Phang quits MACC panel amid MAS row

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Tan Sri Robert Phang announced his resignation today as a member of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel after graft allegations were levelled at him following his push for an investigation into alleged corrupt practices in Malaysia Airlines.Phang explained that he wanted to preserve his integrity and that of the anti-graft body.
“I have considered this matter and I will walk the talk. I think tendering my resignation is only the right thing for me to do to sincerely help facilitate investigations.

Phang adamant on quitting MACC

Outspoken Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel member Robert Phang will resign from his post, despite the commission urging him not to do so.

Phang (right), who is being probed for graft, said it was necessary for him to step down to perserve his integrity and that of the MACC.

Referring to a recent blog post claiming he was involved in corrupt practices in Sabah, Phang said he considers the allegations as "very serious defamation".

He stressed however that by resigning from the panel, it would allow the MACC to investigate the claims against him without any fear of conflict of interests.

MY RESIGNATION TO PRESERVE MY INTEGRITY AND THE MACC

PRESS STATEMENT  : 27th January 2011
Chairman                       : Social Care Foundation


Recently, I came under personal attacks from various anonymous blogs after I raised concerns about public perceptions on a host of issues namely about the lack of action in the MAS Scandal; AG Gani Patail’s Haj Trip under suspicious circumstances; AG Gani Patail’s relationship with the former Chairman of MAS, Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, one En Shahidan Shafie; whether AG Gani Patail was compromised in his decision to not act on the recommendation of Dato’ Ramli Yusuff to institute prosecution against Tajudin and several others; about perceived selective prosecution; and also the attempt to clear AG Gani Patail of these allegations of wrongdoing without any investigation.

Integrity-spat amongst three Tan Sri gets dirtier

I read with shock the New Straits Times (NST, Jan 22) report titled "MACC begins probe into blogger's claims".

Shocking, because this only means the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be kept busy every minute and hour of the day investigating allegations by anonymous bloggers and poison pen letters.

I sympathise with the MACC investigators, if this is so.

Unfortunately, can we really expect the MACC to be so diligent and super efficient in investigating every allegation raised daily?

Just look back in history and you form your own judgment.

Thousands of cases have been reported in the past, mind you, not by anonymous writers, but by people who had also provided documentary evidence and also witnesses.

Stand Up for and Defend Robert Pahang

Lets us stand up for and defend ROBERT PHANG against AGAINST ROGUES AND LIARS
Din Merican

January 20, 2011

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-


TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.

-Justice of Peace
-Chairman Social Care Foundation
-Panel Advisor of Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

ON THE RECENT PERSONAL ATTACKS AGAINST ME IN ANONYMOUS BLOGS
1. In the last two days I have been receiving many calls from friends and the media asking for my comments on the personal attacks made against me in various anonymous blogs. I have asked these callers to help me identify who these writers and blog-hosts are, but I am told that no such information are available on these blogs. In other words, these are cowards who hide their true identity. These are mercenary writers and spreaders of falsehoods as aptly described by the Malay saying “Lempar Batu Sembunyi Tangan”.

2. It is noted that I started to come under personal attacks only recently, after I raised concerns about public perceptions on a host of issues about the lack of action in the MAS Scandal; the Attorney-General’s Haj Trip under suspicious circumstances; AG Tan Sri Gani Patail’s relationship with the former Chairman of MAS, Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, one Encik Shahidan Shafie; about perceived selective prosecution; and also the disclosure of a confidential MACC meeting by Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam who announced that the AG had been cleared of any wrongdoing without any investigation. For merely asking for accountability for all these controversies that were already in the public domain, I became the subject of these attacks and after all thus UMNO bloggers are working hard to defend these three and spin a new story that MAS did not lose so much money after all.

'YOU CAN'T SHUT ME UP'

By Muzliza Mustafa

Phang says bribery allegation 'utter rubbish and amusing'
MACC advisor says allegation an effort by cowards to shut him up

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel member Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin has described an allegation he tried to bribe a government official as "utter rubbish, misleading and amusing".

Speaking to The Malay Mail at his office in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng yesterday, he labelled the anonymous blog writers who reported the allegation "cowards" who were simply seeking publicity at his expense.

Phang sought to clear his name as it was his active role in fighting corruption and crime-related issues that led to his appointment as a panel member by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in February 2009 for a two-year term.

He said the allegation, first made in the blog A Voice, was to intimidate him from speaking out on issues of public importance.

Integrity war of three Tan Sri heats up

 

By Jackson Ng
Jan 20, 11

What started as a spat between Tan Sri Robert Phang and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam has evolved into a full-scale integrity war of three Tan Sri.

Unwittingly, Phang has now found himself up against the Ramon-Gani (Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail) duo.

Phang, a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) panel adviser, had incurred the wrath of the Tan Sri duo following his relentless calls via the media, both in print and internet news portals, to probe allegations against Gani.

Gani had gone on a Haj pilgrimage in Mecca with one Shahidan Shafie who is said to be close to former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli.

Mahathir’s legacy: An open verdict?

By : Tunku Aziz

JAN 18 — Let us disabuse ourselves, quickly, of the notion that 2011 would be an improvement over last year. Nothing so far has given us any reason for optimism. Just look at the way the affairs of the nation were being conducted in the first week of the new year.Take, for example, the appointment of the Selangor state secretary. The Sultan in this very public controversy, I am afraid, has been badly advised. He has blithely, amidst much pomp and circumstance, naturally, trespassed, in a manner of speaking, into a politically explosive situation, a veritable minefield if ever there was one. Minefields, political or otherwise, are not known for their ability to distinguish a Sultan from a mentri besar.

Attorney- General should go leave untill cleared

FMT LETTER: From Richard YW Yeoh, via e-mail 

I refer to the recent controversy over the Attorney-General’s ‘representations’ to the commissioners and advisory panel members of MACC.For the AG to take the unprecedented step of formally explaining unproven allegations to the MACC indicates that the allegations are serious and the AG is concerned.

This, however, does not  absolve the MACC and the relevant law enforcement authorities from ensuring that thorough investigations are made as the allegations concern the top law officer of the land.

4 pegawai polis ke Melbourne

SEPANG 16 Jan. - Sistem tugasan dan pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) boleh dipertingkatkan dengan mengkaji sistem yang dilaksanakan di balai-balai polis negara maju seperti Australia.Exco Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (YPJM), Tan Sri Robert Phang berkata, sistem itu boleh dikaji menerusi program lawatan dan latihan bersama pasukan polis di negara-negara tersebut.Katanya, langkah berkenaan merupakan satu pendekatan yang sangat penting di dalam usaha mempelajari sistem penugasan dan pengurusan balai terbaik di negara maju sebelum dipraktikkan di negara ini.

In the court of public opinion

AS AN objective observer of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, one is compelled to feel a tinge of sympathy for its highest officer, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. His elevation from Law Revision Commissioner to attorney-general within five years and at the age of 47 should be seen as a testimony of his skills and ability as a lawman. Unfortunately even today, he has to continue to prove himself to his critics and the public. His latest brush with gossip involves an alleged close relationship with Malaysia Airlines senior executives while the company is being investigated for its colossal losses.While the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel itself is mired in controversy following contradictory statements between the panel and its chairman, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, it is clear that Abdul Gani is still not out of the woods yet, since the MACC is still investigating.

PKFZ may face 'bankruptcy' next year

Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) will not be able to finance its RM4.6 billion soft loan from the Finance Ministry which it must service beginning this year.

It is likely that without federal government intervention, the controversy-ridden mega-project operated by the Port Klang Authority (PKA) will be bankrupt, albeit technically, next year.

"Even if PKFZ is fully tenanted, we will not be able to pay our loan installment by 2012 to the Finance Ministry according to the Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) report," said PKA chairperson Lee Hwa Beng in an interview yesterday.

MACC Panel Disclaims Chairman's Statement That It is Satisfied with AG's Reply

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 JANUARY, 2011: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel has disclaimed its chairman Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam's statement that its members were satisfied with attorney-general Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail's explanation on his alleged relationship with former MAS chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli.

A-G Gani Patail should be suspended!

by Din Merican

On Wednesday  January 5, 2011, the MACC Corruption Prevention Panel Chairman, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, declared that AG Gani Patail has been cleared of his relationship with former MAS Chairman, Tajuddin Ramli’s proxy, Shahidan Shafie. The very next day, his colleague Tan Sri Robert Phang, a member of that MACC Panel slammed Ramon for manipulating a closed door confidential meeting to clear A-G Gani Patail. Robert Phang also warned Ramon for making an unauthorized announcement on behalf of the Panel thus rendering the Panel members to be mere rubber stamps to protect and preserve A-G Gani Patail’s position.

However, Ramon insisted that he was entitled to make that statement on behalf of that MACC Panel. If so, was Phang the lone voice in the MACC?Malaysians were confused. Who is telling the truth, Phang or Ramon? This must have troubled another member of that Panel, Ishak Thamby Kechik, who also issued a statement supporting Phang.  It appears that other members of the Panel have been awoken from their slumber and were now speaking out.  The full Panel decided to meet to settle this matter once and for all.

Probe on AG will continue: MACC

PETALING JAYA (Jan 12, 2011): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will continue investigations into allegations made against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail."The panel agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to determine the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG," the commission’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel secretariat said in a statement today.The decision was made after the panel held a dialogue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on MACC’s commitment to step up the fight against corruption.

MACC Advisory Panel Disclaims its own Chairman’s Statement on AG’s Haj Trip

Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel stepped up the ante by disclaiming the statement of its own chairman, Ramon Navaratnam on the issue of Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail’s explanation of his alleged cozy relationship with an aide of former MAS chief, Tajudin Ramli.
 In a statement issued today, the MACC’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel said that the statement issued by Ramon following its meeting on January 10 was entirely his “personal judgement”.

MACC advisory panel disclaims chairman’s statement on AG’s explanation

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel said today that its chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam had acted in his own capacity when he defended the Attorney-General (AG).Navaratnam had said that MACC members were satisfied with AG Tan Seri Abdul Gani Patail’s explanation and found that there was no need to investigate the allegations linking him to former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli.

MACC panel not satisfied with AG's reply

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel has disclaimed its chairperson's statement that its members were satisfied with attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail's explanation on his alleged relationship with ex-MAS boss Tajudin Ramli.

In a statement today, the MACC's Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel said that it had met on Jan 10 and resolved that its chairperson Ramon Navaratnam's statement on Jan 4 on the matter was his “personal judgment”.

“The panel also agreed that investigation by the MACC will continue where necessary to ensure the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG,” said the panel in a statement today.

Praise for MACC advisory panel member

I WRITE to commend Tan Sri Robert Phang on his bravery in revealing the outcome of the meeting with the attorney-general on Jan 4.
 

The statement of Tan Sri Ramon Naravatnam that Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had convinced the commission that there was nothing questionable about his trip to the holy land and the MACC panel members were satisfied with the attorney-general’s explanation as there was no evidence to link him to the accusation simply seems too quick to conclude.

Robert Phang is to be commended for his bravery

I write to commend Tan Sri Robert Phang on his bravery in revealing the true outcome of the meeting with the attorney-general on Jan 4 2011 and refusing to become a mere rubber stamp, as many governmental mechanisms have appeared to become.

The statement of Ramon Navaratnam that Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had convinced the commission that there was nothing questionable about his trip to the Holy Land and the MACC panel members were satisfied with the attorney-general's explanation that there was no evidence to link him to the accusation, simply seemed too quick to conclude the deal.

Do Not Appoint Rubber Stamps to the Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission

by Din Merican

In the 2008 general elections, the Barisan Nasional lost 2/3rd majority  in Parliament and  5 states (later recovered Perak) to the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.Then Prime Minister, Abdullah  Ahmad Badawi came under severe attacks from within and outside UMNO. A mutiny was fomenting from within UMNO and from the other BN component parties. BN appeared to be at its weakest.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down as Prime Minister

On July 10 , 2008, Badawi announced he would step down as UMNO President and Prime Minister in 2009. In the meantime, to shore up his sagging popularity, Abdullah implemented some of the reforms that he had promised the rakyat in the 2004 elections.One was the reduction of crimes, which had seen an all time high under former IGP Musa Hassan, otherwise more famous for his “Mattress Carrying” antics in the trial of Anwar Ibrahim in Sodomy I.

The other was the eradication of corruption which was also perceived to be on the rise despite Badawi’s ulamak (religious) cleric outlook. People made fun of his poem “Aku Mencari Ketenangan Abadi” (I Seek Eternal Peace) which had a verse about seeking AlGhazali’s ascetic conduct whereas talk was rife of increased cronyism and corruption during his administration.

Let’s have a Tan Sri vs Tan Sri public debate on MACC’s integrity

The overwhelming flak against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Corruption Prevention Panel chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam by internet news portal readers is clear indication of the public’s lack of confidence in MACC’s integrity.Ramon was chastised by the public following his spat with panel adviser Tan Sri Robert Phang over the former’s lightning speed attempt to clear Attorney-General (AG) Abdul Gani Patail of allegations that the AG went on a Haj pilgrimage in Mecca with one Shahidan Shafie who is said to be close to former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tajuddin Ramli.

Puspakom Signs MoU with MACC

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 JANUARY, 2011: Puspakom Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

DRB-HICOM managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said the MoU among others, is aimed at creating a holistic understanding between Puspakom and the MACC, towards overcoming the crime of corruption in a total,efficient and effective manner at the company.

MACC raids KTMB offices over 'dodgy deal'

EXCLUSIVE The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission raided the offices of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) recently after an allegedly 'dodgy' tender exercise saw a multi-million ringgit contract being awarded to an 'underqualified' company.

The project, valued at close to RM100 million, is for a revamp of the ticketing system in all 56 KTM Komuter stations around the Klang Valley and in Negri Sembilan.

A local company won the award with a RM85 million bid, even though there were lower bids by companies with more experience in servicing the KTMB systems.

MACC to disclose AG probe details

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will disclose the outcome of its investigation on Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail during an upcoming panel operation evaluation meeting.
“The AG’s explanation during the recent dialogue session and his handing over of relevant documents have hastened the investigation process.“The outcome will be tabled in the meeting soon,” said MACC corporate communications officer Nurhasmah Mohamed Kassim on behalf of her department’s director, in a statement today.

IGP: Police to Further Raise Integrity, Professionalism & Image to Fight Crime

The Royal Malaysian Police will step up efforts to fight crime by further improving the integrity, professionalism and image of its officers as well as modernising its equipment and infrastructure, says Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Haji Ismail Omar.

"One of the key elements for success here will be to increase the integrity of my officers to an even higher level," he told a briefing of senior news editors at the federal police headquarters at Bukit Aman here earlier this week.

Tan Sri vs Tan Sri on MACC's integrity or lack of it

The current spat between Tan Sri Robert Phang and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam has further cast doubts on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s integrity.Ramon is the MACC Corruption Prevention Panel chairman and Phang is a MACC panel adviser.

The integrity-tearing spat unfolded after Ramon, at lightning speed, cleared Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail of allegations that the A-G went on a Haj pilgrimage in Mecca with one Shahidan Shafie who is said to be close to former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli.Questions are being raised against Tajuddin over the national carrier’s losses, running into billions.

‘Not all panel members happy with AG’s explanation’

Commission (MACC) Corruption Consultation and Prevention Panel member Tan Sri Simon Sipaun said MACC should investigate allegations against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail’s conduct despite his recent dialogue with panel members. Simon said yesterday not all panel members were satisfied with Abdul Gani’s explanation on the allegations against him. Sipaun, who is also a Suhakam commissioner, told theSun he was only satisfied with Abdul Gani’s explanation with regard to his travel expenses during his recent visit to Mecca to perform the haj.

Ramon: Roasted over AG Haj trip issue

Some anti-graft body members are cheesed off with Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail being absolved of any wrong doing during his haj trip.The target of their umbrage is Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission's, Corruption Prevention Committee Chairperson Ramon Navaratnam for having said that the whole panel was satisified that the AG was innocent when it was just his personal opinion.

Although they admitted that Abdul Gani seemed truthful and produced receipts and invoices acquired during his haj trip it was not Ramon's (left) role to clear him.

This view was shared by fellow panel members Robert Phang Miow Sin and Prof Dr Ishak Tambi Kechik.

MACC panel adviser slams chairman’s statement

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission panel adviser Tan Sri Robert Phang has lashed out at the MACC’s corruption panel chairman for his public disclosure of a confidential meeting with the Attorney-General.Phang said the statement by Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam did not reflect the true outcome of the meeting on Jan 4.

The meeting was held to clarify allegations that the A-G was consorting with a proxy of former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli, who was involved in a high profile court case.After the meeting, Ramon made a statement that the MACC was satisfied with the A-G’s explanation and found no need to further investigate the allegations.

Phang denies MACC satisfied with AG explanation

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) corruption prevention panel advisor Tan Sri Robert Phang has denied that the panel was satisfied with the Attorney-General’s (AG) clarification of his links to a former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chairman now being probed for graft.
Phang said AG Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail’s explanation to the panel had failed to dispel suspicions that he was “consorting” with Shahidan Shafie, a proxy for former MAS executive chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli.

Open verdict in Teoh inquest

SHAH ALAM, Jan 5 — The coroner returned an open verdict today in the inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock two years ago, a decision which means it cannot ascertain how the political aide died.The packed courtroom broke into a collective sigh as coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas delivered his verdict while Teoh’s mother wept uncontrollably.Azmil also ruled out suicide and homicide even though he raised doubts that Teoh could have exited unaided from the window on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam before falling to his death following overnight interrogation by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.

RESPONSE TO DISCLOSURE BY TAN SRI RAMON NAVARATNAM OF A CONFIDENTIAL MEETING

PRESS STATEMENT  :  05th Jan 2011
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
Panel Advisor of Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

On Tuesday 4th January 2011, a meeting was held at the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Academy (MACC). 30 members of the MACC board and panel members attended this meeting with the Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. I was amongst those invited to attend this meeting. As usual it is only on invitation basis and we were told this was a confidential meeting.

I was thus surprised to read that evening’s news reports that the MACC Corruption Prevention Panel Chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam had issued a statement to the effect that the MACC members who attended this meeting were satisfied with Abdul Gani’s explanation and found that there was no need to investigate the allegations of Abdul Gani’s connection with former MAS Chairman, Tan Sri Tajuddin’s proxy, one En Shahidan Shafie.

Tajudin links: AG bares all to MACC

Attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail today met Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials and panel members to clear the air over allegations of close links with former Malaysia Airlines chairperson Tajudin Ramli.

According to a statement by the MACC, the meeting was attended by 30 of the 42 committee and panel members at the Corruption Prevention Academy in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were MACC chief Abu Kasim Mohammed, his senior management officers and commission division heads.

Teoh’s death inquest verdict tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: The much-awaited verdict of the inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock is expected to be delivered at the Shah Alam Magistrate Court Wednesday.Teoh's family members will join lawyers and reporters and other interested parties on the second floor of the annex building of the court complex to hear coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas give the findings of the inquest at 2.30pm.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission director of the Legal and Prosecution Division Datuk Abdul Razak Musa told Bernama that there was no indication from court officials of any postponement.Teoh, 30, political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16 2009 on the fifth floor corridor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after he had given a statement at the office of the Selangor branch of the commission on the 14th floor of the same building.

KL crime index drops 18 percent

KUALA LUMPUR: The crime index for Kuala Lumpur dropped 6,707 points or 18.3 percent to 29,953 last year compared to the 36,663 points in 2009, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said Tuesday.He also said that last year, a total of 14,806 of the 29,953 investigated cases, or 49.4 per cent, were solved.

Ex-Sime GM charged with graft

JOHOR BARU, Jan 3 — Former Sime Darby Engineering Sdn Bhd operations general manager Mohd Zaki Othman has been charged with two counts of bribery at the Sessions Court here.He is accused of accepting bribes amounting to RM55,300 related to a RM23 million contract awarded by the Pasir Gudang-based company.This follows two civil suits filed by Sime Darby against former top executives over breach of trust and duty in several large projects.Mohd Zaki was also named as one of five respondents in a RM338 million suit over RM2.1 billion in losses incurred in three projects along with former chief executive Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.