MACC urged to investigate new KL Tower concession

Hulu Langat Bersatu information chief Shafiq Halim and several NGOs have urged the MACC to investigate the concession related to the company now overseeing the KL Tower.

During a press conference this afternoon outside the national icon, they held up pictures of LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd (LSHSM) non-executive chairperson Lim Ken Cheng with key government leaders.

Shafiq claimed that the photos were taken before the deal was signed for LSHSM to take over KL Tower.

“We want to ask MACC to investigate the award (of this concession), and we also ask for the minister (in charge) to reveal the five other companies that entered the bid for KL Tower,” he said.

The photos depicted Lim with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, as well as DAP veterans Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng.

The NGOs present today include Negarawati Tanahair, Secretariat for the Empowerment of Bumiputera Strategic Ownership (Sepatra), Sekretariat Gabungan NGO Ikhlas Malaysia, Himpunan Aman Satu Juta Rakyat Malaysia, and the Muslim Consumers’ Association of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid Shaikh Abdul Razak Shaikh, the managing director of Hydroshoppe Sdn Bhd - the previous KL Tower operator - told Malaysiakini that his company had nothing to do with the press conference and does not condone it.

Hydroshoppe and its subsidiary, Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB), are suing the government for RM1 billion over the alleged wrongful termination of their concession.

‘What’s the link to PKR polls?’

Speaking further on the matter, Shafiq asked why the concession award coincided with PKR’s party polls.

“The concession was signed during the PKR election. So we want to know, why was this done so close to the election? Were there sources of funding and so on?

“So the MACC must investigate and ensure that (if) anyone has committed corruption, they must take the appropriate action,” he said.

He stressed that it was not a matter of race but of integrity.

Pejuang lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, who was also present, said the new concession deal contradicts Pakatan Harapan’s reform promises before it became part of the government.

“But finally, we have come to the point where we see that those with corporate connections have found their place.

“(This is) despite the government saying before that they will ensure the people are taken care of... but there is still political patronage like this happening in this country,” he added.

‘Wrongful contract termination’

Hydroshoppe and MKLSB are claiming damages from Putrajaya over the alleged wrongful termination of their agreement in November 2022, which included an extension of the company’s concession from 15 years to 30 years.

This followed the government’s decision in May last year to award the tower management concession to LSHSM, a joint-venture vehicle between LSH Best Builders Sdn Bhd and Service Master (M) Sdn Bhd.

MKLSB, previously fully owned by Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), had designed and constructed the KL Tower, which was opened to the public in 1996.

It had been the sole operator of KL Tower since under concession contracts from the government, which were renewed every 15 years.

 

Source :  https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/742193

Robert Phang: Don’t blindly run down the unity gov’t for foreign investors are watching us closely

THE opposition needs to heed the call by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to focus their energy on the betterment of their constituents.

Instead of focusing on attempts to oust the unity government, they should provide meaningful debates on government policy and issues of the day, according to prominent social activist and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin (main pic, right).

“The people are now facing hard times with the cost of living continuing to go up. As this is as much a global phenomenon, lawmakers on both sides of the divide should come up with innovative ways to help the rakyst overcome their hardship,” he told FocusM.

“Instead of channelling their efforts to orchestrate the recent Dubai Move conspiracy, for examples, key leaders of the opposition should have taken time to discuss how to help ease financial burden among B40 Malaysians.”

The founder and chairman of the Social Care Foundation was commenting on Sultan Ibrahim’s royal address on Monday (Feb 26) whereby the latter advised lawmakers to cease plans to oust the national unity government outside of elections.

This came about as the Johor ruler graced the first parliamentary meeting of the year which also happens to be his first parliamentary duty since ascending the throne as the 17^th YDPA on Jan 31.

The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory member further cautioned the opposition that they risk “scaring away foreign investors” by incessantly attacking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government.

He went on to justify that only with the help of investors will there be job creation which will enable to oil the national economy, thus ensuring long-term employment and for prosperity to be passed down to all Malaysians.

For this reason, Phang wants key leaders of the opposition to ask themselves who will benefit from scaring away investors or if their action is tantamount of leaving the country in doldrums.

The 84-year-old Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation exco member therefore urged opposition MPs to stop putting their own interest first in current times of difficulty but instead find ways to promote ideas to lift the national economy and well-being of Malaysians.

“They have to realise that it is the public who elected them as their representatives in the Parliament but that does not mean that the opposition can simply promote their own agenda at the expense of the rakyat who elected them.”

In this regard, Phang hailed Sultan Ibrahim’s call which made it very clear that the Agong would not brook any attempts to trigger a premature change of government that could de-stabilise the country.

He contended that the opposition should heed such advice by playing their role of doling out constructive criticism instead of merely dishing out irresponsible statements that could hurt the country.

Like it or not, the crime fighter who is also sits on the board of a few public listed entities wants the opposition to understand that investors pay close attention to what is happening in the country before deciding whether to invest.

He added that scaring them away at this juncture is wasteful for it is akin to shooting oneself on one’s own foot.

“Politicians have to think about the future of the nation and that that of the future generation of Malaysians first instead of their own short-term interest,” added Phang. – March 1, 2024

 

Source :  https://focusmalaysia.my/robert-phang-dont-blindly-run-down-the-unity-govt-for-foreign-investors-are-watching-us-closely/

Robert Phang: Onus on Spanco shareholders to lay to rest alleged fleet management scandal

THERE are many unanswered questions regarding how the government had awarded a contract to Spanco Sdn Bhd which prides itself as the provider of professional fleet management services to the federal government, ministries and agencies nationwide with a fleet size of over 13,000 units of concession vehicles.

As such, it imperative for the unity government to find out how the tender for the government vehicle supply, repair and maintenance project (fleet Project) was awarded to Spanco, according to prominent social activist, crime fighter and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin (main pic, inset).

The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory member said the main priority should be for those responsible in awarding the contract to explain to the public what was their rational in extending the contract to Spanco.

“The public has the right to know and the issue cannot be swept under the carpet. It is the taxpayers’ money that is being used,” he told FocusM.

“Those responsible cannot simply shrug their shoulders and ignore their responsibility. No matter who was in-charge of awarding the contract to Spanco he must stand up and take responsibility.”

Pointing out that Spanco had been managing the government fleet project for 25 years, the 84-year-old Phang further questioned as to why only Spanco was given the project.

On Jan 20, MACC conducted a raid at the residence of a businessman holding the title Tan Sri as part of an investigation into corruption allegations related to the procurement and management of the government’s fleet of vehicles valued at RM4.5 bil.

The concession for the supply and management of government vehicles has been held by Spanco since 1993. However, an open tender was initiated after the contract expired in 2019.

Berjaya Group and Naza Sdn Bhd later formed a consortium and secured the contract through a letter of intent (LOI) in the same year.

In July last year however, Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun filed a lawsuit against the Finance Ministry and Spanco regarding the terminated LOI, claiming that the contract was awarded to Spanco despite their higher bid.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had recently recalled that he had consistently voiced concerns about this issue during his tenure as finance minister under the administration of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said he had recognised irregularities in that contract which proved detrimental to the country and disadvantaged civil servants.

Phang who is also Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation exco member went on to question as to why during the administration of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin the LOI was cancelled and Spanco was awarded the fleet management contract.

As such, he argued that it is also imperative for Spanco shareholders to explain to the public how they manage to secure the contract after they had initially failed to get it.

“Spanco shareholders have to realise that remaining silent about the matter is not an option given the money they are being paid for the government fleet management is public money,” added the chairman of NGO Social Care Foundation. – Feb 20, 2024

Source :  https://focusmalaysia.my/robert-phang-onus-on-spanco-shareholders-to-lay-to-rest-alleged-fleet-management-scandal/

SUPPORT NOT DEMORALISE!!!!

27th January 2024.

Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin,
Justice of the Peace,
Chairman – Social Care Foundation

 

                                 SUPPORT NOT DEMORALISE!!!!

When different ministries/departments which are openly investigating into the various corruption happenings in our country, I suggest that we, the Rakyat must refrain/stop from posting remarks on the investigations, while it is being conducted.

Yes, the Rakyat must know the truth but they must also need to stay clear while the investigation is being carried out by the individual investigating bodies.  Please kindly respect the difficult challenges faced by MACC, PDRM and etc.  These investigations are being done professionally and thoroughly, without fear or favor. Outsiders, please do stop interfering and giving your unwanted comments which will jeopardize the whole investigations.

Malaysia is truly blessed with wonderful cultures and righteous citizens.  Let us throw our fullest support behind the Government of the day and trust that justice will prevail in our beautiful society. Let us move forward with this thought for the betterment of the Nation.

 

God Bless Malaysia and the Malaysians!!!!!

 

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

 

Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang

Justice of the Peace,
EXCO Member – Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation.

MOVE ON AGC – WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR, THE RAKYAT IS WATCHING

The future of Zahid’s representation letters to drop the 47 charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi has been sent to AGC and to be decided by AGC decision. Leave it to the AGC and their office bearers to do the necessary.  Rightfully they will need to investigate based on facts and evidence presented.  Needless to say, this must be done without fear or favor.  This episode must be left in the hands of AGC and MACC, no outside interference at all.  So therefore I appeal to members of AGC to do your best.

As this case is being watched earnestly by the Rakyat and the world, please do not delay the decision as it is paramount important to the State Elections around the bend plus to the Rakyat.

It will be the greatest joke in the world if AGC decides to drop the charges, so, therefore, please seriously consider the repercussions.  Let the law take its own course.  Rightfully, we should not interfere at all

 

God bless us – Malaysia and Malaysians. Amen.

“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.        

 

THUNDER AT LAST BUT WILL RAIN FOLLOW???

Malaysia will soon be hearing a lot of music/noise. I sincerely appeal to fellow Malaysians to be cool and calm even as YAB PM Datuk Seri Anwar says has assured investors that “TUN OR TAN SRI, ALL WILL FACE THE MUSIC IF CORRUPT”.

 

You and I may not know but we will wait and see, I believe.

Interesting articles will appear soon.  Rakyat sit back and observe.

Be cool and realistic.

GOD BLESS MALAYSIA.

 

Muhyiddin's arrest looms as political temperature looks set to rise

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin is believed to be next on the list of opposition leaders to be charged, with MalaysiaNow reliably learning that the former prime minister could be arrested and brought to court as early as tomorrow.

It was not immediately clear the nature of the charge to be brought against the Bersatu president, who headed the government during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But this comes after weeks of accusations by government leaders against Bersatu, followed by the questioning of party leaders over alleged abuses linked to JanaWibawa, a post-Covid program to help Bumiputera contractors.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has also frozen the bank accounts of Bersatu, resulting in the party being unable to pay for its day-to-day operations.

Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Bersatu's former information chief and the MP for Tasek Gelugor, as well as another party leader, were later arrested and charged by MACC.

Any move to arrest Muhyiddin is likely to raise the political temperature, with PN leaders warning of a major crackdown by the Anwar Ibrahim administration ahead of polls in six states, five with critical Malay electorates whose support the ruling coalitions Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional lost to PN in the general election last year.

MalaysiaNow is awaiting a response from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki on the latest speculation.

Source: https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/03/08/muhyiddins-arrest-looms-as-political-temperature-looks-set-to-rise

Tun or Tan Sri, all will face the music if corrupt: Anwar assures investors

KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government will not hesitate to crack down on those abusing their power to enrich themselves, be they “Tuns or Tan Sris”, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told a crowd of investors today.

Addressing business players and investors, Anwar, who is also finance minister, said his administration would not be influenced by a person’s power or position.

“We will uphold the highest ethical standards and there will be no room for abuse of power under this administration,” he said in his keynote address at Invest Malaysia 2023 Series 1: Strengthening Resilience and Sustaining Growth here today. 

“Whether you are a Tun or Tan Sri, whether you are in this government or the opposition, we will act without fear or favour.”

Anwar did not mention any names. 

Recently, however, Malaysian authorities have launched investigations into two prominent individuals.

One is former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, who served during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first tenure as prime minister. The 84-year-old Daim is being probed over his wealth after his name appeared in the Pandora Papers. 

The other is former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is being investigated over the alleged siphoning of public funds during his time in federal power. 

In his speech today, Anwar said though some felt that repeated talk of corruption, ill-gotten gains, and bribery will cast aspersions on Malaysia’s image, the government believed it had to start rebuilding confidence by being honest about existing underlying problems. 

“I have said this many times, and I will repeat it here again. This government adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards misconduct and corruption.”

Post-pandemic recovery led to high debt

Anwar also touched on post-pandemic economic recovery measures and large-scale stimulus programmes which drove the country’s 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 8.7%.

However, the prime minister said this came with a heavy cost – high national debt.

Federal government debt now sits just below 61% of GDP, while the statutory debt limit had been raised twice to 65% during the pandemic. 

“Taken together with contingent liabilities, our total debt is RM1.5 trillion, or 81% of GDP.”

He said while the government is not able to address issues concerning the rakyat all at once, it recognizes that people of ordinary means are under increasing economic pressure. 

He added that sensibly, those in the corridors of power should build, secure, and enable the ladders that would help the nation escape the middle-income trap, and to help those at the very bottom climb out of poverty. 

In this regard, he said his recent Budget 2023 has been designed to address these challenges head-on – through fiscal reforms, rebuilding the nation’s fiscal buffers, and economic, fiscal, and debt resilience. – 

Source : https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/87205/tun-or-tan-sri-all-will-face-the-music-if-corrupt-anwar-assures-investors

JanaWibawa probe ongoing, says MACC chief

The investigation into the JanaWibawa programme for the empowerment of Bumiputera contractors is still in progress with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) preparing "three or four more investigation papers", its chief commissioner Azam Baki said today.

"The investigation is still ongoing. There are several investigation papers still in action and the investigating officer is preparing them," he told a press conference in Putrajaya when asked about the progress of the investigation.

Azam however declined to comment when asked if former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was among the suspects in the JanaWibawa investigation.

Muhyiddin previously confirmed that he had been called up by MACC to record his statement on the Jana Wibawa project, not as a suspect.
 
Several individuals, including former Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, have been charged in court in relation to the JanaWibawa programme.

The programme was introduced during Muhyiddin’s administration with the objective of speeding up the implementation of projects and improving the national economy during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In another development, Azam said the investigation into the takeover of the Menara KL management was now complete and that the investigation papers had been submitted to the attorney-general for further action.

Source : https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/02/23/janawibawa-probe-ongoing-says-macc-chief

No party should intimidate judiciary: Social activist

PETALING JAYA: The judiciary should not be intimidated by any organisation as it is an independent body that is the guardian of justice for everyone.

Social activist Tan Sri Robert Phang said any type of probe involving a judge must be above board.

“The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had said its investigation was not based on a blogger’s claims on social media platforms but three formal complaints and reports lodged with the commission.

“The question MACC has failed to answer is what was the basis of the three reports, who made them and why. If it was based on the blogger’s claim, then MACC should also investigate the blogger and those who made the reports,” he told theSun.

Phang said every time someone is unhappy with a judge’s decision, they may resort to making allegations about the judge.

“If this becomes a trend, it will hurt the judiciary,” he said.

He asked whether MACC will investigate every single allegation made against judges or just pick and choose what it wants.

“It must be remembered that for MACC to carry out its duty successfully it must have the trust and support of the public.

“Any action that can erode this trust should be avoided as it would make the MACC an ineffective body,” said Phang, a former MACC advisory board member.

Phang said it is easy to make allegations that can tarnish a person’s reputation and MACC must be aware that its investigations can hurt a person’s reputation if the claims are ultimately baseless.

Phang was commenting on Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali being investigated by MACC over allegations of unexplained money in his account.

Mohd Nazlan was the judge who convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the misappropriation of RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

On April 20, fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin posted an article titled “Judge Mohd Nazlan being investigated for unexplained RM1 million in his bank account” on his Malaysia Today website.

Mohd Nazlan filed a police report on the allegation made against him in the blog post.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in a speech recently said judges are not beyond criticism, but “the public, including politicians, must not level unfounded and scurrilous attacks against the judiciary to further their ends”.

MACC said recently it had completed its investigations into the allegations against Mohd Nazlan and had handed over the investigation papers to the attorney-general.

Phang said whatever it may say, MACC cannot be seen to be conducting “selective investigations”.

Anti-graft panel should be elected '

PETALING JAYA: Members of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Committee should be elected instead of being appointed by the government, said former committee member Tan Sri Robert Phang, adding that the committee should have one member from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), two legal representatives and three elected members.

“The elected members must be people of good standing. This is one of the ways to restore public trust in the agency. MACC must also be transparent in every action it takes to show the public that there is no bias when it carries out its duties.”

Phang said the MACC chief commissioner must be ready to explain to the committee the reasons for the commission's actions.

He added that the head of MACC should state reasons for his actions when asked by the committee, and elected members are needed to alleviate public distrust.

“In doing this, the public would feel that they also have to say in the way MACC is run,” he said.

Recently, certain actions by MACC had caused the public to question the reasons the agency had initiated certain investigations.

“When committee members are appointed by the government, there can always be an element of favouritism. They may try to help certain people associated with them.

“The committee may also be biased towards certain people while some committee members might just be afraid to speak out as they may fear repercussions.”

Phang said there was a need for outspoken committee members as they would be able to reign in the MACC head if he steps out of line, adding that the more outspoken the committee members, the better it would be as the agency would realize that it will be held to account by those who are part of it.

He said this would also make those in charge of MACC tread carefully and not just do whatever they wished, and this can be done if just three of the committee members are elected by the public, allowing the committee to act without fear or favour.

Phang added that decisions made by the committee should also be open to scrutiny, not only by Parliament but also by the public.

“Transparency and integrity should become the bywords in MACC and for the committee to show the public that they have nothing to hide when taking action. This would also help ensure fairness and rebuild public trust.”

He said it was also important for the public to speak out whenever they see any wrongdoing and that by having elected committee members, the public would feel protected by them when speaking out against wrongdoings.

Source:https://ipaper.thesundaily.my/epaper/viewer.aspx?publication=The%20Sun%20Daily#page/2

Soft stance not ideal to fight graft: Ex-MACC panel member

PETALING JAYA: The move by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to reduce charges or issue compound notices does not bode well for the fight against graft.

Former MACC advisory board panel member Tan Sri Robert Phang yesterday called for the full brunt of the law to be brought down on those caught for wrongdoing.

He said reducing the charges or issuing compounds will only encourage others to ignore the law.

“They know that if they are caught, they can plead with MACC to either compound them or have their charges reduced. How do you (expect) the public to place their trust in such an institution?”

Phang cited the example of former Sabah Water Department deputy director Teo Chee Keong, who was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal and had to pay an RM30 million compound.

Teo, 58, was facing 146 money laundering charges, involving land titles, cash and bank accounts, amounting to RM32.93 million.

Phang said that Teo only paid a compound of RM30 million.

“To top this off, when there is wrongdoing by a MACC officer, it is the commission that conducts the investigation.”

Phang questioned how there could be impartiality when MACC conducts its own investigations.

He said an independent body, and not MACC itself, is needed to investigate its officers involved in wrongdoings.

He cited MACC senior officer Shahrum Nizam Baharuddin, 41, who reportedly went on a RM2.71 million spending spree.

Shahrum was accused of misappropriating US$6.94 million seized by the commission at the MACC special action branch chief’s room.

Phang said Shahrum was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which is punishable with a jail term of up to 20 years, whipping and a fine.

He said the prosecution offered an alternative charge under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than five years, with whipping and a fine.

He questioned how such actions were allowed.

“The issue of counterfeit money involving MACC officers has still not been properly explained, although only Shahrum had been charged and sentenced.

“How did the officer get hold of the counterfeit money? Who else was involved? Have those involved in printing the counterfeit money been arrested and charged?”

Phang said whether it is an old or new issue, MACC must provide an explanation to the public.

Source :https://ipaper.thesundaily.my/epaper/viewer.aspx?publication=The%20Sun%20Daily&date=03_03_2022#page/4