Ramli Yusuff sues Musa Hassan over ‘black knight’ label

Datuk Ramli Yusuff is suing Tan Sri Musa Hassan for defamation over the retired Inspector-General of Police’s alleged description of him as a “black knight”, stepping up the verbal mud-slinging between the two police veterans that could implicate the entire force.

In his statement of claim filed today at the Shah Alam High Court registry, the former Commercial Crimes Investigation Department chief accused his former colleague and critic of tarnishing his reputation publicly with statements made at a news conference last year.

In the December 10 news conference, Musa had suggested that unnamed political figures were backing Ramli in the latter’s public war of words with him.

According Musa, Ramli had been given the platform to criticise him and paint the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in good light.

“It seems like he’s the white knight, saviour of PDRM ... while I’m the black knight who is destroying PDRM,” Musa had said.

‘Govt must investigate Musa Hassan'

PETALING JAYA: The government should initiate investigation against former IGP Musa Hassan  over claims of his alleged triad links, his alleged role in undermining several senior police officers as well as alleged abuses of power during his tenure as the police chief.

Making this call today, former MACC advisory panelist Robert Phang, said only such an investigation, or even perhaps a royal commission, would reveal the truth about Musa.

“Musa has no sense of loyalty to the organisation that has given him his livelihood and his lifetime career.
“As a rule-of-thumb, I will never trust an individual who badmouths his organisation, much less an organisation which he had helmed for four years,” said Phang.

Phang was referring to Musa’s revelations earlier this week that the police force had been infiltrated by criminal elements and that the current IGP Ismail Omar was weak in heading the police force.

He also claimed that there had been political interventions, including from the Home Ministry, even during his time as the IGP. He said the presence of criminal elements was the reason for the rising crime rate in the country.

Coming to the defence of the police force and Ismail, Phang said the crime statistics had increased under Musa’s tenure and the situation had only started to turn around after his retirement in 2010.

“If truth be told, Tan Sri Ismail Omar, the current IGP has now managed the Herculean task to return crime rate to the pre-Musa Hassan time.

“Thus Musa’s attacks against Ismail is clearly unwarranted and below the belt. The current IGP has managed to clean up the mess left by his predecessor, both in terms of crime rate and in terms of restoring the morale of the police force.

“What I see before me is that Musa has failed as a leader when he was the IGP, and currently lacks the humility to comprehend just that,” said Phang.

‘I remember history’

Phang, a member of the National Crime Prevention Foundation, also revealed his knowledge on Musa’s contract extensions as the national police chief.

“I am an old man, and I remember history. Musa says that after he clashed with Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on his powers as IGP, his contract was terminated. That is a lie.

“The truth is that Musa had his contract extended twice. He was so cunning that he placed people who can pose no threat to him in the succession line of the PDRM.”

He added that Musa had also ensured that those who can succeed him will retire before him, and claimed that Musa had a mercurial rise to become the IGP by “fixing people up”.

“There are still people from the force with enough knowledge about all these. Some had been sidelined, others faced trumped-up charges, and one even had prepared a statutory declaration to reveal the truth,” he said.

Warning to PKR


Phang also expressed bewildrement over PKR’s alleged role in bringing Musa back to the limelight despite all this while claiming that he (Musa) had played a major role in Anwar Ibrahim’s persecution in both the sodomy charges.

“If Musa is backed by PKR, then I must express my utmost disappointment that PKR appears to be a desperate party.

“Let me remind PKR that its very existence came about after Anwar’s black eye incident. Has PKR forgotten that Musa had tried to fabricate medical reports that the injuries were self-inflicted?”

He said that PKR should disassociate itself from Musa because “supporting his cause will mean that the leadership of PKR has no principles”.

He said the party should ask itself why Musa was now attacking the goverment whereas he was once its key perpetrator.

The PKR link is being made as Musa’s press conference was called by a newly formed NGO called Malaysian Crime Watch Group (MyWatch), believed to be backed by the party and helmed by the party’s mid-level leaders. Musa is the patron of MyWatch.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/12/02/govt-should-investigate-musa/

PAS: If Robert Phang can sue, so should Najib

PAS has challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to follow former Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) panellist Robert Phang’s example, and take legal action against businessman Deepak Jaikishan over the latter’s public statements.

PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar said if Phang had the courage to sue former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan to clear his name of the latter’s allegations, Najib should have the same courage.

“I salute Robert Phang who has sued Musa because of his courage to clear his name.
“The rakyat are also waiting for Najib to show courage to act against Deepak, whose allegations smear the reputation of Najib and his family.

“I am not sure if it is Robert Phang who is more courageous than Najib, or if Najib is more scared than Phang,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference at PAS’ headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Mahfuz (right) said it was not just a question of Najib's reputation, but that of the country's.

“I challenge Najib (to act against Deepak’s claims). This is not just about Najib and his family, but concerns the nation,” he said.

On Thursday Phang threatened to sue Musa for alleging that the former MACC panellist had caused a police officer to be transferred for refusing to commission a police communications project in 2009.

In contrast, carpet trader Deepak’s allegations against Najib regarding, amongst others, the saga of private-eye P Balasubramaniam's second statutory declaration (SD), has met with complete silence from the PM.

Najib's refusal to respond publicly to the various damaging statements has drawn all round criticism.

‘MACC not GE vetting agent’

On another matter, Mahfuz expressed concern over the MACC’s recent suggestion to vet candidates for the coming general election asking if it would lead to any firm action.

“The issue is, if a candidate is proven clean during the vetting, but when elected as a MP, the minister becomes involved in graft, will MACC dare to take action?” he asked.

“The question is whether MACC dares to take action when there is a case, not to become a vetting agent for the elections.

“Although the suggestion to vet candidates is good, it is the functioning and actions of the MACC after the process that is questionable.

“It is better for the parties themselves to vet their candidates. After all, there are already (graft) cases right now that MACC has failed to act on,” he said.

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/217241

Musa Hassan threatened with RM100 million suit

Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel member Robert Phang wants former police chief Musa Hassan to retract allegations against him or face a RM100 million defamation suit.

"I want him to come forward, I give him seven days to come forward to extend an apology otherwise, I definitely will exercise my rights," said Phang in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Phang added that he had yet to see the notice of Musa's claim on Dec 10 of the former IGP's intention to sue him in three days, over comments Phang had made.

But Phang said he did not receive any notification and decided to sue first.

"I want him to clarify and affirm what he had said," said Phang, saying that the allegation went overboard, affecting his reputation and the integrity of the police force.

Phang also said that he had lodged a police report, urging the police to investigate Musa's alleged claim that Phang had caused the transfer of a police officer in 24 hours for refusing to commission a police communications project in 2009.

"My purpose of suing him is to tell him to please tell the truth."

"The police must also investigate if I can influence the police, if I have such supernatural powers.

"That truth must be established so that my integrity as well as the police, will be maintained," he asserted.

In his police report, Phang further called for the police to investigate Musa's former aide de camp ASP Noor Azizul Rahim Taharim's statutory declaration (SD) against the former inspector general in 2009.

Azizul, in his SD, claimed that Musa was associating with underworld kingpins Goh Cheng Poh or Tengku Goh and BK Tan and that BK Tan was allowed to manipulate the placement of police officials.

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/217139

Tan Sri lawyer must come forward’

KUALA LUMPUR: MACC advisory panel member Cecil Abraham must clarify whether he is the senior lawyer allegedly involved in the second statutory declaration (SD) by P Balasubramaniam.

Making the call at a press conference here, businessman Robert Phang said he was told that Abraham was the only lawyer with the Tan Sri title.

“Cecil Abraham is a very senior lawyer and is known to be a close advisor of Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail. I have always questioned his impartiality.

“Why is everyone so afraid to mention that the Tan Sri lawyer is Cecil Abraham and that the legal firm is ZulRafique and partners?” he said.

“Is it because they are afraid to be sued by the most senior lawyer in  the country who sits in the most powerful bumiputera legal firm in the country?”

But Phang stressed that he could not confirm whether Abraham was the lawyer allegedly involved in the second SD, and added that the onus was on the latter to clarify the matter.

Carpet dealer Deepak Jaikishan had recently revealed in an interview that a “Tan Sri” lawyer and his son had been allegedly responsible for the preparation of Balasubramaniam’s second SD.

The second SD reversed Balasubramaniam’s first SD, released the day before, which implicated Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in the murder of Altantuyaa Shaariibuu.

Deepak had claimed that Najib had chosen the “Tan Sri lawyer and his son” to prepare the SD before Balasubramaniam was told to sign it.

Balasubramaniam had also claimed in 2009 that the SD had been prepared by another lawyer, whom he did not meet and who did not consult him when drafting the document.

Although Deepak let slip the lawyer’s name in the recent interview by PAS organ Harakah, the name was not revealed.

Similarly, lawyer-turned-activist Haris Ibrahim did not reveal the lawyer’s name in his blog, although he had disclosed the latter’s identity in a letter urging the Bar Council to probe the claims.

Close to the AG
“What is the difference of making all these references and then afraid to mention the name? I think it is unfair on the Malaysian public and Abraham,” said Phang today.

“Let it be said openly so that AG Gani Patail and Abraham can state their case.”

Phang, who is chairman of the Social Care Foundation, revealed that even prior to Deepak’s interview, he had already openly stated his objection towards Abraham’s objectivity.

“On my part, I have openly stated my opposition against Abraham’s objectiveness during some deliberations of the MACC where he defended AG Gani Patail and where his firm benefits largely from government legal work,” said Phang.

“In the MAS case, AG Gani Patail even consorted during Hajj with one Shahidan Shafie, a proxy of Tajudin Ramli, which cast grave suspicion why the Attorney-General’s Chambers was reluctant to prosecute Tajudin.

“Yet, AG Gani Patail was cleared by the MACC Advisory panel which caused me to question the objectivitiy of Ramon Navaratnam and Cecil Abraham.”

At that time, Tajudin was being investigated for graft following Malaysian Airlines’ (MAS) losses of some RM8 billion during his tenure, according to media reports.

Ramon had told news portal The Malaysian Insider after the meeting with Abdul Gani in 2011 that the AG had gone out on a limb to prove his innocence.

Lawyer not at MACC meeting

In another development, the MACC Operations Review Panel (PPO) chairman Hadenan Abdul Jalil  said that fellow panelist Abraham was not present and did not take part in the panel’s decision on Nov 8 to stop investigating Balasubramaniam and Deepak over the second SD.

“The panel members agreed with the decision of deputy public prosecutor to stop the investigations,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the probe on the matter was discontinued because there were no other witnesses to support the claims made by the main witnesses, whose credibility was also in question.


Source :  http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/12/20/tan-sri-lawyer-must-come-forward/

Phang files report against Musa

PETALING JAYA: Businessman Robert Phang revealed today that he has lodged a police report against former inspector general of police Musa Hassan over allegations of corruption against the former as well as the police force.

“I want the police to look into Musa’s claims as well as to investigate me to confirm whether I [abused my power] so that my integrity and that of PDRM is maintained,” he told reporters here today.

Musa recently resurfaced in the media spotlight with claims that criminal elements existed in the police force, and that ministers actively meddled in police investigations.

The ex-top cop also accused Phang of abusing his authority to transfer a senior police officer in order to speed up the deployment of a project the latter was backing.

The project in 2009 involved the replacement of more than 30,000 new walkie-talkies for beat policemen, police stations and vehicles nationwide, and according to Musa was worth hundreds of millions of ringgit.

Even though Phang has admitted that he was appointed as an independent advisor to the telecommunications company awarded the contract, he has publically denied Musa’s claims and even thanked the ex top-cop for describing him as a supernatural man.

In the police report lodged yesterday, a copy of which was made available to the media, Phang wrote: “I vehemently deny that I have caused anyone to be transferred for whatever reason.”

“This is a serious allegation against me and PDRM and an offence under Section 500 of the Penal Code appears to be committed,” he added.

A slew of wrongdoings

Phang told reporters today he had also included in the police report a copy of a statutory declaration (SD) made by Musa’s former aide, ASP Noor Azizul Rahim Taharim.

The document accused Musa of a slew of wrongdoings during his tenure and exposed how Musa had allegedly manipulated the police succession hierarchy with his associate, an underworld figure known as BK Tan, as well as silencing critics with transfers and trumped up charges.

“I also asked the police to seriously investigate Azizul’s SD. Azizul was Musa’s aide, and if a policeman gives a SD, it is by law a very valid document,” said Phang.

“Azizul was very close to Musa; he must be telling the truth! The PDRM cannot keep their eyes closed. They must investigate this to restore the good name of the police,” he added.

He stressed that should the police refuse to investigate, it would derail all efforts by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s administration to clean up the police force and fight graft.

“They say we are changing, transforming, but changing to what? You don’t even dare to investigate Azizul’s SD, and that will receive a lot of flak,” he added.

He also pointed out that even up to today, he had not been informed of the results of a police probe into allegations of corruption regarding Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, which were detailed in a book titled “Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail: Pemalsu, Penipu, Penjenayah?” (Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail: Fraud, Liar, Criminal?)

Phang had lodged the report in August this year with the hope that the authorities would investigate the AG’s alleged abuse of power as claimed by lawyer Zainal Abidin Ahmad.


Source :  http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/12/20/phang-files-report-against-musa/

POLICE REPORT TO INVESTIGATE MUSA HASSAN

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
20th December 2012     

 
1. Some three weeks ago, former IGP Musa Hassan started holding press conferences making various allegations about ministerial interference as well as underworld infiltration and control of PDRM. Some of his allegations referred to events that occurred during the time he was IGP. He even stated that his complaints to the PM and the Minister of Home Affairs were ignored.

2. As I was concerned that his actions would affect public safety and morality, I commented that Musa was undermining the current leadership in PDRM because he is a sour grape when his service contract was not extended. Since I was privy to matters concerning Musa Hassan’s background, I also commented amongst others about allegations connecting him with the underworld. Musa Hassan responded by making various false allegations against me and gave me three days to retract my statement or he would sue me. More than three days have passed and nothing has happened. I have not been served with Musa’s legal suit.

3. On the other hand, there are numerous allegations about Musa Hassan’s wrongdoings that have been circulating in the public domain. And yet no action have been taken against him previously because I believe he controlled the police force and was perceived to be protected by AG Gani Patail. Since Musa Hassan continues to make false and damaging allegations even after his retirement, I have lodged a police report yesterday. My lawyers have also sent him a Letter of Demand to retract and apologise for his false statements against me. Attached is a copy of my police report and lawyers letter.

4. I am doing this because Musa Hassan is a spiteful man who spreads falsehoods. As a man of God, it is my duty to stop the evil and chaos from the manipulations perpetrated by this man. He must be held accountable for the things he has said and done and at the same time we can ascertain the truth or otherwise of his allegations.

5. I have said this previously, I believe that Musa Hassan has an Unholy Alliance with AG Gani Patail and rogue elements within the MACC. For the sake of this country and its people, it is time that this Unholy Alliance is broken. In that regard, I have also said that AG Gani Patail should step down as he is not acting in the best interest of the government. He had brought shame to the country in the Pedra Branca/Batu Putih case where we lost a valuable territory to Singapore. Even simple matters like the AES become a big problem. All these show that the government is not getting the best legal advice.

6. Also, AG Gani Patail’s personal reputation is too stained that makes it not viable for him to remain as the country’s Attorney General and Public Prosecutor. There are too many cases and allegations in the public domain about the misconducts and abuses by Attorney-General Gani Patail. I have shown the book by Zainal Abidin Ahmad titled ‘Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail: Pemalsu, Penipu, Penjenayah?’ and invited AG Gani Patail to respond. He has not.

7. Too many accusations of selective prosecution have been made against him which are already in the public domain - the Ho Hup case and the MAS case. Recently, Dato Ramli Yusuf accused AG Gani Patail of fixing him with trumped up charges. I am privy to some of these allegations and knew that AG Gani Patail had caused 6 low ranking policemen to be charged so that a criminal known as Tengku Goh can be released from RR banishment.

8. In the MAS case, AG Gani Patail even consorted doing Hajj with one Shahidan Shafie, a proxy of Tajudin Ramli, which cast grave suspicion why the AGC was reluctant to prosecute Tajudin. Yet, AG Gani Patail was cleared by the MACC Advisory panel which caused me to question the objectivity of Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Tan Sri Cecil Abraham. Tan Sri Cecil Abraham is a very senior lawyer and is known to be a close adviser of AG Gani Patail. I have always questioned his impartiality.

9. Recently, Deepak Jaikishan held a press conference and mentioned the name of a very senior Tan Sri lawyer whom he implicates as being responsible for preparing the second Statutory Declaration of PI Balasubramanian in the murder case of the Mongolian Altantuya Sharibu. In the video clip of Deepak’s statement, the Tan Sri lawyer’s name has been blacked out. A few days ago, another senior lawyer in Malaysia, Dato Zaid Ibrahim, mentioned the fact that this Tan Sri lawyer is on the MACC Advisory Panel and that he and his son are also partners of another large bumiputera legal firm. However, everyone is afraid to mention his name openly. Why?

10. Why is everyone so afraid to mention that the Tan Sri lawyer is Tan Sri Cecil Abraham and that the legal firm is ZulRafique and Partners? Is it because they are afraid to be sued by the most senior lawyer of the country who sits in the most powerful bumiputera legal firm in the country? What is the difference of making all these references and then afraid to mention the name? I think it is unfair on the Malaysian public and Tan Sri Cecil Abraham.

11. Let it be said openly so that AG Gani Patail, the MACC and Tan Sri Cecil Abraham can state their case. On my part, I have openly stated my opposition against Tan Sri Cecil Abraham’s objectiveness during some deliberations of the MACC where he defended AG Gani Patail and where his firm benefits largely from government legal work.

12. As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I have done my part as a citizen of this country to raise matters which are important for us to progress as a nation with good governance. I hope Malaysians will stand in rank with me for speaking the truth.

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

Robert Phang to haul Musa Hassan to court for defamation

Tan Sri Robert Phang has confirmed plans to sue Tan Sri Musa Hassan for defamation, insisting the former Inspector General of Police had destroyed his reputation by accusing him of power abuse during his tenure as an anti-graft panel adviser.

In the latest twist to the saga involving former top ranking police officers, Phang told The Malaysian Insider that he had agreed to proceed with the suit following Musa's ensuring silence after making the accusations. "Yes, I will surely sue him.  He destroyed my reputation.  I have discussed this with my lawyers," Phang said in an interview here.

"I waited three days but there was nothing....so I will proceed with the suit," he added.

Musa, who has been in the limelight of late for his barrage of revelations on power abuse in the police force, had recently accused Phang of abusing his authority to transfer a senior police officer in order to speed up the deploymet of a project backed by him.  "(Phang) threatened the officer, if you don't commission (this project) , you will be transferred in 24 hours.  "If someone from the public can threaten a policeman...he must have powers in the police force," Musa has claimed.

The project in 2009 was allegedly to upgrade the analogue communications systems used by the police to a digital Motorola system, and according to Musa was worth hundreds of millions of ringgit.

He had described the officer transferred as an expert in communications, ranking "higher than assistant commissioner of police (ACP)", holding a datukship, and is still in the aforcea.

When making the accusation, Musa reasoned that he was only revealing the abuse now as a response to Phang's earlier allegation that the ex-IGP is backed by crime syndicates.

MUSA HASSAN – PLEASE DO GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT!!!

PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
12th December 2012     
 
"I find it very amusing that Musa Hassan has issued statements after statements against anyone and everyone, ranting and raving, whereas he was the most 'Obedient' IGP during his time. Suddenly, everything is wrong with the government. While previously he was the beneficiary of all the government's policies including his twice extended service and all allegations against him were not properly investigated, he suddenly finds fault with the government, his own chosen successor and the PDRM that he left - with an image problem.

 I am told that Musa held a Press Conference on 10th Dec. 2012 maligning and threatening action against me. He tells half truths about the communication project with PDRM whereas everybody knew Musa had his own self-serving motivation in that project. This is not new of Musa, telling half-truths and manipulating facts. The only difference now is that he is doing it openly. However, since I have not received any text of Musa Hassan's Press release, I do not know what exactly he is ranting about. If he regards himself as a professional who is out to clear his name, I hope and suggest that he issue a proper written press statement and send it to me. Then, I will respond accordingly.

 Whatever he intends to say or state should be with in written press text to avoid ambiguity or distortion. Therefore, I will say to Musa Hassan, kindly put what you need to say in a prepared written text so that people will not misread you or you being misquoted and also it will be easier for me to reply or address your allegations.

Short of this, Musa may be playing a 'Sandiwara'. If so, do not waste the time of the public or my time. After all, Musa has been described in the judgement by Judge Supang Lian in Kota Kinabalu during the trial of Dato’ Ramli Yusoff, as a witness not worthy of credit – She said he was an incredible witness ( a polite way of calling him a liar). The judgement is in black and white and is in the public domain. In these words and I ask you to judge him:

“This involves an assessment of the credibility of the witness called by the prosecution. His evidence is unreliable and is to be disregarded and whatever he says in court lends to his discredit. I am in total agreement with the case for the defence that this lack of support of the evidence of PW75 (IGP Musa Hassan) on this point lends to his discredit... I found however that the evidence of PW75 on this to be unreliable and to be disregarded”.

I have said what I have to say in my prepared text dated 1st December 2012. Having regard to the quote by Judge Supang Lian, need I say more?

 Hello Musa, please prepare your press release text and circulate to all the media, and kindly do send me a copy. Then only, do you deserve a reply from me.

For sure, I must put on record that I reserve all my rights to pursue on this issue further.

Thank you."

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