The UMNO Information Chief and Deputy Minister of Finance Ahmad Hj Maslan
The test of the pudding is in the eating. No matter how it is being presented or the story behind it, the true acceptance of the food is in the acceptance in the mouth and eventually, as it slides down the throat.
Pro-Anwarista news portal story:
Now, Ahmad Maslan tells Dr M, critics to learn about GST
BY LOOI SUE-CHERN
Published: 29 April 2015 3:44 PM
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan has hit out at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, asking him to check the Customs website to learn more about the GST. – The Malaysian Insider pic, April 29, 2015.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan has hit out at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, asking him to check the Customs website to learn more about the GST. – The Malaysian Insider pic, April 29, 2015.
Datuk Ahmad Maslan today told his critics including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to learn about the goods and services tax (GST).
The deputy finance minister, who has been criticised several times over his remarks on the tax, also hit out at Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin and academician Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Agus Yusof.
The duo had earlier this week criticised Ahmad Maslan for saying that Dr Mahathir did not understand the GST.
Dr Mahathir had also been calling for the GST to be scrapped.
“Dr Asri and Dr Agus don’t understand the GST, just like Dr Mahathir. That is all I can say.
“I hope those who advise and report to Dr Mahathir will give him the right picture. Don’t give him wrong information,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Communication and Multimedia Ministry media centre on Permatang Pauh.
“‘Kesian orang tua tu’ (pity the old man),” he told reporters at a press conference at the Barisan Nasional media centre in Permatang Pauh.
Ahmad Maslan said the GST had brought tax rates down, such as for individual income and corporate taxes.
He said if Dr Mahathir, Asri and Agus knew about that, he believed they would also support the GST.
“So for Dr Agus and Dr Asri, I recommend you learn more about the GST before you call me stupid and so on,” he said.
When asked if he wanted them to take lessons from him, he replied: “Not necessary. It is enough for them to check the website that explains how GST works.”
Ahmad Maslan had recently remarked that Dr Mahathir, who is a strong critic against the implementation of the GST and even suggested that it should be scrapped, did not understand the tax.
The remark drew criticisms from Asri, who posted on his Facebook that he now wondered whether a fool could be appointed to the Cabinet.
“If someone whom the majority of Malaysians perceive as ‘less intelligent’ (to avoid using the word stupid) because of his statements on GST, says that Tun Dr M, who is famous for his intellect, does not understand GST, then is the person who made that statement wiser than Tun Dr M?
“It got me thinking, in Islamic jurisprudence, a person who is safih (stupid or less intelligent) should not be allowed to manage wealth, even that of his own. So the question is, can people under this category be given the authority to manage the country’s affairs, which affect the people?
“Can the less intelligent be given important posts such as that of minister and the like?” Asri wrote in a Facebook post, without mentioning Ahmad Maslan.
Agus also posted a sarcastic statement against Ahmad Maslan on his Facebook page, suggesting that the latter and Dr Mahathir engage in a debate to determine which of them did not understand the GST.
“When Datuk Ahmad Maslan said Tun Dr Mahathir does not understand GST, I think both should have an open debate. I want to see who understands better.
“What I am sure about is GST doesn’t reduce prices of goods as claimed by Datuk Ahmad Maslan. So which of the two is the one who really doesn’t understand?” he posted.
This morning, quoting party sources, Astro Awani reported that “several Umno leaders had warned the deputy finance minister against highlighting GST issues”, especially after he was criticised on social media for his earlier statements on the new consumption tax.
However, this afternoon, Ahmad Maslan denied any such gag order, telling reporters, “I was not told by the leadership to stop talking about the tax. If I stop talking about GST, then the opposition wins.” – April 29, 2015.
The endless banter which criss-cross online media and social network alerts simply adds the confusion into oblivion, at the expense of a new law of the exchequer, enforceable by the authority of the Parliament.
It is not withstanding the fact that it too sparingly the rather harsh humility which many finds as a novelty which amplify the stupidity and inadequacy of those who are tasked to do it.
Nevermind the endless banter who is smarter than who or the other way around. The crux of the matter the introduction and process to educate and make the general public understand on the new consumption tax, which is supposed to correct the chain of goods and sale tax previously introduced better and fairer.
Needless to mention that the GST would improve the coffer of the nation’s Treasury by probably RM15-16 billion per annum and the program to reschedule the targeted subsidy could be on the way, for a fairer delivery in Prime Minister Najib’s administration to just the equilibrium of wealth.
In essence and practice, it failed. There are hugely more percentage of people who are confused by it rather than willing to stand by Prime Minister Najib as one of the mechanism of his transformation plan.
It is obvious that the man who has been tasked on the dual role and responsibility on this as the Chief Propaganda for UMNO and Deputy Minister of Finance, failed miserably.
Both in the aspects of understanding and acceptance of the consumption tax and a material for political boon.
We are not sure how many people is willing to have it further in their throats, let alone can either stomach these clowning of a job which is supposed to be very serious.
Taxation is an accounting interpretation of a law which is as certain as mortality. Telling the story of it and making common people understand has turned out to be somewhat divine otherwise. From the books of the Lords of Court Jesters, that is.
Chairman for ASEAN Summit 2015 Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak urges to quickly implement the Code of Conduct (based on Document of Conduct ASEAN inked which include China in Nov 2002 and UNCLOS 1982) to resolve the multiple claims of South China Sea or ‘Nine-Dash-Line’.
Channel News Asia story:
ASEAN needs to address China’s reclamation in disputed sea: Statement
By Melissa Goh, Malaysia Bureau Chief, Channel NewsAsia
POSTED: 28 Apr 2015 19:54
UPDATED: 28 Apr 2015 23:59 A day-late release of the concluding ASEAN summit statement by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was stronger than expected on the South China Sea.
PHOTOSVIDEOS
LANGKAWI: ASEAN needs to urgently address Beijing’s reclamation work in the South China Sea.
This was the key takeaway as Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak wrapped up a summit that focused on the issue as a potential threat to regional stability.
A day-late release of the concluding ASEAN summit statement by Prime Minister Najib Razak was stronger than expected on the South China Sea. It reflected concerns by the Philippines and Vietnam and was amended at the last minute and only released a day after the summit ended.
Analysts had expected the grouping to steer clear of comments about China, but Manila has warned that failure to call China to task over the reclamation work on islands it also claims would undermine ASEAN credibility and solidarity.
Najib denied that the issue has split the grouping. “I see there is strong ASEAN unity and solidarity, we may defer slightly in our approaches but we are all on the same page – the principles on how we deal with South China Sea.”
He said ASEAN would continue to engage China through non-confrontational means by adhering to international laws, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
ASEAN foreign ministers meanwhile are tasked to urgently address the issue and push for early conclusion of a code of conduct with China in the South China Sea.
But the Philippines still wants an international tribunal. “We are still pursuing our case for arbitration in a tribunal,” said Philippines Foreign Minister Alberto Rosario.
However, other member countries prefer a softer approach. “China is an important partner of ASEAN and ASEAN is an important partner for China. We will try to intensify our dialogue with China,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
China is ASEAN’s largest trading partner. Two-way trade is targeted to reach US$1 trillion by 2020. Beijing in the past year has tried to improve ties with its ASEAN neighbours by unveiling plans for massive investment in Asian infrastructure.
ASEAN, Najib said, is supportive of China’s proposal to help build new overland and maritime trade routes between Asia and Europe under the one belt one road initiative.
– CNA/ec
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We have had extensive and repetitive discussion here about the ‘Nine-Dash-Line’ and China’s attitude and aggressive approach towards the motive of expanding its control and territorial claims all over South China Sea.
We would to add a commentator’s take on the matter and brief history on the development of the unsubstantiated claims by China:
“Simply put, if the Chinese have their way, we will lose about a quarter of our territory! Yet not much has been really made known to public, as if we can simply sweep this under the proverbial carpet. In comparison, we are so concerned about a bunch of rag tag fighters taking over a small kampung named Tanduo in Lahad Datu.
Much had been said about Chinese claims over most of South China Sea and how it is according to them, “indisputable based on historical facts and maps”.
Check out the following link to The Philippine’s Institute of Maritime and Ocean Affairs.
They took the pain to researched and published all these maps going back to 1136 AD where a stone etched map from Fuchang, China made during the Song Dynasty. The map titled ‘Hua Yi Tu’ or ‘Map of China and the Barbarian Countries’ was published in the 1900s and is now in the Forest of Stone Steles Museum in Xi’an, China. (Yup – they call everybody else “barbarian”).
This and another 71 maps, including 15 maps from China itself consistently show Hainan Island as the southernmost territory of China. On the other hand the sometimes 10 dash line, sometime 11 dash line and more recently 9 dash line is only based on some Chinese idiot’s sketch in 1947. It is only officially lodged (vaguely and not in compliance with UNCLOS or international standard and norm) to the UN in 2009!!
The Chinese “Historical Facts” is just a Giant Historical Lies!! Yet they have no qualm pushing their way and pretending like they are in the right.”
The Jews do rule the world by proxy. The have strategically controlled and placed their own minders in many industries including banking, capital and debt markets, trade and even media.
First they controlled the philosophers and political ideologists, as far back as the Victorian era. At the same time, many of the industrialists and government leaders were already under their indirect but strategic command and control.
These people brought upon the notion of universal values such as human rights, freedom of speech and expression and promoted individualism and concept such as pluralism.
These notions are being extrapolated for ordinary people to challenge everything in their system, which include traditional values, philosophies and traditions in the argument for liberal thinking and individualism. Even values previously which bound society through faith are not spared.
Then they started to introduce people’s revolution via extended universal values such as transparency, open society and liberal movements. They promoted the idea to challenge the convention for the lame excuse in the benefit of individualism, despite it was constituted through the process of democracy.
The intention was to invoke the catalyst of controversy and contention, with the end ill-intent to destabilise. Whether the attack is intended against a leader, corporation, government, society or even an entire nation and/or ethnic group, it does not matter.
Global Witness attack against Taib Mahmud when he was the Sarawak Chief Minister
It used to be through the charisma of personalities, comprehensive use of media and slick influence created through market ripples. Now, its the extensive and intensity of the social media.
They hype to create the propaganda where it was ‘fashionable’ to follow and support their path, even it was based on falsehood.
Governments were toppled. Nations crumbled. Societies destabilised. Countries like Iraq, Libya, Syria and Egypt were either almost destroyed or paralysed.
All these were properly funded.
Sarawak Report attack on Sabah Chief Minister
They fabricated materials which were presented as ‘evidence’ and created a hype over it. As in the principle where Nazi Chief Propagandist Josef Goebbels placed his bets on, “If a lie is repeated over and over again, it becomes the truth”.
These are the people who are behind London-based organisations such as Sarawak Report. They fabricated on attacks against Chief Ministers of Sarawak and Sabah, all in the sordid excuse of “Corruption and abuse of power which resulted of serious environmental issues attributed to over-logging”.
Now that they have created footing especially in the minds of Malaysians, through the extensive utilisation of new and social media, they have moved onto something more strategic and started on to 1MDB.
Sarawak Report structured agenda. Note the consistent stories, lined on the right
Since they started early, they have the strategic advantage of ‘First impression, lasts’. The Sarawak Report has since about four years advantage to poison the minds of many Malaysians that some are amiss and abuse, negligence and cover ups caused RM billions are lost at the behest of tax payers’ sovereign wealth.
Doubts created will the used to cast even bigger distrust against the government which is empower by the majority and have proven to serve the nation’s interests, in continuity ever since Malaysians gained the power of democracy.
They have now found their minions in Malaysia in the form and substance of pro-Opposition personalities, who are behind NGOs such as Global Witness Director of C4 for Malaysia.
Never even for a blink of an eye to be misguided by any of the channels of the Jews’ strategic ‘Agenda’ to continue to thrive on their rule by the division they created, especially through well crafted and scripted propaganda and amplified falsehood.
It is science that only a complete obsolete personality in character, behaviour, thought process and attitude can relate and attest to another. The Psuedo-Emperorissimo of Middle Kingdom in Malaysia has time and again proven this.
The pro-Opposition Anwarista controlled online news portal story:
Kit Siang says Ku Li can be next PM in his ‘Save Malaysia’ agenda
Published: 28 April 2015 12:04 PM
Like former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said he too felt Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to be a good choice for the next prime minister.
Lim said in view of the current problems faced by both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR), he came up with several likely candidates to be considered for the top post and Tengku Razaleigh was one of them.
He said this was part of his effort to push the “Save Malaysia” idea – forming a new government that comprise lawmakers from both sides of the political divide – to keep up with the changing political landscape.
“I had in fact named several names, from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah among the present batch of 222 MPs who could be considered as possibilities as prime minister material of such a “Save Malaysia” grand coalition – and Tengku Razaleigh was one of them,” he said in a statement.
The Gelang Patah MP said it was important to have someone who could win the confidence of the current batch of MPs to lead the national agenda of “Save Malaysia” to defend constitutionalism, the rule of law and moderation.
In the statement, which was also his speech at a ceramah in Pengkalan Rinting, Johor Baru last night, Lim presented the audience with two options as solutions to the current impasse and multiple crises faced by the country.
“Either have snap general election or the present batch of 222 MPs should rise above race, religion and party affiliation to elect a “Save Malaysia” PM who is committed to defend constitutionalism, the rule of law and moderation,” he said.
Lim said Malaysia is in a “no man’s land” because the country has never been engulfed with so many crises at one time, giving the example of the RM42 billion 1MDB debts, the GST, the racial and religious polarisation, the loss of confidence in the prime minister and troubles within Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.
“For the first time in the nation’s history, there is open speculation as to who should be the new prime minister of Malaysia,” he said.
For the formidable task, Lim said Malaysians must be prepared to put their differences aside and concentrate all the energies on a common agenda – to save Malaysia from all the forces threatening to tear the country asunder.
“I had said that the prime minister of such a ‘Save Malaysia’ coalition can come from either side of the present political divide, can be from the Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak or Sabah and can be a man or a woman.
More importantly, he said that the next PM must be able to win the confidence of the 222 MPs and be able to lead the national agenda of “Save Malaysia” to defend constitutionalism, the rule of law and moderation “as Malaysia’s way of life and as a model to the world”. – April 28, 2015.
Maybe Malaysians should be reminded that this person who have been in active Malaysian politics since the mid-1960s is recommending another who is of the same generation. Both simply refuse to retire and bow away from mainstream over-the-table politics.
Despite Tengku Razaleigh once sat at the helm of Pernas, Bank Bumiputra and Petronas as one of the pioneer executives and later the Finance Minister for eight years, that were all in very distant past. To be precise, more than 30 years away.
Ku Li is only known for his fondness to relate to something in the past. Like still raising the ‘tin stock pile’, whenever he tries to relate the current economic scenario and offer his idea of a ‘solution’.
There is no way Ku Li can be Prime Minister. No BN MP would be in the right frame of mind to support him, considering that he is a totally a spent bullet in every single perspective and depth.
The very least, it is unimaginable how would Malaysia benefit from a thought process, energy and dynamism of a man who is 78 years old.
The one time celebrated blue-eyed man of Tun Razak has not said anything remotely worthy of ‘thought provoking’ (in the positive way) in the past thirty years. In fact, he doesn’t get to be invited to speak that often.
Certainly not by international conferences, forums and convergence of MNCs.
He effectively has no new ideas what so ever and totally cannot relate to the current issues, technology and way of doing things, let alone what is the inclination and how young people think.
In suggesting, it is without any ounce of doubt that Kit Siang himself is obsoletus.
The fact that Kit Siang did not suggest via media that the Oppostion should invite Ku Li over to across the Dewan Rakyat chamber and assume the vacant post of the Opposition Leader, demonstrates that even his own party is not convinced that Ku Li is a leader material.
In the current flavour of the 26th ASEAN Summit now in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi where Malaysia is chairing, the world should be reminded that the Royal Malaysian Navy celebrates its 81st anniversary today.
It was formed as Straits Settlement Naval Volunteer Reserve and it has grown so far ever since. RMN is now a formidable and respectable naval force in region, especially after acquiring submarine force capability and assets since 2009.
Two RMN Perdana Class submarines in Sepanggar Bay and an RMAF S61 Nuri helicopter approaching and the Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop
Malaysia is a maritime nation. 30% of the nation’s food resource and over 90% of the trade requires safe passageway in the open seas.
Coupled with the fact that the world’s second most busiest maritime passageway, the Straits of Melaka and South China Sea are part of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as defined under United Nation Conference Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), arisen the requirement for a strong naval and maritime force.
A detailed map of China’s claims into ASEAN nations’ EEZ
It is imperative that a seemingly formidable naval and maritime force exist to police and serve the security and defense requirements and obligation, to maintain the safe passageway as well as sovereignty and the defence of the realm.
In the complexity of modern day hybrid of economic, political and even military projection of power and eventually control and dominance, Malaysia too must keep herself abreast with all these developments. Needless to say, makes the necessary preparations and upgrade existing capability and role and positioning.
China’s military maneurvres affecting neighbouring nations and region the past 40 years are centred on hydro-carbon deposits
The fact is that many are watching all the military manoeuvres by PLAN and tough diplomatic warnings, China is out to set ‘De Facto Control’ in the South China Sea.
The Wall Street Journal story:
China Set to Consolidate ‘De Facto Control’ of South China Sea, Philippine Official Says
By JASON NG and BEN OTTO
April 26, 2015 6:39 a.m. ET
KUALA LUMPUR—The Philippines cautioned Sunday that China will likely continue reclamation work in the South China Sea and called on Southeast Asian nations to confront the issue before their much-larger neighbor extends its influence over the contested waters.
Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. In recent months, China has been expanding two islands it controls and began construction of seven new islets in the sea under its reclamation program.
China is “poised to consolidate de facto control of the South China Sea,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario told his counterparts during a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The implications, he said, are “urgent and far-reaching, going beyond the region to encompass the global community.”
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Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei—all members of Asean—lay claim to part of the sea. Asean members and China signed a nonbinding pact in 2002 to refrain from actions in the disputed region such as building on islets. That pact was to lead to a legally binding code of conduct in the region, which remains pending.
The Philippines and Vietnam have accused China of breaking the deal through its recent activities, while China says it is entitled to undertake construction projects within its own sovereign territory. Manila has long led the charge against China in the disputed waters, last year warning Asean members that Chinese reclamation threatened to militarize the region and filing a complaint at the United Nations.
Mr. Del Rosario warned that if China successfully completes its reclamation work before signing the binding code—“which is likely to happen”—any eventual agreement would have the effect of “legitimizing China’s reclamation.”
“Asean should assert its leadership, centrality and solidarity,” Mr. Del Rosario stressed. “Asean must show the world that it has the resolve to act in the common interest.”
Chinese officials didn’t immediately comment publicly on Mr. Del Rosario’s remarks.
Write to Jason Ng at jason.ng@wsj.com and Ben Otto at ben.otto@wsj.com
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It is a very important ingredient to maintain sovereignty, safe passageway for maritime and economic purposes, serve the extension of foreign and other policy and above all, maintain neutrality.
The progression of China’s attitude of territorial expansion and imperialism, especially in the unsubstantiated claims of the Nine-Dash-Line is a growingly thorny and worrying issue to ASEAN nations. One of hand China wants to be ‘friendly’ with ASEAN but the aggressiveness and actions of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy points the other way.
The signatories of the Document of Conduct
Despite being signatory to the Declaration of Conduct in November 2002 with ASEAN, China has demonstrated her unwillingness to progress further to ensure that Conduct of Conduct (COC) is complied but intead stubbornness to adhere.
It is necessary that the desire which has since been translated into wrongful (as per defined by UNCLOS) occupation should be impeded from further progression.
Associated Press story:
Philippines urges ASEAN to stop China’s land reclamation in South China Sea
Published April 26, 2015 Associated Press
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Philippines on Sunday urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take immediate steps to halt land reclamation by China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, warning that failure to do so will see Beijing take “de facto control” of the area.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers that if China’s construction of artificial islands on reefs claimed by other countries is allowed to be completed, then Beijing will impose its claim over more than 85 percent of the sea.
Rosario urged the grouping to “stand up” to China by urging it to halt its reclamation work.
China, Taiwan and ASEAN members Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
ASEAN has maintained a cautious stand in the dispute to avoid angering China, a key trading partner.
Rosario said the reclamation threatened to militarize the region, infringe on rights of other states and damage the marine environment.
He warned that China, which has been dragging its foot on ASEAN’s push for a binding code of conduct governing behavior in the sea, will aim to complete its reclamation activities before it agrees to conclude the code.
If this happens, he said that the code will legitimize China’s reclamation.
“The threats posed by these massive reclamations are real and cannot be ignored or denied,” he said. “ASEAN should assert its leadership, centrality and solidarity. ASEAN must show the world that it has the resolve to act in the common interest.”
The Philippines filed a case with an international arbitration tribunal in 2013 challenging China’s claim.
Beijing has defended the reclamation, saying it is Chinese territory and the structures are for public service use and to support Chinese fishermen.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Friday that ASEAN leaders are expected to raise concerns over Chinese land reclamation at their two-day summit starting Monday and will seek to speed up plans for the code of conduct with China.
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Atolls and reefs within the Nine-Dash-Line that China illegally occupy or for lack of better words, invaded, have since witness the rapid reclamation exercise and construction for bigger permanent facilities such as an airstrip.
IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly story:
China starts work on Mischief Reef land reclamation
Airbus Defence and Space imagery dated 19 July 2014 and 30 January 2015 shows the start of dredging by China at Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. (CNES 2014/Distribution Airbus DS/IHS)
James Hardy, London and Sean O’Connor, Indianapolis, IN – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly
11 March 2015
Airbus Defence and Space imagery dated 19 July 2014 and 30 January 2015 shows the start of dredging by China at Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. (CNES 2014/Distribution Airbus DS/IHS)
China has begun to create land on Mischief Reef in Beijing’s latest move to firm up its South China Sea claims.
IHS Maritime identified the dredger as Tian Kai , a trailing suction hopper dredger operated by CCCC Tianjin Dredging Co Ltd that was in the area from 14 January to 16 February.
The Airbus imagery shows Tian Kai dredging a channel close to one of China’s existing platforms in the reef, and depositing the spoil on the reef to create a landmass.
China’s existing presence on Mischief Reef consisted of two small concrete platforms that included buildings and shelters for fishermen.
Other data from IHS Maritime suggests that China is deploying its latest China Coast Guard (CCG) offshore patrol vessels to monitor potential outside interest in the dredging activities. AISLive data showed that Haijing 3307 , a 3000-tonne OPV fitted with water cannon and capable of embarking a helicopter, patrolled an area to the southeast of Mischief Reef from 5 to 24 January and again from 12 to 27 February.
Chinese media have also released satellite images suggesting China is beginning to create a landmass at Subi Reef, which is about 25 km southwest of the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island: Manila’s only Spratly island to have an airstrip. China’s presence on Subi Reef previously consisted of a concrete platform that included buildings, a helipad, and geodesic dome probably fitted with communications equipment.
Meanwhile, Beijing has reacted strongly to comments by the Vietnamese head of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in which he rejected China’s ‘dashed-line claim’ to the South China Sea.
ASEAN secretary general Le Luong Minh told Philippine reporters in Jakarta on 4 March that all ASEAN claimants opposed the dotted line concept because it did not accord with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and because the dotted line covered “90% of the South China Sea”.
“There is no way it can be accepted by any party to UNCLOS,” Le said.
Le described China’s land reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands as potentially dangerous as they were changing “the status quo”.
“The expansion and illegal [occupation] of islands affect the status quo and [they are] complicating the situation,” he added.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei responded on 11 March by saying that ASEAN was not a party to the South China Sea dispute and that Le “has many times made partisan statements that do not accord with the facts nor suit his position” as ASEAN secretary general.
“This is a serious deviation from the neutral position ASEAN and its secretary general ought to have on the relevant issue, and damages the image of ASEAN as a regional international organisation,” Hong added.
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It is considerably unlikely that China would bow to diplomatic pressure and response positively, despite the steady growth of trade between the ambitious neo-pesudo Super Power and ASEAN. A good example is that being a signatory of DOC, China refuse to resolve the Scarborough Shoalsissues with the Philippines at the International Court of Justice.
The only way to check on PLAN for further illegal intrusion and possession on atolls and reefs especially in disputed multiple-claims territory such as the Spratlys and most of South China Sea under the unsubstantiated Nine-Dash-Line is to have a formidable naval force.
Hence, the Royal Malaysian Navy must be expanded in its role and capability in the soonest and shortest time to ensure that it serves the obligation to provide defence of Malaysia’s EEZ on top of its new role as the ‘extension of Malaysia’s foreign policy’.
The relatives of those who killed by the British Army in 1948 near Batang Kali, are claiming from the British Government to own up for the shooting of the 24 men.
BBC.com story:
1948 Malayan killings case reaches UK Supreme Court
14 minutes ago
From the section UK
Relatives of the dead men lost a case at the Court of Appeal last year
Relatives of 24 men killed by British troops in Malaya in 1948 have begun making their case in the UK Supreme Court for a public inquiry.
Five judges are considering whether the UK has a duty under human rights laws to investigate the shooting of villagers at Batang Kali.
The families, who say the men were “massacred”, had their case rejected by the UK Court of Appeal last year.
British forces at the time of the killings said the men were insurgents.
Lawyers for the families argue that Britain has a responsibility to commission an independent inquiry under the European Convention on Human Rights – even though the convention was signed after the incident took place.
BBC legal affairs correspondent Clive Coleman said the case was “extraordinary and very troubling”.
He said the relatives of the 24 men had fought a “six-and-a-half-decade battle to get the case to the highest court in the land”.
Among those attending the Supreme Court proceedings was 78-year-old Madam Lim Ah Yin, who was 11 years old at the time of the killings.
She said: “I want to let them [the judges] know the struggle and hardship that my beloved mother suffered after the death of my dad during the massacre.”
The families’ solicitor, John Halford, said those killed were “British subjects living in a British Protected State”.
“They and their families have a right to meaningful British justice.”
Last year, the Court of Appeal heard that at least three of the soldiers who were on patrol and at least five villagers who were at Batang Kali were still alive.
They were told oral evidence from living witnesses, including soldiers and the appellants, would be available to an inquiry.
line
What is the case about?
Last year relatives said their “journey to seek redress and justice has not come to an end”
On 11 and 12 December 1948 – when Malaya was still a British colony – 24 villagers were killed by a platoon of Scots Guards during a raid at Batang Kali.
The men were Chinese migrant workers suspected by the British of helping rebels during the Malayan Emergency – a conflict between communist guerrillas and British and Commonwealth forces, which lasted 12 years.
An investigation at the time cleared the soldiers of wrongdoing, but in 1970 some of the soldiers said the villagers had been executed.
In the 1990s, authorities in Malaysia opened an investigation, but it was halted before a conclusion was reached.
There have been numerous calls for a public inquiry – all of which have been rejected by the UK.
line
‘Deeply regrettable’
Giving last year’s Court of Appeal’s ruling, Lord Justice Maurice Kay said it was alleged that 24 civilians were “executed without any justification, and that the authorities thereafter have either covered up what occurred or have been reluctant to take the necessary steps to enable the truth – whatever it may be – to be revealed”.
He added: “This has never been accepted by the British authorities, who have maintained that the deceased were shot while they were attempting to escape.”
Michael Fordham QC, representing relatives, said that what happened in 1948 remained a “hugely significant and unresolved instance of human rights abuse”.
He told the court that, despite the passage of time, it was still worthwhile for “historic wrongs” to be investigated.
The judges acknowledged that the original investigation into the killings had been “woefully inadequate”, and said it was “probable” the relatives’ case would succeed in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
In 2012, a UK government spokesman called the 1948 incident “deeply regrettable” but said a public inquiry “would not be able to reach any credible conclusions given the length of time passed”.
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It is thought that all responsible or had first hand knowledge of this bloody incident are no longer alive. Hence, no one is unable to come forth, to testify if there is any inquiry or tribunal.
This include if any of these men of G platoon, 2nd Scots Guard who rounded up Chinese villagemen in a plantation near Batang Kali Selangor on 12 December 1948, who believed they acted under the “Queen’s Peace”rule.
After all, the British and Commonwealth Forces were present in Malaya were in a state of war, despite it wasn’t declared as a ‘war’.
Malayan Communist Party, whose members are the Malayan People’s Liberation Army and predominantly of Chinese ethnicity, continued the struggle of an armed rebellion as terrorists despite Japanese Imperial Army surrender on 15 August 1945.
They were initially armed by British commandoes at the start of World War II as part of the resistance group in Malaya, during the Japanese occupation (8 December 1941 – 15 August 1945).
A quarter of million dollars bounty for Chin “Butcher of Malaya” Peng, from a 1950s Straits Time headline
On 16 June 1948, these rebels killed three British planters in Sungai Siput, Perak and the British government administering Malaya summarily declared the whole peninsular under a state of emergency.
They terrorised the common people, paralysed infrastructure, destroyed amenities and this adversely affected economy. Rubber trees in plantations were hacked, factories, smokehouses and dredges were attacked and destroyed.
War is a tragedy. The man who started and led this armed rebellion to begin with and for over 42 years, has too died since.
The attempt to absolve this case in the name of human rights should also be extended to the other over 10,000 souls perished as the result of brutality caused by the armed rebellion of MCP. Mr Fordham QC should consider this larger lot as well.
Some of us were invited to have a private session with Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, about a week after he lashed his critics against Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak and openly asked the Sixth Prime Minister to go.
We heard from the Fifth UMNO President’s own mouth on the points he had in his head, considering that he has been complaining (in private) about the eldest son of the former’s political idol for quite a bit now.
“I cannot be seen as disagreeing with everyone”, a consistent phrase he had reminded us for a few times in our private engagements over more than two years.
PM Najib’s first GE: BN fared worse than 12GE despite UMNO gaining 9 more MPs. MCA lost 8MPs where else DAP gained extra 10MPs
Despite, Tun Dr. Mahathir kept this thoughts to himself threw his relentless support, to ensure BN win big in 13GE. He was out campaigning, as if he was still an active politician.
He was all over Kedah. He was in Johor Bahru. He was in Selangor. He was on stage, to lend Ku Nan’s bid for Putrajaya Parliamentary seat. He even campaigned for unknown Dr. Mazlan Ismail, in his attempt to defeat Anwar Ibrahim in Permatang Pauh.
He also did say that if Prime Minister Najib fared worse than his predecessor, in all fairness, then he should go. Over all, BN did worse in 13GE as compared to 12GE despite wrestling Perak and Kedah back from the Opposition.
At the State Assemblies in 13GE. The one time UMNO/BN ‘fixed deposit’ saw the impairment of quarter of DUN seats where else it was a very thin margin in Terengganu and Perak
Particularly in Selangor, where Prime Minister Najib then was BN and UMNO Liaison Chief. UMNO saw the reduction from 21 to 12 ADUNs and BN only manage to scathe with five MPs.
We are not sure what is the plan now since UMNO party elections is so far away. What is immediately interesting how this will affect the Permatang Pauh by-election which is coming up around the corner, where it was a perfect opportunity for the people to bury Anwar & Co. for good.
Never the less, it is a situation where the ‘sum of all fears’ for too many people, especially within the party.These are the same people who kept the status quo in late October of 2013, when they could have made a difference.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd. Yasin praised Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for his consistency and perseverance in standing up and telling the truth, from the days as an ordinary UMNO member and young doctor till present day, which include against the West and champion the efforts to criminalise war.
Astro Awani story:
‘You’re not alone in telling the truth, Dr M’, says Muhyiddin
Astro Awani | Updated: April 19, 2015
(First published on: April 19, 2015 17:11 MYT)
KUALA LUMPUR: Any clues of extremism among Malaysians must be immediately blocked and addressed before it poses serious threat to the stability and peace in the country, deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.
Strong measures, he said must be put in place to keep such threats in check and address its root causes.
“Malaysia has done so by introducing tough laws to deal with such threats, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) which has been passed by the Parliament recently,” he said when delivering his keynote address at the International Forum ‘Engaging The Young To Criminalise War and Energise Peace’ at Putra Word Trade Centre (PWTC) here.
Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister during delivering the keynote address to the 300-odd participants, also commended Dr Mahathir on his role as a proponent of war movements with the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War — the foundation which Dr Mahathir founded and sits as chairman.
Muhyiddin lauded Dr Mahathir for speaking his mind and expressing his views and advocacy against war.
“Tun has been very vocal in voicing out the brutal truth about war and the misery he causes to the mankind. and therefore calls for war to be made a crime. I must praise you, Sir for your bravery, perseverance in stating the brutal truth about and your guts to stand against a powerful nation,” said Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin said the theme for this international conference was most appropriate as it had clear and precise message to the young, as they assumed an important role in the shaping of the future.
“The organisers have also scheduled the young members of the pioneering CWC to share their world views of what their movement is all about, their hopes and aspirations,” said Muhyiddin.
He added the young generation must understand and appreciate that this country had been blessed in many ways, and that there was no armed conflict or massive loss of life like in other places.
“I remind you of this to highlight to our young audience here of what peace and goodwill can bring to all of us, not just in our own homes and backyards, but also at the international level. And because we have given our children the best in education, health care and welfare, most Malaysians enjoy a high standard of living.
“Many are able to seek jobs internationally, all because of a solid background in primary and secondary education,” he said.
Muhyiddin also advised the young that they must appreciate the time and Dr Hasmah’s effort on her involvement to the projects under CWC.
There would be some who would prefer to read what Muhyiddin said today and construe it as a subliminal message in support of Tun Dr. Mahathir’s call for Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak to quit.
However, it is also important to relate what the UMNO Deputy President said in Jakarta, when the Fourth Prime Minister called for the current Prime Minister to go.
Astro Awani story:
Sebagai ahli UMNO, Dr Mahathir berhak bersuara – Muhyiddin
Astro Awani | Kemas kini: April 09, 2015
(Diterbitkan pada: April 09, 2015 16:29 MYT)
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Sebagai ahli UMNO, Dr Mahathir berhak bersuara – Muhyiddin
Muhyiddin minta Tun Mahathir beri Najib peluang tadbir dengan cara sendiri
JAKARTA: Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menegaskan sebagai ahli UMNO, Tun DR Mahathir berhak untuk bersuara dan menulis sesuatu, lapor Bernama.
Muhyiddin juga dilaporkan berkata beliau tidak merasakan Dr Mahathir mempunyai niat tidak baik apabila mempersoalkan tentang dana pelaburan negara 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
“Saya tidak fikir Tun (Dr Mahathir) berniat tidak baik sebab dia kata dia ahli UMNO dan sebagai ahli UMNO dia berhak untuk bersuara dan kita tidak menyekat beliau bersuara, menulis sesuatu.
“Kita hadapi masa mencabar, kita nak UMNO dan BN (Barisan Nasional) kuat,tak apalah pembangkang kuat tak kuat itu soal dia tetapi yang penting diperingkat UMNO kita mesti bersatu sebab kita akan hadapi rakyat dalam pilihan raya akan datang,” Muhyiddin dipetik sebagai berkata oleh Bernama.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri berada di Jakarta sempena lawatan kerja tiga hari yang berakhir hari ini.
Menyentuh kritikan Dr Mahathir terhadap Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Muhyiddin berkata beliau menghormati kedua-dua pemimpin dan tidak mahu membuat kenyataan yang berat sebelah kerana apa yang lebih penting ialah rakyat mahukan kebenaran dan parti akan menghadapi pilihan raya.
“Kita kena berlaku adil kepada rakyat,untuk berlaku adil kepada rakyat ialah dengan memberitahu perkara sebenar. Apa yang rakyat mahu ialah kebenaran,apa yang rakyat mahu ialah cerita yang benar.
Kalau mereka mendengar daripada pihak lain, (akan timbul) pelbagai cerita,tetapi tidak dapat disahkan (sama ada) benar (atau) tak benar, jadi (akan) timbul banyak tanda soal dalam kepala dan benak rakyat dan pasti itu tidak baik untuk kita,” katanya.
Beliau berkata, kabinet pernah berbincang mengenai perkara itu dan berpendapat bahawa dalam hal seperti itu terutama yang menyentuh peribadi perdana menteri atau keluarganya dan 1MDB, Perdana Menteri lebih tahu daripada orang lain.
Muhyiddin berkata, satu perkara yang perlu diberi perhatian ialah bekas perdana menteri itu diketahui umum sebagai seorang tokoh dan pemimpin sebelum ini dan beliau masih mempunyai pandangan, berpengaruh dan ada pengikutnya.
“Sebab itu, apabila beliau mencetuskan beberapa perkara dalam penulisan beliau, saya sendiri secara peribadi tidak memandang ringan. Ia ada impak dan kesannya. Kalau dia (Dr Mahathir) menyentuh mengenai urusan kerajaan, yang mana patut kita jelaskan, kita patut jelaskan,” kata Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin berkata, dalam isu tertentu yang menyentuh soal seperti 1MDB dan hal yang ada kaitan dengan perdana menteri sendiri, Najib juga boleh bertemu dengan Dr Mahathir untuk menjawab bagi menjelaskan
perkara sebenar.
“Saya setuju supaya bukan sahaja Perdana Menteri menjelaskan (isu-isu yang dibangkitkan oleh Dr Mahathir) untuk pengetahuan umum supaya tidak ada salah anggapan dan salah fahaman tentang perkara tertentu, penting juga penjelasan untuk pengetahuan rakyat. Tetapi saya fikir yang agak baik ialah pertemuan, kalau Datuk Seri Najib sebagai anak dan Tun sebagai bapa, maka saya pun begitu.
“Jumpalah Tun, kalau dah jumpa dahulu, mungkin perlu jumpa lagi, elok jumpa lagi sebagai bapa dan anak, saya percaya Tun Mahathir pasti akan menerima dan Datuk Seri Najib tidak akan berasa janggal. Janggal makna anda tahu, anda berasa seperti anda tahu bukan (sesuatu yang) luar biasa,” kata beliau.
Katanya, jika bersemuka dan saling memahami, maka Najib boleh bertanya dan berbincang secara ikhlas dan mungkin isu yang dibangkitkan itu tidak berterusan serta tidak menjadikan kerajaan pimpinan Najib dalam keadaan serba salah.
Namun dalam masa yang sama Muhyiddin juga meminta Dr mahathir agar memberi peluang kepada Najib untuk mentadbir negara dengan caranya sendiri.
“Ada pandangan berbeza, tetapi biarlah pimpinan kerajaan hari ini cuba laksanakan perkara yang kita fikir beri impak kepada pembangunan sosioekonomi rakyat menerusi program transformasi, rasionalisasi subsidi, bantuan rakyat dalam bentuk BR1M dan sebagainya, ada impaknya walaupun Tun tidak begitu bersetuju dengan perkara begitu,” katanya.
Read more at: http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/sebagai-ahli-umno-dr-mahathir-berhak-bersuara-muhyiddin-57484?cp
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Muhyiddin, who has been known to make bold statements, asked that Prime Minister Najib to continue and engage Tun Dr. Mahathir and address issues raised which include the many unanswered bits which deemed scandalous in the 1MDB episode.
The same time, one time Minister of Youth and Sports and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs in then Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s Cabinet between 1995-2003, asked his former Boss to allow time for the announced audits to be carried out in 1MDB.
The past six weeks, Muhyiddin had been very consistent on 1MDB and issues be addressed, in the open.
He was the first Cabinet Minister to ask then Prime Minister ‘Flip-Flop’ Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to quit upon forming the Federal Government post 12GE, which resulted in BN losing for the first time the two-third majority control in Dewan Rakyat and five-plus-one state to the Opposition.
Acknowledging Tun Dr. Mahathir’s consistency and perseverance is a good step for further initiatives to stop the rot or perception on the rot, especially in government strategic investment such as 1MDB and programs which are supposed to benefit the people.
Menteri Besar Kedah and UMNO Kedah Liaison Chief Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Mahathir demonstrated his leadership maturity when the UMNO and BN Kedah made a strong resolution to support the leadership of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak in Alor Setar this morning.
Bernama.com story:
Kedah Umno Gives Full Support To Najib, Mukhriz
ALOR SETAR, April 18 (Bernama) – Kedah UMNO has pledged full to the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir.
Its deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said this was agreed at a special meeting of Kedah UMNO Liaison here, Saturday.
He said the special meeting also agreed that Mukhriz should not make a statement on the issue on April 24 in Kuala Lumpur.
“We have also agreed to cancel the Kedah Umno Liaison meeting on April 24,” he told a press conference after the special meeting at Seri Mentaloon, the menteri besar’s official residence.
Mukhriz was not present in the meeting room during the press conference.
The special meeting which began at noon and ended two hours later was also attended by Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblymen in Kedah.
It was chaired by Mukhriz, who is also Kedah UMNO Liaison chairman.
All UMNO division chiefs were present at the special meeting except Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Baling), Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (Jerai) and Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom (Kubang Pasu).
The only BN state assemblyman missing from today’s meeting was Datuk Ahmad Lebai Sudin (Bukit Lada).
Ahmad Bashah, who is also the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, said those who did not attend the special meeting were overseas and had sent representatives.
The meeting also agreed to respect the views of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wants him to give Najib the time to address the issues raised.
It also supported the prime minister’s decision urging the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to conduct an audit of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
He said the question of Kedah UMNO unity did not arise as shown by the special meeting which fully supported the prime minister and the menteri besar.
Asked whether Kedah UMNO would take action against Ahmad Lebai for urging Mukhriz to quit if he failed to support Najib, he said it was up to UMNO headquarters.
Ahmad Bashah also said Ahmad Lebai’s remark calling on Mukhriz to quit the menteri besar’s post was a personal statement and did not represent any party.
— BERNAMA
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Mukhriz managed to convince the many UMNO Kedah Division leaders and ADUNs to come into a single voice, which include to support his own leadership as MB and UMNO Kedah. Mukhriz was presented as BN’s choice of MB Kedah by Prime Minister Najib after BN wrested Kedah from PAS two years ago.
At the eve of 13GE campaign, Prime Minister Najib announced that Mukhriz shall be MB Kedah if BN was returned to power.
UMNO Kedah leaders who made the media conference at Seri Mentaloon after this morning’s special meeting also pronounced their highest regards for Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and requested that Prime Minister Najib be allowed more time to resolve some of the issues raised.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism Dato’ Ahmad Bashah who is UMNO Kedah Deputy Liaison Chief also explained in the media conference Mukhriz should not issue any statement on the matter. In short, UMNO Kedah asked Mukhriz not to be made to choose between his loyalty to Prime Minister Najib and as a son to Tun Dr. Mahathir.
The manner this issue which could be very tricky and dodgy personally for Mukhriz is a demonstration of his political leadership and maturity. Considering that he has only been in the chair for less than two years, it is a good notch up his sleeve.
Getting solidarity from the diversity of the various UMNO Division Chiefs and ADUNs and their political ambitions and affiliation itself is also an interesting development to be watched closely.
The Malaysian Insider has proven itself to be a tool to extend the Anwarisra agenda with the habitual consistancy of spinning and manipulating facts and words and eventually manufacturing new ones.
This is what their story about what Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar take on 1MDB’s solvency:
Minister admits 1MDB debt burdensome, Putrajaya to stop all new loans
BY MOHD IZWAN
Published: 17 April 2015 12:39 PM
Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar admitted that the Ministry of Finance’s strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is a burden, given its failure to generate cash flow against its huge debts.
The minister in the prime minister’s department said that 1MDB had taken loans from banks and the capital market to purchase assets, but failed to raise cash flow, causing it to be unsustainable.
Wahid said 1MDB had expanded by taking loans from banks and the capital market which they had used to purchase assets, including IPPs, causing their debt to rise to RM42 billion as of March 2014.
“So you can imagine the quantum; it is very high and tough,” he said at a forum in Petaling Jaya last night.
Responding to questions posed by the audience, Wahid said that as long as the assets were not able to generate cash flow, 1MDB will fail to be sustainable.
“Unless it can generate cash flow, it will not be sustainable,” he said.
He added that the debt is expected to have an impact on 1MDB and that three strategic steps have been taken to address the problems.
“They have taken strategic steps to re-evaluate the business model and structure, and three decisions have been taken,” he said.
According to Wahid, these included halting all forms of new loans, focussing on the two main projects, namely the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Bandar Malaysia, and to ensure the initial public offering of IPP Edra Energy can take place soon.
“These are the strategic steps that have been identified,” he added.
Criticism has been mounting over 1MDB, which was established in 2009 and has chalked up debts of up to RM42 billion.
This led to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak ordering the Auditor-General to “independently verify 1MDB’s accounts”, with the findings to be submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). – April 17, 2015.
According to this story, 1MDB was reckless in raising financing which include borrowings to fund its acquisition but failed to generate adequate ensure the cash-flow to service these financing commitments.
Now, compare that with what Wahid actually said about 1MDB at the Akademi Kapten Hussein.
“It was a strategic investment management company. Their model was to raise long term bonds. Aided by Government guarantee, it would help to lower cost of funds and invested in long term investments”.
“The burden of servicing (the financial commitments) such a high debt is difficult. So until and unless the assets are able to generate the cash-flow, it is not sustainable. That is something the board and management of 1MDB had realised and they have undertaken a strategic review of their business model and capital structure and they have decided three things:
1. Not to incur any new debts unless to meet the current debt obligations or refinance the current obligations
2. They have agreed not to embark on any new projects or ventures and focus the efforts on the two big projects; TRX and Bandar Malaysia
3. Work as much as possible to get the IPO of Edra Energy (holding company of the IPPs) going. This IPO will get proceeds to reduce their debts. Plus if they were to reduce their holdings to below 50%, then they are able to de-consolidate all the debts at subsidiary level.
There were a number of allegations as contained in the Sarawak Reports and a number of other publications. It would be investigated. Prime Minister has made a commitment for an audit to be undertaken by the Auditor General and the report would be presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Lets draw a line. We will do that audit for all the past actions. But what is important is for us to be constructive and focus our efforts on solving the current issue”.
Summarising the story should not tantamount to putting words into the Minister’s mouth. That is manipulating what the Fellow of Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and former President and Group CEO of the largest commercial bank, Maybank, actually said.
Spinning even in dry mode is utterly ‘laundering information’. Unless going low is the best that Anwaristas could do trying to stir up shit storm when their boss’s agenda has guttered into oblivion, then they should uphold the true principles of journalism which is telling the true story.
The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles.... 
Whose job is it to advocate the understanding of the consumption tax?
The UMNO Information Chief and Deputy Minister of Finance Ahmad Hj Maslan
The test of the pudding is in the eating. No matter how it is being presented or the story behind it, the true acceptance of the food is in the acceptance in the mouth and eventually, as it slides down the throat.
Pro-Anwarista news portal story:
The endless banter which criss-cross online media and social network alerts simply adds the confusion into oblivion, at the expense of a new law of the exchequer, enforceable by the authority of the Parliament.
It is not withstanding the fact that it too sparingly the rather harsh humility which many finds as a novelty which amplify the stupidity and inadequacy of those who are tasked to do it.
Nevermind the endless banter who is smarter than who or the other way around. The crux of the matter the introduction and process to educate and make the general public understand on the new consumption tax, which is supposed to correct the chain of goods and sale tax previously introduced better and fairer.
Needless to mention that the GST would improve the coffer of the nation’s Treasury by probably RM15-16 billion per annum and the program to reschedule the targeted subsidy could be on the way, for a fairer delivery in Prime Minister Najib’s administration to just the equilibrium of wealth.
In essence and practice, it failed. There are hugely more percentage of people who are confused by it rather than willing to stand by Prime Minister Najib as one of the mechanism of his transformation plan.
It is obvious that the man who has been tasked on the dual role and responsibility on this as the Chief Propaganda for UMNO and Deputy Minister of Finance, failed miserably.
Both in the aspects of understanding and acceptance of the consumption tax and a material for political boon.
We are not sure how many people is willing to have it further in their throats, let alone can either stomach these clowning of a job which is supposed to be very serious.
Taxation is an accounting interpretation of a law which is as certain as mortality. Telling the story of it and making common people understand has turned out to be somewhat divine otherwise. From the books of the Lords of Court Jesters, that is.
- Commentary
on April 30, 2015 at 09:00 Comments (38)