Cops nab another 'Tan Sri' over MBI Ponzi scheme

Police have arrested another individual with the title “Tan Sri” suspected of involvement in the MBI International Group Ponzi scheme investment fraud, marking the latest development in the ongoing investigation.

Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Hasbullah Ali confirmed the 53-year-old Penang property company chairperson was detained on Thursday and remanded for five days to assist investigations.

"The suspect's office, residence, and relevant documents have been searched for evidence," he told Bernama, adding that further arrests haven't been ruled out as investigations continue, with a press conference to be held soon to provide updates.

The suspect is believed to have acted as a proxy or partner in laundering illicit funds for the syndicate.

This follows the April 18 to 21 “Op Northern Star” that saw five individuals, including another “Tan Sri” and “Datuk Seri”, arrested across the Klang Valley and northern Malaysia.

Authorities have also seized RM223.62 million worth of durian orchards (344ha in Raub, Pahang; 5.26ha in Jawi, Penang; and 13.76ha in Tasek, Kedah), frozen 299 bank accounts (RM123.61 million), and confiscated 12 luxury vehicles, a high-end watch, five mobile phones, and crucial documents.

Additional seizures include a palm oil processing plant in Selama, Kedah, a hotel, and a Penang property development company, bringing total confiscations from both operations to RM3.51 billion.

 

Source : Bernama

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

M'sia-China to boost cooperation in science, space, vaccine, agriculture

Malaysia and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including key areas such as space, vaccine development and agriculture.

A joint statement issued in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, which concluded today, noted that both countries expressed their commitment to fully leveraging the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation.

Through the implementation of the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, both sides aimed to establish joint research and development (R&D) platforms, including a laboratory, enhance collaboration in science parks and technology transfer and foster cooperation in emerging technologies.

Guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit, both countries also expressed their readiness to advance space capabilities, foster the development of the new space economy, drive technological advancements, and contribute to national security.

“Both sides recognised the significant potential to strengthen partnerships under the agreement between the Chinese and Malaysian governments on Space Cooperation and the Peaceful Use of Outer Space cooperation framework,” the statement read.

PRESS STATEMENT BY TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG

 

“Constant sniping at unity gov’t by opposition politicians can destroy Malaysia economically”

POLITICIANS today seem to be only self-serving for if they see an issue which can benefit them but hurt the nation, it makes no difference to them.

Those in the opposition need to understand every statement they make has an impact. They seem to harp on an issue which has a local impact but does not hold water.

In this day and age, the social media is a powerful tool. Everything a politician says can go viral instantaneously with adverse national and international impact if such is their ultimate intention.

Politicians tend to capitalise on sensitive issues to show that they are on the ball without realising that their action can chase away investors be they local or international.

For example, opposition politicians have been hitting out on concerts performed by international stars on religious grounds but oblivious of their mutti-fold economic benefits. A case in point is that the recent Taylor Swift concert in Singapore brought the island nation enormous economic benefits.

Singapore saw visitors spent somewhere in the region of S$500 mil (RM1.6 bil) with hotels, tours, airline tickets and eateries over-run by concert goers.

Since the end of pandemic curbs, a number of top artists have performed in Singapore, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Blackpink and Harry Styles. According to economists, this has contributed about 0.25% to the island nation’s economic growth in 1Q 2024 alone.

Malaysia has simply missed out on this golden opportunity because our politicians have done their very best to scare away international acts with their over-zealous comments.

Even food had become a hot topic especially the inclusion of bak kut teh in the national heritage cuisine list.

Politicians simply took an issue to this without examining the issues in depth because they felt by criticising the decision, they could stretch their political mileage. This is despite Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had justified why bak kut teh is included in the list of National Heritage cuisines.

Politicians should stop attacking the government just for the sake of wanting to be recognised for championing certain causes.

They must also stop making sweeping statements just to be known for being vocal on issues that favour them. Put the nation first, not personal or party interest. – March 14, 2024

Prominent social activist and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin is the founder and chairman of the Social Care Foundation. He was also a former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory member.

Source : https://focusmalaysia.my/constant-sniping-at-unity-govt-by-opposition-politicians-can-destroy-malaysia-economically/

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.

ZAHID HAMIDI – TIME TO RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET!!!

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
CHAIRMAN – SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION

               

              ZAHID HAMIDI – TIME TO RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET!!!

With numerous calls coming from the majority of the Rakyat, more so from the Malays, it is only wise and the correct decision for him to step down as leader of UMNO.  If Zahid has always indicated that he supports the Unity Government under YAB PM Anwar Ibrahim, he has to accept the fact that his presence is no longer required and inadvertablly he MUST be replaced under the circumstances.

Enough is enough, do not create any unnecessary negative problems which will deter foreign investors to come to Malaysia.  With the abject performance at the last 6 states elections, the dismayed outcome by UMNO has clearly indicated that the Rakyat has turned their backs on UMNO and now favor the opposition.

Zahid, the facts of life – when you are no longer needed it is a clear sign to step down and enjoy your retirement as it is also the right time to do so.

I will continue to pray for you and for you to make the right decision. God Bless You.

“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.           
 

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.        

 

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YB DATUK TIONG KING SING!!!!

6^th July 2023.

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
CHAIRMAN – SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION
 

    KEEP UP  THE GOOD WORK YB DATUK TIONG KING SING!!!!

 

I totally disagree with those who claim MP Datuk Tiong King Sing is a political liability and should be replaced in a Cabinet reshuffle. He has proven himself beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is truly a Malaysian MP who fully cares for the well-being of the Rakyat. Other MPs had not stepped up to assist those who require assistance but he has done so. He has indirectly opened a can of worms when he rushed to KLIA to help a Chinese national requiring urgent help. In the Rakyat eyes, he is a HERO. He has walked the talk without fear or favor.

 

Yes, indeed his action can be called hasty but nonetheless, corruption is an evil seed that keeps on growing if it is not nipped in the bud.  What he has done is exposed a “CULTURE OF CORRUPTION BY A FEW OFFICIALS AND THE CHRONIC ABUSE OF POWER.  This does not favor the culprits who have gained ill-gotten riches through this illegal practice.  Let us put a stop to this cancerous habit. 

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.           

 

GIIB Holdings : MACC investigations are to do with subsidiary GIIB Healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR: GIIB Holdings Berhad today in response to queries from Bursa Malaysia Securities said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigations which led to the remand of three of its directors were to do with a RM24,000 transaction and liabilities of subsidiary company GIIB Healthcare Products Sdn. Bhd. 

The transaction in question is to do with a RM24,000 invoice related to the sales of gloves to A2 Gloves Sdn. Bhd. by GIIB Healthcare Products Sdn. Bhd. While the liabilities refer to GIIB Healthcare's trade liability, non-trade liability and provision of liabilities in an announcement made by the company on 29 May 2023 for the Interim Quarterly Financial Results ended 31 March 2023.

"The group has obtained legal opinion and concluded the RM24,000/- transaction is legal and does not breach any laws. The group is requesting its external auditors to review the position of GIIB Healthcare Products Sdn. Bhd.'s liability as at the balance sheet date in question. On item 1 (iii) above, the Board is unable to take any action due to lack of information," the company said in its filing with Bursa Malaysia Securities. 

GIIB Holdings also clarified that directors Tai Boon Wee, Tai Qiyao and Wong Ping Kiong were all released by MACC on 2 June 2023. 

The company's share price hit a high of 14 sen today after Singapore-based HAGF Investment (I) Pte. Ltd. (HAGF) emerged as a substantial shareholder, with a 8.2 per cent interest, in the company.

HAGF is wholly owned by Hildrics Asia Growth Fund I, a Singapore-based private equity fund managed by Hildrics Capital Pte. Ltd.

As at market close today the rubber product manufacturer's shares were priced at 13 sen a share, an almost 37  per cent jump from its last closing price. Some 33.45 million shares changed hands.

The company which has had a few run-ins with MACC this year, also announced that it has appointed former MACC advisory panel member Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin as group executive advisor.

Phang will advise the company's management in areas of law enforcement, communication with authorities, business networking and relations with China and other countries.

Earlier this year, MACC charged both Tai Boon Wee and Wong Ping Kiong  under Section 18 of the MACC Act for allegedly furnishing fake documents to auditor Grant Thornton Malaysia PLT.  Sessions Court has set the trial dates for the case from 15 January 2024 to 17 January 2024.

Source : https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/06/921983/giib-holdings-macc-investigations-are-do-subsidiary-giib-healthcare%C2%A0

GIIB appoints Phang as group exec adviser

PETALING JAYA: GIIB Holdings Bhd has appointed Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin as its group executive adviser.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the manufacturer of rubber-related compounds said Phang will be advising the company’s management in areas of law enforcement, communication with authorities, business networking and relations with China and other countries

Phang is a known crime fighter and philanthropist, where he has made countless welfare contributions to the needy as well as highlighting various social injustice issues.

Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/06/20/giib-appoints-phang-as-group-exec-adviser

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