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/

Mahathir defends former IGP

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended his move to appoint Abdul Hamid Bador as the inspector-general of police (IGP) under his then Pakatan Harapan government.

The Langkawi MP said he had selected Hamid out of confidence in the then Special Branch deputy director's capabilities to restore the police's image which had been tarnished by corruption.

"I met him before he (Abdul Hamid) retired (in 2018)... he said in the police force there was a lot of corruption, graft and he was the number two in the Special Branch (at the time).

"He was due to be appointed Special Branch director but he did not want the job because of corruption and graft," Mahathir said in an interview with Malaysiapost last night.

"So I thought, not many people were willing to take up early retirement over an opportunity for a promotion, but when he did that, I thought he would do a good job (as IGP).

"That is why even though he was a junior, even though he had retired, I called him back to be the IGP," he added. 

On May 3, Hamid ended his contract as IGP and handed over power to his deputy Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

Several days prior to his retirement, he launched an attack against Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin, exposing alleged attempts to interfere in the police's internal affairs.

This was on top of claiming that Hamzah had abused the police for his political benefits.

Commenting further, Mahathir commended Hamid's attempt to crack down on corruption within the force.

"Throughout his time as IGP, quite a number were arrested for graft, something that never used to happen. Maybe there was not a lot of corruption then but there is now," he said.

Mahathir added that such alleged interference by a minister should not have occurred.

"It should not happen. I had good ties with the IGP but that doesn't mean we want to overpower them.

"So, there can be good ties between a minister and IGP, under the condition there is no abuse," the nonagenarian said.

Source: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/573721

Police reports filed against Dr M over 'Malays and rulers' remark

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s allegation that the Malays are growing upset with the rulers has courted two police reports.

One of the complainants, Lee Ket Woon, who claimed to be a member of Penang’s Seberang Prai Tiong Hua Association, wanted the police to investigate if Mahathir’s statement contained seditious elements. The 43-year-old salesperson also asked if Mahathir and his supporters violated the conditional movement control order (CMCO) SOP when they gathered outside Istana Negara.

“I hope the inspector-general of police would investigate if he (Mahathir) touched on matters disrespectful to the rulers, especially the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he added in his report.

Meanwhile, Gerakan Pembelaan Ummah chief Mohd Shukor Aziz said in his report that the former premier had made a fraudulent statement.

“I don’t think there is a large number of Malays who are angry with the rulers. Even the petition to press the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to end the emergency garnered only 40,000 signatures,” he added.

The 59-year-old manager also argued that Mahathir’s remark should be considered an offence under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act for “inciting, insulting and causing hatred” towards the rulers.

“Mahathir’s remark is a serious matter because he is a former prime minister and an MP with a large following. Therefore, I am asking the police to investigate him,” he added.

Both reports were filed with the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

On Tuesday, Mahathir told reporters outside Istana Negara that many Malays were coming forward to criticise the rulers.

“It is unusual for Malays (to go against the rulers) but such is the feeling now on the ground,” he added.

Mahathir said the “dissent” was due to the public’s lack of knowledge about Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s role in advising the king leading to the emergency proclamation.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has granted his consent for an ad-hoc opposition committee appealing for the end of the emergency to have an audience with him.

No select committee so I appoint who I want, says Dr M

PUTRAJAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has again defended his recent unilateral appointment of Latheefa Koya to head the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), saying it was because the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Major Public Appointments tasked with approving such appointments is unable to function legally.

He said as such, the ultimate decision rests with him.

“Others can give views, but the prime minister decides,” he told reporters here today.

Mahathir said the select committee can only function once the constitution is amended.

“We don’t have a PSC. We intend to have a PSC, but to do that, we need to change some provisions in the Federal Constitution,” he said, adding that the government needs two-thirds support in the Dewan Rakyat to make the changes.

He was responding to a question on whether the top position in the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will go through the select committee.

Mahathir today reiterated that he does not need to consult the Cabinet in making major appointments.

“I am not required to consult the Cabinet. I can ask for the opinions of various people, and then I decide on the merits of the case,” he added.

The move to appoint Latheefa drew mixed reactions from political leaders and activists, with many questioning the process bypassing the bi-partisan select committee.

The committee’s mandate is to scrutinise the appointment of public officials. It comprises six other MPs – Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Ngeh Koo Ham, Fong Kui Lun, Dr Hasan Bahrom, Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

It is set to meet this Thursday over the appointment of Latheefa as the MACC chief commissioner.

Source : https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/06/11/no-select-committee-so-i-appoint-who-i-want-says-dr-m/

THE OLD MEMORIES SHINE AGAIN. WE PRAY.

@beritartm: 17 SEPT

KUALA LUMPUR - Syarikat gergasi tempatan atau pelabur tempatan perlulah membantu kerajaan dengan melabur dalam projek mega yang dikenalpasti sebagai membantu rakyat. Ia juga sebagai langkah mengurangkan kebergantungan ekonomi kepada pihak luar selaras dengan situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu. 

Jelas tokoh korporat, Tan Sri Robert Phang, ia merupakan langkah – langkah yang diambil sementara dalam mengatasi pembatalan projek-projek mega berikutan kos yang terlalu tinggi dan tidak dapat ditampung akibat daripada kegawatan ekonomi negara. 

Dengan penyertaan syarikat gergasi atau pelabur tempatan, pelbagai aspek positif dapat dinikmati bersama.Antaranya ialah pengambilan pekerja tempatan, mengurangkan hutang negara dan membantu pertumbuhan syarikat tempatan lain. 

Tambah Tan Sri Robert Phang, pelaburan asing juga penting namun pelaburan mereka perlu bersyarat.Seperti yang pernah ditegaskan oleh Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir, pentadbiran dan pengurusan projek berkenaan perlu diuruskan oleh orang tempatan. 

Berhubung pembatalan projek Laluan Rel Pantai Timur (ECRL), kerajaan disaran untuk mengambil syarikat tempatan dan pakar pengangkutan awam tempatan bagi meguruskan projek ECRL tersebut. 

Tan Sri Robert juga menjelaskan, projek ECRL mampu memberikan keuntungan yang besar kepada kerajaan termasuk pembangunan Pantai Timur yang lebih pesat.Ia mampu membangunkan negeri-negeri seperti Kelantan dalam pelbagai faktor.


Source : https://www.yooying.com/p/1870370363553094480_7149375625

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREETING TO YAB TUN DR. MAHATHIR

10^TH June 2018.

Many, many, many, many happy returns of the day.

The Nation will definitely pray for YAB’s good health, longevity and also strength to YAB Tun Mahathir for fortunately and unfortunately, YAB Tun Mahathir still have to lead Malaysia.

The Nation will continue to cover YAB Tun Mahathir with our prayers.

We all need you and we love you.

God bless YAB Tun Mahathir and YAB Tun Siti Hasmah.

Long live and “HIDUP YAB TUN MAHATHIR”.

Thank 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.

'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.

Mahathir: The majority appreciate what I did as PM

EXCLUSIVE Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a deeply polarising figure. For most people, it is either you hate him, or love him.

Those who hate Mahathir accuse him of using his 22 years in office to enrich himself, his family and his cronies, while setting the country on a path that led to the problems it faces today, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's grip on power.

However, Mahathir believes that the majority view him in a good light.

"I think while I may have, in the eyes of some people, done something wrong, but in the eyes of the majority, I think they appreciate what has happened to them," he said in an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini.

He admits there were some bad policies during his time as the head of government, but he insisted these did not impede the nation's growth.

"There was corruption, for example, but not to the extent that it stops the development of this country.

"People tell me that they benefited, they still say 'thank you' to me.

"The country grew much faster during my time than before, and that was because some good policies were implemented," Mahathir said.

He also quipped about people asking him: "Hey, why did you step down so soon?"

The 91-year-old said he did have some regrets from his time at the top, one of these for having "failed" in changing the Malays.

In the following excerpt of Malaysiakini's exclusive interview, Mahathir delves further on the state of the country now. He also shares on his choice for the next US president.