MACC Should Reveal Its Tunnel Scandal Probe – MIC

PENANG MIC has demanded the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to publicly reveal its investigation’s findings on the multibillion Penang Tunnel Mega Scandal.

Chairman Datuk M. Nyanasegaran said MACC cannot just drag its feet and play a delay tactic to sweep the scandal under carpet like the Bungalow-gate Scandal, thinking that the people would forget it.

“People are well informed about the scandal. They are waiting for MACC next action. People have the right to know on what happened to MACC investigation into the mega scandal,” said the MIC leader.

“MACC must be responsible and accountable over all its investigations. Malaysians want to know what’s the status of its investigation into the tunnel scandal.”

It had been several years since the tunnel scandal broke out, implicating former Penang Chief Minister and current Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, current Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, and former executive councillors, Lim Hock Seng and Malik Kasim.

But until today neither the MACC nor the Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had given a public statement on the status of the case even though many Malaysians have demanded to know about it.

Many have categorised the tunnel scandal as the biggest daylight robbery in the country since the multibillion forex scandal that happened nearly 3 decades ago.

Leaked MACC investigation papers on the tunnel scandal, published in an online media – Malaysia Today, a few months ago, exposed the scandal and the perpetrators behind it.

But MACC till to date has failed to provide any clarity on the authenticity of the leaked investigation papers.

The leaked MACC investigation papers were mainly recorded statements by the tunnel project main contractor, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd’s managing director, Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli.

According to the leaked papers, Zarul paid a bribe of RM22 million to close the MACC investigation and to get the investigation file marked NFA (no further action).

And, this is a fact because the alleged ‘bribe agent’ G.Gnanaraja is now facing trial.

The Bungalow-gate Scandal involved Guan Eng, who had allegedly purchased a bungalow located in Jalan Pinhorn, George Town City, below the market price from a person who had business ties with his state government then.

AG Tommy however, withdrew the bungalow case, which was pending court hearing, almost immediately after he assumed office last year, hence a public storm over a possible cover up.

Nyanasegaran said since MACC under new chief Latheefa Koya had promised to investigate all cases and uphold the rule of law, it should walk its talk on the tunnel scandal.

“Malaysians want to know what happened to the MACC’s tunnel probe. Malaysians want to be sure that MACC under former PKR politician Latheefa Koya is pro-active, clean, impartial and independent,” he said.

“MACC must reveal its real findings over the tunnel scandal. There is now two ways about it, period.” – NTHQiBord, 30 Jun 2019. -nthqibord.com

Anwar annoyed by media reports focusing on transition of power

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today expressed his annoyance over media reports constantly focusing on the transition of power between Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and himself.

He said the focus should now be on Pakatan Harapan's efforts to carry out the promises made to the people during the 14th general election.

According to the Port Dickson MP, there has been no contradictions or conflicts between himself and Mahathir over the issue which is often portrayed otherwise by external parties.

"For me, what is important is that Pakatan Harapan remains on its grounds in maintaining democracy, safeguarding the interests of the people, eliminating corruption, and avoiding abuse of power," he said in a speech at the opening of Wisma PKR Penang in Bayan Baru today.

He also urged all parties within Harapan to give Mahathir (below) space and time to restore the country's economy.

"My stand, and of PKR, remains firm to give (Mahathir) space to stabilise the country's economy, and there is no reason for me to dispute his sincerity," he said.

He added that he met Mahathir on almost a weekly basis, and there were no contradictions or clash of opinions between them.

Meanwhile, Anwar denied there were any rifts within Harapan as portrayed by the media recently.

He said he was puzzled as to where the reports were coming from, as he found no such problems during his meetings with the leadership line-ups in several states.

"There will definitely be some differences of opinion within the party, and sometimes, they forget that it is democratic and we must allow space for people to give their opinions and criticise, including criticisms towards myself.

"I do not deny there are differences (in thoughts), which must exist in any institution or democratic party, but that is not (meant) having rifts within the party," he said.

- Bernama

Time to move from punitive to restorative justice system - minister

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Liew Vui Keong said it was time for the country to consider a restorative over a punitive justice system.

Liew (above), who is in charge of law, said this after a gathering of lawmakers with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the law reform agenda this afternoon.

Liew said Mahathir, in his address, said the government must ensure that any law that is introduced or amended is just and upholds the rule of law on top of ensuring that the process is inclusive.

"There are many archaic and draconian laws that are no longer relevant in a New Malaysia which need to be reviewed.

"The law reform process must always consider all quarters including NGOs and minorities to ensure that they are inclusive, holistic and effective.

"Furthermore, leaders must consider global trends and perhaps it is time for the punitive nature of the justice system in Malaysia to shift towards a restorative one in the interest of social harmony," he said in a statement after the gathering. 

Recollecting Mahathir's advice, Liew said the government must ensure that proposed new laws must be to address real problems and backed by comprehensive data.

On Thursday, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the government was moving towards decriminalising personal possession of drugs.

He added that this is not to be confused with legalising drugs as drug use remains an offence but the aim will now be to treat users as patients rather than criminals.  - Mkini

Manganese mine in Kuala Koh sealed: Kelantan MB

The Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG) has sealed the manganese mine in Aring 11 Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, since June 11 after the mining activities there were found to have been carried out without its permission.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Ahmad Yakob (above) said although the mining licence was issued by the state government, permission had to be obtained from the JMG to carry out mining activities.

“The mining company has the mining licence issued by the state government, but not the permission from the JMG,” he told reporters when met at an event in Lembah Sireh.

Kelantan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Husam Musa recently called for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate mining activities in Kuala Koh following a spate of deaths in an Orang Asli settlement in Gua Musang.

On the oil royalty claim, Ahmad said the state government had fulfilled the requirements set by the federal government, including withdrawing its legal suit on the matter.

“Right now, the state government is just awaiting feedback from the federal government,” he said, adding that it was hoped the federal government would expedite the oil royalty payment to Kelantan to enable the state government to use it to improve the socio-economic status of the people in the state.

- Bernama

Umno MP: I'm willing to give my seat up to PAS

Umno lawmaker Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said today that he is prepared to give up his Baling seat to PAS for the sake of cooperation between the two opposition parties.

Azeez stressed that Muslim unity, particularly between Umno and PAS, is important for religion, race and country.

"The general election can be at any time. Perhaps three years from now, or even tomorrow, or a year from now. I am confident the people know who they will elect.

"If necessary, with regard to my seat, I am willing to sacrifice myself for the people," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Azeez said that the cooperation between Umno and PAS in Kedah can become an example.

"I see the cooperation between PAS and Umno with encouraging turnout every time there is a joint programme," he said.

Azeez won the Baling parliamentary seat with a 1,074-vote majority in the last general election.

He garnered 38,557 votes to PAS' 37,483 and Bersatu's 14,472.

 - Mkini

Be wary of Mahathir, Khairy warns Umno

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today warned his party members not to become complacent with Pakatan Harapan's declining popularity.

He said this is because Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a skilled strategist who could turn the tables on Umno.

"Mahathir is a great statesman... Do not think that Mahathir is not adept at politics. He is a great strategist," Khairy said when officiating the Sungai Buloh Umno meeting in Shah Alam today.

As such, he said Umno must redouble its efforts to win over the people.

"Our concern is in the final years (before the next general election), they would release all the allocations they have been collecting – we will be finished.

"Harapan won't be popular forever, nor will Umno stay popular forever,' he said.

Khairy said Umno cannot hope to win based on disgruntlement against the Harapan government.

"I don't want Umno to win out of hate for Harapan. 

"Instead, Umno must put forward a new offer to the people," he said. - Mkini

Mat Hasan: Zahid's return will kill gossip pitting Umno leaders

Mohamad Hasan, who had been acting as Umno president while Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was on leave, said the Bagan Datuk MP's decision to resume his duties as the party's top leader will help to end gossip that seeks to split the Umno leadership.

"It's good that he has decided to return as there has been a lot of gossips and that is not good.

"Alhamdulillah that he wants to resume his duties. It will kill made-up gossips aimed at pitting our leaders," he told a press conference after officiating the Sepang Umno divisional meeting today.

Earlier today, Zahid announced that he was resuming duties as the Umno president after going on garden leave for six months.

Zahid went on leave in December last year amid pressure for him to step aside after opponents criticised him for allegedly failing to provide direction to the party.

His opponents from within Umno had criticised him for what they claimed was a lack of direction.

Zahid (photo) also presided over an exodus of lawmakers from the party, with threats of further defection if he did not step aside.

Throughout his time as acting Umno president, Mohamad had struck a diplomatic stance on Zahid but his supporters had been critical.

Last month, Tebrau Umno Maulizan Bujang said criticised talks about Zahid returning as the Umno president. 

"It is true some supporters have not returned to Umno as there are still those who think that Umno has not truly changed due to support for leaders who face various abuse of power and corruption charges.

"But with Zahid's teasing, which does not benefit the party, it is hard to create a perception that Umno has truly changed," he said. Zahid is currently facing 87 graft charges.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, just hours before Zahid announced his return, had pointed out that Mohamad's brief tenure as acting president saw the party winning three by-elections, namely in Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau.

A proposal to expel Umno members convicted of corruption and have exhausted all appeals had also created unhappiness, particularly among supporters of Zahid and former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak who is facing 42 graft-related charges.

Mohamad later said the move was aimed to improve the party and not an attempt to oust any leader.

However, he said the amendment was not necessary as the Registrar of Societies (ROS) already bars convicts from being office-bearers.  - Mkini