Malaysia should be shy of Jho Low's yacht hijacked by Indonesia instead of by MACC

Tuan Ibrahim: Malaysia should be shy of Jho Low's yacht hijacked by Indonesia

PETALING JAYA: PAS said the Malaysian government should be embarrassed by the action of hijacking Indonesian luxury yachts owned by Low Taek Jho or Jho Low traders, among which the US Department of Justice (DoJ) listed as 1MDB's purchased assets.

"The government should be embarrassed by the actions of various countries acting on the deceased fund," said Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

According to him, the action of the Indonesian government to seize the yacht named "Equanamity" worth RM1 billion should be praised for being in line with international rules.

"Without legal action, the dignity of the nation and its leaders will continue to be polluted."

Indonesia yesterday confiscated the yacht in Bali, in a multi-billion dollar bribe-related investigation linked to 1MDB funds, police said.

Media Indonesia broadcasts a picture of Indonesian officials with a crew on the luxury yacht that docked in Benoa Bay.

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim said that the Swiss government's actions took over the money linked to the 1MDB hijacking as "over the wind".

Switzerland's Finance Minister, Ueli Maurer, reportedly said the funds were channeled to the Federal Treasury of the country as no party demanded it.

Tuan Ibrahim said Malaysia was losing the opportunity to save money.

The previous DoJ in civil petition in US courts wants to confiscate more than US $ 1.7 billion in assets, allegedly bought with stolen funds from 1MDB.

DoJ has delayed the application after launching a criminal investigation into 1MDB.

Jho Low was named an important person in the US action, and was charged with using a misappropriation of money from 1MDB to purchase 91m seafronts registered in the Cayman Islands.

According to luxury rental website, yachtcharterfleet.com, the interior of the ship is decorated with marble and gold leaf, and features a spa and sauna, 20m swimming pool on deck, movie theater, lift and helipad.

It is a shameful thing that a close aide of Najib had his super yacht confiscated. J. Low who had only came to such great wealth after he managed 1MDB business should be under MACC scrutiny. Now what is the MACC chief going to do about this. He was complaining about the TMI CPI index, which was correct as he only went after small fries and mostly of the Opposition and not the big wigs of Umno (A. Musa was let off for lack of evidence). The US DoJ did his job for him. Now he should seek an arrest warrant for Jho Low - to come back to M'sia and face questioning.
 
Do your BLOODY JOB - Dzulkifli Ahmad or RESIGN!!!

The Victims Of the Ghouta Siege MSM Doesn’t Want You To See

TOPICS:Brandon TurbevilleMediaSyria

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

As the Syrian government continues its operation to liberate East Ghouta from Western-backed terrorists, the Western media is revamping its Aleppo propaganda to fit the new location. Stories of the “brutal” Assad intentionally bombing civilians, dropping “barrel bombs,” using chemical weapons, and hospitals that will surely be the “last hospital in Ghouta” soon enough are legion in the corporate media.

Of course, there has never been a shred of evidence to suggest that the Syrian military has ever intentionally targeted civilians during the course of this war, but that hasn’t stopped the Western media as facts and reality rarely do. MSM does not mention the fact that its “activist” sources are, in actuality, terrorists and that the “humanitarian workers” known as the White Helmets are nothing more than al-Nusra Front.

MSM also doesn’t mention the daily assault on civilians in Damascus by those same “besieged” terrorists in Ghouta. These victims are undoubtedly civilians who are undoubtedly being intentionally targeted. In the rare instances where they even garner a mention, it is repeatedly mentioned that “state media” “claims” these civilians were killed, implying the “claims” might not be true. Below will be included a number of photographs and videos that back up those claims and demonstrate that some civilians are more equal than others in such Anglo-Western utopias.

Below is a video that shows a young girl walking down the street in Damascus, ahead of her are two other children. A terrorist mortar explodes between them. As one can easily see, there are no military targets anywhere near. Thankfully, all the children escaped unscathed. Many others have not been so lucky.

Pictures via Syrian journalist Khaled Iskef

The above pictures show a victim of the East Ghouta terrorists who, backed by the West, fired a powerful missile into the old city of Damascus.

The video above was provided by Kevork Almassian on Twitter and shows the residential Damascus neighborhood of Damascus, Rikn al-Din shortly after it was shelled by terrorists based in Ghouta.

These are not isolated incidents. On February 23, there were 71 explosives fired into Damascus in that one day alone, according to Damascus Now.

These are the videos and photos that CNN will never air because the realities they show do not reflect the fantasy being promoted by the 24/7 propaganda outlet and the rest of its ilk.

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It is a real-life tragedy that so many people in Damascus and East Ghouta have been killed as a result of the necessity of this operation to liberate the suburb. It’s an even bigger tragedy that many more are going to be killed in the process. But this tragedy would never have occurred had the United States not funded a proxy army to destroy the Syrian government in 2011 and it would not continue if the U.S would cease doing so today. It is not the fault of the Syrian government that so many people have died in the operation to liberate East Ghouta nor is it the fault of Russia. The blame lies solely at the feet of the United States, NATO, Israel, and the GCC as well as at the feet of the mainstream corporate media of the West.

Civil servants are not obliged to be 'loyal' or 'grateful'

Published on 27 Feb 2018, 1:02 pm  |  Modified on 27 Feb 2018, 11:01 pm

     

COMMENT | Loyalty and gratitude are two words very much in use by Umno leaders these days, especially when speaking to civil servants and government pensioners.

There are currently approximately 1.6 million civil servants (including teachers, police and armed forces personnel) and 778,894 retirees on the government payroll. They represent a huge and critical voting block for Umno. Hence the need to both pander to them and cajole them into supporting Umno.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for example, said in a speech that pensioners must not bite the hand that feeds them or be ungrateful to the government. After all, he noted, the government had allocated about RM20 billion a year for retirees.

He also appeared to suggest that pensioners who support the government are “national assets” while those who criticise the government are a “liability to the country”.

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid (photo) courted controversy earlier this year when he warned teachers that they risked disciplinary action if they backed or joined any opposition party. Joining BN parties was apparently okay.

And Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man, himself a former civil servant, expressed his disappointment with “a handful of Malaysian armed forces personnel… who oppose the government as soon as their service ended”. 

He advised them to take up their grouses through proper channels instead of going against the government (never mind that “proper channels” is simply another term for “no further action”).

In the meantime, the director-general of the Public Services Department (PSD) said civil servants should be grateful (there’s that word again) to the government for improving public sector remuneration and benefits, noting that the present government had announced various benefits for civil servants including salary increases, promotions, special leave for performing the umrah, maternity leave and the special payment of RM1500.

He also urged civil servants not to  “destroy the country’s future” (presumably by voting for the opposition).

The role of the civil service

Clearly, there is much misunderstanding about the role and responsibilities of the civil service in a democracy, if we still qualify as one. What is worse, senior civil servants themselves appear to be either confused about their role or have compromised their integrity.

Civil servants, as the Sultan of Johor reminded us just this week, “are bound by their oath of office to remain neutral and not take sides”. 

Their job is to advise the government of the day and then to faithfully execute policies and decisions made by the government irrespective of their own private political affiliations or views. They may not criticise the government or undermine it in any way.

If they disagree with the government and are unable to implement approved policies, tradition demands that they tender their resignation.

Upon retirement or resignation, they are, of course, free to comment on any policy subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1972.

Ex-servicepeople and members of the Patriots Association are, therefore, entirely within their rights to either publicly support the government or openly criticise it as the case may be.

At no time, however, are serving or retired civil servants obliged to pledge their loyalty to the ruling party or vote for it. That is something that only happens in dictatorships.

The old adage “My country, right or wrong” does not extend to the government of the day. The loyalty of civil servants is ultimately to king and country rather than to any particular political party.

Contractual obligations

In return for their service, the government is obliged to pay civil servants, from public funds, fair and adequate compensation (including pensions where applicable).

Such compensation is not a bribe, a handout or a reward for loyalty but payment for services rendered. It is a straightforward contractual obligation between employer and employee.

The question of being thankful or grateful to the government, therefore, does not arise and it is simply ludicrous to suggest that civil servants ought to be loyal to the government because it pays their salaries.

It should also remembered that it is the public that pays the salaries of both the politicians they elect and the civil servants they appoint (through the Public Services Commission). Ultimately, both have an obligation to serve the people with integrity and dedication.

Politicising the civil service

The mandarins of the civil service do the country an enormous disservice when they behave as if the civil service is a mere appendage of the ruling party, or promote the idea that civil servants ought to support the ruling party at the polls out of loyalty and gratitude.

By politicising the civil service, they not only set a poor example but seriously undermine the neutrality and integrity of a hallowed national institution. As for retired civil servants, I am sure they will continue to serve their country by speaking out and joining the debate to build that more perfect nation that we all want to see. Their loyalty to king and country demands nothing less.

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Correct, why should civil servants be loyal to the ruling [arty as their salaries are paid for with tax payers' money. Only when BN use their own money can they impose a loyalty decree to civil servants. It sickens us that BN leaders are acting like dictators. Real sickening. It is best to these people out of power ASAP.

Kuok mulls suit against Raja Petra for slander

Kuok mulls suit against Raja Petra for slander

Billionaire Robert Kuok is looking legal action against Malaysia Today blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin for publishing articles falsely asserting that he was trying to overthrow the present government in the next general election. – Facebook picture, February 26, 2018.

MALAYSIAN tycoon Robert Kuok is looking into legal action against the Malaysia Today blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin for accusing him of trying to overthrow the Najib government in the next general election.

The billionaire's office said in a statement today that the fugitive blogger had made false allegations against Kuok in three articles published in the blog between February 21 and 23.

"Mr Robert Kuok takes these baseless allegations very seriously, and reserves the right to take all necessary steps against Malaysia Today and the author to address the false allegations contained in the scurrilous articles," his office said.  

Kuok made his fortune from importing sugar into Malaysia, parlaying that business into a Hong Kong-based empire that spans commodities and hotels.

"Mr Kuok refutes and emphatically denies the false allegations contained in the articles “Malaysian Insight Funder Fingered” on February 21; “Robert Kuok Wants Chinese Rule in Malaysia” on February 21; and “Robert Kuok’s Last Chance at Changing the Government” on February 23.

His office said the false assertions made in these articles include that Kuok was funding The Malaysian Insight and various political parties with the aim of overthrowing the present government of Malaysia.

"These allegations are untrue, and Mr Robert Kuok expressly denies them in their entirety," the statement said. 

Kuok’s office also addressed the attacks on his loyalty to Malaysia following recent statements by Umno leaders against him.

"Articles have emerged that have cast aspersions on Mr Robert Kuok’s commitment to Malaysia and the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.

"Mr Robert Kuok wishes to state that any assertion that he has forgotten his roots are entirely false."

Earlier today, Umno minister Nazri Aziz had called Kuok a "pondan" and dared the 94-year-old based in Hong Kong to return to Malaysia to contest in the 14th general election.

Nazri’s attack followed remarks by another Umno leader, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who told Kuok “not to forget his roots”.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Razak had also said Kuok could not have made his fortune without the Malaysian government’s help.

But it was Nazri’s words that prompted ruling Chinese party, MCA, to respond and defend Kuok.

MCA religious harmony bureau chairman Ti Lian Ker said Nazri’s attack was not in keeping with Malaysian culture and that Kuok was a businessman whose success had also benefited Malaysians in general.

Kuok’s office said the businessman deeply appreciated the opportunities he had in Malaysia and denied that he was embarking on a campaign to manipulate the country’s political process and democratic system.

His office also denied that Kuok was anti-government, racist and a “Chinese chauvinist”.

"Kuok holds in the highest esteem the leaders of Malaysia who have throughout their lives done everything they can to contribute to the well-being of Malaysians,” the statement said. – February 26, 2018.

R. Kuok should sue Raja Petra for slander. Raja Petra or RPK is now the running dog for Najib. It looks like he is willing to do anything to get Najib and Umno/BN to win the next GE. One wonders how much he is getting (running a small eatery does not bring much needed funds especially living in a expensive place like Manchester. RPK should now return to Malaysia and help out Najib, probably more effective. Doing what Umno has done best - pitting one race against another causing disunity and disharmony among all.  

Bernas (Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary) burdening padi farmers

Padi farmers bemoan vicious cycle of rising costs and debts

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Padi farmers fear passing on to their sons farms laden with debt. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, February 25, 2018.

PADI farmer Mohd Roshdi Yahya is struggling to provide for his family as declining harvests and higher operating costs eat into his income.

And the 50-year old now fears passing on to his sons a padi field laden with debt.

“About 90% of padi farmers are in debt,” said Roshdi of Kampung Dulang Kecil in Yan, a prime padi planting district in Kedah, the nation’s rice bowl state.

“My father left his debts to me. It is not impossible that when I am no more, my debts will be passed on to my children,” said Roshdi, who is now part of a group helping padi farmers called Padi Rescue. 

Mohd Roshdi Yahya says he inherited the debts his father incurred when got the padi farm. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, February 25, 2018.

He is among the 300,000 farmers in Kedah that Padi Rescue claims are drowning in debt and whose incomes have shrunk over the years because of increasing operating costs.

Their declining incomes have made it hard for them to stay afloat and pay off those debts.

They also blame the lack of government support and a rice monopoly for making it hard for farmers to gain a sustainable income despite the fact that rice is a staple food for Malaysians.

Roshdi compares the situation among farmers with that of Felda settlers, who complain of being choked by debt and poor yields.  

A combination of factors have led to declining returns.

Costs to hire workers to plant seedlings, spray pesticide and rent tilling and harvesting machines have gone up. 

Increasingly unpredictable weather means that droughts and floods can be more severe and last longer. They also have to contend with more frequent outbreaks disease and pests, said Roshdi.

On top of this is the fact that rice mills, most of which are run by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), reject up to 20% out of each tonne of padi they sell. This means they end up selling less padi to the mills. 

Roshdi blames Bernas, which is owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, for much of the pain farmers feel in the industry.

“When a body that is supposed to look after farmers is shut down and replaced by a private company, our interests are ignored.

“This private company is only interested in making a profit not the welfare of farmers.  

Bernas was formed in 1996 to replace the National Padi and Rice Board (LPN), an agency that oversaw the industry and farmers. 

Borrowing to live 

The result of all these problem is that the average farmer earns the equivalent of RM600 per month for planting rice twice a year.

Farmers measure their plots in “relung”, which are roughly 0.288ha or 0.7 acres – about one third of a football pitch.

The cost to plant and harvest one relung of padi is between RM500 and RM700, said Roshdi.

“An average farmer usually has five relung and they also have to pay rent on the land because not all farmers own the land they work on.

“The income is seasonal, and it is difficult to estimate. If we estimate that in a six-month season we make RM3,500, our net income per month is just RM600,” said Roshdi.   

Mohd Fauzi Mohd Rozi has to drive a lorry to supplement his income as a rice farmer. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, February 25, 2018.

Another farmer, Mohd Fauzi Mohd Rozi, said mills buy padi at RM1,200 per metric tonne, and the government gives out a RM300 incentive per tonne.  

“But this is still not enough because our harvests have declined due to problems like padi angin,” said Fauzi, referring to unwanted varieties of rice plants that are classified as weeds. These unwanted rice plants are undesirable because the rice grains fall easily to the ground during harvesting, and take space and nutrient from more productive stalks of rice plants.

“I have to supplement my income by driving a lorry. Otherwise, it’s difficult to pay my debts,” said the 32 year-old from Hutan Kampung in Alor Star.  

Farmers are forced to borrow to stay in business said Fuad Yaacob, 50, another farmer from Hutan Kampung.

“Our incomes have gone down, but when the season arrives we have to plant. So, we need to borrow money to plant because costs are high.”

Roshdi for instance owes RM13,000, an amount that he admits does not seem high.

“But if our costs go up and our incomes go down in the next few years we will be worse off.”  

Padi Rescue wants the government to revive the old Rice Board or LPN and take control of the industry from Bernas.

“Bernas has failed in meeting its corporate social responsibilities.”

In a statement last January, Bernas said that its quality deduction rate – rice that is discarded because of impurities – for each tonne of padi was not more than 25% for the December 2016-January 2017 planting season. – February 25, 2018

How long is Najib going to enrich cronies at the expense of the people? He is eating quinoa as he can well afford it. We poor M'sians just have t content with rice and the rice will be a lot cheaper if it was not cronyised. Let the padi farmers and the Kedahans know this come GE14. and vote out BN  

 

H

How long will

Najib: Robert Kuok and Jho Low and RPK

Najib: Gov't gave Robert Kuok key to become sugar king

Published on 24 Feb 2018, 10:01 pm  |  Modified on 24 Feb 2018, 10:45 pm

image: https://i.malaysiakini.com/1219/0c53caabb505ea4cda2e3719a015d7c3.jpeg

     

Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok would not have become as successful as he is if it were not for the government, says Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

He said whether someone is a rich man or a regular citizen, all needed a key in order to achieve a better future.

"If we look at the list of names of the richest people in Malaysia, such as Robert Kuok, who gave him the key to have a monopoly on rice and sugar? It was given to him by the ruling government," Najib told a crowd in Serdang today.

"Yes, he has an entrepreneurial drive, is hardworking, industrious and disciplined – but that is not enough. Everyone still needs the key and they are hopeful that government policies are key to creating these opportunities," he added.

Kuok's monopoly over the sugar industry in Malaysia had earned him the nickname the "sugar king".

Najib said this while launching the government's two-day Skim Latihan 1Malaysia (SL1M) Open Interview programme.

Kuok, who now lives in Hong Kong, re-entered the spotlight yesterday after blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin accused him of channelling funds to DAP through his nephews James.

James has denied the allegations.

Why talk about R. Kuok and his success, after all it was Mahathir who helped him out. Digging out all this is childish. Why not talk about how much he had helped out Malaysia when it was needed. Not statemanlike to be petty and take it out on an aging man. What about Jho Low who became a billionaire just after handling 1MDB for Najib. How come he became so wealthy so fast owing a super yacht costing RM1 billion. R. Kuok had to work years to become a billionaire, and J. Low just took a few months - was it a 10% cut out of RM42 billion he disposed for Najib??? RM 4.2 billion is a fantastic amount. Why didn't MACC called J. Low in for questioning, as a M'sian citizen MACC has every right to query as to how he got so rich. Is his flamboyant lifestyle done with M'sian taxpayers' money? Champagne flow like water at a function featuring Paris Hilton. Gifts worth millions to a model, and works of art to a famous actor. How many more did he generously give to - all paid with M'sian govt coffers. Why did RPK not write about J. Low or is he now a Najib's spokesman and supporter. Did his coffeeshop biz in Manchester failed so badly that he needed funds from a kleptocrat  and sully his name. RPK once an icon has now became a 'piece of s...' to us Malaysians.