Better senses for our country’s sake

DATUK Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, you mentioned it was time to separate the chief minister from state government agencies.

It was reported that if Barisan Nasional (BN) wins Penang state in the next polls, the Penang chief minister may not lead state government agencies such as the Penang Development Corporation and PBA Holdings Bhd. This may appear to be a gallant call but I think otherwise.

A much-needed rectification of our governance structure is long overdue. It is timely and rational but at the same time, the rakyat questions if this suggestion is rational, sensible and whether it makes sense to apply this call to both the federal and state governments.

You are a minister in the Prime Minister's Department, you have a moral obligation to explain and enhance the rakyat, more so the Penangites. Let us examine the case of PBA Holdings Bhd for which the Penang chief minister has been sitting as chairman on the board.

I agree that he should not be there but most other states have a similar structure where the mentris besar sit as chairman of the water companies. As Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong pointed out "Why the double standard?" What makes Penang so different?

At the same time, we have the Gerakan secretary-general, a politician sitting as chairman of Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), the water commission which is the regulatory body of water supply services.

The uncanny position has given way to a public spat between Datuk Liang Teck Meng, a member of Parliament and SPAN chairman, and Lim Guan Eng, PBA Holdings Bhd chairman and Penang chief minister. The former made a public statement that Penang had applied for a tariff increase.

I would have thought, that being SPAN chairman, he would've been more sensible in keeping such an application confidential until SPAN had approved the implementation for an increase.

What is wrong with an application for water tariff increase? Didn't TNB increase its tariff? Isn't a water tariff increase part of the water reform, which is an established policy direction for SPAN to implement? Why did the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water allow the spat to manifest?

I have pointed out that it does not bode well, to have politicians or retired politicians along with members who have little knowledge, skills and experience sit on the commissions, boards or committees of these agencies. We need to be sensible! Water utility is meant to serve the people.

I wish to commend Abdul Rahman for rationally broaching the subject of the chief minister's power over government agencies.

But rationality, when myopic can lead to paucity of sensibility. Let us not lose sight of a good proposal and make it sensible to apply across the board, especially regulatory bodies, immediately.

Regulatory bodies should discharge policy objectives fairly and should consist of board members or commissioners who are knowledgeable and contributing to the development of the industry in which they regulate. It is not a political platform nor a retirement home for politicians.

We have our challenges in life and we cannot blame our leaders for external shocks. However, we cannot accept self-inflicted wounds of political strives spilling over on to people's well-being.

Please confine the political battles to intellectual discourse on policies that promotes socio-economic development in Parliament and state assemblies. May better senses prevail for the sake of our country.

Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin
Justice of the Peace

Source: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/09/13/better-senses-our-country%E2%80%99s-sake

DOJ probe independent of Najib-Trump meet, says White House

he US Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into the 1MDB scandal is independent of the upcoming discussions between US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, the White House said.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the discussions will instead focus on a wide variety of regional and security issues.

"(They will be) talking about ways that they can strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, certainly the halt of ISIS, addressing North Korea and their continued actions, and making sure that we promote maritime security in the South China Sea.

"We're not going to comment on an ongoing investigation being led by DOJ, and that investigation is apolitical and certainly independent of anything taking place tomorrow (which is today)," she said at a press briefing yesterday.

Sanders was asked whether Trump would address the DOJ investigation or avoid the issue, and what is expected of the meeting between Najib and Trump, which is scheduled to take place later today.

The DOJ is currently investigating the alleged misappropriation of US$4.5 billion from 1MDB on grounds that some of the funds had been routed through the US financial system.

It has filed multiple civil forfeiture suits since last year to seize the alleged proceeds of the misappropriation (totalling US$1.7 billion) and also revealed in a court filing last month that a criminal investigation has been underway for some time.

Its civil forfeiture filings had linked a certain "Malaysian Official 1" (MO1) in the scandal, saying that some of the funds had been routed through his bank account, and had been used to purchase diamonds for his wife.

MO1 is alleged to be referring to Najib, but he has denied allegations of misappropriating public funds for personal gain.

Source : https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/394869

May our leaders be wise and compassionate

AS I write this article, I reflect upon my life at this ripe old age of 78 having to face the imminent war in the Korean Peninsula, flashpoint of US military might in the South China Sea and provocative stance on Venezuela laced with multiple corruption scandals in my home country, Malaysia.

I lived through World War II as a young child and survived in a poor family. At the worst of times, I had to eat cow grass to satisfy my hunger. Today, after more than 70 years, I find war conflicts growing and many of my fellow Malaysians struggling to live comfortably with the erosion of our currency and rising costs.

I would have thought people would have grown to be wiser and more virtuous. Have we progressed? Perhaps I have grown to view things in more philosophical perspectives. I know I cannot take power and money with me when the day of reckoning comes. Can you?

What has become of us? What have power and money done to us? Those who have the power can influence the electorate; those who have the money can influence the power.

This symbiotic relationship benefits the selected few at the expense of the masses. Power and public funds should be discharged for the benefit of the people at large rather than a selected few. Corruption is not just about money. It is also about abuse of power.

The military might of the US has extended to our shores in the South China Sea. The issues we are facing are not just Malaysian. Our lives are at the mercy of a few leaders, here or elsewhere.

LOYALTY TO GOD, KING AND COUNTRY – NOT POLITICAL PARTIES

16th August 2017.

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-

TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

CHAIRMAN – SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION

                         

Reference is made to the news article in Free Malaysia Today dated 16th August 2017, titled “NAVARATNAM SLAMS ZAID OVER GRATITUDEPLEA”, where Tan Sri Ramon has highlighted DPM Ahmad Zahid calling for gratitude to the ruling government in addressing to pensioners and retiring civil servants.

It is time, if I may say notwithstanding the civil servants to give gratitude to God, king and country, and not to political parties of any kind.  Notwithstanding and a good point to note, currently there will be quite a number of government servants will be retiring soon.  As Zahid call on pensioners not to bite the hand that feeds them was in the eyes of 1.6 million government servants is inappropriate as because of the fact that the civil services is to be free of political influences.

I appeal to all Politicians and NGOs to be very careful or mindful of speeches – it should try to avoid on factors which can erode the integrity and professionalism of the public service.

“HUMBLENESS IS A GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL AND THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.

Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin.

Justice of the Peace.

'If the world calls you a thief, just smile' - Dr M rues absence of shame

"REPRODUCED INFO"

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has claimed that the feeling of shame no longer exists among a large number of public officials.

Without mentioning names, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson launched a tirade against those whom he claimed have comprised values due to their avaricious nature.

These individuals, he claimed, are not perturbed by the brickbats, consequences of their actions or accusations as longs as the rewards trickle in.

“Even when they are found to have stolen, there is not even the slightest feeling of shame. It doesn't matter if they are accused of stealing or have been proven to have stolen.

“The world calls them thieves, corrupt, liars – doesn't matter. Just smile

“Because of their actions, the country is shamed, listed as among the 10 most corrupt nations – but never mind,” he added in a blog post this afternoon.

Mahathir also reiterated his claim of Malaysia becoming a kleptocratic nation, where the prime minister, his wife, children and associates are accused of embezzling public funds.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has denied these allegations and blamed them on those working with Mahathir to engineer his downfall in order to further their political interests.

NAJIB PLEASE ADDRESS THE FRESH ALLEGATIONS OVER SRC PAYMENTS

9^th June 2017

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-

TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

CHAIRMAN – SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION

 

The above subject has been the latest serious controversy / allegation .in our country. 

The easiest, most logical and legitimate way of addressing this controversy / allegation, may I boldly suggest is for Tan Sri Shafee and YAB PM to come clean in clearing this confusion/allegation.  They need to look for a very convincing way to stop this controversy otherwise it will go viral.

Allow me, both are responsible persons, surely in the interest of the public, please put to a stop, these controversy / allegations.  The current state of mind of the Rakyat is as follows:-

a)    If any allegations without true facts supporting, it will very much be liable to defamation of character – suit.

b)    If these allegations were allowed to go on without proper action taken by Tan Sri Shafee and YAB PM to address this continuing issue, than it will spiral out of control and go viral further. I am sure this will be a negative impact on YAB PM / Tan Sri Shafee and the BN Government for the forthcoming GE14.

c)    Until today, YAB PM has maintained his innocence in 1MDB and that YAB PM has nothing to do with SRC.  However the Nation will enthusiastically watch and monitor on the progress of this controversy / allegation.

Please bear in mind that the USA Department of Justice is still pursuing their investigation very seriously with the similar action and co-operation from the Singapore Government.  The Rakyat would like to know the outcome.

“HUMBLENESS IS A GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL AND THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.

Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin.

Justice of the Peace.

WHAT A SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOUR!!!!

19^th May 2017.

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-

TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

CHAIRMAN – SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION

I refer to the Slapping incident during the National Transformation 2050  (TN50) in front of YAB PM has clearly shown that the both starring are not only immature at the same time, they have totally forgotten, coming from very well educated background, such hooliganism character could come from them.

Sadly, very sadly indeed that this type of behavior has gone viral over the TV.  It is definitely a very serious concern of this incident, as it will reflect that both parties have not given the due respect to YAB PM.  In fact the two parties are known to YAB PM.  I am sure after this incident, they must examine themselves.  This situation could have been avoided if the emcee Datuk Rosyam Nor had the capability to extend the proper control of the situation. 

Praises must be given to YAB PM.  YAB PM appears undeterred with a smiling face and commanded comfort at the time of the incident. This is the true characteristics of a good politician.  I am sure YAB had earned a lot of praises from the Rakyat. I appeal and pray that all of us must be mature to contain our emotions at all times.  We hope that this type of incident will never occur again. 

In term of security around YAB PM, I boldly suggest regardless how close one is to YAB PM, security measures prevails – no matter what the situation is concerned. 

YOU ARE CAN, YAB PM!!!

Wish YAB PM, Good Health and God bless.

“HUMBLENESS IS A GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL AND THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.

Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin.

Justice of the Peace.