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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

aman

‘Rearranging the furniture on the sinking Titanic’

Kit Siang says the objective of the Cabinet reshuffle was to interfere and stymie full investigations into the 1MDB scandal and the WSJ allegations


KUALA LUMPUR: DAP elder statesman Lim Kit Siang has called for an emergency meeting of Parliament before August 31, Independence Day for the peninsula and Sabah, for a confidence vote on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his new Cabinet.

The sudden sacking of the Attorney-General before his due retirement date in October, added Lim, raises the question whether the objective of the Cabinet reshuffle was to interfere and stymie full investigations into the 1MDB scandal and the WSJ allegations.

He said a confidence vote would ensure comprehensive and unfettered investigations into the 1MDB scandal and the Wall Street Journal report on Friday 3 July that nearly USD700 million entered Najib’s personal banking accounts with AmBank Islamic private banking services before the last General Election. “It appears to the people that history would be made in anti-corruption efforts, where only ‘ikan bilis’ would be picked up, and ‘ikan yus’ – the sharks – spared.”

“It will be interesting to find out whether Umno Deputy President, Muhyiddin Yassin, who had been sacked as Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister for speaking out on the 1MDB scandal, as well as others sacked in Tuesday’s reshuffle, are prepared to vote in a confidence motion in favour of Najib as Prime Minister,” said Lim who is also DAP Parliamentary Leader and Gelang Patah MP.

He was commenting on the sacking of Muhyiddin and four other Ministers, following the shocking sacking earlier of Attorney- General Abdul Gani Patail more than two months before his retirement on 6t October. “This is the latest panic efforts to salvage the rapidly sinking Umno/BN coalition which had governed this country for 58 years.”

The Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, said Lim, has been described as “rearranging the furniture on the sinking Titanic”.

“History will vindicate this description.”

The sine qua non dictating the sudden Cabinet reshuffle was not any higher notions of taking Malaysia to greater political, economic, educational and social heights of achievement, continued Lim, but purely to consolidate Najib’s power position by removing all possible threats to his political survival. “At present, the single greatest threat to Najib’s power position is undoubtedly the monstrous 1MDB scandal.”

In one fell swoop, Lim charged, with the unconstitutional sacking of the Attorney-General and the removal of the outspoken Chairman and three Umno/BN members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), efforts to pry open the 1MDB scandal suffered full body blows.

The Cabinet reshuffle, he reiterated, was not designed to produce a more competent, efficient and professional Cabinet. “It would not save Malaysia from becoming a failed state. There’s rampant corruption, socio-economic inefficiencies and injustice. There’s no good governance.”

The Cabinet reshuffle, he argued, was to give Najib a new lease of political life by removing from the Cabinet, ministers who are seen as threatening his political future by demanding that he should give a proper public explanation and accountability for the RM42 billion 1MDB scandal and the allegation in the Wall Street Journal.

Working under a thick cloud of suspicion about its independence and professionalism, said Lim, the multi-agency Special Task Force on the 1MDB scandal and the WSJ allegations appeared to be making headway in trying to bring to book those responsible for the biggest financial scandal in the country, and affecting the top-most levels of government.

Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/07/28/rearranging-the-furniture-on-the-sinking-titanic/

Friday, July 24, 2015

aman

No need for us to confirm, WSJ’s 1MDB articles are clear enough, Dow Jones tells PM’s lawyers

After WSJ’s July 2 bombshell, Najib immediately responded by saying that he has never taken 1MDB money for personal gain. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — Dow Jones & Company has told lawyers acting for Datuk Seri Najib Razak that there was no need for them to ask if Wall Street Journal (WSJ) had meant to accuse the Malaysian prime minister of misappropriating funds as the business daily’s reports provide a clear answer to their questions.

In its reply to Najib’s lawyers signed off by Dow Jones’ counsel and chief compliance officer Jason P. Conti, the US publisher that owns WSJ said that the two articles in question— a July 2 news report titled “Malaysia leader’s accounts probed” and an opinion piece on July 6 titled “Scandal in Malaysia” - were based on available facts.

“In your letter you ‘seek confirmation as to whether it is [our] position as taken in [The News Article and The Opinion] that [your] Client misappropriated nearly USD700 million belonging to 1Malaysia Development Berhad’,” Conti wrote in his reply for Dow Jones, referring to the July 8 request for confirmation from Najib’s lawyers in Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak Advocates & Solicitors.

“We believe your request is unnecessary as The News Article and The Opinion speak for themselves,” he added in the letter that was emailed to Malay Mail Online today.

Conti also urged Najib’s lawyers to explain to their client the difference between the two articles they had highlighted, pointing out that the July 2 piece is a news article, which means it is a report on facts, while the July 6 article is a commentary on facts that have emerged in the course of unfolding events.

Explaining further, Conti noted that the July 2 article had also expressly mentioned that the original source of the funds was unclear and that the money trail did not show how the funds were spent.

WSJ in the July 2 article, reported Malaysian investigators had traced nearly US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) of deposits into what is believed to be Najib’s personal bank accounts.

The July 6 opinion piece, on the other hand, had been based on the facts available and presented in the July 2 article, the lawyer said.

“As a result, it is quite clear The News Article is a fair and accurate summary of current events, and The Opinion includes reasonable commentary based on those facts.

“Any suggestion otherwise is misplaced and baseless,” Conti said.

The Dow Jones lawyer also confirmed that the firm has yet to appoint its legal representatives in Malaysia to deal with the matter, telling Najib’s lawyers that there was no need to do so as they have yet to identify any cause of action against WSJ.

“If and when you do so, we will consider the appointment of appropriate solicitors in Malaysia,” Conti wrote before referring Najib’s lawyers to a representative in Singapore who he said advises Dow Jones on international matters.

Instead of the usual letter of demand, Najib’s lawyers had on July 8 written to WSJ’s publisher Dow Jones, giving the firm a 14-day deadline to confirm if the two articles had meant to accuse their client of misappropriating US$700 million (RM2.6 billion).

When defending the unusual move, Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Wan Harun, one of the prime minister’s lawyers, conceded that his firm could have immediately accused WSJ of defamation but chose not to because the offending articles were “neither here nor there”, thus making the letter seeking clarification necessary.

Dow Jones’ reply was sent on Tuesday, exactly 14 days from July 8. Najib’s lawyers have since remained silent on the matter and are believed to be mulling over the prime minister’s next step.

After WSJ’s July 2 bombshell, Najib immediately responded by saying that he has never taken 1MDB money for “personal gain”.

The embattled prime minister also categorised the allegations as “political sabotage” and accused his former mentor-turned-chief critic Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of colluding with foreign media to unseat him.

A special taskforce — comprising Bank Negara Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Attorney-General’s Chambers — are currently investigating 1MDB and the claims in the WSJ report.

- Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/no-need-for-us-to-confirm-wsjs-1mdb-articles-are-clear-enough-dow-jones-tel

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

aman

Dear my boy Jimmy


Dear my boy Jimmy,

This is your teacher writing to you knowing that you wouldn't get the chance reading this.

The fact you will face justice in the harshest reality crushed my heart. I spoke to your little brother this morning. We talked about you. About your family. I wish I could wipe his tears away. But we managed to hold back our feelings.


You are ever so stupid, Jimmy. Shallow and unprepared as always. You haven't changed a bit.

And because of that, I know how strong your sense of loyalty is. It might be just because of a story of a stupid handphone, from a stupid friend of yours, you jeopardize everyone's life and happiness.

Just like what my RM10 birthday gift did to you. Just because of that, you became such a loyal student, following my orders to keep your cool at school but after that, you always landed yourself at the wrong place, wrong time and with the wrong crowd.

That broke my heart.

I couldn't imagine how shattered your mum's heart now. She has been crying a whole lot, not knowing what to do thinking about her son she would soon lose.

I prayed for you a lot tonight.
May Allah bring you closer to Him.
Let this be a lesson, a turning point in your life. Whatever punishment you will receive, I pray that Allah will purify your soul and turn you to be the best caliph He can make of a man.

Half of the whole world will hate you now.
The other half will use you to their benefits.

But your teacher here will pray for you and hope Allah will grant my prayers.

InsyaAllah, Jimmy. InsyaAllah.


Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204456091979226&set=a.3359027531373.2127674.1139558682&type=1
aman

Malaysia is destined for doom

British Expat

Published Jul 13, 2015 11:00am
Updated Jul 13, 2015 2:30pm


 I am a British national and have been based in Malaysia for the last two years with an internationally acclaimed biotechnology company. Over the past 20 years of my life, I have been travelling across the globe as per my job requirement. I am boldly saying that throughout all the countries I have visited so far, Malaysia is the worst because it is inhabited by bad politicians and even worse people.

Being in the know about the latest political situation in the country I am in is important as political stability affects the function of the company I work for. The situation in Malaysia today is the worst I have ever experienced so far.

Malaysia has two major political coalitions, the government and the opposition. Both coalitions are like headless chickens having no clue with the happenings internally and externally. Ironically, they rather point fingers at one another instead of solving internal conflicts. The situation is made worse by Malaysians who have no clue what they want.

The vision from my lens makes me understand that the majority of Malaysians want the current prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak, to resign which is not surprising with all the alleged scandals surfacing almost on a daily basis. On numerous occasions I have been with different groups of people and without fail politics is often discussed. Most say that Najib has to go.

I have asked everyone if he goes, who do they think should replace him? There has not been a single group of people who can collectively agree on one name to replace Najib. The number two man,Muhyiddin Yassin, is not favourable either. Anwar Ibrahim is in jail. Face it, his wife is no leader. She is the only female politician in the world that repetitively campaigns by crying and holding grandchildren.

Lim Guan Eng is a Chinese so he cannot be a prime minister. Azmin Ali may have been a choice but how he is handling the opposition coalition in Selangor rules him out either. These are not my words but merely by people who want Najib out. Everyone wants Najib out but there is no Plan B. Whoever succeeds him will still not satisfy Malaysians and in no time you people will want that person out, too.

Political instability stirs economic imbalance that keeps foreign investors away. The value of the ringgit plunges and the government gets the blame. In truth, the instability is brought by knee-jerk reactions from fellow Malaysians.

Generally, most Malaysians have already deemed Najib guilty because of reports from The Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal, an American paper is trusted by Malaysians more than the Americans themselves. Wall Street Journal and NY Times are not even the preferred medium in its country of origin.

If eventual investigations reveal Najib is not guilty of the accusations, and even if Wall Street Journal ultimately apologises, Malaysians will still play judge and accuse Wall Street of being bought over. That is so typical of Malaysians.

World champion keyboard warriors

When the unfortunate Malaysia Airlines faced disaster, most Malaysians became aviation experts and knew better than the authorities. When deaths occurred in a music festival, Malaysians became pathologists and forensic scientists. Now, Malaysians are bankers and economists. In truth, Malaysians are world champion keyboard warriors. I read that the opposition intends to call for a street rally to shoo Najib away and many people on social media are game for it.

During the flood crisis in Kelantan, why didn’t the opposition and fellow Malaysians gather people to be present and physically help? Would that not have been better? Malaysians would rather romp on the street, scream, make noise, vandalise things not belonging to them and cry foul on the government. Typical Malaysians.

I hear a hue and cry by Malaysians that emergency services and police are late to arrive on the scene during an emergency. How are they to be blamed when you Malaysians do not follow road rules at all? Emergency lanes are packed with vehicles because somebody is getting late for a dinner date or rushing for a movie.

Malaysians have been awarded as the worst drivers in the world. You people cannot follow basic road rules and you blame everyone else. When the police have road blocks and frequent checks, you say they are a nuisance and are corrupted. When they do not do so and crime occurs, you say they are not doing their job. What do you Malaysians actually want?

Today, the Malaysian hero is former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. You defend him by saying he brought development to the country and it is because of him Malaysia has huge enterprising buildings. More than half of Kuala Lumpur city central is allegedly owned by Arabs. Most sky rise buildings are owned by foreigners who are allegedly majority Singaporeans.

Concrete jungles have led to a rise in environmental issues. You speak of modernisation and call Mahathir your Father of Modernisation but Mahathir’s brainchild is Perkasa which continues to stir racial sentiments. Is that modernisation for you, Malaysia? Malaysians do not own half of your own country and the guy who caused this is your hero?

My contract in this country is at its tail-end. I had the option of extending my stay that I have gladly declined. Malaysians are too shallow-minded to fix anything. Instead of speaking on ways to solve the current crisis, Malaysians are only interested in clicking the delete button and hope a reboot will bring improvement. Keep on hoping, Malaysia.

At this current rate, Malaysia is doomed for failure and politicians alone are not the cause. Malaysians have a fair share in dragging down your own country, too.

Source: http://m.malaysiakini.com/letters/304945

Monday, July 13, 2015

aman

Tensions reignited outside Low Yat Plaza in fresh violence, several injured

BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA
Published: 13 July 2015 12:27 AM


An injured man is seen being tended to outside Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur. Tensions were reignited outside the plaza just after midnight today when a fight broke out between 2 groups, just hours after police had earlier ordered a large group outside the plaza to disperse. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, July 13,

Tensions were reignited outside Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur just after midnight today when a fight broke out between two groups, just hours after police had earlier ordered a large group outside the plaza to disperse.

Fistfights broke out among members of both groups while helmets and other items were thrown at each other.

Several people, including media personnel, were reportedly injured in the incident.

Reporters at the scene also said that what sounded like several explosions were also heard.

A reporter from a vernacular press who was caught in the melee was also punched in the face.

Several more police patrol cars were despatched to the area.

All shops in the area, including 24-hour convenience stores, have shuttered up as one group chased the other group along Jalan Bukit Bintang.


A scene outside the Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 13, 2015.Police have sent reinforcements who have stationed themselves along Jalan Bulan 1 and Jalan Bukit Bintang. More motorcycle unit police personnel were also seen seen arriving at the scene.

Police have ordered everyone, including media personnel to disperse, failing which, they were warned that they will be arrested.

One group was also overheard demanding to meet Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa.

Police then sent in four Federal Reserve Units and a water canon in Jalan Bukit Bintang.

The units began sweeping the area for the trouble-makers, making several arrests.

The drama at Low Yat Plaza began on Saturday when it was reported that a youth had visited a shop there to buy a Lenovo S860 handphone worth RM799.

The salesman who attended to the man later told The Star that when he turned away to get a free gift for the youth, the latter had escaped with the handphone.

A chase ensued and handphone dealers in another shop caught the suspect, assaulted him and handed him over to the police.

Yesterday, however, the suspected thief's friends barged into the plaza and attacked the store where the employees had helped in apprehending the suspect.

They were overpowered and thrown out of the plaza and later in the evening, some 200 people, some of them said to be from a Malay rights group Pekida, congregated at the plaza, forcing the authorities to order the businesses at the premises to close early.

Police, meanwhile, cordoned off the area and prevented the group from entering the building.

They were heard screaming derogatory and unsavoury remarks and appeared ready to charge into the premises when the management and authorities decided to close early.

Kuala Lumpur CID chief Datuk Zainuddin Ahmad had announced that the brawl last night was not racially motivated, but purely an act of revenge by a group of youths unhappy that one of their friends was arrested for allegedly stealing a mobile phone.

One of them, believed to a the group’s representative, was heard telling the crowd that the gathering was about seeking justice.

"We want justice and fairness, let the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) be aware of what happened yesterday," he said.

Yesterday's incident went viral on social networking sites with many jumping to the conclusion that it was racially motivated.

The postings on social media also said that the man currently in police custody for alleged shoplifting had been conned when purchasing a mobile phone at the shop.

It was claimed that the man had snatched a unit from a salesman after the latter had refused to replace the mobile phone he bought earlier.

Police then ordered the crowd to disperse.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajuddin who was at the scene, once again urged the public not to speculate on what had happened and allow police to conduct their investigation of the case.

"We are going to investigate both parties thoroughly without any bias," Tajuddin had said.

The situation was thought to have been resolved when two hours later, a group of about more than 100, turned up and started attacking another group, which led to chaos in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Until Press time, police were still combing the surrounding area, looking for trouble-makers. – July 13, 2015.

A fight broke out between two groups outside Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur just hours after police had earlier ordered a large group outside the plaza to disperse. – File pic, July 13, 2015.

A scene outside the Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur. Police have ordered everyone, including media personnel to disperse, failing which, they were warned that they will be arrested. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, July 13, 2015.

An injured man is seen being tended to outside Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, July 13, 2015.

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tensions-reignited-outside-low-yat-plaza-in-fresh-violence

Sunday, July 12, 2015

aman

PUSH-POCKET IN KUALA LUMPUR


Genuine message posted by a law firm in Malaysia. If you're going to KL, take note!

PUSH-POCKET IN KUALA LUMPUR 

I am sure you all have heard of 'pick pocket'. A new trend 'push pocket'.  Read on for your own good 

A few days ago a new type of crime has surfaced in town.

It goes something like this:- 
Somebody slips a hand-phone into your pocket, sometimes it could be just a wallet with an identity card and a few ringgit.

A few minutes later, the 'owner' comes up and confronts you, the 'thief '. He makes a big commotion that you stole his stuff. 

You, caught unaware, are then pulled aside by the 'owner' for a settlement. You are intimidated and threatened that if you do not pay up the police will be brought in. 

If you pay up, this 'owner' lets you go. If not, the police are brought in. 

Another strange thing is that there always seems to be a 'witness' to your 'theft'. 

I am told this often happens to foreigners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or even at LRT trains. 

Given that you're 'guilty until proven innocent' as far as the Malaysian police are concerned, 

I understand some poor people are in jail for these 'offences'. 

At the KLIA, the 'owner' throws his hand-phone and wallet with the few ringgit notes into the luggage trolley of a just arrived passenger. 

The drama unfolds a few minutes later. 
The real culprit has easily convinced our Malaysian police to arrest the real victim (if he has not paid up the 'settlement' demand). This is a very serious matter. 

This is another form of extortionists operating in broad daylight. They are disgusting criminals who will do anything 
to rob and steal. The sickening part of the whole scenario is that unless you pay the 'quoted settlement' money, they will put you in real trouble by calling the police. 

The real culprit gets back his hand-phone 
and wallet but the real victim ( i.e.. could be any one of us) is thrown into the police lock up and charged in court. 

So do be very careful, otherwise you may end up as a 'thief' as you have no way to prove your innocence.   Pass it on... let more people be aware of such things around them. 

Geh Cheng Lok & Co, Advocates & Solicitors

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

aman

'CheatKor', AmBank founder link to WSJ expose? Any truth?


07/07/2015 02:51 PM

Is there any truth to a posting made on the Internet about AmBank, its murdered founder Hussain Ahmad and money being deposited in an account under the name 'CheatKor'?

Narinder Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: A mysterious link has been made by a blogger between the 2013 murder case of AmBank founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi and an amount of US$620 million transferred to an account in AmBank in the same year.

The posting can be found on 'Singapore Hardware Zone.com'.

The post that has detailed the chronology of events up to the murder of Hussain on July 29, 2013, mentions that US$620 million was first deposited into an account under the name of 'CheatKor' in AmBank on March 21, 2013.

The next day on March 22, the AmBank founder Hussain had apparently made a report to Bank Negara that a significant amount of money was deposited into 'CheatKor's' personal account.

Following that another deposit of US$60 million was made to the same account on March 25 and the very next day Hussain was said to have once again made a report to Bank Negara.

The post then briefly mentions that that the May 5, 2013 general election was held in Malaysia and that every month AmBank had made reports to Bank Negara that a significant amount of money was being withdrawn from the 'CheatKor' account.

It made further claims that since Bank Negara failed to take any action on its reports, Hussain went on to file a police report on July 28.

The very next day, July 29, Hussain was shot dead in a carpark, said the posting.

It also said that all accounts under the name of 'CheatKor' were closed on Aug 30 the same year and the money was transferred overseas, while in September all IT department heads in AmBank were sacked and replaced.

Nevertheless, the post never made clear who this 'CheatKor' is or if there is any evidence to prove all the allegations made on the post.

The only statement that can be positively verified is the fact that AmBank founder Hussain was shot dead at a carpark in Kuala Lumpur on July 29, 2013.

The murderer, a tow truck driver, was sentenced to death in September 2014.

Other issues mentioned in the posting could be mere rumours or speculations that have been linked to the current controversies involving Prime Minister Najib Razak and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Last Friday, international news agency Wall Street Journal had made public that they have documented evidence to their knowledge that money worth US$680 million transferred to the personal accounts of Najib in AmBank.

Najib has denied using any funds related to the controversial 1MDB for personal use and is even mulling legal action against WSJ.

The link to the post can be accessed here

Source: http://www.beritadaily.com/news/2015-07-07/16776/cheatkor-ambank-founder-link-to-wsj-expose-any-truth
aman

3 frozen accounts belong to Najib, sources say

Sources revealed that three out of six bank accounts frozen belong to Datuk Seri Najib Razak. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 7, 2015.

Three out of six bank accounts frozen by a special task force yesterday belong to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as investigation into the alleged transfer of billions of ringgit into the personal accounts of the prime minister continues.

Sources revealed to The Malaysian Insider that two of the accounts were from Ambank and Affin Bank.

The freeze comes after a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) alleging that US$700 million from companies linked with 1MDB was deposited into Najib's personal bank accounts.

Earlier today, the task force, in a statement, said six bank accounts connected to the allegations had been frozen. The order to freeze the accounts was issued yesterday.

The statement was jointly issued by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed.

Apart from freezing the bank accounts, the task force also seized documents linked to 17 bank accounts at two banks for further investigation.

The task force said the freeze and seizures were related to the non-compliance of Bank Negara rules by the said banks.

The authorities' action was believed to be related to reports by business daily Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and whistleblower site Sarawak Report which revealed that investigations into 1MDB had allegedly uncovered billions of ringgit pumped into Najib's personal accounts.

The documents showed that US$700 million (RM2.67 billion) was moved among government agencies, banks and entities linked to 1MDB and finally ending up in the prime minister's personal accounts in five separate deposits, WSJ had said.

Three days ago, Gani reportedly said the task force was going through documents taken from the premises of SRC International Sdn Bhd, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd and Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd.

The three companies had also been named by WSJ in its report.

Najib had, so far, refuted the allegations and said it was a political ploy engineered by his opponents, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The New York-based publication insisted that their investigation was based on solid documentation. – July 7, 2015.

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/3-frozen-accounts-belonged-to-najib-sources-say


Related news/documents:

Note:
Portions of these documents have been redacted.
Source: Malaysian government investigation


Tuesday, July 07, 2015

aman

Can Najib Razak Survive 1MDB Scandal?

Najib Razak, Malaysia’s Prime Minister since 2009, is facing the greatest challenge of his leadership – and even the risk of criminal charges.

As we reported last week, Najib has been embroiled in the scandal surrounding the state investment fund 1MDB. The fund was already an embarrassment to him – not only has it run up $US11.6 billion in debts and attracted inquiries by four different institutions, from the auditor-general to the police, but Najib himself chairs the fund’s advisory board. But on top of that, last week he was alleged by theWall Street Journal to have received almost $700 million of transfers from the fund into his personal bank accounts, much of it during an election campaign.

If it is proven that the funds did indeed go into an account bearing his name, it is difficult to see how Najib can survive. But even if it isn’t proven, the allegations have come at a very difficult time for Malaysia’s leader. The UMNO party, which he represents, is in a period of internal turmoil as it recognises that it no longer has an automatic right to expect to win every election, and wonders whether Najib is the right person to lead it in this newly competitive political environment. Malaysia’s economy is struggling, particularly in an era of falling commodity prices; the country is one of the few in Asia to be a net exporter of commodities.

Source: ABC.net.au

And Malaysia’s elder statesman, Mahathir Mohamad, who led the country for 22 years and was something of a mentor to Najib, has turned against him. He has called for Najib to step down over the fund’s behaviour, and even beforehand was angry with Najib’s leadership. Later this week I will print an interview I conducted with Tun Dr Mahathir earlier this year which talks at length about his thoughts on Najib – which have not been positive for some time.

Worse, on Saturday the attorney general of Malaysia, Abdul Gani Patail, confirmed that he had received documents linking Najib to the investment fund, and is reported to feel there is the potential for them to lead to criminal charges if they turn out to be accurate. Najib himself has referred to the allegations as political sabotage, and has blamed Mahathir for orchestrating them.

Malaysia is a place where reputation matters enormously and where bad press sticks. Even if the attorney general does not feel the evidence is strong enough to prosecute, there is a very strong sense that Najib has been weakened regardless.

Chris Wright is the author of No More Worlds to Conquer, published by HarperCollins.


Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswright/2015/07/05/can-najib-razak-survive-1mdb-scandal/

Monday, July 06, 2015

aman

Food Myths


Durian + Coke = Deadly Poison 

Durian + Alcohol = Death

Durian + Milk = Heart Attack

Durian + Diabetic = Stroke

Durian + Overeating = Heatiness

Durian + Overeating = Constipation

True?

Claim: "A 28-year old Chinese man recently died after eating the exotic stinky fruit called durian. He wasn't killed by eating durian alone, but he died from drinking milk after eating durian. Apparently, there are many rules about what's forbidden when eating the unusual fruit, and unlike other urban myths, they are actually true. The man was on vacation in Thailand where he first ate a lot of durian and then drank a lot of milk (there's no explanation for why he drank milk after eating durian). He then died of a massive heart attack. The report described the poisoning as worse than a snake's venom. It turned out that in Thailand, there's a warning against eating any dairy products within 8 hours of eating durian. You also cannot drink wine or cola. Nor can you eat eggplant. Additionally, diabetic patients are not allowed to eat durian or they could suffer strokes. People who are suffering from the cold, flu, coughing, bronchitis, or too much heat in the body are also advised not to eat durian. If you do eat durian, never overeat it as the fruit can absorb water and expand in your stomach, causing constipation."

Fact:

1. Durian and Milk/Alcohol/Coke/Egg Plant/Cooling Foods does not have any form of adverse reaction that can trigger or resolve any health problems. These are common myth that are being spread through the media for ages. Durian ice cream is a common dessert, which has milk and durian!


2. Heart attack is caused by a blockage of the artery, as the heart muscle becomes "starved" for oxygen. Durian and Milk/Coke/Eggplant does not have blood clotting effect to cause such an effect.


3. Dietetic & Food Services at Changi General Hospital reported that: "Durians have zero cholesterol and no saturated fats. Cholesterol is found in foods containing saturated fats such as red meats, seafood and dairy products. Durians have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats which help to lower your levels of bad LDL cholesterol." Therefore, it is a heart healthy fruit but moderation is always the key.


4. Dietetic & Food Services at Changi General Hospital reported that: "Eating durians and alcohol at the same time will not kill you. There is no scientific evidence to show that this is a lethal combination. It is more likely to cause bloating, indigestion and discomfort as your liver has to work extra hard to metabolise both fats and sugars in the durians and the alcohol, especially if you have consumed both in excessive amounts."


5. Dietetic & Food Services at Changi General Hospital reported that: "Durians are naturally rich in potassium, dietary fibre, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex. The king of fruits is thus excellent for improving muscle strength and blood pressure, bowel movements and skin health. It also supports the nervous and immune systems, and enhances red blood cell formation."


6. According to conventional Chinese wisdom, a mangosteen / water drank from the durian husk, being a cooling component, will reduce the heatiness associated with durians. However, there is no scientific research to support this. The habit of eating durians and mangosteens together probably stems from the fact that the two fruits are harvested at about the same time.


7. In an animal study conducted by Chua et al. (2008), it was concluded that: to contrary to what some believe, the increase of body temperature caused by the consumption of durian was not significant. However, consuming any food that is nutrient dense will increase the body temperature. There is no strong scientific evidence on whether durian can be termed as "heaty" as many factors are considered in Chinese wisdom to define something as "heaty".

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Malaysia ringgit sinks to 16-year low on PM graft allegations, Companies & Markets News & Top Stories


SINGAPORE (REUTERS, BLOOMBERG) - Malaysia's ringgit hit a 16-year low on Monday as political tensions mounted over a report that linked Prime Minister Najib Razak to probes into alleged corruption involving state fund 1MDB.

The ringgit fell as much as 0.8 per cent to 3.8070 per US dollar, its weakest since May 1999.
Two of Malaysia's main opposition parties on Sunday demanded an emergency sitting of parliament to discuss MR Najib's future.

A Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report published on Friday said investigators had traced nearly US$700 million (S$945 million) to bank accounts they believed belonged to the prime minister.
Mr Najib has denied taking any money from the debt-laden state fund or any other entity for personal gain.

Malaysia's currency is Asia's worst-performing exchange rate this year as the political debate surrounding 1MDB that has engulfed Mr Najib compounded its woes. A 48 per cent drop in Brent crude prices from last year's peak prompted Fitch Ratings to warn in March that the net oil exporter faced the risk of a downgrade because of deteriorating finances.

Fitch refrained from doing just that on June 30 following a review and instead raised the outlook on the A- rating, the fourth-lowest investment grade, to stable from negative, resulting in a short-lived rally in the ringgit.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/malaysia-ringgit-sinks-to-16-year-low-on-pm-graft-allegations

Saturday, July 04, 2015

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Wall Street Journal stands by report on Najib

by akil yunus, thestar.com.my

July 4 
PETALING JAYA: The Wall Street Journal is standing by its report that millions of US dollars were channelled into the personal bank accounts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pic), saying that their investigation was based on solid documentation.
The journal’s Hong Kong Bureau chief Ken Brown said they took the investigations very seriously as it involved accusations against a country’s top leader.

“We were very careful and we believe the investigation and documents we have are solid and come from a reliable investigation and not a political investigation.

“The documents we saw have been shared with the Malaysian Attorney-General and others in government. It’s been seen by the Prime Minister,” Brown told CNBC in an interview Saturday.

Najib had refuted WSJ’s findings on Friday, saying that it was a political ploy engineered by his opponents to topple a democratically elected Prime Minister.
Brown said the response offered by the Prime Minister and his office had been similar when they ran a previous report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

“They (Prime Minister’s Office) were saying that the Prime Minister didn’t take any funds for personal use...they said political opponents of his were coming up with this story to hit him.
“It’s the same stuff they said from our earlier story about 1MDB. Reaction has been the same,” he told CNBC.

Asked if WSJ knew where the source of the money was from and what it was used for, Brown said they “know what they know”, adding that the money trail ended in the bank accounts with the Prime Minister’s name on it.

“We know what we know. One batch of money came from a unit in the Finance Ministry and another batch came through a private bank affiliated to Abu Dhabi.

“Where the money went, we don’t know. The trail we have ends at bank accounts with the PM’s name on it,” he added.

In its report Friday, WSJ noted from its investigations and documents it sighted that US$700mil (RM2.7bil) was transferred into Najib’s personal bank accounts prior to the 13th general election in 2013.

1MDB and the Prime Minister’s Office have vehemently denied the allegations, with Najib pinning the blame on former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of conspiring with his foreign allies to tarnish his image.

Friday, July 03, 2015

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10 Countries with the Worst Drivers

When travelling, there are some things that we take for granted, such as being able to find and take a minicab24/7. If you are travelling abroad and want to be able to rely on safe, comfortable and cost effective transportation, then you should be aware of the fact that taxis are not the optimal way of transport in every city or country. The following is a look at 10 countries that have some of the worst drivers imaginable. These are taxis that you may be better off avoiding if you want to have a positive and uplifting transportation experience.


1. Kuala Lumpur drivers
Drivers from Kuala Lumpur are well known for overcharging clients and detouring. Even though they are supposed to charge by the meter, many drivers refuse from doing so. The best advice is to simply wait for another vehicle if the driver resists from using the taximeter. Cars in Kuala Lumpur can often be rather old and in poor condition.
rome taxi driver
2. Drivers in Rome
Rome comes next, and the biggest reason for this is because most people cannot even find a vehicle available in Rome. Cars are scarce and the drivers are often rude and difficult to deal with. If it’s raining, expect to pay double or triple the price for a vehicle in Rome.
thailand taxi
3. Drivers in Bangkok, Thailand
Although many consider Bangkok, Thailand to have some of the best minicab drivers in the world, there are many drivers and tuk-tuk drivers that do not know the way. Some travellers expect that they get lost on purpose for a larger fare, but the truth is that many drivers in Bangkok are out of work farmers simply trying to make some extra money.
paris taxi driver
4. Paris drivers
Paris France is another tricky city, because Parisian drivers are known for being rude and difficult at times. If you speak French, it’s obviously much easier to get around in the French capital. If not, it’s advised to print out your address on a piece of paper.
New York yellow cab
5. Drivers in New York
Although New York minicabs are regarded for being cost effective and generally friendly, many drivers do not actually know the area and so the fare can be a lot more than what you expected.
mumbai old taxi
6. Mumbai drivers
Next comes India, but not because Indian minicabs are scarce. The Indian drivers will actually fight over your business, which is really not a good sign. On the negative side is the safety, which is not always the best in Mumbai. Many old cars don’t have seatbelts.
toyota taxi zurich
7. Zürich Drivers
The next place on the list is Zurich. English is not always spoken, and Zurich minicabs are often quite expensive. Unless your destination is a very well known destination such as the airport or a very large hotel, come prepared with your own directions or hope that the driver has a GPS.
cab in cairo
8. Cairo drivers
In Cairo, Egypt, drivers are known for following people around and stalking them trying to get more business.
shanghai taxi driver
9. Shanghai drivers
In China, you’d better have your destination written down on paper in Chinese, otherwise you are never going to find the destination that you seek.
Moscow taxi
10. Moscow drivers
Finally, in Moscow, drivers can be inconvenient, but they are at least generally inexpensive and honest. Availability is not always the best and it can be really hard to find vehicles in some areas of Moscow. Many illegal cars are driving around in Moscow and trying to get your business, which you should avoid to any price.
Source: http://www.londoncabs.co.uk/10-countries-with-the-worst-taxi-drivers/

Thursday, July 02, 2015

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GST has ‘killed’ magazine business, Berita Publishing MD says

Other factors cited are increased competition, poor advertising revenue and staffing difficulties’


KUALA LUMPUR: Berita Publishing has announced that it intends to exit the magazine publishing business in the wake of poor sales since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1, reports news portal mStar Online.

Managing Director Juhaidi Yean Abdullah claims that the business was no longer viable, pointing to the fact that 28,000 of 30,000 of the copies printed recently had been returned unsold by vendors.

“Factors which have contributed to this decision are increased competition, poor advertising revenue, difficulty in maintaining staff and the ‘killer’ factor, GST,” Yean told mStar Online.

The publisher, which began in 1973 as part of the New Straits Times stable, published various titles including Malaysian Business, Jelita, Anjung Seri and Madam Chair. Yean said that many newsvendors had stopped selling its magazines after the government implemented GST because they were reluctant to upgrade their cash registers by October this year as mandated by the authorities.

The decision has cost 50 experienced employees their jobs, including several with up to 40 years’ experience in their respective fields, particularly in marketing, distribution, editorial and administration.

“Apart from paying them appropriate compensation, the company has also issued them with testimonials and assisted in securing permanent employment for them,” Yean was quoted as saying. He said the company, which will retain 10 of its staff, intends to shift its focus to contract and other forms of publishing. It is also looking to venture into consultancy services.

Source: http://www.mstar.com.my/berita/berita-semasa/2015/07/01/bpub-henti-ops-majalah/
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Hasan Malek: No more monthly fuel price announcements


KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no more announcements of monthly petrol and diesel prices from now on, said Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek (pic).
"We have decided to stop the practice of announcing the prices on the last day of the month.
"From now, motorists will only know if the prices at midnight," he told reporters after attending an Umno Youth GST Open Day briefing here on Tuesday.
Last month, the announcement of the fuel prices was made through the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry website.
In June, motorists were informed that RON95 petrol and diesel would be priced at RM2.05 a litre, while RON97 fuel was RM2.35 per litre, inclusive of the Goods and Service Tax.
The Ministry decided to set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float from Dec 1 last year.
Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/30/No-More-announcement-on-Fuel/
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Azwan Ali’s attitude is unbecoming, says Perak mufti


Dr Harussani Zakaria says Azwan’s Twitter reply was full of ill-intentions and unjustly aimed at someone innocent



KUALA LUMPUR: Azwan Ali’s unnecessary expletive-laden Twitter reply to an unsuspecting follower of his has caught the attention of Perak mufti Dr Harussani Zakaria who has said his attitude, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, was totally unbecoming of a Muslim.

Speaking to Astro Awani about the TV personality’s verbal Twitter attack, he said, “His attitude doesn’t reflect that of a Muslim who is fasting and abstaining himself from committing sins. The fasting month is a month good Muslims are reborn.”

He also remarked that Azwan’s nasty reply was unjust as it was directed at an innocent follower.

“The act of mudslinging especially when unjustly directed at someone is an unbecoming attitude of a Muslim. He did not only accuse unjustly but his remarks were just full of ill-intentions.”

In the Twitter exchange that the mufti was speaking of, Azwan had asked those following him if they knew of a great steakhouse in which he could break fast at.

One follower, going by the handle NurAziraAzWa, replied, “menate” to which Azwan, having taken offence after mistakenly thinking she was calling him an animal using Kelantan slang, lashed back at her, saying, “Sundal, bertudung, paling binatang, menyalak real anjing, puiii puas hati tak neraka?”(Headscarf-wearing bitch, you’re a bigger animal barking like a real dog, puiii, happy in hell?)

Tweeting back at him, NurAziraAzWa asked “@azwanhjali, i means steak house MENATE laaa Divaaaa. Apa ni”, (I meant steak house MENATE laaa Divaaa. What is this?)

Me’nate is a five star steakhouse in Ampang renowned for serving the best steak in Klang Valley.

The mufti advised Azwan instead to ponder on the message in the al-Hujurat verse which clearly advises Muslims to abstain from harbouring ill-feelings towards others.

Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/07/01/azwan-alis-attitude-is-unbecoming-says-perak-mufti/