Lim Kit Siang came from a Bintang Tiga area in Batu Pahat

Why race matters – Wenger Khairy

November 16, 2013

If there is one issue that is sure to get people worked up, it’s the issue of race.

In Malaysia, as race and religion separates quite nicely, with Malays being Muslims and non-Malays being non-Muslims, it is sometimes difficult to characterise an issue as being either a racial or religious issue. Mathematically, we would say that race is highly correlated with religion. We could also make a stronger mathematical statement, that race causes religion as under the Malaysian constitution, all Malays are by definition Muslims, and non-Malays could chose to profess any faith they want. Technically, to test the latter hypothesis, we could use tools like Granger's test of causality.

But aside from the mathematics, people outside Malaysia may be at a loss to explain why so much time and effort is spent on focussing on the racial and religious issues. For example, we have an issue of a Hindu temple / shrine that was demolished in downtown KL and the issue of students being racially segregated when sitting for the matriculation examination. We also have another issue of a Malay billionaire being the subject of much negative press write up, which quite reasonably provoked a reaction from Malay Muslim bloggers who felt that this had its roots in racial profiling.  To add to this issue, we also right now have the question of whether Malaysia should boycott CHOGM , following the actions of several other countries, who are protesting the Sinhalese - Tamil conflict in Sri Lanka.

In fact, we can state unequivocally that racial (and thus by definition religious) issues will continue to grab the headlines. This statement should not be looked at lightly because there are many other issues which deserve public attention, the murder of a tourist off the seas of Sabah being a prime example as it touches on the issue of national sovereignty and Malaysia's capacity to protect its own borders.

The question still remains - why?

One answer is that Malaysians are a highly pious lot, who are so stooped in religious fervour that issues concerning faith suddenly makes everybody wake up and listen. The argument behind this is that since race is highly correlated with religion, the fundamental issue is not racial, but rather a religious issue.

Our conclusion would differ.

In fact, by any measure of any of the tenets preached by any of the major faiths in the world, Malaysians by and large would fall way short of those. From practising basic safety for oneself and others by driving properly to treating the poor, the weak and the defenceless with dignity and respect -- all these values are ignored on a national level. In fact, given a choice most Malaysians would put money above many things, but surprisingly the same do not profess belief in the pursuit of money and wealth as their primary religion.

If it is not religion, then maybe its race.

Race perhaps has a much stronger traction than religion. Race is a strange kind of animal. We cannot choose our race - it is in fact chosen for us. So after race has been chosen for us, we then spend the rest of our lives trying to fit this racial mould. It seems that race is the defining characteristic that separates Malaysians neatly into Malays, Chinese, Indians.

But the above statement is perhaps misleading. Malaysia includes other races such as the Iban, Melanau, Kadazan, Bidayuh and the orang Asli - the Senoi and the like. We rarely hear of their issues with each other, maybe its because our East Malaysian cousins live in a sparsely populated country and do not have to face each other, or perhaps maybe because they were born into a laid back culture that doesn't give a shite if your black, blue, green or yellow.

However in West Malaysia you would be foolish to take racial differences lightly. In fact, we ourselves put on a thinking helmet when dealing with other races in Malaysia, so that we do not offend the other party because we look different or have different sounding names. Inter-racial interaction must be a carefully managed affair akin to to when warring tribes of nations try to negotiate a peace settlement in the UN. In fact the quicker this episode of interaction ends, the better it is for everybody. Talk too much and you are bound to offend or be offended by the other party.

This is because racial stereotyping and racial identity is enforced since childhood and the current population is highly polarized that there exists almost no common identity among the major races. To paraphrase, it is like chicken and duck talking to one another.

Now, please do not get us wrong.

We are not advocating a utopian Kum-ba-yah society where race does not matter. Neither are we even remotely suggesting that Malays, Chinese and Indians forget their cultural programming and interact with one another as citizens of the same country. At the same time, we are not proposing that the culture of racism which is programmed into citizens be adopted. We believe that the decision on whether to stick to the programming or to reject it is a decision that should be made by each individual.

We would however add to those who chose to reject the programming should not suddenly think that all Malaysians are their brothers and sisters. Instead, we would strongly advise that those who reject the racial programming should immediately view with extreme suspicion each and every other person who holds a Malaysian identity card. Rejection of the racial programming does not mean that one should suddenly be accepting of everybody else.

On the contrary rejection of the racial programming should just mean three simple words – don’t trust anybody. That is something we 100% advocate to each and every one who professes to be a citizen of this country. - rembautimes.blogspot.com, November 16, 2013.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

Carlyle keen on bolt-on acquisitions - The Malaysian Reserve

Washington-based private equity firm Carlyle Group LP is keen on potential buys in Malaysia for its part-held businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), bolt-on acquisitions in the language of private equity firms.

The decision clearly rides on Carlyle's past experience in Malaysia from the acquisition of a local lighting manufacturer Davex Holdings Bhd (Davex) at $60 million for its part-owned Saudi Arabian company General Lighting Co (GLC) Ltd last year.

"We are constantly looking for bolt-on acquisitions. I would not be surprised if there is anything next year. We had a very good experience in Malaysia with the acquisition of Davex. The rules here are very clear and transparent," Carlyle Group's MD and co-head of the MENA buyout team Firas Nasir told The Malaysian Reserve in an interview last month.

----

NOTE: Reuters has not verified this story and does not vouch for its accuracy.
($1 = 3.2025 Malaysian ringgit)

Carlyle has been profiled in two notable documentaries, Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911 and William Karel's The World According to Bush.

In Fahrenheit 911, Moore makes nine allegations concerning the Carlyle Group, including: That the Bin Laden and Bush families were both connected to the Group; that following the attacks on September 11, the bin Laden family’s investments in the Carlyle Group became an embarrassment to the Carlyle Group and the family was forced to liquidate their assets with the firm; that the Carlyle group was, in essence, the 11th largest defense contractor in the United States.^[70] Moore focused on Carlyle's connections with George H. W. Bush and his Secretary of State James A. Baker III, both of whom had at times served as advisers to the firm.

The movie quotes author Dan Briody claiming that the Carlyle Group "gained" from September 11 because it owned United Defense, a military contractor, although the firm’s $11 billion Crusader artillery rocket system developed for the U.S. Army is one of the few weapons systems canceled by the Bush administration.^[19] A Carlyle spokesman noted in 2003 that its 7% interest in defense industries was far less than several other Private equity firms.^[71] Carlyle also has provided detail on its links with the Bin Laden family, specifically the relatively minor investments by an estranged half brother.^[20]

In his documentary The World According to Bush (May 2004), William Karel interviewed Frank Carlucci to discuss the presence of Shafiq bin Laden, Osama bin Laden's estranged brother, at Carlyle's annual investor conference while the September 11 attacks were occurring.^[20][72]

Zeitgeist The Movie makes similar claims that The Carlyle Group may have played a part in 9/11.^{[citation needed]}

The Iron Triangle also talks about links with the Bin Laden family; the documentary makes claims that Carlyle bought political favor to get investment dollars and arms sales to the middle east.^[73]

In the wake of 11 September came a fear of anthrax attack. One company that benefited was Pittsburgh- based IT Group, which won a number of contracts to clean up anthrax-infected buildings, including the Hart Senate Office Building. Carlyle owned 25 per cent of the firm, which it subsequently sold on. Likewise its investment in US Investigation Services, a company that specialises in checking the background of employees, saw business improve dramatically.

'I do not exaggerate when I say that Carlyle is taking over the world in government contract work, particularly defence work,' one employee told Briody. Other Carlyle companies also benefited, including EC&G which makes X-ray scanners, Composite Structures, a maker of metal-bond structures in fighter jets and missiles, and Lier Siegler Services Inc, a major military contractor, providing logistics support.

Carlyle - whose high-profile investors include George Soros and Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal - refutes suggestions it profits from war. Co-founder William Conway even went on record saying 'no one wants to be a beneficiary of 11 September.'

This may be true, but unfortunately for the Carlyle Group its investments are beneficiaries of this new era of multilateral conflict. Indeed, a case can be made that even those companies Carlyle wouldn't class as defence investments - and which aren't examined by Briody - have benefited.

Last month it bought CSX Lines, an ocean carrier firm that specialises in shipping heavy equipment. One of its biggest customers is the US military. Late last year it bought Firth Rixson, a specialist engineering firm that makes aerospace parts. It also has a 33 per cent stake in Qinetiq, the government's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

Whatever Carlyle says, its image as being at the apex of what Eisenhower termed the 'military industrial complex' endures.

Government Procurement & SOE: Under this provision the government has to allow companies from the TPPA countries to participate in government tenders beyond certain thresholds and without imposing offsets. It was announced on 1st August by MITI that the thresholds5 have been agreed at about RM23 mil for construction projects and at about RM 600,000 for non-construction bids in the long run. Beyond the thresholds we will be prohibited from allowing preferences for locals or set aside for Bumiputera or to otherwise pursue other socio-economic and national objectives.

There are no provisions for thresholds for Malaysian state-owned enterprises (SOEs or government-linked companies). Thus, all procurements by SOEs would have to be opened to all foreign companies from TPPA countries. To illustrate this, Petronas for example, will have to open every single tender for both construction and non-construction services to foreign companies from TPPA countries, and will thus not be allowed to exercise preferential treatment for local and/or Bumiputera vendors, suppliers, etc.

The concept of National Treatment – which requires all foreign investors to be treated no less than local companies – would be in force. Consequently, SOEs and EPPs (companies and projects under the ETP) which invariably are recipients of some form of Government’s assistance (grants, soft-loans, subsidies) may be penalised for such assistance when in competition with foreign companies from TPPA countries.

Workers Unions, Associations Urge Energy Commission Not To Split TNB

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Four Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) workers unions and associations on Thursday urged the Energy Commission (EC) not to carry out the proposal to split the national utility company into five separate entities.

"The EC's announcement has caused a great deal of uncertainty among the staff. We ask those who intend to split the company to respect our request and not play up the issue anymore. We're prepared to defend TNB in any way we can," the group said in a statement here.

The group were comprised of the TNB Executives Association, TNB Staff Merger Union, Tenaga Nasional Junior Officers Union and the TNB Safety Unit Association.

On Nov 8, a local daily reported that the EC had proposed for TNB to be split into five different entities under the Incentive-based Regulation to enhance the efficiency of its operations and better monitoring of each business unit.

The group have also sent a letter to the EC today to inform it of their intention to visit the commission soon to obtain further clarification.

24-hour eateries blamed for rising obesity in Malaysia

Friday, Nov 15, 2013
New Straits Times

By Predeep Nambiar

GEORGE TOWN - The authorities should not allow eateries to operate round-the-clock.

Consumers Association of Penang president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the move was necessary to check the rising cases of diabetes and obesity.

"With food, especially with high fat, salt and sugar content, available round-the-clock, many people tend to overeat for supper.

"This has led to a rising number of overweight people and diabetics," he said yesterday.

Idris said the authorities should limit operating hours of eateries to 9pm daily.

Food high in fat and salt content as well as soft drinks and other beverages which have high sugar content should be slapped with taxes.

He said the government should take a leaf from Mexico where a 50 per cent tax was imposed on all carbonated drinks.

He said the authorities should also disallow vending machines selling soft drinks, sweets and junk food in schools and hospitals.

"Obesity among Malaysian children is worrying as overweight kids are a common sight (these days)."

He said data from research groups indicated that about 15 per cent of toddlers and preschool children were overweight or obese.

"Thirty per cent of primary schoolchildren are obese."

Idris said diabetes among children was often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

"It can strike children of any age, including toddlers and babies. If it is not detected early, it can be fatal or can cause brain damage."

The suggestion, however, was met with derision from 24-hour eatery owners.

Abdul Aziz Shik Ahmad, who owns a nasi kandar restaurant, said it was a person's right to eat at whatever time.

"Not everyone works from 9am to 5pm.

"Some people only get to have their meals late at night. We are merely food providers.

"Contrary to popular belief, nasi kandar dishes are not sold late at night.

"Most people only have toasts and drinks at that time."

20 November 2013

Indonesia halts Australia co-operation amid spying row

Mr Yudhoyono said he would demand for a letter to explain spying

Indonesia has suspended co-ordinated military co-operation with Australia amid an ongoing row over reports Canberra spied on Jakarta officials.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the suspension included operations to stop people-smuggling, joint military exercises and intelligence exchange.

The move came after Jakarta recalled its ambassador from Canberra on Monday.

Reports of the spying allegations came out in Australian media from documents leaked by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The leaked document showed that Australian spy agencies named Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the first lady, the vice-president and other senior ministers as targets for telephone monitoring, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Guardian said.

The alleged spying took place in 2009, under the previous government. Australia and Indonesia are key allies and trading partners.

"It is not possible that we can continue our co-operation when we are still uncertain that there is no spying towards us," Mr Yudhoyono said.

He added he would also write to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to seek an official explanation over spying allegations.

The decision came after Mr Yudhoyono met with top officials, including the recalled Indonesian ambassador to Australia, to discuss the country's relationship with one of its closest neighbours, reports say.

"We're not only reviewing our co-operation with Australia, we're actually already implementing the downgrading of our bilateral relations with Australia," Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa also said on Wednesday.

He added that Australia "must take concrete steps" to "repair the almost irreparable damage". He added that the relationship between both countries was "not business as usual".

Strained relations

Mr Yudhoyono said on Tuesday that ties with Australia had been "damaged" over what he said was "hurtful action".

Mr Abbot reiterated on Wednesday he regretted the embarrassment the media reports have caused.

However, he has also previously said he does not believe Australia "should be expected to apologise for reasonable intelligence-gathering operations".

The document based on a presentation from the Defence Signals Directorate - now known as the Australian Signals Directorate - showed that agencies attempted to listen to Mr Yudhoyono's calls at least once. They also tracked calls made to and from his mobile phone in August 2009.

The row is the latest in a series of spying allegations that have strained relations between the two allies, whose relationship include co-operation on asylum-seekers and anti-terrorism, among issues.

Earlier this month, Indonesia also expressed anger over reports that Australia's Jakarta embassy was used as part of a US-led spying network in Asia.

15 November 2013| last updated at 10:47PM

Spying allegation will not affect US-Malaysia ties: US State Dept

KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations pertaining to the United States spying activities would not adversely affect Washington-Kuala Lumpur ties, said Jane Chongchit Houston, the US State Department's country coordinator for Maritime Southeast Asia, Office of Public Diplomacy.

She said the US was open to any dialogue if there was disagreement, and the strong people-to-people connection between Malaysians and Americans would help overcome any issue involving the two countries.

"It is easier to solve matters if there is more human interaction between two countries.

"People-to-people relations between Malaysia and the US is very strong, with annually more than 100 people involved in exchange programmes at various levels, including students and professionals," she told Bernama during a dinner with Malaysia-American Exchange Programmes Alumni organised by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur here last night.

Houston, who is based in Washington DC, was on a two-day visit here after visiting Manila, Jakarta and Singapore. She visited Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unitar) to discuss opportunities for the students to undergo internship in the US and the Islamic Arts Museum. 

Houston said since US and Malaysia established diplomatic ties in 1957, more than 6,000 Malaysians had been sent to the US for various exchange programmes, including the International Visitor Leadership Programme, trainings, internships and student exchange programmes.

"These exchange programme alumni members have better understanding on the US and will make positive impact in bilateral ties when they become leaders in future. The alumni members are the solid foundation for a stronger US-Malaysia ties later," she reasoned.

The issue of US spying activities surfaced, following newspaper reports on an allegation by intelligence whistle-blower Edward Joseph Snowden that the US had 90 electronic surveillance facilities worldwide, including in the US Embassy here.

According to earlier reports, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia, in principle, opposed any spying activity on any government as it involved the question of national sovereignty. 

Malaysia also sent protest notes to the US Embassy and the Australian High Commission here on the alleged spying by both the foreign missions in this country. -- BERNAMA

US envoy: No knowledge on alleged CIA presence in AG's Chambers

Bernama | Updated: November 20, 2013

GEORGE TOWN: United States (US) Ambassador to Malaysia, Joseph Y. Yun (pic) has no knowledge on the alleged presence of two American intelligence agents at the Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers.

"I have not heard of that (any spying activity by the US' Central Intelligence Agency at the AG's Chambers).

"I think there was a clear statement by your government, two days ago, on the matter and I don't want go beyond it," he said.

Yun was speaking at a media conference after attending the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce's Penang Dialogue 2013 here Wednesday, which was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri had rubbished an allegation on the presence of two American intelligence agents at the AG's Chambers. She said such claims were unfounded.

Yun said US President Barack Obama had made clear that the US would review its current activities and thereafter, make a decision on balancing the security needs with privacy concerns.

The allegation on the presence of CIA agents in the AG's Chambers was raised by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when debating the Supply Bill 2014....

Plot to destabilise government

News Straits Times
September 21, 2012

By Farah Naz Karrim

KUALA LUMPUR: Investigators probing into the financial background of several non-governmental organisations have uncovered attempts by foreign hands to destabilise the government.
  
Sources revealed that from 2005 to last year, almost RM20 million, courtesy of the Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED), had allegedly been channelled to:

• SUARAM (RM1.6 million);
• NATIONAL Democratic Institute for Inter- national Affairs (NDI) (RM4.6 million);
• MKINI Dotcom Sdn Bhd (RM298,000); and,
• OTHERS (RM13.3 million).

  
The monies were also allegedly channelled to the Southeast Asia Centre for e-Media (Seacem), Southeast Asian Press Alliance and the Centre for Independent Journalism.
  
From last year, several other setups, namely Bersih, Merdeka Center for Opinion Research, Lawyers for Liberty, Liberal Banter Sdn Bhd as well as the International Republican Institute, began receiving funds from NED, an organisation that had been claimed to have "played a significant role in attempting to destabilise legitimate governments and replace them with client proxies".
  
Bersih co-chairman Datuk S. Ambiga was reported recently to have admitted that Bersih had received funds from the NDI as well as New York-based Open Society Institute, the administrator for programmes under the Open Society Institute founded by maverick currency speculator George Soros.
  
NED, on its website, said "it is a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world".
  
It also claims to be a unique institution where it could provide "flexibility that makes it possible to work in some of the most difficult circumstances, and to respond quickly when there is an opportunity for political change".
  
It is believed that organisations with "programmes consistent with its objectives" are awarded grants.
  
Sources also revealed that Suaram, which is under several investigations, including for allegedly raising funds while operating as an unregistered society as well as for serious violations of at least five sections of the Companies Act, along with Suaram and Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd the company that is linked to it, had four known foreign funders.
  
Aside from NED's estimated RM1.6 million already in its coffers, Suaram is also believed to have received RM774,000 (between 2008 and last year) from New York-based Open Society Institute, the administrator for programmes under the Open Society Institute.
  
The German embassy, meanwhile in 2010, allegedly gave Suaram RM21,400.
  
It was reported that the embassy had admitted that it funded Suaram's project that particular year.
  
Another RM34,000 was also allegedly channelled to Suaram by Seacem.
  
The links of these establishments are apparent, with Seacem on its website acknowledging that it was supported by OSI.
  
Seacam, meanwhile, under its fellowship programme, offers its fellows placement in Malaysiakini.
  
Suaram's accounts and "money trail" are also allegedly being looked into by Bank Negara Malaysia.
  
Recently, Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob called on Bank Negara to probe Suaram under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.
  
He had also asked the Home Ministry and Registrar of Societies to determine Suaram's status.
  
Many quarters have questioned the need to have outside influence interfering in the country's political agenda.
  
They have also called on several key opposition figures including Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Tian Chua, Suaram director Kua Kia Soong and co-founder R. Sivarasa to explain why Suaram was being funded by foreign parties, including by Soros, when he had allegedly masterminded plans to bring the country's economy down.
  
They had also been asked to clarify whether they had received foreign funding to support their political activities.
  
Former PKR leader Ng Lum Yong had demanded that the trio publicly explain Suaram's funding as the people wanted to understand its true role as an organisation.
  
"The people have the right to know about Suaram's true political agenda and its motives," Ng said.
  
In an interview with BH last night, International Movement for a Just World (JUST) president Professor Dr Chandra Muzaffar said NED had been known to lend substantial financial support to NGOs in particular countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Syria.
  
He claimed it had been uncovered that such efforts had been going on aggressively over the past five years in the name of democratic freedom with the objective of making people rise up against leaders who were allegedly deemed to be cruel.
  
    He also claimed they handed out assistance with the objective of stirring up the people, and their contribution was akin to udang disebalik batu.
  
"We know of their activities in several countries as what has happened in the Arab world, leading to the Arab Spring uprising.
  
"There is also proof they provided assistance to groups opposing leaders in South and Central America at one time with the excuse that the leaders were tyrants and undemocratic.
  
"Similarly, they were believed to have assisted rebels to oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin."
  
Chandra, who is also the chairman of 1Malaysia Foundation, said the credibility of such an organisation which claims to support institutions of freedom and democracy was questionable as it could threaten global security.
  
He added that those behind the body included Zionist groups which maintain good relations with the Jewish government.

The thing that stinks about this apology is that it gives the impression that all of the data presented is made up, when in fact at least some of it can be easily verified.

The NED, for example, publishes details of recipients of its grants in its annual report because it is required to do so in order to get money from the US Congress. According to these annual reports, the Malaysian recipients, amongst others are:

• Malaysiakini USD400k (2009-12)
• Suaram USD535k (2005-11)
• Merdeka Centre USD135k (2011-12)

There's also the Islamic Renaissance Front which got USD50k last year. You may remember them for criticizing the govt on the Allah issue recently.

But most of the money NED channels to Malaysia went to the International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute which have been implicated with involvement in coups in Latin America and the Arab Spring. That NED, NDI and IRI are all creations of Ronald Reagan and the chairman of IRI is John McCain should tell us something about their objectives.

The fact that Suaram, Malaysiakini et al, are involved with and have been getting money from these groups IS newsworthy.

It's a shame that NST managed to really botch it.

I totally agree that NST should defend the lawsuit. Call Bersih's bluff.

Heard Cecil Abraham was only worried of the title. Bersih side will argue that they have no intention to topple the government. only fighting for human rights and various mumbo jumbo claims.

Actually most of the allegations written in Fara article can be substantiated and proven. The game played by Bersih's follows a trend by American operatives in Philippines and other countries.

Heck . . .the whole of oppositions modes operandi follows Gene Sharpe to the letter and can be showed.

Even if NST loses, at least all these is laid out in court and both side of the media can report. Rakyat will be made aware and form their own opinions.

Usually judge's judgement is based on a certain premise. There is room for the public to continue to debate on the judgement.

A good spin can turn a loss into a moral victory. More important, the public is more aware of the threat posed by Bersih's and the opposition.

If NST is so worried of losing money from the lawsuit, the should go into the more lucrative chicken rearing business. As chickens themselves, they no the business better than newspaper business.

However, without guts and brevity, they can't do anything else. Stay home and fondle their cocks.

Critics are getting all high and mighty over that fucking apology but it is not the idea of the newsroom editors.

In fact, they were willing to defend it in court to show that Bersih is as creepy as the next anwar Ibrahim asslicker enjoying the support of foreign agent’s funds as part of their long-term campaign to destabilize the BN government and KICK ITS ASS OUT OF POWER!!!.

It is the kotek lembik way out by nstp ceo azlan abdullah, abetted macam bodoh by the group managing editor jalil hamid.

They crumbled too easily the moment the Bersih lawyers made their legal suit threat. Azlan & Jalil got no balls to fight the suit but to be fair, their balls were being squeezed hard by their big bosses. Sape? Take your pick….PM’s office, senior Umno leaders & entah mana hantu jerangkong lagi.

In the first place, that fucking pg 1 story had interference written all over it cos Jalil got no balls to order the report on his own. Of course he was ordered by one of his many dalangs to publish the report b4 polling day.

Btw, the report has suspicious circumstances but it is still basically true and ok. Virtually everyone from rocky to big dog had exposed bersih’s creepy nature but becos it was the NST!! who made it a big report, Bersih had to go on damage control. The bastards got it easy.

Whoever the fucking dalangs who told jalil to print the report don’t give a shit about editorial integrity becos all they want to do is remain in power at all cost. It reminds me off the tactics used by kalimullah hassan to tibai dr m.

In fact, azlan and jalil operated on their own, without telling the board. The board was freaking upset. Media Prime chairman Johan Jaafar meletup during a recent board meeting and scolded azlan and jalil for being pondans.

But johan too must realize that ini semua kerja orang Najib. If there is anyone to be blamed, blame Najib for hiring the jerangkungs who fuck around with nst’s editorial integrity and make the editors look bad.

Now u know why jalil was put there to replace zainul ariffin. Jalil is the ultimate insider who will execute anything his handlers tell him to do. Zainul is known to have rejected many instructions, especially fucking stupid ones.

At the end of the day, zainul was not a “team player” and removed. But becos he got brains, they put him to take care of the digital ops. Boleh tahan now jadi digital CEO!!

Replicating President Suharto forced to agree to IMF

Sunday, 24 November 2013, 8:50 am
Press Release: Professor Jane Kelsey

For immediate release

Outrageous US bullying on intellectual property and health in TPPA talks in Salt Lake City

‘The US has adopted a strategy of exhaustion in its bullying of negotiators on the crucial intellectual property chapter to force countries to trade away health in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations in Salt Lake City’, according to Professor Jane Kelsey from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, who is monitoring the negotiations.

‘The US has stepped up its aggression as they move towards their “end point” of the TPPA ministerial meeting in Singapore from 7 to 10 December’, said Professor Kelsey.

The group on IP and medicines is being chaired by Assistant US Trade Representative for Intellectual Property and Innovation Stan McCoy.

‘This is a loaded game’, Professor Kelsey said.

‘McCoy sets the agenda and timetable. Negotiators are working from morning until late at night and preparing to work all night, if necessary.’

The US has around twenty people in Salt Lake City for the intellectual property chapter, who can rotate. Some countries have only one delegate for crucial talks on intellectual property on medicines. Their negotiations on medicines have been extended beyond the dates that were scheduled before negotiators came. They have continued despite the fact that some health negotiators, especially from poor countries, could not extend their stay.

This follows a pattern of abuse over recent rounds reported in Inside US Trade and other media, where McCoy has acted as a gatekeeper, deciding what proposals from other countries are allowed into the text and what are not.

‘This is a crucial period for New Zealand and a number of other countries’, Kelsey observed.

The text posted by Wikileaks last week shows they have tabled an alternative to the US proposed text that has been repeatedly rejected.

‘This is an early warning of the extreme bullying that can be expected in when the trade ministers seek to close the deal off in December’, Professor Kelsey warned.

‘New Zealand’s trade minister Tim Groser and his counterparts from the other ten countries must tell the US to stop this behaviour now’, she said.

ENDS

The Government should prioritise national interests over commercial interests where the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is concerned, according to the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).

“ACCCIM is of the view that the Government should ensure that the costs to Malaysia will not outweigh the benefits,” vice-president Tan Sri Lim Sing said at a roundtable on the TPPA themed “Why TPPA matters to your business and how it impacts the market and industry” organised by the chamber.

Furthermore, he said the chamber was concerned about the controversy over the TPPA due to the secrecy and lack of transparency as well as the fairness and equitability to all stakeholders.

Of the 201 Democrats in the House of Representatives, 166 sent letters to President Barack Obama rejecting his push for a Bill to grant him fast-track authority.

It is embarrassing that the President’s own party members are so opposed to giving him that authority.

Another 28 House Republicans have also, so far, announced their opposition. Since 218 votes (a majority of the 435 representatives) are needed in the House to get fast-track authority, there appears to be little chance that the President will get his wish.

Congress has the power to adopt trade agreements negotiated by the Administration.

Under fast-track authority, Congress must approve or reject an agreement in total, but cannot alter it, thus enhancing the chances of the agreement being approved as a whole.

The failure to obtain fast-track authority has serious implications for the TPP, especially since the United States is by far the most important country.

Firstly, without fast-track authority, the US Congress can make any changes they want to the final TPP text agreed to by all countries.

The fact of the matter is, the agreement (TPPA) is still under negotiation. As long as negotiation is still on, the outcome is at best uncertain. What is certain is TPPA will provide access to a market of 800 million people and combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$27.5 trillion (RM88.47 trillion).

If China eventually joins, which many believe it will, the cake would be even bigger. As a country heavily dependent on external trade, are we ready to abandon this massive opportunity?

Based on the performance so far, there is no reason for us to be scared of emerging competition. As recent as a month ago, we were hailed as moving up to No. 6 on the competitiveness ladder.

.... we also do need ... to wake us up from the slumber of complacency and embrace innovation with much more vigour. ....

It has become clear over the years that, apart from a few of our industries such as palm oil, rubber, and electronics, the rest have not invested adequately in research and development, and innovation.

.... Studies have confirmed that competition is a powerful agent of innovation. Unless innovation becomes an important part of our business culture, we may one day regret to find that we fail to capture a decent share of world business!

People’s will in fighting corruption

Halimah Mohd Said


WHENEVER corruption in the public sector is talked about in Malaysia, the agencies that are perceived to be among the most susceptible are the Police, Immigration, Customs, JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan). The Fire Department and Income Tax Department are also named as are the various departments handling government procurement.

No prizes for guessing as these are the agencies and departments that have regular, face-to-face dealings with the public. They issue permits, approve licences and award projects, and in the case of non-compliance impose summonses, determine fines and execute raids and arrests.

A large part of servicing the public also involves handling appeals and reviews. Underscoring these transactions on paper are of course the monetary considerations, some resulting in great losses or huge gains for the individuals and their cohorts.

Public service involves layers of direct negotiations with the people where subjective decisions sometimes have to be made by the civil servant. It is at this point that his duty to assist members of the public may be interpreted as their obligation to reciprocate with thanks. This is where the open spirit of give and take underlying Malaysia's multicultural traditions may lead to the clandestine giving and taking in the form of bribery and corruption.

While the overriding argument is that public servants have a moral obligation to carry out their work without fear or favour, the public have to be equally responsible by not tempting them with bribes.

In the equation of bribery and corruption, the giver is as guilty as the taker.

Unless and until Malaysians stop giving bribes, the culture of corruption will continue shamelessly. Who, then, do you point your fingers at?

I would to share a perspective on corruption contributed by a young Facebook friend TZK:

"Many Malaysians claim the moral high ground by saying they do not practise corruption and hence have the right to voice out their grouses against the establishment for corrupt practices. They regularly cast aspersions on the effectiveness and efficiency of the MACC, the country's anti-corruption agency.

"There are a few questions these moralists need to answer before condemning the MACC for not catching the "big fish".

If you know that:

• your friends and colleagues are involved in corrupt practices, would you turn him/her in to the MACC?

• your superior/manager/director is involved in corrupt practices, would you turn him/her in to the MACC?

• your family members, i.e. your siblings, parents, cousins, aunts and uncles are involved in corrupt practices, would you turn him/her in to the MACC?

And if you turn in all the above persons to the MACC, would you be willing to stand in the witness dock to testify against them in court?

"If your answer is "Yes" to all the four questions, you are indeed a moral person. If you have answered "Maybe" or "No" to any of the questions, you might want to reconsider your accusations before hurling them at the MACC.

"The MACC is the enforcement body tasked with fighting corruption, and its personnel as well as affiliated panels and boards ensure its independence and integrity in doing so.

However, much as the anti-corruption efforts are carried out officially at the level of reporting and investigating to come up with evidence and proof that a corrupt act can be ascertained, a lot of information still lies in the hands of the Malaysian public.

"The real problem is if the people themselves condone corruption by choosing not to cooperate with the authorities, is it fair to blame the enforcement agencies and the justice system for failing to put the corrupted Malaysians behind bars?"

"The key witnesses in a corruption trial are often people who are close to the accused. If they are not prepared to testify in court there is a high likelihood that the case will be dismissed and the corrupted person will get away scot free."

"Corruption exists in every society to a lesser or greater degree. Corrupt people are found anywhere in the world – Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, US, Africa, China and Australia. The difference between Malaysians and citizens of the countries where corruption has been greatly reduced lies in the fact that they are better educated about the pitfalls of corruption. The main difference is that they are willing to cooperate with the enforcement agencies – not to break the laws but to reinforce them with a greater civic consciousness.

"They understand that to eradicate corruption, the people themselves must be law abiding in all aspects of their lives. The people's will is all important.

"So before we judge others, look at the man in the mirror. If we are true advocates of a corruption-free society, play a positive role in the anti-corruption war as we are the real soldiers on the ground. If corruption-ridden Hong Kong can do it so can Malaysia".

Prior to reaching the Tender Committee chaired by  Najib, the papers and documents have to be sent to a committee of Little Napoleans.

The Little Napoleans will would vet through Customs review and make their own recomendation. It would be usually strange for user comment to be far different from the Little Napoleans'.

Usually Najib and the Committee of top level government officers sometimes including MoF II would merely approve as recommended by the Little Napoleans.

Jawapan Parlimen Syarikat Brilliance Information Customs 12/11/2013

36. PR-1313-L58694

Dr. Ong Kian Ming [ Serdang ] minta MENTERI KEWANGAN menyatakan kenapa Syarikat Brilliance Information diberikan projek Pembangunan Sistem U-Customs untuk Jabatan Kastam dan Eksais Diraja Malaysia yang bernilai RM345 juta yang bukan merupakan tawaran yang terbaik dari segi teknikal ataupun termurah.

Jawapan

Perolehan projek Pembagunan Sistem U-Customs telah dilaksanakan secara tender terbuka. Tender ini telah ditawakan kepada Syarikat Brilliance Information yang menawarkan harga kedua terendah kerana tawaran syarikat ini memenuhi sebahagian besar spesifikasi teknikal yang ditetapkan oleh Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia iaitu aktiviti perkastaman dan fasilitasi perdagangan berbanding syarikat yang menawarkan harga terendah.

Petender yang menawarkan harga terendah tidak memenuhi keperluan Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia kerana menawarkan front end yang meliputi single window dan fasilitasi pengilangan sahaja serta Public Key Infrastructure yang tidak menepati Akta Tandatangan Digital 1997. Cadangan petender ini memerlukan banyak pengubahsuaian untuk diselaraskan dengan semua keperluan perkastaman yang mana akan menyebabkan kos yang lebih tinggi kepada Kerajaan.

If lowest company was not chosen due to some technical  flaws (in which such claims is still questionable), why then are other companies which has better technical engine not chosen?

For the sake of transparency, could the top 5 for technical; top 5 for pricing and top 5 be made known?

Surely, the Little Napoleans will insists to say it is private and confidential thus we are left only to believe that there was no hanky panky (when the tenderers know there was). 

They will likely say government processing of tenders met the highest level of professionalism and practices as in accordance with some world standards of procedures.

But, the fact is the Little Napoleans that submit the recomendation to Tender Board may have not do so objectively and with the best interest of government. 

 Here is a big fish to catch. 

A good investigation team from MACC could smell it is corruption. They need technical expertise to conclusively prove that the Little Napolean may have intentionally done a recomendation not to the interest of government. 

They have also lied in Parliament, which is another offense by itself.

Ask not what MACC can do to fight corruption - ask what you can do to fight corruption. Any one to offer MACC technical help to reel in this big fish?

THE “Big Three” credit rating agencies – Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s and Fitch – may have suffered a serious dent to their credibility in recent years, especially after the outbreak of the 2008/09 global financial crisis; but, like it or not, this small group of international organisations will continue to play an important role in the global debt market.

Their assessments of the creditworthiness of corporations and governments continue to be taken seriously by investors, and their decisions could affect the cost of borrowing, that is, the interest rate that corporations or governments will have to pay investors for buying the bonds that they issue.

It is estimated that the Big-3 credit rating agencies currently command a collective global market share of 95% by revenue, with S&P and Moody’s leading with a market share of 40% each, and Fitch with around 15%.

As it stands, all the three key rating agencies now have differing outlooks for Malaysia.

Moody’s has a “positive” outlook for the country following a revision over the week, while S&P has the outlook maintained at “stable” and Fitch at “negative”.

Harrington, who worked at Moody's for 11 years until he resigned last year, said ratings agencies suffer from a conflict of interest because they are paid by the banks and companies they are supposed to rate objectively.

"This salient conflict of interest permeates all levels of employment, from entry-level analyst to the chairman and chief executive officer of Moody's corporation," Harrington said in a filing to the US financial regulator the securities and exchange commission (SEC), which is considering new rules to reform the agencies.

Harrington claims that Moody's uses a long-standing culture of "intimidation and harassment" to persuade its analysts to ensure ratings match those wanted by the company's clients. He says Moody's compliance department "actively harasses analysts viewed as 'troublesome'" and said management "rewarded lenient voting".

Here's a plate full

Speaker rejects urgent motion on US spying

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

November 26, 2013
The Malay Mail Online

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker today rejected an opposition-moved motion to scrutinise American spying activities in Malaysia, saying that the matter was of no urgency as Putrajaya had expressed their displeasure to Washington.

Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia Amin said he found no reason for the motion to be debated as the Foreign Ministry had already issued a letter of protest on the incident.

“The motion is of public importance but to debate it .. I do not find the matter of urgency as the government had already issued protests letters on November 1,” he told the Dewan Rakyat here.

In the motion, submitted by PKR Bukit Katil MP Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the opposition lawmaker said the spying activities involving the US, Australia and now the latest information of Singapore’s involvement, merit an urgent debate.

The debate would prompt Parliament to push Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to take tougher action.

Speaking to reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat, Shamsul said in the two letters of protest sent to the respective embassies here, he had argued that Najib has failed to display leadership amid growing calls for  firm action against the three governments.

“This is a very serious matter that involves the sovereignty of the country. There should be a limit to our diplomatic relations and this is a breach of trust,” he said.

Amid public outcry and strong calls for action, Najib had said two weeks ago that Malaysia will not tolerate any spying on its land.

Wisma Putra claimed it had summoned the American and Australian envoy for explanation while letters of protest had been submitted to the respective consulates.

And in the latest revelation on the spying saga, Singapore High Commissioner Ong Keng Yong will be called in today to clarify allegations that the island republic is aiding the US in spying on Malaysia.

Describing Singapore as a “good friend and neighbour”, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman denounced the latest revelations by US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden implicating the island republic, saying that if they are proven to be true, it is a “serious matter that the government of Malaysia strongly rejects and abhors”

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, felt that Putrajaya’s reaction was still subdued as countries like Brazil and Germany, went as far as refusing meeting with the US president.

“What we want is for Najib to act tougher and send a strong protest to Washington, not only by sending letters to the local embassies,” Shamsul said.

A red-faced President Barack Obama has vowed to “review” its spying procedures following outcry over the issue.

Analysts, however, remain sceptical that Pentagon would make any alteration to its espionage policy.

Australian newspaper the Sydney Morning Herald reported last month that Australia’s intelligence agency was using its diplomatic missions in several Asian countries, including Malaysia, to intercept phone calls and internet data.

The report cited information disclosed by former US Central Intelligence Agency whistleblower Eric Snowden, saying that signals intelligence collection occurs at Australia’s High Commissions in Kuala Lumpur and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, as well as at its embassies in Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, Beijing and Dili in East Timor.

Snowden had revealed earlier a top secret map showing 90 US electronic surveillance facilities worldwide, including in its embassies in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.

No such facilities, however, are located in Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, according to the map dated August 13, 2010.

Adakah berani untuk guna keris?

For example in 2010, then home minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the government believed that the illegal or illicit segment of the informal economy alone had grown to almost RM10 billion and included a slew of activities.

More recently the country’s deputy finance minister, Ahmad Maslan was quoted in The Star newspaper as saying that the country’s so called ‘black economy’ stood at 30% of GDP.

THE PM sounded desperate. Untypical. All this while we have been told and assured repeatedly that everything is OK - the government has money, the Treasury is filled, revenue collection is good and billions of ringgit of foreign investments are flowing in.

Assalam Bro... Read ...post. We r doing what we think r d right measures for d country. Not easy nor popular. But will do so responsibly. Govt & corporates borrow fm d market. Credit rating determines d cost of borrowings. So when we do d right things, we hope rating agencies will respond positively.

I apologise if I appeared to 'gloat' when I mentioned Fitch as no 3. Just wanted to put across d point that there r 3 rating agencies and Fitch is the 3rd one. When Fitch revised their outlook on Msia to -ve, the other two maintained their outlook at stable. Of course Moody's has revised it to +ve now.

It is our hope Fitch will eventually revise their August 2013 assessment that "prospects for budgetary reform and fiscal consolidation to address weaknesses in the public finances have worsened since...general elections". Tks for support. 

... PR doesn’t have the pedigree needed to form a federal government, given the existing inconsistencies and weaknesses. As a multi-dimensional party, PAS doesn’t speak with a unified voice, given its divisions between the fundamentalists and the so-called Erdogans.

The DAP has shown its failure to provide ideologically sound and loyal candidates for political office, causing the downfall of one state government. The coming DAP party election in Penang shows the mad scramble for positions of influence among party stalwarts.

To date, PKR has shown itself to be opportunistic, with very little in the way of its own thought-out ideological based policies. In fact some of its views like the one on salary hikes for politicians are even contradictory.

The taking back of Terengganu from PAS in 2004 and the recent return of Kedah to the Barisan Nasional indicates that voters won't accept incompetence by any Pakatan government....

... wanting to run candidates under its own banner rather than work with the existing opposition forces in the state, leading to a number of three-cornered fights. 

"... change its understanding of the political dynamics of both states. From the rakyat or people’s perspective this may be even more difficult as PAS, PKR, and DAP are considered by many as peninsular centric."

... a dynasty with husband, wife, and daughter holding high profile positions. This is one reason why the Azmin Ali influence is so strong within the party, to the point of being bitterly divisive....

There is more to Azmin Ali's antics than just naked ambition.

"... there was too much central control. This is a rift that could paralyze the party, particularly when the rank and file membership are needed on the ground during elections.

The current disagreement about how funds in treasury funds in Selangor should be utilized show the policy malaise of PKR. There is also a wider dimension to policy issues where the PR has not been able to deal with the issue of hudud, or Islamic law, and an Islamic state...."

"... time for the PR to eradicate ego from the coalition leadership and make a serious attempt to regroup under a new guard for the next election. To do that would shed the usual to allow a new vanguard of Malaysian politicians to emerge who are younger and more energetic than the Barisan."

"... to declare that he had no more ambition to become Prime Minister and stand aside". 

"...Many perceive Anwar to be driven by ambition, hate, and a sense of revenge. His pledge to retire if PR didn't win the election has lost him credibility.

There is a segment of the population who have become disillusioned with the opposition over a number of issues. Anwar's antics, internal struggles, a potential political dynasty, lack of policy direction, and basic mistrust is keeping the PR from winning the federal elections. If the PR wants to win, they must take a hard inward look, rather than blame their loss on phantom voters."

"In politics it doesn't matter what foreigners think of the present Malaysian government, or Anwar Ibrahim for that matter. It doesn't matter whether there is electoral fraud or not. Elections are not about the moral high-grounds or even what the majority wants. What matters is knowing the hand you are playing and winning the competition by the rules that exist. Otherwise a tired and scandal-laden government would have long been tossed out of office.

Unlike the post 2008 election period, the Malaysian electorate appears to be "burnt out" and has given up expectation and yearning for change. It's now very much suppressed. ..."

Issues Pakatan Rakyat anticipate to happen