Perak plans to make polygamy easier for Muslim men

The Perak government plans to amend Section 23 of the Islamic Family Enactment (Perak) 2004 to make polygamy easier for Muslim men.

State executive councillor Asmuni Awi said under the existing enactment, the shariah courts’ hands were tied if the first wife did not appear in court to state her case.

“Some wives agree to allow their husbands to be polygamous but do not like to appear in court. So the amendments will give the court the discretion whether to call the wife or not when arriving at a decision,” he said.

He was speaking after launching the Perak Islamic Religious Council’s matchmaking website and Module on Understanding Polygamy in Perak, here, today.

The website cintasakinahjaipk.perak.my can be accessed from today.



Original article from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/10/31/perak-plans-to-make-polygamy-easier-for-muslim-men/?fbclid=IwAR0LPeduppSJMIdnyY1CWlcnvu4eP_0RjrsAm-GZ5RSOf02__6QNl3PPXF8

Justo: Malaysian cops forced me to say ‘Najib was best PM’

Xavier Justo speaks at the 10th International Conference for Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing in Kuala Lumpur October 31, 2018. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Former PetroSaudi executive Xavier Justo revealed today that the Malaysian police had asked him to admit publicly that Datuk Seri Najib Razak was “the best prime minister” as part of his forced confession.

The whistleblower central to the unravelling of the 1MDB financial saga said the admission was part of several instructions imposed as a condition for his release, which he confessed to under the assumption that it would secure his release.

“The Malaysian delegation was of three Malaysian policemen and they told me to say I was a bad man, I liked money and Tarek and Petrosaudi were nice,” he told a conference on financial crime here.

“And also I had to say Najib was the best PM ever... Of course, I don’t know if he was,” he added.

Among the delegation of police personnel that met him was current Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director commissioner Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh, Justo claimed.

The meeting was reported in the Malaysian media as part of the police investigation into allegations that Justo had attempted to blackmail several people, including Najib.

But instead, it was meant to secure Justo’s confession. In the scripted confession prepared by the Malaysian police, the Swiss national said he was “guided” to answer 55 questions, all meant to incriminate himself.

“They had 55 questions, all I had to do was follow what I was told and that’s it,” Justo told reporters after addressing the conference.

The meeting between the police delegation took place when Justo, who was accused of attempted blackmail by trying to profit off stolen data from Petrosaudi, was jailed in Bangkok late 2015.

The Swiss national at the time had passed the information, more than 230,000 emails that contained crucial communication details between key players in the 1MDB heist, to whistleblower site Sarawak Report founder Claire Rewcastle-Brown and several other Malaysian figures.

He refrained from naming the remaining individuals when asked by a member of the audience at the conference.

The former Petrosaudi executive said his confession at that point was made under the assumption that the move would secure his deportation back to Switzerland, where he felt he had a better chance at a fair trial.

But just a few days after he met with the Malaysian police, the deportation was denied.

Justo said he suspected the Malaysian authorities played a significant role in the Thai government’s decision to keep him jailed in Bangkok.

“Because everything was ready and I was already told that the Swiss AG had wanted me deported and the Thais had agreed,” he said.

“But three days after the Malaysian police came, I found out that they denied my deportation.”

The former Petrosaudi executive, a banker with more than 15 years of experience in finance when he joined the Saudi company, was in the midst of raising a resort in South Thailand at the time of his arrest.

He told the conference he left Petrosaudi under acrimonious circumstances after he suspected irregularities, and also because he was unable to cope with the excessive lifestyle of his employer, chief executive officer Tarek Obaid.

“They (Tarek Obaid) were always partying, wild... I didn’t sign up for this. I was happy where I was with the resort and all,” he said.

Justo spent 18 months in jail in Thailand under grim conditions, which he recounted in detail at the conference. He has said he wants to share his entire experience in a book to be penned with his wife.

Petrosaudi and 1MDB entered into an abortive joint venture in 2012 for which the Malaysian firm still paid the former US$700 million (RM2.7 billion).

Justo’s documents, which he tried to sell for US$2 million to the Malaysian outfit, were believed to be linked to that deal.

He was granted a royal pardon in conjunction with late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 70 years on the throne and Queen Sirikit’s birthday in 2016, which cut his jail sentence to two years.

He was then granted a second amnesty by the King’s successor and current Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn upon the latter’s coronation. The prison sentence was then reduced to just a year.

* A previous version of this story contained an error which has since been corrected.




Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1688604/justo-malaysian-cops-forced-me-to-say-najib-was-best-pm?fbclid=IwAR0cv5zVrcLnjCRbMo5Jn13LZw5mHoa8CIEMj4Fe1N74KKkH4tI72sRjvu4

Keen Malay rights advocate, Rais Yatim now says ‘ketuanan Melayu’ not in Constitution

Tan Sri Rais Yatim dismissed ‘ketuanan Melayu’ as a mere political cry, seemingly in defence of his party Youth wing chief Syed Sadiq Syed Abdul Rahman. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Former minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim appears to have changed his view on “ketuanan Melayu” or Malay supremacy, tweeting today that the concept he had long championed “has no place” in Malaysia’s constitution.

Instead, the former Umno leader who joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) just a few months ago, dismissed “ketuanan Melayu” as a mere political cry, seemingly in defence of his party Youth wing chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who came under fire from the Malay right wing who perceived his recent remarks on the subject as an abandonment of the community’s interests.

“Malay Supremacy has no place in the Constitution except for the rights of the Rulers according to law and the special rights of Malays and Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera and the lawful rights of other communities under Article 153. Article 8 gives fair legal treatment to all citizens. Malay Supremacy is only a political cry,” Rais posted on his Twitter account early this morning.

Article 8 of the Federal Constitution states that all Malaysians are equal before the law, but also provides for certain exemptions that are also very clearly expressed within its subsections and other constitutional provisions.

Article 153, which many Malay rights activists have been citing as supportive of their “special rights”, actually addresses Malaysia’s “quota” system favouring Malays, which is not across the board as widely believed but is limited to matters concerning services, permits and such.

It also clearly protects not just the rights of Malays as the sole demographic group in multicultural Malaysia but also the natives of Sabah and Sarawak.

RAISYATIM
@DrRaisYatim
Ketuanan Melayu tiada dalam Perlembagaan kecuali hak Di Raja di sisi Undang2 dan hak2 istimewa Melayu dan Bumiputra Sabah Swak dan hak2 sah komuniti lain di bawah Per153.Per 8 memberi layanan kesaksamaan perundangan kpd semua warga.Ketuanan Melayu hanya dalam laungan politik
Twitter 11:27 AM - Oct 31, 2018

The first subsection of Article 153 states that “It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article”.

Rais’s remark on this hot potato subject follows objection from certain Malay interest groups against the Pakatan Harapan government’s planned ratification of the United Nation’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

The new government has had to repeatedly assure its critics that the Malay special position will not end with just a stroke of the pen.

Before his departure from Umno, Rais was known to have issued strongly-worded statements critical of Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese and Indian communities in his defence of Malay rights and privileges that were seen to have fanned racial tensions.

Though there have been no bloody racial riots equal to the violence of the May 13, 1969 chaos, interracial ties have continued to simmer and periodically bubble to the surface when Malay rights are perceived to be under threat.

Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1688426/keen-malay-rights-advocate-rais-yatim-now-says-ketuanan-melayu-not-in-const?fbclid=IwAR1A07gMWQg6BQvhLAuTVqhbe4pbKd7_7f3VEsPfZf2ldhXl_3O6tlpxK5o

Abu Kassim: MACC found Najib's RM2.6b donation claim false after meeting FBI, DOJ

Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed speaks during a conference on financial crime in Kuala Lumpur October 30, 2018. ― Picture by Hari Anggara

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission found Datuk Seri Najib Razak's claim that the RM2.6 billion he received was a donation from Saudi royalty to be false after meeting US officials, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed revealed today.

The National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) head said the evidence presented to the agency he led during a meeting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice in Washington contradicted Najib’s claim.

In 2015, the MACC issued a statement confirming that the deposit was indeed a donation, and not siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) as was widely speculated at the time.

When asked to clarify, Abu Kassim said the 2015 statement was issued based on available information at the time.

“MACC, as far as I know, never confirmed it's final that the RM2.6 billion was a donation,” he told reporters after briefing an international conference on financial crime here.

“Maybe at the time, (based on) the criminal investigation, maybe. But when the investigation progressed they found the truth.

“Especially after I went to the US and met the FBI and DOJ we discovered that the money is not donation,” the former MACC chief commissioner added.

In its 2015 statement, the MACC said it obtained an explanation about the donation from the donor personally, at that time said to be from a Saudi prince.

Details about the donor were collected through a bank document, according to the agency, which also claimed to have found four letters that were purportedly mailed to AmBank when the money was wired into Najib's account.

The statement then concluded that the RM2.6 billion was indeed a donation based on the documents obtained at the time.

To date, Najib has been charged with over 30 counts of money laundering offences, corruption and criminal breach of trust over allegations that he embezzled billions of ringgit from 1MDB, a state investment fund he helped found.

The trial, to start next year, is set to reveal more details about the alleged financial misappropriation and how the RM2.6 billion had end up in the former premier's personal account.

“The court case will reveal the truth,” Abu Kassim said when asked to state if the 2015 statement issued by MACC was incorrect, or perhaps could have been forced out by political pressure.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1688112/abu-kassim-macc-found-najibs-rm2.6b-donation-claim-false-after-meeting-fbi?fbclid=IwAR1d5LFmU3qb7QRwwnhfWop-rafQ7gSRAcMaZ9lFeExEwaBIvBmj2BCW9HA

Report: Recyclable waste from UK found dumped here

Local authorities inspect the premises of a plastic recycling plant in Jenjarom on July 24, 2018 following complaints about pollution and rising health risks to residents in Kuala Langat. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Waste exported from the UK for “recycling” has been discovered in several landfills here in Malaysia, according to a special report by British news outlet The Telegraph.

Reporters from The Telegraph and Unearthed, Greenpeace’s investigative unit, found bales, including an envelope with an address in the North of England, Morrisons’ milk cartons and supermarket carrier bags outside a waste facility in West Malaysia.

While consumers believe that such segregated waste is recycled, this latest discovery demonstrates that this is not done.

“Many of the shopping items seen had use-by dates within the next year or two and the letters displayed recent date stamps, which suggests the waste has recently been sent to the sites,” said the report.

Although the items bore the recyclable logo, it was learned that many of the items could not be processed because they were likely contaminated during the sorting or shipping process, or because they had been left outside.

Empty recycling bags from five UK councils — Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Castle Point, Basildon and Tower Hamlets — were also found in a recently closed-down factory immediately alongside one dump site.

Checks later resulted in two of the councils denying that any of their waste was shipped to Malaysia and two others said they used licensed contractors who were regularly inspected, leading to more unclarity as to how the bags bearing the councils’ logo arrived in the country.

At Telok Panglima Garang, near Jenjarom, the reporters found evidence of foreign plastic materials being burnt at an open landfill site, situated next to commercial prawn ponds, that was being blamed for dwindling stock due to toxic fumes.

“It is not clear how the waste ended up over 6,000 miles from Britain. It is illegal to send waste that cannot be recycled outside the UK,” said the report.

Recently, concerns for Malaysia’s environment has heightened following reports that the country was the top destination for plastic waste from the UK and becoming among the world’s top plastic dumpsites after China banned such imports for fear of environmental contamination.

Reuters reported earlier this year that annual imports of plastic scrap into Malaysia jumped to 450,000-500,000 tonnes in 2017 from 288,000 tonnes in 2016.

Malaysia subsequently announced a blanket freeze on new licences for any new recycling factories and revoked many others.

The article also raised questions into the number of recycling plants operating illegally. The Kuala Langat council’s head of enforcement Nordila Yasir said that out of 54 recycling factories in the area, only 14 were licensed.

“We first received complaints about the illegal factories on April 25. The complaints were about the pollution of air and water. We cut the utilities on their operations. Only one is still operating,” he said quoted saying.

However, the shutting down of such factories does not address the greater problem of the sheer volume of waste leading to fears is that the waste will end up being burned and creating more pollution.

Authorities here are aware of the issue and are scrambling to address the problem.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1685326/report-recyclable-waste-from-uk-found-dumped-here?fbclid=IwAR2scL_H7e_H0GeyLdfQ6in_sC0_8tG1UQdCEZJfpkLUiABftgxjSgosSqw

From Akalbudi to Mastoro: Every alleged player linked to Zahid’s RM42m charges

Umno president, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi waves as he leaves the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex after his court hearing, October 19, 2018. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

The names of several companies surfaced in Umno president and former home minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s 45 charges yesterday, including a public listed firm which supplied Malaysian passport components.

But who are these companies that you have probably never heard of?

Here’s a quick look at them, based on Malay Mail’s checks of records on the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and news reports:

Alleged criminal breach of trust (CBT) of charity funds (RM20.8 million)


1. Yayasan Akalbudi

What is it: According to its company profile lodged with SSM, this foundation formerly named Yayasan Budi was founded in 1997 as a public limited company limited by guarantee.

Its nature of business is to “receive and administer funds for the eradication of poverty relevant to the poverty eradication programme”.

Little else is known about this foundation, which appeared to have surfaced only this year in news reports despite its long history on paper. Luckily, Zahid has shared some additional information in the past few months after questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the use of the foundation’s funds to pay his and his wife’s credit card bills.

Zahid had clarified that the payment was an honest mistake by the foundation’s paymaster and that he has since repaid it.

In Zahid’s own words: The foundation is owned by his family, with its funds originating from him and “several other friends who wanted to donate” to welfare and religious work such as the construction of mosques and tahfiz schools.

“I’m in fact the biggest donor to this charity foundation owned by my family, which runs religious schools and welfare homes.”

Link to charges: Zahid is accused of 10 counts of criminal breach of trust as the trustee of Yayasan Akalbudi involving RM20.8 million of the foundation’s funds. The charges were brought under Section 409 of the Penal Code, and are all punishable by a jail term of between two and 20 years, and caning and fine.

Corruption charges during Zahid’s time as home minister (RM21.25 million)

A) MyEG projects

First up, what is MyEG? Public-listed firm MyEG Services Bhd’s website states that it builds, owns and operates an electronic channel that delivers government agencies’ services to Malaysians and businesses. Services include online payment of summonses from the police and the Road Transport Department.

(Note: MyEG is not alleged to have given bribes to Zahid; it is merely mentioned in some of the charges.)

MyEG’s response: In a Bursa announcement yesterday, MyEG’s board of directors said that it had on the same day received a letter from MACC which confirmed and clarified that the company and its board are not under investigation and are not a party to the investigation which led to Zahid’s charges.

MyEG had earlier said in a separate Bursa announcement that it had never made any payments to any party during the process to secure any concession contracts awarded by the government.

Don’t blink, watch out for the web of connections below:

2. Mastoro Kenny IT Consultant & Services

What is it: SSM records say it is a company solely owned by a Malaysian by the name of Kumaraguru Muthusamy, and that it acts as a “consultant” and deals in “supply and services, IT software, web portal programming, computer accessories”.

This company started business on August 19, 2016 and terminated its business on August 18, 2017.

Link to charges: Between July 15, 2016 and February 8, 2017, this company was alleged to have paid Zahid a total of RM13.25 million in bribes through 24 cheques, in the hopes that Zahid would help it obtain MyEG projects that were being handled by the Home Ministry.

Status: Defunct. (The only company in this list which has stopped operating, according to SSM records.)

MyEG’s clarification: The company’s Bursa announcement yesterday said that both it and its board have no knowledge of Mastoro or its board of directors, and had never been in contact with the latter’s board or representatives.

MyEG also said it had no knowledge of the dealings between Mastoro and Zahid; and had never awarded any projects or had any dealings with Mastoro; and had never appointed any vendor or contractors in any of its dealings with the Home Ministry.

3. Jogabonito Jewellery & Diamonds

What is it: This business is solely owned by the same owner as Mastoro: Kumaraguru. It has a slightly longer history as it started its business on April 4, 2011, with a stated business of “supplying, selling and buying gold and diamonds”.

Link to charges: Mastoro allegedly paid RM250,000 (from the total RM13.25 million) to Zahid through a Public Bank cheque issued by this jewellery company via a man named Junaith Asharab Md. Shariff.

Status: Active

4. Berani & Jujur Trading

What is it: This company’s name when translated would mean “Brave & Honest” literally. SSM records show two companies with the same name and the same ownership and business particulars, including one that had expired after being in business from March 2009 to April 2010.

The remaining active Berani & Jujur Trading names a 46-year-old Malaysian man — Junaith Ashrab Md Shariff — as its sole proprietor, with its business stated as the management of agricultural activities. This business started on July 12, 2012.

Link to charges: Mastoro allegedly paid RM5 million (of the same RM13.25 million) through 10 RHB Islamic Bank Berhad cheques issued by this agricultural management firm.

Berani & Jujur’s owner Junaith Ashrab shares almost the same spelling as Junaith Asharab who was named as allegedly passing RM8 million (also of the RM13.25 million) through 13 RHB Islamic Bank Berhad cheques issued by Mastoro in bribes to Zahid. Malay Mail is unable to conclusively determine if these two individuals are the same person.

Status: Active

B) Alleged bribery for Malaysian passport chips project

5. Datasonic Group Berhad

What is it: This is a public-listed company that was incorporated on March 13, 2008 and with RM135 million of share capital issued, with its nature of business being “investment holding and provision of management services to its subsidiaries, acquire and hold shares or stock business on datacard equipment and embossing system”.

It has 14 directors and 21 shareholders, with the shareholders including institutions such as Lembaga Tabung Haji and those linked to banks, according to the company’s September 26 records with SSM.

Link to charges: Zahid was charged with allegedly receiving from Datasonic’s director Chew Ben Ben a total of RM6 million in bribes through two cheques on April 26, 2017, which allegedly resulted in the group’s unit Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd (DTSB) being appointed via purported “direct negotiation” with the Home Ministry to implement the supply of 12.5 million chips in Malaysia’s polycarbonate passports’ biodata page over the course of five years.

Datasonic Group’s response: In an announcement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Datasonic Group asserted that neither the company nor any of its directors had issued the payment in relation to the 12.5 million passport chips supply as reported.

It said instead that DTSB had in April 2012 won through “open tender” a five-year contract to supply passport polycarbonate datapages and printing system, adding that DTSB was subsequently awarded on December 15, 2015 the project to supply the 12.5 million chips.

Datasonic Group said it was awarded the 2015 contract based on value proposition of enhanced chips security (with chips bonded into the polycarbonate datapage instead of the passport cover’s back), as well as its pricing that was lower than the previous vendor which, it said, resulted in the Malaysian government saving RM56.25 million over a five-year period.

Status: Existing

6. Sarana Kencana Sdn Bhd

What is it: According to SSM records, this is a private limited company incorporated on September 25, 2003 and formerly with the name of Bahana Kencana. Its nature of business is “investment holding and provision of management and consulting services”, with two directors bearing the title of Datuk and Datin respectively also being the sole two shareholders listed.

Sarana Kencana’s two directors are also listed as among the shareholders of Datasonic Group. One of them is both a director and a manager in Datasonic Group, based on SSM records via the company’s documents as of September 26.

Link to charges: The RM6 million bribe allegedly paid by Datasonic Group to Zahid was purportedly via two Malayan Banking Berhad cheques owned by Sarana Kencana.

Status: Existing

C) Services related to migrant workers

8. Profound Radiance Sdn Bhd

What is it: According to SSM records, it is a private limited company incorporated in 1996 that handles “general trading” and “investment holding”, with RM1 million of share capital. It has two directors, who are also the only two shareholders, include a 47-year-old Malaysian man named Azlan Shah Jaffril.

Its latest available financial information in SSM records shows that it posted a revenue of RM923,160, with profit at RM133,699, as of the financial year ending December 2016.

This company’s name was mentioned in a report on the controversy over the outsourcing of the Malaysian government’s immigration duties to private firms, and was one of the companies alleged to have received additional payments that burdened poor Nepali migrant workers seeking to come to Malaysia.

Link to charges: The company’s director Azlan Shah is alleged to have paid RM2 million in bribes through three cheques issued by the company, which purportedly resulted in its appointment as the operator of a One Stop Centre (OSC) in Pakistan and Nepal. These charges were alleged to have occurred during the August 3, 2017 to March 15, 2018 period.

Status: Existing

All eight corruption charges linked to these projects are each punishable by a maximum 20-year jail term, and a fine of either RM10,000 or five times the amount of the bribe, whichever is higher.

It’s not just companies that were mentioned in most of the 45 charges faced by Zahid, but also a law firm.

9. Lewis & Co

What is it: According to the Malaysian Bar’s directory of law firms, it is the only such law firm in Peninsular Malaysia with this name and with its office address stated as located at Menara UOA Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur.

It was mentioned in the charges as having a Maybank account through which Zahid purportedly received the alleged bribes in the form of cheques.

In Zahid’s money-laundering charges, he was accused of giving orders for illicit funds totalling almost RM59.28 million to be deposited as fixed deposit into two accounts via the same Maybank account of the law firm. Zahid had also allegedly ordered for the purchase of two bungalows with RM5.9 million through a cheque purportedly issued by this account.

Zahid was also alleged to have ordered a 46-year-old Malaysian man named Omar Ali Abdullah to convert RM6,885,270.20 (RM6.8 million) in cash into 30 cheques to be passed to Lewis & Co for the purchase of fixed deposits in Maybank.

(Note: The mention of this law firm is not meant to imply any wrongdoing on the part of the law firm, as law firms can hold money in trust for their clients, such as in transactions involving the buying and selling of properties. It is unclear if Zahid is a client of the law firm.)



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1684794/from-akalbudi-to-mastoro-every-alleged-player-linked-to-zahids-rm42m-charge?fbclid=IwAR1zSx8YLg3z7DScHhZG1aZOxpvh5YK3Iz7oKnMYe5MOov1uAzrkXb_b-M0

Dr M ordered all states to raise minimum marriage age to 18, Penang exco reveals

Dr Mahathir had on Tuesday chaired the 132nd meeting of the mentri besar and chief ministers at Perdana Putra. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has issued a directive ordering all state governments in Malaysia to raise the legal minimum marriage age to 18 years for Muslims and non-Muslims, a state executive councillor (exco) said today.

Penang Women, Family, Gender Inclusiveness and Non-Islamic Religion Committee chairman Chong Eng confirmed the matter to Malay Mail, saying the directive was conveyed to her during the latest state exco meeting chaired by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday.

“Yes, CM Chow reported to the exco meeting yesterday,” she said through a text message reply.

Dr Mahathir had on Tuesday chaired the 132nd meeting of the mentri besar and chief ministers at Perdana Putra, the first such meeting after Pakatan Harapan (PH) came to power.


The meeting was also attended by several Cabinet members, Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Ismail Bakar and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir.

Asked if there was a timeframe to implement the changes, Chong said it was up to the individual state to process the directive.

Chong said Penang has agreed to increase the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18 and directed the Penang Islamic Religious Department (JAIPP) to submit a report before the decision is finalised.

“The report has yet to be completed as of today,” she said.

She also disclosed that the state secretariat and the Penang Legislative Assembly have also been instructed to process Dr Mahathir’s directive.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1684906/dr-m-ordered-all-states-to-raise-minimum-marriage-age-to-18-penang-exco-rev?fbclid=IwAR0KTCQWCFFErFz1ajnu53qjoCGXh51sH6WjgiW3aViVccCUPpr_2A-6p3M

Foreigners obtained IC thanks to corrupt govt officials, says Tangau

Upko president Madius Tangau (in grey) during the press conference at Upko HQ in Penampang today.

Deputy Chief Minister Madius Tangau claimed 80% of foreigners in Sabah who hold MyKads, obtained them illegally by bribing government officials.

The finding was made by the United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) even before the previous government set up the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah in 2013.

“The party spent around RM500,000 to carry out the study.

“We found that while the majority actively bought the MyKad through corrupt government officials, the other 20% reported they did not even try to get the MyKad.

“This 20% reported that some people came to their homes, asked them for information, then later came back with their brand new MyKad,” he said during a press conference at the party’s headquarters here today.

For this reason, Tangau said Upko realised there is no other way but to recall all MyKad in Sabah and reissue new ones to real Sabahans.

He said the issue of citizenship is crucial for Upko and admitted feeling suspicious about the 2010 census report on Sabah’s demographic data.

“We believe there are discrepancies in the data reported on Sabah’s population.

“The report showed a drastic population growth in Sabah over the decades but when it comes to the live birth rate, it is normal.

“Perhaps the data was manipulated. This is our take on it. The live birth rate is correct but we cannot accept the population data. This matter must be resolved,” he said.

The Upko president said while he did not have the data in hand at the moment, he planned to raise his concerns on the issue in Parliament soon.

Meanwhile, Tangau said he welcomed the setting up of the three committees to look into the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) even though Upko will not be represented in any of these committees.

“When the plan was first mooted to create these committees, I was told that Upko will be represented but in the end, we were excluded.

“But it is ok because I think it is better for us to be outside of these committees so that we can speak up more freely for the people,” he said.

Commenting on the 11th Malaysia Plan’s Mid-Term Review report, released yesterday, Tangau said while he welcomed the new emphasis on the rights of indigenous people, he recalled the same promise was made previously under the 8th Malaysia Plan.

The problem is, he said, the implementation left much to be desired and he is worried the same thing would happen again this time around.

“I think one of the ways to ensure the plan is carried out successfully is by giving us autonomy to ensure all the planned assistance to the indigenous people will reach their intended targets.

“If Putrajaya continues to be the decision maker, I fear leakages cannot be avoided and many programmes may not reach their objectives,” he said.



Original article from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/10/19/foreigners-obtained-ic-thanks-to-corrupt-govt-officials-says-tangau/?fbclid=IwAR3bI-ycjpu4nF59wPVH3-m_jsdoovceDKAFIylOut6S5LwEy1xpTvd6hZk

Amid govt review of Pahang plant, Lynas says ‘Plan B’ includes going back to Australia

Lynas chief executive Amanda Lacaze said she was confident Lynas would pass the environmental review by the Pakatan Harapan government. ― Picture by Mukhriz Hazim

Rare-earths miner Lynas is looking for alternative locations for its processing plant in Gebeng, Pahang as Putrajaya reviews its 10-year operations here.

In the possibility that it may have to close its Malaysian plant, the Australian company said one of its options is to move back home.

“We could reorganise our assets with time in a way that would allow us to continue to serve our customers. Short term we may need to partner in China; longer term we would re-establish our operations outside of China. Australia is a pretty good place,” Amanda Lacaze, Lynas chief executive told the Financial Times (FT) in an interview.

She said she was confident Lynas would pass the environmental review by the Pakatan Harapan government, and cautioned that a negative review would alarm investors, customers and governments, who are sensitive to “ensuring there is a reliable source of supply outside China of rare earths.”

“I don’t think it is likely to be the outcome but if we were forced to close [in Malaysia] it would be immediately felt in the supply chain throughout the world and it would be most significant in the Japanese, North American and European markets,” Lacaze explained.

She said that the said environmental review needed to be fair, transparent and scientific and the committee should comprise of individuals with “technical and scientific competence, rather than pro- or anti-campaigners.”

Yesterday evening, Putrajaya announced the line-up of the executive committee tasked with reviewing Lynas’ operations in Pahang.

The six members of the committee are Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) research fellow Prof Datuk Mazlin Mokhtar; United Nations University — International Institute for Global Health visiting lecturer Prof Jamal Hisham Hashim; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Unit director Prof Maketab Mohamed.

Putrajaya has announced the line-up of the executive committee tasked with reviewing Lynas’ operations in Pahang.. — AFP pic

Assoc Prof Anita Abdul Rahman from the Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia; Universiti Malaysia Pahang’s Earth Resources and Sustainability Centre director Assoc Prof Muzamir Hasan and former director of the Hazardous Substances Division in the Department of Environment Malaysia, Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim.

Kuantan MP and longstanding Lynas critic Fuziah Salleh has decided to stop being the chairman of committee reviewing the operations of the Lynas rare-earths plant in order to speak out freely and cut off allegations of bias by the firm.

She was originally announced as the committee chairman.

In the FT interview, Lacaze, also pointed out that processing operations had already undergone two reviews by the International Energy Agency and four tests in Malaysia’s courts and parliamentary select committee.

“People view radioactivity highly emotionally, as if everything is yellowcake or everything is suitable for nuclear weapons,” Ms Lacaze said. “Radioactivity is all around us and the radioactive material that we handle and the residue from the operation here is described by the IEA as intrinsically low risk,” she said.

Lynas took out advertisements showcasing its Malaysian workforce in major local English, Malay and Chinese dailies including The Star, Utusan Malaysia and Sin Chew on October 16, 2018.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1683348/amid-govt-review-of-pahang-plant-lynas-says-plan-b-includes-going-back-to-a?fbclid=IwAR0nr5PMRHEbTAmejAcQ5wTnyn7_7ZuVfUXW6mmJA7tDbTFg1A2sxOdV9LQ

Feel that only the rich get richer in Malaysia? You may be right

KRI noted that Malaysia's household income inequality measured using the Gini index has fallen from a high Gini coefficient of 0.513 in 1970 to 0.399 in 2016. — Reuters pic

Ever wondered why you feel that the income divide between the rich and poor in Malaysia is getting wider and wider, despite the official index showing less inequality and a fairer distribution of income?

Khazanah Research Institute's (KRI) latest report shows that this disconnect between Malaysians' perceived reality and the official numbers is understandable and not without basis.

KRI noted that Malaysia's household income inequality measured using the Gini index has fallen from a high Gini coefficient of 0.513 in 1970 to 0.399 in 2016, which would suggest that income is being distributed more equally in the country.

But KRI said the public's typical view is that inequality is still a problem that has not been solved in the past few decades.

“The general perception is that the rich are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer,” it said in its report titled “The State of Households 2018: Different Realities.”

KRI explained that this could be due to how income inequality is measured, namely whether household income is compared in relative terms or actual gap.

It gave the example where a high-income household with an income of RM10,000 doubles its income to RM20,000 in a year, while a low-income household experiences a faster income growth where its RM1,000 income triples to RM3,000.

In such a hypothetical scenario, relatively speaking, the inequality income index or Gini coefficient would have shrunk with the high-income household initially earning 10 times more than the low-income household in the first year, and subsequently earning only 6.7 times more.

But the absolute income gap between the two households of an initial RM9,000 would actually go up to RM17,000 in the next year, KRI said.

When it comes to Malaysia, income inequality among households can be measured between three income groups: the top 20 per cent (T20) or high-income group, the mid-income and low-income which take up the mid-tier 40 per cent (M40) and bottom 40 per cent (B40) respectively.

In relative terms according to a chart in KRI's report using the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) figures, a T20 household earned almost 10 times more than a B40 household in Malaysia in 1970, with this multiple falling to almost six times in 2016.

The multiple between income for the T20 households and M40 households, as well as the multiple between M40 and B40 households similarly decreased during the same period, the chart showed.

“However, the absolute gap between all three income groups has increased, the gap between the top 20 per cent and bottom 40 per cent is particularly striking, and this could be the reason for resentment and the negative perception of inequality,” KRI explained.

In a separate chart, the actual income gap between T20 and B40 households actually increased from less than RM4,000 (1970) to more than RM12,000 (2016).

The income gap in actual terms between T20 and M40 households also went up from over RM2,000 to less than RM10,000 during the same period, while the M40 and B40 actual gap in real mean household income also rose.

The difference in real mean household income from 1974-2016. ― Screengrab from Khazanah Research Institute's The State of Households 2018: Different Realities report

According to a factsheet provided by KRI, the actual income gap between the T20 households and both the M40 and B40 households had “almost doubled” compared to two decades ago.

KRI also highlighted how more people could in fact be poor, even when the poverty rate in a country has gone down.

KRI's report included a chart which showed the poverty rate in Malaysia going down from 1995 to 2016, illustrated by the decline in percentage from about 45 per cent of Malaysian households in the B40 group in 1995 falling to just slightly above 43 per cent in 2016.

But it said the number of poor households in Malaysia has actually increased due to population growth, KRI said.

“More than a million households live in 'relative poverty' compared to two decades ago,” it said in a factsheet, pointing to the additional number of households that are in the B40 group as of 2016 and since 1995.

From slightly below two million B40 households in 1995, it has now increased to about three million B40 households as of 2016, the chart using figures from DOSM and the Economic Planning Unit and KRI's own calculations show.

As of 2016, there are 6.9 million Malaysian households.

KRI noted that the existence of falling inequality is insufficient to reassure the public as inequality still exists.

“The growing number of poor households is clearly quite visible to the public, thus fuelling the negative sentiment surrounding inequality,” it said.

KRI also indicated that efforts to have measures based on more refined data should be continued to assist in the understanding of pressing economical issues and the identification of the necessary steps to address them.


Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1682968/feel-that-only-the-rich-get-richer-in-malaysia-you-may-be-right?fbclid=IwAR1lXSOoUQia8sVnSgOd5I2NZt994gRyHxVu4nKAl3oOG2DHOygoMCLbtmw

KPKT: New affordable houses start at RM150,000 and below

The 3 categories of affordable housing under the policy will be placed under one roof

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) plans to offer affordable houses in three-tier pricing thresholds under its new scheme, starting with homes priced below RM150,000.

Its Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin (picture) said the streamlining of all affordable housing agencies under the National Affordable Housing Council (NAHC), slated to be completed by next month, will help provide more choices for the public in purchasing their preferred home.

The move is also in line with the government’s effort to alleviate the overhang of 24,738 units in the first quarter this year valued at RM15.68 billion.

According to the National Property Information Centre data, 60% of the units were in the price range below RM500,000.

“They are three categories of affordable houses under the policy — those priced RM150,000 and below, between RM150,000 and RM300,000, and between RM300,000 and 500,000. We will place them under one roof,” Zuraida said at the Malaysia Property Expo (Mapex) 2018 in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

She added that all the agencies such as Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd, Civil Servant Housing Development (PPAM), 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme and UDA Holdings Bhd will be housed under the ministry and will offer the same schemes on pricing and design, but be managed by one administration.

The ministry is redefining new build-up areas of future affordable houses from the minimum of 700 sq ft to 990 sq ft under the National Housing Policy 2.0, which is expected to be concluded by the end of this month.

Zuraida said the ministry is looking to engage with any party prepared to offer better quality homes to the bottom 40 (B40) group or low-income bracket.

Last week, the Valuation and Property Services Department, a unit of the Finance Ministry, highlighted that the overhang property issue and suggested for a special committee to monitor home prices, as well as advise on affordable pricing levels for new home launches.

“As long as we go on the same direction, we can discuss with them on how to achieve the objective,” Zuraida said.

She said all property stakeholders must be included in the discussions, engagements and sessions to enable the government to have a better understanding of the market mismatch between the demand and supply.

KPKT is expected to incorporate all property data from various parties to prevent similar occurrences, earlier news reports noted.

Zuraida said the data on the property market in the country would need to be reviewed as various parties are having different figures in their reports.

She expects the new consolidated system will provide the ministry and industry players more precise property data next year.

Zuraida said the government will need more time to study suggestions on managing the Bumiputera housing quota policy and mechanisms to better reflect the current market’s needs.

Organised by Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia, the three-day Mapex is expected to offer more than 6,000 affordable houses, worth around RM6.9 billion.



Original article from https://themalaysianreserve.com/2018/10/15/kpkt-new-affordable-houses-start-at-rm150000-and-below/?fbclid=IwAR2wDVey2UyI_0KFLf8pjPuzelMVhCEKJLNZP8z6nnHMbIcOCFdHu_1IjK8

Thailand records highest number of lost Malaysian passport

Thailand is one of the countries which recorded the most number of lost Malaysian passports.

Thailand is one of the countries which recorded the most number of lost Malaysian passports and 90 per cent of the lost documents were reported in major shopping areas in Bangkok city.

A total of 124 Malaysian passports was reported missing in Thailand last year and as of September this year, the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok had received reports of the loss of 87 passports from their holders.

“...and most of the incidents happened in Pratunam, a popular open shopping area in the heart of Bangkok city. Losing passports also happened in Chatuchak (famous weekly market),” an embassy source told Bernama here recently.

The source said the passport owners were sometimes too busy with their shopping activities to notice the important document had gone missing.

Thailand is one of the major tourist destinations for Malaysians, with 3.3 million of them visiting the country last year, according to the statistics released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Malaysians are the second largest group of tourist arrivals to Thailand after those from China. Thailand recorded more than nine million tourist arrivals from China last year.

According to the source, negligence had been identified as the main cause of lost passports.

“Malaysians do not consider their passports as a very important document, that is why they don’t take care of their passports properly. They put their passports where it’s so easy for them to go missing or be stolen,” he said.

He said Malaysians should regard their passports as their “second life” each time they were abroad.

Asked whether the Malaysian passport was a target among criminal syndicates especially in Bangkok, the source could not confirm or deny the possibility.

The source said the Malaysian passport was “extremely powerful” and it was not possible for it to become the favourite among criminal syndicates especially involving passport forgery.

According to the Henly Passport Index 2017, the Malaysian passport was one of world’s most powerful passports as it allowed its holders visa-free access to 166 countries.

In an interview with Bernama two years ago, Thailand Immigration Bureau commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoonthorn said the privileges and benefits accorded to Malaysian passport holders, particularly exemption from visa requirement had made the country’s passport highly attractive among fake passport users.

Due to the “attractiveness” of the Malaysian passport, it is no surprise that the passport is in “hot demand”, especially among the citizens of countries like Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China.

Two weeks ago, a Sri Lankan man was arrested by Thai immigration officers at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport here for using a fake Malaysian passport while trying to travel to France. — Bernama

Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1682798/thailand-records-highest-number-of-lost-malaysian-passport?fbclid=IwAR39smgg8feBLB5r_shIbQkRtR5EogVZA2oh16L4PYU2iK_5iNmmS2GnXvU

Anwar wins in Port Dickson, Saiful biggest loser

The Election Commission has declared Anwar Ibrahim as the winner of the Port Dickson by-election, beating six others to make a political comeback that assures him the top post in the government.

Anwar garnered a total of 31,016 votes, defeating his closest rival, PAS’ Mohd Nazari Mokhtar who gained 7,456 votes.

His 23,560-vote majority surpassed that of former Port Dickson MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, despite a low voter turnout of 58.3%.

The other candidates were left far behind: former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad got 4,230 votes, Stevie Chan Keng Leong (337 votes), Lau Seck Yan (214 votes), Kan Chee Yuen (154 votes) and Anwar’s former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan who merely got 82 votes.

Anwar’s victory today removes the final hurdle to his long march to Putrajaya.

In 1998, he was Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s anointed successor, but the two fell out over policy differences as well as accusations of sexual misconduct, leading to Anwar’s dramatic sacking and jailing.

Anwar, 70, made peace with Mahathir in 2016. Both leaders had since then agreed to work together under the PH coalition, which overthrew BN in the historic May polls.

Following the change of government, Anwar, who had been serving a jail sentence for his sodomy conviction, was granted a royal pardon and released, lifting a ban imposed on him from active politics.

PORT DICKSON BY-ELECTION RESULTS

1 Anwar Ibrahim Pakatan Harapan 31,016
2 Mohd Nazari Mokhtar PAS 7,456
3 Isa Samad Independent 4,230
4 Stevie Chan Independent 337
5 Lau Seck Yan Independent 214
6 Kan Chee Yuen Independent 154
7 Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan Independent 82



Original article from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/10/13/anwar-wins-in-port-dickson-saiful-biggest-loser/?fbclid=IwAR16gWHFkptrnkgts9NhHSPWVjYXLMQMPEnPtguvzlXks-Hhx5XV3yy1h10

Shahidan charged with molest of 15-year-old girl

Shahidan has denied the charge and said it was all just a 'misunderstanding'. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Umno lawmaker Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was today charged with molesting an underaged girl in Perlis, weeks after allegations broke.

The indictment took but a moment. The Sessions Court in Kangar, Perlis allowed him bail at RM25,000 in two sureties, Berita Harian reported on its website.

He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (physical sexual assault on a child by touching any part of the child’s body).

If convicted, he will be facing a jail sentence of not more than 10 years and whipping.

Shahidan’s son and son-in-law, Ameer Shafiq Shahidan and Muhamad Lukman Abdul Rashid acted as his guarantor for the case.

It was reported that the court compound was filled up with Shahidan’s supporters.

The former Perlis Umno chief was seen arriving at 8.20am, accompanied by his wife and two unidentified women.

Based on the charge sheet, Shahidan was charged with sexual harassment by touching hands to the shoulders of a 15-year-old child in a Toyota Harrier car at the edge of the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium at Kangar at 11.30pm on Oct 20.

The girl is said to be from a buskers group that he sponsored.

He was represented by three lawyers comprising of Thalia Rohaina Abdul Latiff , Syed Muhammad Anwar Syed Lokman Hakim and Zuhair Ahmad Zakuan.

DPP Mohd Nordin Ismail prosecuted. The case is up for mention again on January 8.

Shahidan has denied the charge and said it was all just a “misunderstanding”. He had also said that the police report lodged against him over the case had been withdrawn.

The father of the girl also reportedly stated that the matter had been amicably “settled” and the family had decided that there was no need to “blow it out of proportion”.

However, police said investigations must go on and any understanding reached between the victim’s family and the politician was not related to the police.

Shahidan went to Bukit Aman national police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 30) and was grilled by investigators from 9am till about 4.30pm.

His statement was recorded by the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1692441/shahidan-charged-with-molest-of-15-year-old-girl?fbclid=IwAR3-nEzVewn4fKm73oh1pAwVkLRCqV8S6Hrk11KjEHdSJbOxzMSVQxNJYN4

Deputy minister: Smoking ban in all restaurants, hawker centres from next year

Eateries that allow customers to smoke despite the ban will be fined up to RM2,500, while those who smoke at prohibited places will face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years’ jail. ― Picture by Hari Anggara

The government will ban smoking in all eateries throughout Malaysia from next year onwards, including in open-air outlets, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye has said.

Lee said the new Health Ministry ruling will cover all types of restaurants including hawker centres and street stalls.

“This time, all restaurants regardless whether they are an enclosed area, air-conditioned or open-air will need to comply with the ruling from next year,” he was quoted saying yesterday after an event in Kedah by local daily The Star.

Dr Lee said action under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 will be taken against restaurant owners and smokers that flout the new ruling.

According to The Star, eateries that allow customers to smoke despite the ban will be fined up to RM2,500, while those who smoke at prohibited places will face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years’ jail.

Dr Lee reportedly said the new ruling was intended to discourage existing smokers and to ensure non-smokers would not be affected by second-hand smoke.

“We are ready to face objections from smokers and restaurant owners, but we will not compromise when it comes to looking after the health of the people.

“No doubt smokers will say they have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to enjoy their food without being harmed by cigarette smoke,” he was quoted saying.

He also said business operators need not worry about losing patrons, expressing confidence that more non-smoking customers would eat at smoke-free outlets.

On enforcement, Dr Lee indicated it would be challenging and said the details have not been decided by the ministry.

This new ruling is on top of the smoke-free areas that are already in place in government buildings and public spaces.

Last month, Dr Lee said there are currently 23 areas designated as smoke-free under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017.

These include entertainment centres, theatres, elevators, public toilets, air-conditioned eateries, public vehicles, airports, government premises and any assembly points.

He reportedly proposed the closure of Parliament’s smoking room next month in a bid to turn the entire law-making House a smoke-free zone.

The Health Ministry was last month reported saying that all open air restaurants will be gazetted as non-smoking areas from December.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1682069/deputy-minister-smoking-ban-in-all-restaurants-hawker-centres-from-next-yea?fbclid=IwAR1Iqfdnc6vzdHSsxWkYUUgJokpiGlENzmZjlKGrz44H2pIS2Lf6N13Qj9w

Dr M suspects sabotage within the govt reason why Jho Low still at large

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaks at the inaugural Asean Leaders Gathering in Bali October 11, 2018. — Bernama pic

Sabotage within the government is among the reasons why it is difficult for Malaysia to pin down and arrest fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, said Malaysia Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said he believed that was the reason why Jho Low managed to evade arrest.

“I think he is hiding somewhere,” he said when asked if there was sabotage within the government by way of information leakage.

“(Tun) Daim (Zainuddin) says somebody is informing him (Jho Low). One time he was in Hong Kong. When we reached Hong Kong, he had flown away already,” Dr Mahathir told Bernama and RTM at the conclusion of the inaugural Asean Leaders Gathering here yesterday. Daim is the chairman of the five-member Council of Eminent Persons (CEP).

The Asean meeting, held on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, carried the theme ‘Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Overcoming Development Gap through Regional and Global Collaborative Actions’.

Malaysia is seeking Jho Low to assist in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd investigation. — Bernama



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1682073/dr-m-suspects-sabotage-within-the-govt-reason-why-jho-low-still-at-large?fbclid=IwAR129xZeHia8R6JYY4wG4z9y845xP2l-30Iv7qhCquq9iFSsDXCnSdIYDvo

Kit Siang: Najib administration culpable in Beng Hock’s death

Teoh Beng Hock’s mother Teng Shuw Hor (centre) and sister Teoh Lee Lan (right) react as they leave the Shah Alam Criminal court while holding Teoh’s portrait in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on January 5, 2011. — AFP pic

Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s government must be held responsible for the death of Teoh Beng Hock even if the former prime minister was not directly involved in the incident, said Lim Kit Siang.

The DAP leader was responding to Najib’s call for authorities to open fresh investigations into all the murders that were either linked directly or vicariously to him.

Specifically on Teoh’s 2009 death while in the custody of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Lim insisted Najib must bear responsibility as the head of the government at the time.

“I had never said it, but I will say it now: Najib did not kill Teoh Beng Hock, but the Najib administration must be held responsible for Beng Hock’s death,” Lim said in a statement.

He also said Najib’s government must be responsible for other incidents such as the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the disappearance of activists and a pastor, and other “regrettable” episodes.

Najib challenged authorities to reinvestigate all murders implicating him after one accused in the murder trial of former deputy public prosecutor Kevin Morais claimed the former PM offered him RM3.5 million to confess to the crime.



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1680760/kit-siang-najib-administration-culpable-in-beng-hocks-death?fbclid=IwAR0wN0f0SUXrozLFbm92tiEWOwhS0VSf_YysjXysOU5uPhAJ03pbtXGBzgc

Malaysia's system of governance abused by Najib: Dr M

(File pix) “But the system can be abused. What he did was to use his authority to steal money,” Dr Mahathir said. NSTP/ Luqman Hakim Zubir

Malaysia’s system of governance was abused by his predecessor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who used his authority to rob the country, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The system may be the same but the man is different. That system has had five prime ministers before him and there is no accusation of corruption of that scale against all those four.

“But the system can be abused. What he did was to use his authority to steal money,” Dr Mahathir told BBC’s Hardtalk programme during an interview in London. The 20-minute programme was aired yesterday.

Speaking to the programme’s anchor, Zeinab Badawi, the prime minister said it was up to the court to decide on the charges against Najib.

Najib is currently facing 21 charges over alleged money-laundering activities involving more than RM4.3 billion and four corruption charges with the sum totalling RM2.3 billion related to funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which was credited into his personal account.

Earlier in August, Najib faced four charges over alleged abuse of power and money laundering. Najib pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

“It is enough for us to charge him and it’s up for the court to decide whether our evidence is correct or his denial is correct,” Dr Mahathir told BBC’s Hardtalk.

During the interview, Zeinab posed some tough questions about his decision to return to office and work with the then opposition parties in the 14th General Election (GE14) and his relations with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, affirmative actions, his fight against corruption and on the new government, Pakatan Harapan.

Dr Mahathir was on his second-leg visit to United Kingdom from Sept 29 to Oct 1 after attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His first-leg visit was from Sept 21 to 25.

To a question, Dr Mahathir said the losses of billions of ringgit during his first premiership were due to foreign currency trading then.

“Well at that time, they didn’t prove that I took any money but we did lose money because some of our people got involved in trading currencies and they lost money,” he said.

To a question that he had brought ‘old guards’ into his administration, the 93-year old prime minister said he needed experienced people to help him administer the country.

“...so if I cannot bring back people who had served me, than I think I have to rely on people with no experience. The people who joined me, they had the same opinion about Najib’s government.

“So, they wanted to join together, form a coalition and beat Najib,” Dr Mahathir said.

Answering a question on his relations with Anwar, the prime minister said they have put their past behind.

“… It was necessary for me to work with him to oust Najib as the PM, so both of us decided to forget about the past because this was far more important to focus on and nothing else,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also reiterated that Anwar would be his successor.

On the affirmative actions, Dr Mahathir said the new government would continue with the affirmative actions to correct the disparity in wealth between the Malays and the other races.

He said he foresaw tension in Malaysia if the disparity became bigger and bigger.

On claims of discrimination of other ethnic groups due to the policy, Dr Mahathir said: “No, there has been no discrimination because if you go to Malaysia, you will find the so called victims of this policy are now the richest people in Malaysia,” he said. --Bernama



Original article from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/10/417309/malaysias-system-governance-abused-najib-dr-m?fbclid=IwAR1OkJuSMWWRDwhv5kA6MJ272XNPfh3f7voqu31lNx_A1N_4aJa1EhRJiKw

Malaysian PM Mahathir says affirmative action policy to remain

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that if wealth disparity was left unchecked, it could create tension and lead to confrontations.PHOTO: AFP

Malaysia will continue with its decades-old affirmative action policy that favours ethnic Malays, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said, as it is necessary to bridge the economic gap between the community and other races in the country.

"Why should I stop? We are trying to correct disparity in wealth between the Malays and others. We have to bring up the Malays to be as wealthy or well-off as others. That needs correction," he said in an interview with British broadcaster the BBC, which aired on Tuesday (Oct 2).

The 93-year-old leader of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government told HARDtalk programme host Zeinab Badawi that if wealth disparity was left unchecked, it could create tension and lead to confrontations.

Malaysia introduced the national economic policy in 1971, after it experienced deadly racial riots in 1969 that were fuelled by the economic gap between the Chinese and the Malays.

The policy was aimed at eliminating poverty and socio-economic restructuring, granting Malays preference over affordable housing, university scholarships and government contracts.

Other PH leaders like Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali and prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim have recently said that the policy should be reviewed so that it is based on need, and not race.

Dr Mahathir was also asked about his rapprochement with Datuk Seri Anwar, the deputy PM he had sacked in 1998 during his first stint as prime minister. The former foes mended fences in 2016 and teamed up to topple the Barisan Nasional administration in the May general election.

The national economic policy was just one of the many Malaysian reforms Datuk Seri Anwar spoke about during the S. Rajaratnam Endowment Dialogue at the Singapore Summit 2018.

During the interview, Ms Zeinab read out a quote from Mr Anwar which said: "Mahathir has proven his tenacity, accepted past limitations, apologised and sacrificed his time and energy to raise the dignity of the people and the country."

Responding to the quote, Dr Mahathir said he has never apologised for sacking Mr Anwar.

"I didn't tell him that, but other people put words into my mouth because they want me to apologise. But I never made any formal apology to him," said Dr Mahathir.

Mr Anwar was later imprisoned for corruption and sodomy, charges he maintains were politically motivated.

Asked if he felt apologetic, Dr Mahathir said: "I feel sorry for those who have done something and were sentenced to jail."

His reputation for speaking bluntly was also displayed during the interview when he described Jews as "hook-nosed" and blamed them for creating the troubles in the Middle East.

"If you are going to be truthful, the problem in the Middle East began with the creation of Israel. That is the truth. But I cannot say that," he said.

When asked why he described Jews as "hook-nosed" in his book The Malay Dilemma, he said: "They are hook-nosed. Many people called the Malays fat-nosed. We didn't object, we didn't go to war for that."

According to Reuters, when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York last week, Dr Mahathir said the world "rewards Israel" for breaking international laws and committing acts of terrorism against Palestinians.



Original article from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-pm-mahathir-says-affirmative-action-policy-to-remain

Najib nothing like his father, says Dr M

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today expressed disappointment with his predecessor Najib Razak, saying the ousted leader was unlike his father Abdul Razak Hussein whom he had held in high regard.

He said Razak was most concerned about the plight of villagers and had brought about massive development in rural areas. Razak’s son, however, was nothing like that, he said.

All of a sudden, he said, Najib had told him that “cash is king”.

“When we say ‘cash is king’, it means that we can do anything at all with money. When we don’t have money, then we resort to stealing it,” he told Malaysian journalists at the conclusion of his two-leg visit to the UK.

He said he was also disappointed with the damage done to the government machinery under Najib’s leadership, adding that even government officers had campaigned during elections.

Mahathir said when he became prime minister for the first time in 1981, there had been no problems with the government machinery.

“No problem, except having to make decisions on this matter and that. The government machinery functioned well.”

On a separate matter, Mahathir, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, voiced confidence that PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim would win the Port Dickson by-election on Oct 13.

He said the large number of candidates would result in a split in votes.

The by-election will see a contest between seven candidates, including former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad and Anwar’s former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

When asked about the manner in which the seat became vacant, Mahathir said there was nothing illegal about it although some challenged it on moral grounds.

“Legislation allows an elected representative to step down and give way to others,” he said.

The Port Dickson seat was vacated by Danyal Balagopal Abdullah of PKR on Sept 12 to pave the way for Anwar’s attempt to return to Parliament.

Mahathir said victory in the by-election would enable Anwar to be an MP.

“He is contesting to occupy a vacant seat. When he wins, he will become an MP,” he said.



Original article from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/10/02/najib-nothing-like-his-father-says-dr-m/?fbclid=IwAR1Dq-7xSb9ONaK3gnce8hd63uJ4nZ2TkHNetS_ONKJM-jRt2EbckSTMo-Y

Accused: Najib offered me RM3.5m to admit to killing Kevin Morais

S. Ravi Chandaran said he was offered RM3.5 million by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to admit to killing Kevin Morais. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

The seventh accused in the murder of Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Anthony Kevin Morais told the High Court here today that he was offered RM3.5 million by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to admit guilt.

S. Ravi Chandaran, 47, also told the court that the offer was made through a prisons officer and besides this, he also received an offer from Kevin Morais’ younger brother himself Datuk Richard Morais to do the same.

Ravi Chandaran, who is the defence’s sixth witness, said this when cross-examined by counsel Datuk N.Sivananthan who is representing military pathologist Colonel Dr R. Kunaseegaran, during the proceedings on the 24th day of the defence’s case.

Sivananthan: You said Dr Kunaseegaran offered RM1.5 million for you to admit guilt. This was done on Dec 29. 2017.

Ravi Chandaran: True.

Sivananthan: You also lodged a police report that on Jan 26, 2018, Richard Morais offered RM2 million to you to plead guilty.

Ravi Chandaran: Yes, true.

Sivananthan: In the same report you said in February 2018, there was a prisons officer who offered you RM3.5 million to plead guilty on behalf of Najib Tun Razak.

Ravi Chandaran: Yes, true.

Ravi Chandaran also agreed to Sivananthan’s suggestion that the amount of money offered to him by the individuals concerned for him to plead guilty was RM7 million.

To a suggestion that that the accused just made up the story about the money, Ravi Chandaran said he disagreed.

He also disagreed with a suggestion that there was no reason for the individuals to offer him the money.

When asked by Sivananthan on whether Dr Kunaseegaran had ordered him to kill Kevin Morais, the accused said: “No”.

To a question whether Dr Kunaseegaran had ordered him to do something on Kevin Morais such as to kidnap the victim, the accused also replied “no”.

In the previous proceeding, Ravi Chandaran had told the court that Dr Kunaseegaran had offered him RM1.5 million if he pleaded guilty to killing Kevin Morais.

R. Dinishwaran, AK Thinesh Kumar, M. Vishwanath; S. Nimalan, Ravi Chandaran, and Dr Kunaseegaran had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kevin Morais during their journey from Jalan Dutamas 1, Sentul, to No.1 Jalan USJ 1/6D, Subang Jaya, between 7am and 8pm on Sept 4, 2015.

They are charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 34 of the same code, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

Dinishwaran, 26, Thinesh Kumar, 25, Vishwanath; 28, Nimalan, 25, and Ravi Chandaran, are represented by lawyer Rajehgopal while the prosecution is led by deputy public prosecutor Saiful Edris Zainuddin.

The hearing before Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah resumes on Friday. ― Bernama



Original article from https://www.malaymail.com/s/1678673/accused-najib-offered-me-rm3.5m-to-admit-to-killing-kevin-morais?fbclid=IwAR1ycjJphVoarr64dk84LMOI6axszOk5UNadIWHEg20S03A1VoxF1WOSxro