Sunday, 31 March 2024

Backdoor minister Tengku Zafrul quits as Selangor Umno treasurer

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For image info, go to https://thesun.my/archive/cracks-widening-umno-updated-GUARCH579273 (Cracks widening in Umno?) (Updated)

Backdoor minister Tengku Zafrul quits as Selangor Umno treasurer

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2024: Backdoor minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz today announced he has resigned as Selangor Umno treasurer.

Tengku Zafrul, who failed to win a seat in Parliament in the last general election, was appointed a Senator and made an Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister.

He was appointed as Selangor Umno treasurer on April 12 last year.

So what is happening in Umno? Tengku Zafrul’s resignation must surely be the tip of the iceberg of Umno’s political problems.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the resignation:

Tengku Zafrul resigns as Selangor Umno treasurer

By RAHIMY RAHIM

NATION

Monday, 01 Apr 2024

2:12 PM MYT



PETALING JAYA: Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has resigned as Selangor Umno treasurer.

Tengku Zafrul said that he had personally witnessed how the Umno president and the leadership at the central level had continuously formulated plans to revive the party at the central level.

He added that regardless of the effectiveness of the planning at the central level, implementation also happens at the state and grassroots level as well, adding that it also depends on the attitude and approach of the Umno state leadership.

"I cannot comment on other states, but for my state, Selangor, the execution has been lackluster and sometimes not in line with the themes set by the central leadership.

"My approach and principles are simple, if I cannot contribute to any positive changes or improvements, then I should not hold a position.

"It is better for me to vacate the position for someone who can contribute more effectively.

"Effective immediately, I resign from the position of Selangor Umno treasurer," he said in a Facebook post Monday (April 1).

Tengku Zafrul was appointed as Selangor Umno treasurer on April 12 last year.

He explained that when he was chosen as the Umno supreme council member from Selangor and appointed as the Selangor Umno treasurer over a year ago, his primary goal was to contribute to the revival of Umno in the state.

"Selangor is a highly significant state for any political party. Its diverse demographics with a majority base of Malay Bumiputra, coupled with the urban-rural composition, reflect the broader dynamics of Malaysia.

"Its economic vibrancy consistently places Selangor as the focal point for all activities.

"As a result, if a party lacks a strong presence in Selangor, it becomes difficult to be recognised as a national party or a party for the future. To avoid this reality, effective strategies need to be devised in accordance with the current realities," he added.

Citing the results of the state elections in Selangor last year, he said it should serve as a clear indication that immediate changes are necessary.

"Among other things, offers to Selangor voters must be comprehensive, tested, and reviewed with stakeholders.

"Cooperation with other parties must be strengthened, not weakened by the assumption that Umno's problems lie solely in its relations with other parties, especially when those relations already exist at the central level," he said. - The Star

Yes! Start with the alleged biggest culprit - the racist Dr M

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Yes! Start with the alleged biggest culprit - the racist Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2024: The 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) Sultan Ibrahim says his honeymoon is over and tells the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to now go catch the bees.

“I consider the fight against corruption as one of my reign’s top priority,” he added.

Yes! Start with the alleged biggest culprit - the racist former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M).

Malaysians also appeal to their King not to forget going after the racial and religious bigots who have continuously undermined national security and harmony.

In so doing, they have turned Malaysia into a global laughing stock, affecting investor confidence in the more than RM3 trillion (national debt + household debt) debt-ridden economy.

Start with the current biggest national threat - Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

No News Is Bad News reproduces below the King’s “order” to MACC:

My honeymoon is over, now go catch the bees, king tells MACC chief

FMT Reporters

-01 Apr 2024, 01:07 PM

Sultan Ibrahim says corruption is the country’s biggest enemy.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim (right) presenting MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki with honey during an audience at Istana Negara today. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today said he considers the fight against corruption as one of his reign’s top priorities.

In a Facebook post, Sultan Ibrahim said he granted an audience to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki today to learn about the latest developments in the anti-graft agency.

“As I have previously stressed: my honeymoon is over, now go catch the bees,” he said, adding that corruption is the country’s biggest enemy.

Sultan Ibrahim also said that he presented Azam with honey as a symbolic gesture marking the end of his “honeymoon” period.

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Sultan Ibrahim was installed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31 after the tenure of Pahang’s Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah came to an end.

The king’s audience with Azam today lasted for nearly 30 minutes.

Last Friday, Azam announced that 34 customs officers had been detained from March 11 to 25 as they were suspected of receiving more than RM4.7 million in bribes.

He said Malaysia had lost around RM2 billion in taxes to a smuggling syndicate which had operated at the KLIA Cargo terminal in Sepang since 2017 with the help of customs officers.

The syndicate was believed to be involved in smuggling tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, health products and vehicle spare parts at the terminal.

It bribed customs officers to allow undeclared imports and goods to enter the country without inspection, with 27 people and company owners also arrested for protecting and facilitating the syndicate’s operations.


MALAYSIA

Certain quarters exploiting ‘Allah’ socks issue to rattle govt: Mujahid

Shouldn’t focus be on stability, the economy, asks former religious affairs minister.

Updated 12 minutes ago · Published

Penang executive councillor Lim Siew Khim and Senator Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusuf Rawa addressing the crowd at the annual breaking of fast ceremony at Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh. – IAN MCINTYRE/The Vibes pic, April 1, 2024.

BY Ian McIntyre

A FORMER religious affairs minister believes there may be subversive elements out to wreck harmony and peaceful settings by harping on sensitive racial and religious issues despite pleas of caution by both the government and royalty.

Commenting on the uproar over the display of five pairs of socks which had the sacred word “Allah” at a KK Mart convenience store, Senator Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said certain quarters exploit such issues because they feel they can rattle the government of the day.

“But is it worthwhile when it comes at the expense of the peace and harmony that the nation’s founding fathers built on?” Mujahid asked.

He urged those who take part in certain irresponsible acts to ponder if they are being exploited by certain quarters based on race and religion.

And what does the country get in return, Mujahid asked.

“Are strife, tension and mistrust suitable for anyone to live in? Shouldn’t the focus be on issues which count for the people such as stability and the economy?”

Mujahid also urged the media to report on the spreading of peace and tolerance, which are part and parcel of the divine message during the holy Ramadan period.

He said this after attending the annual breaking of fast ceremony at Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh – one of the state’s oldest mosques and part of the Streets of Harmony enclave where it has co-existed for centuries alongside nearby Hindu, Taoist and Christian places of worship.

The ceremony is unique as the mosque committee headed by civil society advocate Datuk Seri Anwar Fazal invited non-Muslims to also attend the event.

Anwar and state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim, who oversees the portfolio for non-Muslim religious issues, also spoke on messages of peace and harmony in Penang.

Anwar recalled how Penang became a melting pot of diversity due to the high tolerance levels among the communities because they have one thing in common – they all had escaped from economic strife, discrimination and unjust living conditions.

Lim pledged the state government’s commitment to uphold the virtues of tolerance. – The Vibes, April 1, 2024.

Malaysia - a country of moronic professors, lecturers

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Malaysia - a country of moronic professors, lecturers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdm6eqCyC1g (MENDAM BERAHI - Realiti atau Mitos? oleh Prof Emeritus Datuk Paduka Dr. Hashim Musa)

1,626 views 26 Jun 2023

Pembentangan oleh Prof Emeritus Dato' Paduka Dr. Hashim Musa, Profesor Adjung Universiti Putra Malaysia bertajuk Warisan Tradisi Maritim Melayu dan Teknologi Pembuatan Kapal Besar. Moderator oleh Y.Bhg Tuan Nasrulamiazam bin Mohd Nasir, Timbalan Pengarah Muzium Negara Malaysia 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2024: The above image and video link were shared on Facebook by Professor James Chin.

The following is his message:

James Chin

33 m  · 

Hahaha .... Getting caught again for telling fairy tales .... Anyway, do watch the video and decide for yourself ....
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cdm6eqCyC1g

When will they ever learn? I guess its the same with the KKmart fiasco- never back down, never let the facts stop you.

PS. Someone better download the video before it is taken down …

Professor James Chin

 

Professor James Chin

Director, Governance Studies Programme

jci@sunway.edu.my

Biography

Professor James Chin is a Senior Fellow and the Director of Governance Studies at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University. He is Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania.

He is a leading commentator on Malaysian politics and has published extensively on Malaysia and the surrounding region. He is widely regarded as the leading scholar of contemporary Sabah and Sarawak.

He was previously Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore; and Professor of Political Science, Monash University, Malaysia campus.

Prior to an academic career, he worked as a journalist in Malaysia and Singapore.

His most recent publication are; Malaysia Post Mahathir: A Decade of Change? (2015); 50 Years of Malaysia: Federalism Revisited (2014) and Awakening: The Abdullah Badawi Years in Malaysia (2013).  Prof Chin has published extensively in leading journals such as Asian Survey, Journal of Contemporary Asia, Asian Journal of Political Science, Commonwealth and Comparative Politics, The Round Table, Southeast Asian Affairs, Asian Politics & Policy, Journal of Democracy, Electoral Studies, Democratization and South East Asia Research.

He has also written commentaries for leading publications such as The New York Times, The Diplomat, Australian Outlook, The Conversation, The Straits Times, East Asia Forum and New Mandala.

Allah-brand socks: Finance Twitter says Umno given enough rope to hang itself politically

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Allah-brand socks: Finance Twitter says Umno given enough rope to hang itself politically

(Cowardice and indecisiveness of PMX Anwar Ibrahim disappointing)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2024: In an analysis of the Made-in-China Allah-brand socks outrage, Finance Twitter says the the smartest opportunists were the racists Perikatan Nasional (PN) led by the unpatriotic Muhyiddin “I Am Malay First” Yassin.

PN, comprising the Taliban-like Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS – Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu or PPBM), kept silent and stayed clear from the outrage over five pairs of socks.

By keeping silent, the Opposition cleverly gave enough rope to the United Malays National Organization (Umno) to hang itself. Majority of Malays were smart enough to see that Umno was exploiting and manipulating the issue for political mileage, at the expense of national unity and harmony.

Finance Twitter opined that Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh exploited the KK Mart issue because he was desperate for publicity. And Umno Supreme Council announced that it fully supported Akmal’s actions on the issue.

 

No News Is Bad News reproduces below the Finance Twitter report that was reposted by The Coverage:

NEWS

Akmal Salleh Desperate For Publicity & Politicised KK Mart Issue To Become The Malay-Muslim Hero

1 April, 2024

According to finance twitter , KK Super Mart saw one of its outlets in Bidor, Perak attacked with a Molotov cocktail. As expected, despite CCTV footage evidence, the police force is still unable to arrest anyone. That’s because the firebombing was done by a Malay-Muslim. Amazingly, a technician of Chinese ethnicity had been arrested, prosecuted and jailed at lightning speed for posting a so-called offensive content on Facebook over the same issue.

Yes, the crisis over socks bearing the word “Allah” isn’t over yet. On the contrary, it has just begun. If it is already over, Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah does not need to issue a warning that racial tensions will escalate unless immediate action is taken against those responsible for throwing the firebomb. It’s too little too late – the spark had been ignited by UMNO and there’s no turning back.

The smartest opportunists were Perikatan Nasional, which comprised Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS – Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu or PPBM). By keeping silent, the opposition cleverly gives enough rope to the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) to hang itself. Majority of Malays were smart enough to see that UMNO was exploiting and manipulating the issue for political mileage.

At best, it was a genuine mistake or blunder when KK Mart sold the socks printed with the word “Allah”. The Malays might not be as brilliant as the Chinese in business, or as crooked as UMNO-Malays in plundering, but they certainly can ask a simple question – why only 3 out of 881 KK convenience stores sold the socks, and why there were just 5 out of 18,800 pairs of socks with “Allah” inscription?

At worst, the whole crisis may be due to sabotage involving Islamic preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, who converted to Islam in 2009 and the first person who posted and complained about the “Allah” socks being sold at three of the KK convenience stores. Conveniently, his own convenience store – “MyKampung Fresh Mart” – went bust due to competition from rival KK Super Mart.

Exactly why after 23 years in business, KK Mart suddenly wanted to provoke the highly sensitive Muslims with 5 pairs of Allah socks as if it had nothing better to do? Besides, the stores were not responsible for importing, let alone manufacturing it. It was a factory in Batu Pahat – Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd – which received the shipments from its China-based supplier Mu Mian Qing Hosiery Co Ltd located in Zhejiang Province.

Crucially, KK Mart Group founder and executive chairman Dr KK Chai has since apologised over the issue. Most Malays do not find it a big issue as they understood clearly that KK Mart did not have any “intention” to mock or insult Islam. It was UMNO Youth Chief Akmal Salleh, desperate for publicity and armed with the blessing of his party, who politicised it with the hope of becoming a Malay-Muslim hero.

However, the silence of PAS Islamist party, supposedly the biggest defender of Islam (not that Allah needs any defending from fake holy men), suggests that Malays who had abandoned UMNO are unlikely to return to the corrupt and racist party despite Akmal’s chest-thumping and bitching. Worse, not only UMNO – with only 30% of Malay support – will continue to lose its traditional support, but also the Chinese votes.

The best part is UMNO still hasn’t realized its mistake of playing the old trick of fanning anger and hatred with racist and dangerous speech against the ethnic Chinese, as it had been doing for 60 years since independence in 1957 – till it lost power in the May 2018 General Election. The party returned to power through backdoor in March 2020 with Perikatan Nasional, and formed a unity government in Nov 2022 with rival Pakatan Harapan.

Equally disappointed were the cowardice and indecisiveness of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It was only after tremendous pressure from the public, so much so the country was on the brink of a race riot, that the chairman of Pakatan Harapan broke his silence. Even then, the fake reformist issued a vague statement which was interpreted by scumbag Akmal as a go ahead to boycott KK Mart.

Both PM Anwar and UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were seen as incredibly weak – even impotent – for failing to restrain a junior leader like Akmal Salleh from excessively playing racial and religious sentiments. It has deteriorated to the extent that angry non-Malays have promised to punish not only UMNO-led Barisan Nasional, but also Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR).

None of the Chinese leaders from PKR – supposedly a reformist and a centrist multiracial political party – dare to speak freely and fairly. Heck, Mr Anwar did not even dare to defend fellow Secretary-General of Democratic Action Party (DAP) Anthony Loke, whose party was the biggest in the unity government and contributed the largest support for Anwar, when he was belittled and bashed by Akmal.

Surprisingly, the only leader who dared to openly tell UMNO Youth Akmal to shut up was Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing. The no-nonsense minister from the Borneo state of Sarawak was not the only one disgusted with gutter politics from Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia). Joining the bandwagon to defend KK Mart was Sarawak-based Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan.

Voon has urged the Sarawak state government under the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Openg to defend and support KK Mart because the brand was founded by fellow Sarawakian KK Chai. Flashing anti-Malaya sentiment, he said – “Sarawak lost her local banks in the past. The state should not further lose KK Mart, which is its ‘business ambassador’“.

Reminding Sarawak-based GPS about the possibility of religious extremists trying to destroy a successful business from Sarawak, Voon has also indirectly slammed the bias police force, lecturing the authorities that it should not allow politicians and activists to stir up hate against the convenience store chain as it could affect the economy and cause workers to lose their jobs.

Voon’s criticism of racist politics from Malaya came after condemnation from Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau, who called on Sabah and Sarawak states to take action to avoid being dragged down by divisive politics in Peninsular Malaysia. The naughty former UPKO president has even challenged UMNO to summon China’s Ambassador for an explanation and to boycott China if Malaysia does not get a satisfactory answer.

Another party expressing its displeasure over Anwar government mishandling of the crisis was Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), a component party of ruling government GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). SUPP secretary Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew has expressed the concern of the vigilante actions taken by some quarters against two citizens, which resulted in them receiving heavy fines and jail terms over the Allah sock issue.

Sebastian said – “SUPP also notes with great consternation the petrol bomb attack at a KK Mart outlet in Perak a few days ago. This is likely a direct result of the boycott initiated by UMNO Youth against the convenience store.” Narcissist Anwar, who loves praises and hates criticisms, should be very worried about all the unpleasant statements from Sabah and Sarawak.

The incompetent Anwar government might think it could solve the problem by charging KK Super Mart founder Dr Chai Kee Kan and his 53-year-old homemaker wife Loh Siew Mui in her capacity as company director. However, it could backfire because there isn’t a case to begin with. The fact that Anwar-appointed Attorney General decided to charge them anyway was a declaration of war against Sarawak’s interest.

Like it or not, Premier Abang Johari Openg is under pressure to defend KK Mart. Not only Akmal has overplayed his hand, but UMNO foolishly picked a fight with the convenience store without realizing the background of its founder. When push comes to shove, GPS might withdraw support for Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, leading to a chain-reaction that could trigger the collapse of his government.

On the other hand, if Akmal was a mole planted by the opposition to create discontent, then Anwar and Zahid deserve even more to lose power for pussyfooting in the issue. Instead of reprimanding or sacking the troublemaker, they have been as quiet as a church mouse. Of course, Anwar could be working hand-in-glove – quietly – with desperado UMNO to boost the Malay nationalist party’s image among the Malays at the expense of the Chinese.

Nevertheless, there appears to be cracks between Malaya and Borneo. Abang Johari openly expressed his dislike of the idea that the Central Database Hub (Padu) was gathering excessive information unrelated to the financial status of the people, prompting the Sarawak government to suspend the Padu registration – a humiliation to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and PM Anwar.

If UMNO-Malays insist that KK Mart must be punished regardless of how the controversial socks ended up in its stores, then all UMNO leaders must also be sent to jail to accompany ex-UMNO president Najib Razak for stealing billions of dollars in the 1MDB scandal – regardless how the ill-gotten money ended up in their pockets or bank accounts.

Source : Finance Twitter

 

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Saturday, 30 March 2024

Only in bigoted Malaysia can socks evoke 'amok-like' violence

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Only in bigoted Malaysia can socks evoke 'amok-like' violence

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31, 2024: Singapore’s Straits Times headline titled “Socks furore exposes KL’s feeble attempts at cooling heat over sensitive issue” overly diplomatic.

What feeble attempts? It’s no attempts at all to stop the racial and religious bigoted elites like Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and his party - Umno Supreme Council had announced that it fully backs Akmal’s actions over the Made-in-China Allah-brand socks controversy.

Akmal is so untouchable by the law that he literally can get away with murder, so to speak.

Even after clearly issuing a veiled threat to the safety of Malaysians, neither the police nor the Anwar Ibrahim-led so-called Madani Unity Government are doing anything about it - no action whatsoever against the bigot’s threat to national unity and harmony.

This was his veiled threat to Malaysians: 

Lawyer and social activist Siti Kasim said: "I recently saw a TikTok video where he (Akmal) was seen calling the Malays to be ready. He was seen sharpening a parang ... this is something the police must act on.

"It is like he is instigating the Malays to create problems. Islam never teaches us all this," said Siti. 

Another Straits Times report on Malaysia’s lack of enforcement against racial and religious bigotry.

The result of allowing the likes of Akmal and Umno to continue with their spewing of racial sentiments is violence!

Already two KK Mart outlets have been attacked with petrol bombs in Bidor, Perak and Kuantan, Pahang.

Are the police and Government waiting for the loss of life/lives before acting to curb the destruction of national unity and harmony? The bigots must be stopped at all costs! Period.

Investors still have confidence in Malaysia?

Firdaus Wong and Akmal Saleh have made Malaysia the laughing "socks" (stock )of the world ðŸ˜…😅😅ebook imag

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the Pahang Sultan’s response to the violence in his state:

Pahang sultan condemns petrol bombing of KK Mart

FMT Reporters

-30 Mar 2024, 11:37 PM

Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said the attack went against the law and Islam. 

The Sultan of Pahang urged the public not to be easily influenced by a racial narrative that could undermine national harmony. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, has condemned in the strongest terms the petrol bombing of a KK Mart store in Kuantan before dawn today.

He instructed the police to pay serious attention to the matter and to take stern action.

In expressing his disappointment and regret over the incident, Sultan Abdullah said such an attack was not only against the law, but contravened Islam’s teachings that had always emphasised peace.

A statement issued by the Pahang palace said: “His Royal Highness calls on the public, especially the people of Pahang, to not be easily influenced by the racial narrative that could undermine the national harmony.”

Sultan Abdullah also advised the public to respect the law and not to go overboard. The public must respect the due process which had been taken in relation to the discovery of socks bearing the word “Allah” at a KK Mart in Bandar Sunway two weeks ago.

This morning, several items on display at the KK Mart in Sungai Isap were set alight after a petrol bomb was thrown at the store at about 5am. The fire was immediately put out by workers using a fire extinguisher.

It was the second attack on the convenience store in the space of a week. The first petrol bomb attack was at an outlet in Bidor, Perak.

Yesterday, Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah warned that racial tensions will escalate unless immediate action is taken against those responsible for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Bidor KK Mart. The petrol bomb failed to explode.

KK Mart has been mired in controversy since March 13 after the “Allah” socks were discovered in its Bandar Sunway outlet, sparking calls by Umno Youth for a national boycott of the chain.

It’s against Islam, says Bersatu Youth

Separately, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said destroying property, including those owned by non-Muslims, was against Islam and that of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.

He also warned extremists against fanning racial and religious sentiments, saying the party “will defend the rights of all just as the Prophet taught Muslims to do”.