National Library to reopen Tuesday

 

Services at the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), including the Community Library, will be reopened to visitors beginning Tuesday (March 9). - Photo credit Facebook/Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Services at the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), including the Community Library, will be reopened to visitors beginning Tuesday (March 9).

PNM deputy director-general Datin Jamaliah Mohd Nayan in a statement today said that the services to reopen are the Information and Membership Registration Counter; Malaysian and Overseas Reference Centres as well as bulk loan services at Menara PNM and Wisma Sejarah, as well as the Children's Library Service at Anjung Bestari.

The operating time will be from 10am until 5pm, Tuesday until Saturday.

Meanwhile, the operating hours for the Bukit Damansara Community Library, Mahkota Cheras Community Library (BMC Mall), AEON Library at AU2 Setiawangsa (AEON AU2, Setiawangsa), Buku2U @ Radia Library (Radia, Bukit Jelutong) and Keramat UTC Community Library (Mini UTC, Keramat Mall) are from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Saturday.

Jamaliah also advised visitors to always adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) and embrace new norms, besides informing that the Fine Free Programme (no fines on overdue book returns) has been extended until March 31, 2021. -- BERNAMA

BN, Pakatan urge Agong to invoke powers and summon Parliament since government will not

 

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah delivers the royal address during the opening of the first meeting of the third session of the 14th Parliament in Kuala Lumpur May 18, 2020. — Bernama pic

---

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 — Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Pakatan Harapan counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued separate statements tonight that both demanded the restoration of Parliament.

Both insisted that this must be done given that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has unequivocally decreed that the federal legislature can convene notwithstanding the current Emergency.

Zahid said there was no reason not to reconvene Parliament given that the movement control order will expire today.

“The supremacy of the Federal Constitution must be upheld to allow Parliament to play its fair role in ensuring check and balance,” he said in a statement.

Today, Zahid said BN was appealing to the Agong to, if he saw fit, invoke his powers as contained in the Emergency Ordinance to urgently summon Parliament for a meeting.

The Umno president said there were urgent matters affecting Malaysians, the country’s political stability, and economic prospects that must be discussed among federal lawmakers.

Separately, Opposition leader Anwar said PH lawmakers were extremely disappointed with the government’s refusal to heed the Agong’s decree.

In seemingly coordinated remarks, Anwar also cited the supremacy of the Constitution in urging for the urgent restoration of Parliament.

As with Zahid, Anwar argued that Section 14(1)(b)of the Emergency Ordinance (Necessary Powers) 2021 in conjunction with Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution empowered the Agong to summon Parliament by decree.

“[We] humbly and sincerely beseech Tuanku Agong, if he so desires, to decree that Parliament convene for the following matters to be tabled,” Anwar said in the statement.

The statement goes on to list matters requiring Parliament’s attention, such as the current powers of the government under the Emergency, the country’s Covid-19 situation, the welfare of lower income groups, and Malaysia’s economic recovery.

On February 24, the Agong issued a decree saying Parliament could convene during the current Emergency and should do so soon.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan claimed it was still unsafe to convene Parliament, purportedly because many parliamentarians were in the high-risk group for Covid-19 infections.

He also said there was no need for Parliament as the government could enact laws without the legislature using Emergency powers. - malaymail

Bersatu: Umno's decision to cut ties will have a major impact on any future cooperation

 

Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Umno's decision to terminate ties with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Perikatan Nasional will have major implications on any future cooperation.

"We view the letter by the Umno president dated Feb 26 seriously.

The contents of the letter will have a serious impact on future cooperation between Umno, Bersatu and Perikatan.

"Bersatu will remain focused on strengthening cooperation with our friends in Perikatan, namely PAS, STAR, SAPP and Gerakan, based on a struggle that is honest and sincere to serve the interests of the people," said Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin on Thursday (March 4).

Umno had sent a letter, signed by president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, stating that the party supreme council, in a meeting on Feb 19, had agreed not to cooperate with Bersatu in the next general election.

The letter, addressed to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Bersatu president and Perikatan chairman, also stated that Umno would continue to support the Perikatan government until Parliament is dissolved.

Muhyiddin chaired Bersatu supreme council meeting to decide on Umno's letter on Thursday.

Hamzah also said that Bersatu is of the view that the Perikatan administration, under Muhyiddin's leadership, remains strong and functional.

"In dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and a challenging economy, political stability is paramount to ensure that whatever the government has planned can be implemented effectively.

"Bersatu would like to express its appreciation to all political parties that remain loyal to defend the aspirations of the Perikatan government," said Hamzah.- Star

Annuar Musa doesn't speak for Barisan, says Nazri

 

Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Umno leaders are expected to toe the party's line, including any decision made regarding the political ties with Bersatu, for the General Election, says Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The Padang Rengas MP, who was responding to concerns from Tan Sri Annuar Musa over Umno's decision to withdraw support for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, said the latter did not speak for Barisan Nasional.

"He may have an opinion, but once the party decides, then we have to support.

"If he feels otherwise, then that's his problem, not the party's," Nazri told The Star.

Annuar has been vocal against Umno's decision to terminate cooperation with Bersatu and had claimed the decision was never conveyed to Umno divisions and grassroots.

Meanwhile, Nazri said Barisan, as a 70-year-old political coalition, must be strong-willed and courageous enough to take on the election alone.

He cited the past experiences of DAP, PAS and PKR.

"DAP and PAS lost many times in the elections and yet they still go to the elections alone. So, why shouldn't Umno?" he questioned.

"We don't want to tumpang (free ride). We are a dominant party with more than 70 years of history, why should we be the second party? We must be dominant and believe in ourselves."

Nazri also said Barisan had learned its bitter lesson of cooperating with Perikatan Nasional in the Sabah state election last year.

"We ended up losing the chief minister's position, sabotaged by them in three-cornered fights. So, I think we learned from this experience."

During the Sabah state election last year, BN, PN and PBS, which are part of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, clashed in 17 seats.

At the same time, Nazri also said he does not believe in a Malay-Muslim government.

"I believe in a Malaysian government. We have to be multiracial, that's why I insist on Barisan, not Umno," he added.

Earlier Thursday (March 4), Umno secretary general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the decision to notify Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of severing ties with Bersatu came about after considering the views of party grassroots.

Ahmad also said the decision was made after careful consideration, and after weighing the pros and cons of the party's inclusion in the Perikatan government.

Recently, an Umno letter signed by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had circulated on social media, claiming that the party's supreme council had decided in a Feb 9 meeting not to cooperate with Bersatu in the 15th general election.

The letter addressed to Muhyiddin also stated that Umno would continue to give its support to the Perikatan government until Parliament is dissolved. - Star

Ku Li calls for Umno to immediately cut ties with PN

 

Umno stalwart Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has called for his party's supreme council to immediately hold a meeting and decide to leave the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government before the Parliament is dissolved.

The Gua Musang MP's statement came after Bersatu held a meeting this evening to decide on its cooperation with Umno. 

Umno had sent a letter dated Feb 26 to relay its wish to only be with the PN government until the Parliament is dissolved and the 15th general election is called.

"My advice to Umno members who are in the government and GLCs, (prime minister) Muhyiddin Yassin had threatened to kick us out.

"What are you waiting for? Stop (supporting) immediately, protect your dignity and the party's dignity," he said in a statement.

Subsequently, after the meeting, Bersatu in a statement reiterated its stand to strengthen its cooperation with allies in the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

PN coalition members include Bersatu, PAS, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah (Star), Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp), and Gerakan.

BN chairperson and Umno president Zahid Hamidi had also released a statement appealing to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to order Parliament to convene as soon as possible.

Since working together to form the federal government, the relationship between Umno and Bersatu became strained after Umno accused Bersatu of sidelining them and for attempting to steal their members.

Apart from that, the cooperation between Umno and PAS, via the Muafakat Nasional political pact, which was formed before the Pakatan Harapan government collapsed, is also being tested after PAS was seen as leaning towards Bersatu.

The Muafakat pact was never officially registered. - Mkini

MACC: Zahid received 2 cheques worth RM6m

 

The High Court was told today that Umno president Zahid Hamidi received two cheques valued RM6 million from Datasonic Group Berhad (DGB) Deputy Managing Director Chew Ben Ben, which was then handed to Messrs Lewis & Co.

MACC investigating officer Mohd Hizar Farhan Abdul Razi said both cheques were handed over by Chew to Zahid at the former deputy prime minister's official residence in Seri Satria, Putrajaya in 2017.

The court was told before this that Lewis & Co was the trustee of Yayasan Akalbudi, a foundation owned by Zahid.

Based on the 14th and 15th charge, Zahid is alleged to have received bribes amounting to RM6 million from Chew as an inducement to appoint Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd (DTSB) to implement a five-year passport chip project.

The project involved 12.5 million chips for the Malaysian passport polycarbonate biodata page for the Immigration Department through direct negotiations under the Home Affairs Ministry.

Hizar said the cheques were obtained from Chew following a shortage of passport supply in 2016 after DTSB was awarded the passport chip supply contract in 2015.

"Chew was called to meet the accused (Zahid) on Sept 16, 2016 to explain the lack of supply in passports.

“A few months later, in mid-April 2017, Chew was again called to meet the accused at his official residence in Seri Satria, Putrajaya and at the meeting (end of April 2017), Chew handed over two cheques amounting to RM6 million to the accused," he said.

Hizar was reading out his witness statement during the main examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Gan Peng Kun.

He was speaking during the trial of the former deputy prime minister, who is facing corruption, abuse of power, and money laundering charges involving millions of ringgit in funds from Yayasan Akalbudi.

The 91st prosecution witness said Zahid, who was also Home Minister then, had instructed the Home Ministry secretary-general to act on DGB’s application for the supply of chips.

“Following this, the secretary-general directed the then secretary of the ministry’s procurement division, Abd Aziz Md Nor to provide comments and views to the Finance Ministry on the matter.

"Only after Abd Aziz received a letter from the Home Minister's office dated Sept 8, 2014 priority was given to the application for the supply of passport chips for five years or 12.5 million chips for the Malaysian passport polycarbonate biodata page.

"After receiving a letter from the office of the Deputy Prime Minister dated Oct 20, 2015, Abd Aziz instructed the assistant secretary-general of the ministry’s procurement division to expedite the decision on price negotiations to the Procurement Board so that the Letter of Acceptance can be expedited as directed by the accused," he said.

When asked by Gan during re-examination, the witness agreed that the contract awarded to DTSB to supply the passport chips was in accordance with proper standard operating procedures.

Gan: If the accused had not agreed to the contract being given to DTSB, would the (Finance Ministry) have awarded it?

Mohd Hizar Farhan: No.

Zahid, 68, faces 47 charges, 12 of them for criminal breach of trust (CBT), eight for corruption, and 27 for money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit of funds from Yayasan Akalbudi.

The trial before Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.

- Bernama

Menantu, mentua bertengkar bawa maut

 

Dua suspek itu ditemui bersembunyi dalam pondok hasil maklumat orang ramai.

KUANTAN: Polis menahan dua beradik lelaki hari ini, kerana disyaki membunuh seorang peneroka selepas satu pertengkaran di sebuah rumah di Felda Mempaga 3, Bentong kira-kira 188km dari sini, semalam.

Ketua Polis Daerah Bentong Zaiham Mohd Kahar berkata suspek yang berusia 26 dan 34 tahun itu ditahan semasa bersembunyi di sebuah pondok di Empangan Lembah Klau, Raub yang terletak sekitar 30km dari lokasi kejadian, pada 10.30 pagi tadi, berdasarkan maklumat orang awam.

“Siasatan awal mendapati suspek berusia 34 tahun yang tinggal bersama mangsa telah bertengkar sekitar 2.15 petang Rabu dan semasa itu, suspek kedua yang tinggal berhampiran telah datang ke lokasi kejadian dipercayai bagi membantu abangnya.

“Suspek kedua dikatakan telah naik berang dan menendang mangsa di dada kiri mengakibatkan si mati mengadu sakit dada dan muntah beberapa kali sebelum rebah, menyebabkan kedua-dua suspek terus melarikan diri,” katanya menerusi kenyataan media di sini, hari ini.

Zaiham berkata mangsa berusia 59 tahun adalah bapa mentua kepada suspek yang berusia 34 tahun.

Beliau berkata isteri suspek yang juga anak mangsa menghubungi klinik kesihatan berdekatan, namun mangsa disahkan telah meninggal dunia oleh pegawai perubatan di lokasi kejadian.

Bagaimanapun, punca kematian mangsa masih belum diketahui sehingga bedah siasat dijalankan di Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) di sini, selepas selesai ujian pengesanan Covid-19.

Zaiham berkata siasatan awal juga mendapati kedua-dua suspek yang bekerja sendiri positif heroin dan methampethamine serta mempunyai rekod jenayah berkaitan dadah.

Siasatan lanjut dijalankan di bawah Seksyen 302 Kanun Keseksaan kerana membunuh yang memperuntukkan hukuman mati mandatori, jika sabit kesalahan. - FMT

Fans could be back in stadiums soon

 

The new season starts off with the Charity Shield match between Johor Darul Ta’zim and Kedah Darul Aman FC in Iskandar Puteri tomorrow and soon, the crowds could be back. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Good news for the footie fans. The government may gradually allow football fans back into stadiums, beginning with small numbers, once Covid-19 cases see a significant drop, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said this was important to ensure that football, being a popular sport in the country, regains its glory and fans get to enjoy watching the game again.

“When the situation permits, we will allow the gradual return of fans in stadiums, in smaller numbers initially once cases drop.

“Being one of the popular sports, it is important for the fans to be back in stadiums cheering and this is also important for the game, which has always been a source of pride for all of us,” the prime minister said in a video uploaded on the Malaysian Football League’s Facebook page today.

Muhyiddin also wished Super League sides, Johor Darul Ta’zim and Kedah Darul Aman FC, who will be playing each other in the Charity Shield match or also known as the Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup, in the Malaysian League’s 2021 season curtain-raiser, in Iskandar Puteri, Johor tomorrow all the best.

“In the spirit of competition, all the best. Hopefully, this will ensure Malaysian sports continue to flourish,” Muhyiddin said, while also wishing all other competing teams in the league the same.

The country, which is still plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic, will see the 2021 M-League season administered with strict standard operating procedures and the sports bubble model, which means fans would still not be able to cheer on their teams from the stands.

The 2021 M-League season will see 23 teams, 12 in the Super League and 11 in the Premier League, taking part. - FMT

60% of Pan Borneo Highway completed in Sarawak, 45% in Sabah

 

New project managers will re-engage all those who were terminated by the former project delivery partner, says works minister Fadillah Yusof. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pan Borneo Highway Project, one of the main projects under the works ministry, has shown positive development as the completion of the project in Sarawak has reached 60%, while in Sabah, 45%.

Works minister Fadillah Yusof said the construction of the 11 packages of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak from Telok Melano to Miri was still ongoing involving a cost of RM16.12 billion.

“Following the termination of the project delivery partner (PDP) on Feb 20, 2020, the project continued to be implemented using the conventional method with the Sarawak Public Works Department as its supervising officer,” he said here today.

For the project in Sabah, Fadillah said 11 out of the 35 packages were being implemented and were 45% completed, while five are still in the planning and procurement stage and expected to begin construction this year.

The cost for 15 out of the 35 packages amounts to RM7.08 billion.

Fadillah said his ministry will strive to expedite the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway by coming up with the proposal to appoint a project management consultant to help the Sabah and Sarawak works ministries to implement the project in their respective states.

However, he said the appointment of the project management consultant was still being discussed and needed to be finalised by the finance ministry.

“I think the Public Works Department (JKR) of Sabah and Sarawak have a large number of projects right now, particularly in Sarawak. I don’t think Sarawak JKR alone will able to manage the projects.

“The project management company will re-engage all those who were terminated by the former PDP previously, to give them the priority in terms of employment for their experience and knowledge in terms of the project previously done by them,” he added. - FMT

Guidelines soon on vaccination during Ramadan

 

The second phase of vaccinations, involving elderly people, high-risk groups and people with disabilities will begin in April, when Ramadan starts.

NILAI: Guidelines for taking the Covid-19 vaccine during Ramadan are likely to be issued by the end of this month, said minister in the prime minister’s department (religious affairs) Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

He said the guidelines were to provide a better understanding among Muslims on taking the vaccine while fasting, as more people are expected to receive the shot in April, which will also mark the beginning of Ramadan this year.

“As we have seen in the fatwas, under the vaccination guidelines during Ramadan, Muslims are allowed to take the vaccine shot. However, we will also issue the official guidelines before Ramadan,” he said.

Zulkifli said this to reporters after officiating the “Yadim Peduli: Musa’adah dan Sanitasi Masjid” programme here today.

The second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme involving senior citizens aged 65 and above, high-risk groups, as well as persons with disabilities, all involving some 9.4 million people, is expected to be from April to August.

Currently, the first phase of the programme is ongoing nationwide, involving 500,000 frontliners. It started on Feb 24 with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin becoming the first in the country to receive the vaccine. - FMT

PPBM unfazed by Zahid’s letter, says Redzuan

 

Redzuan Yusof believes Umno will have a new leader in place of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi by the time the general election is called.

PETALING JAYA: A senior PPBM leader says they are unfazed by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s letter to Muhyiddin Yassin, which said Umno will not work with the party in the next general election.

Speaking to FMT, Redzuan Yusof, a PPBM Supreme Council member, said the party’s leadership doubted that the contents of Zahid’s letter was reflective of what the whole of Umno wanted.

“We are cool, we are not unnerved. We were informed that during a recent Barisan Nasional meeting, the other component parties rejected Umno’s purported stance.

“I myself have learned that a few state leaders and cabinet members are slowly building continued support for Muhyiddin,” he said after a PPBM Supreme Council meeting today.

Redzuan said he had no intention of meddling in another party’s affairs but believes Umno’s “true stance” will be clearer after it holds its party elections.

He said that from his interactions with his friends in Umno, some are pushing for party polls before GE15 to find a new leader to take them into the elections.

“I am of the impression there are those in Umno who want a new leader who will restore the dignity, integrity, solidarity, and unity within the party.”

Previously, 147 of the 191 Umno divisions had called for the party to withdraw its cooperation with PPBM.

The Umno Supreme Council had said it would finalise its decision on the party’s cooperation with PPBM at its twice-postponed annual general meeting, now set for March 27 and 28.

Earlier today, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the party’s stance on its cooperation with PPBM was decided after “careful consideration”.

This included the views of the grassroots, as well as “the benefits and disadvantages of being a part of the government” during the pandemic.

Ahmad also said the party believed political cooperation must be based on honesty and sincerity “in order to protect the welfare of the people”. - FMT

Ada hakim ‘tidak peka’ terhadap Islam dalam membuat keputusan, kata Hadi

 

Presiden PAS menyifatkan sesetengah hakim baharu “hilang sensitiviti agama”.

PETALING JAYA : Presiden PAS Abdul Hadi Awang mendakwa sesetengah hakim baharu “hilang sensitiviti agama” apabila membuat keputusan melibatkan kepentingan Islam, tanpa menggunakan budi bicara.

“Mereka membuat keputusan berasaskan buku yang dibaca, bukan mengikut pertimbangan akal yang mempunyai budi bicaranya,” kata Hadi dalam Facebooknya.

Minggu lalu, Mahkamah Persekutuan mengisytiharkan undang-undang Syariah negeri Selangor yang menetapkan seks di luar tabii sebagai jenayah, sebagai tidak sah.

Panel sembilan hakim mahkamah tertinggi negara memutuskan badan perundangan negeri dibenar meluluskan undang-undang mengenai kesalahan di bawah agama Islam selagi kesalahan itu tidak terkandung dalam Senarai Persekutuan.

Hadi berkata ada kalangan hakim bertindak tanpa rasa peka terhadap Islam, walau dibandingkan dengan hakim zaman penjajah Inggeris.

“Apa yang menarik, penjajah British sendiri pada zaman penjajahan sangat berhati-hati agar tidak menyentuh sebarang sensitiviti penganut Islam, sehingga mereka meletakkan kuasa Islam kepada raja-raja.

“Bahkan beberapa keputusan mahkamah oleh hakim berbangsa Inggeris dibuat dengan sangat berhati-hati.

“Malangnya, ada dalam kalangan Melayu-Islam yang tiada dalam hatinya, kepekaan terhadap Islam, walaupun (negara) telah mendapat kemerdekaan lebih setengah abad,” kata Hadi.

Merujuk keputusan Mahkamah Persekutuan bersabit Enakmen Jenayah Syariah Selangor itu, Hadi berkata penghakiman itu menonjolkan “kalangan mereka yang … berwajah Inggeris lebih daripada bangsa Inggeris sendiri.

“Mereka muncul atas pelbagai nama media, NGO dan individu sehingga umat Islam dapat mengenali secara dekat siapa wajah mereka yang sebenarnya.

“Terpulang kepada diri masing-masing, sama ada ingin menepuk dada tanya iman atau tepuk dada tanya selera makan,” tambah beliau. - FMT

Folks Please Focus : In 2007-2008 There Was No 1MDB. It Was Terengganu Investment Authorty And Duit Royalti Minyak. Do Not Lose Focus.

 This is a long one. Please bear with me.

Ok another round of confusion starts. 

Now the Police are investigating Zeti's husband Tawfiq vis a vis 1MDB funds. It ultimately leads to 1MDB but bear in mind a few other things.

The US16 million (RM65 million) that went into the fellow's accounts in Singapore took place in 2008-2009. 

"inflows of money occurred in 2008 and 2009".

Here are some relevant dates that you must bear in mind:

• Tawfiq, JoLo  set up Abu Dhabi Kuwait Malaysia (ADKMIC) July 2007
• 
  
• Abdullah Badawi was Finance Minister 3 Nov 2003 – 23 Sept 2008
• Badawi had TWO 2nd Finance Ministers under him:
• 1. Jamaluddin Jarjis (2003-2004) and 
• 2. Nor Mohamed Yakcop (2004-2008)
• 
  
• inflows of money (US16m) occurred in 2008 and 2009
• 
  
• Abdullah Badawi resigned as PM on 2nd April 2009 
• Najib became PM on 3rd April 2009 

1.  With that here is some news :

Bukit Aman to investigate husband of ex-BNM governor Zeti for allegedly receiving 1MDB funds (msn.com)

https://www.msn.com/en-my/money/topstories/bukit-aman-to-investigate-husband-of-ex-bnm-governor-zeti-for-allegedly-receiving-1mdb-funds/ar-BB1ebRNj?pfr=1++

KL (March 3): Bukit Aman begun investigations into Tawfiq Ayman 
allegedly receiving funds linked to (1MDB) in S'pore account under his name
under Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001

report by Edge that S'pore Police informed BNM of suspicious transactions 
involving UBS bank account belonging to Iron Rhapsody Ltd

• Iron Rhapsody, owners Tawfiq, Ayman, received US$16.2m (RM65m) 
• from companies/bank accounts of JoLo

inflows of money occurred in 2008 and 2009
BNM only alerted in 2015 and 2016

• four transactions over RM600m in profits flipping RM5b TIA bonds 
• arranged by Ambank in May 2009

Tawfiq, JoLo  set up Abu Dhabi Kuwait Malaysia (ADKMIC) in July 2007 
ADKMIC had 6-7 shareholders, including JoLo, Tawfiq
June 2011-Sept 2013, US$153m (RM620m) transferred to ADKMIC
in RBS Coutts, S'pore from RBS Coutts, Swiss
belonged to Goodstar Ltd — owned by JoLo
Good Star received US$700m from the 1MDB/TIA bond with help of AmBank

• BNM unable to respond as it was c_nstip_ted 
• “confidentiality in accordance to international c_nstip_tion protocols”.

So this thing began way before Najib became PM on 3rd April 2009. 

These folks began working on this in 2007 or earlier.   

2.  Ok here is some background on Terengganu Investment Authority or TIA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1Malaysia_Development_Berhad#History

• 1MDB started off as Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA) 
• initiated by MB Ahmad Said in 2008
• TIA initial fund RM11 billion 
• TIA fund derived from royalty income of billions and bonds
• Fed Govt guarantee RM5b based on Tgganu's future oil revenues
• 
  
• April 3, 2009 Najib became Prime Minister.
• 27 May 2009, Ismee Ismail, Shahrol Halmi signed  RM5b Islamic notes 
• deal done by AmInvestment Bank
• despite being told not to by T'ganu state govt
• advised by TIA's special advisor, JoLo
• 29 May 2009, TIA received RM4.385b proceeds from RM5b bonds
• 
  
• 31 July 2009, MOF took over TIA named it 1MDB 
• 4 months after Najib became PM on 3rd April 2009
• 22 July 2009, Najib said TIA/1MDB for broader Malaysia 

OSTB : 

3rd April, 2009 Najib took over as PM  
27 May, 2009 they signed TIA RM5b bonds arranged by AmInvestment Bank
31 July 2009 they changed the name of TIA to 1MDB.
So the "deal" was actually cooked up long before Najib became PM. 

Kepada pasukan Polis yang akan siasat kes ini, please focus on these dates. 

The name changed to 1MDB but the "crime" was already underway under TIA. 

The Prime Minister AND Finance Minister was Abdullah Badawi. 

• There were Government guarantees involved.
• There was a RM5b bonds issue at a ridiculously stupid interest rate.
• None of this could have happened without the knowledge of the MoF. 
• The Police must question the MoF at that time - Abdullah Badawi.

3.  Here is more news:

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/12/31/confirmed-zetis-kin-admitted-knowing-of-1mdb-funds-in-sd/

• Zeti’s husband Tawfiq Ayman, sons Aziz and Alif, run accounts 
• under Cutting Edge Industries Ltd, based in Singapore.
• money in accounts came from Iron Rhapsody Ltd
• registered owners of Iron Rhapsody allegedly Zeti’s husband, two sons

OSTB :  

What was the payment for? 
What was the consideration? 
What services did Iron Rhapsody or Cutting Edge provide to TIA (??) 
What did they do to earn US16m (RM65m)? 
This is just one question that the media should korek-korek. 
Just follow the money and connect the dots.

4. Some more news :

https://www.thethirdforce.net/ambank-failed-to-inform-1mdb-that-jho-low-firms-were-major-subscribers-of-rm5b-bonds-court-hears/

Shahrol Halmi testified AmBank did not tell 1MDB that JoLo linked companies major subscribers of RM5b bonds issued in 2009

• RM700m discount on sale of RM5 billion Islamic Notes 
• eventually bonds ended up in EPF, Socso 
• May 15, 2009 AmBank inked secondary subscription with Aktis, Country Group 
• days before primary subscription agreement inked between AmBank and TIA

OSTB : Ok Tuan-Tuan they cheated us (the Malaysian public and the Malaysian taxpayers) depan belakang, kiri dan kanan.

This is the area of bond valuation. It is not difficult but there are simple formulas involved. Here is an example of how they cheated us.

When the Malaysian Government guarantees any borrowing by the Ministry of Finance the interest rates charged are really, really low. When I helped negotiate a US Dollar loan for the Government (with the Japanese banks in the mid 1990s) I believe the interest rate was below HALF PERCENT PER ANNUM ONLY (0.50% per annum).  

This is because (until today) the Sovereign Risk for the Government of Malaysia is super solid. So when the Government issues bonds or guarantees bonds the interest rates on the bonds are also very, very low. 

This makes the bonds quite low yielding. If foreign banks, insurance companies, pension funds, EPF, SOCSO buy Malaysian government bonds they will earn a steady but smaller interest payment.

Now imagine some crooks come along and they are able to manipulate the Malaysian Government into issuing government guaranteed bonds at some crazy, gila babi interest rates like 5% or 6% or whatever. What will happen?

The financial market in the whole world will be hungry to take up such a bond. Because Malaysia is a first class sovereign risk. Why should the Malaysian Government pay 5% or 6% on a bond when the lenders are willing to charge much, much less interest rates.

But this is what happened. So they set up the underwriters. 

Just like when a listed company issues new shares (IPO) there is an underwriter bank. On Wall Street they are known as Investment Banks.  The underwriters will agree to buy up the entire share issues (at a lower wholesale price) thus guaranteeing that the IPO will be successful. 

Then the underwriters will try to unload the new shares on the market (hopefully at the full market price). Many millions are made this way. Many shirts and underwears are also lost in the same way. 

The same method applies for the RM5b TIA / 1MDB bonds. The underwriters bought ALL the bonds at a "wholesale" price. Then they sold the bonds at the full market price to the market (they sold to EPF, SOCSO etc). 

But because the Bonds were so overpriced, ie the interest rate was so high, that is how the "underwriters" made a killing of RM700 million ??

• RM700m discount on sale of RM5 billion Islamic Notes 
• "secondary subscription with Aktis, Country Group"?
• Aktis, Country Group made combined RM494.62m from flipping the bonds

Hello, hello there is some money missing here. 
So who pocketed the difference between RM700m - RM494m = RM206 million???

The question is WHY did the Ministry of Finance agree to such an insanely high interest rate when the bond was Guaranteed by the Government of Malaysia?

If the interest rate on the Bond was so high, why not insist that EPF and SOCSO "underwrite and subscribe" the entire issue from Day 1? Then EPF and SOCSO would have earned that extra RM700 Million.

Why give those JoLo linked companies the opportunity to make a buta RM494 million? 

I hope the Police will investigate this angle carefully. The Police must have a financial expert or engage a financial consultant who can show them how to do bond pricing calculations. Here is a simple Bond Pricing formula:

Kalau nak rujuk contoh lagi simple, kita guna contoh Ah Long 'Beli Surat Pajak'.

• Lets say TIA (T'gganu Investment Authority) pajak rantai emas bernilai RM1000. 
• Tetapi TIA dapat pinjam RM500 sahaja. 
• Tiap bulan kena bayar RM100. 

Katakanlah TIA dah bayar untuk 2 bulan lepas itu bulan 3 pula sangkut. 
Kalau tak bayar kedai pajak, rantai emas RM1000 akan burn.

• So TIA jumpa Ah Long untuk jual Surat Pajak tadi. 
• Ah Long kira-kira lepas itu dia kata 'Saya kasi awak RM300 lah. Beres'. 
• So TIA dapat RM300. 
• Cashflow TIA RM600 - atas emas RM1000 
• TIA rugi RM400.

Ah Long pula pergi ke kedai pajak, dia tebus rantai emas dengan bayar RM300. Tapi dia dapat rantai emas bernilai RM1000. So total cost Ah Long RM600. Jadi Ah Long untung RM400. 

• Sekarang datang pula Ah Long 1MDB. 
• Dia offer RM100 saja untuk beli surat kedai pajak daripada TIA tadi. 
• TIA rugi RM600 sekarang. 

Same thing Ah Long 1MDB tebus rantai emas dengan bayar RM300. Tetapi sekarang pula total cost Ah Long 1MDB hanya RM400. So maksudnya untung dia lebih ia itu RM600.

Soalannya kenapa TIA begitu bodoh setuju terima hanya RM100 untuk surat pajak tadi? This is what the Police must investigate.

Kenapa Ministry of Finance boleh setuju scheme yang begitu bodoh macam itu?

Kenapa Ministry of Finance boleh setuju bagi untung "discount" RM494 JUTA kepada  

• "secondary subscription with Aktis, Country Group"?
• Aktis, Country Group made combined RM494.62m from flipping the bonds

Actually it is NOT TOO IMPORTANT if those companies were linked to JoLo or not. 

What is MORE IMPORTANT is how did the Ministry of Finance agree to such a high interest rate borrowing (under a Government Guarantee) and hence to such a high coupon discount rate? Itu soalan utama.   

5. Here is more news:

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/03/02/c4-calls-for-probe-into-allegations-involving-1mdb-linking-former-bank-negara-governor-zeti

• C4 said it is seeking answers, Zeti was in office between 2000 and 2016
• CAD reported to Bank Negara that funds received from JoLo in 2008 and 2009
• C4 asked if Dr Mahathir aware 
• Zeti member of Council Of Eminent Persons 
• Zeti's appointment could have clouded committee

OSTB : Some extra points to consider.

Sat (Feb 27, 2021) Edge reported S'pore police informed BNM 

Why are these 'exposes' coming out now? The info about the Singapore CAD giving information to BNM could have come only from Singapore. 

Last year 2020 the news leaked about those Statutory Declarations signed by Zeti's son  as part of a deal with the Singapore authorities. Singapore was basically letting them off the hook "in exchange" (??) for confiscating the funds in the accounts. (That US16 million or RM65 million). 

But after that nothing happened in Malaysia.

So now, on February 27, 2021 there has been yet another 'expose' that the CAD of Singapore Police had advised BNM in 2015 about that money deposited in Singapore over 2008 - 2009. 

Which has now become the subject of investigation by Police here as per the news above. 

These were US Dollar transactions, hence under the legal jurisdiction of American laws. 

There is a new president in Washington. The Vice President Kamala Harris was a former Attorney General of California - a Prosecutor. 

Are the Americans putting the squeeze on Singapore to "clean up" their act? Because Singapore is certainly a haven for all kinds of "money" from all over this part of the world (from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines, and certainly from 1MDB and TIA.

The post-Trump US Treasury has started cracking down on how other countries regard the US Dollar.  You can see this :

The other question is how come that money is still intact in the bank accounts in Singapore? Since 2008-2009? That was 13 years ago.

When exactly did the Singaporeans "freeze" the bank account(s)? 
What are the full amounts of money in that bank account(s)? 
is it RM65 million? Is it more than that? Is it more than say RM100 million? 
What is the exact balance in that bank account(s) in Singapore? 

I believe TIA initially had funds of RM3.0 billion. The Wikipedia says TIA had RM6.0 billion. Ok what is RM3 billion or RM6.0 billion? Lets not split hairs over a few billions ok. 

But after TIA changed name to 1MDB I recall Najib saying the Paid Up Capital of 1MDB was only RM1.0 million.  How come? What happened to the initial RM3 billion in funds in TIA? I once asked a VVVIP this question. There was no answer.

On the political front, I recall at that  time there was plenty of resistance in the BN government to share any oil oyalty money with Terengganu. It was money that was given reluctantly.

Well looking at this TIA caper, it looks like the oil royalties that were given to Terengganu were "spirited out".  What was given with the right hand was taken out with the left hand.

In 2008 JoLo was around 27 years old. I seriously doubt a 27 year old punk can do all this by himself.  Especially since the Menteri Besar and the DYMM Sultan of Terengganu were against this TIA deal. Yet he was able to push it through. There must have been serious muscle backing him up in Putrajaya. 

• So how many UMNO people (for example) knew?
• How many government people were involved. 
• The MoF was certainly in the know.
• Who are all the people who knew? 
• Who profited illegally?
• More than 13 years have gone by and the shit is still floating on the surface. 
• When will this country clean up this mess once and for all? 

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.