Another Brick in the Wall

It is the same action as the gut feel of Dato Dennis Ignatius, but it is not done in a brash and harsh manner.

The Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Anifah Aman officially issued a statement for the expulsion of North Korean Ambassador, Kong Choi in accordance to the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations (1961).

Malaysia do not need to explain its actions.

However, Wisma Putra explained the decision to do was due to the refusal of the Ambassador to explain his disrespectful actions to accuse the police and authorities in Malaysia as in-cohoot and part of a conspiracy with other countries to wrongly accuse North Korea.

South Korea had accused North Korean ministries as organising the murder of a North Korean believed to be Kim Jong Num, the step brother to North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un.

Malaysia refused to hide under the "cloak of immunity" in the rape case involving one of its Embassy staff in New Zealand few years ago.

However, North Korea applied the immunity to protect one of the several suspects and believed to be the mastermind, Ri Jong-chol of the murder.

Ri Jong-chol has been deported back and black-listed from re-entering.

Upon arrival in Beijing, he made a statement to accuse Malaysia of conspiring against him and accuse police of threatening his family.

Despite police investigation found the use of VX nerve agent, North Korea has immediately denied police finding despite not allowed access to the body. They denied Jong Num died of poison and claimed the cause was heart attack.

The North Korean Ambassador tried to claim the body of the Kim Jong Num and immediately after the murder, he had attempted to steal the body from the hospital.

Police procedure only allows next of kin to reclaim the murdered body.

The presence of family member will allow police to apply DNA test to confirm the body is Jong Num.

Security concern

Health Minister, Dato S Subramaniam explained that VX is a lethal nerve agent that could kill victim in a very short time. It is listed by the United Nation as a weapon of mass terrorism.

Wisma Putera issued a statement on this finding:

James Rubin, former US Assistant Secretary of State claimed North Korea could be selling VX to terror groups and citing countries like Syria and Iran.

US is mulling of relisting North Korea for state sponsored terrorism and Pyongpyang could face multilateral retribution.

North Korea reacted with a threat that US will "pay dearly" for its action.

In addition to the US, Britain urged Malaysia to share evidence by sending it to Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Security Council.

There was an accusation that Malaysia had not complied with sanction against North Korea.

Wisma Putera responded:

Police chief, Tan Sri Khalid bin Abu Bakar was reported in the process of striking out two North Korean companies based in Malaysia claimed by a website registered in 2009, www.glocom.com.my believed to be involved running arm operation.

In mid-February, police detained airport security officers at KLIA for suspected link to ISIS.

Dennis predicted the North Korean Ambassador will defect. In reaction to the rude diplomacy of the Ambassador, Dato Nazri Aziz viewed he had no choice but to act angry.

In less than 48 hours, their theory could be proven soon.

Commencing Monday, the visa free travel for North Korean will be lifted.

Malaysia is taking serious action.

High Court has issued a gag orer on witnessess related to the murder of Kim Jong Num (or as the name in the passport reads, Kim Chol). A Vietnamese and an Indonesian are being charged in court.

Over the weekend, viral were pictures of Tun Dr Mahathir in Johor Baru giving a defiant pose against the Sultan of Johor. At the tail-end of his life, he is ready and willing to openly take on the royals.

He has often poke fun at the royals, whenever he goes through the Malayan Union routine in his speeches at political rallies.

In a speech in London near the end of his premiership, in which a student asked when he will resign, he told the audience that Malaysians can be anything but "jadi Raja". The brave student was not Khairy Jamaluddin but son of a Putrajaya official then.

History of that incident need be corrected. At the same time, historians need to re-look their analysis of Mahathir. His past actions to do constitutional amendments could be more than to curb royal abuses. It maybe something imbedded in his psyche similar to his need to shame Singapore with a crooked bridge as symbol.

However, this posting is not about royal misbehaviours or Mahathir, but financial mischief made under the name of the Sultan by a religious state institution. One have heard of name throwing of the Prime Minister's wife, but when checked, it turned out to be untrue.

Can it be checked when the name thrown is a Sultan?

The source came from within Selangor court, but the legal case is true (as per the document above). Upon much digging, this was what was found.

In 2006, Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS) awarded a privatisation contract to built, operate and transfer (BOT) 3 blocks of hostels to Redha Resources (Redha). The hostels are to be rented out to students of Kolej Ugama Islam Selangor (KUIS), a higher learning institution established under MAIS. The BOT contract is for 33 years.

Redha raise financing and they did raised RM125 million from a consortium of Banks with Bank Muaamalat as facilitating agent.

The hostels were constructed, and Redha managed and operated the hostels. KUIS passed the rental collected from students.

In turn, MAIS gave a payment guarantee to the Banks. They agreed to top-up any shortfall in the event the rooms are not taken up. However, they do not need as it is 100% full. Good investment for MAIS.

This problem had Certificate of Fitness (CF) as point of dispute or excuse of non payment.

To justify not paying, MAIS officials threw the Sultan's name as though there were a royal decree not to pay. A royal decree would have justified cause but thus far, this one had none and is in contravention with fair practises of commerce.

Prior to getting financing in 2007, there was a pre-constuction meeting held in 2006, which involved the banks and local authorities. The authorities gave their words that the plan and design are okay. There will be no problem to get CF.

With those commitments, Banks agreed to finance. Banks have been disbursing the along the progressive claims.

Government being government and it is quite typical of Malaysian civil servants, state or federal, they requested more condition in 2008 after the hostels were completely constructed.

So no CF was issued yet. Throughout 2008 to 2012, Redha and their consultants were working on the CF. The most difficult one was the fire department i.e. bomba.

Despite no CF issued, MAIS still rented it out to KUIS students. From the initial number of 3,000 students, it increased to 6,000 by November 2012.

MAIS Chairman

In the midst of working on the CF, MAIS raised the issue of CF with Redha. It was explained and shown what was being done.

But MAIS threw the Sultan's name to claim they were instructed to terminate the contractor.

It is surprising and cannot be true for Sultan to not understand business practices.

Tuanku Sharafuddin was shareholder in Killinghal Tin Berhad, who in turn was major shareholder of the former Southern Bank Berhad, and many other business ventures.

On December 2012, MAIS stopped payment to Redha and subsequently, Redha could not pay the Banks. But MAIS still rented out the no CF hostels to KUIS students and money goes into MAIS coffer.

Not comfortable with the dispute between MAIS and Redha, KUIS offered a resolution to takeover the hostels as in to buy it over. Redha was to be compensated.

But, nothing happened.

Muaamalat and the Bank consortium members filed an application to the court against Redha and MAIS for payment. However, MAIS remained stubborn and filed a counter suit to "play on technicality" against Redha and Muamalat.

They use the excuse they have been paying for hostels that had not got CF. If Redha had not allowed the hostels to KUIS, the students will be without living quarters.

Furthermore, the agreements with Banks do not require obtaining CF as condition. Otherwise, it can take forever for CF to be obtained and no property development with bank financing are viable.

In the meanwhile, Redha and the consultants continued the process to obtain CF. Recently, in the midst of hearing, believed on the second day, they obtained what people in the construction industry called a Borang F from the Kajang local council thus Architect could issue a CCC.

With it, CF can be issued and MAIS has no more case. There is no more reason for MAIS to hold back payment. Since stopping payment, MAIS have been collecting almost RM52.6 million of hostel rental from students. However, they insist not to pay.

However, MAIS refuse to withdraw the case. In discussion, it is heard MAIS raised question and doubt on how the CCC or CF could be obtained just in time. That should be beside the point, isn't it?

Various excuses, questions and doubts were raised by the MAIS team led by Chairman, Dato' Setia Haji Mohamad Adzib bin Mohd Isa which seemed to indicate they are nit picking and trying to find trouble issues. Sultan's name were thrown in frequently.

The power and authority of the Sultan in state and religious matters, including his highness discretion in MAIS is clearly stated in the law and constitution, federal and state.

It is unthinkable and preposterous for MAIS officials to claim his highness commanded on a religious institution to default on a commercial agreement.

The MAIS council members are not made up of any politicians, BN or Pakatan, for the possibility there is political motivation or corruption by politicians. They comprise of top state civil servants, state police chief, state Mufti, and members from the Royal Council.

Apparently, those that attended meeting in chamber were MAIS Chairman, KUIS Rector, Redha representative, Architect, Muamalat representative, and Kajang local council.

There are various implications but royal mischief is not. It could be civil servant mischief. But, it has yet to be ascertained.

However, it will be great injustice and zalim on the part MAIS on the contractor Redha. Surely the institution acting as guardian of Islam for the state of Selangor has no intention to raise money by haram means!

If there is reason for their action, there must be justified by reasons and not throwing the good name of his highness. As a religious institution, they should set good example.

On Sunday, CNN here reported North Korea launched four ballistic missiles in which three missiles reached into Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. It was believed to be in reaction to be a provocative reaction to a South Korea-US joint military exercise.

North Korea had claimed they have the capability to launch Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) to the US However, CBS News here reported the US do not see the test shows they have reached that level of capability yet. However, Washington already see it as a serious threat.

The Washington Post here reported "China expressed its dismay over the launch, with a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman saying it “opposes” launches that undermine U.N. resolutions. Russia, meanwhile, was more blunt, describing itself as “seriously worried” about the launches which raise tensions in the region."

In last night's China Global TV program with Tin Mei, a Senior Captain in the Chinese navy claimed that contrary to the common belief, it is not easy for Chinese to "control" North Korean military action. UN will be calling a special meeting on the missile launch.

Somehow or rather, the North Korean reaction may have to do with the heightened tension with Malaysia due to the murder of Kim Jong Num that is suspected to be killed by North Korean agents. US is calling for North Korea to be relisted as countries practising state sponsored terrorism.

The North Korean Ambassador left home yesterday evening. [CGTV report here.] In a tic-for-tac reaction, North Korea expelled our already home Ambassador.

Shamed for Malaysia able to pre-empt their intention to expel our Ambassador, North Korea temporarily prohibited Malaysians from leaving North Korea. It is tantamount to holding Malaysian under hostage.

One can read in The Star report here.

CGTV here reported: The Malaysian Embassy staff burned documents and some left carrying luggage. On Tuesday morning, other staff lowered the flag of Malaysia and the flag of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Later, three cars left the embassy in succession.

In addition to those embassy staff and family reported by Bernama, there are about 100 Malaysians working or doing business in North Korea.

In reaction, Dato Dr Zahid Hamidi announced:

Meanwhile, Dato Najib issued a statement:

PRIME MINISTER NAJIB RAZAK CALLS ON NORTH KOREA TO IMMEDIATELY RELEASE ALL MALAYSIANS

7th March 2017

1.      I condemn in the strongest possible terms North Korea's decision to prevent Malaysian citizens from leaving the country.

2.      This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms.

3.      As a peace-loving nation, Malaysia is committed to maintaining friendly relations with all countries. However, protecting our citizens is my first priority, and we will not hesitate to take all measures necessary when they are threatened.

4.      I have summoned an emergency meeting of the National Security Council. I have also instructed the Inspector General of Police to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are assured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea.

5.      Our hope is for a swift resolution. I call upon the North Korean leadership to immediately allow our citizens to leave to avoid any further escalation.

‎
DATO’ SRI NAJIB TUN RAZAK
PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

The North Korean is in a state of panic following suspect in the murder of Kim Jong Num is hidden in the embassy. Read CGTV here.

A Malaysian facebooker analysed the event as follows:

North Korea forbids Malaysians from leaving : What happened, why it happens, and what should we do?

North Korean officials were reacting in desperation, to protect the integrity of their Supreme Leader from being further implicated in the case of his brother's death.

Their Ambassador to Malaysia were making statements earlier, in futile attempts to diffuse such implications. He was desperate too. I was thinking that if he didn't make all these statements, he would have been shot death like his predecessor as soon as he is back in North Korea, for "not fulfulling his duty to defend the integrity of North Korea". Malaysia's act of casting him out as PNG might came as a relief to him : at least he had "defended" north korea's stand and reputation, enough to warrant his expulsion. Honestly speaking, him as a person, has no choice but to continue attacking Malaysia, which by working on SOPs and Truth might compromise North Korea's supreme leader's integrity.

All they wanted, was for Malaysia to stop the investigation, and autopsy, or anything that could reveal the truth, the truth that is inconvenient and compromising to their supreme leader.
Out of desperation, and running out of options, they had to create as many incidents and events possible to pressure us. So they started to make their ambassador attack our government's integrity, accusing us of conspiring with other countries against them. too weak for us to succumb. almost no effect.

Then now they held our citizens ransom. (which in every logical sense, would be futile too), unless they do so quietly and made their demand quietly, which is something they are not "used" or "familiar" to.

We of course, retaliated by forbidding their citizens from leaving.

The subsequent cause of actions, is likely to derive from this "ransom" : negotiations, discussion, peace talk, under-the-radar negotiations etc etc.

All they wanted is to have the body of Kim Jong Nam back, and stop all conversation that could have been generated out of Malaysia's investigation to his cause of death.

We, a sovereign state, cannot do that. We cannot "break our own laws" just because another country demanded us to. If we stop our investigation and return the body as demanded, we are setting a dangerous precedent and opening up a dangerous floodgate of "inviting foreign espionage" to happen in Malaysia. Any country or government could arrange for their murder target to come to Malaysia, and have them killed, and demanded their body and investigation to be reverted back to them.

Also, our sovereignty would be undermined greatly. Other countries will then put in their Foreign diplomacy note, that Malaysia is a country that succumbs and bow down to foreign demand easily. That is very dangerous for us.

Too bad, the North Koreans spent too much on their intelligence to focus on preventing US/Western propaganda, and counter South Korean intelligence. They didn't really have much left to breed negotiaters, diplomats, etc who can resolve this issue via invisible hand.

What we, as Malaysian citizens can do now? First, we rally behind our Country, and standd firm in supporting our Prime Minister Najib Razak's decision and action in facing North Korean's threat. We MUST NOT allow any sign or view of disagreement to reach North Korea. They must know that we Malaysians are united in protecting our country and people against their advances. Second, We pray for our fellow citizens now stuck in North Korea. We pray that they are all safe and free from any form of misfortune.

Prime Minister Najib Razak's statement : https://www.facebook.com/najibrazak/posts/10154239162090952

If you are an influencer, or celebrity with very loud voice in media or social media, make your support to our country's stand heard. Make them even louder. Make sure the world sees that we Malaysians are not succumbing to them, and we are united against this threat.

This is not the time to reap "popularity", because by doing so, one risks jeapordizing the whole country's interest as a whole.

In a crisis moment like this, Malaysians should put aside race, religion, politics, and personal interest and opinion to unite for country in support of government effort to save the Malaysians held as "hostage by the North Korean government".

With the situation tense and delicate, we share the call by Rocky Bru here for Malaysians, particularly politicians to stop making statements and threats. This is not the time for politics, insults and smart alec.

It is comforting that opposition leader like Lim Guan Eng understand the need to unite and support the government in moments like this. [Video in this blog here.] DAP went further call for a joint-partisan Parliamentary "peace mission"yesterday.

The intention is good but it may not be that simple to execute. Blogger Husin Lempoyang here cynically highlighted the potential problems. It must best left to professional diplomats to handle as they are the ones capable at threading through the various diplomatic channels and the circumstances not known to the public.

As happened before during the Tandau invasion by Suluk terrorist, there will always be Malaysians saying the darndest thing without giving much effort and thought to understand before making any remarks.

Superman Hew may not realised but the dictatorial Kim family resemble the Lim family more than Najib's family.

Can someone ask this cartoon-ist WTF is he talking?

This morning, one political activist question why didn't the government allowed the North Korean to jointly investigate the murder?

Yes, it is a political activist and mover at the grassroot. Obviously, it is our sovereign rights to investigate crime committed on our soil. It is illogical to do joint investigation with a party that is a likely suspect.

Then the response was to compare with MH370 and MH17. Obviously it is significantly different. One is a crime and the others are accidents and suspected attack by militants on a civilian aircraft.

One politician was asking as to why not evacuate the Pyongyang office first before announcing expelling the North Korean Ambassador.

The number left behind looks to be the minimal few personnel left. The embassy is not closed yet so there must be the last one around personnel. There must be someone to burn documents and honourably lower our Malaysian flag.

At least, there is smarter arguments in Malaysiakini's in MySay today here.

Unfortunately, the comments published were merely to criticise Putrajaya and accused the government and Wisma Putera as underestimating Pyongyang, mismanaged the situation and incompetence. Typical blame game, instant noodle diplomats, and hindsight experts.

There are those that viewed Wisma Putera as reckless. However, it is non-expert views that are also doing blame game, instant noodle diplomats, and hindsight experts.

It was not too long ago that former diplomat Dato Dennis Ignatius felt Wisma Putera was not firm and too slow in their actions. What would have happen if Wisma Putera had heed Dennis suggestions? Will the reckless blame and responsibilities fall on him or government?

Whose suggestions should Wisma Putera heed then? Look at timeline and tell us where did Wisma Putera went wrong?

It is better that Wisma Putera decide based on their own firm information, expertise, and diplomatic practices. Thus far, Wisma Putera has acted and firm when it warrants and done on justifiable cause within the ambit of international diplomatic practises.

It is no fault of theirs that North Korea insist on acting in an unfriendly manner with the few country in the world with diplomatic relation with them.

To answer the blame that Dato Najib had not thread the rouge state carefully, perhaps they should know that the diplomatic relationship with Pyongyang was established in 1973.

It was a former Prime Minister which the opposition now adore and keenly supported by Malaysiakini and their readers and commentators that heightened relation between Malaysia and North Korea.

Malaysia played hosts in the talks between the United States and North Korea over freezing North Korea's nuclear programme in 1995. Subsequently, as a slap to the Americans, the much adulated statesman of the opposition allowed North Korean to travel to Malaysia without visas in 2000.

In 2013, an opposition leaning institute of higher learning, HELP Institute honoured Kim Jong-un with an honorary doctorate. The Malaysiakini report from Reuters here did not mention the field, but will not discount contribution in the field of terrorism.

HELP Institute is the employee to the Transparency International Malaysia President, Dr Akhbar Satar. Yes he is the one this blog described in the posting "Most stupid survey and statement ever from a TI-M President".

Why he not comment on the Agong speech in Parliament yesterday:

but manipulated his latest perception survey to rundown MACC despite acknowledging much effort of MACC under Dato Dzulkifle?

Maybe he is picking up a trick or two in the game of deception from the North Korean. If he cannot be honest with his analysis, views and statements, it means he is prejudicial and have ulterior motive thus have no credibility to speak.

MACC has responded:

Perhaps it is time to comment on the latest effort of MACC and their actions.

Be it on the North Korean or corruption, less talk and no more nonsense. Instead, unite to give support to good efforts!

An anonymous commentator with the nicname Unknown asked, "So... Apa cerita sekarang?" in the posting, "Selangor royal default?"

For update of Unknown, Rockybru here gave link and quoted from the posting the next day. He also quoted The Mole's coverage of the posting, "MAIS denies blogger's allegations but gives no details".

Alerted by friends that FMT reported, "MAIS tells bloggers, apologise to Selangor sultan or face legal action".

Allow us time to understand the report. The final part of the posting did wrote below:

There are various implications but royal mischief is not. It could be civil servant mischief. But, it has yet to be ascertained.

Nevertheless, it is a great injustice and zalim on the part MAIS on the contractor Redha. Surely the institution acting as guardian of Islam for the state of Selangor has no intention to raise money by haram means!

If there is reason for their actions, it must be justified by reasons and not throwing the good name of his highness. As a religious institution, they should set good example.

This blog is oftenly criticised for having poor grammar and pathetic English, which we not and never deny. Maybe there is something wrong with the English, but we shall not comment further. It is likely MAIS see something wrong legally.

That is the cerita, Unknown.

His highness Tuanku Ibrahim, Sultan of Johor gave both the blessing and support to MACC to carryout investigation and subsequent course of action. As reported by The Star here, his highness said the palace will not interfere nor protect anyone.

This is in reaction to the arrest of a Johor exco member, Datok Abdul Latif Bandi over land scandal as reported by The Star here. Last week, his son, officers, a lawyer, two developers, and another suspect were detained and money in bank accounts, luxury car and motorcycles were seized.

Following yesterday's arrest, The Star here reported MACC raided the exco members home and 150 luxury brand handbags, a Vellfire, and cash seized.

His highness is believed to have made the statement after receiving an audience from a top MACC official of MACC at the palace.

It reflects his highness concern following this an earlier arrests involving at least four state religious department officers., health department officer, assistant land officer and encroachment into orang Asli land.

The Johor MB exhibit the same attitude as his highness to leave it to MACC and honour the maxim no one is above the law. It is exemplary attitude to be emulated by the rest of the country and across the political divide.

However, corruption is not to be politicied as Lim Kit Siang and Pekas Nenas DAP state assemblymen Yeo Tung Siong attempted. Cases under investigation and in court should not to be abused for political mileage.

Corruption is not an institutional practise but individual weakness. The aggresive effort by MACC to combat corruption will be beneficial to both BN-led federal and state government, and also Pakatan Harapan and PAS led state government.

Last week, a group of pro-UMNO online activists were upset with a statement made by MACC on graft complain involving a member of the UMNO Supreme Council involving fund for software development from MCMC.

If the allegation does not involve his role in a political party, it is improper to make reference to his party. It should have been the capacity his alleged action done.

Nevertheless, it is also improper of the online activist to become vindictive to successively attack MACC's investigation and question their professionalism and integrity. It shows short-sightedness and wilful immaturity.

Publishing one or two or even ten documents do not make a legal case as it could only highlight the same issue of law. The Sabah watergate case requires sieving through 12 tonnes of documents. To many, finishing a book a week is a tall order.

Dato Seri Shafie Apdal and Dato Peter Anthony

Since mentioning of the Sabah Watergate, Dato Shafie Apdal must be under much pressure as it is an open secret that budget for rural infrastructure under KKLW was abused and allocation of at least RM4 billion for rural infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak are siphoned away.

In Parliament yesterday, FMT here reported Shafie Apdal trying to politice the case to question why the charges made were for money laundering and not corruption. This is not his first attempt to deflect his sin.

Corruption cases can be charged for corruption or criminal breach of trust or the most powerful weapon is money laundering. The law on AMLA should be tightened so that the burden of proof should be on the accused to explain his unaccounted wealth.

Since Shafie is playing politics, maybe he could explain how a mere captain of a karaoke lounge in Kota Kinabalu by the name of Peter Anthony could rise to be a Datuk?

Suppose one can throw a stone and hit any Dato, how come he could corner almost all KKLW contracts for Sabah involving water, electricity, roads and maybe solar by the hundreds of million ringgit, if not billon via proxy companies?

What engineering education or professional experience does Dato Peter Anthony have? If not, what and how many years of business experience to enable him to manage the many contracts?

Suppose he is a fast learner, genius and gifted acumen, then Shafie should explain why is he is the main financier of Parti Warisan Sabah?

One plus one equals two. A smart manager could make it three. But we know what you did with a former MACC top official.

Attack by UMNO is part of politics. It proves nothing but there many skeletons in Shafie's closet.

And yet, Zam defend his right to aspire to be Sabah CM. despite Shafie's denial. Shows how shallow his understanding of current Sabah politics. Too old, out of touch, and living on past laaurel. So stick to cheap crucifix on tengkolok politics.

Mingguan Malaysia frontpage today is a major scoop in the fight against corruption, tax evasion, and abuse of power.

The paper reported two Tan Sri; Tan Sri "A" and Tan Sri "B" raided yesterday. Tan Sri "A" for tax evasion, illegal gambling, corruption, and extended opening of night club.

While, Tan Sri "B" was raided also for tax evasion, manipulation of sale and purchase of land, trickery on the Malays, and hoarding wealth.

Read it in Mingguan Malaysia here. Better still, go buy for more detailed reports.

MMO reported on Mingguan Malaysia report here. Speculation is stife that the likely person be "Tan Sri" Lan Kok Ping as reported in MMO in 2013 here. Mingguan report described Tan Sri "A" operation here.

If it is Kok Ping, he was the person that pressured Lim Guan Eng to stop the cancellation of development of Kg Buah Pala as promised by both Guan Eng and Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim during GE2008.

He sits on the board of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce together with Guan Eng's wife Betty Chiew. However, confirmation is still awaiting and it may likely not be him.

Before any claim of planned raids to hit at opposition supporters and donors, Tan Sri "B" is believed to be close to a BN-friendly Sultan and in a BN state.

Rumour is speculating Tan Sri "B" is on holiday abroad at a country in the region with a royal companion.

The typical public would naturally speculate his departure have something to do with buying time and trying to use his palace contact to relieve himself.

Also much talked is Tan Sri "B" was awarded construction of a new airport but abused the position to buy land for cheap and through unsavory schemes.

At a time, Dato Najib had companies getting government contract to participate in SL1M to help elevate graduate unemployment, they refused to do so.

Furthermore they abuse the opportunity to buy land in the Malay majority areas.

Malays in area planned for the construction of an airport should demand for higher prices for their land and not give in to brokers so-called professional advise that it is overpriced. These people will be making billions!

Talk, and it is just talk that is Tan Sri "A" and "B" had collaborated in a hill development. It is talk and no names known.

In fact, Tan Sri "A" may not be as the MMO report in 2013. Another source claimed it could be linked to a southern based Tan Sri "C" reknown to be involved in similar activites as Tan Sri "A".

If the earlier speculated Tan Sri "A" is likely to use Lim Guan Eng and DAP to apply political pressure and Tan Sri "B" could apply palace pressure on NRRET, MACC, IRD etc, the Tan Sri "C" could apply pressure through an underworld link by the nicname Tiger Head.

Street talk claim Tan Sri "C" was hit badly in mid-January as a result of four nighclubs and 23 smaller premises entertainment outlet of his were raided.

Subsequently, it is said he has put out a death warrant for the current Attorney General, and NRRET members, which will include MACC, IRD, etc.

Latest from The Star: Graft and tax evasion, two Tan Sris and a Datuk Seri under probe

For those not familar with NRRET, The Mole column, "Plugging the leakage" touched on the Special Task Force last week:

Najib has done more in this aspect but not known to the public. A Special Task Force (STF) has been established by Putrajaya since 2011 to curb financial losses from uncollected taxes and other sources of revenue.

STF works discretely with publicity given to the relevant agency. STF is synonymous with a certain politicised issue, thus most Malaysians are not aware of an STF that is called the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team (NRRET).

The outfit led by the Attorney-General Office, include, among others, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Bank Negara Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC), the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

The role of the NRRET, led by current MACC Chief Commissioner is to investigate cases of tax evasion by individuals and corporate bodies, evasion of customs duties, activities of smuggling, and misuse of subsidised goods.

In the earlier years of 2014, IRB saw a 100 per cent increase in collection to RM140 billion within the initial three years and correspondingly, RMC saw an increase of RM10 billion to RM36 billion within five years.

Today, IRB can proudly target a collection of at least RM200 billion a year.

In addition, NRRET investigates the illegal outflow of funds and related acts of corruption. If NRRET and the participating agencies are spared from budget cut – better still, increase its budget, th government can do more plugging of leakages and increase its revenue.

A former police top official once described illegal activities or underworld economy as worth as much as RM500 billion a year. And, another source with access to black economy “businessmen” believed it could be as much as half the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)!

Intertwined with the black economy is corruption, in which the bulk of it involves civil servants and particularly, enforcement agencies officials taking kickback to turn a blind eye or collaborate with offenders.

Timely comment and great anticipation!

Awang Selamat of Mingguan wrote in his column today:

Impak SPRM

Belum pernah dalam sejarah, Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia ( SPRM) memberi impak yang tinggi dalam usaha memerangi rasuah dan salah guna kuasa.

Semua itu berubah apabila Dzulkifli Ahmad menerajui SPRM sejak enam bulan lalu. Rakyat telah memberikan respons yang sangat positif kepada langkah agresif beliau dan SPRM.

Dzulkifli telah memecahkan batas psikologi bahawa usaha membetulkan penyakit rasuah dan salahguna kuasa di negara ini, sesuatu yang kononnya mustahil.

Tahniah kepada SPRM. Teruskan keyakinan, keberanian dan ketabahan dalam berdepan dengan kompleksiti dan cabaran besar. Awang tabik Dzulkifli, beliau jenis yang tidak gentar.

Kini setiap minggu, ada sahaja tangkapan dan pendakwaan. Makin banyak jerung dan lambakan ikan bilis bermata biru didakwa termasuk tokoh politik, korporat dan penjawat awam.

Kes rasuah luar biasa seperti di Jabatan Air Sabah juga telah dibongkar. Awang difahamkan sudah ada senarai orang kenamaan yang bakal dikenakan tindakan pada tahun ini termasuk tokoh politik dan pegawai kanan penguatkuasaan.

Siapa yang terlibat, sudah pun terasa panas. Siapa mereka, kita tunggu...

Malaysian would agree with Awang Selamat. Only the most stupidest Tranparency International President ever could not see the marked increase in commitment between the present Chief Commissioner and MACC team and the past Chief Commisioner and MACC team.

The Star today here reported Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping denied being investigated.

Yes, this is still related to yesterday's afternoon posting, "Royal-linked Tan Sri among raided for tax evasion, corruption".

And yes, yesterday's posting gave link to The Star's report here.

Believe The Star may have sabotaged investigation by NRRET-led team into tax evasion by giving details in their report:

The raids were said to have been conducted in Penang and Johor, with more details expected to be revealed soon.

The two Tan Sri businessmen are from Penang and Kedah respectively, while the Datuk Seri is from Johor.

More details than necessary as The Star revealed below:

It has been reported that one of the businessmen allegedly ran an illegal gambling syndicate throughout the country as well as nightclubs that opened past operating hours.

The authorities are also looking into whether he is linked to triad activities and are investigating how he has managed to be protected.

This Datuk Seri businessman, with at least four nightclubs and 23 entertainment premises, was investigated three months ago. Sources said he was called up again recently for questioning.

The authorities said he was allegedly linked to triad activities, and that they are also probing his links with powerful personalities who are now retired from government agencies.

All the top officials from the joint investigating team have declined to confirm or deny details on the high-profile case.

It is reported that the Datuk Seri businessmen allegedly gave bribes of more than RM1mil a month to enforcement officers from various agencies.

One of the other three businessmen reportedly used a proxy to buy Malay reserve land at a cheap price before selling these lots to the Government for a much higher price when they were needed for development projects.

The Star is MCA-owned but it is infested with DAP supporters and sympathisers all the way to the top post.

When asked of this with any MCA politicians, they absolved themselves by claiming they do not control the newspaper and allow journalism to be practised.

Yeah sure ...it is as if it was not married Zairil and unmarried Parliament aspirant Dyana Sofea frolicking on the dance floor in a nightclub.

In this case, The Star seemed to be sabotaging the investigation by revealing too much. It is known that the underworld in Penang, Selangor and Federal Territory are linked to DAP.

Does it mean the Tan Sris and Dato Seris are contributors to DAP thus operatives in The Star have to sabotage investigation by revealing details for suspects to run and DAP saved from another corruption embarassment?

Coincidentally, more than 180 DAP members in Malacca resigned from the party and many more is said will resign.

There is always the likelihood that someone within the NRRET or more likely, the participating agency leaked information.

Action must be taken.

Quite sure there is a law under the penal code to address this act which is similar to obstructing public officials from carrying out their work.

Yesterday, MACC striked again.

This time it is 12 enforcement officials into Azmin-territory in Selangor for corruption involving massage parlours. The arrested officials are policemen, local council, dan bomba including two police inspectors.

[For an inkling on how bomba can be corrupted and cause trouble to the system, read here].

The Mole reported here that:

"The suspects were believed to have received between RM300 and RM10,000 for every massage parlour. The agency also seized RM25,000 from the home and office of one of the inspectors."

It could be part of the reaction to allegation protection were given to Along Taman that beat up on an innocent lorry driver.

However, the latest raids and the one on Tan Sris and Dato Seri seem to indicate the current wave by enforcement officials is to pursue organised crime and big time money laundering operations.

It can be suspiciously spin as political but there is nothing political.

Eradication of corruption serve to clean-up government, be it BN-led or opposition-led at state level. So let's not politicise corruption and collusion with criminals.

Otherwise, incident of 182 DAP members leaving their party would not have happened.

It help clean-up UMNO by having the frustrated corrupts leave to join the corrupted-led PPBM. Under Tun Dr Mahathir, he turned a blind eye and allowed the underworld to flourish. He is openly associated with Tan Sri Vincent Tan and privately to Tan Sri Tan Kim Ya, first underworld boss awarded Tan Sri-ship.

Even opposition supporters are beginning to say privately that BN maybe corrupt but opposition is many times corrupt. Listen to what Dato Jamal Yunos had to say about old folks welfare fund and Teresa Kok's YAWAS. If it takes Jamal to say, it means it is beneath Jamal and really despicable.

So Perkasa do not talk cock about campaigning against corruption!

Crime and enforcement

The link between underworld and enforcement officials was written in Utusan Malaysia report, "Ramai lagi Tan Sri, Dato Seri terlibat elak cukai"here. Extract below:

Selain itu, kata sumber tersebut, bagi ahli perniagaan yang terlibat dalam kegiatan haram seperti perjudian dan pusat hiburan, mereka sanggup mengeluarkan ‘modal’ bagi merasuah anggota-anggota agensi penguat kuasa.

Jumlah sekitar RM1 juta hingga RM 2 juta yang dikeluarkan oleh ahli perniagaan tersebut bagi tujuan berkenaan bukanlah satu masalah kerana setiap bulan mereka mengautkan keuntungan berpuluh-puluh juta ringgit, sebaliknya yang rugi akibat perbuatan tersebut ialah kerajaan.

“Jalinan lautan biru antara sindiket dan penguat kuasa telah lama wujud kerana ada situasi menang-menang antara mereka, yang sentiasa rugi adalah kerajaan. Ini memandangkan kerajaan tidak memperolehi cukai pertaruhan dan duti pertaruhan yang boleh mencecah berjuta-juta ringgit sebulan jika dipungut,’’ katanya.

With regular payout of RM1 to RM2 million, no low paying enforcement official can resist. Not even the prospect of damnation in hell in the after life.

It is certainly blue ocean as it "challenges everything you thought you knew about strategic success and provides a systematic approach to making the competition irrelevant".

Words on the street claimed Along Taman is an "NBOS" initiative for illegal gambling.

Bank Director

The more scary bit was the blue ocean strategy in the expose of a member of Board of Director of a Bank involvement:

Selain itu difahamkan ada juga kes yang menyaksikan salah seorang pengarah sebuah bank terkemuka berpakat dengan ahli perniagaan memanipulasikan pinjaman korporat bernilai jutaan ringgit. Pengarah tersebut didakwa menerima imbuhan tertentu yang mana pembayaran dilakukan di sebuah bank di China.

The type of Bank is not mentioned. So it could be Commercial Bank, or Investment Bank or Boutique Bank that disguised as niche financial consultant or even god-forbid Bank Negara Malaysia. Not likely but the talk of Taufiq Aiman have not been denied.

Basic scheme

It only indicate that domestic money laundering and illegal money may have gone international. It will not be a surprise that the Bank Director is involved in an international money laundering syndicate with criminals and corrupt public officials.

Investment from China could be a front for money laundering of money from Malaysia to China. And also illegal and unauthorised China money to leek out through investment.

The reason China is undertaking capital control measure to curb capital flight and money laundering by corrupt officials. It may have impact on projects as pointed out by Professor Ho Kee Ping here, particularly those G to G projects not sanction by China's leadership.

All investment from China claim to be G to G but it may not be sanctioned by the leadership. Few years back there was a massive crackdown on top government and party officials for corruption. Thus many that is seemed G to G could be money laundering schemes.

It timely that BNM, MACC and Inland Revenue Department announced a joint effort to combat financial crimes, corruption, power abuse and increase national revenue. NST here report:

Bank Negara, MACC, IRB join forces to combat financial crimes

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) will join forces to combat financial crimes and strengthen the country's financial system.

"The tri-partite effort would also able to increase the national revenue and build a country that is free from corruption and abuse of power," they said in a joint-statement here today.

BNM Governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim said the collaboration would stem the channelling of illegal proceeds and illegal transactions through the financial system.

"This is key in preserving the integrity and public confidence in the Malaysian financial system," he said.

MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad, said the collaboration would also allow the exchange of information on investigation and reinforce the sharing of best practices between the three agencies as each has its own unique challenges in combating financial crimes, corruption and tax evasion.

IRB chief executive officer, Datuk Sabin Samitah, said this strategic alliance was a necessary step towards reducing tax leakages resulting from financial crimes. -- Bernama

BNM and IRD are participant together with MACC in NRRET. Commendable effort by their absconded representatives to initiate this effort.

This sort of crime have been allowed to flourish under the cloak of the banking system throughout Mahathir era.

Hope the tripartite effort are firm on this because even in BNM, there could be officer working in collusion with criminal elements and turning a blind eye to international money laundering by internationally linked criminal syndicate.

Malaysia, "Best Country"

Efforts by MACC and enforcement officials may be ignored by the dumb ass TI Malaysia President for whatever personal agenda but it was noticed by a group of international organisation.

Best Countries Report is a joint rankings and analysis project by US News & World Report, Young & Rubicam’s BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. It is based primarily on scores from over 6,000 business decision-makers

Malaysia was ranked first as best nation to invest in. It beat regional competitors Singapore, India, Thailand and Indonesia in a survey and ranking involving 80 countries. Malaysia beat runners-up Singapore by more than 30 points in a scale of 100. [Read FMT here]

The above score takes into account the corruption situation in a country. Yet with all this recognition, the perception indices of corruption by TI; CPI and Corruption Barometer fail to realise it in their survey. It shows it is inconsistent and faulty survey.

It is of vital importance to Dr Akhbar Satar himself, his reputation of his Phd qualification, HELP Institute he is employed with and TI Malaysia. Though non performer at MACC and stupid, he should not display his stupidity to the public.

The ability of Indian - full or half bred - to speak with such eloquence is commendable but to expose their Keling-ness is an insult to thinking Malaysians.

The term Keling is not a derogatory racist term towards Indians but it refer to a state and frame of mind. Former editors talking and writing nonsense based on fake news and facts should also be considered Keling.

More so, if he is strongly associated with confirmed Keling bloggers propagating Malaysia as failed state, bankrupt state, and eat dirty Indian stall's curry next to a stinking river claiming it as excellent curries!

The Keling blogger could include a former Minister.

The Mrs is due to be in the op room to confirm possible blockage found in her CT scan.

The cardiologist said it may or may not be a blockage. However, an angiogram needed to confirm.

She is already in. We are sitting in the waiting room feeling rather nervous. Good to have two elderly Indian ladies giving comforting words.

Their family member undergone a stenting procedure and waiting to get sent to the ward.

In case there is a high percentage of blockage and necessary, two possible options - balloon or stenting:

Trust the ability and professionalism of the cardiologist. However, not ready to sing, "Que sera sera."

Pray for her.

Was the forex "gambling" loss by Bank Negara Malaysia announced in 1993 linked to the attack on the ringgit which Tun Dr Mahathir blame on George Soros?

Was there any manipulations of BNM's account by government and bank officials then?

Those are among the questions asked in this blog's posting on February 24th 2017 here. There are many more in the posting and the various links.

And, the questions and information on the humongous loss, as claimed by former BNM Adviser, Dato Abdul Murad Khalid, of USD10 billion does not end there.

Still few more being held back.

For instance, is there any truth that the real loss was more than US$13 billion and equivalent to RM70 at today's exchange rate plus interest cost etc.?

Another one, BNM was rumoured to have done USD/Ringgit swaps by the billions. Was it another mechanism used to artificially prop up the foreign exchange reserve?

If so, more reason to believe George Soros cannot be blamed for attacking ringgit. Mahathir was creating a political diversion.

Well, the public has their own expectation but this blog is looking for more than who, what, why, when and how.

The implication of the losses has to be made known and not swept under the carpet as typical of Mahathir-era scandals.

The carpets looking more like the Himalayas.

Most important, the guilt of Tan Sri Nor Mohameed Yakcop for busting every prudent limit in managing foreign exchange exposure or "gambling" is taken.

He should have been reprimanded or charged for laws he had broken decadrs ago. Nothing less should be expected.

So who the duck gave him the go ahead?

It can't be late Tan Sri Jaafar Hussein.

He has got bosses.

More so, he is a public accountant, a former banker, auditor, public companies directors, etc. The most unlikely person to indulge in such risky venture.

More so, it is not BNM role to generate profit from operation.

It can't be then Minister of Finance, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He is a political animal and politics is his prime consideration. Thus will not give go ahead to ventures that could jeopardise his political career.

Anyway, he know nuts about finance then. It took him three months to understand and brave enough to sign for the normal operatiom to rollover issuance of Treasury Bill.

Though it happened during his time as Minister of Finance, apparently it may not be him.

It can't be earlier Minister of Finance, Tun Daim Zainuddin.

BNM or precisely, Noor Mohamed Yakcop only went crazy from 1991 to 1993. Daim ended his first term as Minister of Finance in March 1991.

Daim is a market player and do creative manouvre is instinctive. However, his earlier experience in business made his appreciate and respect risk.

He does not take risk unnecessarily and without calculation.

Market player in him will control and minimise (if not zero-rise) risk. It cannot be him.

If it is not Jaafar, or Anwar or Daim, who then gave Nor Yakcop the free hand to take risky positions on the country's rather paltry foreign exchange reserve then?

Questions need be ask as to what basis did Nor Yakcop made his "investment" decisions?

Back in 1987, Wall Street made a large single day fall and futures and options market went berserk because of program trading. Did BNM used program trading meant for smaller lots to trade our foreign exchange reserve?

Being professional

The Chairman of the Special Taskforce have made an announcement:

The role of the task force is to do preliminary investigation, and recommend further action to the government.

Although Tan Sri Zeti claimed an internal inquiry had been done, it is quite certain nothing was done because no one was reprimanded or no criminal charges made.

In fact, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop was given bigger role by Mahathir.

Under Tun Abdullah, he was made Minister, MP and continued in important roles with government with Khazanah, 1MDB and other outfits till today.

Many suspicions of corruptions and improprieties were committed by Nor Yakcop, including two of his former political secretaries in a row are charged with corruption.

The Chairman and selected members of the taskforce are civil servants, and professionals. There is no reason to say they will be or do a cover-up for Nor Yakcop.

There is reason to believe members of the task force knows that "Nor Mohamed akan kena". He should "kena".

He "patut kena".

The little worry inside is the Chairman is closely associated with Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, a key "man" to Mahathir, thus do not know where he is.

There are many Mahathir admirers among the members. Will they objective and carry out their role with fear or favour?

There is a former foreign exchange trader among them. He is the only one who understand the nitty gritty and technicality. And it is believed he is close to Nor Yakcop since his trading days.

Able person. He has work experience with two banking organisations, fund management outfits, and also a boutique banking with link to Nor Yakcop. Believe to be a professional, fair and firm in his decisions.

However, it is a tough and difficult decision to make on a person who had open the path to his present position today. If he cannot do it, he should recluse himself.

Missing from the task force is a professional accountant or auditor. This is where they are needed and not be automatic choice for corporate CEOs, especially GLCs.

It was reported that the task force met yesterday. The findings and recommendation will be submitted to the cabinet in three months.

We are awaiting ....

In politics, a war chest is funding obtained from donors well in advance of a campaign, usually accumulated by an incumbent for either re-election or to contest a more advanced office, or provided by a wealthy candidate to their own campaign. The possession of such excess funds may discourage otherwise viable candidates from a primary or general election challenge. - Wikipedia

Underlying the 1MDB issue being propagated by DAP and Tun Dr Mahathir is the issue of political funding.

Before the last general election, Mahathir had a meeting with the IPP owners in Buenos Aires and they were complaining of 1MDB nationalising IPP.

When 1MDB invited Mahathir to launch a CSR for the fishermen of Langkawi for GE13, he turned it down and grumbled as to why nationalise after the trouble to privatise.

So it has to be more than mere issue with policy.

During the last GE, too few and too little of Mahathir's corporate cronies donated to the BN political war chest.

The intention was to tell Dato Najib that "you can be President but I am still in control of UMNO war chest".

Mahathir passed to Pak Lah only enough money for the 10th GE but UMNO assets were not transferred to Pak Lah.

When Mahathir realised Dato Najib received donation from abroad, he was sore and decided to teach him a lesson for able to out smart him.

Mahathir decided to use 1MDB as the issue to take Najib down despite no money was lost. It is unlike his long list of financial misadventures that a former Wall Street Journal reporter estimated may have cost the country some US$100 billion.

This time he was willing to work with opposition, foreigners, those he dubbed as enemies of the state, and even George Soros, the man he vilified (via Sarawak Report).

Again, it cannot be merely about policy differences.

After playing the 1MDB issue long enough, it has become stale.

Slowly but surely, more so as the recent visit by King Salman, more of the public will realise it is but another hoax propagated by opposition like Lynas, 300,000 Bangla Deshi voters, failed and bankrupt state, Rosmah's diamond, etc.

If Malaysia had flicked Saudi's money, why would Saudi King do a state visit when they never did during Mahathir's administration?

More so, Aramco invested RM30 billion in a JV with Petronas in a RAPID of Pengerang project.

Off course, the pentaksub and diehard will never believe. Their faculty to think have stopped working. They believe everything the old man say, which when he put his political cap on, he lies and U-turn.

Since they raised issue with Najib receiving political donation from abroad, Najib proposed regulating political funding with a law.

Immediately the opposition parties cornered and diverted the issue elsewhere but clearly, they do not agree.

Back in 2012, NST made an expose of political funding for opposition leaning NGOs. Read also Nile Bowie expose here in 2013.

Its an open secret that PKR has their war chest parked abroad in Indonesia, among others.

PAS source their funding from the Middle East, likely the Brotherhood and some oil sheikhs.

DAP received funding from PAP Singapore since the days Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in 1965. Not sure whether the money went into DAP's account or somebody else's pocket.

Since DAP and PKR tookover Penang and Selangor, corruption activities to raise money for their war chest is an open secret.

It is just a hunch but two recent postings here and here on corruption, tax evasion and money laundering may have something to do with political funding.

Basically, the propaganda to accuse Najib on the 1MDB issue is to divert attention from their own corrupt practises.

Dato Shafie Apdal too is strongly believed to be linked to the Sabah Watergate.

He tried hard to deny, divert the issue to Dato Musa Aman and Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Recently in Parliament, he questioned why are the Water Department Director and Deputy Director charged under AMLA and not MACC Act.

AMLA still need some kind of link to corrupt act.

His modus operandi is rather common and that is to award contracts to his bag ñead on here.]

The blog Captain M recently inferred that Shafie may have used his second wife, model Zahda Rafique. [Read here.]

Both manner by Shafie are quite common modus operandi which is to place it with a personal trustee.

However, recently there is a new modus operandi at work used by corrupt opposition to stash money for their war chest.

This is not specifically speaking of Shafie but generally speaking.

It still involve a trustee but the trustee is someone most unlikely one would suspect.

Investigators will likely pursue and check the accounts of the inner circle but will find nothing.

Someone most unlikely one would suspect can be anyone and anybody. It is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

But it can be known. Easy .....

Pursuing to this blog's posting here and here on MAIS issue with several parties including Banks, Rockybru wrote in an update posting here that:

... MAIS demanded that the bloggers apologize to the Selangor Sultan in writing, within 24 hours, or it would sue. The Istana, for the record, made no such demands of me.

As far as MAIS denial on the allegation of throwing the name of Sultan, it is taken on good faith. However, without a formal request from the Istana, MAIS request to apologise to the Sultan came out looking rather odd in view of their denial.

More so, it is beyond the financial means of a blogger seldom slandered as receiving "chicken feed" to spend money to advertise in mainstream newspapers.

In Rockybru's posting, he highlighted a Bernama report of a press release by Bank Muamalat to inform that MAIS intended to annul Concession Agreement and Payment Guarantee to the and other two Banks.

This involved a RM125.8 million Syndicated Financing to Redha Resources which was awarded a BOT contract by MAIS to build hostels for KUIS.

In the meantime, Bank Muamalat has initiated legal action against RRSB and its guarantors. The judgement against RRSB and the guarantors has been obtained. The execution proceedings against the guarantors are still ongoing.

Bank Muamalat has not initiated any legal action against MAIS and/or KUIS in respect of the Payment Guarantee provided by MAIS and KUIS. We will act in the best interest of the Bank to recover the amounts due. Bank Muamalat’s rights against MAIS and KUIS are reserved.

Putting aside the issue of throwing the Sultan's name, the more relevant issue and the crux of our earlier posting is about MAIS defaulting as guarantor and KUIS defaulting on their payment.

KUIS, the university college established under MAIS, collected money from students. Since MAIS stopped payment to Redha in December 2012, KUIS or indirectly MAIS collected RM52.6 million.

However, KUIS, presumably directed by MAIS, did not pay the contractor and as guarantor, MAIS did not honour their guarantee to Redha and the Banks. In turn, Redha defaulted with the Banks. The Banks may pursue Redha and directors. Subsequently, it will be pursuing MAIS.

The CF issue is settled.

There is no more reason and excuse for MAIS to withheld the money. As good Muslims, they should continue to honour their agreement and guarantee. It is unholy to deprive the rights of others. More so, a court has made a judgement.

To repeat a quote from the earlier posting:

"... it is a great injustice and zalim on the part MAIS on the contractor Redha. Surely the institution acting as guardian of Islam for the state of Selangor has no intention to raise money by haram means!"

In Sabah, Dato Seri Shafie Apdal is going around his targeted constituencies.

His political rally is particularly lavish. It is more lavish than any BN political rally in Semenanjung.

The custom with Shafie at political rallies and constituency visits is to give away money.

At the end of his speeches, one has to clear out or get crush by the maddening crowd rushing for the RM50 or RM100 note he distributes.

Although the only project he brought to Semporna was a fish "tukun" project, it was the way he learned from one of his father-in-laws to get popular.

These days, Parti Warisan Sabah gets the crowd by holding lucky draws giving away car or motorcycles.

Political rallies are held in air conditioned tents to cool the crowd before they try to fire them up.

The people he promote was instructed to give away their own "BR1M". MACC or EC should keep an eye out.

For instance, he is doing a glowing glitterati to promote his money man, KDM Dato Peter Anthony for Tenom.

It is believed that he parked his ill gotten money from corruption with Peter or second wife Zahida Rafique.

As a Bajak Laut or more accurately Suluk or Tausug, Shafie's influence is limited within Semporna, Tawau and Silam. To get KDM support, he need to use money and KDM political leaders.

The latest talk is Shafie has got people infiltrated inside the Prime Minister's Office to relay wrong information to the Prime Minister.

With the wrong information, Dato Najib will end up making the wrong decision on Sabah.

He still has got people inside UMNO. His brother, Dato Yusof Apdal is still the UMNO Division Chief. Only a novice would believe Yusof is loyal to UMNO, especially when he has benefited from his brother.

And Yusof is not the only Shafie man still remaining inside UMNO and the corridor of power.

Beware of short people! Theiir hand ...

According to the grapevine, the latest Shafie trick is to get his Sabah man swith access to slip in wrong reports to the PM on the political situation in Sabah.

His people is in a certain position within the national UMNO thus making his report relevant.

One dirty trick he tried is to slip a wrong report that a certain Sabah leader is not as strong, thus his men can be removed and replaced as candidate.

Then there is a mole inside PMO that will push the false report to PM.

Most Semenanjung UMNO people hardly know head or tail on the real ground situation in Sabah. They may not be able to spot a fake report.

The intention is to get weak candidate to stand in areas Shafie is targeting to make it easier for their people to win.

... or other body part is long

The problem is the people pushing the report was caught before.

The person was in the company of opposition party members at a time there is a by-election going on and the opposition party is contesting the seat.

One will not catch Shafie sabotaging BN in his effort to bring Dato Musa Aman down. During the by-election, he was still in UMNO and came down to campaign for BN.

Beware of short people. They say short people are cunning and shrewd. He did sabotage by funding the opposition.

And he came down to campaign to promote himself.

According to the Fleming's rule of thumb on electromagnetism, the short thumb points up but the longer fingers points sideway.

Certain part of short people may not be short.

When anyone resort to spin, or deceive using cheap headline, or fake news and false fact or preposterous accusation (as Tun Mahathir is doing now) or argue incessantly, it simply mean they have NO CASE.

It is the same message the propaganda team and cybertroopers of Dato Najib should know.

Two days ago, Matthias Chang tried to viral a dramatic message that a nuclear momb will explode on Dato Najib.

It was no nuclear bomb but him delivering a 40 minute sermon like a womanising TV evangelical Minister deceiving public for donation in a Sunday morning TV show.

It was comedic and impossible to be taken seriously when he mentioned:

"Facts will be out in cyberspace soon. Beyond my control."

Ha ha ha ... leave it to the pentaksub to find his sermon here exhilarating. Frankly, Siti Kassim or Haji Hadi is far more intetesting.

As far as Matthias, whatever bomb he intended to explode, it may have blew up at his face.

Sarawak Report here claim there is to be a concerted action by the Swiss and Singaporean authorities. They quoted a recent WSJ report reporting Jho Loh will be charged soon.

So much for an explosion. An American legal website, Law 360.com reported below:

Judge Nixes Gov't's 'Rough Justice' In 1MDB Forfeiture Case

By Jody Godoy

Law360, New York (March 22, 2017, 7:34 PM EDT) -- A California federal judge rejected what he called the government's “rough justice” attempt to keep offshore trusts from contesting forfeiture of music rights, real estate and other assets tied to an alleged fraud on Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, allowing the trustees to file late claims on Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer will allow New Zealand and Cayman Islands-based trustees for the owner companies to stake their claim on assets allegedly stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The trusts benefit family members of Low Taek Jho, a Malaysian financier allegedly involved in misappropriating $3.5 billion in 1MDB bond proceeds.

The family members had struggled to get involved in the cases, losing a bid to file their own claims after their original trustees refused to be subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Last month, the family members' holding companies installed new trustees that aren't “paralyzed” by fear of facing potential money laundering accusations themselves.

In the interim, an October deadline to file claims in the case came and went.

The government argued that, essentially, when you shield your connection to your assets via an offshore trust, losing your chance to contest the assets' forfeiture because the trustee is afraid of U.S. liability is just what you get.

On Wednesday, Judge Fischer said while that argument held some “rough justice appeal,” it wasn't enough to keep the new trustees out of court.

“While the government’s 'live by the complex ownership structure, die by the complex ownership structure' argument has a certain appeal, consideration of the relevant tests leads to the inevitable conclusion that the defaults should be lifted and the claimants should be allowed to file late claims,” the judge wrote.

While details are scant as to what enforcement the original trustees feared, Judge Fischer found the story plausible.

“The court sees no reason to doubt that there was at least a cloud of risk hanging over the former trustees that the government made no effort to dispel and that led, in part, to the failure to file timely claims,” Judge Fischer wrote.

The judge noted that he did not see the trustees' foot-dragging over ghost liability as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage in the litigation.

The bottom line for Judge Fischer was that, while using tortured corporate structures may hide illicit transactions, that's for the government to prove.

“The court is not going to simply assume it and forbid claimants from filing potentially valid claims,” the judge wrote.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line in the cases, including hotels in New York and Los Angeles, a Beverly Hills mansion and a piece of EMI Music Publishing Management LLC, which holds the rights to millions of musical compositions. Other cases brought by the government involve revenues from the movie "The Wolf of Wall Street," artwork by Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, and high-end properties in the U.S. and London.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment. Counsel for the parties did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

The companies are represented by Ekwan E. Rhow, Jeremy D. Matz, Naeun Rim and Patricia H. Jun of Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow PC.

The family is represented by Daniel A. Zaheer of Kobre & Kim LLP and Aaron M. May and Grant B. Gelberg of Huang Ybarra Singer & May LLP.

The government is represented by John J. Kucera, Christen A. Sproule, Kyle R. Freeny, Steven R. Welk and Woo S. Lee of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The cases are U.S. v. Any Rights to Profits, Royalties and Distribution Proceeds Owned by or Owed to JW Nile BVI Ltd., et al., case number 2:16-cv-05364, and other case numbers 2:16-cv-05367, 2:16-cv-05368, 2:16-cv-05369, 2:16-cv-05370, 2:16-cv-05374, 2:16-cv-05375 and 2:16-cv-05378, all in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

--Additional reporting by Jack Newsham. Editing by Joe Phalon.

NST fell for WSJ's feint to publish a report that had only WSJ as quoted source, no official statement, and purely guesswork. [Read here.]

Malaysia Digest reported on Facebooker Lim Sian See's response here. An excerpt below:

The WSJ article comes in the wake of earlier news that the US Attorney's office much publicised probe into money laundering by individuals linked to Jho Low is in jeaporday after US President Donald Trump fired 46 US attorneys upon being sworn into office.

LSS highlighted that given these circumstances, it is highly unlike anything will come out of the recent developments and urged Malaysians to focus on the good things happening in Malaysia now.

Looks likely FMT report here that Jho Loh will likely lose his hotel is false or will have to undergo due process.

Rocky view the latest development as a landmark court decision WSJ, SR and the Mahathir-led conspirator would not like to know.

Matthias expected Trump to be on their side after endlessly whacking on Hillary Clunton and former President Obama.

He refuse to know that Trump tried to refuse Arabs' enter into US and intend to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeruselem.

In a related news and highlighted by Rockybru here for the return of Jahabar Saddiq of The Malaysian Insider fame, The Edge's Ho Kay Tat tried to play transparency.

He called on Jahabar to reveal his new financier below:

For sake of transparency and public interest, perhaps Ho Kay Tat care to tell us more on the conversation below:

All the way to page 12 below:

There was a follow up in which The Edge begin to wiggle their way out to dishonour a contract:

This contract below:

In the Whass App message between Clare Brown (under the name Athene Ban) and Xavier Justo (under the name Fullerton for their meeting point with Ho Kay Tat at Fullerton Hotel, Singapore), names of Tun Dr Mahathir's boys is mentioned

Just to say, the decision to leave Mahathir was not done blindly. There are many more reasons. All reasons points to not so pure intention.

Ho Kay Tat may like to not hide behind the technicality of the law to explain for sake of transparency and public interest whether he was in-cohoot with enemies of the state to bring down a democratically elected government?

Otherwise, he will lose his credibility and The Edge will be tak laku anymore.

Do consider someone will go after the hide of the 3 Tan Sris. SR, WSJ and The Edge will be next.

Malaysia had been consistent in their censorship policy on foreign film. Pirate videos do enter the market, but that is a law enforcement issue.

Sexual theme movie including gay theme movie like Brokeback Mountain banned in the past should remain censored and banned by Film Censorship Board (LPF).

The recent controversy with regard to the entry of Disney's Beauty and the Beast into Malaysia highlighted the "beastly" side of the higher hierarchy of civil servants called the Pegawai Tadbir Diplomatik (PTD).

Caught in a dilemma between continuing film censorship policy, and pressure from Disney's refusal to cut so-called gay scenes thus withdrawing the film distribution, the PTD mafia decide to blame it on MACC.

It is quite the typical behavior of these decision averse PTD to pass important decisions to others, usually politicians to avoid being caught in controversies.

So their usual trick is to drag their feet or work to rule.

However, this time around their ulterior reason is to protest against MACC corruption busting actions against one of their own.

It is heard MACC had investigated certain LPF members for accepting kickback from film distributors and producers.

When LPF members were initially asked for their decision, their response was simply, "Ask MACC!"

Apparently similar attitude is heard all throughout the various Ministries as their protest against MACC for arresting, questioning and charging public officials from lower level officers to KSU, GLCs officials all the way to CEOs, etc.

LPF is under the Ministry of Internal Security.

There is also feet dragging on issuance of licenses for public transportation in a particular East Malaysian state. It was intended to make the politician chairman face public pressure for local transportation problems.

It is as though they cannot make decisions fast for fear of MACC. Actually, only the corrupt would fear MACC.

In the Ministry of Information, Multimedia and Communication, a proposal was heard given the nod by Minister but had to undergo seven months of repeated meetings with civil servants.

Each meeting is attended by different set of officers and same answers had to be recycled by company officials. One can expect an agent to appear later asking for kickback to speed things.

Complain is heard of students on government scholarships - local and foreign - receiving their money late.

Apparently, government officers and one could presumed it is orchestrated by PTD bosses to drag their feet. They have no guilt of students missing their final exams or dropped out of courses because fees are not settled yet.

It may have involved various Ministries and surely Ministry of Finance under Tan Sri Irwan Serigar failed to be sensitive to students problems.

MACC actions are to stem the wide practises of corruption, abuse of power, and unaccountable wealth gained from corrupt practises condonned, and protected since the 1980s administration.

There is no reason to justify any pen pushing. Subscribing to proper procedures should enable fast decisions and efficiency of operations.

It is inefficiencies that open the opportunity for corruption by requiring some greasing to do anything fast.

By the time LPF made a decision, they did a U turn and allowed the film's release uncut. Since it is LPF practise to not explain their decision, it does not end the public discussion.

Certain segment of the media does not view the so-called gay scenes as a depiction of gay practises.

While the conservative Malaysians are seriously opposing and calling on Malaysians to boycott the film.

Whichever way, LPF seemed to intentionally instigate the public and it will be the political leadership that get blamed.

Will not be surprise PTD directs blame to Dato Nazri Aziz for merely expressing an opinion.

Nazri is not the Minister in charge but he is the sort of convenient scapegoat that come out of Sir Humphrey Appleby manual on how to sabotage politicians or doing something mischievous but others get the blame.

The answer to this game by PTD to make money for themselves through corruption and stifle good governance is by allocating more money to law enforcement.

Bury more of such corrupted public officials and their participating off springs alive.

The next goverment - be it BN or ñý the inferior option - will be under public pressure should they pull the brakes on MACC from continuing their effort.

Early this month, Gerakan Akar Umbi UMNO Malaysia urged MACC to investigate a posting made by blogger Captain M in January here with regard to RM100 million water pipe installation for Gaya Island, Sabah.

Such stories on Dato Shafie Apdal's corruption is plenty. Proofs admissability in court is one issue as it is tedious to put an undisputable case. However, proofs to show corruption exist and all indication leads to Shafie is plenty and an open secret in Sabah.

When he led KKLW, many projects exist on paper and paid for but it either was not delivered or never too off. He thinks he got it all covered up with himself passing responsibities to KSU or the state is in charge of certain aspect of projects.

The money trails are every where and traceable from within the country. Someone and somebody are bound to speak. More so, when they are detected and caught. These white collared criminals can't survive even a night in a mosquito infested police jail.

It leads back to an earlier hint of PMO being infiltrated by Shafie Apdal people to send misleading report to Dato Najib. Apparently, it raised a few eye brow. For their comfort, this is not a joke or fun and games.

There are names.

Shafie was not rejected from UMNO but only suspended. His reaction to quit the party and start a new opposition party to take on BN in Sabah was an over reaction. It indicate something was not right.

His suspension was proposed by Sabah members in the UMNO Supreme Council. That may have made him hot under the collar. He knew lots of his misdeed will be out in the open. The only option is to join opposition thus any expose on him could be diverted as mere politically motivated.

Despite the obvious, there two position holders in UMNO that tried to open a passage back for Shafie. They were trying to bring him back!

Thank gawd it was rejected. How could they even think of making peace with someone so corrupt, and immorally tainted as Shafie. The MF stole money from the rural and poor.

Billions were spent by Najib administration for rural infrastructure but the bulk of it were not delivered and money stolen. These poor Malaysians had to continue to endure the hardship.

Shafie can come up with various excuses like claiming he has no power, blaming Dato Musa Aman and Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan, questioning why charge under AMLA, etc., all those who benefited from the projects are his people - proxies, nominees, cronies and families. All contractors know that they will never get a contract with KKLW unless they are associated with Shafie.

The proofs there are infiltrators inside PMO is not difficult.

In all contract game, the owners or directors of companies may not necessarily be the true owner. The owners are the one with influences and friends in Ministry of Finance, or various departments that can release or hold the cheques forever.

Getting the contracts is one thing but getting paid is another. All cheques will come back to back with another set of cheques. So the person with contacts inside to approve or speed up payments or hold back payments are the real owners.

On top of that, those with the connections make a contract as only paper projects or do a tong biru 1,000% mark-up.

On the ground, if one knows who and how to ask the question, one will know who gets what and how much. The proofs is something else. As far as PM is concern, those who had taken contracts from Shafie are tainted.

They are subject to Shafie's manipulation and blackmail. And they are security risk to PM.

Siapa makan cili dia akan rasa pedas (those who eat chilies will taste the heat). Those who ask around and speak with an angry tone to the earlier posting, they are likely to be corrupt. It does not matter whatever caution they are throwing. It could indicate they too are morally corrupt.

The moment they talk of proofs and advise against making slanderous defamation, it means they are defensive of Shafie. They should be demoted to janitorial job.

Sorry no up-date for quite few days this week. Not up to it.

Rather than write on politics or economics/corporate or government policy, we like to be spiritual on this third day of Rejab and a Friday.

This morning, we received a message and it checked out to be true. It was something we used to say that in a certain aspect, the German and Japanese imbued Islamic value better than the Muslims in a certain endeavour but without the Islamic labeling.

Seeing how committed Markel is on human rights and her support to Malaysia on fighting for the fate of the Rohingya, the German Chancellor is more Islamic than some OIC leaders..

The message read:

Ranking of true Islamic countries

How Islamic are the Islamic Countries: A study conducted by Prof. Hussain Askari of George Washington University entitled "How Islamic are the Islamic Countries" showed that most of the countries that apply Islamic Principles in their daily lives are not ones that are traditionally Muslim.

Singapore 7th

Ireland ranked 1st, Denmark 2nd, Luxemborg 3rd, Sweden and UK 4th, New Zealand 6th, Singapore 7th, Malaysia 33rd, Kuwait 42nd, Bahrain 61th and the surprise, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked 91st.*

The study, published in the Global Economy Journal might be shocking to most of us but when we look around us and see the reality of the situation, we find that the results of the study are accurate and true.

As Muslims we seem to care only about performing religious Obligations/Rituals/Sunnah (prayer, fasting, niqab, beards, etc), reading the Qur’an and the Hadiths, but we don't practice what we espouse.

We listen to religious lessons and sermons more than the other people on the face of the earth, but we are still not the best of Nations. In the last 60 years, we have listened to 3,000 Friday sermons.

A Chinese merchant once said: “Muslim merchants come to me and ask me to put fake international labels and brands on their goods. When I invite them to eat, they refuse because the food is not Halal. So it is Halal for them to sell fake goods?”

A Japanese Muslim said: “I traveled to the West and saw Islam in practice applied in the daily life of non-Muslims. I traveled to the East, I saw Islam but did not see any Muslims. I thank Allah I knew Islam before I knew how Muslims act.”

Religion should not be reduced to Prayer and Fasting. It is a way of life and it is about how we treat others.

Performing a religious obligation is up to you and it is something between you and Allah. However, good ethics is something between you and other people. In other words, if we do not put Islamic ethics into action and practice, corruption will become rampant and disgrace will be our future.

We should not judge a person based on how he performs religious obligations for he might be a hypocrite.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
Verily, the bankrupt of my nation are those who come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting and charity, but also with insults, slander, consuming wealth, shedding and beating others.
I believe "Islam" (external aspect of faith) is incomplete without "Imaan" (internal aspect of faith) and "Ihsaan" (social aspect of faith). Ponder, understand and realize this.

Lord Bernard Shaw is said to have said:
Islam is the best religion and Muslims are the worst followers.

A statement by Nasiruddin Shah before Shariyah court in Pakistani movie 'Khuda ke liye': "Haram ki kamai jeb me dale hum halal gosht ki dukan dhundhte hai" !!!

* Ranking corrected from original message. Read the full 2010 study here.

It is a pity that many Muslims in Malaysia only begin to take religion seriously upon retirement and only begin to attend courses to learn to read the Arabic in the Quran and fine tuning their fardhu ain.

They missed the best opportunity to practise the true teachings of Islam; translate the true values of Islam into their life, and worldly affairs including public administration, politics and business; and be exemplary in their community, country, and world.

Upon the embodiment of Islam in every aspect of it, only could Muslims be more spiritually closer to God to prepare to the eventual return.

May we be blessed with the true spirit of Islam in this month of Rejab and Syaaban:

Ameen.

For the past few postings, blogger Bigdog have been growling over use of fake news in opposition political campaign, specifically Tun Dr Mahathir's PPBM.

Initially, he ranted over an Australian-based Malaysian ex-reporter for inability to back the spin in his blog here that Petronas President, Dato Wan Zulkiflee attempted to sabotage the Aramco deal.

The Keling tried to divert government-side attack of economic sabotage on opposition with a lie.

Sarawak Report assisted with another diversion on a big data company. The response by a close associate working in the company was simply, "Bollocks!"

Again, the compulsive liar orang putih was caught publishing fake slanderous pictures of Datin Seri Rosmah in India and made the ridiculous claim of a RM30 million "contract" to murder Hussain Najadi.

Bigdog revealed fake news writers failed to background checked Taek Jho Lho after the embarassing bomb exploding in their face.

Hope blogger friends on the other side still clinging to Mahathir's past learn the Malay words, malu, segan, danbermaruah by now.

Immature politicians on this side seeking cheap publicity, photo ops, and hijacking others' effort need lesson on malu, segan, dan bermaruah too!

Logic defying publicity

If not for yours truly was not up to it, the temptation last week was to raise issue with a politician claiming credit for a major endeavour into Malaysia.

Surely a 15 minutes audience could not be the decider. At least, he admitted and apologised as he desperately needed the attention to remain a candidate for next GE.

Desperation antic

Several months ago, another politician dramatised himself out of a precarious position, in which the Minister concerned warned it cannot be done.

Many were furious to see the publicity crazy politician threw the PM's name, broke protocol, and disrespected the sovereignty of another country for his selfish reasons.

It embarrassed the country, which was in the midst of an important role in a multilateral effort.

Could be at it again because it makes no sense for media to report a Ministry being directed to work with a non-government outfit. At least, the deputy has a role to be clown.

The incident few months ago should not become the basis to not acknowledge his past contributions.

But he need to realise that it is contribution to his constituency that matter most to stay in office. Not too mention, there are angry Division leaders throughout the country seeking for his hide.

It is still a friendly advise, and not as bad as an incident involving injured people.

Publicity seeking cartoons appear near election

There was an accident in the high seas. Fishermen nearby came to the rescue and took the injured into their boat.

Then suddenly a Minister turned up with the police. He got wind of the incident and requested to be taken there. Suddenly the Minister directed police to take the victims into their boat.

The plan was to transport them to a further port which he already gathered reporters. It is a potential front page story and publicity for himself.

The police officer refused and insisted the victims be taken to a nearby port. The priority is to seek medical treatment.

The Minister relented but he jumped into the fishing boat. Along the way, he still insisted to go for the port with reporters waiting.

Good thing the fishermen had better sense and resisted. The priority was the injured.

Guess what happenned, the Minister got the gathered reporters helicoptered to the destined port. Done at the expense of public money!

It is old school politics and out-dated thinking.

Nevertheless, performing artistes, circus animals, and politicians need publicity and popularity. But do it tastefully and sensibly.

By right, it is their performance that matter. Politicians with malu,&segan, dan bermaruah character understand that rising to the top need merit.

The country should be led by capable hands and not publicity seekers. The situation is still not too bad and acceptable politicians antics.

If the early morning arrival of Embassy staff and family from Pyongyang was intentionally delayed to make way for a Minister's photo-op, it would have been the pinnacle of political stupidity and selfishness!

No such thing happened as it is on time and acceptable for Foreign Minister to receive his Ministry's staff.

Early morning arrival is not publicity, but a sense of responsibility.

The intention behind actions and reactions in international diplomacy can be beyond the comprehension of most politicians.

Certain intricacies and sensitivities is best not be made known to others. Several years ago, a politician's desire for publicity became the deal breaker that resulted in the imprisonment of Malaysians.

However, Lim Guan Eng's insistent to politicise and call to close embassy immidiately shows lack of wisdom and inability to run a country.

Solve the flood problem as promised within 8 months first and submit the Penang tunnel consultancy report!

Memalukan ....

More time for golf now

There was an emotional send-off at the Palace of Justice last Friday.

It was the last day for the out-going Chief of Justice, Tun Ariffin Zakaria after 25 years service in the judiciary. Now that he has retired, he will have more time for golf.

He will not be bounded by judiciary ethics and could play with anyone he wish. It is sad that an anonymous blog attempted to smear his good name to insinuate he was a corrupt and had his golfing paid by contractors.

Be reminded that civil servants golfing was the issue raised by MACC before the on-going corruption clean-up on public officials up to KSU, GLC CEOs, law enforcement personnel, politicians and war chest operators, late Boon Siew's stepson, and now royal household-linked taukeh.

If it is for certain, it should have been raised when he was in office. It was mean and insensitive to raise it on his last day.

However, it is not the first time for Ariffin. He had his fair share from the opposition when the Federal Court upheld the Court of Appeal decision to convict Dato Seri Anwar for sodomy in February 2015.

"Soft" on corruption

In his farewell speech, he said he had fulfilled the four promises made upon taking office as Chief Justice in 2011.

However, few days before his retirement, former Court of Appeal judge and now a member on the MACC's Operation Review Panel and Special Panel, Tan Sri Mohd Noor Abdullah commented judges are "soft" on corruption and indirectly lead to the interpretation he had not live up to his mark.

Judges should be sensitive to society needs and problems. Mohd Noor may have felt judges sentences are not responding to effort by MACC to combat the crime.

He said judges are handing out too light sentences. The fines does not commensurate with the amount stolen from the public, and the social, economic, and political damage on the country. He believed those guilty of corruption should be jailed!

Md Noor maybe considered unpopular to certain people in the corridor of power for statement he made in the midst of the 1MDB investigation in January 2016. However, this is one judge known to have no fear or favour.

Simply because it is said he is one, who former Federal Court judge and now Anwar Ibrahim lawyer, Dato Gopal Sri Ram, could not bully in the days in the Court of Appeal.

Now that Sri Ram is no more a judge, there is no more fear of him applying the Contempt of Court.

The law was partly meant to stop public discussion that could influence or disrupt judges decision. But it became handy for some judges to abuse and place themselves as the perfect man ("insan kamil") above other mortal.

Before Sri Ram became Anwar's lawyer, it was suspected that he is compromisable.

Mohd Noor did not take too well with Attorney General, Tan Sri Apandi Ali's statement in 2016. It could mean he directed closing of a case.

He said it is not his "exclusive rights" and MACC should continue to investigate.

It is a matter of personal opinion, thus fair comment to come from a former judge. As long as comment is not meant to influence judgement, there should be a small leeway for experts to make fair comments on judges decisions similar to public expressing opinion on public policies.

Furthermore, there was a general appeal - political or otherwise, in his view then that, to quote, "Any public decision made in bad faith (by public officials) can be challenged in the court of law."

On his latest comment on "soft" judges, it is appealing too. Not all judges, maybe 20%?

Court of Appeal

Part of the appeal arise out of reaction to Court of Appeal decision to upheld Session Court decision and discharge corruption case against former MOSTI KSU, Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut and defended by Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah.

It is unbelievable that the testimony of 34 prosecution witness could not prove the basic charge under Section 11 (a) MACC Act on the existence of corruption.

Shafee may not have badgered the witness, but he certainly is worth the premium legal charges for raising trouble issues with witness testimonies or technical legal issues.

If there were 34 witness, the gut feel of a common person is that there exist corruption.

So it unthinkable to us mortals that the common law judges in High Court and Court of Appeal viewed there is no prima facie thus case dismissed without the need for defense.

It reminded us of the case MACC loss against Dato Norza Zakaria, in which not only the nine witnesses U-turned in court but court also dismissed charges of perjury by MACC against the witnesses.

Apparently, the defense lawyer is related to Shafee.

The lawyers are not at fault. They are doing their job and carrying out the legal principle that every person, even the most despicable and deplorable, to use Hillary Clinton term, of human deserve the right to defend themselves in a court of law.

Even if lawyers are socialising or in-cohoot with judges - still serving or retired, to fix or coordinate judgement, the main party at fault is still the judges.

Judge Datuk Abdul Halim Aman could have convicted, claimed a legal practitioner familiar with corruption cases. Not likely Halim is mesmerised by Shafee's legal ability, but he chose to toy on the legal definition of lending as bribe.

Maybe Halim felt that, if he not address such technical issue, his decision will get overturned at the Court of Appeal. It does not look good on his resume to move up there eventually.

More so, Court of Appeal is infested with anti-government bias judges ready to let off cases by government on mere technicality. The latest must be the decision to overturn High Court judgement to deem Penang's state sponsored vigilante group, PPS as illegal.

The Hishamuddin Yunoses and Ariff Yusoffs is the past but today, there are the Tengku Maimoons, Rohana Yusoffs, David Wong Dak Wahs, Lim Yee Lans, Idrus Haruns, Nalini Patmanathans, and Hamid Sultans on the roster.

It is making the Federal Court a busy place to be.

Every joker with money, including Lim Guan Eng, could afford to appeal up to Federal Court and will want to find technical issue to delay trial of corruption cases.

Golfing judges

Based on such observation, this common man has basis to agree with Mohd Noor.

Former Chief Justice reply to Mohd Noor is technical, defensive, and somewhat personal to lambast Mohd Noor as "cakap kosong". With respect, it is not about statistics or quoting cases to back comment and get into debate, but fair comment made out of concern for public interest.

Corruption is no more under the table these days but above the table. The age 40 and below have no qualms to ask for bribe and kickback. The amount squandered are no more in the hundreds of thousands but hundreds of millions, accumulating to billion.

The public is screaming.

A member of the MACC advisory panel is duty bound to call on judges to act positively and be conscious of the public concern. Apandi Ali may have defended Ariffin, but it is only fair on him to defend the system.

Furthermore, Sri Ram also displayed the same brotherhood with his fellow judges.

But it is no more Mahathir era. In Najib era, there is room to agree to disagree.

Court judgements will not be respected by the common people with inconsistencies between the various courts apparent to their simple eyes.

It is part of the appeal process but when sentences on corruption cases by lower courts are increased or decreased by higher court or judgement on corruption cases by lower court is consistently overturned by higher court haphazardly, how does it look to the public?

Yours truly had personally witnessed in the past judges playing pool with members of the defense team. Could it be judges are playing golf and socialising with wrong company as happened during Mahathir era?

MACC Revolution

In congratulating new Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif, MACC Chief Commissioner, Dato Zulkiflee Ahmad expressed hope that "Raus will ensure the judiciary was free from corruption".

Together with the appointment of Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin and Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop, as President of the Appeals Court and Chief Judge of Malaya, much hope is placed with the new team to support campaign against corruption.

Zulkifli is a master strategist and his sincerity to the cause is not in question. He could lead the revolution with his 2,000 staff force, but the court must be cooperative.

The public should "Selamatkan Malaysia", but not by supporting Mahathir to bring Najib down first and trust his offer to be judged later.

His words to the Reformasi crowd, "Let us bring down Najib first and then you can do whatever you want to me" is campaign rhetorics that will not come to reality with him back in power.

He is in his elements to fight against 1MDB but will in turn, create 10 more 1MDBs. He need to save his legacies of cronies and families.

The Mahathirs can come and go, the Najibs can come and go, and the evil trio of Mahathir-Anwar-Lim Kit Siang should go forever.

But, to save Malaysia, it is to not let up in the fight against corruption now and be diverted by politics.

Otherwise, the lawmakers should just rid of the definition of lending of money as part of corruption in the MACC Act and allow the Shafees to win more cases.

It serves no purpose!

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