Laporan RCI tidak boleh dipercayai, kata peguam Dr M

Menyifatkan pembentangan laporan di hari terakhir Dewan Rakyat sebagai 'memalukan', Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah berkata bahan yang dirujuk dalam prosiding RCI tidak memenuhi aras kepercayaan di sisi undang-undang.

fPETALING JAYA: Peguam Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menyifatkan pembentangan laporan Suruhanjaya Siasatan Diraja tentang kerugian urus niaga mata wang asing di hari terakhir sidang Dewan Rakyat sebagai “memalukan”.

Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla menyifatkan kerajaan melakukan “serangan hendap” kerana tiada notis diberikan kepada orang awam, tidak seperti keriuhan apabila penubuhan RCI diumumkan pada Julai.

Beliau berkata salinan laporan itu tidak diserahkan kepada anak guamnya, walaupun Dr Mahathir dikenalpasti sebagai pihak berkepentingan oleh RCI itu.

“Sama sekali tiada perasaan hormat atau budi bahasa, seperti yang boleh dijangka daripada kerajaan (Perdana Menteri) Najib Razak,” katanya dalam kenyataan.

Haniff hairan laporan itu ada membuat rujukan kepada dakwaan pecah amanah, sedangkan hakikatnya sifat bahan yang dirujuk oleh RCI itu tidak memenuhi dan tidak mencukupi untuk membuat kesimpulan itu.

Beliau berkata pasukan undang-undangnya akan mengulas penemuan itu secara menyeluruh selepas ia dikaji dengan teliti dan dibincangkan dengan Dr Mahathir.

Haniff berkata sifat bahan yang dirujuk dalam prosiding RCI itu berdasarkan khabar angin, dugaan, andaian dan anggapan yang tidak memenuhi aras kepercayaan yang boleh diterima di sisi undang-undang.

“Apa lagi apabila prosiding RCI dijalankan dengan menggunakan ‘undang-undang hutan’ dan ‘peraturan sarkas’, tidak akan mengejutkan jika penemuan itu tidak memenuhi tahap ‘produk pra-tadika’,” katanya.

RCI bersidang selama 8 hari dari 21 Ogos dan selesai pada 19 September selepas memanggil 25 saksi.

Empat puluh dua dokumen diserahkan di prosiding itu.

Antara saksi yang dipanggil adalah Dr Mahathir, bekas timbalan perdana menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, bekas gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, bekas penasihat BNM Nor Mohamed Yakcop dan bekas menteri kewangan Tun Daim Zainuddin.

Laporan 400 halaman itu diserahkan kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong pada 13 Oktober. -FMT

Passenger services charges fully equalised from Jan 1

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has announced that all passenger service charges (PSC) will be fully equalised and implemented at every airport in Malaysia.

From Jan 1 next year, the PSC rate for all international destinations from any Malaysian airport will be RM73. Currently, the PSC rate applicable at non-Asean international destinations from klia2 is RM50.

All other PSC rates will remain unchanged.

Tickets issued prior to Jan 1, 2018 are not subject to the new rate, regardless of the date of travel.

Mavcom said this change was due to the results of a 2017 review which took into account industry feedback.

“Aside from ensuring airport charges in Malaysia remain among the lowest in the region, we expect this move to allow the government to reallocate subsidies to more needful purposes,” Mavcom executive chairman Abdullah Ahmad said in a statement.

He added that Mavcom’s work on the PSC rates had consumers’ interests at heart, and was to enhance passenger experiences, promote fair competition, increase quality of service and increase Malaysia’s standing as a regional aviation hub. -FMT

Not right for university to issue gag order, says ex-UM VC

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya’s former vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon said universities should not impose a gag order prohibiting students and staff from voicing out their views against the government and the institution.

“This kind of order should not be in any academic institution.

“Restricting the academic community is not wise and not right. Even during the time of Prophet Muhammad there was freedom of expression as he allowed the people to ask any question and he would answer them,” he told FMT in a text message.

Ghauth said it was the first time he had seen a university restricting freedom of speech.

He was responding to FMTs report on a gag order imposed by Universiti Malaya on its staff and students, reminding them not to criticise the university or government to the public or media.

A staff member, who did not want to be identified, told FMT he had received the notice from the university’s administration this week.

Student activists, including Anis Syafiqah and Tan Jia You, have condemned the university’s action.

Ghauth, who had served as UM’s vice-chancellor from 2008 to 2013, said the academic community should be free to express their opinions, especially on issues which touched on the wellbeing of society and country.

”With this order, we are actually limiting their freedom of growth and expression.”

He also said universities had the responsibility to produce good, thinking, entrepreneurial graduates and leaders, adding that opinions were needed to help the country to progress.

Meanwhile, the University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) criticised the university’s gag order as it breaches the fundamental liberties of students.

“UM’s action to silence us is a shameful way to instil fear among students,” the group said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Universiti Selangor’s (Unisel) deputy vice-chancellor Prof Shaharuddin Badaruddin said students should be allowed to criticise government policies.

“Universities are part of the civil society and they play a role in preaching and upholding the freedom of knowledge and speech.

“We need check and balance in the system instead of shutting down their voices,” he told FMT. -FMT

Meanwhile, While You Are Tightening Your Turbans . . . .

Link :  https://youtu.be/fRj34o4hN4I



Link :  https://youtu.be/TlO2gcs1YvM



Link :  https://youtu.be/CGAk5gRD-t0

Forex losses are not money laundering; focus on 1MDB

LETTER | Bersih 2.0 finds the government's use of forex exchange losses suffered by Bank Negara Malaysia in the 1990s under the leadership of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to be a smokescreen behind which the issue of money laundering and 1MDB is silenced and hidden.

The selective investigation into the billions of losses from 20 odd years ago seems to be little more than an attempt by the ruling coalition, Barisan National, to distract from the issue of corruption and money laundering related to 1MDB.

“We are surprised with the speed that the RCI took in its investigations; yet all investigations on 1MDB are closed despite ongoing investigations being carried out in seven other countries, of which the DOJ case is one example. If the government is truly sincere about transparency and economic accountability, then they should start by openly investigating 1MDB,” stated Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah.

In view that among the RCI’s scope of inquiry is the hiding of information related to the foreign exchange losses and recommendations of appropriate measures to prevent a repeat, it is necessary for the government to take its own advice when it comes to the topic of 1MDB, especially in investigating and persecuting the individuals responsible for stealing money that rightfully belongs to the people of Malaysia.

In Switzerland, investigations of money laundering under 1MDB have resulted in the shutting down of three banks and confiscation of CHF104 million (approximately RM433 million) and yet there is a deathly silence from the government on the recovery of the illicit funds stolen from 1MDB.

There is a crucial difference between forex losses and money laundering; while both involve losses to the economy, the latter is a criminal offence and is used to enrich the people involved at the expense of the citizens.

“We are of the view that it is more important for the RCI to not make it into a political persecution to silence off 1MDB critics,” Maria commented.

Bersih 2.0 strongly recommends that for the sake of transparency of the RCI findings, the panel should hold a nationwide public presentation of its findings and have it scrutinised so that the confidence of the public and their perceptions are met. Otherwise, its integrity and public confidence will remain in question. -Mkini

CJ's appointment questioned once again, this time by Anwar

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has joined the chorus branding the appointment of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif unconstitutional, after doing the same for Court of Appeal president Justice Zulkefli Ahmad in his application to have a Federal Court decision reviewed.

In Anwar’s latest affidavit, he states that Zulkefli’s appointment as an additional Federal Court judge is unconstitutional, following from a previous affidavit questioning the judge’s appointment as COA president.

According to the affidavit, this is because Zulkefli (photo) had to be appointed as an additional judge by the serving chief justice. Arifin Zakaria, who appointed Zulkefli, had already retired from his post as chief justice at the time.

“I respectfully said that the advice referred to in Article 122 (1A) of the Federal Constitution must be given by a CJ in an office or constitutionally holding office,” the affidavit dated Nov 24 read.

In highlighting that Arifin was retired, Raus’ appointment as the new chief justice is also being called into question because he too was appointed by Arifin. Raus had in turn appointed Zulkefli as COA president.

“I respectfully state that if the appointment of President of COA was made on the advice of the present CJ of the Federal Court, under Article 122 (1A) then such advice is unconstitutional, because the CJ's appointment is itself unconstitutional, in that it offends the relevant provisions of the constitution,” said the PKR de-facto leader.

The Federal Constitution states that the mandatory retirement age for judges is 66 years and six months.

However, Arifin had recommended Raus and Zulkefli as additional judges despite the pair exceeding the age limit.

Two months ago, the Federal Court registrar attempted to explain the aberrant nature of the appointments, after the Prime Minister’s Office had done the same a few months prior.

Anwar’s application for review pertains to a Federal Court bench – led by Zulkefli – prohibiting him from appearing in person at an appeal hearing in his challenge against the Election Commission.

The EC had barred him from voting in the Permatang Pauh by-election, which was triggered after he had to vacate the seat due to his conviction for sodomy.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian Bar and Parti Amanah Negara had also filed separate challenges over the appointment of Raus and Zulkefli.

Thus far, only Mahathir's application has been dismissed.- Mkini

MACC almost done with Mara property scandal probe, minister says

The MACC is almost done with its investigations into the Mara property scandal, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said MACC is currently waiting for a report from Australian authorities regarding the transactions.

"So it is better for us to just wait for that, there's no use raising the matter again," Ismail Sabri was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian. 

Mara's Australian property scandal was first exposed in 2015, after which Ismail Sabri's ministry handed over documents related to the dealings to MACC.

Malaysiakini yesterday exposed new details about one of the deals, which cost Mara a loss of up to RM60 million.

The deal to purchase a UniLodge building in Melbourne involved two shell companies registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). 

UniLodge, a 12-storey building in central Melbourne, was “sold” to Mara Inc for A$41.8 million (about RM138 million) against its then market price and transacted value of A$23.5 million (about RM77.6 million).

The money was paid to a US$2 shell company in the Caribbean, which claimed to have an interest in the building.

The purchase was finalised with two other deals, which were clouded by a number of transactions executed through BVI companies by several Malaysians, including former Mara officials.- Mkini

Johor MB to address corruption allegations on Monday

Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin will address an allegation linking him to corruption involving property at the winding-up of the debate on Budget 2018 at the Johor State Assembly sitting on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after the State Assembly sitting here today, he said he was aware of the matter and was prepared to answer all allegations at the winding-up session.

“It is actually a court matter (the trial is ongoing), so I am not going to talk about it outside (the assembly), wait for Monday. I am not going to run, I am here,” he said.

At the assembly on Monday, Senai state assemblyperson Wong Shu Qi (photo) had enquired about the truth of the allegation that Mohamed Khaled was accused of accepting a sum of money from the developers to convert the status of housing lots from Bumiputera to non-Bumiputera.

This followed the posting of several documents in a blog which allegedly included the statement of a witness in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation into a property scandal involving state housing and local government committee former exco Abd Latif Bandi.

The witness was believed to have lodged a police report here yesterday on the matter, urging the police to investigate the blogger.

- Bernama

RCI secretary lodges police report over forex scandal

The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Bank Negara's 1990s forex scandal has lodged a police report based on their findings.

The report was filed by RCI secretary Yusof Ismail at the Putrajaya district police headquarters.

"The report is based on the RCI's investigations. We found that there is a possibility of wrongdoing by those involved in the forex dealings then.

"After this police will hand over their report to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action," Yusof told reporters after lodging the report.

He said the police report was brief and mentioned no names, as those details were contained in the RCI report which was also submitted to the police.

The RCI report, which was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat today, claimed that RM31.5 billion was lost due to Bank Negara's "excessive" and "speculative" foreign exchange activity between 1992 and 1994.

The RCI also established that Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who was part of Bank Negara’s management at the time, was the person in charge of the forex dealing operations.

The commission is also of the opinion that this incident involved a criminal breach of trust under Sections 406 and 409 of the Penal Code.

It further reported that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his then-deputy Anwar Ibrahim had likely abetted Nor Mohamed and hid certain facts from the cabinet.

Both are grave offences under the Penal Code.

- Mkini

Lawyer: Don't expect 'non-accountant' Anwar to counter accountant

Anwar Ibrahim's lawyer R Sivarasa said his client did not mislead the cabinet over Bank Negara's foreign exchange (forex) losses in the 1990s.

The PKR MP said Anwar had briefed the cabinet and Parliament at the material time based on the auditor-general's report on the matter.

He said the auditor-general's department had professional accountants while Anwar had relied on them to do his work as a finance minister.

"Anwar had told the RCI that these are professionals and they signed the report. The question of misleading (the cabinet) does not arise.

"Don't expect a non-accountant to question the accountant who was entrusted to do the audit. You can't challenge it. (The professionals) signed off the account," he told a press conference in Parliament this afternoon.

Sivarasa was commenting on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report which said that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar, who was deputy premier then, had likely abetted Nor Mohamed Yaakop and hid certain facts from the cabinet.

Both are grave offences under the Penal Code.

Nor Mohamed was in charge of several portfolios in Bank Negara at the time, including the management of external reserves.

The RCI also said Mahathir and Anwar were aware of the extent of Bank Negara's losses in the foreign exchange markets.

The report, which was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat today, claimed that RM31.5 billion was lost due to Bank Negara's "excessive" and "speculative" foreign exchange activity between 1992 and 1994.

This had caused a "substantial impact" on the economy.

Meanwhile, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Anwar's wife, accused Putrajaya of attempting to score political points by tabling the report on the last day of the Dewan Rakyat sitting.

"Why did they wait until the last day? This is politically motivated," she told reporters in Parliament.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng is attempting to have the RCI findings debated at the Dewan Rakyat today.- Mkini

Playing with fire: Thousands refuse to leave Bali volcano homes

Tens of thousands of villagers on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali are refusing to evacuate a 10-km (six-mile) danger zone around an erupting volcano, putting their fate in the hands of the gods or simply staying put to protect homes and livestock.

The glowing, 3,000-metre Mount Agung, considered sacred by many on the Hindu-majority island, started spewing huge columns of ash at the weekend and there have been constant tremors and volcanic mudflows since.

Search and rescue teams making daily forays into the zone say some are refusing to leave their cattle unattended, while others have spiritual reasons.

"The government has been clear about evacuation orders, but some people are slow to act or want to stay," said Gede Ardana, head of Bali’s search and rescue agency.

"We cannot force them - but we will be held responsible, so we need to convince them."

For cattle farmer Ketut Suwarte, there was no question of staying put.

"There was thick ash falling around us and we could smell sulphur. We were scared and we decided to leave immediately,” said Suwarte, 47, now staying in an evacuation camp just outside the danger zone.

Suwarte’s father recalls the last time Mount Agung exploded, in 1963, killing about 1,000 people as pyroclastic flows - made up of hot gas and volcanic matter - raced down the mountain.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, of the disaster mitigation agency, said about 43,000 people had heeded advice to take shelter, but with an estimated population of 90,000 to 100,000 in the danger area, many had not.

Ika Wardani, 33, sleeps with her family at an evacuation centre at night but during the day returns to her cattle farm about 10 km north of the volcano.

'They are stubborn'

"During the day at least we can see the volcano. But we're uncomfortable sleeping here at night because an earthquake or loud explosion would cause panic," she said.

"We would have to drive our motorbikes at night and the roads are narrow so it's
safer to spend the nights at the evacuation centre."

She says there are people only five km from the crater who have refused to evacuate.

“They are stubborn," she said. "Some of them survived 1963 so they believe it’s all right now."

The government has set up radio stations and chat groups on social media to warn people of the risks.

"Many people have made the decision to stay inside the exclusion zone, and that is clearly very dangerous," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the disaster management agency.

Others, including tourists, are taking unnecessary risks by trying to take selfies as close as possible, officials say. Last month, a Frenchman shared a video of himself at the crater's edge on social media.

In September, when authorities first raised the warning alert to the highest level, an exclusion zone of up to 12 km was imposed, prompting nearly 150,000 to leave, but when no major eruption occurred, many returned and the warning status was lowered.

When authorities again raised the warning level this week, many were reluctant to move again.

"If (Mount Agung) follows the most frequent trend, it is likely to continue increasing in explosivity – but at what rate and how large, nobody knows," said Dr Carmen Solana, a volcanologist at the University of Portsmouth.

President Joko Widodo on Wednesday urged people to leave the exclusion zone before it’s too late.

"There must not be any victims," he said.

--Reuters

Zahid: Umno last bastion for Islam and Malays

Umno is definitely the last bastion for Islam and the Malays in this country although always pressured and challenged by negative perception, and feelings of hatred of some sections of the public towards the party, says Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the public, especially undergraduates, needed to be wiser and not get entangled in the game of the court of public opinion, and should instead be inclined to look at Umno’s record of achievements and success all this while.

”Is Umno very ugly? Is Umno very dirty? Umno is being punished by the court of public opinion. When untruths and lies kept being repeated, these will become a stigma to the mind and ultimately, Umno gets soiled, regarded as dirty. The truth usually comes out later.

“Umno is the last bastion for the Muslims and Malays in this country. Our record shows our achievements and success, with no intention to be conceited or boastful. We present this record to the general public for it to be evaluated.”

Zahid, who is also Umno vice-president carrying out the duties of party deputy president, said this when opening the National Undergraduates Leadership Conference (Pemanas), in Kuala Lumpur today, which was also attended by Umno education bureau chairperson Ibrahim Abu Shah and Pahang Umno Youth chief, Shahar Abdullah, who is also Pemanas director.- Mkini

PM Najib: UTC Ampangan incorporates the NRD, RTD and Immigration 1 Serve facility

SEREMBAN: The first 1 Serve counter which incorporates Road Transport Department (RTD), National Registration Department (NRD) and Immigration Department at the state's Urban Transformation Center (UTC) was officially unveiled today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the counter was provided to facilitate the public in getting the services from the three departments in one place.

"This is the new variation introduced for Negri Sembilan UTC. This reflects the government's concern towards the public's needs," he said.

He said, as of Oct this year, UTC has recorded a total of 54 million visitors nationwide, who have benefited from the services provided at the centre since 2012.

"The overwhelming response was enough an indication that the services, introduced under the Government Transformation Programme has proven to be a success.

"The UTC has been described by the people as the best services provider devised by the government. There is no country in the world which has a facility like Malaysia's UTC, which provides various government and private agencies' services under one roof, operating seven days a week until 10pm," he said.

"UTC is only the beginning. Many more transformation plans such as the High Speed Rail and the Malaysian Vision Valley projects will soon see more drastic changes in the state, as the result of the transformation," he said during the launch of Negri Sembilan's first ever UTC at Plaza Angsana Ampangan, here today.

Also present was Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

The state's UTC houses 20 Federal, State government and private agencies offices.

Najib said, the construction of the UTC had taken into account three key criterias namely construction with minimal cost, providing maximum impact and completion in a short period of time.

He said the state's UTC project at UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) building only involved a total cost of RM34.2 million as it didn't require the construction of a new building, allowing the government to save more than RM100 million.

Also in his speech, Najib announced that the federal government has approved the construction of a pedestrian bridge project at UTC as well as a public hall in Ampangan. -nst

I'm open to a debate on MA63 with Sarawak CM, says Pandikar

Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia has stated that he would welcome a debate with  Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, after brushing off his views on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"Oh yes, if he wants to debate with me, he is most welcome," he said.

Abang Johari had previously disputed Pandikar's claim that the documents pertaining to the formation of the Malaysian federation were merely "recommendations" and not legally binding agreements.

"If he doesn't agree with me, I also don't agree with him. If he disagrees with me 10 times, I disagree with him 100 times," he told media at Parliament today.

"If he said my view is not important, I can also say his view doesn't make any sense to me.

"This is because I have been listening to the Selangor menteri besar and Penang chief minister. I am used to listening to all of them, including ministers.

"So, it doesn't make any difference to me, what is the opinion of the chief minister of Sarawak?" he said.

[More to follow]

- Mkini

KENAPA NAJIB PERINTAH ROSMAH MEWAKILINYA DAN BUKAN TPM ATAU MENTERI2 LAIN

Ada dua perkara yang selalu menjadi perumpamaan atau percontohan dalam dunia pemberitaan atau persuratkhabaran.

Pertama, kalau anjing gigit orang, itu bukan berita namanya tetapi jika orang yang gigit anjing, itulah yang sebenar-benarnya berita.

Pemberita atau wartawan selalu diingatkan agar mencari berita atau menulis laporan yang tinggi nilai beritanya umpama penemuan orang menggigit anjing dan bukannya seperti cerita anjing menggigit orang yang dianggap suatu kebiasaan.

Kedua, kalau sesuatu isu itu selalu sangat dinafikan, bermakna memang ada kebenarannya perkara tersebut.

Sudah banyak contoh perkara yang mulanya dinafikan, tetapi akhirnya terbukti mempunyai kebenaran.

Paling terbaru dan mudah diingati ialah bagaimana Najib Razak pada mulanya bermati-matian menafikan ada kemasukan wang RM2,600 juta ke dalam akaun peribadinya, tetapi akhirnya beliau sendiri juga yang mengakuinya.

Dalam hal ini, apabila isteri Perdana Menteri, Rosmah Mansor mengatakan Najib yang sebenarnya mengawal beliau dan bukan beliau yang mengawal Najib, ia sebenarnya bukanlah berita besar.

Sebagai suami, memang menjadi kewajipan dan kebiasaan peranannya ialah mengawal isteri, bukan mereka dikawal oleh isteri.

Jadi, apabila Rosmah mengatakan demikian, tiada nilai berita apa-apa pun sebenarnya. Ia sama saja  seperti percontohan anjing menggigit orang saja.

Tetapi, kalau Najib tiba-tiba mengakui beliau dikawal Rosmah atau Rosmah memberitahu beliaulah yang mengawal suaminya itu, maka barulah ia suatu berita yang besar dan menepati perumpamaan seperti orang yang menggigit anjing.

Cerita mengenai Rosmah tidak mengawal atau tidak takut kepada Najib juga bukanlah berita baru sebenarnya. Rosmah sendiri sudah beberapa kali menidak atau menafikan tohmahan itu.

Kenapa selalu sangat Rosmah memberitahu orangramai perkara itu?

Adakah ia menepati tanggapan yang menjadi kebiasaan dalam dunia media di mana semakin kerap sesuatu isu itu dinafikan, bermakna semakin hampir ia kepada kebenaran?

Atau mungkinkah tujuan Rosmah beberapa kali menafikan perkara itu dengan maksud untuk memberitahu sebaliknya?

Tak mustahil kan?

Rosmah pun kadang-kadang tinggi juga ilmu politiknya!!

Dalam program yang dihadiri Rosmah semalam di mana diberitahunya beliau diperintahkan oleh Najib untuk mewakili Perdana Menteri ke majlis itu kerana suaminya ada mesyuarat penting yang perlu dihadiri, majlisnya ialah Sepetang Bersama Pengusaha Produk Kesihatan dan Kecantikan Buatan Tempatan.

Hairannya mengapa Najib tidak minta Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Zahid Hamidi atau Menteri Kesihatan, S Subramaniam atau Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat untuk mewakilinya?

Jika pada awalnya program itu patutnya dihadiri oleh seorang Perdana Menteri dan beliau tidak dapat menghadirinya, tidakkah ia lebih wajar diwakili oleh pemimpin lain yang ada kedudukan dalam kerajaan juga?

Mengapa mesti Rosmah juga mewakili Najib, meskipun dikatakan isteri kesayangan Perdana Menteri itu tidak sihat dan batuk-batuk?

Sampai begitu sekalikah ciri-ciri seorang suami mengawal isteri yang ada pada diri Najib?

Kesian Kak Ros…..nasib baik Najib lelaki macho!!!

– http://shahbudindotcom.blogspot.my

EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY – JAIL LOOMS FOR ISMAIL SABRI FOR MISLEADING PARLIAMENT OVER MARA’S PURCHASE OFAUSSIE BUILDING

DID Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob mislead the Dewan Rakyat on how much a government agency, which is supposed to help poor Malays, paid for a US$2 shell company?

That is the question by the Australian branch of a local civil society organisation, following a report that Mara Inc had paid A$41.8 million (RM138 million) for the shares of a shell company, Thrushcross Land Holdings Ltd, on August 28, 2012.

Mara Inc bought Thrushcross because the latter purportedly owned the 12-storey UniLodge building at 746, Swanston Street, Melbourne.

But at the time of the transaction, Thrushcross did not actually own the property, said the report in news portal Malaysiakini.

Mara Inc’s acquisition of UniLodge through Thrushcross has been called into question as it could have been bought directly from the actual owners – HRSV – at a much lower price.

In contrast, Ismail Sabri told Parliament in October 2015 that Mara Inc had paid A$64.4 million for Thrushcross’ shares – a difference of A$22.6 million.

Ismail Sabri is rural and regional development minister, whose ministry oversees Mara, the Bahasa Malaysia acronym for the People’s Trust Council.

“Why did Ismail Sabri mislead Parliament on October 20, 2015, when he said Mara Inc paid A$64.4 million for shares in Thrushcross?” said Praveen Nagappan of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia in Australia.

“We now know that Mara Inc paid A$41.8 million in 2012 for shares in Thrushcross when it had zero assets, let alone ownership of the properties,” he wrote in a letter to The Malaysian Insight.

“What happened to the difference of tens of millions of dollars that should have been used to fulfil Mara’s objective of uplifting the Malay community?”

Praveen reproduced Ismail Sabri’s October 2015 parliamentary reply to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, in which the minister stated:

“Mara Incorporated Sdn Bhd (Mara Inc) had paid A$64.4 million to buy all of Trushcross’ shares in 2012. The purchase of the shares was to get ownership of Dudley International House and 746, Swanston Street.

“The acquisition of property was implemented according to the government’s procurement procedures, where approval was obtained at the board level (of Mara Inc), Mara’s investment panel, the Mara Council, the ministry, as well as the Finance Ministry.”

However in another Malaysiakini report, current Mara chairman Mohamad Lan Allani said the board would not have approved of Mara Inc’s purchase of Thrushcross.

Mara Inc’s large portfolio of overseas property holdings, particularly in Australia, has come under the spotlight following the revelation in 2015 of the alleged scandalous deal to buy another Melbourne property, Dudley House.

Mara’s property division then commissioned separate and independent valuation reports on all its properties.

Valuations by two Melbourne-based companies have confirmed that those involved in the UniLodge deal could have made as much as A$18 million.

– https://www.themalaysianinsight.com