Gaming is more of a process and methodology of science and complex mathematics in the determination of the odds of winning the race against ‘sentiment and gut feel’ horse.
Brickbats and bouquets: Lim’s assertion that the Mahathir factor will cause Kedah, Perak and Johor to fall has drawn mixed opinions ranging from applause and support to claims that the DAP leader is delusional.
DAP has been talking about a Malay tsunami that will carry Pakatan Harapan to power. But without PAS in the coalition, where is the giant wave of Malay votes going to come from?
THERE are signs that DAP leader Lim Kit Siang is gearing up for another attempt at shock-and-awe in the coming general election.
The buzz around the opposition circles in Johor is that the man often described as the “DAP supremo” is eyeing the Johor Baru parliamentary seat. It will be his most risky political adventure ever because he will be going where he has never gone before, that is, contesting a Malay-majority seat.
Up till early this year, the Gelang Patah MP was exploring the possibility of returning to Penang. He had been making his presence felt at a string of state government functions, alongside his Chief Minister son and other state exco members.
He was testing the waters but the currents were not encouraging. He has since cut back his appearances in Penang and it looks like it is back to Johor for him. It also means that he is committed to Pakatan Harapan’s plan to capture Johor.
Johor Baru is one of those mixed seats with 52% Malays, 43% Chinese and 5% from other races. DAP will have unparalleled bragging rights if Lim, 76, takes the capital of Johor.
But he will have to ride on the Chinese vote. He will struggle in a one-to-one fight against Barisan Nasional because he is unlikely to win the Malay vote. But he will have an easier time if PAS jumps in and splits the Malay vote in a three-cornered fight.
Dr Wee: What is the hidden objective behind DAP’s Malay tsunami theory?
The Barisan side is aware of the danger ahead and there have been efforts to persuade Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad to forget about his retirement plans and stay on to defend the seat.
It will be a thriller or, to borrow from Lim’s favourite slogan, a do-or-die contest. It will bring the Chinese out in droves to attend the DAP ceramah and to do their part to save Lim.
In fact, Lim’s political longevity has been a result of his instinctive ability to convince the Chinese that every election is a do-or-die mission to save Malaysia from one calamity or another. It is an over-used sales pitch but it seems to work for him.
His career for much of the 1980s and 1990s was about saving Malaysia from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad although it is a different story now that the two old foes have become new friends.
Lim has also been talking about a Malay tsunami that will cause Kedah, Perak and Johor to fall to Pakatan in the general election.
He said the Malay tsunami will also enable Pakatan to win Putrajaya with 113 out of 222 parliamentary seats. It means a government holding on with a majority of only two seats which sceptics say will last maybe two weeks.
Lim did not define how the Malay tsunami would happen but his hypothesis seems to be based on the hope of a 10% Malay vote swing and 5% non-Malay vote swing.
The Malay tsunami story drew quite a bit of interest. The trouble was that most people had trouble believing it.
For instance, the common query was: Where is Pakatan’s Malay tsunami going to come from now that PAS is not around to deliver the Malay votes?
Former Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman admitted that PAS is still a force to reckon with in Malay states.
“But we (Parti Pribumi) will play a leading role in taking Malay votes away from Umno,” said Abdul Rashid, who is now a vice-president of Parti Pribumi and who will be moving from running elections to contesting in an election.
Khaw: DAP’s claim of Malay wave is aimed at energising their Chinese base.
Lim, said a DAP insider, is banking on Dr Mahathir to neutralise the PAS influence and even to wipe out PAS in certain states like Penang.
“Kit Siang is not stupid, he does not trust Mahathir but he is putting his chips on Mahathir creating a political momentum,” said the insider.
A high-ranking DAP leader from Kuala Lumpur has however cautioned his party: “Much as we talk about a Malay tsunami, we have to make sure we don’t lose our Chinese tsunami.”
To political commentator Khaw Veon Szu, the Malay tsunami story sounds more like psywar than a prediction based on facts and findings.
“On what assumption would the Malay vote swing to Pakatan? Pakatan cannot talk about a Malay tsunami while ignoring the PAS factor. It’s a fatal omission, a big hole in their grand design,” said Khaw.
Dr Mahathir, said Khaw, is able to attract Malay votes to Pakatan but he also repels voters who cannot come to terms with his past.
“He will win some, he will lose some,” said Khaw.
Some think that Lim is either delusional or in self-denial. Others think that given his problematic image among the Malays, he is the wrong person to talk about a Malay tsunami and it could instead send the Malays running in the opposition direction.
“The tsunami thing is not aimed at the Malays but at their Chinese base. They can see that the Chinese base is softening around the edges and they need to energise their core support especially in Johor,” said Khaw.
Khaw: DAP’s claim of Malay wave is aimed at energising their Chinese base.
The Chinese electorate, said a think-tank head, has grown lethargic, fed-up and tired of the non-stop politicking.
“If you talk to the thinking Chinese, they are stunned that Mahathir can just cross over like that to become the leader of the opposition. When he starts talking about better governance, they become even more incredulous.
“This is not like Anwar Ibrahim. He was a victim, he went to jail and his reform narrative is more believable. Moreover, Mahathir has not uttered a word about moderation or about pushing back the Islamic agenda which is what the Chinese want to hear from a Malay leader,” said the think-tank head.
Given that PAS has a hardcore support of around 20% among the Malay electorate, the Malay vote swing is more likely to swing away from Pakatan in the general election.
The PAS propaganda that DAP is anti-Islam and anti-Malay has been quite relentless.
As for the non-Malay support, Pakatan captured about 85% of the Chinese vote in 2013. Lim’s hypothesis of an additional 5% swing means that he is expecting 90% Chinese support in the next general election which sounds terribly ambitious.
DAP’s quest in Johor goes beyond just an attempt to capture the state, its aim is also to take down MCA in Johor.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the hidden objective behind DAP’s Malay tsunami theory is to compensate the Chinese who feel let down that DAP, which has the most seats, is unable to lead Pakatan whereas the party with only one Parliament and two state seats is sitting on top.
“They are telling the Chinese, you are the kingmaker because the Malay vote is spilt, you can play a pivotal role. They also need to justify why they have to work with the man whom they called a racist and other bad names. They need people to forget Mahathir’s past by telling them he can bring the Malay tsunami,” said Dr Wee.
So is Dr Mahathir the tsunami man?
Parti Pribumi is fortunate that it has not been tested like Amanah.
Many people had high hopes on Amanah, thinking it would replace PAS. Their ceramah were also drawing good crowds and they had started to venture into the Felda schemes. They seemed to be flushed with funds, their gatherings were filled with people in smart orange shirts.
But their image sank after the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections. Amanah failed to command the Malay votes and was heavily dependent on DAP to bring in the Chinese votes.
Parti Pribumi’s test will only come in the general election and, in the meanwhile, most people are prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt.
But not Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz though.
“What Malay tsunami? It’s just a DAP dream, the Malay votes will be divided between Umno and PAS. Even in Pagoh, they (Parti Pribumi) are going to lose there. You think PAS will give them a free ride over there?” he said.
The Tourism and Culture Minister, who rarely minces his words, said Mahathir will lose if he tries to contest in Langkawi and that Barisan may win even more seats in Johor, Perak and Kedah in the event of three-cornered fights. DAP’s Malay tsunami story has quite little to do with the Malay audience and a lot to do with keeping the Chinese tsunami rolling through the next general election
The senior The Star writer’s analysis is corroborated by Minister of Communication and Multimedia Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak’s opinion, on the same subject matter.
1. Ong Kian Ming dalam analisisnya tentang PRU ke-14 menyatakan akan berlaku 15% peralihan undi Melayu kepada Pakatan Harapan seperti mana yang berlaku pada tahun 1999 dan 2008.
2. Hujah beliau mudah: setiap kali parti UMNO berpecah akan menyebabkan orang Melayu menolak BN. Ini dapat dilihat dalam PRU 1999 apabila peralihan undi Melayu berlaku sebanyak 27%. Dalam PRU 2008 pula, BN hilang majoriti dua pertiga apabila 6% lagi pengundi Melayu beralih menyokong pembangkang.
3. Pertanyaannya, bolehkah dicapai 15% peralihan sokongan Melayu ini? Kian Ming kata tidak mustahil jika melihat kepada sikap pengundi Melayu dalam PRU 1999 dan 2008, dan juga jika melihat kepada munculnya PPBM.
4. Benarkah andaian Ong Kian Ming tersebut? Hasil semakan saya kepada data lepas mendapati analisis Kian Ming tersasar dari fakta sebenar.
5. Untuk analisis yang lebih tepat, kita perlu melihat senario tahun 1988-1990. Situasi inilah yang perlu dijadikan sandaran untuk membuat analisis perubahan undi Melayu kerana sejarah perpecahan politik Melayu bermula di sini.
6. Pada tahun 1988, UMNO berpecah setelah Dr. Mahathir dan Tengku Razaleigh bertanding merebut jawatan Presiden UMNO. Selepas pemilihan itu, kumpulan Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah keluar daripada UMNO dan menubuhkan parti Semangat 46.
7. Dalam PRU 1990, S46 bergabung dengan PAS, HAMIM, DAP dan PBS, namun adakah pakatan pembangkang memenangi pilihan raya tersebut? Jawapannya tidak.
8. Kemerosotan pengundi Melayu hanya 2.4% berbanding PRU 1986. S46 pula hanya memenangi 8 kerusi parlimen daripada 61 kerusi yang ditandinginya. Bagi peringkat DUN pula, S46 hanya memenangi 19 kerusi daripada 152 kerusi yang ditandingi.
9. Situasi tersebut sama seperti hari ini yang mana UMNO mengalami perpecahan dengan melahirkan PPBM. Maka, bagaimana dengan PRU ke-14 nanti?
10. Jika melihat kepada realiti sekarang, sukar untuk berlaku peralihan undi Melayu lagi. Dalam PRU 1999, senario berlakunya peralihan undi Melayu ketika itu adalah berbeza dengan situasi sekarang. Tahun 1999, negara baharu diserang krisis kewangan dan ada isu mata lebam. PRU ke-14 isu tahun 1999 dan 2008 sudah jauh kita tinggalkan.
11. Analisis saya sebelum ini telah menggariskan lima faktor kenapa anak muda akan menyokong BN dalam PRU ke-14 nanti. Dalam analisis ini, jika mahu bersandarkan kepada hujah “UMNO berpecah maka Melayu akan mengalih sokongan kepada pembangkang,” itu adalah generalisasi.
12. PRK Sungai Besar dan Kuala Kangsar telah membuktikan walaupun UMNO berpecah, parti pembangkang masih tidak mampu menumbangkan BN. Tambahan pula, parti pembangkang kini mempunyai pecahan parti Melayunya sendiri seperti PAN yang lahir hasil perpecahannya dengan PAS. PPBM dan PAN juga adalah parti baharu yang masih tidak mendapat sokongan meluas. Politiking pembangkang yang terlalu banyak juga menyebabkan rakyat bosan kerana rakyat mahu terus bergerak ke depan membangun Malaysia yang maju dan sejahtera.
13. Maka, kenyataan bahawa akan berlaku perubahan 10-15% undi Melayu kepada pembangkang dalam PRU ke-14 adalah jauh tersasar.
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The fact that the Opposition is facing a lot compounding issues, should be factored.
The current corruption case in the hearing process against Chinese Chauvinist Secretary General and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng opened the horizon to the Chinese voters, especially Penangites.
PKR Vice President and Chief Strategist Rafizi Ramli is also in trouble, to pay the suit he lost and upcoming criminal charges against him which include possession of state secret.
The internal conflict faced by all the component parties within Pakatan Harapan itself is glaring to their own supporters or the fence-sitters, which are likely to throw their mandate to the ‘Gang of Four’.
They have contradicted and backtracked their own battlecries.
It is time the Chinese ask DAP what game they are trying to play. They blame Dr Mahathir for May 13 and they make him their Top Dog. They blame Anwar Ibrahim for messing with the Chinese schools and they make him their Prime Minister-in-waiting. They blame Rashid Rahman for election fraud and they make him the VP of PPBM. Is this a demonstration of how smart the DAP Chinese are?
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
No one can deny that the 2008 general election was the turning point for Malaysian politics. But then one must not over-simplify the reason for what happened in 2008. It is like saying WWII was triggered because Germany invaded Poland. Historians will tell you that WWII was trigged by WWI and the Treaty of Versailles that followed the end of the war and which the Germans simpan dendam for so many years.
Hence when Hitler came along to ‘avenge’ the injustice done to Germany and to restore German pride the Germans rallied behind him, never mind how crazy he may have been. As they say, never kick a man when he is down because he might just stand up again. And they kicked Germany after WWI when it was down so Germany rose back up again to take revenge.
Anyway, that is not what we want to talk about today. What we want to discuss is what made 2008 possible.
Rashid Rahman’s PERKASA is opposed to Bahasa Malaysia Bibles
There are many factors to any scenario. One of the factors is Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ran a successful hate-campaign from June 2006 until Polling Day of March 2008 to convince Malaysians that Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was incompetent (the ‘Fourth Floor Boys’ were actually the ones running the country), was literally sleeping on the job (sleeping during meetings, during dinner functions, and even while having his photograph taken during the APEC conference), corrupt (his son Kamal and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin were doing crooked deals), was a Singapore agent (which is why he did not want to build the ‘Crooked Bridge’), and many more.
Mahathir mobilised all the bloggers from both sides of the political divide and launched his social media attack on the Prime Minister, Umno, and Barisan Nasional. Meanwhile, Zainuddin Maidin a.k.a. Zam told Umno that the social media was no threat to the government. The kids use the internet only to play games and to look for cheap airline tickets, Zam said. So they can ignore the social media. Later, of course, during the post mortem, they identified the internet as one of the biggest factors for the beating the government received in the 2008 general election.
Rashid Rahman of PERKASA upholds Malay supremacy and Malay political power
Another factor for the 2008 general election result was the November 2007 Bersih march to Istana Negara. A group of NGOs and political activists, also from both sides of the political divided, marched to Istana Negara to hand over a petition to His Majesty the Agong calling for electoral reforms.
The SPR or the Election Commission was running fraudulent elections where the ruling party needs to win only 45% of the popular votes to stay in power whereas the opposition needs to win at least 60% of the popular votes to get into power. Even when they win 55% of the votes the opposition still cannot get into power.
Well, ‘fraudulent elections’ is what the opposition calls it. The proper terminology is gerrymandering, and there is no crime in that. Even in the US and the UK this is being done and this is not illegal even in the west. Further to that, there is the disparity between seats where one seat could be 20,000 voters and another could be 120,000 voters. Ideally the variance should be around 20% plus-minus and in some countries this is the law. In Malaysia, the variances are very large and that is not illegal at all.
The third bone of contention, of course, is postal votes, which many feel is no longer required due to many reasons.
Rashid Rahman, the man DAP hated most, is now DAP’s partner in PPBM
Anyway, these and many more have been bones of contention for the opposition and they tried to have a dialogue with the SPR since 2000 but the SPR tak layan. And the man who was heading the SPR from 2000 to 2008 was Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.
When asked what is the job of the SPR if not to conduct free and fair elections, they replied the job of the SPR is to ensure that the Malays do not lose political power. When asked why can’t they abolish the postal voting system, they replied if they do that then not a single Cabinet Minister can retain his or her seat.
Yes, this Rashid Rahman of SPR was one huge, arrogant, mother-fooker who the opposition hated like hell. If the DAP Chinese had it their way they would have taken a knife and cut Rashid Rahman’s throat. And the first Bersih march to His Majesty the Agong’s Palace in November 2007 was because Rashid Rahman was so fooking arrogant and refused to accept our petition calling for electoral reforms.
Since Rashid Rahman told us to fook off and refused to see us we had no choice but to bring this matter to His Majesty the Agong. Even then Rashid Rahman told us to fook off and said that His Majesty the Agong has no business interfering in administrative matters, especially those involving politics.
Anyway, the elections were held in March 2008 and history was made. And in December 2008 Rashid Rahman retired from the SPR and everyone was so happy that finally that mother-fooker was gone and maybe now we can talk to the SPK and discuss electoral reforms.
And what happened to Rashid Rahman after he retired from the SPR?
Have you not heard? Rashid Rahman is now the Vice President of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM). He is now in the party that is DAP’s partner in Pakatan Harapan and his boss, Mahathir, is the ‘Top Dog’ of the opposition.
Can you see how things have become very interesting? Rashid Rahman, one of the most hated persons in Malaysia, whose job was to rig the elections to make sure that Umno stays in power and that Malays will never lose political power, is now DAP’s partner. According to DAP, if not because of Rashid Rahman, Pakatan Rakyat would already have come to power back in 2008. But now they cannot ever come to power.
It is time the Chinese ask DAP what game they are trying to play. They blame Dr Mahathir for May 13 and they make him their Top Dog. They blame Anwar Ibrahim for messing with the Chinese schools and they make him their Prime Minister-in-waiting. They blame Rashid Rahman for election fraud and they make him the VP of PPBM. Is this a demonstration of how smart the DAP Chinese are?
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Another interesting fact is that Pakatan Harapan has yet to be unified in their thought who they should offer to the Malaysian voters as the ‘next Prime Minister’, despite going around proclaiming themselves as “The Government in Waiting”.
The most interest fact the absence of the congruent offering in economic and developmental plans and programs for Malaysia, to move forward amidst all the challenges and at least maintain the same trajectory, vector and momentum.
The close and personal relationship between Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak and His Majesty King Salman Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia paid of with the kick off pf the pilot project of immigration clearance for Hajj pilgrims at source, instead upon arrival.
New Straits Times story:
System trials ongoing for Saudi immigration clearance in KL for Malaysian haj pilgrims
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi conduct checks on the new POC system at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysian haj pilgrims will be the first in the world use the Proof of Concept (POC) system for pre-clearance at the point of departure to Saudi Arabia. Pix by AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR
SEPANG: Malaysian haj pilgrims will be the first in the world use the Proof of Concept (POC) system for pre-clearance at the point of departure to Saudi Arabia.
The POC system enables immigration checks on Malaysian pilgrims to be done at the point of departure in Kuala Lumpur, instead of upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said this initiative will eliminate the need for long queues by pilgrims at immigration points in Saudi Arabia, as experienced in the past.
The system, he said, would also benefit the pilgrims by freeing up more time for them to perform their ‘ibadah’.
“Saudi Arabia’s immigration authorities have been working closely with ELM Saudi Arabia, a Saudi based company, and Xybase Sdn Bhd, a local company, to implement the POC system in phases.
“The Kuala Lumpur International Airport has been chosen as the pilot site.
“All immigration processes will be done here in KLIA by Saudi immigration officers before the pilgrims’ departure.
“With the implementation of the POC, our pilgrims can go straight to the luggage area (upon arrival in Saudi Arabia) and they do not have queue up at the immigration counter. It will help them save time,” he said.
He said the POC trial system will be operating for the next four days, starting today.
This project will involve the last few flights of Tabung Haji pilgrims, beginning with Malaysia Airlines charter flight MH8146 ferrying 287 pilgrims.
Also present at the event was Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali.
Abdul Azeez said the pilot project was initiated thanks to Prime Minister’s Datuk Seri Najib Razak strong relationship with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud.
“We should be grateful and honoured with this new National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) initiative by our government with the Saudi government,” he said.
Abdul Azeez said at the completion of the trial period, the Transport Ministry will provide its feedback to the Saudi government.
“We are hoping for the POC system to be permenantly implemented, subject to the Saudi government’s approval,” said Abdul Azeez.
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This is a landmark relationship and confidence between leaders which is benefitting the citizens, where upon full implementation would shortened time and provide more convenience for Hajj pilgrims from Malaysia to by-pass the congestion at arrival either Jeddah or Medinah international airports.
Two million of international pilgrims made the way for the annual fifth tenet of Islam.
King Salman did his landmark visit on 25 February 2017, which fortified the close relationship between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, which an extension of the previous King’s visit 11 years ago.
It demonstrated the intimate personal relationship between His Majesty King Salman and Prime Minister Najib.
Reuters story:
Malaysia rolls out red carpet as Saudi king kicks off Asia tour
KUALA LUMPUR/DUBAI (Reuters) – Malaysia welcomed Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Sunday for the start of a rare, month-long Asian tour, where the monarch will build ties and seek to draw more investments to the oil-rich gulf nation.
The visit is the first by a Saudi king to Malaysia in more than a decade, as the Arab nation courts Asian investors for the sale of a 5 percent stake in state firm Aramco in 2018, expected to be the world’s biggest IPO.
Malaysian state television on Sunday showed live footage of the octogenarian king descending from his plane on an escalator flown in with his delegation. He was received by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak before being whisked away in a heavily guarded convoy for a state ceremony at Malaysia’s parliament grounds.
The leader was greeted in parliament with a 21-gun salute, local media reported.
King Salman also plans to visit Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan “to meet with the leaders of those countries to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern,” a royal court statement carried on Saudi Arabia’s state media SPA reported.
Government sources with knowledge of the visit said a 600-strong delegation will accompany the king on his four-day visit to Malaysia, where cooperation on energy developments will be on the agenda.
State oil firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Saudi Aramco will sign an agreement on Tuesday to collaborate in Malaysia’s Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project, a boost for the Southeast Asian economy which has been reeling under weak global oil prices.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inspects an honour guard at the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia February 26, 2017.Edgar Su
Relations between the two countries have been in the spotlight over the last two years after Saudi Arabia was dragged into a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal at Malaysian state fund 1MDB, founded by Najib.
Najib has denied any wrongdoing in the money-laundering case which is now being investigated by several countries including the U.S, Switzerland and Singapore.
A Malaysian government inquiry found that nearly $700 million transferred to the Prime Minister’s bank account in 2013 was a donation from the Saudi royal family and most of it was returned.
The last time a Saudi king visited Malaysia was in 2006, when King Abdullah, King Salman’s half-brother and predecessor, flew in with a 300-member delegation.
“Saudi Arabian investment in Malaysia is expected to create thousands of jobs and we are proud that Malaysian firms have been chosen to undertake projects at some of the most prestigious locations in Saudi Arabia,” Najib said in a statement on Friday.
Besides traveling with his own private escalator, King Salman has also flown in two personal cars. His entourage has also completely booked out three luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur for the duration of the visit.
After Malaysia, the King is expected to travel to Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia from March 1-9 with an even larger entourage of 1,500 people, followed by a trip to Japan from March 12 to 14, officials in those countries said.
King Salman is expected to spend the last two weeks of March on holiday in the Maldives, according to a Maldives diplomat. Local newspaper Mihaaru reported that three resorts have been reserved for his stay.
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On top of the close diplomatic, commercial, military, administrative, monarchy and religious relationship, there is a progression of the close cultural an civilisation relationship between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Both nations are partners in the commitment to the promotion of global understand and peace of Islam and Muslims.
Prime Minister Najib also offered a 16 ha land in Putrajaya for the King Salman Centre, an institution incepted to promote the global understanding of Islam and Muslims. Islam means Peace.
The Star story:
Sunday, 9 July 2017 | MYT 5:33 PM
Najib: 16ha land in Putrajaya allocated for King Salman Centre
A file picture of Najib (left) and King Salman during his visit to the Saudi kingdom in May this year. – Bernama
PEKAN: A permanent structure for the King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP) will be built on a 16ha piece of land in Putrajaya, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the matter was decided after a discussion with assistants to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed Salman who visited his official residence in Putrajaya, Saturday night.
“The construction of KSCIP in Putrajaya reflects the importance of the institution, and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia himself will come to Malaysia to launch the centre together with me.
“This is because King Salman could have chosen any other country to build the centre, but the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chose this country,” he said at an Aidilfitri open house hosted by him and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar here Saunday, which was attended by more than 50,000 people.
The KSCIP currently operates from Kuala Lumpur, and the Government has been given two years to build the new centre, which is a brainchild of King Salman aimed at deflecting the influence of extremism and terrorist activities, as well as promoting universal peace.
Najib also urged the people not to be angry and critical about what the Government had done for the country, as it was only for their own wellbeing.
“What we do has earned praise and recognition from other countries, such as Saudi Arabia.
“That’s why it’s not true if the Opposition says that the country is a failed state and needs to be saved. In fact, we have been safe and successful, as well as commended by foreign countries.
“For those who say that the country needs to be saved…even our leaders in the past had never received such acclaim from that country (Saudi Arabia), so there is no need to ‘save’ Malaysia,” he said.
On Saturday’s meeting, Najib confirmed that the additional Haj quota given by the Saudi Arabian government to Malaysia would be maintained, and talks on the construction of two Tabung Haji complexes in Makkah and Madinah were still underway.
Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said that if the complexes were built, it would help reduce the cost of Malaysians performing the Haj in the future.
Najib also said that the government had spent RM3bil on five Aidilfitri aid packages throughout the month of Ramadan, benefiting 9.6 million people.
“Among the assistance given were in the form of rice aid to civil servants and pensioners, dividends to smallholders, the second stage of the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) given to seven million recipients, as well as Raya incentives.
“These are part of our efforts, which not only focus on physical development, but also the welfare of the people. Before, people used to say that Government assistance was only for non-domestic purposes, but now, we even provide assistance for the household kitchens,” he said.
Najib also hit out at the Opposition for playing up the sentiment of Malaysia being a failed state because, according to him, the Government had strived to the best of its ability to ensure that Malaysia was on the right track.
As proof, the Prime Minister referred to the 5.6% economic growth rate in the first quarter of 2017 and exports surging to RM80bil, which was unprecedented in the country’s history while the price of oil in Malaysia was the 10th cheapest in the world.
“Therefore, we should feel grateful and if we continue to give support and encouragement to the Government, I believe we can chart a brighter future for our country,” he said. – Bernama
On the same note, His Majesty’s Navy previewed its latest warship the Gowind Littoral Class Ship named ‘KD Maharaja Lela’, designed and built by Boustead Naval Shipyard in collaboration with DCNS.
In the tradition of navy inherited from the Royal Navy, she was launched by female member of the monarchy. HRH Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim of Perak honoured Royal Malaysian Navy’s most sophisticated surface warship at Lumut Naval Base, Perak.
IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly story:
Malaysia names and launches first Littoral Combat Ship
Ridzwan Rahmat – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly
23 August 2017
Key Points
Malaysia has named and launched the country’s first Littoral Combat Ship
Platform will provide the Royal Malaysian Navy with all-round offensive capabilities against air, surface, and underwater threats
Malaysia’s first-of-class Littoral Combat Ship, Maharaja Lela, just prior to its launch on 24 August 2017 (Royal Malaysian Navy)
Malaysia’s Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) has launched the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) on order for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The vessel, which has been given the pennant number 2501, was launched on 24 August at BNS’ facility in Lumut by the Queen of Perak, Zara Salim. In attendance at the launching ceremony was the Sultan of Perak Nazrin Muizzudin Shah, Malaysian defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein, and RMN Chief Admiral Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
Just prior to its launch, the queen also revealed that the warship will be known in service as KD Maharaja Lela , named after the 19th century anti-British Malay nationalist who was executed by the colonial government in 1877.
Maharaja Lela is the first of six LCS platforms ordered under a MYR9 billion (USD2.1 billion) contract awarded to BNS in July 2014, and was laid down in March 2016. According to specifications provided by the RMN, the 3,000-tonne LCS platform features an overall length of 111 m, an overall beam of 16 m, and a hull draught of 3.85 m.
The warship, which derives its design from French shipbuilder Naval Group’s Gowind 2500 corvette, has been incorporated with reduced radar cross section (RCS), acoustic, infrared (IR) and magnetic signatures for a stealthier disposition. It has a crew complement of 118 including 18 officers, and can accommodate one helicopter on its flight deck.
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The first Gowind LCS warship is named after Dato’ Maharaja Lela, the second tier Perak nobleman who was responsible for the opposition against British intervention into the state’s wealth.
He was found guilty for the assassination of British Resident James W. W. Birch on 2 November 1975. He was tried by the British and hanged near Taiping on 20 January 1877.
The other glaring story about the royals is HRH Sultan Ibrahim of Johor took a swipe against Minister of Youth and Sports YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar accused Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today of trying to claim credit for Malaysia’s win against Singapore in the SEA Games polo tournament.
It is unclear as to what had prompted his salvo against the Umno Youth chief, but the Johor ruler took to Facebook to slam the federal minister, accusing him of ordering a player to fake injury so he could play at the last minute and appear as the leading man of the moment.
“Today they played against Singapore. When the team was already winning, he came on and asked the performing player to pretend to be injured,” Sultan Ibrahim wrote on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page, the official page of the state’s main football club Johor Darul Takzim.
“So there’s a photo of him in the team to be featured in the print media and spread the propaganda to cheat people as if he was victorious and reliable,” he added.
This is the first time the Johor sultan publicly blasted Khairy, who had also been the subject of criticism by his son and Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Idris.
Tunku Ismail had repeatedly labelled Khairy an opportunist, claiming the Umno leader to be a manipulative politician who used sports to boost his own popularity.
Khairy is the first ever Malaysian minister to compete as a professional athlete in the SEA Games tournament, leading the country’s first ever polo team.
But the Johor ruler suggested that the current polo team was mediocre and that its winning streak was only due to the poor standards of the teams competing in tournament.
To measure the national team’s true strength, Sultan Ibrahim has challenged Khairy and his men to a game against his two sons and the state’s polo team. The Johor ruler, now 58, had also expressed the willingness to play for the Johor side.
“The polo teams competing in the 2017 SEA Games are merely meeting the necessary conditions set forth by the games committee.
“There are some that have come with lower handicap thus making it easy to be defeated. I challenge the SEA Games polo team to come to Johor and show your fangs since news of your greatness supersedes you,” he wrote.
The Johor ruler also said he would readily admit that the national polo team is good if the Johor team is defeated.
“I’d like to extend the invitation to the the Youth and Sports Minister and hopefully he won’t disappoint the requests of the people to see your team defeat the Johor team.
“I will send 2 of my sons and 2 of our horse trainers or perhaps myself, as I believe I still have what it takes. Should my team lose, I will admit that the SEA Games team are represented by the best there is,” he said.
Polo, a game usually reserved for aristocrats, was first played and introduced in Johor since 1884.
This year’s edition of the SEA Games tournament is the first to have polo as part of its fixture.
Sultan Ibrahim claimed he had once represented Malaysia in the polo World Cup and that Johor had been at the forefront in the sport.
“Polo in Johor did not start yesterday. Polo was first played and introduced in Johor since 1884. When I was the Crown Prince, I was already playing around the world and even played in the World Cup. Hence, the SEA Games is almost insignificant in comparison. If you want a more competitive match, do come to Johor”.
The Minister is participating as an Olympic Council of Malaysia sanctioned athlete representing the nation in the noble game of polo in the 29th Sea Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.
A few days ago, the nation celebrated as HRH Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu handsomely won the gold representing Malaysia in challenging event of 80km equestrian endurance of the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games 2017.
Tuanku was His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong XIII was the Constitutional King for the Federation of Malaysia for five years between 2006 and 2011.
He was then the Field Marshall of the Armed Forces, Head of Islam in five states and the Parliament, Judiciary, Administration and Civil Service was under the auspicious of his office.
Unlike Tuanku Sultan Mizan, Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim has yet been appointed by HRHs Brethren Rulers to the office of Seri Paduka Yang DiPertuan Agong.
All and sundry, Malaysians are in very good spirits.
All gearing up for the this year’s Hari Raya Haji ul Akbar, sixtieth celebration of nationhood and seemingly the champion of the XXIX Sea Games as the nation host, after five days post officially launched bienieally regional sports meet with 63 gold medals in hand.
A tweet by United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students’ ‘Malaysian Students Leader Summit XI’
Apparently, Opposition leaders are afraid of some of their dark skeletons in the closetand too arrogant about being “loud and inappropriate” despite of their brilliant education.
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on August 22, 2017.
–A+A
PUTRAJAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) could have incurred up to RM31.5 billion in foreign exchange (forex) trading losses in the early 1990s, the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the forex scandal concluded yesterday.
Chairman of the five-member commission Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan (pic) said the panel came to the conclusion after hearing the testimonies of former BNM employees.
“We have made a finding today (yesterday) that BNM lost [about] RM31.5 billion,” Mohd Sidek said, adding that the figure ought to have been reported in BNM’s annual reports during the relevant period.
“We have to find out who [asked] for it to be hidden,” he added, at the end of the first day of hearing held at the Palace of Justice.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla expressed surprise that Mohd Sidek had made the “unnecessary conclusion” on the very first day of the hearing.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Mohamed Haniff said such a conclusion should only be made at the end of the inquiry.
One former BNM staff, Abdul Aziz Abdul Manaf, testified earlier that the central bank lost RM31.5 billion over a four-year period between 1991 to 1994. Abdul Aziz, who was an accounts manager of BNM and was involved in the preparation of the central bank’s annual reports in 1992 and 1993, however, could not provide further details on the alleged losses, saying he was only in charge of the accounting treatment portion of the reports.
The inquiry set up as the result of a special task force formed in February to investigate the alleged forex losses, after former BNM assistant governor Datuk Abdul Murad Khalid claimed that the central bank suffered up to US$10 billion (about RM25 billion at that time) and not RM9 billion as was earlier reported by the central bank.
Abdul Murad testified at the inquiry yesterday, saying he was certain that no investigation was conducted by BNM or other enforcement agencies into the forex losses between 1988 and 1994.
He testified that the losses from the currency trading were not reflected in the profit and loss accounts of the central bank, but were instead recorded under the “other reserves” category of the bank’s accounts, in order to escape detection.
Abdul Murad also alleged that in 1992, he had informed the BNM governor at the time, (the late) Tan Sri Jaffar Hussein, that the forex losses BNM had suffered at that point was about US$170 million based on what was stated by the Chemical Bank in New York, but the governor did not believe him.
“The transactions were closed to the management. The governor was not aware,” he said, adding that only one or two people knew of the actual exposure.
He claimed that Jaffar had requested him to explain the forex losses to the then finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that Anwar had acknowledged to him that if the actual losses were made public he would have to resign as finance minister.
Abdul Murad went on to say that he believed that if the amount of actual losses were revealed, “the finance minister, prime minister and cabinet ministers would have been held accountable.”
Another former BNM official testifying yesterday was Datuk Ahmad Hizzad Baharuddin, who said the central bank did not have a proper system of checks and balances with regard to the forex transactions during the relevant period.
He also informed the panel that BNM did not have an efficient computer system to capture the transactions and instead had to rely on a manual system.
At the outset of the hearing, a lawyer appearing for BNM, Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, requested that the inquiry be held behind closed doors due to the confidential nature of some of the bank’s reports.
He said the two former BNM staff who testified did not have immunity from any criminal action arising from a breach of the the Official Secrets Act.
Mohd Sidek, however, rejected Tan’s request, saying: “I’m advised this is an inquiry, not a trial. We’re commissioned by the [Yang di-Pertuan] Agong to do this.”
He said the Commission of Inquiry Act allows for all evidence given before the inquiry to enjoy absolute privilege, and witnesses are not liable for prosecution.
“If you claim everything [is covered by the] OSA, why have this inquiry? I will not allow any more debate, we are going ahead,” said Mohd Sidek.
The RCI chairman also rejected a request by lawyer Mohamed Haniff for a copy of the witness statements to be furnished to those who were holding watching briefs.
The other members of the RCI are the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (or better known as Pemudah) chairman Tan Sri Saw Choo Boon, High Court judge Datuk Wira Kamaludin Md Said, BNM chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tajuddin Atan and Malaysian Institute of Accountants member K Pushpanathan.
The panel, which has been given five terms of reference, is required to submit its findings to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by Oct 13.
The terms of reference include determining the validity of the claim that losses have been incurred by BNM due to forex speculation and its impact on the country’s economy, whether BNM’s forex exchange dealings had breached the Central Bank Ordinance 1958 or other laws, and whether there was an attempt to cover up the losses.
During the Q and A of the forum called ‘Nothing 2 Hide 2’, disgruntled former ARMADA Youths hurled a prickly question about how 14 Kedahan were killed by gunshot wounds and Dr. Mahathir said that is the repercussion of attacking the Police, who came to arrest their leader.
The independent student body based in London to promote student activities provided a platform for Syed to promote the Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan’s economic policies as the “Government in waiting”.
“Syed Saddiq was bombastic, emotional, rhetorical and did not address the topic. Shahril on the other hand was very cool and elaborated in simple to understand language the economic policies of the Government, which is by the party he represented”.
Several students who sought education in the fields of science and technology in the United Kingdom opined about the debate’.
“We gave him a chance to convince us. ‘Come on, tell us what is you people are all about’. But he gave us nothing!”.
These students are indifferent about politics. At the age of just of majority age and earn their qualification to be voters, they are equally blind about Malaysian politics and economics.
“We are not interested in politics but after hearing him and Dr Ong, some of us are now considering to join UMNO Club in London. Shahril made more sense!”.
By the way, in a session earlier , DAP MP for Serving Dr. Ong Kian Ming called Election Commission as “Suruhanjaya Perosak Rakyat”.
“We cannot believe an MP said that to us. What is more baffling, he attended LSE (London School of Economics) and Cambridge!”.
Both are very prestigious British universities.
On the same note, another British graduate from a prestigious university and Opposition Leader shall serve the 18 months jail sentence for possession of a His Majesty’s Government secret document.
The Sun Daily story:
Rafizi’s 18-month jail sentence upheld (Updated)
Posted on 23 August 2017 – 11:10am Last updated on 23 August 2017 – 07:48pm
Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli — Sunpix by Adib Rawi Yahya
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today upheld the 18-month jail term against Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) for possession of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) audit report without approval.
However, the PKR vice-president was acquitted and discharged of exposing a page of the report under the OSA.
Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah allowed a stay of sentence, pending the filing of a notice of appeal by Rafizi against the decision.
“The court allows the appeal on the first charge but uphold the accused’s conviction on the second charge,” ruled Azman.
The court maintained the RM20,000 bail on Rafizi.
On Nov 14, 2016, Rafizi was jailed 18 months for unauthorised possession of page 98 of the 1MDB Audit Report, which was obtained in contravention of the Official Secrets Act 1972 and he has no right to retain it.
He was accused of committing the offence at the Parliament Building lobby at about 3pm on March 24, 2016.
The offence was under Section 8 (1)( c) ( iii) of the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88), which is punishable with a term not less than one year but not exceeding seven years jail.
On the second charge, Rafizi was jailed another 18 months jail term with conducting himself as to endanger the safety of secrecy by disclosing the content of the page in a press conference at about 3pm on March 28, 2016.
The offence is under Section 8 (1) (c) (iv), punishable with a term not less than one year but not exceeding seven years jail.
Outside the court, Rafizi’s lawyer Gobind Singh said he would be filing a notice appeal.
Previously, the Sessions Court had convicted Rafizi on both OSA charges and sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with the sentences to run concurrently.
“He remains as an MP and the law, as it stands requires us to go through the entire appeal process, before anything could happen in respect to the status as an MP,” said Gobind.
“We will seek an early date for the appeal to be heard as we are confident our client should not be found guilty,” he added.
Asked if he could be able to contest in the next general election, Rafizi said as it is he can’t, unless the conviction is set aside before the general election.
He said it depends on the date set by the Court of Appeal and it depends on the verdict of the Court of Appeal.
“As far as I am concerned nothing changes as far as my current status on my eligibility and it is business as usual,” said Rafizi.
The Pandan MP risks losing his seat and being ineligible to contest in the next general election if the conviction is upheld as those sentenced to more than a year’s jail or fined more than RM2,000 cannot contest in an election.
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Rafizi has been known to be habitual liar, has been in various court cases for his unsubstantiated allegations and lies.
It obvious Dr Mahathir, Rafizi and a string of other Opposition leaders particularly in the likes of Amanah President Mat Sabu and DAP Leaders continuously spin and lie with the over tone of unsubstantiated allegations and seditious remarks.
These are part of their in strategy to sow hatred and demonise UMNO and Barisan National leaders and component parties, to come into power.
The Chairman of Pakatan Harapan Dr. Mahathir even throw around in the name for HRH Rulers and His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong, in his speeches especially in the days of trying to get signatures for ‘Deklarasi Rakyat’ petition.
Dr. Mahathir hoodwinked the rakyat about the ‘Deklarasi Rakyat’ petition would be the tool for His Majesty Seri Paduka Yang DiPertuan Agong and HRH Rulers to oust Prime Minister Najib.
They obviously cannot win for their lack of realistic offerings and formidable proposal to move the nation forward, for obvious reasons of the lack commonality as a coalition of political parties with opposing values, direction and agenda.
These are the ghouls of tomorrow, in their desperate quest to come into power for themselves and not the rakyat.
Old wounds were reopened by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s rather nonchalant account of the bloody clash in 1985, and PAS wants a Royal Commission of Inquiry for the truth to be told.
IT was 1996, the editor of the newspaper I was working for then was upset about a story I had written about some overnight millionaires in a Felda scheme and, as punishment, sent me on an assignment to Baling, Kedah.
I was rather annoyed but, in hindsight, it was an eye-opening encounter with a less than familiar world and also the “other world” because I woke up in the government resthouse the next morning to find the laces of my sneakers completely undone and strung over a chair. I could only assume that it was the work of a playful ghost.
I was there to report on the 40th anniversary of the Baling Talks. But Baling is also where the Memali tragedy happened in 1985 and I would have driven right past Kampung Memali had it not been for the dead lamb on the road.
As I slowed down, I saw the house, its walls plastered with the PAS moon and political slogans blaming Umno for the Memali bloodbath. It was the home of the late Islamic preacher Ibrahim Mahmood aka Ibrahim Libya, the PAS leader killed in the Memali clash. He had revolution in his heart and had become a political threat to the authorities who accused him of deviationist teachings.
As I snapped photographs of the house, a bespectacled man of about 20 emerged, glaring at me. His name was Hazbullah and he was the eldest son of Ibrahim Libya. Like many PAS supporters in the village he was suspicious of outsiders after that dark day when 14 villagers and four policemen died in a violent confrontation.
It was quite a poignant moment when Hazbullah said he would never forget the day when the headmaster of the school in Pakistan where he was studying took him aside to say that “my father had died in a holy war”.
The dead lamb on the road that day was an uncanny metaphor of how Ibrahim Libya had been portrayed as a sacrificial lamb. Emotions were still very raw then and the locals spoke about it in hushed tones.
The sense was that they were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy. There was sympathy even among those who did not approve of Ibrahim Libya’s politics. A nurse I met spoke of oil drums used to collect the donations pouring in and she had gestured to show how women ripped off their jewellery to donate.
At the sekolah pondok (traditional religious school) that Ibrahim Libya started, the headmaster was puzzled that an outsider would be interested and had personally shown me around the modest school.
There was a poster of Ibrahim Libya at the entrance of one of the rooms and I was intrigued at how a blue curtain segregated the secondary level girls and boys who shared a classroom.
I read up on Memali after returning from Baling and pored over photographs from the incident – bodies of the victims, including Ibrahim Libya wrapped in white sheets and laid in a row on mats, a woman weeping as she confronted security personnel and “weapons” seized from the group.
They were hardly what one would call weapons – more than a dozen parang, catapults, sickles used to tap rubber trees and some crude molotov cocktails. Apart from the molotov cocktails, the rest were common items in any rural household. They struck me as weapons of defence rather than weapons of attack.
It was all so long ago and Memali was buried at the back of my head until this week.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s take on Memali at his “Nothing to Hide” forum last Sunday revived long-buried resentment about Memali. It had to do with the rather matter-of-fact tone he assumed, that lack of remorse and his habit of blaming others for the wrongs of his administration. PAS leaders felt their blood boil with his claim that police retaliated after the villagers attacked them.
“There is no point talking about this black mark in history without repenting and seeking forgiveness or correcting the situation,” said PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who has neither forgotten nor forgiven those responsible for what happened.
PAS politician Zuhdi Mat Piah, whose father was shot at 14 times during the Memali clash, also lashed out at the former premier: “Your hands are covered with the blood of the victims of Memali. Although it was not you who shot and killed them, they died because of your order,” he said.
Zuhdi’s father survived his injuries and was detained under the ISA together with 30 others. He said villagers were “gunned down in front of their families, beaten up like animals and piled into trucks like garbage”.
PAS has always rejected the Memali White Paper, saying it was “full of lies”. Moreover, the White Paper has been compromised by the fact that Dr Mahathir had perpetuated the myth that he was overseas at the time of the clash. It was only in 2014 that he admitted he was actually in the country but continues to blame his then deputy Tun Musa Hitam.
PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to do justice to those who perished. There was no closure, the wounds have not healed even after so many years and our politicians keep trying to rewrite history to suit their agenda.
The calls for a RCI are growing louder and it is not without basis because there are many out there who deserve a credible account of what happened. Dr Mahathir should welcome it – who knows, it might actually clear him of blame.
It was said the Police ultra-heavy handedness in the operation of that fateful 19 November 1985 was really unnecessary, despite that the clergyman Ibrahim “Libya” Mahmood and his supporters were classified as “Dangerous religious extremists”.
I was also said more than 3,500 Policemen, which include members of Field Force Battalions and Federal Reserve Unit were despatched and involved in the operation.
It is important to find out exactly who issued the order to storm into the kampung, especially when there were children, women and old folks in the incident area.
RCI may also determine who were exactly in the loop of information as the development of the operation happened till the point where armed Policemen with assault rifles in V150 armoured mechanised infantry vehicle stormed through the barricades set up by Ibrahim’s men.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Dato’ Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Federal Government is wiling to consider a Royal Commission of Inquiry be set up to properly investigate the Memali Incident.
The Malay Mail Online story:
DPM: Govt willing to set up RCI on Memali incident
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government is ready to set up a royal commission of inquiry to probe the Memali tragedy in 1985, if there is demand from any quarters. — Bernama picTAIPING, Aug 20 — The government is ready to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe the Memali tragedy in 1985, if there is demand from any quarters, including families of the victims, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the law must be upheld and the party responsible, held accountable.
“As home minister, I will personally study all the reports on the incident,” he said when opening the Bukit Gantang Umno division delegates conference here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno vice-president said that in upholding the law, all quarters should set aside political differences.
In the Memali incident on Nov 19, a total of18 people, among them four policemen, were killed and many others injured after the police launched an operation to arrest a religious teacher, Ibrahim Mahmud, who was popularly known as ‘Ibrahim Libya’.
Ahmad Zahid said former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam in his book entitled, ‘Frankly Speaking’ stated that he was instructed to abolish Kampung Memali because there were elements of violence and militancy committed by PAS leaders.
In this regard, Ahmad Zahid said the leader who had said he was not in the country on the day of the (Memali) incident needed to admit that he was indeed, in the country at the time.
“The Memali incident happened over two decades ago, but we have to keep in mind that the victims, families (and) children were denied their rights by the then-government,” he said. — Bernama
History has shown that in the example of the Al Maunah Incident where some religious deviants under Muhammad Amin Razali seized 97 M16 assault rifles, more than 9000 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and order ordinance from a border army outpost North Eastern of Perak on 2 July 2000.
Amin and had 30 men, fortified themselves at Bukit Jenalik off Kuala Kangsar.
The Police Special Branch personnel the first intelligence to approach the fortified position of the Al Maunah bandits. Despite captured, the Police despatched a highly trained incursion commando detachment to carefully approach the Al Maunah position.
Although there were trained commandos with tactics similar to the British Special Air Service (SAS), the Policemen were taking the less aggressive tactics in resolving the matter.
Then Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad instructed the Army Field Commander Lt. Gen. Dato’ Sri Zaini Mohamed Said to storm the hell held by Amin’s men, in Operation Dawn.
“Resolve the matter, today!”.
Lt. Gen. Zaini despatched four Condor armoured personnel carrier filled with Army Commandos into Amin’s position, despite Police Commando UTK) Chief Inspector Abdul Razak Yusof and his men who were already engaging some of Amin’s men to surrender.
“Get them to surrender without a firefight. We will know what would be the outcome of a firefight”, in words of the Chief of Field Force SAC Abdul Hadi Mahmud.
It is not totally impossible the same happened in Kampung Memali, instead of a more softer approach to get Ibrahim and his men to surrender, in time after the pressure of a blockade.
“It should be at the discretion of the Ground Commander”.
The Police who were involved opined that the objective to arrest Ibrahim could be done in other ways besides decision in the operation at Kampung Memali.
Dr. Mahathir in his response to the Memali Incident in last week’s failed forum ‘Nowhere 2 Hide 2’, said that if anyone attacked the Police in their duty, then they must be prepared to face the consequence.
This is the first time in over thirty years, a Home Minister representing the Federal Government to consider an RCI with High Court authority by consent of His Majesty Seri Paduka Yang DiPertuan Agong to conduct an open investigation.
Everyone is free to testify, which include retired Police officers be it the operation or at Head Quarters. Of course, then Home Minister Tun Musa Hitam would be in the centrepiece.
Regardless, RCI on Memali Incident should have been done because eighteen men, all Malaysians, lost their lives for a Police operation.
Stories are coming out of the woodwork, once the Pandora Box is opened because it is unimaginable twenty two years of “Not Sterling” leadership and administration could be unraveled in the controversies of present day.
Astro Awang story:
Tun M miliki hampir 100 juta keping wang kertas RM500, RM1,000?
PETALING JAYA: Pengerusi Pakatan Harapan Tun Dr Mahathir didakwa memiliki wang tunai bernilai RM83 bilion di Taiwan.
Perkara ini didedahkan oleh individu, Abdul Hameed Gula Maiden yang mendakwa dirinya sebagai bekas pegawai khas tidak rasmi ketika Tun Mahathir menjadi Perdana Menteri.
Abdul Hameed mendakwa jumlah wang tersebut diseludup ahli politik veteran tersebut sekitar tahun 1982 hingga 1995.
“Saya ada maklumat wang RM500 dan RM1,000 masih disimpan di Taiwan. Kami ada senarai nombor siri wang berjumlah RM83 bilion itu.
“Masa Tun M berkhidmat di Kementerian Kewangan terdapat tiga individu lain yang mengetahui perkara ini.
“Wang-wang itu dicetak di London dan dihantar ke Taiwan dan dipegang oleh CKS Foundation secara berperingkat antara tahun 1982 dan 1995. Wang itu masih ada di sana,” dakwanya dalam sidang media, di sini pada Khamis.
Menerusi dokumen yang didedahkan kepada media di sini hari ini, sejumlah 35,980,800 keping wang kertas RM500 dan 65,417,100 keping wang kertas RM1,000 masih disimpan di Taiwan.
“Dulu kalau kita keluarkan ‘dosa-dosa’ Tun Dr Mahathir, kita akan ditahan di bawah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA).
Abdul Hameed turut mendakwa maklumat yang dikongsikan kepada media sebelum ini berhubung perkara tersebut hanya merangkumi 10 peratus daripada keseluruhan maklumat yang dimilikinya.
“Ini baru 10 peratus, ada lagi 90 peratus ‘dosa-dosa’ Mahathir yang akan saya bongkarkan tidak lama lagi terutamanya isu Memali,” tambahnya.
Sidang media itu dihadiri oleh beberapa orang wakil media dari beberapa portal berita dan akhbar di pejabat Presiden Pertubuhan Minda Sosial Prihatin (PMSP), Rajesh Rao.
Astro AWANI cuba mendapatkan reaksi Tun Mahathir berhubung dakwaan ini tetapi masih belum mendapat sebarang reaksi daripada pihaknya.
**********
Logical or not, these new found stories are lurking out of nowhere is about the noises in Malaysian politics which is ridiculing the population at large.
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad perpetuated these, with his incessant open attacks since 30 months ago using the 1MDB commercial issues in damning political over tone, in the objective to oust Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak.
It later evolved into the strategy of demonisation.
Other stories about Fourth Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir is the appeal in against the High Court ruling which denied his attempt to disqualify two member of the Royal Commission of Inquiry for the Bank Negara forex losses.
The Star story:
Thursday, 17 August 2017 | MYT 6:43 PM
Dr M appeals against High Court decision on RCI panel members
PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision which dismissed his application to remove two members of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on foreign exchange losses in the 1980s and 1990s.
The move comes just after Dr Mahathir’s application for leave for a judicial review over the RCI’s decision that it could not disqualify its members had been dismissed by the High Court on Thursday.
According to the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman’s lawyer, Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, an urgent motion to hear the application to stay the RCI proceedings had been filed at the Court of Appeal at 5.30pm Thursday.
He told reporters that the hearing for the application was set for Friday morning at the Court of Appeal.
“The appeal tomorrow is to obtain an order from the court to stay proceedings of the RCI pending hearing of an appeal proper,” he said.
On Aug 9, the former prime minister filed a judicial review to quash the RCI’s dismissal of his application to disqualify Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Tan Sri Saw Choo Boon from being panel members in the RCI proceedings.
Dr Mahathir had named RCI panel members Mohd Sidek, Saw, Datuk Wira Kamaludin Md Said, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Atan, Pushpanathan S. A. Kanagarayar, RCI secretary Datuk Dr Yusof Ismail and the Government as the respondents.
The former premier is also seeking an order to compel the Government to immediately advise the Agong under Article 40(1) and Article 40(1A) of the Federal Constitution to quash the appointment of the two RCI members.
He said that the RCI had breached the natural justice on grounds that the first and fourth respondents were also members of a task force responsible for the investigation that forwarded a recommendation to advise Cabinet to form an RCI to investigate forex losses by Bank Negara Malaysia in the 1980s and 1990s.
Dr. Mahathir walked in the footsteps of other Opposition leaders in the likes of Sodomy Convict Anwar “Mat King Leather” Ibrahim and DAP Secretary General and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng when they were charged for crimes in the courts.
Recusing the tribunal judges were part of their tactics to delay the process of seeking justice for their alleged crimes when charged in courts.
Dr. Mahathir is desperately trying to evade from the truth of the ‘gamble’ taken by Bank Negara Malaysia in 1991-2 in the forex exchange market when the central bank completely wiped out its foreign currency reserve.
Limiting factor of one’s own limit to capacity, is probably the best justification to unravel the baffling thought trying to understand the cyber reference of why Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (PERKASA) Secretary General Syed Hassan Syed Ali had taken up in his defiance against Tourism Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nazri Aziz.
Pertamanya, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz yang menurunkan taraf dia yang kononnya pemimpin besar kepada setaraf aktivis kerdil seperti saya hingga sanggup memberi respon terhadap kenyataan yang dibuat aktivis kedil dari PERKASA ini beberapa hari yang lepas.
Hebat sifat rendah diri YB itu.
Terima kasihlah kerana beliau juga mengiktiraf PERKASA sebagai pejuang bangsa apabila melabelkan kami sebagai pertubuhan rasis.
Maka samalah PERKASA dengan MCA, MIC dan Hindraf yang sentiasa berjuang untuk bangsa masing-masing.
Tapi DAP, MCA, Dong Zong, MIC dan Hindraf tidak pula Nazri gelar rasis.
Nazri juga secara tidak langsung mengiktiraf Umno bukan lagi memperjuangkan kepentingan Melayu dan Bumiputera sebab apabila mengata pihak lain rasis, maka pihaknya tidak rasis.
Jika tidak rasis, Umno perjuangkan kaum mana?
Oh…. Umno perjuangkan semua kaum. Nazri mungkin tidak tahu bezakan kerajaan, parti dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO).
Hak dia walaupun Melayu
Kerajaan, ya, memang perlu perjuangkan semua kaum, tetapi walau apa pun kena akur dengan perlembangaan negara. Parti semestinya berjuang mengikut perlembagaan parti itu.
Semestinya Umno demi agama, bangsa dan tanah air. Tidak tahulah maksud bangsa dalam perlembagaan Umno itu. Tapi rasanya semua orang tahu ianya bermaksud Melayu.
Dengan itu apakah pemimpin-pemimpin DAP, MCA, Dong Zong, MIC dan Hindraf lebih hebat daripada pemimpin Umno dalam perjuangkan kepentingan bangsa masing-masing?
OK-lah dia nak bertutur guna bahasa Inggeris dalam sidang media, hak dialah walau pun sebagai pemimpin Melayu sepatutnya dia perlu mengutamakan bahasa ibunda sendiri yang menjadi bahasa kebangsaan.
Kalau dia bangga dan cintakan bahasa ibundanya iaitu bahasa Melayu, pasti dia bertutur bahasa Melayu dalam apa acara sekali pun di dalam negara.
PERKASA tidak hairan dengan jati diri sesetengah pemimpin Umno. Cara hidup kebaratan lebih gemar ditonjol-tonjolkan. Pastinya masyarakat Melayu terpegun dan kagum sangat-sangat kepada mereka.
Nak bercakap, lebih gemar berbahasa Inggeris.
Maka tidak hairanlah apabila bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa kebangsaan tidak dapat diperkasakan lagi oleh Umno sebab sesetengah pimpinan parti itu sudah tiada jati diri.
Sebab itu kita mudah lihat banyak papan iklan dalam bahasa Inggeris di merata-merata tempat sekarang, termasuk di dinding-dinding bangunan, nama bangunan, nama taman perumahan dan nama kondominium di seluruh negara.
Jemput Namewee ke parlimen
Malah slogan yang dicetuskan oleh pimpinan negara juga kebanyakannya menggunakan bahasa Inggeris. Mereka seperti langsung tak ambil kisah.
Itulah nasib bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa kebangsaan sejak kebelakangan ini di bawah kuasa BN naungan pimpinan Umno sekarang.
Sedih sungguh mengenangkan nasib pejuang-pejuang bangsa yang bersusah payah memastikan bahasa Melayu menjadi bahasa kebangsaan disematkan kemas dalam Perlembagan Persekutuan Malaysia.
Jika pimpinan negara makin ramai seperti Nazri, tiadalah lagi kepentingan Melayu dapat dipertahankan dan diperkasakan pada masa depan nampaknya.
Kepada orang Melayu, berusaha dan berdoalah untuk mendapatkan pemimpin-pemimpin baru yang mempunyai jati diri Melayu yang tinggi demi menjamin kepentingan bangsa di masa depan.
Untuk para pembaca semua, Nazri bukan baru serang PERKASA. Sejak awal penubuhan PERKASA lagi beliau sudah mengecam pertubuhan ini sebagai NGO rasis.
Sebab itulah PERKASA tidak hairan sangat kerana Nazri membuktikan sebelum ini beliau bukan rasis, kerana beliau lebih melayan budak Cina biadab menghina Islam dan Melayu serta negara bernama Namewe dengan menjemput si biadab itu ke parlimen.
Dia hadir tanpa mengikut etika berpakaian dalam bangunan parlimen demi hendak mendengar masalah budak itu.
Akhir sekali saya sertakan pautan laman web yang ada mempertikaikan semangat Melayu Nazri untuk semua pembaca mengenali lebih jelas seorang yang dikatakan pemimpin parti yang perjuangkan orang Melayu. [Link 1] [Link 2]
Diharapkan tuan punya bigdogdotcom.wordpress tidak keluarkan artikelnya apabila kenyataan saya ini disiarkan.
SYED HASSAN SYED ALI ialah setiausaha agung PERKASA.
Rencana ini adalah pandangan peribadi penulis dan tidak mencerminkan pendirian rasmi Malaysiakini.
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This attempt to retaliate against Tourism Minister Nazri is pure dry dark humour by using our posting in almost seven years ago in support of an organisation, which claimed to have over 200,000 members.
We don’t even know where to start!
The fact is that, don’t Syed Hassan have a more current reference, to support his and/or PERKASA’s case against Tourism Minister Nazri?
Let us go on the points raised by Syed Hassan.
PERKASA is a right wing organisation. Their patron Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, was a former President of UMNO for over 6 years and President of UMNO (Baru) over 16 years there on.
UMNO is a nationalist organisation formed by for the Malays.
UMNO mortal political nemesis is the DAP. Even Dr. Mahathir on various platforms called the DAP and leaders such as Lim Kit Siang as “Chinese Chauvinists, extremists and racists”.
He did this on the platform of UMNO.
PERKASA President Dato’ Paduka Ibrahim Ali refused to participate alongside Dr. Mahathir for the illegal street demonstration.
He also pronounced that he is “A leader of his own right” and refused to be a ‘lackey’ (Gurkha) for someone like Dr. Mahathir, despite that he is admitted the Statesman did a lot for the nation.
When his obsession Dr. Mahathir proclaimed outright that he is ashamed for PERKASA President Ibrahim for refusing to join him in his party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
PPBM forged relationship with DAP. Dr. Mahathir shocked the world for fostering political partnership with arch nemesis Lim Kit Siang and DAP.
It is known that Syed Hassan idolises Dr. Mahathir.
As the Secretary General of PERKASA, Syed Hassan should lambast Dr. Mahathir for jumping into bed and sleeping with the enemy.
Then again, Syed Hassan whacked Tourism Minister Nazri for speaking in English. These video clippings also clearly show that PERKASA President Ibrahim also is comfortable in elaborating in English, when it matters.
It is not professional to regard Syed Hassan as a hypocrite. However, Dr. Mahathir has self proven that his compulsion to lie and continuous hypocrisy.
It is a matter of principle for Syed Hassan, an advocate of the struggle for the Malays and an office bearer of a right wing organisation since its protem inception in June 2008, to publicly disown and attack Dr. Mahathir for the relationship with the “Chinese Chauvinist, racist and extremist DAP”.
Then again, there is probability that his limited formal education unlike his Boss PERKASA President Ibrahim who is proud to tell about his quest for Doctor of Philosophy in Politics, inhibited his ability of comprehension and put forth a solid argument even to rubbish a British trained lawyer like Tourism Minister Nazri.
Back to being professional. Can Syed Hassan as the Secretary General of PERKASA provide evidence that the right wing organisation has over 200,00 registered members?
Then again, is he credible enough to hold an office which is able to process 200,000 membership application?
Syed Hassan is also was incredibility petty for raising the point that then Law Minister Nazri met the controversial Malaysian Chinese rapper Namewee in Parliament almost seven years ago.
Probably he was never accorded such honour by Nazri as a Minister, then in the previous nor now as a Cabinet Minister.
Like it or not, Tourism Minister Nazri is still on the right side up, as UMNO Supreme Council member and the nationalist party had continuously been the mainstay of the backbone power since 1955.
Well, limiting factor is always the devil of achievement and progress.
Syed Hassan should be proud of his in PERKASA and galvanise his right wing organisation for the betterment of the Malays, instead caught in the paradox of his own personal dilemma.
Neutrality is the best stance for Malaysia as the world’s 17th trading nation to, be in complexity of global and regional geo-political issues and conflict, despite the errand ‘Fake News’ otherwise trying to wedge intra-Cabinet relationship and ridicule public confidence on Malaysian Government’s foreign and trade policies.
The Malaysian Insight story:
Malaysia welcomes Qatari emir visit, denies ministerial rift
Updated 39 minutes ago · Published on 15 Aug 2017 10:45PM 0 comments
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein says he has no power to stop the emir of Qatar if he wants to come to Malaysia. – EPA pic, August 15, 2017.
WISMA Putra tonight confirmed the Qatari emir will visit Malaysia despite an economic blockade by other Middle East nations, and refuted there was a cabinet rift over the visit.
Both Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman both denied there was a rift between them, as reported by The Malaysian Insight early today.
“Hishammuddin Hussein and I have long been working very well and closely with each other on many occasions,” Anifah said in a statement.
“The government of Malaysia looks forward to the state visit by the emir of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other Malaysian government agencies are currently making the necessary preparations for the visit,” he added.
He also said Malaysia had made its position clear on “the ongoing difficulties between the Arab Quartet and Qatar”.
“Why should there be rift? The rift is between the Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“Do you really think that I can stop the emir of Qatar if he wants to come?” Hishammuddin said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby. – August 15, 2017.
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Earlier, the same news portal published the ‘Fake News’:
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani has accepted an invitation to visit Malaysia and is due to arrive next month. – EPA pic, August 15, 2017.
A SPAT has erupted in the Najib administration over the Qatari emir’s official visit to Malaysia, reflecting the rift between the Gulf state and its Saudi Arabia-led neighbours.
The Malaysian Insight understands Foreign Minister Anifah Aman is firm that Putrajaya, as a neutral party in the Gulf diplomatic crisis, will host Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani when he visits next month
But Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also the Special Functions Minister and seen to be close to the Saudi government, wants the trip delayed until peace is brokered between the Middle East nations.
“There is a spat and Anifah is unhappy, to put it diplomatically, that his ministry’s decisions and jurisdiction is being questioned. The emir has been invited and it cannot be delayed,” a source told The Malaysian Insight.
“We are an impartial country in the rift, so why should we hold off visits until the countries settle their issues?” he added, noting that Anifah has had more experience in Middle East affairs since he took office in Wisma Putra in 2009.
At the heart of the matter is possibly more investments from Qatar, a rich Gulf state suffering a fallout since early June when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut ties with it over its alleged support for extremists.
Anifah, a senior Umno leader whose brother is Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, is said to have close ties with most if not all Middle East leaders. “He does his job to make Malaysia friends with all countries,” another source said.
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, instituting a series of economic reprisals, including closing their land and sea borders and airspace. Qatar has built an emergency shelter for camels and sheep after Saudi Arabia demanded that these animals belonging to Qataris keep to their side of the border. – EPA pic, August 15, 2017.
Hishammuddin was made Special Functions Minister earlier this year but his role has been largely undefined although he is seen to be close to the Saudis, and had featured prominently in King Salman’s visit to Malaysia last February when several Saudi investments were announced.
Another source said Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to intercede and smoothen the ruffled feathers and strained ties between Anifah and Hishammuddin.
Zahid had invited the emir to visit Malaysia when Zahid made a four-day official visit to Qatari capital Doha in February .
Qatar has provided valuable foreign exchange for Malaysia with several Malaysian companies involved in infrastructural projects ahead of the Gulf state hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
These Malaysian companies include WCT Engineering Bhd, which is handling a slew of construction projects costing 1.2 billion riyal (RM1.4 billion) for Lusail, a new city here.
Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd unit Malaysia Airports Consultancy Services Middle East LLC has obtained a contract extension to provide management service facilities for the Hamad International Airport and its annexes.
The energy-rich Qatar is the home of Al-Jazeera, a satellite news station that has been banned in a few Gulf states and most recently, in Israel. Malaysia is one of three bases for the English-service Al-Jazeera International since 2006. – August 15, 2017.
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Separately and independently, Malaysia has excellent diplomatic and government-to-government relationship with Kingdom of Saudi and Qatar.
Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Anifah Amin greets His Majesty King Salman Al Said, as part of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak’s reception of the Saudi King’s visit to Malaysia
That should not at all affect Malaysia’s equally good diplomatic and trade relationship with Qatar, despite the two neighbouring gulf nation’s very precarious relationship and said on the brink of conflict.
It is Malaysia foreign policy not to interfere other nation’s issues. Probably unless, the two conflicting nation request for Malaysia to play mediatory role in the complexity of international diplomacy and geo-politics.
Malaysia is open to trade and welcome investments, be it from Saudi, in the example of Petronas’ RAPID and China’s very strong FDI, on top of growth of the value and quality f business between the two nation.
Channel News Asia story:
Hard-pedalling soft power, China helps launch $13b Belt and Road rail project in Malaysia
09 Aug 2017 06:50PM (Updated: 09 Aug 2017 06:50PM)
KUANTAN, Malaysia: China and Malaysia broke ground on Wednesday (Aug 9) on a $13 billion rail project linking peninsular Malaysia’s east and west, the largest such project in the country and a major part of Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure push.
The planned 688km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will connect the South China Sea, large parts of which are claimed by China, at the Thai border in the east with the strategic shipping routes of the Straits of Malacca in the west.
It is among the most prominent projects in China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build a modern-day “Silk Road” connecting the world’s second-largest economy by land corridors to Southeast Asia, Pakistan and Central Asia and maritime routes opening up trade with the Middle East and Europe.
“The ECRL is indeed yet another ‘game changer’ and a ‘mindset changer’ for Malaysia as it will significantly cut travel time to and from the east coast of the peninsula,” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said at the ceremony half way along the route in Kuantan, which faces the South China Sea.
For China, the project is another expansion of its soft power in Malaysia, which also lays claim to some disputed South China Sea islands, and is critical for China’s geopolitical and strategic interests.
“The China government has attached great importance to the China-Malaysia relations and has always considered Malaysia a dear neighbour and trustworthy partner who is committed to seeking mutually beneficial cooperation and common development in the country,” Chinese State Councillor Wang Yong said at the ceremony, heading up a 100-strong delegation in Kuantan.
Najib said the project would be financed with an 85 per cent loan from China Exim Bank and the balance through a “sukuk” Islamic bond programme managed by local investment banks.
The project is being built by China Communications Construction Co Ltd.
Beijing has repeatedly come to the rescue of Najib over the last year, as he sought foreign investment that would help him pay off a massive debt piled up by scandal-plagued state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Najib has announced a spree of infrastructure projects in the last few months, many funded by China, as he builds up momentum for a general election that he has to call by mid-2018.
A Nomura research report last month said foreign direct investment inflows from China into Malaysia surged by 119 per cent in 2016 and continued to grow at 64 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2017.
The growing closeness to China has raised eyebrows among Najib’s opponents who have argued that the country has become too reliant on Chinese funds.
But Najib dismissed the concerns in a speech on Tuesday, saying turning away from Chinese FDI made “no economic sense”.
There have been protests in Sri Lanka and Thailand over the Belt and Road initiative. A planned rail link through Thailand hit some resistance with what critics said were Beijing’s excessive demands and unfavourable financing.
But Thailand’s cabinet last month approved construction of the first phase of a $5.5 billion railway project to link the industrial eastern seaboard with southern China through landlocked Laos.
Malaysia’s trade and FDI relationship iwith is not at all affected by the geo-political issues with Saudi.
The Star story:
Thursday, 15 June 2017 | MYT 11:05 PM
Qatar crisis has no effect on Malaysia’s trade and investment
Malaysia has close economic, trade and diplomatic ties with all the countries in the Gulf, says Mustapa. – Reuters pic
KOTA BARU: The crisis between Qatar and other Gulf countries has not affected Malaysia’s trade and investment so far, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
He said Malaysia had close economic, trade and diplomatic ties with all the countries in the Gulf.
“We have forged good ties with all countries. We have our importance in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai and all Gulf countries,” he told reporters after the breaking of fast in Kota Baru on Thursday.
Recently, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Maldives and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar following an allegation of it supporting the Islamic militant group, Daesh. – Bernama
Malaysia also is ranked 23rd position of doing business globally. The matured eco-system, corporate law, corporate practices and governance and continuity of foreign and trade policies, are some of the strong magnetism factors for trade and investments.
It is the gravy train which something nations like Saudi, Qatar and China is interested, and very much like to get on, in serving their own trade and investment requirements, growth and forecast.
Investments, which include healthy growth in the Malaysian capital and debt markets draw monies from Saudi, Qatar, China and elsewhere. Japan, United States, European Union, West and Central Asia and India, are Win-win policy where the growth and net earnings at the end of the line are being harvested together, in the many forms of partnerships between public and privately owned firms, are in the traditional and emerging markets for Malaysia to tap.
Malaysia’s foreign policy and practices is like hand-to-glove perfect fit for trade and investment.
The diplomacy continuously nurtured and grow facilitated by Wisma Putra, is supported by other Ministries perpetuate the extension for trade and investment growth.
MITI and MIDA open their offices in many regions and nations, on top of the Malaysian High Commissions and Embassies worldwide.
Malaysia’s attitude is be friends and trade with all. Except the criminally incepted Zionist State of Israel.
Pakatan leaders at odds over what caused violence at ‘Nothing to Hide’ event
By SYED UMAR ARIFF
August 14, 2017 @ 9:13pm
SYED UMAR ARIFF
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan leaders are at odds over the cause of the violence that erupted during the Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum in Shah Alam on Sunday.
PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali pinned the blame on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s absence from the event, which he claimed had led to the gathering’s chaotic end.
In making the allegation, Azmin said the prime minister’s team would have had conducted a detailed security sweep of the venue if Najib was to appear at the forum.
“I am sure that if he (Najib) had appeared, nothing would have happened. His security team will be in full force, and there will be screening to ensure the prime minister’s safety,” Azmin said when met after a Pakatan Harapan protem leaders’ press conference today.
On Sunday, Azmin had alleged Najib as the “mastermind” of the incident, which saw bottles, chairs and a flare thrown at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was speaking on centre-stage at Dewan Raja Muda Musa.
However, at a press conference earlier, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the security detail was lacking as “politicians would not know how to differentiate between good and bad individuals” in the hall.
“We politicians do not have the skills to ascertain between good and bad people.
“It is difficult for us to know because we are not from a security team.
“Of course, we gave the assurance that no untoward incidents would happen, but we would not know if there are actually protesters making their way in, especially if they wear the same (party uniform) like us.”
Muhyiddin also claimed that the chaos was likely premeditated.
“But of course, we will be more careful in the future.
The commotion broke out shortly after an audience member asked Dr Mahathir about the 1985 Memali incident in Kedah.
Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali were escorted safely out of the hall.
The police later deployed a Light Strike Force anti-riot team.
Three teenagers were later detained to facilitate investigations.
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 14 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the organiser of the ‘Nothing to Hide 2.0’ forum must take full responsibility for the fracas that occurred during the programme yesterday, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
He said blaming others, specifically Umno and the Barisan Nasional, was irresponsible of them.
The commotion occurred as Dr Mahathir was asked a question on the Memali incident that took place in 1985 that resulted in the deaths of 18 people, four of them policemen.
Mahdzir said that though the Memali incident happened a long time ago, it had left a deep impact on the family members and villagers in the area.
“We do not know, maybe the person who asked the question was personally affected or his family had something to do with the incident,” he said at a press conference after presenting prizes to winners of the Inter-Division Choir Competition held in conjunction with Independence Month 2017 organised by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture Association (MESCA) here today.
Mahdzir was commenting on allegations that Barisan Nasional and Umno had orchestrated the incident during the programme organised by the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) in Shah Alam, Selangor, which had to be postponed after shoes, chairs, flares, slippers and water bottles were thrown while Dr Mahathir was answering a question on the Memali tragedy.
He said there should not be wild allegations that the ruling party had orchestrated the incident to cover its weaknesses because the programme should not have even been held in the first place as it was merely to give Dr Mahathir a chance to speak for the sake of political mileage.
Mahdzir condemned the fracas and violence at the programme and said he hoped that the police would investigate to find out the cause and identify those responsible for the incident.
Earlier, at the event today, the Co-curriculum and Culture Division was announced winner of the competition.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Umno Youth vice-chief Khairul Azwan Harun said PPBM youth head Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman should be held responsible for the incident for failing to ensure the safety of the audience at the programme, resulting in people being injured.
“The youth head (Syed Saddiq) should have foreseen such incidences and provided the highest security during the forum,” he told reporters at the lobby of Parliament.
Shah Alam District Police chief ACP Shafien Mamat has said that three youths aged 17, 18 and 19 had been detained to assist in the investigation into the incident.
Azwan condemned the incident and said it was a wake-up call to PPBM, that not all party members liked their leaders.
He said there was even the possibility that the fracas was planned by PPBM members themselves so they could blame Umno for it.
Immediately after the media reported the incident, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali claimed that Umno had masterminded it.
In response, Azwan denied that Umno Youth was involved in the incident and urged the authorities to conduct a full investigation and arrest those responsible.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the accusation by the Pakatan Harapan leadership that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was the mastermind behind the incident was a serious matter as it was aimed at tarnishing the good name of the country’s leader.
“It is common practice for the opposition to cover up their own weakness. They should look at the security control from all aspects,” he said.
In IPOH, Selangor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar lambasted Azmin’s statement which accused Umno and Najib of causing the fracas.
He said Azmin’s statement was defamatory as the results of the investigation into the incident were not finalised but Azmin blamed Umno and the Prime Minister with using gangsters and accused Najib of being a coward.
Noh, who is also Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, was speaking to reporters after presenting appointment letters to the committee members of the Perak People’s Representative 2017-2019 session and the presentation of the Perak PBT 2016 awards today.
In SHAH ALAM, Selangor Umno deputy chairman Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan also said the organisers of the programme should be responsible for the chaos that occurred.
He said the organisers should be blamed for compromising on the safety of those who attended the forum.
He added it was irresponsible for anyone to blame other parties, specifically Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the fracas.
“What basis and evidence is there for the accusations made against the Prime Minister,” he said.
Meanwhile in PETALING JAYA, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the fracas was totally unexpected and could have been orchestrated by irresponsible parties.
Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s 22 years 3 months and 15 days tenure as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, President of UMNO and Barisan National is not at all without controversies, abuses and scandals.
His leadership who was described as “Not Sterling”, would always be remembered in the many adverse and negative ways and tones, despite the progress and transformation he did brought forth to the nation.
‘Dictator’, is synonymous for the man who is known then and still remembered for punishing those who crossed him.
Cute gift: Najib is given a cat by Puteri Umno leader Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (right) at Masjid Tanah in Melaka. Looking on are (from left) Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Dr Ahmad Zahid and Abd Rauf.
MELAKA: Former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was never a popular figure among party members during his tenure as president, revealed Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Umno president said Dr Mahathir ruled the party with an iron fist to ensure continued support from leaders and the grassroots.
“During his tenure, Umno members were afraid of him. He would go after you if you didn’t support him,” Najib said in his speech when opening the Masjid Tanah Umno division meeting here yesterday.
The Prime Minister said Dr Mahathir’s dictatorial style of leadership was what had enabled him to remain as Umno president for so long.
He said Dr Mahathir, who is now Parti Bersatu Pribumi Malaysia chairman, was also an ungrateful leader who conveniently forgot those who supported him during his time of need.
Najib said, without his support as the then Umno Youth vice-chief during the bitter party election in 1987, Dr Mahathir who was challenged by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah would not have won.
During the election, Dr Mahathir won by a razor-thin majority of only 43 votes.
“He has forgotten that without me throwing support behind him, he would not have emerged as winner,” he said.
Najib said Tengku Razaleigh was very upset with him for supporting Dr Mahathir, but for him “Umno and loyalty to the leadership must always come first”.
He said, once he took over as Umno president, he had also abolished the quota system introduced by Dr Mahathir to remain in power.
“I did away with the unwanted system and allowed the 165,000 grassroots leaders to vote for top leaders,” he said.
Also present at the event were deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Masjid Tanah Umno division chief Datuk Seri Abd Rauf Yusoh and former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme council member Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman.
Najib said Dr Mahathir’s attempt to drive a wedge between him and Dr Ahmad Zahid was also a futile exercise, as he has full trust in his deputy.
“I treasure the friendship that we have since 1976. I attended courses and even slept in the same dormitory with Ahmad Zahid and it is impossible for someone to try to break these ties that go way back,” he said.
Najib also announced that he would not turn against the party in the event that he was no longer president.
“Umno is a sacred party and no one should be allowed to destroy it,” he added.
Earlier when opening the Bukit Katil Umno division meeting, Najib hailed former Umno deputy president Tun Ghafar Baba as a true party loyalist.
He said Ghafar’s loyalty to the party was true and pure and his dedication should be emulated by all members.
“He once said that position was not important to him but Umno was.
“All of us must have this kind of spirit especially if we want to win back Bukit Katil,” he said.
Despite leading a nation which practiced Constitutional Monarchy democratic system which continuously had a Parliament, he had the ultimate responsibility of the nation.
Brutal murder of Bank Bumiputra Assistant General Manager Jalil Ibrahim in 1983, the bail out of Bank Bumiputra twice, MAMINCO fiasco, Memali Incident on 19 November 1985, the UMNO leadership challenge in April 1987, the dreregistration of UMNO on 8 Feb 1988 and the sacking of Lord President and suspension of five Supreme Court Judges in 1988.
In the likes of the new development brought forth by the revelation of then Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Musa Hitam recently, PAS Vice President Mahfuz Omar demanded that the Federal Government withdraw the White Paper presented to Parliament but set a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the Memali Incident.
That was all within the first two terms of his leadership. UMNO/Barisan National lost Kelantan to PAS in the November 1990 8 GE, which was never recovered. In the same GE, Barisan Nasional also lost Sabah to PBS.
Dr. Mahathir in his sarcasm, admitted that he was a “Dictator” of the nation.
The Straits Times story:
Malaysia’s Mahathir admits he was a ‘dictator’
Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad attending a meeting of political and civil leaders looking to change the government, in KL on March 27, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
PUBLISHED
MAR 27, 2016, 9:08 PM SGT
SHAH ALAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad has admitted that he was a “dictator” during his 22-year rule in Malaysia and was partly at fault for pushing Mr Najib Razak as Prime Minister.
He said this at a press conference after the “Save Malaysia” congress on Sunday (March 27). The former premier was asked how the appointment of a new prime minister would change the political situation.
Dr Mahathir explained that regardless of who replaces Mr Najib, they would know what would happen if they abused their power.
“They can do what I did, I was also a dictator before, but that is all right. People did not demonstrate like this against me before,” he said in a jest.
Dr Mahathir added that he was not entirely at fault for the damage done by the current leadership.
He said that the fault began with second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak recommending him to third prime minister Tun Hussein Onn as a replacement.
“The fault began with Tun Razak for recommending me to Tun Hussein, and then Tun Hussein for choosing me as his deputy. And I got elected as prime minister.
“As a prime minister, I have to choose my deputy. It was (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) followed by Tun Abdullah Badawi.
“I was responsible for asking Tun Abdullah to appoint Najib, so not only me. A lot of people were involved in choosing him. So it is my fault and other people’s fault,” he said.
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Of course, he did operate the nation all by himself. However, like Captain Edward Smith who commandeered RMS Titanic which was then the most sophisticated and largest ocean liner, is responsible for her sinking on 12 April 1912.
Dr. Mahathir abused the democracy in many ways.
An immediate example is that he utilised the Parliament to curb the power of the nine HRH Rulers and their immediate family, who were immune to laws and changed the Federal Constitution, twice.
He used the provision for detention without trial under the Emergency Ordinance and Internal Security Act against his detractors and political dissenters. The example is he was the Home Minister who signed the detention order of 106 persons arrested under ISA in October 1987.
The sacking of his own Deputy in Cabinet and party Anwar Ibrahim on 2 and 3 September 1998 respectively, was followed by the detention under ISA of leaders of his own party.
They include Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MB Perak Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who were then UMNO Youth leaders and staunch supporters of Anwar Ibrahim.
Sabah under PBS suffered when Federal Government continuously reduced funding and development, which has strategic impact till present day.
Dr. Mahathir wants the support of the people to oust Prime Minister Najib and now BN, but he cannot even truthfully answer the queries thrown at him but instead be elusive and evasive.
A Facebook comment:
“Terang komennya, dari saudara Norizan bin Yahya.
I was there and (I was) the fourth person to ask a question. The question that got into trouble was question no 6.
The first question was about why Azmin was elected as election strategic director. Answer: Yang penting menang election.
Second question: why want to pick Anwar as the next PM since he is a sodomite and are you now saying Anwar was not guilty and he was jailed because he was your political enemy then?
Answer: Even Anwar did not ask those kind of question to me anymore. Itu perkara lama bla bla bla until the person who asked (the) question shouted : Jawab la soalan! Ini forum nothing to hide…I turned around and asked that guy to respect the majlis.
Then, (it was) my turn. I asked how come you said 40 billion disappeared into thin air but balance sheet of 1MDB showed that they have 51 billion (in) assets. “Macam mana Tun kira?” He digressed and did not answer my question but instead he said we must look at the banking statement.
My point is he kept on evading questions with loyar buruk answers as usual. So, the crowd got irritated.
What sparked the anger was when he answered the question about Memali. He said (the) 4 policemen died and the 18 PAS members who died deserved the same fate too.
Then ada satu selipar sudah terbang…..the rest you can read everywhere…”
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The fact is that, if Dr. Mahathir is not prepared to address issues so prevalent raised pertaining him, then he should have not continue trying to test others when he himself failed so many tests.
There is no need to list all the probable ‘Mahathir Haters’. He did so many things which is unimaginable how he survived so far, so long without being pelted with rotten eggs.
Rotten eggs are not dangerous weapons, unlike stones or even pebbles.
Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had the ghosts of his past haunt him and spooked the lights of many, which is not surprising at all.
He was attacked upon his eluding answer to the question about the ‘Memali Incident’ at a village on 19 November 1985 in Baling, Kedah where 18 people lost their lives.
Two persons is believed to be arrested for the riot at the event:
New Straits Time story:
(Updated) Two men held in Nothing to Hide 2.0 riot
SHAH ALAM: A riot erupted at the venue of Nothing To Hide 2.0 event featuring Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, here this evening.
The incident started about 5.30pm saw a flare thrown towards the stage, followed by water bottles and chairs, before a mob started chasing after several people to a parking area opposite Dewan Raja Muda Musa at Selangor Youth and Culture Complex where the event was held.
The commotion inside the hall also saw another flare tossed towards a section where media members were seated.
It happened shortly after an audience asked the former premier about Memali incident in Kedah in 1985, and whether Dr Mahathir took responsibility of the incident which saw 18 including four policemen killed.
Dr. Mahathir however did not get the chance to answer the question when provocation started as he was about to speak.
He was then escorted out to safety, together with his wife Tun Dr. Siti Asmah Mohd Ali and other Pakatan Harapan leaders. They are believed to have been taken to their cars.
The New Straits Times reporters who were there saw several members of the audience, including those wearing Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Armada youth wing’s t-shirts, assaulted at the parking area.
A group also started venting their anger towards members of the press for taking their pictures, and shoved several photographers. It is learnt that several including female reporters were also kicked by unidentified assailants.
The incident continued for about half an hour, where a mob also chased after a man back into the hall and started beating him up, before a group of men believed to be security personnel for the event took the man away and shielded him from the mob.
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Dr Mahathir had this coming when he agreed to appear at a forum designed to be provocative by his own party’s youth wing ARMADA in Shah Alam this afternoon.
The event was planned to be a debate with Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak.
However, despite the refusal for a debate, which many believed to be of no purpose but an extension of Dr Mahathir’s strategy to demonise Prime Minister Najib.
Channel News Asia story:
Forum led by former Malaysian PM Mahathir descends into violence
Some participants threw shoes and chairs at Dr Mahathir and set off flares at the community hall in Shah Alam.
14 Aug 2017 12:11AM (Updated: 14 Aug 2017 12:28AM)
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KUALA LUMPUR: A forum led by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is seeking to oust the government, descended into violence Sunday (Aug 13) as participants threw shoes and chairs and set off flares.
The town hall meeting was aimed at highlighting a major financial scandal that has ensnared Prime Minister Najib Razak, and which has spurred Mahathir, 92, into coming out of retirement to take on his ex-protege.
But about 90 minutes into the event in Shah Alam, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, troublemakers started throwing shoes, chairs and bottles towards Mahathir, organiser Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman told AFP.
They also set off flares during the short outburst of violence in the community hall where the event took place, with video footage showing the room filling with smoke.
Mahathir, who had been taking questions from the audience when the violence erupted, was escorted from the building and was unhurt, Syed Saddiq said. At least two people were injured, he added.
“It is clear it was designed to silence Mahathir and the opposition,” said Syed Saddiq, the youth chief of Mahathir’s recently established Bersatu party.
“But we will never be cowed by these cowards.”
Senior opposition figure Azmin Ali accused Najib of “using gangsterism to silence Mahathir. This is a cowardly act”.
It was not clear who was behind the violence but it illustrates that political tensions are rising before elections which Najib must call by mid-2018, and that Mahathir is viewed as a potent threat.
Mahathir, who was premier from 1981 to 2003, has excoriated Najib over allegations billions were looted from state investment fund 1MDB in an audacious campaign of fraud and money-laundering.
Before the violence erupted at Sunday’s event, called “Nothing to Hide” and attended by some 2,000 people, Mahathir had repeated his criticisms of Najib over 1MDB.
Najib, whose United Malays National Organisation has been in power at the head of a coalition since independence in 1957, and 1MDB deny wrongdoing.
Mahathir’s party has joined the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, or Alliance of Hope. It last month announced a new leadership line-up, with Mahathir as chairman and his former rival Anwar Ibrahim – who is in jail – as overall leader.
Dr. Mahathir ought to realise his leadership and administration in the words of a leader, “Not Sterling”. His 22 years 3 month premiership was plagued with scandals, abuses and even so many persons wronged.
An example besides the ‘Memali Incident’ is in October 1987 where 106 persons were arrested and detained without trial of ‘Operasi Lallang’. He was then the Home Minister, who signed the detention order under Emergency Ordinance and Internal Security Act.
This ‘Nothing 2 Hide 2′ event was not even well received, despite the attendance of senior Opposition Leaders like Parti Bunga President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd. Yassin, DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng, Parti Bunga Deputy President Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and other PPBM top leadership.
The dreadful incident is suspiciously orchestrated or planned. It is because the peculiar master ceremony announcement just prior to the commencement of the event,
“Tuan Tuan dan Puan Puan, saya lupa memintak Tuan-Tuan dan Puan-Puan memberikan tepukan gemuruh kepada brother-brother security atau keselamatan kita pada hari ini. Kita tak mohon, tak jangka atau tak doakan tetapi sekiranya keselamatan kita pada hari ini tergugat, kita mohon abang-abang security mengambil tindakan sewajarnya”.
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This can be seen in the first two minutes of this recording:
One of the issues that Dr. Mahathir is unable to answer is about the Anwar’s sacking from the Government as Deputy Prime Minister, from UMNO as Deputy President and the case for sodomy, which started trial in end of 1998.
The Star story:
Sunday, 13 August 2017 | MYT 9:46 PM
Dr M sidesteps question on Anwar sodomy charges at forum
SHAH ALAM: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad sidestepped a question on his fractious history with jailed Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Nothing To Hide 2.0 forum on Sunday, reiterating that the issue was “in the past”.
The former prime minister said that even Anwar had not questioned him about the real reason he was sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998.
“Even Anwar has never questioned me about that. His main focus is on toppling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. This issue is already very old. If we want to raise past issues, then it will be very difficult for everyone,” he said at the forum held at the Dewan Raja Muda Musa here.
An audience member had asked the Pribumi chairman to reveal whether his reason for sacking Anwar was because the latter had committed sodomy, or if it was because he was seen as a political threat.
Asked why he was now campaigning for Anwar to be eventually made Prime Minister if Pakatan Harapan wins the next general election, Dr Mahathir said that the decision would ultimately not be up to him.
“Whether he becomes PM or not is not up to me. If the people want him then they have the right to choose him. Even if I disagree – but the majority want Anwar – then that is something we need to accept,” the Pakatan chairman said, adding that a person’s capability to be prime minister cannot be judged based on the number of “sins” they had committed.
“If you ask someone how many sins they have before choosing them as PM, then I figure no one can be PM,” he said.
On a separate question as to whether he would officially apologise to Anwar in order to strengthen the Opposition pact before the next general election, Dr Mahathir said there was no need for an apology.
“Anwar has never asked me to apologise. I met him for more than an hour, and he didn’t even ask me why I put him in jail or tell me to apologise for mistreating him,” he added.
The forum on Sunday had to be abruptly suspended after several individuals instigated violence by throwing projectiles including bottles, shoes, and even flares in the direction of the stage.
Dr Mahathir, who was seated on stage with moderator Azhar Harun, was immediately rushed out of the hall with his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali and other Opposition leaders who were present.
This is not the first time Dr. Mahathir has been attacked for politics. He was attacked by his own personal friend Nik Sapeia at Sultan Ismail International Airport, Kota Bharu, Kelantan on the morning of 28 July 2006.
The attack in Kota Bharu infront of 1,000 believed to be his supporters which include Majlis Tindakan Rakyat Kelantan Chairman Dato’ Ibrahim Ali, was about foiling him to speak against then Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Dr. Mahathir was slotted to appear later that day, in his second open attack in his quest to oust Prime Minister Abdullah.
Volenti non fit injuria (Latin: “to a willing person, injury is not done”) is a common law doctrine which states that if someone willingly places themselves in a position where harm might result, knowing that some degree of harm might result, they are not able to bring a claim against the other party in tort or delict.
The ruling party and/or Government has nothing to gain by sabotaging this event, especially in this manner. There is nothing could be expected from Dr. Mahathir which has not been said nor him eluding from directly answer anything thrown against him, over his 60 years of politics.
It is Dr. Mahathir who has so much to hide and he cannot disclaim ownership of anything which is coming back to haunt him because he consented for the provocation, both as a provocateur and victim.
*Updated 1100hrs 14 Aug 2017
This is the posting from Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Mahathir’s Facebook fan club:
Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is the greatest compulsive liar of them all!
Fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has a very dark humorous way of describing himself and what he did, capable of doing and mindset for over 22 years when in power.
He conveniently trying to cheat himself that majority of Malaysians forget the perils he did during his reign of terror, as much as he wanted to be remembered for the transformation he brought forth to the nation.
Undoubtedly, obsession driven this seemingly man-possessed into a very ageing beast attempting to come and reign, even with the help of the demons for half a century he lead the charge of the crusade.
It is a reflection of guilt for the wrongs he is now trying to right, with more wrongs.
Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli — Sunpix by Adib Rawi Yahya
Ogos 17, 2017 18:37 MYT
The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles.... 
Projection of sentiments Vs facts
Gaming is more of a process and methodology of science and complex mathematics in the determination of the odds of winning the race against ‘sentiment and gut feel’ horse.
Joceline Tan’s Sunday Star column:
The senior The Star writer’s analysis is corroborated by Minister of Communication and Multimedia Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak’s opinion, on the same subject matter.
The fact that the Opposition is facing a lot compounding issues, should be factored.
The current corruption case in the hearing process against Chinese Chauvinist Secretary General and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng opened the horizon to the Chinese voters, especially Penangites.
PKR Vice President and Chief Strategist Rafizi Ramli is also in trouble, to pay the suit he lost and upcoming criminal charges against him which include possession of state secret.
In Selangor, trouble is brewing after the bit by bit revelation with regards to the abuse and leakages from various state owned GLCs, said to be in RM billions.
The internal conflict faced by all the component parties within Pakatan Harapan itself is glaring to their own supporters or the fence-sitters, which are likely to throw their mandate to the ‘Gang of Four’.
They have contradicted and backtracked their own battlecries.
The Malaysia Today analysis:
Another interesting fact is that Pakatan Harapan has yet to be unified in their thought who they should offer to the Malaysian voters as the ‘next Prime Minister’, despite going around proclaiming themselves as “The Government in Waiting”.
The most interest fact the absence of the congruent offering in economic and developmental plans and programs for Malaysia, to move forward amidst all the challenges and at least maintain the same trajectory, vector and momentum.
The representative young Pakatan Harapan to that agenda is obvious a hopeless voice!
- Commentary
on August 27, 2017 at 14:00 Comments (5)