj this year.

Following Ahmad Sarbaini's death, her son will be accompanying her to the Holy Land. The family's lawyer, Awtar Singh, in commenting on the finding, said it is hard to believe the late Sarbaini had climbed out of the window to run away.

“Why must he do that? He (went there) on his own free will. Furthermore, there are no visible fingerprints near the window and they did not take the clothing of the MACC KL head of investigations, Ahmad Fauzi (Husin), to conduct a DNA test.”

Awtar said the MACC should be held liable for his death as it occurred within its premises. “We are thinking of filing a judicial review but I will await instructions from my client.” Social Care Foundation chairperson Robert Phang, who was present, said that, while he respects the coroner's decision, it does not absolve MACC of blame.

“We have had one incident in (the case of) Teoh (Beng Hock) and again with Ahmad Sarbaini and I feel the authorities should get to the bottom of the matter," he said.“Abu Kassim (Mohammed), the MACC chief commissioner, should really do some housekeeping to bring it to good repute. The public is clearly watching closely what is happening.”

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/176916

IGP: BN may lose power if ISA issue not addressed

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — Barisan Nasional (BN) may lose the next general election if the ruling coalition does not tackle issues surrounding the Internal Security Act (ISA), says top cop Tan Sri Ismail Omar.The Inspector-General of Police wrote this in a book that was published before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced plans to repeal the security law last week.In the book titled “1 Malaysia Menjana Negara Sejahtera dan Bahagia Menjelang 2020”, Ismail said the law, introduced in 1960, would continue to be a hotly-debated political issue, increasing support for the opposition.

 

“The government is said to continue using the double-edged sword of the ISA. For the government, it is important to maintain peace and national security but the opposition will continue to gain public sympathy and voter support,” he wrote.He said “if the government does not manage this issue well, it will lead to defeat in the next general election.”Ismail, who replaced Tan Sri Musa Hassan as police chief in September 2010, said that even though the government had promised to review the ISA when Najib became prime minister in April 2009, many had doubted this pledge.

Najib announces rural change scheme, RM50m grant

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 22 — The government will soon launch the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to spur economic development in rural areas, starting with a multi-million ringgit distribution centre in Gopeng, Perak.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) will help small-scale rural entrepreneurs forge better links with the market in order to boost demand for their products.“It will be used as an agro-food and agro-business supply centre that will connect suppliers with consumers,” he told some 2,000 entrepreneurs and their families here.

Najib also announced an early allocation of RM50 million to some 10,000 rural businesses under the Usahawan Kecil Dinamik (Dynamic Small Entrepreneurs) programme that will be administered by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).He added that there were other RTP programmes in the pipeline but said he would only announce them at the upcoming Budget 2012 next month.Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal later told reporters that, in addition to helping entrepreneurs reach a wider market, the RTC will also be a one-stop centre for business financing and training.

“We have provided kiosks kitted out by the Rural Development Ministry with all the information entrepreneurs need,” he said.“The kiosk is a place where you can have access to all sorts of information, with regards to how to get loans and training.”Shafie said the centre, which will service rural businesses within a 100km radius, will be ready in “two of three months”, adding that his ministry had already identified at least four other locations for future RTCs, including in East Malaysia.The RTP is a cross-ministry effort to drive economic development in rural areas that also involves the agriculture and agro-business, health, education, home affairs and defence ministries.


Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-announces-rural-change-scheme-rm50m-grant/

MACC officers held for RM1 mil ‘robbery’

PETALING JAYA: Three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) senior officers have been arrested in connection with an extortion-cum-robbery case involving RM1 million.The alleged victims were said to be three money changers from Singapore.According to a source familiar with the case, the money changers were at KLIA last Thursday night to board a flight to Singapore.

The source said the trio were carrying foreign currencies amounting to about RM2 million which they had declared to the customs authorities.“When they alighted from the satelite train, the money changers were confronted by five men who identified themselves as MACC officers.

“The trio were then taken to a nearby eatery, where the MACC officers had demanded for US$100,000 from each money changer.“When they refused, the officers took them to a toilet, where there are no CCTV cameras, and opened the bags containing the cash. The officers then took three bundles of US$100,000.

“The officers also warned the money changers not to report the matter,” claimed the source.When contacted, Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah confirmed that three senior MACC officers were arrested. He told FMT that the trio have been remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations and added that the incident had turned from extortion into robbery.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/09/21/macc-officers-held-for-rm1-mil-robbery/

AG’s Chambers to host open seminar on sedition

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — The Attorney-General’s (AG) Chambers is holding an open seminar to discuss the law on sedition and its usefulness in societies, according to Bernama Online.The seminar titled “Efficacy of the Sedition Act 1948”  intends to give the public a better understanding of the law, therefore there will be greater awareness to balance the right to express and the harms that may be present in speech.
The seminar will deal with seditious content in print media and also the Internet, which will make it appealing especially to bloggers to attend, according to a statement released by the AG chambers.It stated that sometimes satire and parody ends up defaming individuals.

The speakers slated are AG chambers’ own prosecutor Datuk Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah and UiTM legal professor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi.Joining them will be deputy head of the civil division in the AG’S chambers, S. Amarjeet Singh, Media Prima chairman and newspaper columnist, Datuk Johan Jaaffar, and executive director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Mustaffa Fazil Mohd Abdan.Some prominent bloggers are expected to attend and present their views at the seminar.It will be held on September 26 and 27 at Dewan Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusof, Level 3, AG’s Chambers in Precinct 4, Putrajaya.

Those interested to attend the seminar can contact Hamidi Mohd. Noh at 03-88855111 or email to hamidi@agc.gov.my, Izazi Muhamedin (03-88722239 or izazi@agc.gov.my), or T. Deepa Nair (03-8872 2231 or deepa@agc.gov.my) of the AG’s Chambers.


Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ags-chambers-to-host-open-seminar-on-sedition/

PKFZ: Ex-MCA minister's case sent to KL High Court

The Putrajaya Sessions Court has transferred former transport minister Chan Kong Choy's cheating case to the Kuala Lumpur High Court.Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Nordin Hassan sought the transfer under Section 418A (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

Chan, 55, who served in the position from 2003 to 2008 in former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet, was charged with cheating the latter over the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) multi-billion ringgit fiasco. Judge Azhaniz Ateh Azman allowed the prosecution's application for transfer but asked Chan's lawyer, Tan Hock Chuan for his views on the stay application the defence had applied for last month.

Dr Ling signed but didn’t write letter to PM, witness reveals

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — At Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s cheating trial today, the spotlight fell on a three-page letter he signed and sent to the then prime minister in 2002 that appeared to set the outcome of the now scandal-tainted Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.A former senior transport ministry official revealed today that Dr Ling, then the minister in charge of the port project, had played no part in writing or even drafting the letter, which had been heavily revised on certain facts that are now being disputed.

Datuk Zaharaah Shaari, who was the Ministry of Transport’s (MoT) secretary-general at that time and was tasked with preparing the letter, told the High Court her ex-boss had read the letter dated April 3, 2002 to which he affixed his signature, but “was not involved” in writing or drafting its contents.She admitted, after persistent questioning by Dr Ling’s lawyer, Wong Kian Kheong, that she had made several “corrections” to an original draft by former Port Klang Authority (PKA) chief Datin O.C. Phang.“The biggest amendment I remember was to paragraph five,” she told the High Court, referring to a lengthy explanation over the problem of obtaining the required 1,000 acres of land from Pulau Indah landowner Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) for the project that was to turn Port Klang into a mega distribution hub.

Ex-Transport Ministry official claims ignorance over PKFZ valuation report

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — A former senior Transport Ministry official whose job was to take care of all financial and administrative paperwork appeared to have been kept in the dark over crucial dealings of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s trial heard today.Datuk Zaharah Shaari was secretary-general of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) from June 1999 to July 2005 when the PKFZ deal was sealed.But she testified in the High Court today that she had not seen or was not told of the contents of a number of letters and memos, including a much-disputed valuation letter on a piece of land on Pulau Indah the government wanted for the project; an initial ministry offer letter to Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) for the land dated October 2, 2000; as well as KDSB’s subsequent letter of acceptance three days later.

Nazri: MACC to probe any report lodged with them

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate any report lodged with them, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.He was responding to a question from the press on behalf of the MACC chief commissioner, Abu Kassim Mohamed, regarding whether the anti-graft agency had started investigations against attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail, who is allegedly involved in a corruption case concerning a construction company.

“I think, put it this way, any information or report made to the MACC, the MACC will investigate it without fear or favour. I think that's fair to the role of MACC,” said Nazri at a press conference after launching the 'Waging War against Corruption through Taxies' campaign in Putrajaya today.Under Section 29(4) of the MACC Act 2009, Nazri said, that the agency has the right not to reveal any information when an investigation is ongoing.

Abu Kassim remained mum during the press conference.

Transport ministry ignored MoF fears over PKFZ

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — The Transport Ministry had climbed into the bed of the now scandalised Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) despite grave misgivings by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) just three weeks before the deal was inked in November 2002, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s trial heard today.The MoF had then also accused Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) — the owner of 1,000 acres of land on Pulau Indah and the main contract to develop the port project — of “fraudulent representation” and had demanded the Ministry of Transport (MoT) clear the air over these allegations.

A former transport ministry official, in charge of logistics in the maritime division, told the High Court the MoF had been confused by several points in the Pulau Indah land deal that was to be got for the PKFZ project, and had sought an explanation from it.“The confusion was actually MoF had alleged there were many encumbrances on the land,” he replied when questioned by Dr Ling’s lawyer, K.K. Wong.
In property, the word “encumbrance” carries a technical meaning and refers to anything that affects or limits the title of the property, such as mortgages, leases, easements, and restrictions.

MACC OFFICERS MUST NOT BE DISHEARTENED BY CRITICISMS BUT MUST RISE TO THE OCCASION!

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation

Following the revelation by Malaysia Today pertaining to allegations of corruption against AG Gani Patail involving Ho Hup Berhad, on 26th August 2011, I had issued a statement captioned “AG GANI PATAIL: MACC MUST SHOW INDEPENDENCE AND NOT IMPOTENCE”.

I am made to understand that my statement had caused many MACC officers to feel disheartened and demoralized believing that I had accused them of “IMPOTENCE” whereas I was once an Advisory member of the MACC Panel.

Let me clarify that my statement was never intended to demean nor demoralize the MACC or its officers. After all, I still regard myself as part of the MACC support group. Far from demeaning the MACC, my statement was intended to challenge, motivate, provoke and fire-up the MACC and its officers to act vigilantly in the genuine fight against corruption.

MACC 'visits' Ho Hup's office

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) officers were at the headquarters of the Ho Hup Construction Company Bhd, a company alleged to have done renovations for Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail's house. Popular political blog Malaysia Today broke the news late yesterday evening, calling the incident yesterday afternoon a “raid”.

When contacted, a Ho Hup official who requested anonymity said the incident was merely a short visit. “It was not a raid as portrayed and they were here to question my boss. However, as he was not around they waited for 10 minutes until he arrive.

“After having a short discussion, they left,” the official said, adding that the MACC spent less than 30 minutes at the scene. When asked whether the MACC took any documents with them as alleged, the official replied in the negative and the source said he does not know what the visit was about.Phone calls and text messages to MACC director of investigations Mustafar Ali and chief commissioner Abu Kasim Mohamed to obtain a clarification went unanswered.

DPM To Name Five BN MPs Of Parliamentary Committee Soon, Says Nazri

PUTRAJAYA - Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will name the five Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs of the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on the electoral process soon, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz said on Wednesday.Muhyiddin would submit the list of names to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee chaired by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, he added.

"The three opposition MPs and the sole independent MP could also submit their names to Pandikar before I table the motion at the next sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, in October," told a news conference at the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister's Department, here.

Last month, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced that a PSC would be formed to look into ways to improve the country's electoral process.The committee is to be chaired by a cabinet minister.Nazri said he tabled a memorandum prepared by the Election Commission (EC) on the formation of the PSC at yesterday's meeting of the cabinet."The cabinet has agreed to the framework. If you look at the framework, it is very wide... to look into matters which will strengthen the EC to ensure free and fair elections.

"If you go on specifics, then we are limited to the specifics only. But here, anything to strengthen the EC and to ensure free and fair elections can be discussed... anything to improve the country's electoral process," he said.

Noramfaizul's kin to get RM50,000 in insurance

Bernama chairman Abdul Rahman Sulaiman said RM50,000 would be paid out by the insurance company where Bernama had taken a term life insurance policy for the late BernamaTV cameraperson Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.In a statement today to clear the air about insurance coverage for Bernama employees, he said the term life policy covered death and also partial or total permanent disablement, and the next of kin of the insured would receive a maximum of RM50,000.

“In the case of our late Noramfaizul, the insurance company has agreed to the payment of RM50,000 not only as a matter of honouring the policy but also in full compliance with it,” he said.Last Friday, Noramfaizul was shot dead while covering a Malaysian humanitarian mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. Abdul Rahman said Bernama provided two types of 24-hour worldwide insurance coverage for its employees - term life policy and group personal accident policy.

As for the group personal accident policy, he said, it also covered death, partial and total permanent disablement and had similar exclusion clauses like the term life policy.“The only difference is that it does not cover death caused directly or indirectly by war, invasion, hostility or civil war where the insured has taken part directly or indirectly.

“Nonetheless, we have filed a claim with the insurance company. We are pleased that the company has agreed to pay some form of compensation and we will be told of the amount later.”Abdul Rahman said besides these policies, Bernama employees were also accorded benefits under the Group Hospitalisation and Surgical Benefit Insurance Scheme.

“In summary, I would like to state that we have one of the best medical and insurance coverage for staff in this country,” he said.Abdul Rahman said Bernama had also been informed that aid for the family of the late Noramfaizul would also be provided by Socso, the Defence Ministry via a special fund set up in the mid-1980s and 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

In addition, Putera 1Malaysia Club president, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, announced yesterday that Noramfaizul's family would receive RM200,000 via a group insurance coverage while Social Care Foundation chairman Robert Phang had also donated RM50,000.

 

Source- Bernama

REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
On Chinese Representation in the Government

I am amused by the statement made by Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, the so-called de facto Minister for Law, who declared that he would fight tooth and nail to ensure Chinese representation in a Barisan Nasional (BN) government even if the Chinese component party, namely MCA fails to secure a single parliamentary seat in the coming polls.

That seems to be a truly “Jantan” statement in championing the Chinese cause. If that statement is supposed to elevate Nazri Aziz in the eyes of the Chinese community, then he is mistaken. That statement would in fact constitute an insult to the Chinese electorates.

Who is Nazri to make such offers if the Chinese voters have rejected this Chinese-centric component party? Who appointed Nazri to be the Chinese champion on this issue? Since it is a historical fact that the BN political parties are race-based parties, it is best that Nazri look into his own backyard. I am sure my Malay brothers and sisters would appreciate to have their welfare being continuously taken care of by a vocal Malay Minister like Nazri Aziz, and not only during elections time.

'Create special fund for welfare of scribes'

A SPECIAL fund should be set up to protect journalists in the course of duty.This, according to Social Care Foundation chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang, is vital in ensuring they are provided for if something untoward happens to them in the line of duty.Phang was speaking to the media present at the house of the late Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, a Bernama TV cameraman who was shot dead while on a humanitarian mission in Somalia.Phang had earlier donated a sum of RM 50,000 to Noramfaizul's family."It is sad enough to lose a loved one, and more so if it happens during the Raya festivities.Most people choose to stay back home during festive seasons. But here was a man who went on a humanitarian mission instead," Phang said.

Earlier, former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's department, Datuk T. Murugiah, visited Noramfaizul's family in Taman Serdang Raya.Murugiah, representing the Malaysian Tamil Schools Development Foundation , said he personally knew Noramfaizul during his tenure in the PM's Department."I met him several times when he came over to do news coverage there."Murugiah also handed contributions to Noramfaizul's family.


Source : http://www.mmail.com.my/content/81573-create-special-fund-welfare-scribes